Abstract: A batch type automatic icemaker adapted for installation in the freezing compartment of a refrigerator is provided with a thermal member having first and second ends. The first end of the thermal member is in communication with at least one of the ice-forming cavities and positioned below the water level. The second end projects into the cold air within the freezer. The second end is of a substantially larger mass than the first end. Since the first end is of a small mass relative to the second end and is thermally isolated from the mold, the cold freezer air cools it at a much faster rate than the water in the mold or the mold itself. The cooler surface of the first end chills the water in contact with it with a minimum of supercooling.

Abstract: A damper blade control for regularing the flow of conditioned air through a supply air duct and into a zone. The control comprises an electric motor for use with a source of electrical energy for moving the damper blade between a minimum air flow position and a maximum air flow position, and a thermostatic switch electrically positioned between the motor and the source of electrical energy for connecting the motor thereto to change the position of the damper blade in response to changes in the temperature of the zone. The control further comprises maximum and minimum flow switches disposed outside the supply air duct for disconnecting the motor from the source of electrical energy when the damper blade reaches, respectively, the maximum and minimum air flow positions.

Abstract: A solar receiver in which a rod of high thermal conductivity is mounted in an evacuated envelope so as to receive thermal energy and which is coated with a selective absorbing surface so as to minimize radiation has a heat transfer end which is surrounded by a suitable material such as pyroceram or porcelain or other suitable material which extends into a container from which the heat produced by the solar energy is removed. The glass envelope surrounding the rod is attached by welding to the pyroceram cylinder and the heat transfer cavity is connected with an O-ring to the pyroceram cylinder so as to provide a liquid seal.

Abstract: A valve construction having a valve seat and a movable valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and being operatively interconnected to a thermal power element carried by the valve construction, the valve member having an annular metallic part for engaging the valve seat to close the same and having an annular flexible elastomeric part for also engaging the valve seat upstream from the metallic part to augment the closing of the valve seat. The annular flexible elastomeric part is molded to the metallic part to be carried thereby.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fan assembly for use with temperature exchange units and heat exchange units such as a radiator, a heater, an oil cooler, etc. Most automotive vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine having water, oil and other fluids to be cooled. And, most of the internal combustion engines are associated with a radiator or a heat exchanger unit for cooling fluid in the engine, transmission or other oils and hydraulic fluids. An automotive vehicle operating at a low speed usually requires a fan to assist the radiator or heat exchanger unit in cooling the cooling fluids. However, at higher ram air speed a fan is not normally required to assist the radiator or heat exchanger in cooling the cooling fluids as there is sufficient cooling due to the natural passage of air over the cooling surfaces of the heat exchange units.

Abstract: An evaporator unit for an ice making machine is formed of two vertical series of semi-cylindrical ice-forming molds joined tangentially back-to-back creating a cascade of fluid conduits between them through which refrigerant is passed. Water flows from a weir down over the exposed surfaces of the ice-forming molds until they become filled with ice whereupon hot gas is momentarily passed through the fluid conduits to release an assembly of ice pieces from the evaporator unit. Thereafter, the ice making cycle is repeated by continuing the water and refrigerant flow to produce another assembly of ice pieces.

Abstract: A portable ice cube making machine comprising a plurality of inverted ice forming cups disposed above a water spraying mechanism. The water source for the machine consists of a water reservoir consisting of first and second chambers, the first of which is provided with a pump for transferring water therefrom to the spray mechanism, with the first chamber being supplied with water from the second chamber which is substantially larger than the first chamber so as to contain sufficient water for several ice producing cycles and obviate the need for the machine to be connected to a conventional source of water via conventional plumbing. The spray mechanism is in the form of at least two semi-spherical enclosures to which water is supplied by the pump and is therein caused to circulate in a circular fashion to produce the desired water spray.

Abstract: The disclosed temperature monitoring and alarm circuit includes a temperature responsive switch which opens when water temperature exceeds a predetermined point. When the switch opens, a relay is de-energized, thereby activating a latch which activates a visual alarm and closes off a solenoid operated valve on the monitored water source until the over temperature condition is corrected and the circuit is reset.

Abstract: Installation for storing continuously generated cold and for the intermittent release of at least a portion of the stored cold, with a storage container for a mixture of cold water and ice, by a cooling device for delivering ice continuously to the storage container, and with means for removing cold water intermittently from the storage container and for cycling it to an apparatus to be cooled and then for recycling it back to the storage container.

Abstract: A detector for sensing the compressor inlet temperature of a gas turbine engine and for producing an output pressure signal which is used by the fuel control of the engine. The magnitude of the output signal is determined by the position of a valve which changes positions in response to changes in temperature. The response time of the detector is made faster by causing a feedback pressure which acts on the valve to initially change at a slower rate than the output pressure (i.e., to lag the output pressure) when the output pressure changes as a result of temperature variations. The invention can be incorporated either in a self-contained sensor or in an add-on unit which can be retrofitted to existing sensors having relatively slow response characteristics.

Abstract: A thermostat construction having a valve unit for directing a pneumatic signal to a pneumatically operated control device in relation to the force differential between the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing unit thereof and the temperature setting of a temperature setting unit thereof, a lever being pivotally mounted to the construction and being operatively interconnected to the valve unit at a first portion of the lever and to the temperature setting unit and the temperature sensing unit at a second portion of the lever.

Abstract: There is disclosed a furnace which is particularly suitable for domestic use, having means to generate infra-red radiation in a sealed combustion chamber to thereby rapidly heat the same and in turn impart that heat to air circulated therearound, and ultimately directed to the area to be heated, the combustion arrangement including a fibrous pervious burner member to and through which an air/gas mixture under pressure is directed and caused to burn over the surface thereof to effect the infra-red heat generation, the same effecting greatly improved heating efficiency, reduction in air pollution and a decreased demand for fuel to provide for heating of given area.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an ice maker and dispenser for an area that is subject to microbiological contamination, such as a hospital, and including an ice manufacturing and an ice dumping unit having the improvement comprising a circular ice container and stirrer with an aperture through which ice shapes can be dropped, a cylindrical chute disclosed below the aperture for conveying the ice shapes outwardly through a door, a cantilever corkscrew impeller for moving the ice shapes along the chute and motors and drives for effecting rotation of the stirrer in the ice container and the impeller for moving the ice exteriorly of the door. The ice chute is cylindrical, smooth and easily cleaned and sterilized when the corkscrew impeller is removed. The corkscrew impeller is easily removed by way of a quick disconnect to facilitate its being cleaned and sterilized. A short cylindrical chute is provided upwardly into the ice container so as to be easily cleaned and sterilized.

Abstract: A control system for use with an attic ventilation fan operates to reduce heat buildup during the summer months and also to prevent frost buildup during the winter months by eliminating the cold, moisture-laden, air from the attic. A summer control unit is provided to eliminate the hot air and a winter control unit operates without the need of a humidistat to evacuate the moisture laden cold air during the winter months.

Abstract: A conventional Reynolds-type ice maker evaporator assembly such as is used in a drink dispensing machine is modified to accommodate a novel form of seal assembly for prevention of water seepage into the transmission or gear box, to allow conventional ball bearings to be replaced with roller bearings and to accommodate a unique grease fitting arrangement so that both the upper and lower ends of the auger may be lubricated.

Abstract: An improved variable volume control assembly for conditioned air systems having an improved air flow amplifying sensing means that amplifies the difference between the total pressure and the static pressure and is sensitive at low pressures, an improved air flow collector-straightener, a critical ratio of the area of the inlet to the area of the expansion chamber, and a vortex filter strategically located within the assembly for maximum reduction of turbulence and noise.

Abstract: An inexpensive valve clamp assembly is provided which inhibits removal of a radiator relief valve. The assembly includes a cable for securing the valve to the radiator, a plate which holds the cable in position relative to the valve, and a clamp to maintain the cable in position relative to the radiator.

Abstract: A thermally actuated modulating valve preferably for fail safe energy conservation systems includes a valve body having, a main inlet for cold source water, an outlet for heated water, and a fluid transfer chamber connected for delivering heated water to the outlet. A proportioning slide valve assembly formed in said valve body connected to the main inlet to receive cold water therefrom includes, spaced outlets, a slide valve to vary the volume of cold water delivered respectively through the spaced outlets, one of said spaced outlets for delivering varying volumes of cold water to be heated. The valve body has a mixing chamber connected to one of the spaced outlets of the proportioning slide valve assembly to receive cold water therefrom, an inlet for the heated water from the other of said spaced outlets, an outlet for delivering the mixture of cold and heated water to the fluid transfer chamber.

Abstract: A draft control arrangement for use with a gas-fired heating apparatus. The flow of waste gas through a draft hood of the apparatus is throttled by bimetal element means which responds to temperature change for reducing or enlarging the throttle area. Control means is provided for causing the rate of throttle area change during a certain phase of operation to vary from the rate of throttle area change during other phases of operation.

Abstract: The liquid ice system comprises an icing machine in the form of a compartment for receiving water and ice. Pulverizing means are provided for crushing the ice and uniquely oriented paddles stir the water and ice mixture to maintain a homogeneous mixture of liquid ice. A circulating conduit is provided in combination with a conveyor system and ice applicator devices connected to a portion of the conduit supported on an overhead structure of the conveyor. Boxes of vegetables or poultry are appropriately refrigerated for shipment by applying liquid ice to the boxes as they pass along the conveyor. Switches may be provided for automatically actuating the ice applicators when the box passes therebeneath.