Abstract: An expansion-distribution assembly for simultaneously throttling, mixing, and distributing refrigerant fluid upstream of a heat-absorbing component (e.g., an evaporator) of a heat pump system. The expansion-distribution assembly comprises a valve-nozzle adjustment device which moves a pin relative to a nozzle chamber to vary flow-characteristics therethrough. The pin is moved during operation of the heat pump system (based on, for example, pressure and temperature data) to dynamically customize the valve-nozzle for the current load of the system.

Abstract: This flow control valve (10) may be used in refrigeration systems (200) as an expansion valve or as a hot gas by-pass valve. The valve (10) includes a body (16) having an inlet (34), an outlet (36), a communicating passage between the inlet (34) and outlet (36), the passage having a valve seat (30). The valve includes a piston chamber (22) and a piston (12) mounted in the piston chamber for movement toward and away from the valve seat. The piston (12) includes an equalization passage (60), extending between an upper port (66) communicating with the piston chamber (22), and a lower port (64). In the open position, piston modulation relative to the valve seat (30) creates a variable zone of low pressure in the area between the valve seat (30) and the piston nose piece (42), which is lower than inlet pressure. The lower piston port (64), which is laterally disposed, communicates with the lower pressure zone to control the resultant force on the piston (12).