Abstract: A humidity control system employed on a container refrigeration unit, and method of controlling the container humidity, that includes a computer controller and utilizes a humidity sensor, a moisture supply system in combination with output drivers to control and limit the level of relative humidity level within a cargo container to a predetermined range when normal refrigeration system controls are active. The humidity control system operates the moisture supply system in a manner that significantly maintains a high, but not excessive, level of moisture in the circulating air and in the stored cargo. The humidity control system can also be configured to operate as a stand-alone system thereby eliminating the need to provide additional evaporator fan controls for the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: An oilless reciprocating compressor for use in a refrigerated controlled atmosphere has an uncooled, fully sealed crankcase. A bypass tubing connects the interior of the crankcase with the inlet of the cylinders, so that blow-by is returned from the crankcase to the inlet of the cylinder for recirculation. In consequence no blow-by gas escapes into the controlled atmosphere. The device includes standard pistons, and has an improved cylinder head seal utilizing o-rings.

Abstract: A device (10) for preventing the opening of a door (52) into an enclosed space (50) if the atmosphere in the space is hazardous. A sensor or sensors (31) monitor the atmosphere in the space and provide a controller (32) with a signal proportional to atmospheric conditions. If the controller determines that a hazardous condition exists, it produces a signal that actuates a lock that prevents the door from being opened. In a preferred embodiment, the device prevents the opening of a door of a transport container if the proportion of oxygen in the atmosphere of the interior of the container is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An oilless reciprocating air compressor that is mountable on the inside wall of a cargo container. The compressor has a high strength cast metal crank case and a lighter motor housing attached thereto. A special bracket is provided that attaches to both the crank case and the motor housing to support the motor shaft in a horizontal plane and the opposed cylinders of the compressor in a vertical plane adjacent to the wall. Because this compressor mounted inside the container cooling fans and the like are not required, thus lightening the compressor and allowing for a compact unit that can be safely secured to the cargo container wall.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for selectively varying the throat area of a convergent-divergent exhaust nozzle of a gas turbine engine and simultaneously achieving predetermined fixed ratios of throat area versus exit area. The assembly structurally comprises a plurality of constituent components (including a linear actuator member on the port side, and another on the starboard side, of the nozzle in parallel spaced-apart relationship with the centerline common to the engine and to the exhaust nozzle) that interact and cooperate to pivot the convergent flaps to reduce the throat area while simultaneously moving the divergent flaps inwardly, or to pivot the convergent flaps to increase the throat area while simultaneously moving the divergent flaps outwardly, as desired, thereby permitting the selective varying of the throat area while attaining a predetermined fixed ratio of the throat area to the exit area of the convergent-divergent exhaust nozzle.