Abstract: A refrigeration unit of the type having an economizer cycle driven by a prime mover cooled by a liquid coolant. Electrical control configures refrigerant flow paths of the unit to provide heating and cooling cycles, as required to control the temperature of a conditioned space to a predetermined set point temperature. Heat from the liquid coolant is used to enhance the heating cycle. A heating cycle is initiated immediately, when required, when the temperature of the liquid coolant is above a predetermined temperature. A heating cycle is delayed by a special refrigeration cycle which increases the load on the prime mover, when the temperature of the liquid coolant is not above the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method of adding asynchronous logging of data relative to events into a time based data logger which stores operator initiated headers in a data array, as well as synchronously storing data relative to variables of a transport refrigeration unit at predetermined constant time intervals. The operator associated headers include a preamble having a predetermined number of data bytes which include a header designator and a digital code which identifies the specific type of header being entered. An event header is provided having a preamble which includes the same number of data bytes as the preamble of the operator associated headers, for each type of event to be asynchronously stored in the data array. The header designator associated with the operator associated headers is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers. A digital code is provided which identifies each event header, and the digital code is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit, and method of operating same, having a compressor driven by a prime mover. The prime mover is selectively operable in either a continuous mode which includes heating and cooling cycles, or in start-stop cycling mode which includes cooling and null cycles, to control the temperature of a conditioned space relative to a predetermined set point temperature. In one embodiment, the cycle mode is operable only when the set point temperature is in a predetermined temperature range, the limits of which are selectable. The prime mover is operated in the continuous mode, notwithstanding the selection of the cycle mode, when the set point temperature is not within the temperature range authorized for cycle operation.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit, and method of operating same, having a compressor driven by a prime mover. The prime mover is selectively operable in either a continuous mode which includes heating and cooling cycles, or in start-stop cycling mode which includes cooling and null cycles, to control the temperature of a conditioned space relative to a predetermined set point temperature. In one embodiment, the cycle mode is operable only when the set point temperature is in a predetermined temperature range, the limits of which are selectable. The prime mover is operated in the continuous mode, notwithstanding the selection of the cycle mode, when the set point temperature is not within the temperature range authorized for cycle operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring conditions which may cause shut down of a refrigeration unit. When a condition of the refrigeration unit is detected which requires shut down, a shut down counter is incremented and the shut down is made with the provision for automatic restart of the refrigeration unit in response to predetermined parameters of the refrigeration unit. When the predetermined parameters initiate automatic re-start of the refrigeration unit, a timer is started. If the refrigeration unit operates for a predetermined period of time without shut down, the counting means is reset. A shut down before expiration of the predetermined timing period again increments the shut down counter. In one embodiment, when a predetermined condition which may cause shut down approaches a predetermined shut down value, the methods and apparatus modify the operation of the refrigeration unit one or more times in an attempt to prevent shut down.

Abstract: A method of starting and running an internal combustion engine connected to drive a refrigerant compressor in a refrigeration system which operates the engine at predetermined first and second speeds in response to a predetermined control algorithm, with the first speed being lower than the second speed. The method includes the step of starting and running the engine at the first speed, preventing switching from the first to the second speed in response to the control algorithm during an initial dynamic delay period following the step of starting the engine. The method then includes the step of determining the length of the initial dynamic delay period as a function of at least one predetermined parameter of the engine, and selecting the at least one predetermined engine parameter during the initial dynamic delay period.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of defrosting an evaporator coil of a transport refrigeration unit which includes microprocessor based electrical control. The electrical control maintains the temperature of a conditioned space at a predetermined set point temperature via hot gas heating and cooling cycles. The evaporator coil is defrosted to remove frost and ice by closing a damper to the served space and initiating a heating cycle. At the termination of defrost, a cooling cycle is initiated, but the damper is maintained in a closed position for a predetermined period of time to remove heat built up during the defrost process. The invention also detects damper malfunctions, including failure to close prior to defrost, and failure to open after defrost. The invention also evaluates manual and timed requests for a defrost operation, overriding the requests in response to predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Pre-trip operational methods and procedures for automatically checking predetermined functions and the operating performance of a transport refrigeration unit which includes a refrigerant compressor, and a prime mover for the refrigerant compressor which includes an internal combustion engine. The methods include the steps of measuring the current draw of predetermined electrical components with the prime mover stationary, starting the engine when the current draw is normal, determining if the speed of the engine is in an allowable range, commanding the unit to operate in a cooling mode, checking for adequate cooling capacity as a dynamic function of the temperatures of the return air, discharge air, and ambient air, commanding the unit to operate in a heating mode, determining if the unit is actually operating in the heating mode, and preparing an indication of a fault condition descriptive of any detected malfunction and/or marginal operating performance.

Abstract: A remote garage door opener conversion relocates a typical battery operated garage door transmitter to a remote location in the automobile. The conversion has a remote mounting bracket and a voltage regulator to convert electrical current supplied by an automobile's electrical system to be used by the garage door transmitter. A remote activation switch for the garage door transmitter is positioned in a passenger compartment in the automobile.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, particularly suited for arthroscopic surgery, for cutting tissue located at an interior site within the body of a patient. The instrument includes a body or handle portion from which an elongated stem extends. A blade is located at the free end of the stem. The blade includes a generally elongated cutting edge portion which extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. Motor means is provided within the body portion for effecting the oscillation (reciprocal pivoting) of the cutting edge portion with respect to the body portion about the longitudinal axis through a small arc, e.g. 20.degree.-25.degree.. A retractable/extendable shroud (sheath) is provided to cover the blade and stem to enable the blade end of the instrument to be readily inserted into the body of the patient through a small opening while preventing exposure of any surrounding tissue to the blade. The shroud is retractable to expose the blade when cutting is desired.

Abstract: A bottom pour ingot mould system and more particularly a sprue plate having a plurality of horizontally extending runners therein and a plurality of upstanding guide pads spaced from the horizontal runners to effect positioning of each mould relative to an outlet in a horizontal runner. Molten steel is poured down a vertical runner, after which it moves horizontally then upwardly into the ingot mould.