Abstract: A condenser for an air conditioning system includes a receiver integrally formed with a second, or return, header which is in fluid communication with a second, or sub-cooling, group of tubes. A conduit extends between entry and discharge ends both of which are completely enclosed within the interior of the receiver. The conduit transports a refrigerant fluid in an upflow direction within the interior of the receiver and through a second fluid port located adjacent the discharge end of the conduit for directing the fluid into and through the return header to the sub-cooling group of tubes.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat sink device for receiving heat generated by an electrical chip. The heat sink device includes a cold plate having a bottom surface for receiving heat from the electrical chip and a top surface opposite of the bottom surface. The heat sink device also includes a finger member having a rounded tip centered on the top surface. The heat sink device also includes a force generating device having an anvil spaced from the finger member and a compressible member compressed between the anvil and the finger member. The compressible member generates a pressing force urging the finger member and the top surface together. The heat sink device also includes a moving device operable to move one of the anvil and the finger member relative to the other to change the pressing force generated by the compressible member.

Abstract: An improved, more efficient method of operation for a vehicle heating and air conditioning system electrically positions a temperature control actuator in accordance with a first temperature control schedule for coordinated control of compressor capacity and re-heating of the discharge air when air conditioning is enabled, in accordance with a second temperature control schedule when air conditioning is disabled. Both first and second temperature control schedules position the temperature control actuator as a function of the setting of the driver-manipulated temperature selector.

Abstract: Each blow-off valve includes a valve body with a first movable wall defining a portion of the liquid fluid passage therein and a second movable wall defining a portion of the suction fluid passage therein. An actuator interconnects the movable walls for simultaneously moving the walls and opening the fluid passages in response to the electrical leakage-warning signal. In the species of FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable walls are integrally united with the valve body and include frangible sections that are fractured by an explosive squib to separate the movable walls from the body to simultaneously open the liquid and suction fluid passages. In the species of FIG. 5, the movable walls are separate valve elements disposed in a circular bore that opens the passages to the ambient surroundings. The actuator includes a spring, for biasing each of the valve elements out of its respective bore, and a holding device that weakens in response to the electrical leakage-warning signal.

Abstract: A dual evaporator air conditioning system and method for use therewith to cool air in front and rear portions of a cabin. The dual evaporator air conditioning system includes primary and auxiliary HVAC units to cool the air in the front and rear portions of the cabin, respectively. The dual evaporator air conditioning system also includes a control system having cooling and non-cooling modes for each of the HVAC units. The control system automatically diverts cooled air produced by the auxiliary HVAC unit into an air dumping chamber in response to the auxiliary HVAC unit being in the non-cooling mode while the primary HVAC unit is in the cooling mode. The air dumping chamber is partitioned from the cabin to prevent the cooled air generated by the auxiliary HVAC unit from entering the cabin. Maintaining airflow through an auxiliary evaporator prevents refrigerant and lubricant buildup in the auxiliary evaporator.

Abstract: An improved control method for a vehicle air conditioning system including a refrigerant compressor and a condenser cooling fan adjusts the power consumption of the condenser cooling fan in a manner to minimize the combined power consumption of compressor and the condenser cooling fan while maintaining adequate cooling of the condensed refrigerant. When the air conditioning system is operating at less than full capacity, the combined power consumption of the compressor and the condenser cooling fan is determined for each of a series of operating intervals. The change in the combined power consumption from one operating interval to the next is computed to determine the effect of a prior cooling fan power adjustment, and the power level of the cooling fan is incrementally adjusted in the same direction as the prior adjustment so long as the prior adjustment resulted in at least a specified reduction of the combined power consumption.

Abstract: An improved, more efficient method of operation for a vehicle heating and air conditioning system electrically positions a temperature control actuator in accordance with a first temperature control schedule for coordinated control of compressor capacity and re-heating of the discharge air when air conditioning is enabled, in accordance with a second temperature control schedule when air conditioning is disabled. Both first and second temperature control schedules position the temperature control actuator as a function of the setting of the driver-manipulated temperature selector.