Abstract: An electrically driven stepmotor valve assembly including separable annular stator and rotor-valve assemblies. The rotor-like assembly having a cylindrical housing adapted to slip fit inside a central, domed, stator cavity, with alignable locking members on these assemblies permitting rotary interlocking upon the slip fit assembly thereof. A sealing arrangement, in the vicinity of the open end of the stator assembly, peripherally seals the stator and rotor-valve assemblies relative to each other, when assembled, with the rotor housing having a locating plate ring portion which, in turn, supports an elastic sealing member that fits into a groove in a bottom wall of the stator housing. A plurality of differing sealing arrangement designs and structures, including sealing member reinforcing structures, are set forth for the sealing of the interlocked stator and rotor-valve assemblies relative to each other.

Abstract: An expansion-distribution assembly (30) for the heat-absorbing component in a heatpump system. The assembly (30) comprises an envelope (32) forming an expansion chamber (54) and a distribution chamber (56). A shuttle (80) within the distribution chamber (56) is movable between a first position in response to fluid flowing in the forward direction and a second position in response to fluid flowing in the reverse direction. The shuttle (80) restricts flow when fluid is flowing in the first direction but is less restrictive when fluid is flowing in the second direction.

Abstract: A bracket for a refrigeration valve includes an elongated flat plate bent in half with the two halves of the plate lying in parallel, adjacent relation. The inner bracket half includes an opening closely receiving the inlet fitting of the valve, and a predetermined internal geometry closely receiving the external profile of a fixed nut on the fitting. The outer bracket half also includes an opening configured to closely receive the fitting, and a dimension such that it butts up against an outer side surface of the nut. The outer bracket half is mechanically fixed to the fitting, such as by riveting, brazing or other means. Fasteners are received through corresponding apertures in the bracket halves to attach the bracket to a support surface. The cooperating geometries of the inner bracket half and the nut prevent the bracket from rotating with respect to the fitting during assembly.

Abstract: An expansion/check valve assembly is provided that includes a reverse flow rate adjustment device that allows for adjustment of the flow rate of a fluid flowing reversely through an open check valve port. The adjustment device includes a flow rate control member within the valve body and an adjustment member accessible outside of the valve body. The flow rate control member is operably coupled to the adjustment member and the adjustment member preferably includes a visual indicator viewable outside of the valve body to indicate the position of the flow rate control member. When installed in a refrigeration system at the inlet of the evaporator, the reverse flow rate adjustment device can be adjusted to control defrost conditions.