Abstract: In order to reduce refrigerant leakage from an automotive air conditioning system, the leakage paths are kept sealed by automatically reducing the output of a variable displacement compressor (12) after initial operation of the engine for a predetermined number of five minutes, and then only for a predetermined number of ten seconds, that is, so long as there has been an air conditioning on signal by the operator. After the reduction in output for ten seconds, the output of the compressor (12) is returned to full output for a predetermined number of two air-conditioning minutes, which is then followed by another ten seconds of reduced output.

Abstract: A fluid level control for a container having a space to which fluid is supplied from a reservoir. The specifically disclosed application for the invention is a water level controlled planter. The fluid level control system includes a compartment in which fluid level is controlled. One or more removable plugs can be inserted in two or more fluid level control holes at different levels in the compartment. An air lock prevents air from flowing into the reservoir when the water level within the compartment is above the fluid level control hole. When the water level in the compartment falls below the uppermost open fluid level control hole, air is permitted to enter the reservoir and water may flow through the fluid level control hole into the compartment.

Abstract: An improved CV joint type of torque restraint for the socket plate of a variable capacity piston compressor. The inner and outer races of the joint have straight ball tracks arrayed along over lapping conical surfaces, with four balls captured therebetween. The inner race is fixed stationary and solid to the cylinder block, while the outer race is fixed to the socket plate. There is no provision for the inner race to shift axially relative to the compressor housing. When the socket plate changes its basic angle relative to the compressor central axis, the balls simply shift within the ball tracks to compensate.