Abstract: A filter media comprising a nanofiber layer and a substrate layer; the nanofiber layer comprising a polymer material and having a fiber diameter of about 0.01 to 1.0 micron, a basis weight of about 0.5 to 30 gsm, and a thickness of at least about 2 microns, the nanofiber layer further having a surface stability index of at least about 5 kN/m, the media further being pleated.

Abstract: A filtration device is disclosed having a filter element and two housing shells, wherein one of the housing shells has a flange with a protuberance and the other housing shell has a flange with an indentation. The filter element has a flange peripheral portion compressed in the joint between the flanges.

Abstract: A lawn mower attachment for controlling lateral discharge of clippings expelled from a discharge chute of a mover is disclosed. The attachment includes a flap pivotably attached to the discharge chute, a control bracket secured to an exterior surface of the lawn mower, and a rod. A first end of the rod is secured to the flap, and a free second end of the rod extends outwardly from the control bracket. The rod extends through and is slideably disposed within a channel in the control bracket. Movement of the second end away from the control bracket pivots a distal edge of the flap away from the discharge chute, while movement of the second end toward the control bracket pivots the distal edge of the flap toward the discharge chute.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a helically-wound electric cable having a winder means for winding two groups, each group having two twisted-together conductor wires, in such a manner as to form a group helix. A means is provided for varying the pitch of the group helix, having two accumulators located respectively upstream and downstream from the winder means, each accumulator having a moving drum enabling a varying length of a central line to be retained. A control means controls the position of each moving drum, where the groups are wound together at a speed that varies between two limit speeds having the same sign and where the winding is in such a manner that the pitch of the group helix varies along the cable between two limit values having the same sign.

Abstract: A system for tensioning and locking a safety strand to a plurality of sequentially arranged stanchions is provided. Each stanchion has a stanchion cross section and a passage bore adapted for slidable passage of the safety strand therethrough. The system comprises tensioning means for applying a tensile force to a first end of the safety strand when the safety strand is disposed through the passage bore of each of the sequentially arranged stanchions and a second end of the safety strand is secured to an immovable object. The system further comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms.

Abstract: An oil scavenge system includes a scavenge pipe which extends forward into a relatively long and narrow compartment area of a rear bearing compartment of a gas turbine engine with aggressive core size constraints. The scavenger pipe communicates collected oil to a scavenger pump to return oil to the oil sump and evacuate the oil before flooding of the seals may occur.

Abstract: An integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant which appropriately processes an early produced gas to suppress the emission of a sulfur component into the atmosphere for further improving environmental compatibility is provided. The IGCC plant has a gasifier for converting pulverized coal to gas fuel, a gas turbine operated thereby and supplying a combustion exhaust gas to an heat recovery steam generator, a steam turbine operated by steam generated thereby, and a power generator connected to the gas turbine system and/or the steam turbine. In this IGCC plant, a combustion exhaust gas discharged from the heat recovery steam generator is desulfurized and exhausted into the atmosphere. In addition, an initial desulfurization equipment exclusively used for the early produced gas is provided for a flow path extending from an outlet side of the gasifier to a flare system.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes an engine housing enclosing: a centrifugal compressor having a rotor; at least one centrifugal compressor bore mounted to the rotor; at least one blade mounted to each of the at least one centrifugal bore and disposed proximate to at least one static wall; a turbine disposed in connection with the centrifugal compressor; a thrust bearing disposed in connection with the rotor; and means for moving said rotor with reference to the at least one static wall attached to the thrust bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing power plant CO2 emissions. In one embodiment, a method for reducing emissions in a combustion stream, comprises: combusting a gaseous stream to produce an exhaust stream comprising carbon dioxide, and separating CO2 from the exhaust stream by passing CO2 through a membrane to produce a CO2 product stream and a CO2 lean exhaust stream.

Abstract: The combustion chamber (10) comprises a chamber endwall (16) which takes the form of a substantially frustoconical component consisting of a succession of adjacent planar portions (166). The invention can be applied to a combustion chamber (10) of a turbine engine (2).

Abstract: My invention relates to heat engines. It has the following objectives: 1) Efficient conversion of any source of heat into useful mechanical power. 2) A novel proportional control valve system based on rotary refrigerant valves controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). This proportional valve system allows rapid response to any output power requirement. The PLC adjusts between energy supply and load requirements almost instantly. This also permits a servo mode implementation. 3) Uncontrolled runaway operation is impossible. Under adverse conditions, the system automatically de-powers. System integrity shall be maintained under all fault conditions unless an external force destroys the invention. 4) Internal heat storage inside the invention permits a slow rate of change for energy input. 5) The implementation of this invention provides for ease of construction from prototype to production of any size or scale.

Abstract: A heat transfer thruster by which performance can be enhanced by realizing optimal temperature distribution for heating propellant without complicating the structure. In the heat transfer thruster, propellant flows through two pipes (102, 104) into the thruster body (106) thence flows through a channel (110) formed in the thruster body (106) to the nozzle side while being heated from the thruster body (106) which is heated by a heat source, and reaches a plenum chamber (114) in front of a nozzle before being injected from a propellant outlet along the outer wall (126) of a plug nozzle (112). Heat from the heat source is transmitted directly to the nozzle through the inner wall (128) of the plug nozzle (112). In other words, the hollow section (118) of the plug nozzle (112) functions as a heating section for the nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a locking device (20) operable to prevent accidental deployment of a pivot door thrust reverser. The locking device (20) generally comprises a pin lock receiver (32) operable to fixedly couple with a pivot door (18), a housing (34) operable to be coupled with a nacelle (14), and a piston (36) having a pin lock (38). The piston (36) is at least partially positioned within the housing (34) and is operable to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position the pin lock (38) is operable to mate with the pin lock receiver (32) and in the unlocked position the pin lock (38) is detached from the pin lock receiver (32) to allow deployment of the pivot door (18). Such a configuration allows pivot door thrust reversers to be locked without requiring the use of heavy and cumbersome parts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for passively directing aircraft engine nozzle flow are disclosed. One system includes an aircraft nozzle attachable to an aircraft turbofan engine, with the nozzle including a first flow path wall bounding a first flow path and being positioned to receive engine exhaust products, and a second flow path wall bounding a second flow path and being positioned to receive engine bypass air. The first flow path wall is positioned between the first and second flow paths, and the second flow path wall is positioned between the second flow path and an ambient air flow path. Multiple flow passages can be positioned in at least one of the first and second flow path walls to passively direct gas from a corresponding flow path within the flow path wall through the flow path wall to a corresponding flow path external to the flow path wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and method for using unmixed fuel processors. In one embodiment, a system for using an unmixed fuel processor comprises: an unmixed fuel processor and a power generating unit. The unmixed fuel processor comprises: a gasification reactor, an oxidation reactor and a regeneration reactor. The gasification reactor comprises a CO2 sorbent material. The oxidation reactor comprises an oxygen transfer material. The regeneration reactor is configured to receive spent CO2 sorbent material from the gasification reactor and to return regenerated CO2 sorbent material to the gasification reactor, and configured to receive oxidized oxygen transfer material from the oxidation reactor and to return reduced oxygen transfer material to the oxidation reactor. The power generating unit configured to receive an oxygen depleted stream from the oxidation reactor and to produce electricity.

Abstract: In some embodiments a propulsion system includes a thrust chamber having an inside wall, an expansion nozzle mounted to the thrust chamber and having an interior and having an exterior, a main propellant injector mounted to the thrust chamber to inject a fluid in the interior of the thrust chamber, the fluid comprising oxidizer, fuel and internal film coolant, the internal film coolant ranging from about 1% to about 5% of the fluid, limited coolant tubing circumscribing the exterior of the expansion nozzle to circulate an external coolant, and an injector mounted to the expansion nozzle to inject the external coolant in the interior of the expansion nozzle, the external convective coolant about 2.5% of the fluid. The system operates at lower temperatures while having conventional amounts of thrust, in which the thrust chamber can be made of thin walls of lower cost conventional metals with simple coolant tube construction.

Abstract: The diagnosis of the heating of a catalytic converter situated in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine is described. The system includes monitoring the actual ignition angle intervention. A current ignition angle is acquired over a specified time and converted into a torque model used for catalytic converter heating. Using the torque model, a degree of fulfillment of executed catalytic converter heating measures is obtained and an error signal is generated by comparing the obtained degree of fulfillment to a limiting value.

Abstract: A method and system for passively regenerating particulate filters, catalyze soot filters and NOx adsorber catalysts for a vehicle having a compression ignition engine having an engine control module (ECM) including an integrated engine and emission system map, and an integrated starter/alternator/flywheel/retarder assembly, comprising sensing the condition of the particulate filters, catalyzed soot filters, and NOx adsorber catalysts and generating an initiate cleaning cycle signal upon sensing that the filters and catalysts require cleaning, monitoring operation of the engine and vehicle to determine the engine speed and vehicle speed and generating an engine speed/vehicle speed operating signal, receiving the initiate passive cleaning engine cycle signal and the engine speed vehicle speed operating signal, and initiating engine control parameter adjustments to modify engine operation to promote passive regeneration of the filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine with an exhaust emission control system which comprises at least one catalyst, with the exhaust gas flow being reversible by the catalyst. A first installation position is provided for a first lambda sensor upstream of the catalyst and a second installation position for a second lambda sensor downstream of the catalyst, with the first and second installation positions being arranged symmetrically relative to the transversal plane.

Abstract: A device is provided for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system and a dosing device for feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust system. At least one heating rib, heatable by the exhaust gas and arranged downstream from the dosing device in the exhaust system is oriented largely in a flow direction of the exhaust gas. The dosing device is situated in or on a hollow body arranged on the exhaust system, an internal volume of which is connected to the exhaust system to conduct exhaust gas. An extremely low-flow device for admixing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine is achieved by this design.

Abstract: A manifold for a multicylinder internal combustion engine which includes a plurality of outlets (1) comprises upper, lower and central shells (15, 5, 51) that are connected with one another and define inlet channels and outlet spaces (63, 65). A baffle plate (35) is attached to different shells (5, 15) by means of a fixed/movable bearing and can expand thermally without transferring thermal stresses to the shells (5, 15).

Abstract: An exhaust system has one or more exhaust tubes having a first diameter, interfaced to an exhaust manifold at one end and open at an opposite end for exhaust gas to escape, and a tubular extension of a second diameter, larger than the first diameter, joined to the open end of individual ones of the exhaust tubes, the extension cut at an angle with vertical and joined to the exhaust tube in a manner that exhaust gas expanding at the open end is free to expand upward, but expanding downward strikes the tubular extension, creating a downward force on the exhaust system.

Abstract: The invention related to a hydrostatic drive comprising a hydraulic pump (3) which is driven by a drive machine (2) and pumps into at least one first working line(4), and a pressure line (18) in which a feed quantity dependent on the speed of the drive machine (2) flows. When a differential pressure value in the pressure line (18) is exceeded, the pressure means can be extracted from the first working line (4).

Abstract: The monocylindrical hybrid powertrain comprises a continuously variable volume hybrid engine, pump and hydrostatic motor. The pump plunger fastened to engine piston and the engine cylinder fastened to the hydrostatic motor by valve plate and formed solid monoblock. The hybrid synchronize mechanism swash plate turn changes the engine piston stroke and remains the engine compression ratio. The swash plate shift changes the engine compression ratio for the either kind of fuel use. The hybrid and pneumohydraulic accumulator association transforms the single pump plunger supply pulsation into uniform fluid flow feeding the hydrostatic motor. The hydrostatic motor and the electric motor association allow electric energy accumulation by means of plug-in. Direct energy transmission, variable displacement volume engine, pump and hydrostatic motor and energy recuperation increases the specific power, decreases the weight and installation space and enables to achieve 80 mile per gallon for the car in city conditions.

Abstract: A power structure for a power-saving engine prevents the piston from being excessively expanded and shrunk, and rapidly stores thermal energy to preheat fluid and reduce power consumption. The power structure for a power-saving engine includes a piston base having four piston areas, four cylinders, four power pistons, and a link mechanism. The piston base has a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel. The cylinder has a cylinder cover, a cylinder jacket, and a heater. The power piston has a piston body and an airflow channel. The piston body has a piston head and an exhauster. The power piston moves between the cylinder and the moving area. The link mechanism has piston links that correspond and link to the power pistons. The piston links operate at different phases. The piston links link to the power pistons and move the power pistons to generate mechanical energy.

Abstract: An intake controller installed in a diesel engine, wherein the control part of a valve controller fully opens a bypass valve in a bypass passage when it determines that the operating state of the diesel engine is suddenly decelerated from a middle and high speed and middle and high load range. Accordingly, the control pant can feed an intake air from the outlet passage side of a compressor to the inlet passage side of an exhaust turbine, and can rapidly lower the rotational speed of an exhaust turbine supercharger (20) which tends to be rotated at a high speed by inertia. As a result, since the operating state not enter a surging area while an operating point is moving, surging can be securely avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly comprising a compressor housing and EGR mixer, the assembly further comprising a ported shroud in the compressor housing and a noise suppressor in the EGR mixer.

Abstract: A solar powered turbine driven electric generator system. The system generates electrical power by collecting solar energy through the surfaces of an inflatable solar energy collector structure. The collected heat boils a working fluid contained inside the collector structure, generating pressurized vapor. The pressurized vapor drives a turbine/generator, generating electrical power. After the vapor crosses the turbine the excess heat in the vapor is radiated to space, condensing the vapor back to liquid, which is recycled to the collector structure. This form of power system can be scaled to higher levels of power generation in nearly a linear manner by increasing the surface area of the collectors, radiator area, and the capacity of the turbine and generator.

Abstract: A method of converting heat energy generated in an evaporator to mechanical energy by expanding an evaporated working fluid includes evaporating the working fluid in the evaporator and expanding the evaporated working fluid in an expansion device. The expansion is in a low-pressure expansion device which is formed as a roots blower in which the working fluid is expanded and heat energy is converted to mechanical energy.

Abstract: A power plant for generating electricity has a high temperature heat reservoir and a low temperature heat reservoir. The plant is operated to store heat during off peak power periods and to use the stored heat during peak power periods to produce additional electricity.

Abstract: A combustor assembly comprising a combustor liner having an opening and a combustor chute, which is formed of a sheet material which is bent to form the desired chute. The chute allows the passage of cooling and dilution air into the combustor.

Abstract: A wall structure for a gas turbine engine combustor has an inner wall and an outer wall defining a duct. The duct diverges as it extends in the general direction of fluid flow within the combustor. Cooling air is fed into the duct through angled cooling holes which provide a film of fluid over the outer wall of the combustor should the inner wall be eroded because of the high temperatures in the combustor.

Abstract: An Active Combustion Control System and method provides for monitoring combustor pressure and modulating fuel to a gas turbine combustor to prevent combustion dynamics and/or flame extinguishments. The system includes an actuator, wherein the actuator periodically injects pulsed fuel into the combustor. The apparatus also includes a sensor connected to the combustion chamber down stream from an inlet, where the sensor generates a signal detecting the pressure oscillations in the combustor. Lastly, the apparatus includes means for controlling the actuator in response to the sensor. The means for controlling prompts the actuator to periodically inject pulsed fuel into the combustor at a predetermined sympathetic frequency and magnitude, thereby controlling the amplitude of the pressure oscillations in the combustor by modulating the natural oscillations.

Abstract: Guide vanes include a first flange connected with a casing of a gas turbine engine, a second flange connected with the casing, a first airfoil disposed between the first and second flanges and connected thereto, and a second airfoil disposed between the first and second flanges and connected thereto so as to form a gap extending radially between a first trailing portion of the first airfoil and a second leading portion of the second airfoil, the hollow portion being in flow communication with the gap so as to allow a gaseous fuel to flow from the hollow portion through the gap and into a fluid flowing over the guide vane. Gas turbines that use the guide vanes and methods for injecting a gaseous fuel for combustion in a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen and power from a synthesis gas that contains CO, H2 and H2S. The synthesis gas is separated into two partial streams, vapor is added to the first partial stream of synthesis gas, out a CO conversion is carried out at a temperature of 220° C. to 500° C., pure hydrogen is obtained from the converted synthesis gas in a pressure swing absorption device and a residual PSA gas is produced. The second partial stream of synthesis gas is fed to a power-generating gas turbine for combustion, H2S and optionally other sulfur-containing components are removed in one or more separators that are arranged in any position in the process, however, before entry into the gas turbine, the residual PSA gas is mixed with nitrogen, the gas mixture so obtained is compressed and the compressed gas mixture is admixed to the partial stream of synthesis gas that is fed to the power-generating gas turbine.

Abstract: A mid-turbine frame is connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine for transferring a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a first load structure, a second load structure, and a plurality of struts. The first load structure combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The second load structure transfers the combined load to the mount. The struts are connected between the first load structure and the second load structure and transfers the combined load from the first load structure to the second load structure.

Abstract: A mid-turbine frame connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine transfers a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a load transfer unit, a torque box rotatably positioned within the load transfer unit, and a plurality of struts. The load transfer unit has a first locking element and combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The torque box has a second locking element that is engagable with the first locking element of the load transfer unit. The plurality of struts are connected between the torque box and the mount, and transfer the combined load from the torque box to the mount. The first locking element and the second locking element are at least one of a rib or a groove.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler apparatus for a fiber optic system includes a first plate coupled to the fiber optic system and a second plate for coupling to a heat sink. The apparatus includes a first plurality of thermoelectric units and a second plurality of thermoelectric units being sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate for enhancing or retarding a heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate. The first plurality of thermoelectric units is connected to each other electrically in series. The second plurality of thermoelectric units is connected to each other electrically in series but insulated from the first plurality of thermoelectric units. The first plurality of thermoelectric units and the second plurality of thermoelectric units are configured such that a cross-section of the apparatus includes one or more of the second plurality of thermoelectric units being sandwiched by the first plurality of thermoelectric units.

Abstract: A self-powered fan for circulating air for use in cooperation with a heat source, such as a wood stove, and having a first heat transfer member thermally and physically connected with the heat source. The fan blades operably create a first or warm air flow and a second or cooler air flow. The fan has a second heat transfer member with a thermocouple module structure located between the two heat transfer members. The first heat transfer member is of suitable material, size, mass and shape as to provide a suitable temperature gradient between the thermocouple structure and the heat source to operably allow of such sufficient heat transfer from the first heat transfer member to the thermocouple to generate sufficient power to effect rotation of the blades, but not to cause thermal damage to the thermocouple structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for cryogenic cooling comprising: a main reservoir (1) for a two-phase cryogenic fluid wherein is immersed a superconductor device (4) to be cooled; an auxiliary reservoir (9); and a hydrostatic duct between the bases of the main and auxiliary reservoirs; the auxiliary reservoir being arranged relative to the main reservoir and being dimensioned so as to be able to receive at least a large part of the cryogenic fluid present in liquid form (2) in the main reservoir; restricting means (11) being incorporated in an output manifold (7a) connected to the main reservoir; thus, when the superconductor gets rapidly heated, cryogenic liquid from the main reservoir is delivered, by the vaporized cryogenic fluid pressure, into the auxiliary reservoir wherefrom it flows again by gravity towards the main reservoir when the pressure of the vaporized fluid decreases.

Abstract: A gas transfer hose for connecting a cryogenic apparatus to a superconducting system such as a magnetic resonant imaging system. The improved gas transfer hose, in operation, is quieter than hitherto.

Abstract: A storage tank defines a cryogen space for storing a cryogenic liquid. The storage tank comprises a combined fill and vent assembly, which comprises a conduit having a first end with an opening disposed within an upper part of the cryogen space, and a second end outside of the cryogen space that is connected to a receptacle, to which a re-filling nozzle can be attached. A check valve disposed in the conduit allows flow only in the direction of filling the cryogen space with cryogenic liquid from the receptacle. A by-pass line is provided around the check valve with a valve disposed in the by-pass line that is operable to open or close to control flow through the by-pass line. The method comprises attaching a re-filling nozzle to the receptacle and opening the by-pass valve to vent vapor from the cryogen space to reduce vapor pressure therein and to cool the conduit, receptacle, re-filling nozzle, and fill line.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device and a method for conveying a fluid from a fluid transfer device to a rotating member are provided. The fluid transfer device includes a housing disposed around a first rotating member extending along an axis. The housing has a first plurality of apertures extending therethrough that communicate with the fluid source. The first rotating member has a second plurality of passageways extending from a first exterior surface of the first rotating member to a third passageway extending generally axially within the first rotating member. Further, at least a portion of the second plurality of passageways communicate with at least a portion of the first plurality of apertures, wherein the fluid flows through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of passageways to the third passageway in the first rotating member.

Abstract: A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.

Abstract: A method and system for relief of heat exhaustion symptoms through evaporative and conductive cooling is provided, and, more particularly, involves a rapidly deployable mobile fogging system suitably designed for relief of heat exhaustion symptoms, including a mobile platform for transporting the rapidly deployable mobile fogging system to locations where relief of heat exhaustion symptoms is needed, one or more fogging nozzles disposed on the mobile platform and oriented for dispensing a cooling pocket area of fog adjacent to the mobile platform, a coolant delivery system fluidly connected to the one or more fogging nozzles, and one or more controls for regulating the dispensing of the cooling pocket area of fog. In one embodiment, the rapidly deployable mobile fogging system comprises an emergency response vehicle. In one embodiment, the emergency response vehicle comprises a fire truck.

Abstract: Blast chiller for rapidly cooling and/or rapidly freezing food, which is equipped with a door for closing the opening of an insulated chamber and a probe for detecting the temperature of the food being processed inside the chamber. At least two magnets are envisaged, one being associated with the probe and the other with the inner wall of the door so as to allow the probe to be removably attached to the abovementioned wall of the door.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a door opening device to easily open a door and a control method thereof are disclosed. The device opens doors using rotation of a driving motor, returns to an initial state without rotating the driving motor in reverse after opening doors, and opens doors using only forward and reverse rotation of driving motor when doors are sequentially opened. Moreover, position of rotation cam is detected at initial state when power is supplied or during operation to determine whether the device is malfunctioning. In the early time when position of the rotation cam is detected, the driving motor is rotated by force so that malfunction of driving motor due to chattering is prevented. Frequency of opening doors by a door opening signal is determined and the device is driven in a mode so that damage is prevented due to excessive operation.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for a frozen product dispenser is controlled to have a variable cooling capacity that is determined by variable cooling load demands of the dispenser. This is accomplished, in part, by providing the refrigeration system with a variable speed compressor and one or more adjustable expansion valves for metering refrigerant to associated evaporators that are heat exchange coupled to associated freeze barrels of the dispenser, and by controlling the metering setting of the expansion valves and the speed of operation of the compressor in accordance with the cooling load demands of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for efficient operation of the refrigeration system from an energy standpoint and for a reduction in on/off cycling of the system.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a main refrigerant circuit and a liquid level detection circuit. The main refrigerant circuit includes a compressor that compresses gas refrigerant, a heat source side heat exchanger, a receiver that stores liquid refrigerant, and user side heat exchangers. The liquid level detection circuit is arranged so as to be capable of drawing out a portion of the refrigerant in the receiver from a first predetermined position of the receiver, reducing the pressure of the refrigerant and heating it, measuring the temperature of the refrigerant, and then returning the refrigerant to the intake side of the compressor, in order to detect whether the liquid level in the receiver is at the first predetermined position.

Abstract: A method includes operating a variable-speed compressor in a refrigeration system carrying a refrigerant-oil mixture at a varying compressor speed to provide cooling capacity in proportion to cooling demand on the refrigeration system, determining that increased oil return to the compressor compared to a current oil-return rate is desired, and increasing the speed of the compressor to be disproportionately high relative to the cooling demand to provide increased oil return to the compressor.