Abstract: A sample can be collected from an enclosed container by opening a sample collection valve and drawing the sample from the enclosed container. After delivery of the sample out of a fluid flow path, a sanitizing fluid can be directed along the fluid flow path to sanitize the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A generator set for a transport climate control unit is provided that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator, a prime mover configured to operate at a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed that is less than the first non-zero speed, and a genset controller configured to control operation of the generator set. When operating at the first non-zero speed, the genset controller is configured to monitor a prime mover load parameter to determine whether the prime mover is approaching or has exceeded an overload or stall situation. The genset controller is configured to reduce the speed of the prime mover from the first non-zero speed to the second non-zero speed to prevent the overload or stall situation.

Abstract: An actuator of a refrigerant valve is described, the actuator comprising a housing (5) having a chamber (12) with an opening (15) in an end face (26) of an end section (17) of the housing (5), the end section (17) having an outer thread (18), a tightening collar (6) having a radially inwardly protruding flange (20) and an inner thread (19) matching the outer thread (18), and an anchor ring (7) positionable between the tightening collar (6) and the end face (16), wherein the anchor ring (7) is elastically deformable at least in a radial direction with respect to an axis of the outer thread (18) and in a mounted condition at least partially overlaps the end face (16) and the flange (20) of the tightening collar (6), wherein a sealing ring (8) at the end face (16) shows a free side to the axial direction and is com-pressed by an axial force produced by screwing the tightening collar (6) onto the outer thread (18).

Abstract: A method and system of activating a fan for an air conditioning system is disclosed. Upon the sensing of rain in the proximity of the air conditioning system, such as a condenser, a fan is activated. The fan is configured to drive air and rain through the condenser. The fan can be configured to operate periodically or for a pre-set amount of time while rain is being sensed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller receives input of a performance value that is determined utilizing information from operation of the motor and compares the performance value to a reference value. The controller also is configured to prime and run the pump when the performance value equals the first reference value and to continue to do so until the performance value equals a second reference value. Alternatively, the controller receives user input of an amount of time the system can take to attempt to successfully prime the pump and is configured to operate the motor at maximum speed until the amount of time elapses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge having a compressor cooling device and it also relates to methods for controlling a compressor cooling device of a centrifuge. The centrifuge according to the invention has a controllable throttle device in the refrigeration cycle of the compressor cooling device.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a voltage applied to a coil to actuate electromechanical relays or contactors. The strength of a magnetic field operating the coil is a function of the product of the number of turns of the coil wire and the magnitude of current, in amperes, passing through the coil wire. An adjustable voltage regulator provides a regulated voltage as an output to a first terminal of a coil to energize the coil based on the temperature of the coil as sensed by a temperature sensing device located proximate the coil. The regulated voltage is controlled based on the sensed coil temperature to consistently provide a current of optimal magnitude to actuate the coil at the sensed temperature. A transient voltage suppression circuit may be used with the coil to suppress back electromotive force generated currents and voltages when the coil is de-energized.

Abstract: Valve device (4) for a pressurized gas container (2), having a valve housing and functional elements which are introduced into the valve housing. One of the functional elements is an extraction valve (6) having a valve body (5) that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A manual actuating element (12) is provided for moving the valve body (5) into an at least partially open position.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided, including a fuel tank isolation valve comprising an actuation coil and a latchable valve shaft at least partially disposed within the actuation coil. A controller may be configured to indicate a position of the valve shaft based on a measured current-voltage relationship between the first and second terminal wires during a condition in which the magnetic field generated by actuation coil current has a flux density below a threshold required to adjust a position of the latchable valve shaft. In this way, the position of the latchable valve shaft may be indicated without moving the valve shaft, and without requiring a dedicated valve position sensor.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable valve is described, for controlling fluids, having an inner pole and a magnetic armature, the inner pole having a first end face oriented to the magnetic armature, and the magnetic armature having a second end face oriented to the inner pole, a first contact line and a second contact line being present between the first and second end face when the inner pole and the magnetic armature come into contact with one another, and a damping volume being present between the first and second contact line when the inner pole and the magnetic armature come into contact with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve (100), which has a valve rod (141), an electromagnetic actuation device (131, 135, 139) for deflecting the valve rod (141) starting from a first switching position into a second switching position, and a support device (110, 210, 310, 410) for supporting the valve rod (141). The support device (110, 210, 310, 410) has a different form depending upon the deflection of the valve rod (141). The solenoid valve (100) further comprises a locking device (121, 122, 123, 125), which is designed to move a moveable holding element (121) into a locking position upon activation of the electromagnetic actuation device (131, 135, 139) in order to deflect the valve rod (141) into the second switching position, in which locking position the holding element (121) lies against the support device (110, 210, 310, 410), and is designed to move the holding element (121) away from the locking position upon deactivation of the electromagnetic actuation device (131, 135, 139).

Abstract: An automated impactor turn wheel capable of being activated and used to turn valves from a remote location. In certain instances, the impactor turn wheel is contemplated to turn a ball valve. The improved impactor turn wheel will generate increased torque which will allow improved operation of a ball valve in high pressure applications.

Abstract: An automobile servomotor controller includes a master control unit having a master control circuit for transmitting a designation signal and a slave unit having a motor and a control circuit which controls driving of a motor by outputting an operation signal to a driving device depending upon said designation signal. The slave unit is constructed by a same feedback control unit having a non-feedback control unit for inhibiting the operation of the motor until a target is changed by an input of a new designation signal with a target reached state and a feedback control unit for driving the motor to reach a target state by detecting a present position value with a position detecting device, and a control inhibiting signal for inhibiting the feedback control is individually provided to the designation signal transmitted from the master control circuit to the non-feedback control unit.

Abstract: An expansion device that is able to perform the functions of refrigerant expansion, flow control and shut-off. A cage extends from the ends of a body and supports a screen cover. An orifice tube extends through the body and a conical shaped valve seat forms an outwardly flared inlet to the orifice tube. A plunger defines a conical shaped valve end for engaging and sealing the conical valve seat to prevent refrigerant from entering the orifice tube. A rod extends from the valve end to react with a solenoid coil for moving the valve end into and out of engagement with the valve seat. A spring interacts between the plunger and the solenoid for urging the plunger into the valve seat.

Abstract: An expansion device for refrigeration system having a piston which reciprocates to either open or close ports to increase or decrease the volume of atomized refrigerant liquid received from the condenser. Atomization may be enhanced by use of auxiliary ultrasonic or electrostatic atomization devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an electronic thermostat valve that is based on the driving conditions. The method includes using controlling parameters memorized in an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). A power source to activate the thermostat valve is originated from an expanding force of a thermal element and a change of stroke of an actuating means. A cooling system of a vehicle can be maintained in an optimized state such that fuel consumption and exhaust pollutants are reduced.

Abstract: A flap to be identified is caused to move over the whole of its angular range of travel. The number of motor steps is counted during this movement, and the number of steps counted is compared with at least one pre-recorded information item corresponding to a particular flap or type of flap. The method is applicable to the checking of the correct fitting of actuator housings in an air-conditioning installation, or to the allocation of addresses to actuators connected to an information bus.

Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roil bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.

Abstract: An automatic and improved electrical control for an automatic hydronic zone valve including a switching device for opening and closing solenoid valves based on adjustable temperature settings. Specifically, the preferred system involves a solenoid-controlled valve in which the solenoid is activated and deactivated by an electrical control circuit which relies on an external thermostatic switch and an internal relay to open and alternately close the following sub-circuits: a solenoid control sub-circuit which is directly connected to the valve solenoid, an AC to DC converter, relay control circuitry, a relay switch connection to a water circulator system and LED sub-circuits indicating power status and/or activation of the heating system. The solenoid control sub-circuit includes a series thermistor and a parallel capacitor to, respectively, slow the provision of electrical current to the solenoid to avoid "water hammer," and, quiet the electronic hum of the solenoid.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a plurality of cooled surfaces, each of which has a thermostatically controlled refrigerant supply valve. The valves are pulse-width modulated, each having the same period and being so controlled so they have staggered openings relative to one another thus providing a more uniform load on the system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an evaporative gas conditioning system utilizes a controller for controlling the rate at which liquid is introduced into a conditioning chamber, thereby closely controlling the rate at which temperature within the conditioning chamber is adjusted to a desired temperature. Nozzle characteristics of a plurality of different nozzle types are stored in a memory associated with the controller, so that when existing nozzles are replaced with a different nozzle type, an operator can select the new nozzle type, and data stored in memory will be retrieved to permit efficient control of the system without the necessity for manual reconfiguration. Additionally, spray nozzles for spraying water into the conditioning chamber of the system are organized into banks of nozzles, and the banks of nozzles are controlled to maintain optimum water flow through each nozzle, and to evenly distribute the water into the conditioning chamber.

Abstract: An actuator has a drive gear set to interact with a driven lug to rotate the lug and whatever the lug is fixed to. The actuator must be separately anchored to interact with the lug. The drive gear and the lug have cams that are spaced apart, so that when the lug is fixed to an object which is off its linear axis, there is play in the gear relationship to allow rotation to function. In a system with an actuator, such as a thermostat, temperature can be controlled by turning a valve on a radiator on and off. End of travel is sensed by a current surge stopping the acutation. The system is ideal to operate radiators in a steam heat system.

Abstract: An expansion valve (10) for heat transfer systems such as an air conditioning system, includes a control element (20) for controlling the flow rate of working fluid through the valve. The control element has a stem member (28) and movable member (42) movable on the stem member. Openings (38) to an internal passage (30) in the stem member are regulated by positioning the movable member to achieve regulated flow rate of refrigerant material through the valve. The movable member of the control element is moved by a plunger (24) of a proportional solenoid (22). The proportional solenoid has a magnetic flux circuit including a low permeance isolation tube (62) surrounding the plunger, which enables removal of the coil (76) and frame (78) of the solenoid from the valve. The solenoid further includes a variable permeance flux washer (69) the flux through which varies with plunger position, which is disposed from a gap (82) which provides an area of magnetic saturation.

Abstract: Pulse width modulation is used to control the flow rate through a solenoid expansion valve in a refrigeration system using a simple vapor compression cycle. The refrigeration cycle includes a phase separator which receives two phase refrigerant from the condenser and supplies liquid refrigerant to the pulse width modulated solenoid valve. A liquid level sensor is disposed in the phase separator, and a controller for controlling the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated solenoid valve is provided to receive input from the liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor can be of the type which provides a continuously variable signal as a function of liquid level, or it can be a liquid level switch which controls valve duty cycle on the basis of whether the phase separator liquid level is above or below a set level. Alternatively, two liquid level switches can be provided.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator between the condenser and the compressor. A controllable valve unit at the input side of the evaporator has degrees of opening for controlling fluid flow through said evaporator. A control unit controls the degrees of opening of the valve unit. Sensors connected to the control unit and opposite ends of the evaporator detect superheat temperatures between the input and output sides of the evaporator. The control unit is operable to control the degrees of valve opening in accordance with the superheat temperatures (1) at a first greater desired opening and closing displacement rate between desired predetermined minimum and maximum values of a first range of superheat temperature values and (2) at a second opening and closing rate lesser than the first displacement rate for a second range of superheat temperature values lower than the first range of values.

Abstract: During start up of a heat pump compressor that is controlled by a pulsed expansion valve system the discharge temperature sensor control of the pulse system is interrupted and a predetermined constant pulse is applied to the expansion valve increasing capacity and reducing loss of suction pressure resulting in improved cyclic system efficiency. The constant pulse control is applied only during start up until the discharge temperature reaches a predetermined level at which point control is returned to the discharge temperature sensor.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system operable in cooling and heating cycles to maintain the temperature of a fresh load in a conditioned space extremely close to a predetermined set point temperature, with the cooling cycle primarily controlling the load temperature in ambients above freezing. The transport refrigeration system includes a compressor driven by a prime mover in one of two selectable speeds, an air delivery system which provides a substantially constant volume of conditioned air for a conditioned load space regardless of prime mover speed, a modulation valve in a suction line of the compressor, and a digital thermostat which senses the temperature of air returning to an evaporator. The digital thermostat controls the modulation valve via modulation control in a predetermined temperature range above and below set point, in both the heating and cooling cycles.

Abstract: An expansion valve (8), which is arranged between the condenser (2) and the evaporator (3) in the pump medium circulation system of the heat pump and is continuously controllable, is regulated as a function of set values by means of a computer (10), in particular, while taking into account the evaporator input temperature measured by means of sensing devices (5) and/or the evaporator output temperature measured by means of sensing devices (6). Because of the regulating by means of computers, the control is suitable for different heat pumps and/or conditions of use without structurally altering the expansion valve (8).

Abstract: A selector valve device for controlling the opening and closing of a fluid passageway in response to both the input current signal and the ambient temperature, especially used for a carbureter outer vent controller of vehicle engines. The valve device is equipped with a metal heat transfer member which contacts with both the core member of an electromagnet for supplying the input current signal and a temperature sensing spring for biasing the valve in the direction for opening the valve, thereby to transfer the heat generated by excitation of the electromagnet to the temperature sensing spring so that the difference between the temperature in the carbureter float chamber and the ambient temperature sensed by the spring is reduced.

Abstract: A control valve device for use in a carburetor outer vent control system of an automotive internal combustion engine. The device includes a solenoid coil generating a magnetic force and a spring made of a shape memory alloy so that the device may control fluid communication in a fluid passage in response to an input current signal from a switch device and in response to changes in engine ambient temperature.

Abstract: An expansion valve wherein a plunger slidably fitted in a hollow member for sliding movement and opening and closing valve ports formed in the hollow member is driven by an electromagnetic force, and two chambers defined between opposite ends of the plunger and the hollow member are maintained in communication with each other through a pressure equalization passageway formed in the plunger. The expansion valve is capable of allowing a refrigerant to flow therethrough without any resistance offered to its flow and having ability to allow reversible flow of the refrigerant to take place with high responsiveness.

Abstract: A gas flow rate control system designed to control the gas flow rate by continuously controlling the opening of an electromagnetic valve, wherein the magnetic hysteresis of a plunger and a yoke which are magnetic material forming the magnetic circuit is removed by alternately passing current pulses through two energizing coils, so as to continuously reverse the direction of magnetization of the magnetic circuit and wherein the static friction between the plunger and the yoke is removed by oscillating the plunger.

Abstract: A refrigeration control system for modulating an electrically-operated expansion valve in which a modulating, electrically-operated expansion valve is connected to the evaporator inlet, and first and second condition-responsive electrical sensors are positioned to respond to conditions at selected location in the system. An electrical amplifier circuit connects the condition-responsive electrical sensors to the valve for regulating the opening and closing of the valve in response to differences in the conditions sensed by the sensors. Refrigerant is fed to at least one of the sensors so as to cause modulation of the expansion valve. More particularly, the condition-responsive sensors are temperature-responsive, the first sensor being positioned to respond to the temperature of the liquid refrigerant expanded to suction pressure, and the second sensor being positioned to respond to suction line sensible temperature.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for use in a refrigerating machine, wherein an a.c. control element and the solenoid coil of a holding type solenoid are connected in series in an a.c. power circuit, the holding type solenoid serving to actuate a damper for opening and closing the outlet for ejecting cooled air into the refrigerating chamber, and also a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the refrigerating chamber and a triggering circuit for triggering the a.c. control element are provided in the a.c. power circuit. The triggering circuit supplies a trigger signal to the control electrode of the a.c. control element at a predetermined period in synchronism with the phase of the current from the a.c. power source in response to the output of the temperature sensor, so that the solenoid coil is energized to drive the damper.

Abstract: A refrigeration control system for modulating an electrically-operated expansion valve in which a modulating, electrically-operated expansion valve is connected to the evaporator inlet, and first and second condition-responsive electrical sensors are positioned to respond to conditions at selected location in the system. An electrical amplifier circuit connects the condition-responsive electrical sensors to the valve for regulating the opening and closing of the valve in response to differences in the conditions sensed by the sensors. Refrigerant is fed to at least one of the sensors so as to cause modulation of the expansion valve. More particularly, the condition-responsive sensors are temperature-responsive, the first sensor being positioned to respond to the temperature of the liquid refrigerant expanded to suction pressure, and the second sensor being positioned to respond to suction line sensible temperature.

Abstract: A temperature dependent electronic control switch, especially suited for an automatic temperature control in vehicles, including one or more NTC resistors as sensors in a bridge circuit, an amplifier, to amplify the signals from the sensors, a solenoid for producing a variable magnetic field from signals received by the amplifier, an iron strip, an air nozzle connected to a vacuum, a servomotor connected between the air nozzle and the vacuum, and a control flap. The iron strip, moving in response to the magnetic field from the solenoid, obstructs an opening in the air nozzle, thereby changing the pressure felt by the servomotor and thereby causing the control flap of an air-conditioner or heater to move in a predetermined manner to mix air of different temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a cooling liquid to a condenser of a refrigeration unit. The apparatus comprises a conduit for passing the cooling liquid from a source thereof into thermal communication with the condenser, and a valve to regulate the flow of liquid through the conduit and having an open position allowing the liquid to flow through the conduit. The apparatus further comprises an electronic control for use with a source of an electronic signal, including an electronic switch having an open state in which the electronic signal does not pass through the switch, a closed state in which the electronic signal passes through the switch, and a trigger wherein, when an electronic signal having a predetermined magnitude passes to the trigger, the switch changes from the open state to the closed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to the air conditioning of a storage compartment and is especially significant for a transport system. Air is circulated between an air tempering zone and the storage compartment, said air tempering zone having air cooling means and air heating means controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat has a wide range set point and depending upon what set point is selected, the thermostat is responsive either to the temperature of the air discharged from the tempering zone or the temperature of the air returning to said zone. When the set point is above a given point and the air is being cooled to near the desired temperature, said desired temperature is accurately obtained by the thermostat first sending a signal from a selected one of the two sensors that provides a step-reduction in the capacity of the cooling means and then sending a signal to a modulating valve that further reduces to the set point the capacity of the cooling means by a modulation reduction.