Abstract: A refrigeration system in an ice making machine has an evaporator coil connected at its inlet side to an outlet of a refrigeration compressor through a condensing coil and at its outlet side to an inlet of the compressor. An expansion valve is interposed between the condensing coil and the evaporator coil. A bypass line is connected in parallel with the condensing coil and the expansion valve. A solenoid valve is disposed within the bypass line to permit the flow of hot gas supplied therethrough from the compressor into the evaporator coil when it has been energized. The expansion valve is in the form of an expansion valve of the externally equalized type associated with an external equalizer pipe having an extremity connected to an intermediate portion of the evaporator coil between the inlet and outlet sides thereof. A thermostat bulb is located on a return line between the outlet side of the evaporator coil and the compressor.

Abstract: A mechanical refrigerant thermal expansion valve has a sensing port sealed with a cupped shape closure received therein and sealed about the cup rim. A cover assembly is removeably attached to the valve over the cup with a thermistor extending into the cup which is filled with thermally conductive grease for thermal conductivity between the cup and the thermistor. The cover assembly has an electrical connector provided thereon. The thermistor is preferably mounted on printed circuit board potted in the cover which may include electronic signal logic and power switching circuitry.

Abstract: In a control method for a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, a thermostatic expansion valve, and an evaporator, the amount of a refrigerant flowing into the evaporator is increased at a temperature lower than a predetermined evaporating temperature by a thermostatic expansion valve which opens even if the evaporating temperature is lower than the predetermined level and a superheat signal is lower than 0. In a thermostatic expansion valve best suited for the above method, either a gas adsorbent and at least two working fluids, different in a temperature-induced change of the amount of adsorption to the gas adsorbent, or a first working fluid, whose saturated vapor pressure is lower than the superheated vapor pressure of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator, and a second working fluid incapable of being liquefied within the range of the evaporating temperature of the refrigerant, are sealed in the thermotube.

Abstract: This thermostatic expansion valve (2) for heating-cooling refrigeration systems includes a body (4,8) having a transverse linear flow channel (10) therethrough. A tapered control valve element (12) divides the flow into identical inflow-outflow chambers (14,16) having equally sized inflow-outflow ports (22,24). The control valve element (12), when seated, prevents flow between the chambers (14,16), and is urged into a normally closed position by a biasing spring (26). A motor assembly (6) responsive to evaporator outlet pressure or compressor suction pressure, and temperature also controls movement of the valve element (12).

Abstract: This combination expansion valve and check valve (18) includes a valve body (22) having an inlet (24) and a outlet (26). A control valve (28) is disposed between the inlet and the outlet which controls flow through the valve when refrigerant flow is normal and pressure is higher at the inlet than the outlet. A by-pass conduit (60) is connected between the inlet and the outlet and includes an external conduit (62) and a passage (70) within the valve communicating with the outlet. A check valve (58) is disposed within the passage which selectively blocks flow through the conduit. The check valve includes a floating disc (66) moving between spaced check valve ports (61, 63) to block flow through the conduit when the expansion valve is operating and to permit flow through the conduit when flow is reversed. Two identical valves (18a) and (18b) are reversely connected to tandem to operate alternatively as expansion valves in a heat pump system (10).

Abstract: An improved expansion valve (10) is disclosed for use with an air conditioning system (12) for an automobile. High pressure refrigerant flow is modulated through the valve by movement of a valve member (92) in response to the superheat of the low pressure refrigerant flow through a first passage (32) in the expansion valve. The low pressure refrigerant superheat is sensed by a power element (74) containing an adsorbent and gas which deflects a diaphragm (82) to a degree related to the superheat of the low pressure flow. The diaphragm acts on an annular seal retainer (100) to modulate the position of the valve member (92). A cupshaped high pressure seal (104) is provided between the valve member (92) and wall of the passage (54) in which the valve member moves to balance the forces on the valve member exerted by the high pressure refrigerant. The balanced valve member allows use of a compact power element, permitting the body (30) of the valve (10) to be formed of plastic.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve particularly for use in a refrigeration system in which the refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, and evaporator operatively interconnected. The expansion valve includes a diaphragm for sensing a capillary pressure and a plurality of push rods for communicating the capillary pressure to a spring-biased valve member operatively associated with a valve seat. A piston in communication with the diaphragm has one end located in an inlet chamber and responds to an inlet chamber pressure. The piston, diaphragm, push rods and spring-biased valve member cooperate to provide a balanced flow of a refrigerant through the expansion valve without the piston or push rods substantially restricting or obstructing refrigerant flow through the expansion valve.

Abstract: An integrated evaporator and thermal expansion valve assembly for use in a refrigeration system. An evaporator includes a housing defining an inlet header and an outlet header. A valve is mounted on the housing in communication with the inlet header for controlling the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator of the refrigeration system. A pressure and temperature resonsive sensing bulb assembly is mounted on the housing in communication with the outlet header for responding to the superheat temperature in the outlet header of the evaporator for opening the valve when the superheat temperature increases and for responding to the pressure in the refrigeration system for closing the valve when the pressure increases to offset a portion of the effect of the temperature response on the valve.

Abstract: An expansion valve having a pressure chamber for changing its inside pressure, an expansion chamber provided with an orifice at a hole formed between a primary path and a secondary path, and a valve member provided within the expansion chamber, the position of the valve member being normally biased by one end of a spring in the direction of closing the orifice, in which the expansion valve further comprises an actuator having a solenoid, a rod coupled to the spring, and an action plate which is attracted by the solenoid when the solenoid is biased. With this construction, an additive force is applied to the spring and the opening of the orifice can be adjusted by a combined action of the distinctive force of the spring plus the additive force of the actuator through the valve member in the initial period of cooling condition in accordance with the change in the temperature of the evaporator, thereby adjusting the superheat.

Abstract: An expansion valve associated with an evaporator in a refrigerating system comprises a valve housing; a closure cap secured to the valve housing; a diaphragm assembly which is disposed in the valve housing and includes a first and a second diaphragm members which are spaced from each other to define a first working chamber therebetween, the diaphragm assembly cooperating with the closure cap to define a second working chamber therebetween, and the first diaphragm member being affected by a refrigerant pressure; a remote sensing bulb; a capillary tube communicating the second working chamber to said bulb; a working gas for moving the diaphragm assembly; a spring urging the first diaphragm member on against the movement of the diaphragm assembly towards the spring; a valve element moved by a difference between the forces caused by the spring and the diaphragm assembly movement; and an inert gas filling the first working chamber with a pressure level higher than a pressure level caused by the spring against the

Abstract: A refrigerant flow rate control device for the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle which is driven by a vacuum actuator includes a communication passageway for equalizing pressures applied to opposite ends of a valve body. The valve body has an intermediate portion maintained in communication with the atmosphere and connected to the vacuum actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for volatile liquids such as an expansion valve for a refrigeration plant. Magnetic valves of this type have a plunger actuated closure member which controls a small throttle opening which functions to vaporize the cooling liquid. The valve action can be noisy and damping chambers have been provided for damping the movement of the plunger. As disclosed herein such a damping chamber is disposed in the flow path downstream from the throttle opening where a cooling vaporization occurs and the cooling vaporization is effective to minimize vaporization in the damping chamber which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the damping chamber.

Abstract: A refrigeration equipment having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve with an equalizer line and capable of controlling its refrigeration capacity, wherein incorporated are a hot gas by-pass passage and a hot gas valve installed thereon to introduce the hot gas into said evaporator by by-passing said condensor and thermostatic expansion valve, a control passage to introduce, during the hot gas by-pass operation, a portion of hot gas to said equalizer line and throttle the opening of said expansion valve and a communication shut-off valve to shut off, at the close of said hot gas valve, the communication between said control passage and equalizer line, whereby controlling the opening of said expansion valve in accordance with hot gas by-passed during the capacity control by use of hot gas, so that the control range of said refrigeration capacity can be extended.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a thermostatic expansion valve comprises a spring member having a plurality of cantilevered fingers substantially parallel to the direction of travel of moving components but which are spring loaded to provide a force normal to that direction. The damping device is fixedly attached to one of the moving or stationary components and is arranged so that its fingers exert the normal force against the other of the moving or stationary components. Accordingly, a constant magnitude frictional force is produced over the range of movement, thus damping vibrations caused by pressure pulses from the compressor of the refrigeration system in which the thermostatic expansion valve is installed.

Abstract: An expansion valve has a refrigerant inlet passage, a refrigerant outlet passage, a valve chest to which both the passages open, a diaphragm chamber communicating with a heat-sensitive bulb through a tube of small diameter, and a valve body actuated in response to the operation of a diaphragm, the valve body being disposed facing a valve seat in the valve chest to regulate a passage defined between the valve seat and the valve body, to thereby control the flow rate of a refrigerant. The valve seat is adapted to be axially movable along the inner wall of the valve chest. In addition, means are provided for moving the valve seat in accordance with a change in pressure in the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A heat pump system in which the amount of opening of an expansion valve is set to an optimum value in dependence upon the inlet temperature of water undergoing heat exchange at a utilization side heat exchanger and an inlet temperature of air undergoing heat exchange at a non-utilization side heat exchanger. In response to the sensed temperature values, a controller determines the optimum amount of valve opening so as to provide a maximum system capacity and efficiency. The controller may be implemented with a microprocessor and a read-only memory. In the read-only memory are stored data values representing optimum opening settings of the expansion valve corresponding to various values of the sensed inlet temperature of water at the utilization side heat exchanger and the inlet temperature of the air at the non-utilization side heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve for use in a refrigeration system (e.g., a refrigerated display case) in which the superheat range of the valve may be conveniently adjusted from a location remote from the valve.

Abstract: An electrically operated reversible expansion valve. It has a valve body formed with a primary port, a secondary port, a valve seat defined between the primary and secondary ports, and a slide bore in an opposing relation to said valve seat. A valve needle is supported by the slide bore. In order to prevent the fluid from being admitted into a bimetal chamber through the slide bore, a bypass is provided between the primary port and the slide bore.

Abstract: A temperature responsive expansion valve. The opening degree of a first valve body is adjusted by comparing an actual superheating degree with a predetermined reference superheating degree. A temperature responsive expansion valve comprises a valve needle disposed within the first valve body, said valve needle being driven by a difference between the refrigerant pressure on the primary side and the refrigerant pressure on the secondary side, said valve needle moving to enlarge the area of flow path within the valve opening when the pressure differential between the primary and secondary sides is smaller than a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve assembly, particularly for a refrigerant cycle which includes a compressor, a condensor and an evaporator, operates in response to suction gas of the cycle and the valve assembly includes a housing defining a suction line for passage of the suction gas through the valve assembly. A valve tappet is acted upon by the suction gas for actuation of the valve assembly and a control member responsive to pressure and temperature receives the upper end of the valve tappet, with the suction gas acting on the valve tappet through the control member. The control member is formed in a cup-shaped configuration opening toward the suction line and includes a rim region projecting into the suction line and a circumferential region having a greater wall thickness than the rim region. An annular shoulder is formed on the control member and a cover plate is provided for the valve housing.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve is disclosed for a refrigerant system that modulates the fluid flow with a capsulated refrigerant pressure that is temperature regulated through direct heat conduction from the evaporator outlet and further controls the flow with evaporator inlet pressure modulated by a venturi effect.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprised of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator, wherein the expansion valve includes a means for separating a gaseous phase refrigerant generated within the valve from a liquid phase refrigerant so as to feed the liquid phase refrigerant to an inlet of the evaporator and the gaseous phase refrigerant to an outlet of the evaporator.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve for use in a refrigeration system (e.g., a refrigerated display case) in which the superheat range of the valve may be conveniently adjusted from a location remote from the valve.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided having a fluid evaporator and a fluid condenser interconnected by fluid conducting conduit and including a volatile fluid as the heat transferring medium. The evaporator is incorporated in a solar panel and the condenser is disposed in heat transferring relationship to a water tank. A temperature control device including on a liquid accumulator tank and a pressure responsive valve is interconnected in the system and is operable to permit or prevent return of condensed fluid to the evaporator. One embodiment has the condenser disposed a distance vertically above the evaporator to provide a gravity return of liquid. A second embodiment of the system has the condenser and water tank disposed a distance vertically below the evaporator and the system additionally includes a device for intermittently returning liquid from the condenser to the evaporator at periodic intervals.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion device for use in refrigeration systems includes a valve member adapted to control the flow of liquid refrigerant from a condenser to an evaporator of the refrigeration system. A pressure-responsive device is operatively connected to the valve member for responding to a differential pressure in the refrigeration system so as to open and close the valve member. A temperature-responsive device is operatively connected to the pressure-responsive device for responding to a temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator. A lead-lag compensation structure is connected to the pressure-responsive device for permitting a rapid movement of the valve member upon the occurrence of a sudden change either in the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator or in the pressure at the inlet of the evaporator thereby maintaining a constant superheat at the outlet of the evaporator so as to effect stability of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A heat exchange interface apparatus for installation between a conventional working fluid unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump and a distribution system such as finned heat exchange tubing installed around the perimeter of a domestic or commercial building. The interface apparatus includes a variable, self adjusting valve which controls and regulates the amount of cooling fluid delivered to the heat exchange tubing in accordance with the temperature of the working fluid at the outlet end of the heat exchange tubing.

Abstract: An expansion valve for a refrigeration system, and in particular, for a reversible flow or heat pump application is provided in which the valve is electrically operated by a heat motor mounted to a valve body. The valve includes a valve stem operatively connected to the heat motor. The valve stem position, and consequently, valve operation, is controlled by heat motor operation. Because of the reverse flow nature of the fluid flow in the system described, means for protecting the heat motor from fluid leakage is necessary, if the valve is to function properly. The valve of this invention includes bleed or drain means positioned to drain fluid from the heat motor, and seal means on the valve stem of the valve to reduce flow leakage along the stem.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a thermostatic expansion valve for refrigeration plants, particularly with an air-cooled condenser, comprising an operating element which is loaded in the opening direction against the force of a spring by a pressure dependent on the superbeating temperature of the evaporator and possibly relieved by the evaporator pressure, and comprising a closure member which is adjustable by the operating element and co-operates with a seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic valve assembly for refrigeration systems. The valve assembly is between the condenser and the evaporator and includes two valve units in series. The two valve units are shown integrated in one casing but could be provided with individual casings. The second valve unit has the conventional thermostatic function while the first valve unit functions to isolate the second valve unit from the effects of varying condenser pressures which go from high in the winter to low in the summer. In a pressure chamber between the two valve units a mean pressure is maintained which is between the condenser and evaporator pressures. The first valve unit is controlled by a balancing between opening forces created by evaporator pressure and a differential spring and a closing force created by the mean pressure in the mean pressure chamber.

Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve for large-capacity refrigeration systems has a pressure-balanced valve pin and no means of communicating inlet pressures to the underside of the diaphragm. The valve pin has a coaxial bore, a pair of end faces, a pair of cylindrical portions fitting slideably in a feed bore leading to an outlet chamber, a reduced stem portion of small diameter between the pair of cylindrical portions, and a pair of shoulders connecting the reduced stem portion to the pair of cylindrical portions. The shoulders are exposed to the same pressure so that the valve pin is balanced.

Abstract: A double ported valve has structural features including an integral valve body construction which provides more consistent valve performance, longer valve life, and improved operating characteristics. The integral valve body eliminates the need for external sealing gaskets. Consequently, a consistent valve stroke can be maintained, thereby reducing variations in valve capacity in applicational use. The construction also permits the various valve components to be tested prior to final assembly. Compensation for variations discovered during test is accomplished by providing an external adjustment means in the valve. The adjustment means is positioned downstream of the outlet side of the valve so that short stroke valve operation is possible, with consequent reduction in the amount of valve packing required to seal a stem of the valve against leakage.

Abstract: The novelty is the low cost, versatile manner of mounting an evaporator pressure regulator valve (EPR) on a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) to provide a compact combination valve. The TXV controls refrigerant flow to the evaporator in accordance with the pressure acting below the diaphragm and the temperature influencing the temperature responsive charged space above the diaphragm. The rider pin connecting the diaphragm to the valve is hollowed out so that the bottom of the hole in the rider pin is in the refrigerant return flow path. A restrictor is placed in the upper end of the rider pin to prevent migration of condensed refrigerant to the head chamber in the event the valve is mounted upside down. A sleeve of low thermal conductivity positioned around the rider pin where it passes through the return conduit damps temperature changes and reduces valve hunting. The EPR threads into the TXV outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic expansion valve assembly for a refrigeration installation of the type having condenser and evaporator units. The valve assembly controls the flow of refrigerant between the condenser and the evaporator and has a conventional operating unit which is dependent upon the superheat temperature of the evaporator. Condenser pressure for summer operation is on the order of being five to ten times greater than for winter operation and this represents a greater flow quantity. Compensation for this variance in condenser pressure is provided by a seat and closure member design in which the valve is caused to open at a slower rate than any increase in the condenser pressure. This is done by equipping the closure and valve seat with a piston and cylinder construction which defines an expansible chamber which has fluid communication with the condenser inlet port.

Abstract: The thermostatic expansion valve has a valve controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet and is biased to seated position by the compressed spring adustably mounted in the outlet. The valve is actuated by a push pin extending from the underside of the diaphragm pad. The diaphragm is mounted between upper and lower stampings welded together at their periphery. The space above the diaphragm is connected via a capillary tube to a feeler bulb and is part of a charged system the pressure of which varies with temperature at the bulb. The lower head stamping is connected to the valve body by novel means. The upper end of the body is provided with a groove receiving an O-ring. Inside this groove the body is provided with an annular extension outside the push pin hole. The lower head stamping is placed on the body and the annular extension is crimped over the stamping to firmly fix the head on the body while devloping high unit pressure on the O-ring to provide an effective seal at low cost.

Abstract: The thermostatic expansion valve capsule is shown mounted in a cavity in a receiver of a widely used device. The exterior of the valve body utilizes two or three O-ring seals to achieve the proper connections in the installation. The temperature responsive charge in the head chamber above the diaphragm controls the movement of the valve in accordance with the temperature of the returning refrigerant, liquid or vapor, coming from the evaporator in an automotive air conditioning system. It is necessary to keep control in accordance with that temperature and, therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the expansion valve must not influence the head chamber temperature.

Abstract: A refrigeration system has the system condenser exposed to the normal outdoor ambient temperature. The control means includes a single balanced expansion valve having a maximum port opening which is oversized as compared to that required only for normal summer operation, and the valve is actuated to provide a much larger increase in port opening under winter conditions than have heretofore been used. The result is that the system operates without adjustment or modification over an exceptionally wide range of condenser ambient temperature. The balanced valve is actuated by motor means responsive to evaporator outlet temperature and an evaporator pressure condition such as inlet or outlet pressure. The valve element may be slightly over or under balanced to provide predetermined operating characteristics.

Abstract: An expansion valve for a refrigeration system is provided in which the flow through the expansion valve is controlled electrically. The preferred valve embodiment utilizes a straight line configuration in that a valve body is mounted within a suitable shell. The valve body has an axial opening through it, and one end of the valve body defines an expansion port. A valve pin is movably mounted between a first position closing the expansion port and a second position opening the expansion port. Electrically energizable means are mounted to the valve body. The electrically energizable means include thermostatic expansion means operatively connected to the valve pin. The thermostatic expansion means expand axially in response to temperature change, which movement actuates valve pin operation, between closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit, particularly adapted for portable refrigerator chests, includes a primary evaporation coil whose inlet end is connected via a capillary tube to a source of pressurized liquid refrigerant. A substantially closed refrigeration receptable in fluid communication with the outlet side of the primary evaporator, receives the refrigerant, which may not have completely evaporated, and separates the phases by venting the evaporated gaseous phase to the atmosphere while directing the unevaporated liquid refrigerant into a second evaporator coil wherein it is completely evaporated. A thermostatically controlled valve regulates the flow of refrigerant to the primary evaporator as a function of the temperature within the chest.

Abstract: A refrigerant fluid charging device that comprises an expansion valve, a charging tube for connecting the outlet of the expansion valve to the system to be charged, a thermally conductive tube enveloping the charging tube, and a thermal sensing tube connected to the expansion valve, the sensing tube being in temperature sensing contact with the conductive tube at spaced locations and at one of such locations being adapted to be brought into temperature sensing contact with the suction line of the system to be charged.