Abstract: A vacuum fluorescent iconographic display (10) operable to communicate the operating conditions of a low temperature refrigeration unit (5), with the display (10) using only intuitively recognizable pictorial iconic elements (12), numeric elements (14), and recognized symbolic elements (16) to convey the information. The iconic elements (12) unambiguously represent the various operating conditions without reliance on legends or other conventional written or spoken language, thereby avoiding translation or interpretation mistakes due to the use of such a conventional language in a possibly international product or multi-lingual situation. The iconic elements (12) may also be used in diagnostic applications by lighting, for example, in combination with the numeric elements (14) to communicate quantitative diagnostic measurements of the subsystem represented by the icon.

Abstract: A unit is attached to a refrigeration appliance, such as a freezer, or refrigerator, to alert the user of a sensed condition within the appliance that food spoilage may occur. The unit can monitor temperature within the compartment and determine how long until food spoilage occurs. The unit also can alert a user, monitoring service, or call a repairperson. The unit may be retrofit into existing appliances.

Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator constructed with a main body formed with a storage compartment accommodating therein food, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, a temperature sensor provided within the main body, by detecting a temperature of the main body, cooling is provided to the main body to cool the storage compartment in steps of establishing a control temperature of the temperature sensor to correspond to the temperature of the storage compartment; and continuously operating the cooling means until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the control temperature at an initial operation state. With this configuration, because the compressor is continuously operated until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the control temperature, the rate of cooling the stored food is enhanced and at the same time a desired storage temperature is achieved.

Abstract: The present application reveals a method and an apparatus for diagnosing performance of an air-conditioning system. The method comprising the steps of determining a temperature differential between inlet and outlet temperatures of a condenser in the air-conditioning system; determining a temperature differential between inlet and outlet temperatures of an evaporator in the air-conditioning system; determining a temperature differential between ambient and vent temperatures in the air-conditioning system; analyzing the differentials of the condenser, evaporator and ambient and vent temperatures; determining whether the air-conditioning system is properly functioning; and diagnosing performance of the air-conditioning system.

Abstract: An arrangement of apparatus for the measurement of the quantity amount of ice in an ice thermal storage system having a storage tank with a storage fluid and a cooling coil assembly therein, and the method for measuring such ice quantity, which apparatus includes a means to provide an uplift force to the coil assembly and, means for measurement of the vertical displacement of the coil in the storage tank and means for relating the vertical displacement of the cooling coil assembly to the quantity of ice on the cooling coil assembly, and further noting a specific uplifting force assembly for use in such storage tanks.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioner (HEVAC) test system which includes a test unit which determines the temperature of the air exhausted from a HEVAC unit, an ambient temperature unit, and a work cell controller, all of which can be wirelessly interconnected into a network. The vehicle HEVAC unit is tested and passed or failed in accordance with the ambient temperature and the time it takes for the HEVAC exhaust air to vary a predetermined number of degrees. A test probe is also disclosed which ensures proper placement of the temperature sensor and maintains proper placement of the temperature sensor over the test period.

Abstract: In a chiller, an apparatus and method for automatically identifying a temperature probe for use in a chilling operation is provided in order to reduce user error. In the place of manual selection by a user, automatic selection of the appropriate temperature probe is accomplished by comparing the temperature of the given temperature probe to a threshold temperature. An additional apparatus and method for filtering a displayed compartment temperature is provided to reduce user confusion. The responsiveness of the displayed temperature to temperature changes in the compartment is reduced when the compartment door is opened.

Abstract: A method for preserving the temperature integrity of cryogenically preserved biological samples is presented, involving initiating a countdown sequence upon removal of a sample from a controlled portable or bulk storage environment, requiring operator action to terminate the countdown on restoration of the sample to a controlled environment. Audible and visual warnings are provided to an operator prior to attainment of a critical temperature, beyond which damage may accrue to the sample. A portable device facilitating execution of the method is described.

Abstract: Cooling operation is performed so as to keep a freezer at a selected temperature. Moreover, if the cooling operation enters a phase where the freezer temperature is higher than the selected temperature by a predetermined deviation or more, not only the deviation temperature but also an accumulated time obtained by accumulating the time periods during which the cooling operation is performed at the deviation temperature or higher are stored. In addition, when an instruction signal to indicate an accumulation is input, the stored accumulated time and deviation temperature are read out and indicated on a segment indicating section (7S).

Abstract: A container is disclosed for storing and transporting vessels containing a liquid composition susceptible to physicochemical alteration upon changes in temperature above or below a specified temperature. It comprises an enclosure having a lower portion, a top portion and a side portion between the lower and top portions thereby defining an inner space. A lower portion of the enclosure contains a first heat sink within a base, comprising a thermal energy absorbing substance. A vial holder in the inner space holds one or more of the vessels in the inner space above the first heat sink and substantially spaced from an insulated insert inside of the enclosure. An insulating gas is contained in the inner space. A temperature indicator in the inner space indicates when the inner space has been subjected to temperatures below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A thawing indication marker for frozen food is disclosed for determining whether or not a frozen food has been thawed. It comprises a tube of an elastic transparent resin, the tube being bent at its center to form two separate containers. One container contains a colored gel-like liquid prepared from an edible starch and food color and the other container contains a gel-like liquid also prepared from an edible starch and food color which is different from the first food color. The marker is used by straightening the bent portion and applying it to frozen food. If the food undergoes thawing, as a result of being subjected to a temperature above the freezing point of water, the gels become less viscous and can intermingle. By virtue of the color difference, one can observe whether or not any intermingling of the two different colored gels has occurred and therefore, whether or not the food stuff has been subjected to non-thawing conditions.

Abstract: A freeze point protection method and system is provided for water cooled chillers. The method prevents freezing of chilled water and damage to the chiller. The method allows the evaporator temperature to drop below a freezing temperature for a predetermined amount of time prior to shutting down the chiller. The temperature of the refrigerant in the water chiller is periodically sensed. The amount of time that the chiller is below a predetermined freezing temperature is periodically counted and compared with a determined maximum time that the chiller may operate at a sensed temperature below the predetermined freezing temperature without damaging the chiller. The method will shut down the water chiller if the counted time exceeds the determined maximum time. A system for shutting down a water cooled chiller to prevent freezing of chilled water is also provided.

Abstract: A temperature controlling pseudo load container for an insulated cold cabinet is provided in which the pseudo load container contains water or physiological saline and comprises at least one sealable opening portion for pouring water or physiological saline into the container and sensor arranging portions in which a temperature controlling sensor, and preferably a temperature recording sensor in addition, can be mounted closely to an external wall of the container and kept out of direct touch with the cold air in the insulated cold cabinet.

Abstract: When power is supplied to a refrigerator, the refrigerator control system performs one of two different automatic refrigerator temperature setting operations, depending upon whether it is determined that the power is or is not being supplied following a temporary power failure. That determination is made by sensing an internal refrigerator temperature (i.e., a temperature of the cooling compartment and/or the freezing compartment), and providing a reference temperature based upon a sensed external atmosphere temperature. If the refrigerator temperature is less than the reference temperature, then it is assumed that the power is being supplied following a temporary power failure and an appropriate refrigerator temperature setting operation is performed.

Abstract: A portable, wheel-mounted, mechanically-refrigerated chiller for water used to cool a heat generating manufacturing process machine, has a process cooling water flow sensor assembly with conventional connections into the process water circulation portion of the chiller. The assembly includes a magnetically impregnated plastic vane operated by water flow through it, and a Hall-effect motion sensor responsive to vane operation to provide a signal to a computer. Water temperature to the process and from the process is monitored by sensors producing signals to the computer. The computer combines this information to produce a front panel digital read-out of the percent of capacity at which the chiller is operating or, upon selection, the refrigeration tonnage applied by the chiller to the process water.

Abstract: A method for determining airflow through an air cooling and dehumidifying coil by measuring the condensate rate and the moist air conditions entering and leaving the coil. The mass air flow, the volume air flow and the cooling capacity are then calculated from data exhibited on a psychrometric chart or by calculating the same result from basic principles.

Abstract: One or more properties of a refrigerant sample, such as composition, purity or both composition and purity, are analyzed for purposes of refrigerant recovery and reuse by providing a refrigerant cell having a chamber for containing a refrigerant sample and a passage for connecting the chamber to a source of refrigerant in vapor phase. The sample chamber and passage are evacuated, and the chamber and at least a portion of the passage contiguous with the chamber are cooled until the temperature thereof reaches a predetermined temperature at or below ambient temperature. After the chamber and passage have been evacuated and cooled, the passage is connected to a source of refrigerant in vapor phase such that a refrigerant vapor sample is drawn into the chamber and condensed to liquid phase. After the cell chamber has been filled with a liquid refrigerant sample, one or more desired properties of the liquid refrigerant sample are measured or detected.

Abstract: A method of adding asynchronous logging of data relative to events into a time based data logger which stores operator initiated headers in a data array, as well as synchronously storing data relative to variables of a transport refrigeration unit at predetermined constant time intervals. The operator associated headers include a preamble having a predetermined number of data bytes which include a header designator and a digital code which identifies the specific type of header being entered. An event header is provided having a preamble which includes the same number of data bytes as the preamble of the operator associated headers, for each type of event to be asynchronously stored in the data array. The header designator associated with the operator associated headers is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers. A digital code is provided which identifies each event header, and the digital code is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a plurality of food storage apparatuses each of which includes a food storage cabinet for storing foodstuffs therein, a cooling device for cooling the interior of the storage cabinet, a setting device for determining a temperature condition of the storage cabinet, a detection device for detecting an internal temperature of the storage cabinet and control means for applying a control signal based on the predetermined temperature and the detected internal temperature to the cooling device for controlling operation of the cooling device in such a manner that the storage cabinet is maintained at the predetermined temperature, wherein the food storage apparatuses each are provided with output means for issuing electric signals respectively indicative of the predeteremined temperature condition and the detected internal temperature outwardly, and wherein the monitoring system includes a signal receiver for monitoring each operating condition of the food storage apparatuses on a basis of the

Abstract: A method of logging data relative to the operation of a transport refrigeration unit, during each trip of the transport refrigeration unit, with the transport refrigeration unit including control means and non-volatile memory means. The method includes the steps of monitoring a plurality of predetermined variables of the transport refrigeration unit to provide data, and selecting those variables of the plurality of monitored variables whose data is to be logged in the memory means during a trip of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes the steps of dividing the non-volatile memory means into at least first and second data segments for storing data from the selected variables, storing an address pointer in the first data segment which points to an address in the second data segment, for each trip of the transport refrigeration unit, and storing data from the selected variables in the second data segment, during each trip of the transport refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A method for determining the relative humidity of the air entering the cooling heat exchanger of an air conditioning system as well as an apparatus for implementing the method. The cooling capacity of the system is varied and, if occurring, the transition between a condition where moisture is condensing in the heat exchanger and a condition where moisture is not condensing in the heat exchanger. At this transition, the temperatures of the exiting air and the entering air are measured. From the measured exiting air temperature, state point of the saturated exiting air can be determined. From the exiting air state point and the entering air state point, the entering air relative humidity can be determined. If no condensation occurs even at maximum cooling capacity, the maximum that the relative humidity of the entering air can be determined. If condensation continues even at minimum cooling capacity, the minimum that the relative humidity of the entering air can be determined.

Abstract: An electronic control mounting system for a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a freezer compartment is defined by a freezer liner, a fresh food compartment is defined by a fresh food liner and a partition wall is disposed between the compartments. A mounting plate is disposed between the freezer liner and fresh food liner within the partition wall and includes a mounting boss and a conduit boss. The conduit boss joins a first opening provided in the freezer liner and a second opening provided in the fresh food liner such that a channel is formed between the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A housing member, supporting a control printed circuit board (PC board), is secured to the bottom surface of the partition wall by attachment to the mounting boss provided on the mounting plate. The PC board further includes a first temperature sensor having a pair of extending electrical leads directly soldered or mounted onto the PC board.

Abstract: A portable insulated container is provided including a plurality of panels which define a formed body having a mouth opening opposite the bottom of the body. A cover member is also provided for selectively opening and closing the mouth opening. A temperature indicating assembly including a visually perceptible indicator in direct communication with a heat source/cold source disposed within the container is also provided to allow an individual to determine the relative temperature of the contents of the container without the necessity for opening the cover member.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a refrigeration unit including detecting premature return of air discharged into a conditioned space, and distinguishing this "short cycling" problem from a refrigeration capacity problem. The method includes determining the rates of change of the temperatures DA and RA of the discharge air and return air, respectively, during temperature pull down of the conditioned space, and comparing the rates of change with predetermined constants selected to detect a short cycling of the discharge air. When the rates of change do not fit a normal temperature pull down, the differential .DELTA.D between the temperatures DA and RA of the discharge air and return air is determined and compared with a third constant. Predetermined results of the comparisons of the rates of changes of DA and RA, and the temperature difference .DELTA.

Abstract: A control system for controlling cooling equipment comprising a refrigerant circuit for cooling water by heat exchange, a plurality of cooling modules in a backup relationship with an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the cooling capability of the refrigerant circuit and a controller controlling the adjusting apparatus for adjusting the cooling capability, a control module having a coolant temperature sensor and a controller for calculating a cooling capability control command based on the value detected by the coolant temperature sensor. The controller in one of the cooling modules controls the adjusting apparatus and on the cooling capability control commend transmitted from the controller in the control module.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit, and methods and apparatus for monitoring the operation thereof, with the unit conditioning a load to a selected set point temperature via commanded cooling and heating cycles. A thermostat provides a digital signal as a function of the load temperature and the selected set point temperature, with each toggling of the least significant bit (LSB) thereof indicating a predetermined change in load temperature. A timer initiates a predetermined timing period with each toggling of the LSB, with the timing period being a dynamic function of the selected set point temperature. Expiration of the timing period before the next bit toggle initiates an alarm signal indicating the rate-of-change of load temperature is not within an acceptable limit for the selected set point temperature. A comparison of successive digital signals also results in an alarm signal when the direction of temperature change is not consistent with the commanded operating cycle.

Abstract: Pre-trip operational methods and procedures for automatically checking predetermined functions and the operating performance of a transport refrigeration unit which includes a refrigerant compressor, and a prime mover for the refrigerant compressor which includes an internal combustion engine. The methods include the steps of measuring the current draw of predetermined electrical components with the prime mover stationary, starting the engine when the current draw is normal, determining if the speed of the engine is in an allowable range, commanding the unit to operate in a cooling mode, checking for adequate cooling capacity as a dynamic function of the temperatures of the return air, discharge air, and ambient air, commanding the unit to operate in a heating mode, determining if the unit is actually operating in the heating mode, and preparing an indication of a fault condition descriptive of any detected malfunction and/or marginal operating performance.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a transport refrigeration system which is effective regardless of the temperature of a served space relative to a selected set point temperature. Different "windows" of acceptable and marginal performance are provided in the form of different minimum magnitudes of .DELTA.T, i.e., the algebraic difference between the return and discharge air temperatures, as a function of ambient and return air temperatures. The transport refrigeration system is thus monitored at all times, during both cooling and hot gas heating modes, and also including during initial temperature pull down of the cargo space, enabling an early warning to be generated for a marginal performance, and an early shut down to be initiated for unacceptable performance. In a preferred embodiment, a maximum value of .DELTA.T is also provided, which, if exceeded by the actual .DELTA.T, indicates a restricted air flow in the cargo space.

Abstract: A cryotherapy unit includes a cooling system to be connected to a current source, an air inlet in communication with the cooling system, and an air outlet in communication with the cooling system.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an auger type ice making machine having an auger mounted for rotary movement within an evaporator housing to which water is supplied from a water tank to cause ice crystals to form on the internal freezing surface of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: A monitor for a transport refrigeration unit in which the temperature of the air discharged by the unit into a load space is compared with the temperature of air returning to the unit, to provide a signal DI responsive to the algebraic difference. Signal DI, which represents the actual conditioning mode, is compared with a commanded conditioning mode signal provided by a thermostat associated with the transport refrigeration unit, and also with predetermined reference values, to detect incorrect operating modes, as well as significant loss of refrigerant capacity. Timers initiate resettable time delays in response to such detections, after which warning and shut-down signals are respectively provided when certain time delays are allowed to expire. Logic signals provided by the monitor are logically related when the monitor shuts the system down to drive diagnostic display which indicates the cause of shut down.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet wherein a dealer side and an opposedly located customer side are recognizable comprises a plurality of uprights arranged to support a display glazed deck, and an electric console associated with a cabinet refrigerating system to control its operational functions. The electric console includes an elongate box-shaped case mounted close against one of the uprights lying on the cabinet dealer side.

Abstract: A system for restoring a set temperature in a refrigerator after power has been cut off. The refrigerator includes a compartment for which plural set temperatures can be selected. The refrigerator is provided with a temperature detecting device for detecting an interior temperature of the compartment, a power restoration detecting device for detecting the restoration of power after a power cutoff occurs, and a microcomputer. The microcomputer determines the appropriate set temperature when power is restored in response to receiving a temperature detection signal from the temperature detecting device. The microcomputer stores the determined set temperature and controls the temperature in the compartment in accordance therewith.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus for sensing the temperature within a refrigeration unit that experiences periodic defrosting cycles. The apparatus is capable of discerning the differences between a normal defrost cycle and system failure and provides a warning signal when a failure occurs.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for a display case including electronic means for controlling an expansion valve and a refrigerant compressor used in the system. The expansion valve is cycled between open and close positions to modulate refrigerant flow into an evaporator coil. A microprocessor controls the operation of the expansion valve in response to: (a) the relationship of the temperature of air that has passed over the evaporator coil to multiple upper and lower limits (b) time integrated temperature deviations beyond preselected limits (c) upward or downward trend of the differential in temperature in the refrigerant during its flow through the evaporator coil, and (d) extreme deviation of the temperature of air that has passed over the evaporator coil. Compressor cut-in and cut-out pressures are also adjusted by the control in response to these air and refrigerant temperatures.

Abstract: An improved over-temperature warning system for a refrigerator/freezer appliance comprises a temperature sensor responsive to the temperature in the freezer compartment of the appliance and logic circuitry responsive to the sensor operative to detect a first over-temperature condition when the sensed temperature is greater than a first reference temperature and less than a second reference temperature and to detect a second over-temperature condition when the sensed temperature is greater than the second reference temperature. The logic circuitry times the duration of the first and second over-temperature conditions and provides a user discernible warning signal when the first condition exceeds a first predetermined time period or when the second over-temperature condition exceeds a second predetermined time period shorter than the first time period.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a latent heat storage tank having an evaporator coil or tube submerged in water and on which a layer of ice forms in response to circulation therethrough of refrigerant from a motor-driven compressor. Apparatus is provided to measure, indicate and regulate the thickness of the ice layer. The apparatus comprises an ice sensing device which provides an electric signal proportional to ice layer thickness to an electrical control circuit which then operates a meter to indicate thickness and operates a motor controller to stop or start the compressor motor. The ice sensing device comprises a probe which is periodically movable back and forth in a short arc in one cycle to detect ice by a timer-actuated electric motor and a potentiometer which moves in response to probe movement to provide a signal porportional to ice thickness to the abovementioned electrical control circuit.

Abstract: A temperature sensing means for a refrigeration apparatus including sensing means responsive to the temperature within a refrigerated space and to an ambient temperature condition for signalling the temperature condition of the refrigeration apparatus. In the disclosed embodiment, the sensing means is mounted in the access door of the refrigeration apparatus and the temperature sensors are mounted within a single housing. The sensor for sensing the ambient temperature is effectively insulated from the refrigerated space and senses the ambient temperature through a portion of the housing and door. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensing means is used to provide an ambient temperature compensated over-temperature alarm for the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling the temperature of a thermoelectric environmental chamber includes a pair of digital switches for selecting any desired temperature between -10 degrees C. +79 degrees C., the digital slide switches selecting tap points of a group of series connected resistors forming a feedback loop of an operational amplifier. Three resistors connected in series with the output of the operational amplifier and the feedback resistors produce a plurality of voltages that represent upper and lower limits to tolerance range about the selected desired temperature. These voltages are compared by means of a plurality of comparators to a voltage produced in response to a solid state temperature sensor located in the thermal compartment of the environmental chamber. Decoding circuitry decodes the outputs of the comparators to produce signals which control switching devices that control the direction of current through a thermoelectric heat pumping device.

Abstract: Control system in refrigerator apparatus including a freezer compartment having a quick-chilling chamber with a door for access to the interior thereof from outside the freezer compartment. There is a timer-operated fan to introduce cold air from the freezer compartment into the quick-chilling chamber and means to maintain the chamber at above-freezing temperatures after termination of fan operation. A display panel accessible to the user may be used to manually select the desired chill temperature of the item, the quantity of the item and the unit size of the item. A sensor determines the temperature of the air being introduced into the quick-chilling chamber. All of the input values are accumulated in the memory of a microcomputer and by comparing the values the microcomputer will predict when the item to be chilled will reach the desired temperature and set the timer run time accordingly. A manual switch is provided for starting the timer to run.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a rise in the temperature within a compartment of a refrigerator, above a pre-determined desired degree of temperature in the compartment. A hermetically sealed thermal responsive device is positioned within the compartment and is pre-set to close an electrical switch whenever the temperature within the compartment exceeds the pre-set temperature. The switch is in circuit with an indicating means and is normally open so long as the temperature in the compartment is below the pre-set temperature. A container positioned outside the refrigerator houses the indicating apparatus and a test switch for determining the operativeness of the system. A timer is included which indicates how long current has been flowing within the circuit to indicate how long the temperature within the compartment has exceeded the pre-set level.

Abstract: The temperature within a freezer case or refrigeration compartment is operatively determined and controlled by a control system employing a microcomputer which operatively controls a refrigeration system associated with the freezer case. A sensing element is operatively connected to the microcomputer for supplying a signal representative of the freezer compartment temperature. Temperature selector switches establish upper and lower limits of a desired range of temperatures for the freezer case and another selector switch establishes an alarm condition temperature limit. The microcomputer follows a program of comparing the compartment temperature to the upper limit, the lower limit and the alarm condition limit. During normal operation, the microcomputer also controls a refrigerant valve to regulate the compartment temperature within the desired range. If the compartment temperature elevates to the alarm condition limit, the microcomputer energizes a first alarm.

Abstract: Apparatus for freezing a slug of liquid to form an ice plug in a section of a pipeline for hydrostatic testing purposes. The ice plug is formed by transferring thermal energy from the slug of liquid through the walls of the pipeline to a cryogenic cooling fluid such as liquid nitrogen. A section of the pipeline is filled with liquid and is enclosed by an insulated housing which defines a cooling chamber. The chamber is filled with liquid nitrogen to form a pool around the pipeline. The liquid nitrogen is agitated by discharging a stream of liquid nitrogen or nitrogen vapor through the pool. Heat exchange occurs as a result of sensible heat transfer directly from the surface of the pipeline to the pool of liquid nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid nitrogen is discharged uniformly over the surface of the pipeline as the chamber is filled by means of an insulated header which forms a part of the chamber housing.

Abstract: A device for measuring the relative efficiency of a heat pump whose design efficiency increases in proportion to the outdoor temperature. Temperature sensitive diodes connected to a differential amplifier are inserted in the return air stream and supply air stream of a heat pump in order to measure the air temperature increase across the indoor coil. A third temperature sensitive diode connected to a second differential amplifier is placed outdoors in order to measure the outdoor temperature. The outputs of the first two differential amplifiers are combined and then subtracted from a fixed value signal by a third amplifier in order to produce an output which is proportional to the relative efficiency of the heat pump at the outdoor temperature.