Abstract: A refrigeration case monitoring system. In one embodiment, the refrigeration case monitoring system includes a first fiber optic cable, a second fiber optic cable, and a control system having a first sensing channel and a second sensing channel. The first fiber optic cable transmits a signal that is indicative of a refrigeration case condition. The second fiber optic cable transmits a signal that is indicative of a second refrigeration case condition. The control system receives the signals from the first and second fiber optic cables using the first and second sensing channels, processes the signals, and provides an output related to the first and second refrigeration case conditions.

Abstract: In a refrigeration device including a refrigeration circuit having a compressor and a receiver, the present invention will improve the ability of a liquid level detection circuit to accurately determine whether or not liquid refrigerant is stored up to a predetermined position of the receiver. 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.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a damper frame, at least one damper blade, an actuator and a sensor module. The damper blade(s) is/are movably attached to the damper frame to at least partially regulate air flow proximate the damper frame. The actuator is configured to control a position of the at least one damper blade. The sensor module is coupled to a first damper blade and includes a sensor device operable to determine position information regarding the position of the damper blade. The sensor module further includes a wireless communication circuit that is operable to communicate the position information to a second wireless communication circuit disposed off of or away from the damper blade.

Abstract: A method and control is provided wherein the sensors in a plurality of zones are properly associated with the dampers associated for each of the zones after installation. A technician goes to each zone and sends a signal from the sensor, and the control then makes a change at the associated damper. The technician can then ensure the two are properly associated within the control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and others, and in particular, purports to achieve a refrigerator, freezer, storage container, and cold storage which preserve the freshness of foods using the vacuum technology. An industrial refrigerator-freezer which has one or a plurality of storages and cooling means for cooling these storages comprise a hermetically sealed containers 11 installed inside the storage to refrigerate foods, exhaust means comprising an exhaust pump 19, exhaust duct 20 and others to individually exhaust air in the hermetically sealed containers 11, and a switching means installed to an operation panel 15 to turn on/off the exhaust means.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring system for thermal energy storage (TES) plants wherein a pilot ice tank (11) uses Archimedes' principle to determine the ice inventory level by measuring the resultant force (28) of the algebraic addition of the weight of the ice and the reaction of the water pushing the ice up with a force equal to the weight on the water displaced by the volume of the ice. The resultant force (28) applied on a pivoting arm (37) is transferred to a liquid filled bellow (19) and is transformed into hydraulic pressure. The instantaneous hydraulic pressure is transferred to a pressure transducer (21) which converts the hydraulic pressure into an electric current. The electric current is then sent as an electronic analog input to the central control panel (30) of the TES for analysis or display.

Abstract: A zoned HVAC system is provided with a series of dampers. A control for the dampers causes the dampers to each move between open and closed positions while monitoring a system condition. The system condition is selected to be one that should change as the damper moves between open and closed positions. If the system condition does not change as the control orders the damper to move between the open and closed positions, the particular damper is identified as a potentially faulty damper.

Abstract: An air conditioning or refrigeration system includes an expansion device that has a plurality of operating positions. When the expansion device is in a fully open position, the expansion device provides an indication to a system controller regarding that position. The controller responsively determines if the fully open position of the expansion device is caused by an undesirably low amount of refrigerant charge in the system. In one example, the controller rules out other possible reasons for the expansion device being in the fully open position. In one example, the controller automatically shuts down appropriate portions of the system to avoid any component damage that may result from having too low refrigerant amount in the system.

Abstract: A compressor is controlled by generating and storing a compressor operation log. In addition, a compressor operation is selected from the compressor operation log in response to a sensor failure. Furthermore, the compressor is modulated according to the selected compressor operation in response to the sensor failure.

Abstract: An air conditioning system cools air within an area. An air conditioner controller defines information based on input data from door and window open status sensors and a return air monitor sensing the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature or relative humidity of the air within the area being cooled by the air conditioning system and shuts down the system when specific conditions exist. The defined information is transmitted to a remote host device which retains and presents the transmitted information or information derived therefrom.

Abstract: An air conditioning system cools air within an area. An air conditioner controller defines information based on input data from door and window open status sensors and a return air monitor sensing the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature or relative humidity of the air within the area being cooled by the air conditioning system and shuts down the system when specific conditions exist. The defined information is transmitted to a remote host device which retains and presents the transmitted information or information derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid temperature control system. The method provides an evaporator, which has a discharge line, a supply line, and a evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is in fluid communication with the discharge line and the supply line. The method also provides a microprocessor, which regulates a supply of a heat absorbing fluid to the evaporator. The method further couples a sensor module to the microprocessor. The sensor module is near the evaporator, senses a temperature of a gas exiting the evaporator, and sends a temperature to the microprocessor. The method also turns off the supply of the heat absorbing fluid to the evaporator when the microprocessor determines that the temperature of the gas exiting the evaporator reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a compressor in a refrigerator, which are able to prevent an explosion of refrigerant caused by leakage of the refrigerant by supplying or blocking power source to electric devices in the refrigerator after detecting error of the compressor, comprise a temperature sensing unit for sensing inner temperature of the refrigerator, a door open sensing unit for sensing opened/closed status of the refrigerator door, an operating time measuring unit measuring operating time of the compressor, a microcomputer outputting a control signal based on the inner temperature, opened/closed status of the door and the operating time of the compressor, and a driving unit for supplying or blocking power source to all electric devices in the refrigerator based on the control signal.

Abstract: A refrigerated enclosure, for example a household refrigerator, having improved appearance and functionality by including a view panel, for example a glass window in a door of the refrigerated enclosure, a door switch, a controller, and an intermittent fan for removing moisture that condenses on the view panel. The refrigerated enclosure may also include interchangeable components, for example exterior panels, for coordinating or matching the appearance of the refrigerated enclosure to the surroundings into which the refrigerated enclosure is placed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling a logic module includes an evaporator housing including an evaporator block in thermal communication with the logic module. The evaporator housing includes a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity within the evaporator housing. The system further comprises a controller for controlling a refrigeration unit supplying cold refrigerant to the evaporator block in response to the operating conditions of the logic module and the temperature of the evaporator block. In another aspect of the invention, two modular refrigeration units are independently operable to cool the evaporator block, and each refrigeration unit is controllable in various modes of operation including an enabled mode in which it is ready to cool the evaporator and an on mode in which it is actively cooling the evaporator. In another aspect of the invention, the evaporator block and a heater on a reverse side of the circuit board are particularly controlled during concurrent repair operations.

Abstract: A control method for a motor vehicle HVAC system categorizes potentially conflicting override commands for at least one control parameter in order to assign a priority of control. Override commands are categorized as being related to occupant safety, vehicle safety or occupant comfort. Highest priority is assigned to override commands categorized as being related to occupant safety, second-highest priority is assigned to override commands categorized as being related to vehicle safety, and third-highest priority is assigned to override commands categorized as being related to occupant comfort. An HVAC controller carrying out the control method then regulates the control parameter in accordance with the override command that has been assigned the highest priority.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a plurality of storage compartments. A plurality of evaporators are each positioned in each of the storage compartments, respectively. A compressor supplies refrigerant to the evaporators through a branched refrigerant conduit. A plurality of opening/closing valves are each positioned on a refrigerant conduit upstream of each of the evaporators for selectively controlling supply of refrigerant to the evaporators. Reference compartment defining means defines as a reference storage compartment one of the storage compartments that has a relatively great load. Control means controls starting of the compressor depending on a change of a temperature of the reference storage compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air circulation system of a refrigerator in a side-by-side refrigerator. The air circulation system ejects a cold air into a refrigerator compartment asymmetrically from right and left side walls to form a vortex thereby enhancing the ability of uniform cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a compressor in a refrigerator, which are able to prevent an explosion of refrigerant caused by leakage of the refrigerant by supplying or blocking power source to electric devices in the refrigerator after detecting error of the compressor, comprise a temperature sensing unit for sensing inner temperature of the refrigerator, a door open sensing unit for sensing opened/closed status of the refrigerator door, an operating time measuring unit measuring operating time of the compressor, a microcomputer outputting a control signal based on the inner temperature, opened/closed status of the door and the operating time of the compressor, and a driving unit for supplying or blocking power source to all electric devices in the refrigerator based on the control signal.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling a logic module includes an evaporator housing including an evaporator block in thermal communication with the logic module. The evaporator housing includes a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity within the evaporator housing. The system further comprises a controller for controlling a refrigeration unit supplying cold refrigerant to the evaporator block in response to the operating conditions of the logic module and the temperature of the evaporator block. In another aspect of the invention, two modular refrigeration units are independently operable to cool the evaporator block, and each refrigeration unit is controllable in various modes of operation including an enabled mode in which it is ready to cool the o evaporator and an on mode in which it is actively cooling the evaporator. In another aspect of the invention, the evaporator block and a heater on a reverse side of the circuit board are particularly controlled during concurrent repair operations.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises an ultraviolet discharging lamp, for irradiating ultraviolet rays to an air duct inside the refrigerator, and irradiating a visible light to a cold storage compartment of the refrigerator; a light catalyst filter, installed in the air duct and activated by the ultraviolet rays; a fan for forming an air curtain when a door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp when the door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened. In addition, the refrigerator can further comprise an operating device for setting or disabling an antimicrobial mode of the refrigerator; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp for a preset interval, and turning off the ultraviolet discharging lamp when a door of the refrigerator is opened, when the antimicrobial mode is disabled.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a cooling system includes producing a control signal for adjusting a valve position of a regulator valve as a demand for cooling, as well as providing an ambient temperature measurement, coil inlet temperature measurement, and coil exit temperature measurement. The valve position and at least one of the ambient temperature measurement, coil inlet temperature measurement, and coil exit temperature measurement are monitored and compared with at least one predetermined fault value indicative of a fault condition to diagnose the system. An alert module responsive to the diagnostic module issues an alert signal when at least one of the ambient temperature measurement, coil inlet temperature measurement, and coil exit temperature measurement bears a predetermined relationship to the fault value. When monitoring and comparing, an error value percentage indicative of a percentage of sampled error within an accepted offset range for a defined period of time is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power-saving apparatus and method for a display portion of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a power-saving apparatus and method for a display portion of a refrigerator in which brightness of the display portion is controlled only when a user utilizes the refrigerator. That is, the present invention aims to monitor whether the user utilizes the refrigerator and to control the brightness of the display portion of the refrigerator such that the display portion can be kept bright only when the user utilizes the refrigerator. To this end, the present invention is characterized in that whether the user utilizes the refrigerator or remains in the vicinity of the refrigerator is determined by using operating signals of function keys inputted by the user, a door switch, an infrared sensor and the like. Further, it is characterized in that the operation of a backlight portion is controlled in response to the result of the determination.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises an ultraviolet discharging lamp, for irradiating ultraviolet rays to an air duct inside the refrigerator, and irradiating a visible light to a cold storage compartment of the refrigerator; a light catalyst filter, installed in the air duct and activated by the ultraviolet rays; a fan for forming an air curtain when a door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp when the door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened. In addition, the refrigerator can further comprise an operating device for setting or disabling an antimicrobial mode of the refrigerator; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp for a preset interval, and turning off the ultraviolet discharging lamp when a door of the refrigerator is opened, when the antimicrobial mode is disabled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient means for delivery personnel to deliver refrigerated goods to a building without having to wait until the building owner is home. The invention provides a dual-access insulated cabinet installable into the exterior wall of a home, with outside and inside doors. Both outside and inside doors contain lockable mechanisms for securing the doors. The insulated cabinet includes a main compartment for storing items to be frozen, an interior compartment for inserting into the wall of a building, and a cooling apparatus connected to the main compartment for selectively cooling the insulated cabinet to a selected temperature. An optional indicator light is inside whereby the light turns on when a delivery of refrigerated goods is made through the outside door of the invention. The indicator light then resets to the off state when the resident of the building opens the inside door of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid temperature control system. The method provides an evaporator, which has a discharge line, a supply line, and a evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is in fluid communication with the discharge line and the supply line. The method also provides a microprocessor, which regulates a supply of a heat absorbing fluid to the evaporator. The method further couples a sensor module to the microprocessor. The sensor module is near the evaporator, senses a temperature of a gas exiting the evaporator, and sends a temperature to the microprocessor. The method also turns off the supply of the heat absorbing fluid to the evaporator when the microprocessor determines that the temperature of the gas exiting the evaporator reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air circulation system of a refrigerator in a side-by-side refrigerator. The air circulation system ejects a cold air into a refrigerator compartment asymmetrically from right and left side walls to form a vortex thereby enhancing the ability of uniform cooling.

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: Apparatus for detecting low charge of a working fluid in a heat transfer system of the type having a fluid circuit comprising a compressor for pressurizing working fluid received from an evaporator, a condenser and condenser fan for cooling the working fluid received from the compressor, and an expansion device for controlling flow of the working fluid between the condenser and the evaporator, the apparatus comprising: a working fluid state sensor operative in response to a control signal and disposed in the fluid circuit on the outlet side of the evaporator to produce a working fluid state signal; and a control circuit for providing the control signal to the sensor and for controlling operation of the heat transfer system based on a comparison of the working fluid state signal with a state set point; the control circuit detecting a low charge condition of the working fluid when the state signal indicates the working fluid superheat exceeds a first predetermined threshold over a first predetermined time with

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a system and method for electronically controlling the refrigeration and/or heating of the product storage compartment in a vending machine. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the product storage compartment, and a door sensor for sensing whether the door is open or closed. The control method includes the steps of activating a defrost mode, which is a timed period with no heating or cooling activity, when the door to the vending apparatus is open. The defrost mode is also activated whenever the cooling element has been running continuously for several hours. Further, the control method includes a step of cycling the cooling element “on” whenever a predetermined high temperature is reached. When the cooling element is “off” for more than 6 hours and the predetermined high temperature has not been reached, the heater is turned “on” to prevent the products in the vending machine from freezing.

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: Food Storage and Preservation System with a plurality of food storage containers each with a gasketed door, each the food storage container having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, the air outlet port terminating in a solenoid valve and a vacuum limit switch, a central air treatment module in a housing, the air treatment module consisting of a vacuum pump, an ozone generator, a microprocessor and a power supply, a wire and hose harness set, said wire and harness set capable of connecting said food storage container to said air treatment module, a switch sensor that activates when said container door opens or closes, a sliding food holding tray that resides inside said food storage container, a food storage and preservation system that, when the user closes said door, first ozonates the interior of said container and then evacuates the air from said container as controlled by said microprocessor, said evacuation automatically maintained by the monitoring of said vacuum limit switch, said air treatment

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: An apparatus for monitoring, indicating and controlling conditions of a refrigeration system having a refrigerated compartment, a door for accessing the refrigerated compartment, an interior light source for illuminating the interior of the compartment and a fan and coolant valve arrangement for refrigerating the compartment comprising. The apparatus includes a door switch and a microprocessor for controlling an interior light source, an audible alarm, a visual alarm and the refrigeration system. The microprocessor includes manually adjustable timing algorithms for activating and deactivating these elements after a predetermined delay. User selectable switches for setting the desired functional operation of the apparatus and a manually depressible panic button are also provided.

Abstract: An improved control lever for generating a level sound which enables audible control of the control lever without looking at the control lever during the operation of a vehicle by generating a predetermined level sound in accordance with the position of the control lever, which includes a lever body hinged to a base and rotated within a predetermined operational range for controlling the operation of an apparatus, and a sound generating member for generating a predetermined different sound based on the position of the lever body within the operational range thereof.

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: An improved performance and cost-effective control for an automatic motor vehicle HVAC system in which the system variables are controlled without regard to a measured in-car temperature during steady-state conditions, and in which the steady-state control is modified during transient conditions by a time-dependent open-loop compensation term, INCAR. The initial value of INCAR, a target value and a time rate of change are initialized as a function of environmental and system conditions at the onset of the transient condition. At ignition key-on, INCAR is initialized in accordance with an estimate of the in-car temperature, and exponentially adjusted toward a predetermined reference temperature (target), such as 75°, at a rate determined by the initial temperature, preferably with adjustments being made for door opening and closing.

Abstract: The present invention is a pretrip routine for testing a refrigeration system comprising a series of tests for testing aspects of mechanical operation of various individual components of the refrigeration system. In a preferred embodiment, a control unit executes the method of the invention by first testing mechanical operation of a refrigeration system compressor, then tests for leaks in high-to-low-side valves of a refrigeration system, before testing for leaks in a discharge test valve. A control unit may also test the opening/closing operation of various refrigeration system valves before, intermediate or subsequent to executing the above tests. The pretrip routine of the invention validates operation of a refrigeration system as a whole by testing the mechanical operation of individual system component, and, in testing the operation of those various system components, readily isolates the source of a particular problem within a particular component of a refrigeration system.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a system and method for electronically controlling the refrigeration and/or heating of the product storage compartment in a vending machine. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the product storage compartment, and a door sensor for sensing whether the door is open or closed. The control method includes the steps of activating a defrost mode, which is a timed period with no heating or cooling activity, when the door to the vending apparatus is open. The defrost mode is also activated whenever the cooling element has been running continuously for several hours. Further, the control method includes a step of cycling the cooling element “on” whenever a predetermined high temperature is reached. When the cooling element is “off” for more than 6 hours and the predetermined high temperature has not been reached, the heater is turned “on” to prevent the products in the vending machine from freezing.

Abstract: A method for the automated detection of leaks between the high and low-pressure sides of a refrigeration system is provided. A large pressure difference is created between the high pressure side and low-pressure side. By measuring and comparing system pressures at different times, the operational condition of valves which connect the high pressure side to the low-pressure side is accurately determined. By accurately determining that these valves are operating correctly, and in particular that no leaks exist in the valves, reports of false failures are prevented, while the reduction in the refrigeration system's capacity to heat or cool is prevented.

Abstract: A device for controlling an HVAC system in which opening a door or window for more than a shutdown delay period causes the fan and compressor to be deactivated, but opening and closing the door or window for less than the shutdown delay period does not affect the fan and compressor. Reactivation of the compressor is delayed for a startup delay, in order to avoid overcycling of the compressor and the additional wear and tear and maintenance that would be caused thereby. Preferably, the door/window sensors are wireless for ease of installation and maintenance. Optionally, an occupancy sensor and occupancy timer are provided to turn off the system if the room is unoccupied for an unoccupied delay time. Optionally, a secondary thermostat with energy saving settings is provided so that if the room is unoccupied for the occupancy delay, then instead of being shut off, the HVAC system will be operated at energy saving settings.

Abstract: A fan suitable for use in a refrigerator includes a motor frame having a bracket insertion hole, a bracket including a cylindrical portion fitted into the bracket insertion hole so as to project from the motor frame and a bearing, a stator including a stator core, a stator coil wound on the stator core, and a molded layer molded from a synthetic resin so as to cover the stator core and the stator coil, the stator being disposed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion projecting from the bracket insertion hole so as to be supported by the cylindrical portion and the motor frame, a rotor including a rotational shaft inserted into the cylindrical portion so as to be rotatably mounted via the bearing on the bracket and having both ends, a rotor yoke disposed on one end of the shaft opposite to the motor frame so as to cover the stator, and a rotor magnet disposed on an inner circumferential face of the rotor yoke so as to be opposed to an outer circumferential face of the stator core with a gap between t

Abstract: A control system for mobile air conditioning systems for controlling the rate at which the system compressor or clutch is cycled between operational and decreased refrigerant flow, by selectively controlling the response time of certain system control signals to flow demand changes including de-icing control, from interactions between de-icing control and flow control valves, as well as system overall control. Upon the detection of an icing condition, the response of the control system is delayed to a degree to control the rate at which the capacity of the compressor can be cycled with in design limits. The delay feature allows the differential used in differentiating between icing and non-icing conditions to be significantly reduced over that required in the prior art and thereby improving the performance of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A control system for mobile air conditioning systems for controlling the rate at which the system compressor or clutch is cycled between operational and decreased refrigerant flow, by selectively controlling the response time of certain system control signals to flow demand changes including de-icing control, from interactions between de-icing control and flow control valves, as well as system overall control. Upon the detection of an icing condition, the response of the control system is delayed to a degree to control the rate at which the capacity of the compressor can be cycled with in design limits. The delay feature allows the differential used in differentiating between icing and non-icing conditions to be significantly reduced over that required in the prior art and thereby improving the performance of the air conditioning system. Icing conditions, or the likelihood thereof, can be determined by sensing the condition of the refrigerant flow from the evaporator.

Abstract: A thermostat for control of an AC-operated HVAC unit (or a unit providing only heating or only cooling) is provided with load activation detection sensing for increased reliability of latching relay activation. The thermostat includes a sensing transformer in series with the heating or cooling load (or both, if both are in the system), so that, when activation of the load is called for by the thermostat, current flows in a primary winding of the transformer, inducing a current in the secondary winding. A voltage derived from the current in the secondary winding is sensed by the thermostat controller and used to determine whether the heating or cooling load has been properly activated or deactivated. Sensing of the AC power source in the HVAC unit may also be provided, so that the controller can confirm that the absence of the voltage derived from the current in the secondary winding is actually due to the state of the latching relays rather than to a failure of the AC power source.

Abstract: A reference temperature of the cooler is set which is required to moderate an interior temperature of the refrigerator. During a defrosting mode, if a door is opened, then a control part switches on an air curtain fan if a temperature of a cooler is lower than the reference temperature, or switches it off if it is not lower. The control part switches off the air curtain fan when the door is closed. Meanwhile, during the defrosting mode, if the door is closed, then the control part switches on the air curtain fan if the temperature of the cooler is lower than the reference temperature in a heating state, or switches it off if it is not lower. The air curtain fan is also switched off if it is not in a heating state. Thus, the air curtain fan is driven depending on interior and exterior conditions during a defrosting operation of the refrigerator. Thereby, refrigerating efficiency as well as defrosting efficiency are increased.

Abstract: To provide a refrigerator capable of uniforming the temperature in the refrigerator by rapidly lowering the temperature at the door side of the refrigerator when the temperature rises by opening and closing a refrigerator door. Therefore, a cold air channel 18 is provided for the side of a refrigerator 6 separately from a cold air channel 11 at the back of the refrigerator 6 to control the amount of cold air supplied from side cold-air blowoff ports 23 by a side temperature sensor 20 and a side temperature damper 19.

Abstract: An air-mix door control device for an automobile air-conditioning system home-position-sets the air-mix door for the full-hot position or the full-cool position when it is necessary to control an air-mix door for a new target opening position other than a full-hot position or a full-cool position under a condition that an opening position detecting unit for detecting an opening position of the air-mix door causes a trouble. Also, the air-mix door control device calculates a reverse drive time required for reversely driving the air-mix door from the home-position-set position to the new target opening position so as to correct a time error derived from a torque variation of an air-mix door motor actuator due to a battery voltage. Thus, the air-mix door control device reversely drives the air-mix door according to the reverse drive time and controls the air-mix door for the new target opening position.