Abstract: A method is provided of determining windshield fog secondary for automatically controlling a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of determining whether rain is occurring on a windshield of a vehicle, determining a windshield parameter as a function of the rain occurring and determining a temperature difference based on temperature within a cabin of the vehicle and ambient temperature. The method also includes the steps of determining a fog boundary based on the windshield parameter and temperature difference, determining a relative humidity based on the windshield parameter and the temperature difference and fog boundary and determining a fog probability based on the fog boundary relative humidity and a nominal base relative humidity for rain conditions. The method further includes the steps of determining anti-fog actions to be taken based on the fog probability and taking the anti-fog actions determined to control the HVAC system.

Abstract: In a method for the control of the switching on behavior of an air conditioning system having a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion device and a compressor, the stroke of which can be set via a valve, the compressor is driven by a drive via a clutch. The imminent or already accomplished engagement of the clutch is detected as an event by an electronic control system of the air conditioning system. In the method the valve for the control of the stroke of the compressor is actuated in dependence on the event by the control system in order to minimize the torque fluctuations transmitted to the drive.

Abstract: A motor vehicle air conditioner control system that maintains a target cooling vent temperature without sacrificing vehicle engine performance. When a vehicle air conditioning compressor increases to above a predetermined speed and the vehicle engine driving force increases, such as during a period of engine acceleration, compressor cooling capacity becomes saturated and does not increase. When the speed of the compressor rises to a predetermined value and the compressor assumes a high-speed state, thereafter, while the compressor is in the high-speed state, operation of the compressor is controlled so as to sustain the vent-air temperature of an evaporator determined at a time when the high-speed state has been assumed. As a result, the amount of increase of the driving force due to this compressor speed increase is suppressed by reducing the volume of the compressor, thereby resulting in power savings while securing substantially maximum cooling capacity.

Abstract: A method of initializing an in-car temperature sensor for a climate control system on a vehicle includes the steps of determining if a predetermined condition for initializing the in-car temperature sensor is satisfied and using an actual in-car temperature sensor output if the predetermined condition for initializing the in-car temperature sensor is not satisfied, and initializing the in-car temperature sensor output with an ignition-off in-car temperature sensor value if the predetermined condition for initializing the in-car temperature sensor is satisfied. The method also includes the steps of determining if a predetermined condition indicating not to use the initialized in-car temperature sensor output is satisfied and using an actual in-car temperature sensor output if the predetermined condition.

Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device includes a control system for saving fuel consumed to drive the device and for enhancing comfortability of passengers at the same time. The air-conditioning device is operated under a cooling mode emphasizing comfortability or under an economy mode emphasizing fuel economy. Under the cooling mode, the device is controlled in a lower temperature range. Under the economy mode, the device is controlled in an intermediate temperature range to secure comfortability when cooling-down is required, and in a higher temperature range to save fuel after the cooling-down has been completed. Information on vehicle speed may be used in the control under the economy mode. The device may be turned off or controlled in a higher temperature range to save fuel, especially when the vehicle comes to a halt.

Abstract: A process provides vehicle-air-conditioning-influencing outside temperature information for an outside-temperature-dependent air conditioning of a motor vehicle interior, in the case of which the outside temperature is sensed continuously and the air-conditioning-influencing outside temperature information is obtained from the pertaining sensor signal. During hold phases which are triggered when a defined starting condition occurs, the air-conditioning-influencing outside temperature information is held at its temperature value when the sensed outside temperature value rises or stays the same. The hold phase starting condition consists of the fact that the vehicle speed is lower than a definable speed threshold value and the temperature of the motor vehicle driving engine or of a coolant for the driving engine is higher than a definable engine temperature threshold value or coolant temperature threshold value.

Abstract: An improved control method for an electronically controlled variable displacement refrigerant compressor, where the control has normal and high speed displacement control modes, with smooth transitions between such control modes. The displacement control mechanism is in the form of a solenoid valve, and the valve is pulse-width-modulated (PWM) at a variable duty cycle to regulate displacement of the compressor. When the compressor is operating in a normal speed range, a first control mode determines a normal PWM duty cycle to satisfy cooling demand; when the compressor is operating in a high speed range, a second control mode determines an alternate PWM duty cycle based on compressor speed. The solenoid valve is operated in accordance with the duty cycle corresponding to the lower displacement. A smooth transition from the normal control mode to the high speed control mode is achieved by scheduling the alternate duty cycle as a function of compressor speed.

Abstract: An idle speed control system for an internal combustion engine comprises a discharge pressure sensor to detect a discharge pressure of a compressor of an air conditioner, a predicted discharge pressure calculating section to predict a discharge pressure under a condition wherein the air conditioner is steady and ON based on a discharge pressure memorized when the air conditioner was OFF. During a predetermined period after an air conditioner switch turns ON, a control unit calculates a torque correction quantity based on the predicted discharge pressure and after the predetermined period calculates the torque correction quantity based on the actual current detected discharge pressure. Moreover, when the air conditioner switch turns "from ON to OFF" and "from OFF to ON" for a short period, the control unit calculates the torque correction quantity based on a previous actual discharge pressure obtained when the air conditioner switch was ON, instead of on the predicted discharge pressure.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle includes an air conditioning case for forming an air passage through which air is blown into a passenger compartment. In the air conditioning apparatus, during a cooling mode for cooling a passenger compartment, an inside/outside air introduction mode is switched from an inside/outside air-mixing mode where both inside air and outside air are introduced into the air conditioning case to an entire outside air mode where only outside air is introduced into the air conditioning case, when an engine of the vehicle is stopped and the cooling load is smaller than a predetermined cooling load. Therefore, air-suction noise from an inside air introduction port is not caused, and the air-suction noise is not noted by a passenger in the passenger compartment even when the engine is stopped. Thus, noise of the air conditioning apparatus in the passenger compartment can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle to prevent fogging of a windshield of the automotive vehicle is provided. The method and system include a determination of whether the vehicle has been recently turned "off", and upon determining the vehicle has been recently turned "off", commanding the HVAC system to a floor mode.

Abstract: In order to effectively perform on/off control for an air-conditioning system carried on an automobile during idling operation of the automobile, if a state, in which a difference between a target idling number of revolution and a net idling number of revolution is larger than a preset difference value, is continued for a preset period of time, then an electromagnetic clutch is disconnected, and a compressor is allowed to be in an operation stop state. After that, if the difference is smaller than the preset difference value, and a state, in which the difference is smaller than the preset difference value, is continued for a preset period of time, then the electromagnetic clutch is connected, and the compressor is restored to be in an operating state. By doing so, it is possible to previously avoid the occurrence of vibration of the vehicle body due to vibration of the engine, and the occurrence of booming noise in the vehicle's cabin caused by the vibration.

Abstract: A cooling system for an automotive vehicle of the type having a radiator through which a coolant fluid flows includes a fan motor for driving a fan which moves air through the radiator; an alternator for supplying an output voltage to the fan motor; and a voltage regulator which selectively excites the alternator's field winding in response to a control signal, determined on the basis of at least one operational parameter of the vehicle indicative of the cooling requirements of the engine which powers the vehicle to control the output voltage of the alternator, thereby controlling the speed of the fan motor.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle air conditioner, unpleasant compressor noise is reduced after issuance of an instruction to stop the operation of the air conditioner. An air conditioner controller calculates a delay time T1 from a map stored in a microcomputer in advance when an air conditioning switch or a blower switch is turned off and initializes a built-in timer to start counting. Thereafter, the speed of rotation of the coolant compressor (the speed of rotation of an electric motor) is decreased at the maximum rate of change of the speed of rotation through an inverter until the calculated delay time T1 passes. After the delay time T1 passes (after the counting by the timer terminates), the coolant compressor is stopped. The delay time T1 recorded in the map is set such that it becomes shorter with a decrease in the blower level.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle is composed of a control unit which controls an air switching door, an element for detecting a clean-air level of the outside air and a vehicle speed sensor. The control unit controls the air-switching door to set to the outside-air mode when the clean-air level is higher than a reference level and to the inside-air mode when the clean-air level is not higher than the reference level. The control unit holds the inside-air mode until the vehicle speed becomes higher than a predetermined speed irrespective of the clean-air level.

Abstract: When the vehicle stops, a target blowout temperature, a temperature after evaporator, and a predetermined temperature which has been preset are compared with each other. Accordingly, when it is judged that cooling capacity is maintained, a "start engine" demand is not outputted. When it is judged that cooling capacity is not obtained, a "start engine" demand is outputted. After a "start engine" demand has been outputted, even when cooling capacity is maintained, an engine is not stopped. As a result, fuel wastage and annoyance causing to passengers by the engine that keeps on starting up when the vehicle stops can be prevented.

Abstract: A protecting device for a car air conditioner includes a timer for timing a period of the rise in the level of a rotation signal delivered from a rotation sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a compressor with the signal being distinguished from noise. On the basis of the obtained period, a judgment is made as to whether rotation of the compressor is in an abnormal state. An electromagnetic clutch between the compressor and a car engine is controlled on the basis of the judgment. The protecting device is mounted on a housing of the compressor with the rotation sensor so that wiring is executed only in an engine room. The protecting device includes a state holding device for memorizing the abnormal state of the rotation of the compressor. The air conditioner can restart on condition that a conscious operation is performed to reset the state holding device.

Abstract: An automobile air-conditioning apparatus in which the compressor torque of a variable capacity refrigerant compressor is estimated with improved accuracy. The compressor torque is measured on the basis of (1) high-side pressure of the refrigerating circuit directly influencing the compressor torque and (2) a control current value directly controlling the compressor. The accurately estimated compressor torque is then used to stabilize the speed of the vehicle engine driving the compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine has a first system for carrying out a first cycle, which includes a compressor driven by the engine, a main condenser, a first sub-condenser and an evaporator which are connected through pipes to form a first refrigerant circulation circuit through which a refrigerant flows from an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the same while changing its phase, the first cycle causing the first sub-condenser as a heater and the evaporator as a cooler when operated. The air conditioning system has further a second system for carrying out a second cycle, which includes the compressor and a second sub-condenser which are connected through pipes to form a second refrigerant circulation circuit through which the refrigerant flows from the outlet of the compressor to the inlet of the same while changing its phase, the second cycle causing the second sub-condenser as a heater when operated.

Abstract: A method of drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The method comprises first determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If these two conditions are met, the blower of the vehicle's air conditioning system is operated on a predetermined time schedule to draw air through the heat exchanger and through the air conditioning duct work to dry condensate from the heat exchanger and from interior surfaces of the duct work. In this way, the growth of fungus and bacteria that cause odor is thwarted.

Abstract: A method for controlling a compressor of a motor vehicle air conditioner that is designed for variable power draw and is driveable by the vehicle drive. The power draw of the compressor is subject to an upper limit that is set variably as a function of the difference between the maximum drive torque that the vehicle drive can deliver and the drive torque that is required to drive the vehicle. During a vehicle acceleration maneuver, the air conditioning power of the air conditioner is reduced only to the degree required to reach the desired acceleration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronics device for use with a refrigerator/freezer for controlling the dispensing of ice cubes by an ice auger through a door flap when a cradle is pressed. The electronics device comprises a solenoid in operative connection with the door flap, and the solenoid is powerably connectable to a 120 Volt AC line power source. The electronics device also comprises a relay switch controlled by two NPN bipolar transistors in a Darlington configuration which are in parallel connection with a diode and a capacitor. The relay switch is also connected to the power source and connects the power source to the solenoid when the cradle is pressed causing the door flap to open. The power source powers the ice auger to dispense ice cubes through the door flap, and the capacitor causes the transistors to be biased on while the capacitor is charged to a voltage greater than a voltage of the diode.

Abstract: A fluid flow control mechanism for use in a refrigerant circuit of vehicle has a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator connected to each other in series. The fluid control mechanism includes a passageway control device having an actuating chamber therein and controlling to change the size of an opening of the inlet of the compressor in response to a pressure difference between the inlet of the compressor and the actuating chamber. A valve control device connects the actuating chamber of the passageway control device with the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the compressor to minimize a pressure difference between the inlet of the compressor and the actuating chamber when the vehicle accelerates. The fluid flow control mechanism reduces the excessive load on the compressor caused by the vehicle accelerating while simultaneously preventing torque shock when the compressor is started.

Abstract: An exhaust gas detoxifying system includes a catalytic converter in the exhaust system of an engine to detoxify exhaust gas. An air conditioner includes a compressor which is driven by the engine, and it performs air conditioning of the vehicle interior based on a refrigeration cycle. The operation of the air conditioner compressor is restricted depending on the degree of necessity of air conditioning, which is calculated from the difference between a vehicle interior temperature and a target temperature, if the catalytic converter exhaust gas detoxification performance is expected to deteriorate during accelerating or heavy-load operations of the engine.

Abstract: A climate control device for a cooling compressor operated by a driving means. The climate control device including a control device for operating the cooling compressor at a compressor speed associated with a speed of the driving means and a connection device operatively connecting the cooling compressor and the driving means. The connection device comprises a viscous coupling including a drive-side element with a work chamber and a reserve chamber in which the filling level ratios of viscous fluid in the chambers are controlled in accordance with preset values from the control device. In addition, the connection device also includes a belt disposed about the drive-side element and driven by the driving means so as to rotate the drive-side element. A driven-side element operatively connected to said drive-side element by the work chamber and in transmitting connection with an input element of the cooling compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioner compressor clutch control that senses operator demands for acceleration from low vehicle speeds and several other variables, to release the engagement of the clutch for a period of time that is dependent on vehicle speed, throttle position or a maximum time period.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle is provided which is designed to enrich an air-fuel mixture when an engine load is varied by use of an air conditioner installed in the vehicle for ensuring optimum emission control. The air-fuel ratio control system includes an air conditioner condition determining unit which determines drive torque of an air conditioner compressor as a parameter indicative of a variation in engine load and modifies an air-fuel ratio to the rich side according to an increase in drive torque of the air conditioner compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioner control unit performs air conditioner malfunction detection when it detects idle control malfunctions no less than three times in the engine control unit. For example, it detects whether an evaporator downstream temperature is within a second predetermined range which is computed based on a theoretical value. If such temperature is not within the second predetermined range, the air conditioner control unit determines that there is a malfunction in the air conditioner. Moreover, if it is determined that there is a malfunction in the air conditioner, the air conditioner control unit determines if such malfunction affects emissions or fuel consumption. Then, based on the result of such determination, the engine control unit executes malfunction display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle air conditioning system including a condenser, condenser fan, a variable expansion device, an evaporator, evaporator fan, and a compressor. A processor is provided in cooperation with the compressor for temporarily interrupting compressor operation under certain predetermined operating conditions in order to prevent sticking of the variable expansion device. Various algorithms and initial algorithm engagement parameters are provided for temporarily interrupting compressor operation under certain predetermined operating conditions.

Abstract: In an air conditioner according to the present invention, the first and second electromagnetic valves are disposed at the outlet port and the inlet port of the condenser, which is disposed at a position away from the passenger compartment and may be easily damaged by the outer force when the vehicle collides. The first and second electromagnetic valves are closed when the outer force applied to the vehicle is equal to a predetermined value or more. In this way, an amount of leaking refrigerant is as much as the amount accumulated in the air conditioning devices at most, thus making it possible to reduce the leakage of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A system for vehicle climate control comprises a number of sensors probing the speed of the vehicle, the position of climate temperature unit and mode doors, the speed of the fan, ambient and interior temperature, and airflow setting. In a body controller, the probed data are correlated to look-up table values to keep the airflow volume constant and to decrease voltage applied to a fan motor when the speed of the vehicle increases. A method of practicing the climate control implemented in the system comprises a sequence of steps providing sensing a number of parameters, defining and storing in a controller memory a data characterizing relationship between the speed of the vehicle and the other parameters of the system, and correlating the sensed and stored data to maintain the airflow volume substantially constant.

Abstract: A control system for the use of the main engine of a vehicle as a heat source in maintaining the temperature of an operator compartment. The system is manually enabled subject to multiple criteria, the temperature in the operator compartment is monitored, and signals for the desired operator compartment temperature within an about plus or minus 10 degrees control range are produced. The main engine of the vehicle is enabled to start and run by all standard safety features and with a fuel flow controlled idle power output. Cycling through the starting and stopping of the engine is accomplished in response only to the temperature monitor signals. Disconnect of the operator compartment temperature control is accomplished manually by the operator, usually by actuating the operator controls.

Abstract: An engine cooling fan control system includes a vehicle speed sensor, a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of refrigerant provided to a refrigerant condenser forming part of the vehicle air conditioning system and a controller responsive to the vehicle speed and refrigerant pressure signals to operate an engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan is activated continuously while vehicle speed is below a first speed threshold if the refrigerant pressure exceeds a first pressure. While the vehicle speed is above the first speed threshold, but below a second speed threshold, the engine cooling fan is activated for a predetermined duration if the refrigerant pressure is above the first pressure. Finally, while the vehicle speed is above the second speed threshold, the engine cooling fan is activated in response to the refrigerant pressure exceeding the first pressure and deactivated in response to the refrigerant pressure falling below a second lower pressure.

Abstract: If an engine is stopped with a switch of an air-conditioner being on, such state is memorized. When the engine is started after dead soak, a compressor is driven automatically until a crank shaft has driven several revolutions to discharge liquid refrigerant from the compressor without liquid-compressing noise. When the engine starts, the compressor is deactivated until the air-conditioner switch is turned on by a driver.

Abstract: An automotive acceleration-horsepower control is provided that consists of a single chip vacuum detection transducer, a comparison circuit, a timing circuit, and an amplification circuit. The vacuum detection transducer detects variations in the intake manifold vacuum and converts the detected vacuum into a voltage signal and sends the signal to the comparison circuit for comparing it with a reference voltage. When the voltage signal is found higher than the reference voltage, an actuating signal is sent by the comparison circuit to the timing circuit which further outputs a delay voltage. The delay voltage is amplified by the amplification circuit to drive a relay to disconnect the air-conditioning compressor of car for a set time at the instant of acceleration and thereby reduces the load of engine.

Abstract: A system for providing a supply of air to the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the system comprising ducting for supplying air to a vehicle passenger compartment, a blower for propelling air through the ducting, a heat supply for supplying heat to the air, an evaporator for cooling the air, a vehicle speed detector, and a control unit for controlling the speed of the blower, and an engine sensor which produces a signal indicative of whether the vehicle engine is running, wherein the control unit is arranged to limit the blower speed to a predetermined level if the blower has been operating for a predetermined period while the vehicle speed is below a predetermined level, and to control the system in various other ways.

Abstract: The device eliminates water droplets from adhering to an evaporator of an automotive air conditioner after the vehicle as been shut off or stopped. In order to park a vehicle, a vehicle driver switches off an ignition switch device, which also switches off an accessory switch, unfastens a seatbelt, and exits the vehicle. Thereupon, after switching off of the accessory switch, when time t elapses, a control circuit sequentially executes a series of steps to recognize the parked state from the three conditions of switching off of a seatbelt switch, a no-rider signal of a rider sensor, and switching off of a door-lock switch. Thereupon, the control circuit announces operation of a blower by means of a notification device, then sets various dampers so as to enable an inner air intake mode, heater core bypass mode, and face mode, and operates the blower at high. Thereupon, water droplets adhering to an evaporator are blown away and removed by means of blown air from this blower.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner shutoff system that disengages the air conditioner compressor when the value of a parameter indicative of the vehicle's performance is below a certain variable threshold. The threshold varies as a continuous function of accelerator pedal position or throttle valve position. In addition, the air conditioner fan may also be controlled by the air conditioner shutoff system of the present invention. Further, the air conditioner shutoff system of the present invention may act to shut off the air conditioner when the engine is overheated or when the engine has not yet warmed up or stabilized. Additionally, the vehicle operator can modify the value of the variable threshold for the performance indicating parameter, and entirely override the air conditioning shutoff system.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily shutting off electric power to an air conditioning compressor of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a fixture having bent and upwardly extending sides that form a seat adapted to receive a portion of a tube. A piston is slidably received in the tube and has a rod securely attached to one end thereof. A linking rod is secured to the opposite side of the piston, and a spring plate of a microswitch is connected to the linking rod for turning the microswitch on and off. When the microswitch is turned off, an air conditioning compressor is no longer supplied with electric power. A central processing unit is connected to the microswitch and has a counter to count the shut off time of the electric power supplied to a compressor, and to resume the supply of electric power to the air conditioning compressor when a preset time has elapsed.

Abstract: The invention prevents the temperature of supplied air from being decreased by a defrosting operation when a vehicle is in operation. During the heating operation, it is judged whether the vehicle is in operation. When the vehicle is in operation, it is judged whether an external heat exchanger is frosted or not relying upon the external air temperature, temperature of the external heat exchanger (coolant) and the time of heating operation. When it is judged that frost is formed, the rotational speed of the compressor is increased to increase the ability to supplying the coolant, to maintain heating ability and to prevent the drop of temperature of the supplied air. When the frost is formed after the operation of the vehicle has been finished, it is judged whether the secondary batteries are being charged or not, i.e., whether the charging circuit of the secondary batteries is connected to the external power source for charging or not.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with an air-conditioning system which contains an environmentally compatible, non-flammable and non-toxic circulating medium. In order to avoid any risk to the vehicle occupants in a vehicle crash as a result of fire breaking out, it is proposed that the circulating medium be used as an extinguishing medium in the event of a fire breaking out on the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A power separating apparatus in an automobile comprises first detecting means for generating a first electric signal having a predetermined voltage level when an engine is actuated, second detecting means for generating a second electric signal having a predetermined voltage level when a rotated device is not actuated, determining means for generating a failure signal indicating a failure of the rotated device depending upon a condition of logical product of the first electric signal and the second electric signal when the rotated device should be actuated, and means for controlling an electromagnetic clutch to separate the rotated device from the driving belt on the basis of the failure signal.

Abstract: The electric motor vehicle of this invention is an electric motor vehicle which is provided with a drive motor (13) driven by electric power from a storage battery (11), an air conditioner (1), and a regenerative brake means which temporarily uses the motor (13) as a generator when decelerating the vehicle to generate regenerative electric power and to charge the storage battery (11). It is further provided with an excess regenerative electric power judging means (18) for judging excess regenerative electrical energy based on regenerative electrical energy by the regenerative brake and allowable regenerative electrical energy of the storage battery at that time, and an electric power distribution means (14) for distributing the excess regenerative electric power based on the excess regenerative electrical energy.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid clutch device for controlling transmission of motive power of a vehicular engine to accessory equipment such as an oil pump for a power steering mechanism or an air compressor for an air conditioner. The clutch device includes first and second members arranged for relative rotation about a common axis. The first member is operated by the vehicular engine while the second member is constructed to operate the accessory equipment. The first and second members are accommodated in a hermetically sealed clutch casing which is filled with an electroviscous fluid. A source of high voltage potential is provided for applying a voltage to the electroviscous fluid, and various units for generating information regarding driving of the accessory equipment are also used.

Abstract: A system for preventing fogging in air conditioning systems is disclosed. The system employs a strategy whereby if fogging conditions are present, the temperature of the evaporator is stepped downwardly in increments which allow the surface of the evaporator to stabilize thereby eliminating localized cold spots.

Abstract: When the driver parks a truck for the purpose of sleeping in the cab's bunk space and desires to have the air conditioner operate, fan clutch cycling, which may create objectionable noise that disturbs sleep, is avoided by the inclusion of a branch circuit off of the air conditioner switch that comprises a parking brake switch in series with a relay coil. When the air conditioner is on and the parking brakes are set, this relay coil is energized to open a circuit to the engine fan clutch solenoid, preventing the fan clutch from being disengaged, and thereby keeping the fan in driven relation to the engine crankshaft so that fan clutch cycling does not occur.

Abstract: An air conditioner control device is applied to an air conditioner of an automotive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. The air conditioner control device controls the on-off switching operation of a compressor of the air conditioner. The control device turns off the operation of the compressor when a signal indicative of accelerating state of an automotive vehicle from a transmission controller is received. Further, the control device restarts the operation of the compressor when the off-time of the compressor becomes larger than a first predetermined time and when a second predetermined time has elapsed form a shifting judgment in the automatic transmission. Therefore, the operation of the air conditioner is stopped during an acceleration of the automotive vehicle and securely restarred after the acceleration.

Abstract: In a method for calculating torque for a variable capacity type compressor provided in a refrigeration circuit and driven by an engine to compress and discharge refrigerant to be circulated through a heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit, a rotational speed of the compressor is calculated, a quantity of refrigerant discharged from the compressor and pressure of refrigerant in high-pressure side are calculated, a capacity of the discharged refrigerant during operation of the compressor is calculated based on the calculated discharged refrigerant quantity and the calculated rotational speed, and the torque is calculated based on the calculated refrigerant pressure and the calculated capacity.

Abstract: A method of eliminating odor in a heat pump system of a vehicle includes the steps of detecting removal of the vehicle passengers and ignition key after use of the cooling mode or air conditioning of the passenger compartment heat exchanger, operating the blower, reversing the flow of refrigerant in the heat pump to place the passenger compartment heat exchanger in heating mode to remove latent moisture to eliminate odor therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle has a cabin and an air conditioning system for cabin air, the system including a ventilator and a compressor. With a view to energy consumption and the time taken for reducing the cabin air temperature to an acceptable value when the vehicle has been left stationary in full sun, the air conditioning system is used for reducing cabin air temperature in three successive stages. These stages are controlled in response to the internal temperature T.sub.i and the external temperature T.sub.e, as follows:(a) when T.sub.i is much greater than T.sub.e, for example due to heating by the sun, the air in the cabin is renewed by direct admission of external air to the cabin at a high flow rate;(b) when T.sub.i is close to T.sub.