Abstract: A frost detecting device including a frost detector which detects the amount of frost from the temperature difference between a detecting thermal sensitive element and a compensating thermal sensitive element is provided. The frost detecting device includes: a frost detector 1 made up of a detecting thermal sensitive element and a compensating thermal sensitive element; an amplifier circuit 2 for amplifying an output signal from the frost detector 1; a comparator circuit 3 for comparing an output voltage from the amplifier circuit 2 with a set level; an operation detecting circuit 5 for detecting operating conditions of a compressor and a cooling fan 4; and a judging circuit 6 for detecting the amount of frost in accordance with output voltages from the operation detecting circuit 5 and the comparator circuit 3. The output from the comparator circuit 3 is used to detect the amount of frost only when the compressor and the cooling fan 4 are both in operation.

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 controlled DC power supply for a refrigeration appliance is disclosed for reducing heat dissipation and power loss. The refrigeration appliance has AC-powered components, such as compressors and fans, and DC-powered components, such as relays and solenoids. The relays operate to supply AC power from an AC input to the AC-powered components. The relays are selectively activated or deactivated by the controller through enable signals in response to factors such as time and/or temperature. The power supply has an AC-to-DC power conversion circuit for converting AC power at an AC input to one or more DC power outputs for powering DC-powered components. When a group of DC-powered components powered by the same DC power output, such as a group of relays, do not require DC power, the controller selectively disables or reduces a portion of the AC-to-DC power conversion circuit to reduce power consumption and heat dissipation therein.

Abstract: When a lock detector detects a locked state of a DC motor in a starting stage, a torque increasing circuit immediately selects a starting sequence pattern of an output torque that is greater in magnitude by one preselected step, and outputs the selected output torque to a starting sequence controller, so that a compressor can be restarted speedily without repeating starting failures. A compressor, driven by a DC motor, has a shell of an internal pressure approximately equal to the pressure of an inhalation gas. An inverter is provided to make the speed of the DC motor variable. A rotational frequency setting circuit sets the rotational frequency of the DC motor to a frequency that is not greater than the frequency of a commercial power source when the internal temperature of a refrigerator is stabilized. By this construction, the power consumption can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: To regulate a cooling system operation, a value from an energy value sensor such as a thermostat or pressuretrol is sensed and, if the value warrants a call for compressor operation, the call is made. The last compressor off-call-time is stored in memory. If the off-call-time is less than a short-cycle interval, the compressor is delayed to allow substantial compressor pressure equalization. Compressor operation is delayed further for a percentage of the off-call-time. compressor on-time is also measured and, if on for a substantial interval, the compressor is given a short rest. Improved efficiency results.

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: A vehicular air conditioner comprises a controller, a solar sensor and a room temperature sensor. The controller includes a correcting section where a detected solar intensity and/or a detected room temperature is corrected by a first-order lag filtering process. The controller executes an air conditioning control on the basis of the corrected solar intensity and/or room temperature so that the change of the air-conditioning state is fitted in accordance with feeling of vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A fuzzy control apparatus and method for a branched refrigerant flow and fuel combustion in a multi absorption type-heat pump is disclosed. The heat pump is controlled by automatically determining the operation state of an outdoor unit in relation to indoor loads.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus for averting shortages of its refrigerant in a refrigerating cycle and of oil reflux regardless of fluctuations in the progress of freezing in a cold accumulating material. In operation, two solenoid valves are opened and a compressor is activated. The activated compressor causes stagnant refrigerant inside a cold accumulating evaporator to be collected into a receiver. Thereafter, one solenoid valve is closed to let the refrigerant flow only to the cold accumulating evaporator. This makes it possible to circumvent shortages of the refrigerant in the refrigerating cycle and of oil reflux irrespective of varying progress in the freezing status of the cold accumulating material.

Abstract: An oil level regulator is disclosed for use in a refrigeration system which has an oil reservoir and at least one compressor with a crankcase for containing oil. The regulator has a body with an interior fluid chamber for receiving oil. An inlet communicates with the fluid chamber of the body and is connected by a conduit to the oil reservoir of the system. An outlet communicates from the fluid chamber through a conduit through to the crankcase of the compressor. A level detecting mechanism is disposed within the fluid chamber for detecting an oil level therein. The level detector mechanism includes a solenoid assembly which is actuated by the detector mechanism when the oil level within the chamber is determined to be at or below a predetermined level. A microprocessor is provided on the regulator which communicates with the detector mechanism and the solenoid assembly.

Abstract: A fault restart routine for an icemaker having a microprocessor-based system controller. The fault restart routine provides at least a limited number of attempts at automatically restarting the icemaker after a shutdown has occurred because of a detected fault condition. If the fault condition is not a water inlet fault, the routine waits a first predetermined period of time before attempting to restart the icemaker. If the fault is detected as being a water inlet fault, then the system controller waits for a second predetermined time period before restarting the icemaker. If after restarting the icemaker, the icemaker completes one complete cycle of operation (i.e., a complete FREEZE cycle and a complete HARVEST cycle), then the fault restart routine is exited and a previously generated fault code is cleared.

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 home appliance such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, television, or tape recorder, includes a drive element, a controller for controlling the drive element, and a manual input panel for enabling a user to input a drive signal for driving the drive element. A counter counts a time interval following the inputting of a drive signal to delay driving of the drive element until a predetermined time period has elapsed. If no counter signal is input driving the predetermined time period, the drive element is driven.

Abstract: When a lock detector detects a locked state of a DC motor in a starting stage, a torque increasing circuit immediately selects a starting sequence pattern of an output torque that is greater in magnitude by one preselected step, and outputs the selected output torque to a starting sequence controller, so that a compressor can be restarted speedily without repeating starting failures. A compressor, driven by a DC motor, has a shell of an internal pressure approximately equal to the pressure of an inhalation gas. An inverter is provided to make the speed of the DC motor variable. A rotational frequency setting circuit sets the rotational frequency of the DC motor to a frequency that is not greater than the frequency of a commercial power source when the internal temperature of a refrigerator is stabilized. By this construction, the power consumption can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A climate controller for an automobile, comprising a compressor and a receiver arranged in an engine compartment of the automobile, a condenser located at an outside-air inlet of the engine compartment, an expansion member and an evaporator disposed in a passenger compartment of the automobile, and a closed-loop refrigerant passage connecting the compressor, the condenser, the receiver, the expansion member and the evaporator in sequence for circulating a refrigerant through these components to establish a refrigerating cycle. The climate controller further includes a valve arranged in a part of the closed-loop refrigerant passage extending from the evaporator through the compressor to the condenser. The valve is actuated to intersect a communication of the refrigerant through the part of the passage when an operation affecting temperature of both the compressor and the condenser becomes ineffective, and to allow the communication when the operation becomes effective.

Abstract: The invention is an improved timer circuit for operating a heating or air conditioning unit which utilizes a single time delay generating circuit for delaying operation of both a compressor and a unit fan under certain operating conditions. A logic circuit for operating a fan relay is made responsive to the thermostat output and a time delay generating circuit output so that the fan relay is de-energized only in the case that the compressor has been turned off for at least the duration of a time delay generator timing period, and is in a state commensurate with a satisfactory building temperature. When the timer circuit is used in large-scale heating or air conditioning systems, the timing period of each timing circuit can be adjusted to a different duration so that a voltage lag problem on start up is avoided.

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 contactless output section makes a circuit including a fan motor and an ac power source when a receive portion receives a command signal. A diode bridge and a direct current regulated circuit smooth and regulate dc current. An operation part is provided with power from the direct current regulated circuit, compares a measured temperature with a set temperature, and generates and provides a command signal for the receive portion of the contactless output section.

Abstract: To exercise control so that, when power is restored in the case of there having been a prower cut, the motor does not run simultaneously with other devices which reqire large amounts of power when starting to run. This invention there is provided improved freezer control unit, which exercise to ccntrol by providing power cut detector 10, which detects that the power source which drives freezer 5 has undergone a power cut, and stopping the signal of signal holding circuit 4, which outputs the `Run` signal, by the signal of this power cut detector 10 when a power cut occurs so that freezer 5 does not restart automatically when power is restored.

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: A method of operating a heat pump or air conditioner system is provided. The air conditioner comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, a cooling coil and an air mover (blower). According to the preferred embodiment, the air mover (blower) is activated at a time after the compressor has been activated to pre-cool the cooling coil and allow for more efficient and effective moisture removal. Also, deactivation of the air handler is delayed for some time after the compressor is deactivated to allow for utilization for the residual cooling ability of the cooling coil due to the presence of cold refrigerant in the cooling coil when the compressor is deactivated.

Abstract: Deficiency in the amount of a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle device is determined based on the amount of decrease in the temperature of an evaporator after a predetermined time period elapses since the actuation of a compressor. The execution of the process for determining deficiency in the amount of refrigerant is prohibited for predetermined time period after the deactuation of the compressor. Therefore, when the temperature of the evaporator does not increase enough after the compressor is actuated, erroneous determination that there is a deficiency in the refrigerant amount can be reliably prevented. In this way, deficiency in the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle can always be properly determined based on an amount of decrease in the temperature of the evaporator.

Abstract: A thermostat for heating or cooling, operative to maintain an indoor air temperature to a limited setpoint range, is provided with a comparison circuit to prevent tampering intended to exceed a setpoint limit. A first temperature sensor responds to ambient air temperature and can include a first thermistor. A second thermistor is partly thermally isolated from the air, and senses a reference temperature that lags temperature changes in the ambient air. The two thermistors form a voltage divider coupled to one input of a differential amplifier comparator, the other input of which is coupled to a fixed voltage reference. When the ambient and reference temperatures exceed a predetermined temperature difference, the differential amplifier operates a relay that breaks a circuit including the contacts. This occurs when locally cooling the ambient air to generate a spurious call for heat (or vice versa).

Abstract: An attachment unit (28) to an existing central air conditioning thermostat controller (24) like the ones found in most homes and offices; which provides two independent modes of saving energy, first by turning on a light to indicate when to change the filter and secondly by extending the fan operation for a few minutes without disruption. Uniquely conceived, smaller than the typical thermostat controller, automatic, maintenance free, no batteries or auxiliary power of any kind. Has one button (32) to reset the light (30) after changing the filter and one switch (34) to select the optional extended fan operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a fan as part of a refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator has a compartment, a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the compartment and outputs a sensed temperature signal as a function of the temperature in the compartment. The apparatus includes a reference circuit which provides a desired temperature signal representative of a desired temperature. A comparator compares the desired temperature signal and the sensed temperature signal and generates a cool signal when the compartment temperature is above the desired temperature. A timer times out an elapsed period of time commencing when the cool signal is generated. A motor includes a rotatable assembly in driving relation to the fan. A control circuit controls operation of the motor as a function of the sensed temperature signal and the elapsed period. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transport refrigeration system is provided that advantageously avoids the top-freezing of items stored in a conditioned space without the need for modulating the flow of refrigerant through the heater-evaporator coil that heats and cools the space. The method includes the steps of operating the refrigeration system in a cooling mode at high speed for no more than 300.degree. minutes below the temperature set point of the conditioned space to rapidly cool the space. Next, the system is operated in a low speed heating mode in order to raise the temperature of the conditioned space to no more than about 5.degree. F. above set point in order to avoid top-freezing items in the conditioned space. Thirdly, the refrigeration system is operated in a low speed cooling mode to reattain a temperature set point assigned to the conditioned space. If necessary, these three basic steps of the method may be reiterated in order to stabilize the temperature of the space at set point.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus capable of reducing the start noise of the compressor comprises a compressor 1, a condenser 2, a capillary tube 4, and an evaporator 6, serially connected by piping to form a closed loop. The apparatus further comprises a solenoid valve 3 installed between the outlet of the condenser 2 and the capillary tube 4 and a control unit C controlling the compressor 1 and the solenoid valve 3. The control unit opens and closes the solenoid valve 3 in response to the operation and stop of the compressor 1 and in particular closes the solenoid valve 3 before the compressor 1 stops.

Abstract: Two compressors are connected in tandem for an air conditioning system. A control board that includes a microcontroller controls the operation of the system in response to the energization of first and second stage terminals of a thermostat. The system includes anti-short cycling and eliminating operation of crankcase heaters during a time period following the shutting off of the compressors.

Abstract: A controller for an air conditioner is provided wherein an operation mode is not unnecessarily changed in accordance with variations in temperature. When room temperature t is in a range of T+3.0>t.gtoreq.T+1.5, and when a timer expires (steps 212, 214), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to fall (step 218). When the room temperature has a tendency to fall, it is predicted that the room temperature will be in an observing region although the operation mode is not changed. For this reason, the current operation mode is kept. On the other hand, when the room temperature does not have a tendency to fall, a cooling mode is set (step 210). Further, when the room temperature t is in a range of T-3.0<t.ltoreq.T-1.5, and when the timer expires (steps 222, 224), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to rise (step 228).

Abstract: The present invention involves an inductively activated silicon switch for a control and protection circuit for motors and compressors. The circuit includes a logic gate for combining both motor control and protection functions. The logic gate has inputs from a thermostat, a compressor shell temperature circuit, a fan overheat detection circuit, a motor start relay circuit, and motor load sensing circuits. The logic gate output is connected to an oscillator for inductively activating the power output stage, as well as a start relay, a compressor shell temperature hysteresis circuit, and a fan timer circuit connected to the fan control circuit. The control circuitry further includes an over-ride circuit for manually allowing a limited number of immediate restart attempts.

Abstract: A car built-in type one-chip microcomputer including a ROM, a RAM, and an input/output port, wherein a control program which is executed on the car built-in type one-chip microcomputer is stored in a high level language, so that formation, change and verification of a control program can be easily carried out by an ordinary programmer who has never been trained to treat an assembly language. Even if the kind of the microcomputer is changed, it is not necessary to change the control program. The program can be modified as a result of experiment. A program developed by a program developing apparatus can be used, as it is compatible with the microcomputer.

Abstract: A minimum off-time device according to the present invention that delays the restart of a compressor motor of a refrigeration system after power provided to the motor has been interrupted. The minimum off-time device is a standalone unit that is located outside the refrigeration system. The device is retrofitted to the refrigeration system by simply plugging the power line of the system into the device, which is then plugged into an AC wall receptacle, or alternatively, the device can be connected between the power line of the refrigeration system and an electrical circuit breaker panel. The minimum off-time device normally allows power from the AC power source to reach the refrigeration system. However, when a power interruption occurs at the AC power source, and subsequently, power is reapplied, the minimum off-time delay device immediately disconnects the refrigeration system from the AC power source and begins a timing sequence.

Abstract: A mass flow control apparatus and method for use in combination with a heat transfer system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and working fluid in a fluid circuit. The mass flow is controlled using a quality sensor for the working fluid exiting the evaporator, and a high side pressure sensor. A control circuit is provided that monitors the quality sensor and the high side pressure sensor, and controls operation of the compressor, condenser fan and valve in response thereto. A flow reduction mode is used to reduce high side pressure at the valve inlet without excessive compressor cycling by changing the quality sensor set point when the high side pressure exceeds the condenser fan turn-on pressure but is less than the compressor disengage pressure.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes an air purge chamber and a refrigerant pump for directing refrigerant into the air purge chamber so that the refrigerant collects in liquid phase at a lower portion of the chamber while air and other non-condensibles collect in the vapor space at the upper portion of the chamber over the liquid refrigerant. A purge valve is connected to the upper portion of the chamber for automatically or manually purging air and other non-condensibles from the chamber. A refrigerant outlet is positioned at the lower portion of the chamber for drawing liquid phase refrigerant from the chamber. Desiccant adsorbent material is disposed in a canister connected to the upper portion of the air purge chamber for adsorbing refrigerant vapor in air passing through the canister. The desiccant adsorption material thus prevents venting of refrigerant vapor with non-condensibles from the air purge chamber.

Abstract: A purge supplement includes a vessel that attaches to a gas discharge line of a purge system. Adsorbent material is disposed within the vessel. In a Vent Mode the purge system vents into the vessel and the vessel vents to the atmosphere, whereby the purge system effectively vents through the vessel and the adsorbent material in the vessel adsorbs refrigerant. The purge supplement senses, by employing a weight scale or a refrigerant detection monitor, when the adsorbent material has adsorbed a certain amount of refrigerant, and at that time operation of the purge supplement switches from the Vent Mode to a Recycle Mode. When the transition is made to the Recycle Mode the vessel is isolated from the purge system and, after a slight delay, the atmosphere. After the slight time delay, the vessel is placed in fluid communication with an evaporator of a refrigeration system that the purge supplement is associated with. Refrigerant is drawn out of the adsorbent material and into the evaporator.

Abstract: The air conditioning apparatus operable in heating and cooling operation modes for air conditioning a room has an external unit, an inner unit, and a control device. The external unit includes an external heat exchanger. The inner unit disposed in the room includes an inner heat exchanger which functions as an evaporator in the cooling operation mode whereas the external heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The control device has a thermistor disposed on the inner heat exchangers for detecting temperature of the inner heat exchanger, bias means for energizing the thermistor with a predetermined bias potential and term setting means responsive to the operation mode for setting first and second terms for allowing The energization of the thermistor. The the first term is longer than the second term when the inner heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The control device also has a room temperature sensor disposed in the room for detecting room temperature.

Abstract: Paper size mixtures which are prepared by mixing an aqueous suspension of a digested cationic starch with a finely divided, aqueous polymer dispersion which is the paper size and emulsifying the C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 -alkyldiketene in this mixture at not less than 70.degree. C. are used for engine and surface sizing of the paper.

Abstract: A system which drives a compressor of a refrigeration system at one or more speeds. The system includes a motor having a stationary assembly and a rotatable assembly. The stationary assembly includes windings adapted to be commutated in at least one preselected sequence. The rotatable assembly is in magnetic coupling relation to the stationary assembly and in driving relation to the compressor. The motor drives the compressor at a desired speed corresponding to a speed select signal representative of one of the speeds. The system further includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) connected to the motor. The ASIC receives the speed select signal and is responsive to it for generating a commutation reference signal. The commutation reference signal in combination with the commutation signal generates a peak current demand signal and thereby cause the motor to operate at the desired speed.

Abstract: In order to provide a control apparatus for an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle which achieves smooth switching of operating modes, a decision is made as to whether or not the operating mode set by a means for air conditioning mode setting has been maintained for a specific length of time and also, a decision is made by a means for compressor rotation rate decision making as to whether or not the actual rotation rate of the compressor is at the minimum rotation rate.

Abstract: An apparatus controls an appliance, the appliance including a compressor, a fan, and a heater. The apparatus includes a first switch for selectively coupling a first terminal with one of a second terminal and a third terminal in response to a first control signal. The first terminal is coupled with an energy source and the third terminal is coupled with the compressor. The apparatus further includes a second switch for selectively coupling the second terminal with the heater and the third terminal with the fan in response to a second control signal. The apparatus still further includes a control circuit coupled with the first switch and the second switch for generating the first control signal and the second control signal. A relay drive circuit couples relay coils in series to control the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch. A bypass switch allows a single current to selectively energize one or both relay coils.

Abstract: An anti-abuse circuit and method is described for shutting down a load wherein the load is connected to a controller having a predetermined range and demanding operation of the load through a relay until the predetermined temperature range is achieved. The anti-abuse circuit is positioned between the controller and the load. The anti-abuse circuit controls the relay when a demand signal is present indicating the operation of the load. The anti-abuse circuit energizing the relay during the predetermined time period and receipt of the regulated demand signal. The anti-abuse circuit de-energizing the relay when either the predetermined time period expires or the regulated demand signal stops.

Abstract: A delay-on-break circuit adaptable for A.C. or D.C. applications utilizes a timer and a pair of comparators to prevent a load from being re-energized until at least a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the most recent deenergization of the load. A feedback element, such as a zener diode, connected between the output of one of the comparators and a feedback input thereof provides reliable latching of the load through zero crossings of the line in A.C. applications without use of a latching capacitor while simultaneously providing brownout protection capable of rapidly deenergizing the load in the event of an undesired decrease in line voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring conditions which may cause shut down of a refrigeration unit. When a condition of the refrigeration unit is detected which requires shut down, a shut down counter is incremented and the shut down is made with the provision for automatic restart of the refrigeration unit in response to predetermined parameters of the refrigeration unit. When the predetermined parameters initiate automatic re-start of the refrigeration unit, a timer is started. If the refrigeration unit operates for a predetermined period of time without shut down, the counting means is reset. A shut down before expiration of the predetermined timing period again increments the shut down counter. In one embodiment, when a predetermined condition which may cause shut down approaches a predetermined shut down value, the methods and apparatus modify the operation of the refrigeration unit one or more times in an attempt to prevent shut down.

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: Outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor (13) is given to an outside air temperature memory (14), a comparator (15) and a fan volume control section (16), respectively. The fan volume control section (16) drives an outside fan motor (18) at a revolution speed determined by outside air temperature and revolution speed of a compressor. The outside air temperature memory (14) is activated in response to an operation start command to store the outside air temperature detected at the operation start therein. Further, a timer (17) is activated in response to the same operation start command, and a time-up signal (e.g., after 18 min has elapsed) is outputted from the timer to activate the comparator (15). The comparator (15) compares the outside air temperature detected at the operation start with that detected in response to the timer-up signal to check whether air short circuit occurs or not.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle machine characterized by comprising hardware or software means for raising the speed of rotation of the compressor or stopping the fan for producing an air current through the condenser when the operation of the machine is turned off and stopping the operation of the machine when a predetermined time has elapsed. This increases the suction and discharge pressure difference to such an extent that generates a sufficiently high pressure difference between both sides of the valve body to move the valve body toward the closing position surpassing the sticking force when the machine stops.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device capable of obtaining a suitable blow-out temperature through one passage from the initial period of change even when the air-conditioning operation in which either a first passage or a second passage is closed is changed into an operation condition in which it is opened. A feet mode in which the hot air is blown to the feet of a passenger from a second passage 7, is changed to a bilevel mode in which a first passage 6 that communicates with the upper half body of the passenger is switched from the closed state to the open state. During a predetermined period of time in the initial period following the change, the temperature blown from the first passage 6 is determined based upon a blow-out temperature of the second passage 7 and a desired blow-out temperature TAOV of the first passage 6.

Abstract: An improved timed-off control apparatus and method are provided to prevent excessive cycling of an electrically operated device, such as an air conditioning compressor. The timed-off control apparatus provides a predetermined timed-off period (e.g., five minutes), during which the electrically operated device is constrained to remain in an off state after the device is deactivated by a loss of power. For example, in an air conditioning system, fluctuations in power supply voltage and thermostat switch bounces may result in excessive cycling of the system compressor. By constraining the compressor to remain deactivated for the selected timed-off period, the compressor is protected against excessive cycling. In order to achieve consistent and predictable timed-off periods, a field effect transistor (FET) is used in conjunction with a resistance/capacitance (RC) circuit. When the power supply is interrupted, the FET is turned off state and remains off during the timed-off period.

Abstract: An air conditioner in which, when a first compressor is being operated and a second compressor is being stopped, liquid refrigerant does not flow into the second compressor even in a state of wet vapor suction, a decrease in lubricating oil in the second compressor or a decline in its concentration are not experienced, and breakage of the second compressor does not occur owing to faulty lubrication when the second compressor is started. In addition, to obtain an air conditioner which does not lapse into a wasteful shortage of cooling and heating capabilities when the air conditioner is not in the state of wet vapor suction, by reliably detecting the presence or absence of the state of wet vapor suction. In the air conditioner, the first compressor and the second compressor are connected together by an equalizing pipe. A bypass passage which connects together a discharge pipe and a suction pipe of the second compressor is provided.

Abstract: A .Iadd.system and .Iaddend.method .[.of.]. .Iadd.for .Iaddend.automatically starting and stopping an engine of a .[.truck.]. .Iadd.vehicle .Iaddend.to conserve fuel while maintaining the engine in a ready-to-start condition, and while controlling the temperature of .[.a truck sleeper unit.]. .Iadd.an interior portion of the vehicle.Iaddend.. The method includes the steps of selecting predetermined system parameters .[.via a password accessible interactive program, providing a first switch for selecting an automatic engine start-stop operating mode, providing a second switch for selecting an automatic temperature control mode for the truck sleeper unit, and providing safety apparatus which indicates when the truck engine may be safely operated in the automatic engine start-stop operating mode..]. The method further includes the step of overriding the .[.ignition switch.]. .Iadd.operator .Iaddend.control of the engine in response to a predetermined condition when .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.