Abstract: Methods of monitoring the operation of a refrigeration system, including interlocking the selection and operation of an engine and electric motor which are arranged to alternatively function as prime movers for a refrigerant compressor; detecting slippage of a clutch connected between the engine and compressor; and, detecting improper rotational direction of an evaporator fan motor. The interlocking method prevents energization of the drive motor while the engine is operative, and it includes monitoring engine oil pressure and engine RPM. The clutch slippage method includes detecting engine speed fluctuations and the polarity of battery current. The monitoring of the evaporator fan motor, which drives a fan which draws return air RA from a conditioned space, and discharges conditioned air DA into the conditioned space, includes the steps of comparing the difference between the temperatures RA and DA of the return air and discharge air with a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus is provided having a cabinet with a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The compartments define two passageways allowing air circulation therebetween. A refrigerator system is included having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator situated in the freezer compartment. The refrigerator system elements are connected in series in a closed loop, in a refrigerant flow relationship. A first fan is situated in the freezer compartment for providing air flow over the evaporator. A second fan is situated in one of the two passageways for providing air circulation between the two compartments. A first thermostatic controller situated in the freezer compartment for maintaining a desired temperature in the freezer compartment by causing the compressor and the first fan to operate.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system is disclosed which is incorporated with a known automatic air conditioner installed in a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system has first, second and third operation modes which are automatically selected. When the system assumes the first operation mode, air in upper and lower portions of the passenger cabin is discharged to outside of the vehicle through upper and lower ducts. When the system assumes the second operation mode, air in the lower portion of is sucked into an air conditioning unit through the lower duct and cooled and blown into the upper portion of the passenger cabin through the upper duct. When the system assumes the third operation mode, air in the upper portion of the passenger cabin is enforcedly discharded to outside of the vehicle through the upper duct.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus is provided having a cabinet with a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The compartments define two passageways allowing air circulation therebetween. A refrigerator system is included having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator situated in the freezer compartment. The refrigerator system elements are connected in series in a closed loop, in a refrigerant flow relationship. A first fan is situated in the freezer compartment for providing air flow over the evaporator. A second fan is situated in one of the two passageways for providing air circulation between the two compartments. A first thermostatic controlller situated in the freezer compartment for maintaining a desired temperature in the freezer compartment by causing the compressor and the first fan to operate.

Abstract: An air conditioned space is cooled within a narrow target zone (as depicted on a psychrometric type chart) within which human occupants of the conditioned space would feel thermally comfortable, wherein factors including the heat transfer resistance of occupants' clothing and level of physical activity determine the target zone, by a method which includes correction of operative temperature, relative air velocity and humidity within the conditioned space, inherently controlling humidity by control of effective dehumidifier size while maintaining a low face velocity of air and a high velocity of coolant flow, but varying either, or both, dehumidifier size and the leaving air temperature if humidity ratio falls below four or exceeds thirteen grams of water per kilogram of dry air.

Abstract: According to this invention, cold is conveyed into a cooling chamber by means of convectors, and fresh air of a higher temperature is supplied in a controlled manner so that the temperature decreases. To avoid power loss due to the quantity of heat supplied, the displaced cold air is channeled towards a heat exchanger in the condenser of the cooling machine. Since the fresh air which circulates is always above 0.degree. C., the humidity content of the fresh air supplied can be controlled and be filtered to remove odors.

Abstract: In an air-conditioner for automobiles, cooled air having passed through an evaporator is immediately introduced through a cooled air bypass passage into the vehicle passenger compartment. The opening of a bypass door disposed in the bypass passage is adjusted based on a head part total signal corresponding to a thermal load in the vicinity of the head of an occupant which is obtained in view of the current discharge mode, or an auxiliary total signal corresponding to a thermal load in the vehicle passenger compartment which is obtained in view of the current discharge mode. With this arrangement, the occupant does never feel excess cold when the discharge mode is changed and hence a feeling of comfortableness toward the air-conditioning can be maintained.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus is provided having a cabinet with a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The compartments define two passageways allowing air circulation therebetween. A refrigerator system is included having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator situated in the freezer compartment. The refrigerator system elements are connected in series in a closed loop, in a refrigerant flow relationship. A first fan is situated in the freezer compartment for providing air flow over the evaporator. A second fan is situated in one of the two passageways for providing air circulation between the two compartments. A first thermostatic controller situated in the freezer compartment by causing the compressor and the first fan to operate.

Abstract: A storing volume is formed within a box which also houses a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the gas within the storing volume, a cooling mechanism for cooling the interior of the storing volume, a nitrogen-rich gas supplying device, for supplying nitrogen-rich gas into the storing volume, and a controller which functions in such a manner that it activates the cooling mechanism in response to signals from the temperature detector in order to control the temperature of the interior of the storing volume, and also activates the nitrogen-rich gas supplying device in response to the variation of the gas contents of the storing volume in order to control the gas contents of the storing volume.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus or control system for electronically sequencing the main components in central air-conditioning and heat pump systems normally comprising an outside fan motor, a compressor motor, and an inside blower motor, is disclosed. When comfort production or conditioned air is needed, the outside fan motor is initially turned on. After a predetermined programmable period of time, the compressor is turned on, and then, after another predetermined programmable period of time, the inside blower is turned on to deliver production air to the space or area being serviced. At the end of the comfort cycle, the outside and compressor motors are turned off while the inside blower motor continues to run for a third predetermined programmable period of time.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a plurality of storage chambers is disclosed. The interior of the refrigerator is divided into at least two chambers by an adjustable shelf. An air passageway is formed by a gap between the refrigerator cabinet and an inner separation member. Air is circulated past an evaporator through the air passageway and into each storage chamber. Air collected from each storage chamber passes over the evaporator after flowing through a connecting hole in the rear of the inner separation member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable refrigerating container in which the atmosphere is passed over a circulating device containing separating means for water and gases, in particular molecular sieves, and refrigerating and humidifying means.

Abstract: An air flow control device for an air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor side heat exchanger, expansion means and a room side heat exchanger in sequence, wherein the improvement comprises a room side unit with a upper and lower outlet ports, having the room side heat exchanger therein, upper and lower air-blowing fans disposed in the room side unit so as to face the upper and lower outlet ports, respectively, controller for controlling the operations of the air-blowing fans, a covering member positioned at least one of the outlet ports so as to open and close the corresponding outlet port, and a driving device for controlling the opening and closing operations of the covering member.

Abstract: A control system controls the temperature of a chemical process vessel by recirculating a heat transfer medium through a jacket surrounding the vessel. In order to control the temperature of the recirculating medium, the control system uses an internal cooling heat exchanger connected in series with an internal heating heat exchanger and can also connect the recirculating loop to a central refrigeration system. Operation of the heat exchangers and connections to the central refrigeration system are automatically controlled by a computer which selects the cooling method in order to minimize energy use while maintaining the selected temperature. The computer also monitors the inlet and internal temperatures of the vessel and the outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger to prevent thermal shock damage when the system changes between heating and cooling during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle air conditioner having a speed setting mechanism interconnected to the output shaft of an actuator for turning an air mixing shutter so as to switch the blower between low and high speed operations. The cam mechanism has the first rotary part interlocked to the output shaft of the actuator and a response part in response to the rotary part to turn the air mixing shutter. When the output shaft is turned within a predetermined rotary range c set narrower that the entire rotary range of the output shaft, the air mixing shutter can be turned between full cooler and heater positions. The speed setting mechanism brings the blower to a low speed operation when the rotary angle of the output shaft falls within the rotary range c and to a high speed operation when the rotary angle of the output shaft falls outside the rotary range c.

Abstract: A cooling system for radiator and condenser with an air conditioner having first and second electrically driven blowers for cooling the radiator and condenser, and a cooling cycle operation switch which comprises a control circuit provided on at least one side of the first and second blowers for either stopping or operating at low speed the one of the first and second blowers when any electrical equipment of vehicle such as headlights, wipers, is operated during the cooling cycle, an engine cooling water temperature switch operative to turn on and off the first blower by releasing the control of the control circuit when any of the electrical equipments is operated, and/or a thermal load switch operative to turn of and off the second blower in accordance with the outside temperature conditions by releasing the control of the control circuit, when any of the electrical equipments is operated.

Abstract: A roof-mounted, modular system of evaporator and condensor units is constructed and designed to be interchangeable with existing condensor and evaporator units on a motorized vehicle, such as, a bus or rail car and can be mounted as a external single system or independently mounted and retrofit for incorporation into the existing air conditioning and circulating system of the vehicle. The evaporator unit is compact and of low design height and is operable in combination with existing condensor units and compressor systems of the vehicle or can be combined with the modular condensor unit. The evaporator contains evaporator coils flanked on either side by heater coils, and expansion valve and control panel as well as the necessary blower fans together with a damper-controlled fresh air/return air system to meet all heating and cooling requirements of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner having a motor-driven blower for creating air flow through an air passage which opens into a compartment through a plurality of outlets. The rate of air flow through the air passage is changed with a change of the number of outlet or outlets to be open, so as to avoid an undesirable air blowing rate caused by a change of resistance to air flow through the air passage.

Abstract: A load shaving system for a closed loop cooling system adds a secondary heat exchange unit in shunt in the closed loop system between the output side of the load and the input to the primary heat exchange unit. The secondary heat exchange unit has constant or variable amounts of the return fluid from the load shunted through it in response to the temperature difference between the temperature of the return fluid and the temperature of the cooling medium used in the secondary heat exchange unit, which typically may be a plate and frame heat exchanger or the like. Part or all of the required temperature drop for the fluid in the closed loop system may be obtained from the secondary heat exchanger.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system, the positions of the dampers in the outside air duct and the return air duct are changed periodically during periods of mechanical refrigeration. The temperature of the refrigerated air is sensed and compared with the temperature of the refrigerated air sensed prior to the change in damper positions. The positions of the dampers are controlled in accordance with the lowest temperature detected.

Abstract: A unitary air conditioner unit adapted to be mounted through a wall opening of an enclosure to be conditioned including an air sensing system operative for generating a signal dependent on the level of gases in the enclosure air. The control is operable for adding outside air to the circulating enclosure air or for exhausting enclosure air when a first level of gases sensed and for causing an alarm to sound when the level of gases is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided to detect the concentration of a gas component included in external air which may be led into the compartment of a motor vehicle. When the level of an output signal from the sensor exceeds a first predetermined value, the air-conditioning system is switched to internal air recirculation mode so that unclean external air is not led into the vehicle compartment. When the level of the gas sensor output is continuously kept below a second predetermined value, which is smaller than the first predetermined value, for a predetermined period of time, the system is switched to external air introduction mode. Instead of directly comparing the level of the gas sensor output with the first and second predetermined levels, a relative value of the gas sensor output may be compared therewith.

Abstract: In an automobile air-conditioning control apparatus, in accordance with a setting temperature signal and an actual temperature signal, a microcomputer controls the rotational speed of blower motors and shifts the direction of flow changing plates, so that the control between a concentrated blowing condition and an overall blowing condition may be effected successively and gradually.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention includes a precooler (post heater) heat exchanger and a subcooler heat exchanger which are connected in fluid communication with the refrigerant input and output, respectively, of the condenser (evaporator) of a heat transfer system. A fluid, such as water, is forced through the subcooler heat exchanger and then through the precooler (post heater) heat exchanger to be in a heat exchanging relationship with the refrigerant flowing therethrough.The method of the invention includes the step of regulating the flow rate of the water flowing through the apparatus such that the refrigerant is precooled to approximately its saturated-vapor state and subcooled when the system is operating in a cooling mode and such that the refrigerant is post heated to at least a saturated-vapor state and subcooled when the system is operating in a heating mode.

Abstract: An automatic temperature control system for a vehicle air conditioner including a cool air supply mechanism having an air flow control device, an air flow dividing device for dividing a cool air flow supplied from the cool air supply mechanism into a primary flow and a secondary flow, a heat source for heating the primary flow, and a mixing mechanism for mixing the primary flow as warmed past the heat source, and the secondary air which remains cool, with each other.

Abstract: A control system for minimizing the total energy consumed by an air conditioning system of a building is disclosed having a sensor for sensing the energy expended by the fan of the air conditioning system, a sensor for sensing the energy expended by the chiller of the air conditioning system, and a controller responsive to the fan energy sensor and the chiller energy sensor for controlling the air conditioning system so that the total energy consumed by the fan and chiller systems is minimized.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is a terminal of the mixing type, receiving primary conditioned air, and delivering that air or a mixture including that air and recirculated air as required, for air conditioning. The rate at which primary conditioned air is delivered to the zone is varied between a maximum and a predetermined lesser rate as the air conditioning load on the space varies between a maximum and an intermediate load. The apparatus also includes a blower, nozzle or the like for inducing a flow of air from outside, and for mixing the induced air with primary conditioned air, so that such mixture is delivered to the zone. According to preferred embodiments which are disclosed, the apparatus is effective to deliver to the zone such a mixture of primary conditioned air and induced air under all conditions of air conditioning load on the zone.

Abstract: Return air from a work area is so treated as to arrive at a prescribed temperature/humidity level responsive to a direct acting absolute humidity sensing and control apparatus. The return air is mixed with fresh air, then subjected to a water spray in an air washer. The air mixture is controlled by the absolute humidity control device to maintain a constant absolute humidity level. The amount of water sprayed is controlled by a dry bulb thermostat which in turn operates to throttle the spray as necessary to reach the prescribed temperature level in an evaporative cooling technique.

Abstract: In an electric control method and apparatus for an air conditioner, a digital computer is utilized to calculate the quantity of heat necessary for adjusting and maintaining the actual temperature in a compartment to a desired value. The computer is also programmed to calculate the quantity of air flow in accordance with the actual ambient temperature outside the compartment and to calculate the temperature of air flow in relation to the calculated quantity of air flow necessary for discharging the calculated quantity of heat into the compartment.

Abstract: An improved commercial cube/crushed ice making machine includes a refrigeration unit having a water-to-refrigerant heat exchange condenser operatively connectible to an external water supply for heating water therein. The condenser provides for improved efficiency in the refrigeration unit over a conventional air-cooled condenser. Also, the water heating capability of the ice-making machine preferably functions as a secondary heat source for the external water supply, thus providing savings in energy costs for the primary water heating source. Further, the heat exchange relation between the refrigeration unit and the external water supply is determined by an improved control system which is responsive to both a refrigerant pressure at the condenser refrigerant outlet, and the water temperature at the condenser water outlet for controlling water flow through the condenser while maintaining a pre-determined refrigerant pressure in the heat exchange means.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for taking atmospheric air under any seasonal condition and delivering refrigerated, dry, high density air to a compressor which can then operate at full capacity delivering dry, full volume air to a reheater and air dryer which delivers dry plant air in a plant air system. The compressed air system has a water chiller for chilling water passing therethrough in a water line when the water is above a predetermined temperature and a pump for pumping the water from the chiller water line into an inlet air cooler and dryer which is coupled to the atmosphere to receive atmospheric air and remove moisture. The compressor receives the air from the inlet cooler and dryer, compresses the air, and delivers it to a reheat air dryer where additional moisture is removed and the air is reheated. The chiller water line from the inlet cooler dryer passes through the reheat air dryer to remove additional moisture and back into the water chiller to form a closed cycle recycling water system.

Abstract: Thermostatic control apparatus for evaporative cooling systems includes a single thermostat and a plurality of relays and relay contacts to select appropriate combinations of cooling, ventilating, and motor control speed for a fan or a blower.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming the water vapor in the atmosphere into liquid water comprising a precipitating chamber, a mixing chamber, heat transfer system, and means for moving atmospheric air through the system.A method of producing liquid water from the atmosphere comprising the steps of passing a first stream of air past a heat absorbing element of a heat transfer system to cause water to precipitate onto the heat absorbing element; mixing the first air stream with a second air stream; passing the mixed air streams past the heat dissipating element of the heat transfer system; varying the proportion of amount of air from the first and second air streams to a predetermined ratio which is a function of the atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A system for utilizing solar energy efficiently in air conditioning systems during the heating mode having at the evaporator heat exchange means which extracts the heat from ambient air when the latter is greater than 47.degree. F. and from solar heated fluid when the ambient air is less than 47.degree. F.

Abstract: An energy saving device that utilizes the rejected heat from an air conditioning unit for heating water or other suitable liquid in a conventional liquid heating storage tank. The primary heater control in the storage tank is turned off whenever the air conditioning compressor is operating by a pressure sensing switch in the compressor line that is wired in series with the tank heater control circuit. A water circulating pump is used to pass relatively cold tank water through a heat exchanger which is connected to the compressor outlet conduit of the air conditioner. The pump is controlled by a thermostatic switch which measures heat exchanger outlet water temperature. The device not only utilizes otherwise rejected heat energy from an air conditioning unit for heating water in a conventional hot water tank but also increases the efficiency and endurance of the air conditioning system by removing super heat from the compressor gases.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for heating water with by-product heat from a refrigeration system wherein a heat exchanger within a refrigerant compressor hot gas conduit may selectively heat water within a storage tank. The flow of water through the storage tank and heat exchanger is controlled by a pump operating during operation of the compressor, preferably, only when the heat exchanger is sufficiently heated, and a temperature sensing diverting valve causes pumped water to by-pass the heat exchanger when the water temperature within the tank reaches a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling air having an evaporator; a compressor; a control for establishing ON periods and OFF periods of the compressor; at least two motor-driven fans positioned to force air over the evaporator; and a control system for the evaporator fans to cause fewer of the fans to run during compressor OFF periods and more of the fans to run during compressor ON periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigeration system of the type having an air cooled condenser which includes the further capability of producing a heated liquid in a liquid cooled or, "heat recovery" condenser. The system includes compressor means for compressing a vaporized refrigerant, air cooled condenser means having fan means for forcing air in heat exchange relationship therewith, liquid cooled condenser means for producing a heated liquid, and evaporator means for expanding and vaporizing condensed refrigerant in heat exchange relationship with a refrigeration load. Control means are provided for the system and include first means for sensing the demand for heated liquid from the liquid cooled condenser, and second means responsive to the first means for reducing the capacity of the fan means in response to increased demand for heated liquid.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle of the type having an air conditioner condenser in line with shutters, a radiator and a de-energizable fan is provided with a pressure-sensing switch in the condenser to measure pressure increases in the refrigerant, a radiator coolant temperature sensor and a manual fan override switch all of which are combined to energize the shutter and fan controls so that the shutters will always be open when the fan is on, both the shutters and fan will be on during high temperature coolant conditions, and the shutter and fan will always be on during high pressure refrigerant conditions regardless of the radiator coolant temperature.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a thermostatically-controlled variable air-circulation mechanism and a thermostatically-controlled coolant-pump circulatable of coolant from a coolant vessel to the fan-containing cooling-coils air-space enclosure cyclically, and a coolant vessel-thermostat and freezing coils connected with an electrical freezer mechanism, are powered by dual batteries in electrical parallel when in use, and the freezer mechanism by solely one thereof when ignition is off for an automobile by virtue of solenoid switch, the fans being run in electrical series at predetermined lower temperatures and in parallel at predetermined higher temperatures by virtue of circuitry and thermostatically-controlled other solenoid switches, maximum ice-production being controlled thermostatically.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is a terminal of the mixing type, receiving primary conditioned air, and delivering that air or a mixture including that air and recirculated air as required, for air conditioning. The rate at which primary conditioned air is delivered to the zone is varied between a maximum and a predetermined lesser rate as the air conditioning load on the space varies between a maximum and an intermediate load. The apparatus also includes a blower, nozzle or the like for inducing a flow of air from outside, and for mixing the induced air with primary conditioned air, so that such mixture is delivered to the zone. According to preferred embodiments which are disclosed, the apparatus is effective to deliver to the zone such a mixture of primary conditioned air and induced air under all conditions of air conditioning load on the zone.

Abstract: A refrigerator water reservoir that takes the place of connecting the refrigerator to the city water supply, the reservoir being connected to the automatic ice maker and to the ice maker dispenser for automatically delivering water to either unit as soon as the ice maker starts operating or when the ice water dispenser is actuated. No alterations are necessary to be made in a standard refrigerator that is already equipped with the automatic ice maker and with the ice water dispenser. The water reservoir assembly is equipped with a motor driven pump and with a water pressure sensitive switch so that the water in the conduit leading from the reservoir to the two solenoid valves, which in turn control the flow of water to the ice maker and to the ice water dispenser, will be maintained at a desired water pressure at all times. The device also has manually controlled means for refilling the reservoir when needed.