Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for controlling and limiting the discharge temperature of a compressor of a refrigeration system. The invention is suitable for converting an existing refrigeration system which operates with one refrigerant to use with another refrigerant which can cause high discharge temperatures. The invention includes a, simple four-part system—a temperature sensor to sense the discharge temperature, an injection valve for injecting liquid refrigerant into the suction gas line of the compressor, a fluid line for providing liquid refrigerant to the valve from the condenser and a digital controller for actuating the valve.

Abstract: During a heating mode, higher-pressure refrigerant having passed through a condenser within an air-conditioning duct is divided into two portions. One portion is depressurized by a first depressurizing device to an intermediate pressure. Heat exchange is performed in a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger between the other portion of the higher-pressure refrigerant having just passed through the condenser and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant having just passed through the first depressurizing device. During the heating mode, the higher-pressure refrigerant cooled in refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger 23 is supercooled by a supercooling device within the air-conditioning duct. Then, the supercooled higher-pressure refrigerant is depressurized by a second depressurizing device to a lower pressure, thereby vaporized in an outdoor heat-exchanger.

Abstract: A system for dispensing carbonated beverage into an open container precisely controls the temperature of the carbonated beverages using an in-line zero&Dgr;T chiller. The chiller preferably includes a flooded freon-bath heat exchanger in which an output temperature of the carbonated beverage from the heat exchanger matches the temperature of freon within the heat exchanger under normal operating conditions. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of freon in the heat exchanger and a freon valve in the refrigeration circuit is electronically controlled in order to adjust the pressure of the freon and consequently the temperature of the freon in the heat exchanger. The optimum temperature for the carbonated beverage is selected either by choice, or in the case of carbonated beverages on ice to approximately the surface temperature of the ice in order to reduce foaming.

Abstract: An expansion device in a refrigeration chiller defines at least two fixed orifices and employs at least two positionable valve members in order to minimize the overall flow area through the expansion device under a first set of chiller operating conditions, to maximize the overall flow area through the expansion device under a second set of chiller operating conditions and to define a flow area intermediate said minimum and said maximum flow areas when a third set of chiller operating conditions exist.

Abstract: In a freezing cycle that utilizes a supercritical fluid as its coolant and employs an internal heat exchanger that performs heat exchange on the coolant on the outlet side of a gas cooler and on the intake side of a compressor, a means for adjustment that adjusts the quantity of heat exchange performed by the internal heat exchanger (4) is provided. The means for adjustment is constituted of a bypass passage (9) that bypasses the internal heat exchanger (4) and a flow-regulating valve (10) that adjusts the coolant flow rate in the bypass passage (9). The flow-regulating valve (10) is constituted of an electromagnetic valve, the degree of openness of which is determined based upon information with respect to the cycle state, or a bellows regulating valve that operates in correspondence to the pressure on the high-pressure side. Alternatively, the means for adjustment may perform adjustment by varying the passage length over which heat exchange is performed by the internal heat exchanger (4).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compound type kimchi storage device including an upper storage tank of an upper open/shut type and a lower storage tank of a front slide open/shut type as storage tanks for storing foods. The kimchi storage device for ripening and storing foods such as kimchi by selectively operating a compressor and a heater, includes: a casing composing an outward form of the device; at least one upper storage tank disposed at the inside of the casing for providing at least one upper storage chamber, an insulating material being filled between the casing and the storage tank; a door disposed at one side of the casing for opening and shutting the upper storage chamber; a drawer-type lower storage tank disposed below the upper storage tank for providing a lower storage chamber, a sidewall being positioned between the upper and lower storage tanks; and a driving chamber positioned adjacently to the lower storage tank, a compressor being installed in the driving chamber.

Abstract: An improved air conditioning system that cools or heats air very rapidly after being started. The system includes a main heater and a cooler which also functions as an auxially heater. The cooler includes a variable displacement compressor for compressing refrigerant gas. The compressor has a crank chamber and a discharge chamber. A crank mechanism is accommodated in the crank chamber. Compressed refrigerant gas is supplied to an external refrigerant circuit via the discharge chamber. The discharge chamber is connected to the external refrigerant circuit by a passage. A throttle valve is located in the passage. The throttle valve closes the passage immediately after the compressor is started, which quickly increases the pressure of the discharge chamber. As a result, the displacement of the compressor is increased quickly, and rapid heating or cooling results.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for warm-liquid defrosting of the evaporator of a refrigeration system. The apparatus includes a first refrigerant expansion device that selectively expands refrigerant for cooling the evaporator, a second refrigerant expansion device that selectively expands the refrigerant after the refrigerant has passed through the evaporator, and a defrosting control for the first refrigerant expansion device and second refrigerant expansion device to selectively defrost the evaporator by causing warm refrigerant to flow through the evaporator.

Abstract: A valve body 10 of an expansion valve 1 comprises a valve chamber 14 to which refrigerant from a compressor is supplied. The amount of refrigerant is controlled between a valve member 40 and a valve seat 16, and travels through a first passage 20 to an evaporator. The refrigerant returning from the evaporator travels through a second passage 50 and into the compressor. The valve chamber 14 is equipped with a bypass passage which is communicated through a narrow hole 24 to an opening 26 with a bottom, and through a conduit 28 to the first passage 20. The electromagnetic valve 100 comprises a plunger 130, and opens/closes the bypass passage by a pilot valve 150. A pressure switch 220 is equipped to an opening 54 communicated to the second passage 50, and when the pressure of the refrigerant returning from the evaporator is reduced, the valve 100 is operated and the bypass passage is opened.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus using an HFC group refrigerant, the performance is improved by increasing the refrigerating capacity and a stable operation is made possible. In order to achieve this, a cycle system in a refrigerator is structured so as to connect a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver and a supercooler in this order. In an air-cooled separation type refrigerator, the liquid receiver is disposed within an air-cooled type condenser unit. Further, in the case where a flush gas is liable to be generated in a liquid pipe, a vapor-liquid separator is disposed within the compressor unit integral with an accumulator and separated therefrom by a partition plate.

Abstract: An improved efficiency economizer system for compressors incorporates the use of a check valve blocking return flow into the economizer return line. The economizer return line communicates with an economizer port, which communicates with a compression chamber. Pressure in the compression chamber can vary during the operational cycle of the compressor. Thus, in the past, there has sometimes been backflow of refrigerant through the economizer injection port and into the return line. The present invention prevents this backflow. Most preferably, the invention is utilized on scroll compressors; however, other types of compressors may benefit from this invention.

Abstract: The CO2 refrigerant fluid, compressed by the compressor to a supercritical pressure, is delivered through a three-way valve selectively into a cooler and/or into a bypass branch, so that in the former case, after passing through an expansion device, the fluid is vaporised in an evaporator so as to cool the cabin of the vehicle; while flow of the fluid through the bypass branch avoids the cooler so that the fluid is then cooled in the evaporator, thereby heating the cabin.

Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator having a direction control valve drives a refrigerating fan for a predetermined time when a refrigerant passage is converted to make a refrigerant from a condenser firstly pass a refrigerating evaporator, and enhances a cooling efficiency by applying a residual cool air of the refrigerating evaporator to a refrigerating compartment, after the refrigerating compartment reaches a steady state in a refrigerator having a refrigerating evaporator embodied as an intercooler evaporator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen unit (100) for the handling of portions of household garbage at the source, i.e. in the individual households, said kitchen unit being in the form of a box, which fits into a kitchen table. The first compartment (7) is connected to a refrigeration unit having an evaporator (13) in the first compartment (7) and a condenser (14) which is placed under the bottom in the second compartment (17), so that the heat from the condenser (14) can rise up through a grating (21) into the second compartment (17). The first compartment (7) is insulated against heat on five (6, 8, 9, 10, 11) of its six walls, while the sixth wall (15) is formed using a heat-conducting material. The moisture from wet garbage which is deposited in the second compartment (17) is evaporated by the heat from the condenser and rises to meet the cold wall (15). Consequently, the vapor condenses and drips down this wall to a drip-tray (18), from which the condensate is led to a dish (20) via a tube (19).

Abstract: A multiple type air conditioner has an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. The outdoor unit has a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. Each indoor unit has an indoor heat exchanger. A bypass pipe connects the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor, and the opening degree of the bypass pipe is controlled by a bypass valve. The temperature of the refrigerant circulating from the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor is sensed by a sensor. As the temperature of the refrigerant sensed by the sensor increases, the opening degree of the bypass pipe decreases. Thus, the amount of refrigerant supplied to the indoor heat exchanger and that of refrigerant bypassed by the bypass pipe are controlled according to the temperature of the refrigerant, whereby the cooling efficiency is enhanced. Further, the difference in pressure between the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger and that flowing out of the bypass pipe is lowered, whereby noise is reduced.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus using an HFC group refrigerant, the performance is improved by increasing the refrigerating capacity and a stable operation is made possible. In order to achieve this, a cycle system in a refrigerator is structured so as to connect a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver and a supercooler in this order. In an air-cooled separation type refrigerator, the liquid receiver is disposed within an air-cooled type condenser unit. Further, in the case where a flush gas is liable to be generated in a liquid pipe, a vapor-liquid separator is disposed within the compressor unit integral with an accumulator and separated therefrom by a partition plate.

Abstract: The water heater modified from refrigeration machine or air condition is constructed by adding an apparatus for heat accumulation by means of water parallel to the condenser of the original system, this modified system can be controlled to work as an ordinary refrigeration machine or air conditioner, or to work simultaneously both as a refrigeration machine or air conditioner and also as a water heater, the advantages of this water heater are that it is obtained by a simple modification to the existing refrigeration machine or air conditioner, it can be installed at a remote distance convenienty without decreasing the effectiveness and the safety of the original system, and it can be operated to supply hot water without any additional energy consumption from what being consumed for supplying cold air by an original refrigeration machine or air conditioner itself.

Abstract: The evaporator and the condenser are disposed in a duct. First bypass passage is disposed at the side of the condenser and first air mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Further second bypass passage is formed at the side of the evaporator and second mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Cooling rate at the evaporator and heating rate at the condenser are varied so that air adjusted in proper temperature is generated and discharged from each outlets into a room. An outside heat exchanger is disposed the outside of the duct. Refrigerant flow is randomly switched among the outside heat exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser so that cooling, heating, dehumidifying, dehumidified-heating and defrosting operations are performed.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle system for a refrigerator has a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber. The refrigerating cycle system includes a compressor, a condenser, first and second expansion devices, a first evaporator for cooling the freezing chamber by evaporating the refrigerant that is reduced in pressure by the first and second expansion devices, and a second evaporator for cooling the refrigerating chamber. A fluid passage is provided for directly conducting the refrigerant from the condenser to the first evaporator. Another fluid passage is provided for directing the refrigerant from the condenser to the first evaporator via the second evaporator. A direction control valve is disposed between those two fluid passages to selectively direct the refrigerant to one of those fluid passages as a function of a sensed temperature of the refrigerating chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerant expansion device for a refrigeration cycle comprises a housing, a passage formed penetrating the housing, an expansion means for expanding the refrigerant passing through the passage and a flow rate control means for bypassing some of the refrigerant passing through the expansion means according to the pressure of the refrigerant, for supplying to the low pressure portion of the passage, and for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant through the expansion means.

Abstract: A refrigeration system whose refrigeration capacity can be regulated continuously in a simple and reliable manner by gradually restricting the flow of refrigerant through an economizer channel to the compressor. The refrigeration system includes a rotary screw compressor, a condenser, a first pressure reducing valve, an economizer, a second pressure reducing valve, and an evaporator connected in sequence by respective channels. An outlet channel connects the evaporator to a low pressure inlet port of the rotary screw compressor to form a closed loop for a refrigerant. An economizer channel selectively connects the economizer to a closed working chamber of the rotary screw compressor. An adjustable valve provided in the economizer channel continuously regulates a mass flow of gaseous refrigerant through the economizer channel. And a sensing device senses a value of at least one parameter of the refrigerant in the closed loop which is indicative of a required refrigeration capacity.

Abstract: A variable capacity vapor compression cooling system is presented. In the system of the present invention, air conditioning requirements are entered into a microprocessor which controls the system. Liquid phase refrigerant entering an evaporator is regulated by a microprocessor controlled electronic expansion valve. Evaporated refrigerant is delivered to a pair of compressors from the evaporator. The motors for the compressors are controlled by a controller. Each of the compressors has a feed back loop attached thereto for feeding back some of the inducted vapor phase refrigerant. The amount of vapor fed back in each loop is regulated by a corresponding microprocessor controlled multi-purpose valve. The compressed vapor phase refrigerant is then presented to a condenser which condenses the refrigerant to the liquid phase which is used for cooling, as is well known in the art. Thereafter, liquid phase refrigerant is presented to an economizer where vapor phase refrigerant (i.e., flash gas) is drawn off.

Abstract: A refrigeration system which controls subcooling by controlling the amount of refrigerant diverted from the condenser to the receiver based upon the difference in temperature between the phase change transition temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser and the liquid refrigerant temperature at the condenser output. Refrigerant is bled from the receiver to charge the system until the condenser pressure causes the difference between the phase change and liquid temperatures to exceed a predetermined value. A controller responds to this condition by simultaneously operating a bleed valve at the receiver inlet and a release valve at its outlet to draw refrigerant from the condenser into the receiver. As the condenser pressure drops, the difference between the phase change and liquid temperatures decreases toward the desired amount, and the cycle begins again.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner which conditions air making use of radiation of heat of a condenser and absorption of heat of an evaporator effectively. The evaporator 207 and the condenser 203 are disposed in a duct 100. A bypass passageway 150 is provided sidewardly of the condenser 203 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the condenser 203 is controlled by pivotal motion of an air mixing damper 154. Another bypass passage is provided sidewardly of the evaporator 207 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the evaporator 207 is controlled by pivotal motion of a bypass damper 159. Air is conditioned to an optimum blown out air temperature by varying the cooling rate at the evaporator 207 and the heating rate at the condenser 203 and is blown out to a room of an automobile from spit holes 141, 142 and 143.

Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a start assist valve for permitting refrigerant to flow from an outlet of a condenser to an inlet of an evaporator during start-up of the heat pump apparatus. The heat pump apparatus preferably includes an expansion orifice connected in fluid communication between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator. The start assist valve provides a bypass for refrigerant flow around the expansion orifice during start-up of the heat pump apparatus. The apparatus also preferably includes a series of check valves cooperating with the start assist valve so that the start assist valve is operable only when the heat pump apparatus is in the cooling mode. The invention is particularly applicable to a direct expansion heat pump apparatus where one or more earth tap heat exchangers serve as the condenser when operating in the cooling mode.

Abstract: Conventional vapor-compression refrigeration systems modified for greater efficiencies by installation of a liquid refrigerant level sensor in the drain line after the condenser, the sensor activating a valve in the high pressure vapor line in communication with the refrigerant receiver or reservoir, and the drain line being trapped to prevent vapor in the reservoir from backing up into the condenser.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for achieving temperature control in a refrigeration circuit by providing a bypass flow of saturated, gaseous refrigerant from the receiver tank to a point in the circuit downstream of the evaporator coil. The system includes a bypass conduit for conducting a bypass flow of saturated, gaseous refrigerant from an upper portion of the receiver tank to a point in the circuit between the evaporator coil and a suction line throttling valve to partially offset the cooling of the evaporator coil from the expansion valve. The bypass conduit includes a valve mechanism for modulating this flow to achieve a desired temperature setpoint. The system also includes a temperature monitoring sensor located in a space conditioned by the refrigeration circuit, as well as a microprocessor. The input of the microprocessor receives an electrical signal generated by the monitoring sensor indicative of the temperature of the space.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus employing a heat pump system in which a cooling evaporator and a heating condenser are disposed inside the compartment. A compressor is provided with a gas injection port, a fixed throttle for reducing pressure of refrigerant on high pressure side in a refrigerating cycle to middle pressure, and a gas-liquid separator for separating the middle pressure refrigerant of which pressure is reduced by the fixed throttle. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator is introduced into the gas injection port. In a heating operation, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor, the condenser, the fixed throttle, the gas-liquid separator, an expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor as a closed circuit, while the gaseous refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator is injected into the compressor through the gas injection port. As a result, when the outside air temperature is low, the heating capacity is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed loop vapor cycle refrigeration system that includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator system having at least two parallel evaporator coils, means for discharging the compressed gas refrigerant into the outlet ends of each of the parallel evaporator coils and a flow control means coupled to the inlet end of each of the parallel evaporator coils. In an embodiment, a flow control valve is used as the flow control means. The flow control valves are independently controlled by a control circuit. During the defrost cycle, the control circuit closes each flow control valve when the temperature at the inlet end of its associated evaporator coil reaches or exceeds a preset value to ensure that no gas refrigerant passes from its associated evaporator coil to other elements of the refrigeration system during the defrost cycle.

Abstract: A combined machine for the dual production of crushed ice or ice cream includes a processing cylinder provided with a stirrer means, a refrigerating circuit and a device for operating the stirrer. The refrigerating circuit includes an evaporator in heat exchange relation with the processing cylinder, a compressor, a condenser, a filter and a control system for controlling the expansion of the refrigerating fluid. The control system includes a thermostatic expansion valve and a capillary tube, inserted in parallel in the circuit, as well as a switch disposed in the flow circuits of the control system.

Abstract: A refrigerating system for air-conditioning an air-conditioned area, and incorporating therein a variable capacity refrigerant compressor in which the delivery amount of the compressed refrigerant is varied by changing the stroke of the reciprocating pistons which are operatively connected to a swash plate mechanism by changing its angle of inclination in response to a change in the pressure in a crank chamber, a condenser for condensing the compressed gas-phase refrigerant from the compressor, a pressure reducing unit for reducing the pressure of the liquid-phase refrigerant, an evaporator for vaporizing the liquid-phase refrigerant by removing heat from the air, around the evaporator, which cools the air-conditioned area, and a refrigerant supply conduit supplying the crank chamber of the compressor with a part of the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing in a portion of the refrigerant conduit extending from the condenser to the evaporator so that during the minimum capacity operation of the compressor, the com

Abstract: An air conditioner is made to follow up a change in load in an efficient manner by utilizing the fact that the components of a three-component mixed medium serving as a substitute for Freon have different boiling points. The mixed medium, which consists of R-32, R-125 and R-134a, is sealed within the circuit of the air conditioner, and a supercooled heat exchanger and liquid-gas tank are interposed between an outdoor heat exchanger and an expansion valve. The liquid-gas tank is connected to an accumulator via a liquid injection valve.

Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a liquid injection system. The liquid injection system receives liquid refrigerant from the refrigeration system at a point between the condenser and the evaporator. This liquid refrigerant is then injected into at least one enclosed space defined by the scrolls of the scroll compressor. The liquid injection system includes a valve which selectively controls the flow of liquid refrigerant to the enclosed space. The valve is responsive to the discharge pressure of the compressor.

Abstract: A reversible heat pump provides multiple heating and cooling modes and includes a compressor, an evaporator and heat exchanger all interconnected and charged with refrigerant fluid. The heat exchanger includes tanks connected in series to the water supply and a condenser feed line with heat transfer sections connected in counterflow relationship. The heat pump has an accumulator and suction line for the refrigerant fluid upstream of the compressor. Sub-cool transfer tubes associated with the accumulator/suction line reclaim a portion of the heat from the heat exchanger. A reversing valve switches between heating/cooling modes. A first bypass is operative to direct the refrigerant fluid around the sub-cool transfer tubes in the space cooling only mode and during which an expansion valve is utilized upstream of the evaporator/indoor coil. A second bypass is provided around the expansion valve.

Abstract: Liquid pressure amplification with Bypass is used in an air-conditioning or refrigeration system which includes a compressor, a condenser, a pump, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed refrigerant loop. A first conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet to the condenser. A centrifugal pump is coupled to the condenser (or receiver) outlet for boosting the pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by a substantially constant increment. A second conduit transmits a first portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from outlet of the pump through the expansion valve into the evaporator to effect cooling. A third conduit transmits a second portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from the pump outlet into the condenser inlet, which cools the superheated vapor refrigerant entering the condenser, reducing head pressure.

Abstract: A liquid chiller refrigeration system with two bypass valves (a condenser bypass valve and a vapor bypass valve), a chiller control valve downstream from the vapor bypass valve, and a remote condenser in addition to a primary heat reclaim condenser so that the recovered heat may be directed to alternate locations. The condenser bypass valve facilitates rapid system start up in low ambient temperature; the vapor bypass valve and chiller control valve facilitate steady performance under varying load conditions; and the remote condenser and heat reclaim condenser provide a choice of discharging the heat to a remote location (typically, outdoors), or to the immediate surroundings of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A refrigerating system in which a refrigeration fluid medium is flowing in a closed circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, a receiver for containing the refrigeration fluid in a liquid state, and an evaporator serially connected between the outlet side and the intake side of the compressor; the improvement consisting in a cooling device for the compressor, comprising an auxiliary flow path for circulation of the refrigeration fluid, branched-off between the fluid receiver and the intake-side of the compressor and provided with a flow restrictor. Pressure sensing elements are provided on the intake side to provide a control signal in the absence of liquefied fluid in the receiver.

Abstract: A single-fluid two-phase turbine expander is employed in a compression-expansion refrigeration system. The turbine has nozzles of fixed, predetermined orifice and is designed for optimal operation in steady-state normal conditions. A main float valve governs the refrigerant flow to the turbine expander. In order to accommodate off-design conditions, a bypass conduit carries liquid refrigerant around the turbine expander directly to the evaporator. In this case a bypass float valve opens the bypass conduit when the liquid level in the condenser sump reaches a predetermined high level. Alternatively, a float switch and a bypass solenoid can be employed.

Abstract: A reheater is used in air-conditioning system which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed loop. A first conduit coupling a flow of liquid refrigerant through the expansion valve into the evaporator. A second conduit coupling the an outlet of the evaporator to an inlet of the compressor. A third conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the condenser. A centrifugal pump is coupled to an outlet of the condenser for boosting a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by an incremental pressure sufficient to pressure subcool the refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigeration system of the type having an economizer cycle is provided with a null cycle, in addition to heating and cooling cycles, without shutting a compressor prime mover down, to preserve air flow in a conditioned space. First, second and third controllable valves respectively: (1) select main and auxiliary condensers, (2) open and close a liquid line, and (3) open and close a line which provides a warm liquid to an economizer heat exchanger. The valves are controlled in at least one predetermined open/close pattern during a null cycle, and preferably in a plurality of selectable predetermined open/close patterns, to provide a null cycle at any instant which substantially matches the net heat gain or loss taking place in the conditioned space. Thus, the temperature of the served space will be more apt to remain in a null temperature range close to set point, providing smoother and more accurate control over the temperature of the conditioned space for longer shelf life of perishables stored therein.

Abstract: This invention is a low pressure refrigeration or air-conditioning system comprising a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator interconnected in series in a closed loop for circulating refrigerant therethrough, and an improved subcircuit including a subcooler and centrifugal pump connected in series to recycle a portion of the liquid refrigerant from the condenser outlet back to the condenser inlet to desuperheat compressed refrigerant vapors. The subcooler receives a portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from the outlet of the condenser at condenser outlet temperature and lowers that temperature by an increment of temperature, typically about 2.degree.-3.degree. F., to a temperature sufficiently lower than the condenser outlet temperature to prevent flashing of the refrigerant in the pump intake.

Abstract: A modular beverage cooling and dispensing system comprising a plurality of beverage cooling and dispensing modules, and a single power module containing a single compressor for servicing all of the beverage cooling and dispensing modules. Each beverage cooling and dispensing module comprises a housing, a tank within the housing for holding a liquid, an evaporator in the tank for chilling the liquid, and at least one beverage conduit positioned in the tank for exposure to the chilled liquid to cool beverage flowing through the conduit. A dispensing head is connected to the beverage conduit for dispensing beverage. Refrigerant lines connect the compressor of the power module and the evaporators of the beverage cooling and dispensing modules. The power module is physically separate from the beverage cooling and dispensing modules so that the power module may be placed at a convenient location remote from the beverage cooling and dispensing modules.

Abstract: A compression-type refrigeration system is disclosed, in which "flash gas" formation is eliminated without artificially maintaining condenser temperature and pressure levels. Condenser temperatures and pressures are allowed to fluctuate with ambient operating conditions, resulting in reduced compressor load and increased refrigeration capacity. After condensation, liquified refrigerant in the conduit between the receiver and the expansion valve is pressurized without adding heat, by means of a combination of (a) a positive-displacement pump, in parallel with the conduit, (b) a bypass conduit pressure regulating controller, and (c) a check valve in the conduit, to a pressure sufficient to suppress flash gas in the conduit. A variable speed liquid injection pump is provided to inject liquid refrigerant from downstream of the positive-displacement pump to upstream of the condenser, at a controlled rate sufficient to desuperheat the refrigerant upstream of the condenser.

Abstract: A refrigeration system of the type having an economizer cycle is provided with a null cycle, in addition to heating and cooling cycles, without shutting a compressor prime mover down, to preserve air flow in a conditioned space. First, second and third controllable valves respectively: (1) select main and auxiliary condensers, (2) open and close a liquid line, and (3) open and close a line which provides a warm liquid to an economizer heat exchanger. The valves are controlled in at least one predetermined open/close pattern during a null cycle, and preferably in a plurality of selectable predetermined open/close patterns, to provide a null cycle at any instant which substantially matches the net heat gain or loss taking place in the conditioned space. Thus, the temperature of the served space will be more apt to remain in a null temperature range close to set point, providing smoother and more accurate control over the temperature of the conditioned space for longer shelf life of perishables stored therein.

Abstract: A compressor is prevented from the problem of seizure at start-up even when return of lubricant to the compressor is delayed. In such a refrigerant cycle, a bypass passage bypasses an expansion member and an evaporator. The bypass passage opens for a predetermined time when the compressor starts. The predetermined time is dependent upon external temperature, the compressor speed, compressor capacity, etc.

Abstract: A refrigeration system of the type having an economizer cycle is provided with a null cycle, in addition to heating and cooling cycles, without shutting a compressor prime mover down, to preserve air flow in a conditioned space. First, second and third controllable valves respectively: (1) select main and auxiliary condensers, (2) open and close a liquid line, and (3) open and close a line which provides a warm liquid to an economizer heat exchanger. The valves are controlled in at least one predetermined open/close pattern during a null cycle, and preferably in a plurality of selectable predetermined open/close patterns, to provide a null cycle at any instant which substantially matches the net heat gain or loss taking place in the conditioned space. Thus, the temperature of the served space will be more apt to remain in a null temperature range close to set point, providing smoother and more accurate control over the temperature of the conditioned space for longer shelf life of perishables stored therein.

Abstract: A system for a cooler comprises: a heat exchange tube receiving a supply of pressurized gas, a gas escape aperture communicating with the interior of the heat exchange tube for permitting escape of the pressurized gas and expansion thereof during cooling mode, and a bypass assembly associated with said heat exchange tube and located after said gas escape aperture which during a cleaning mode enables most of the pressurized gas to exit the heat exchange tube without flowing through said gas escape aperture. The bypass assembly comprises a flush valve which is closed during said cooling mode and which is opened during said cleaning mode. According to a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange tube is helically wound over a cylindrical core and installed inside an insulated housing. The system may also be utilized as a gas purity tester, optionally with an additional gas pressure regulator, wherein a sensor will indicate the extent of the gas purity.

Abstract: Liquid pressure amplification with superheat suppression is used in an air-conditioning or refrigeration system which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed refrigerant loop. A first conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet to the condenser. A centrifugal pump is coupled to the condenser (or receiver) outlet for boosting the pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by a substantially constant increment. A second conduit transmits a first portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from outlet of the pump through the expansion valve into the evaporator to effect cooling. A third conduit transmits a second portion of the condensed liquid refrigerant from the pump outlet into the condenser inlet, which cools the superheated vapor refrigerant entering the condenser, reducing head pressure.

Abstract: A compression-type refrigeration system is disclosed, in which "flash gas" formation is eliminated without artificially maintaining condenser temperature and pressure levels. Condenser temperatures and pressures are allowed to fluctuate with ambient operating conditions, resulting in reduced compressor load and increased refrigeration capacity. After condensation, liquified refrigerant in the conduit between the receiver and the expansion valve is pressurized without adding heat, by means of a combination of (a) a positive-displacement pump, in parallel with the conduit, (b) a bypass conduit pressure regulating controller, and (c) a check valve in the conduit, to a pressure sufficient to suppress flash gas in the conduit. A variable speed liquid injection pump is provided to inject liquid refrigerant from downstream of the positive-displacement pump to upstream of the condenser, at a controlled rate sufficient to desuperheat the refrigerant upstream of the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a refrigerating system capable of cooling a compressor stably using a liquid injection circuit even when defrosting of an evaporator is performed using a gaseous refrigerant of high pressure. The refrigerating system comprises a compressor having a refrigerant discharge side and a refrigerant suction side; a condenser connected to the discharge side of the compressor; a receiver tank connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the condenser; an evaporator connected between a refrigerant outlet side of the receiver tank and the suction side of the compressor; a defrosting circuit which supplies a gaseous refrigerant obtained by gas-liquid separation in the receiver tank to the evaporator to defrost the evaporator; and a liquid injection circuit which supplies a liquid refrigerant obtained by gas-liquid separation in the receiver tank to a low pressure side in the interior of the compressor.