Abstract: A method using controlled forced-convection to couple (or de-couple) a refrigerant-evaporator thermally to a refrigerated compartment, and a method to use heat from a fresh food compartment (or other compartment maintained above 0C) of a two or more temperature refrigeration appliance to defrost a freezer evaporator automatically without using a controller or heater. When thermally coupled to its compartment, an evaporator can provide efficient cooling to the compartment. The ability to de-couple the evaporator from its compartment enables refrigerant flow through the evaporator at significantly different temperatures than its compartment, but without significant heat transfer. This ability enables using a single refrigeration system (with one or no valves) to remove heat (sequentially) at two or more different temperatures from two or more refrigerated compartments.

Abstract: In a refrigerating cycle with a by-pass line 5 detouring the condenser 2 in an auxiliary heating mode the amount of circulated refrigerant is controlled in accordance with load, etc. so that the heating can be suited to such conditions. A regulator 20 for controlling the outlet pressure of the evaporator to a fixed level allows to use an evaporator 4 having ordinary pressure resistance. An accumulator 6 for temporarily storing low-pressure refrigerant liquid is provided between the outlet of evaporator 4 and a compressor 1. In an auxiliary heating mode the amount of the circulated refrigerant passing the by-pass line 5 is controlled by the accumulator 6. Simultaneously the regulator is controlling the outlet pressure of the evaporator to an essentially fixed level.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit comprises a conventional refrigeration circuit including a conventional primary capillary for reducing the pressure of refrigerant flowing from a condenser outlet to an evaporator inlet. During abnormal operating conditions, i.e., when outside temperature is above a predetermined value, a secondary pressure reducing capillary bypasses the evaporator to supply refrigerant flowing out of the condenser to an inlet of a compressor, also responsive to refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator. Refrigerant flowing from the compressor flows into the condenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser for liquefying a refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a plurality of refrigerant passages disposed at a downstream side of the condenser, a switching valve for switching a flow of refrigerant to one of the refrigerant passages so that the refrigerant liquefied by the condenser flows through the selected refrigerant passage, the switching valve including a valve body, and a controller for controlling the switching valve so that the switching valve performs a switching operation upon expiration of a period of time sufficient for an interior of the valve body of the switching valve to be filled with the liquid refrigerant after start of the compressor.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle, a water/refrigerant heat exchanger is disposed at a refrigerant discharge side of a compressor of a refrigerant cycle, and a cooling unit for cooling a heat-generating unit with refrigerant having an intermediate pressure of the refrigerant cycle is disposed at a downstream refrigerant side of the water/refrigerant heat exchanger. The air conditioning apparatus includes an evaporator and a hot-water type heater core disposed in an air conditioning duct. In a cooling water circuit, an engine, a radiator and an electrical pump are disposed in addition to the water/refrigerant heat exchanger and the hot-water type heater core. Thus, refrigerant absorbs heat generated in the heat-generating unit, and is heat-exchanged with cooling water in the water/refrigerant heat exchanger after passing through the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a modulatable compressor and a Rankine cycle refrigeration circuit having at least two evaporators. The flow rate of the compressor is modulated in response to the sensed temperature of the masses being cooled, and the control circuit switches valves to control the refrigerant flow path and modulates the flow rate of the compressor to optimize the efficiency of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A heating or refrigeration apparatus comprising a refrigeration circuit which includes an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and a valve or capillary duct for expansion between the condenser and the evaporator. It also includes a seat or space for material to be temperature-conditioned at the evaporator and at the condenser, each seat being arranged in a heat-exchange relationship with at least one portion of duct of the evaporator or of the condenser of the refrigeration circuit.

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: In a radiation type air conditioning system for cooling or heating fluid such as air or refrigerant through heat exchange and supplying the cooled or heated fluid into a radiant panel to radiatively cool or heat a room, the air is cooled by a heat exchanger (evaporator), and the cooled air is supplied onto the radiation face of the radiant panel by a fan to prevent dew condensation on the radiation face of the radiant panel. If the air which is cooled and dried by the evaporator is heated by a heater when it is supplied onto the radiation face of the radiant panel, the dew condensation preventing effect can be enhanced. Further, plural through holes are formed in the radiation panel and the cooled air is blown out onto the radiation face through the through holes, so that the dew condensation preventing effect can be enhanced.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a modulatable compressor and a Rankine cycle refrigeration circuit having at least two evaporators. The flow rate of the compressor is modulated in response to the sensed temperature of the masses being cooled, and the control circuit switches valves to control the refrigerant flow path and modulates the flow rate of the compressor to optimize the efficiency of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an air conditioner includes a refrigerant-air heat exchange portion having plural refrigerant evaporation passages and heat exchanging between refrigerant flowing in the plural refrigerant evaporation passage and air passing around the plural refrigerant evaporation passages, a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchange portion having an inlet refrigerant passage and an outlet refrigerant passages and heat exchanging between refrigerant flowing in the inlet refrigerant passage and refrigerant flowing in the outlet refrigerant passage, a pressure reducing unit placed in an upstream side of the plural refrigerant evaporation passages, and a unit case having an air flow passage therein. The refrigerant-air heat exchange portion is contained in the air flow passage, and the unit case contains the refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchange portion outside the air flow passage.

Abstract: An evaporator for cooling apparatus according to the present invention includes a cooled flow passages in a heat exchanging portion and a bypass flow passage bypassing the heat exchanging portion between a receiver for reducing the pressure (pressure P1) of liquefied refrigerant condensed by a condenser and an evaporator, which communicates in parallel with each other. A valve element is disposed in the bypass flow passage, and opens the bypass passage when the pressure P1 is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure where a refrigerant temperature within the cooled flow passage is more than a refrigerant temperature within a cooling flow passage when the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanging portion and where a refrigerant dryness is less than a predetermined value when the refrigerant is not introduced into the heat exchanging portion and pressure thereof is reduced directly to the refrigerant pressure within the evaporating portion.

Abstract: A method of producing a higher temperature cold and a lower temperature cold comprises the steps of generating a higher temperature cold and a lower temperature cold each including a compression of vapors of refrigerant condensation of the compressed vapors and subsequent expansion of the refrigerant with accompanying cooling, accumulating the generated colds, supplying the generated colds to corresponding consumers of higher temperature cold and lower temperature cold, and performing the generating, the accumulating and the supplying of the lower temperature cold at a second auxiliary stage during periods of reduced demand in the higher temperature cold generated at a first stage.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a first and second compartments which are cooled by first and second heat exchangers, respectively, of a cooling system. The first heat exchanger includes upstream and downstream heat exchanger sections. A first valve is arranged for conducting refrigerant from the upstream heat exchanger section either to the downstream heat exchanger section or to a second valve disposed upstream of the second heat exchange. The second valve can conduct the refrigerant either to the second heat exchange or to a compressor of the cooling system. By a selected actuation of the first valve, the first compartment can be used as a freezing compartment or a refrigeration compartment. By a selected actuation of the second valve, the second compartment can be used as a refrigeration compartment, or not cooled at all. If the second compartment is not cooled, it can be heated for use as a food fermentation compartment.

Abstract: Pulse width modulation is used to control the flow rate through a solenoid expansion valve in a refrigeration system using a dual evaporator, two-stage cycle. The refrigeration cycle includes a phase separator which receives two phase refrigerant from the low temperature evaporator and supplies liquid refrigerant to the pulse width modulated solenoid valve. A liquid level sensor is disposed in the phase separator, and a controller for controlling the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated solenoid valve is provided to receive input from the liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor can be of the type which provides a continuously variable signal as a function of liquid level, or it can be a liquid level switch which controls valve duty cycle on the basis of whether the phase separator liquid level is above or below a set level. Alternatively, two liquid level switches can be provided.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for providing cooling to two or more compartments utilizing respective first and second evaporators. During the initial operation of a cooling cycle, the refrigerant is utilized for cooling the compartment (such as a fresh food compartment) which is to be maintained at a higher temperature as compared with another compartment (such as a freezer compartment). Cooling can thus be achieved by operating a fan in the fresh food compartment, even where the refrigeration system has not yet reached steady state after the compressor initially begins operating. After cooling has been achieved in the fresh food compartment, the refrigerant in the system has reached a state suitable for cooling of the freezer compartment, and the fan for the freezer evaporator is turned on while the fan for the fresh food compartment is turned off.

Abstract: A refrigerating system includes a first compartment used solely for cold storage, and a second compartment used either for cold storage or fermentation. First and second heat exchangers are disposed for cooling the first and second compartments, respectively. An outlet of the second heat exchanger communicates with an inlet of the first heat exchanger. A refrigerant distribution mechanism is operable in either a fermentation mode or a cold storage mode. In the fermentation mode, refrigerant is directed through first and second flow passages to the first and second heat exchangers, respectively, such that more refrigerant is delivered to the first heat exchanger than to the second heat exchanger; also, a heater in the second compartment is activated. In the cold storage mode, refrigerant is directed to the second flow passage but not to the first flow passage.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for refrigerators having two or more compartments maintained at different temperatures comprises separate cycles for each compartment, each cycle in turn comprising separate evaporator means, heat exchanger means and compressor. To provide for cycle separation, the condenser may be split into separate units, connected by phase separators where appropriate. The system is particularly designed for use in connection with mixed, nonazeotropic refrigerants.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow control unit for a refrigeration system, particularly a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser connected to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and a plurality of evaporators. A first one of the evaporators is connected to receive at least a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and the remaining evaporators are connected to receive at least a portion of the refrigerant discharged from another evaporator. The refrigerant flow control unit is connected to receive at least a portion of the refrigerant discharged from each one of the evaporators. The refrigerant flow control unit is also connected to the compressor and is repeatedly operable to alternately connect one of the evaporators respectively in exclusive refrigerant flow relationship with the compressor.

Abstract: An excess liquid refrigerant accumulator for multievaporator refrigeration systems is provided. Under some operating conditions, the lowest temperature evaporator of a multievaporator system may discharge some liquid refrigerant rather than only vapor refrigerant. This liquid discharge creates a loss of cooling capacity. A receptacle connected to the exit of the lowest temperature evaporator accumulates the liquid. By locating the receptacle within the cooled compartment, the cooling capacity which would otherwise be lost, is regained.

Abstract: A refrigeration system suitable for use in household refrigerators having a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment and an intermediate temperature compartment is provided. The system includes a first expansion throttle, a first evaporator for providing cooling to a freezer compartment, first, second and third compressors, a condenser, a second expansion throttle, a second evaporator for providing cooling to a fresh food compartment, a third expansion throttle, and a third evaporator for providing cooling to an intermediate compartment. All the above elements are connected in series, in that order, in a refrigerant flow relationship. A first phase separator connects the second evaporator to the third expansion throttle in a refrigerant flow relationship and provides intercooling between the second and third compressors.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner uses a non-azeotropic mix-type refrigerant of a higher boiling point refrigerant and a lower boiling point refrigerant. The automotive air conditioner changes its cooling capacity by varying the proportion of the lower boiling point refrigerant and the higher boiling point refrigerant. In order to madulate the proportion of the refrigerant, the present heat exchanger employs a rectifying means and a cooling means. The cooling means introduces the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit as the cooling medium when the air conditioner is not required high cooling capacity, so that lower boiling point refrigerant is separated and is stucked within the cooling means within a short while.

Abstract: An air conditioner provided with a heat-pump system refrigerating cycle including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, an indoor heat exchanger installed within a room, and a radiation type heat exchanger connected in a circuit. An indoor unit includes the indoor heat exchanger, the radiation type heat exchanger displaced in a state exposed to the room and an indoor fan. A selector is provided to select between a warm-air heating during which the indoor fan is turned on and a radiant heating during which the indoor fan is turned off. The capacity of the compressor during the radiant heating mode is adjusted below the capacity during the warm-air heating mode.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle including a cold-accumulation material to be cooled comprises main evaporator for generating cold air to cool a refrigerator compartment, a cold-accumulation evaporator to cool the cold-accumulation material, a flowpath switching device, such as a three-way electromagnetic valve, to change the refrigerant flowpath between a first refrigerant flowpath to the main evaporator and a second refrigerant flowpath to the cold-accumulation evaporator respectively, and a refrigerant supply device, such as a compressor, a condenser, and a capillary tube connected in series, to supply refrigerant to the main evaporator and the cold-accumulation evaporator through the flowpath switching device. The outlet of the cold-accumulation evaporator is connected to the inlet of the evaporator to let the refrigerant which has not completely evaporated in the cold-accumulation evaporator flow into the main evaporator.

Abstract: A device for low temperature refrigerative drying of compressed air and other gases includes a gas/gas heat exchanger in one passage of which a gas to be dried is pre-refrigerated by heat exchange with gas which has already been refrigeratively dried. The pre-refrigerated gas is then passed through a trap to remove liquid therefrom and then selectively supplied to a gas passage in one of a pair, or more, of evaporators wherein the gas is refrigeratively dried at low temperature by heat exchange with a refrigerant, after which the refrigeratively dried gas is circulated through the other passage of the gas/gas heat exchanger and then discharged for use. Each evaporator is provided with a refrigerant circuit selectively supplied from a refrigerant gas condenser unit with high pressure refrigerant via an expansion valve for refrigerative drying or with warm refrigerant via an unfreezing valve for melting frozen condensate in the evaporator.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contactor for varying the mixing ratio of a non-azeotropic refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration cycle. A liquid returning pipe leading from a liquid refrigerant reservoir has a lower end which is opened downward into the container of the gas-liquid contactor at a position substantially on the axis of the container, so that the returned liquid refrigerant can be uniformly distributed over the entire region of the filler bed so as to enhance exchange of heat between the gaseous phase and the liquid phase of the refrigerant. A lower filler holder defining the lower end of a bed of filler in the gas-liquid contactor is convexed upward at its central portion so as to smoothly guide the flow of gaseous phase of the refrigerant into the filler bed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a refrigerating apparatus suitable for use in a vending machine having a plurality of storage chambers. The refrigerating apparatus is provided with a plurality of evaporators which are connected in series and disposed individually in the storage chambers for refrigerating the same. A plurality of expansion devices are coupled in series with the evaporators, each of the expansion devices and evaporators being provided with a bypass having a valve means to direct the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator through at least one of the expansion devices.

Abstract: An electric refrigerator is disclosed which includes first and second coolers independently disposed in a freezer and a refrigeration chamber, respectively, a compressor for delivering a refrigerant therefrom, an electromagnetic valve for switching a refrigerant channel including the first and second coolers between a first referigerant flow path for supplying the refrigerant to only the first cooler and a second refrigerant flow path for supplying the refrigerant to both the first and second coolers, and a control circuit for causing the electromagnetic valve to form the first refrigerant flow path for a predetermined time interval and for causing the electromagnetic valve to form the second refrigerant flow path by preventing interruption of the compressor when the predetermined time interval has elapsed and an air temperature in the refrigeration chamber is higehr than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a refrigeration circuit and for effecting defrost are disclosed. Multiple outdoor heat exchangers are utilized to effect defrost of one of the outdoor heat exchangers while the other serves as an evaporator. In the refrigeration circuit disclosed, the indoor heat exchanger is not utilized during defrost and the outdoor heat exchangers are separated such that one is defrosted while the other serves as an evaporator. The circuit may then be reversed such that the non-defrosted outdoor heat exchanger is then defrosted while the other heat exchanger serves as an evaporator. This refrigeration circuit allows for effective defrost of the outdoor heat exchangers without necessitating electric resistance heat nor the transfer of heat energy from the indoor air to the outdoor heat exchangers.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a control device is provided with a refrigerating cycle system constructed by connecting in series a compressor, a condensor, capillary tubes, a storage compartment evaporator and a freezing compartment evaporator. This control device comprises a first control circuit to forcefully cool the freezing compartment evaporator upon receipt of a first instruction signal, a second control circuit for removing the frost deposited on the freezing compartment evaporator upon receipt of a second instruction signal, and a preferential control circuit, which, in case an operation based on a preferentially issued instruction signal is taking place, and, during this interim, a delayed instruction is given, causes an operation based on the delayed instruction signal to be commenced only after the operation based on the preferential instruction signal is brought to an end.

Abstract: A dual temperature refrigeration system which includes a first and second evaporator coil which chills water and freezes water within a tank for producing carbonated water. A restrictor tube is connected between the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second evaporator coil. When the demand occurs for chilled water, a switch provided in a by-pass conduit extending around the second evaporator coil is opened, permitting the refrigerant to by-pass the second coil which is used for producing an ice bank in the carbonator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for promoting effective heat transfer between refrigerant flowing through a heat exchanger and air flowing thereover and for providing a method of defrost of a portion of the heat exchanger wherein frost has accumulated. A headering arrangement is provided such that during defrost a portion of the heat exchanger is isolated and the fluid being supplied to the frosted portions of the coil is directed to the frosted portions to make the most effective use of the heat energy therein. Valve means are provided for regulating the flow of refrigerant to an intermediate header during defrost.

Abstract: A high speed freezing apparatus in use for a refrigerator. In the freezing apparatus, evaporators for the cold and freezing chambers are coupled in a series relation with respect to a compressor. An electromagnetic valve is provided in parallel with the evaporator for the cold chamber. When a high speed freezing start signal is produced from an operating section mounted on a front panel of a door for the freezing chamber, a timer circuit provided in a control section is operated. An operating condition of the compressor is detected by a detecting transformer and a given signal is produced from a start-failure preventing circuit. The start signal is transferred through a gate circuit to a relay portion only during the time that the given signal is transmitted to a gate circuit. Through the relay portion, the compressor and the electromagnetic valve are driven, so that the refrigerant is supplied to only the evaporator for the freezing chamber to start the high speed freezing operation.

Abstract: A system for feeding refrigerant in a refrigerator having a first evaporator delivering refrigerant to a second evaporator, refrigerant storage device having a first outlet to the first evaporator and a second outlet connected to the second evaporator and connected to the storage interior for equalizing developed gaseous pressures and including a generally u-shaped tube and a vapor pump for supplying refrigerant to the second evaporator and stopping the refrigerant flow to the first evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus with at least two evaporators which are controlled at different temperatures by a refrigerant, a vapor bubble pump for pumping the refrigerant, a vapor bubble pump for pumping the refrigerant and a delayer located in the conduit path in which the refrigerant flows when said vapor bubble pump is not in operation for delaying the refrigerant flow therethrough.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus with at least two evaporators which are controlled at different temperatures by a refrigerant, a vapor bubble pump for pumping the refrigerant and a first and second pressure regulators of the refrigerant which are located on the upstream side of the evaporators.

Abstract: A freezing refrigerator has a freezing box with side plates, top and bottom plates, and a back plate. Foodstuff products may be stored in the freezing box. The top, bottom and back plates are made of thermal conductive material. First and second envelopes are provided around the outer surfaces of the top and bottom plates. The top plate is cooled at a lower temperature by at least 5.degree. C. than the bottom plate. A heater is disposed on the outer surfaces of the top and bottom plates for purpose of melting the frost intensively produced on the inner surface of the top plate. The outer surfaces of the top and bottom plates have hydrophilic and smooth surfaces. The outer surface of the top plate is slanted downwardly toward the back plate with an inclination at approximately 10.degree. with respect to the horizontal surface. The defrosted water flows down along the outer surface. The outer surface of the top and back plates are provided with a receptacle for collecting water drops.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a series compression refrigeration system are disclosed. A by-pass for circuiting refrigerant around one compressor when the compressor is not operating is provided. Additionally, a quench conduit conducts liquid refrigerant from a common line to provide a liquid refrigerant quench of the gaseous refrigerant between compressors. A control device is provided for regulating the flow of liquid refrigerant through the quench conduit.

Abstract: An evaporator feed and control system maintains a relatively high level of stability over a wide range of varying loads. The evaporator system includes a first evaporator having a multiple pass inlet and a single pass outlet, and a second evaporator having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second evaporator is connected to the output of the first evaporator. A control valve device is utilized for bypassing at least a portion of refrigerant-oil flowing in the first evaporator from the second evaporator directly to a suction line when system is operating at a reduced capacity.

Abstract: A cooler for a freezing chamber of a cooling apparatus having a low temperature portion cooling region and a very low temperature portion cooling region. The frost is concentrated on the very low temperature portion, and there is no frost adhesion to the low temperature portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for liquefying chlorine out of a gas mixture containing chlorine gas and noncondensable gases. According to the disclosed method, a multi-stage compression means is utilized for the gas mixture. The gas is compressed as it passes through the compressor series, and then it passes from the last compressor of the series to a condenser. Liquid chlorine and a second gas mixture, containing larger amounts of non-condensables, are recovered from the condenser. A bleed stream of the liquid chlorine is utilized as a refrigerant for the second gas mixture and is passed through a series of individual economizers co-current to the second gas mixture. The flow of the chlorine refrigerant and of the second gas mixture in the economizers may be countercurrent or co-current to the flow of chlorine gas in the compressors.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a low-temperature cooling compartment and a higher-temperature cooling compartment, and is provided with a cooling system comprised of a cooling-medium flow circuit. The flow circuit includes a compressor, a condenser downstream of the compressor, a flow restrictor downstream of the condenser, a first evaporator section downstream of the flow restrictor and operative for cooling the lower-temperature compartment, and a second evaporator section downstream of the first evaporator section and operative for cooling the higher-temperature compartment. An accumulator communicates with the flow circuit upstream of the flow restrictor. A heater is provided for heating liquid cooling medium in the accumulator to cause evaporation of part of such liquid cooling medium and concomitant pushing of the liquid remainder of the liquid cooling medium in the accumulator out of the accumulator and into the second evaporator section.