Abstract: Defrosting tool for maintaining the temporarily exposed cold head interface of a cryostat in frost-free condition. A plurality of electrically heated heat exchange surfaces of the tool simultaneously contacts a like plurality of cold head interface surfaces to vaporize frost formed on the latter. The tool further provides a passage for venting the vaporized frost to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A closure is shown for use with an ice dispensing apparatus having an ice chute operatively associated with a discharge opening. The closure includes a door case having a front wall of a size and shape corresponding to the opening and a rearwardly turned perimeter wall connected to the front wall and having an outwardly turned flange. An insulation core is disposed within the perimeter wall rearwardly of the front wall. A gasket engages the opening incident to the closure being in the closed position. A rear wall is provided for substantially covering the opening incident to the closure being in the closed position A resistance heater is positioned in the door case between the front wall and the insulation to prevent sweating of the closure.

Abstract: A defrost assembly for the evaporator of a refrigerator comprises a thin heating plate of thermally conductive material underlying the evaporator. An electric cord is mounted to an underside of the heating plate for heating the heating plate. A thermal insulating board underlies the heating plate. A thermally responsive cut-off terminates flow to the electric cord when the evaporator reaches a prescribed temperature. A rear portion of the heating plate forms a channel for draining-off melted water.

Abstract: First and second indirect contact condensing heat exchangers are used to separate gases from a mixture of condensible and non-condensible gases, such as the vapor from the last stage of a black liquor evaporation plant of a pulp mill. The mixture of gases passes over the first heat exchanger to cool and condense, producing a first condensate and a first remaining gas stream. The condensate is removed from the first remaining gas stream, the gas stream then being passed over the second heat exchanger. A medium for absorbing at least one non-condensible gas in the first gas stream--such as an NaOH liquid solutino--is passed over the surface of the second heat exchanger to absorb gas, and produce a second remaining gas stream (containing primarily air). The second gas stream is separated from the solution with absorbed gas. The solution with absorbed gas may be used as white liquor in kraft pulping in a pulp mill, without concentrating the solution.

Abstract: A frost control system is described for inhibiting and removing frost from the door of a storage locker. Relatively cool air is received by an inlet to the frost control system at an inlet placed above the door. The air is drawn into the system by a blower which forces the air through the ducts of the system. The air passes through strip heaters within the vertical ducts of the defrost system positioned on either side of the door. The warm air is discharged horizontally across the bottom portion of the door and simultaneously rises creating a blanket of relatively warm air in comparison to the ambient area. Discharge apertures are included in the ends of the vertical ducts which blow a portion of the warmed air to the base of the door to enhance coverage of the door by the warmed air.

Abstract: A combined refrigerator/freezer unit provides a step motor driven damper for adjusting the relationship between the amount of chilled air delivered to the freezer compartment and the amount of chilled air delivered to the refrigeration department. The step motor, and in turn, the damper, is controlled by a integrated circuit which receives signals from temperature sensors in each compartment. The control produces pulses which cause the step motor to readjust the position of the damper to correct temperature imbalances which exist within the two compartments. The step motor functions to move the damper to predetermined adjusted positions without requiring any feedback to establish the actual position of the damper before and after each adjustment. The control also functions during defrost to cause the evaporator temperature to be raised prior to the operation of the defrost heaters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to refrigerate air in a compartment wherein liquid CO.sub.2 is delivered through a first primary heat exchanger such that sufficient heat is absorbed to evaporate the liquid carbon dioxide to form pressurized vapor. The pressurized vapor is heated in a gas fired heater to prevent solidification of the pressurized carbon dioxide when it is depressurized to provide isentropic expansion of the vapor through pneumatically driven fan motors into a secondary heat exchanger. Orifices in inlets to the fan motors and solenoid valves in flow lines to the fan motors keep the vapor pressurized while the heater supplies sufficient heat to prevent solidification when the CO.sub.2 vapor expands through the motors. CO.sub.2 vapor is routed from the second heat exchanger to chill surfaces in a dehumidifier to condense moisture from a stream of air before it flows to the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A field installable service kit is disclosed for foamed in place refrigerator stile heaters that do not provide adequate heat around the front of the cabinet, to prevent external condensation under hot and humid conditions. The kit includes a transformer which is mounted on the back of the refrigerator by a service technician and connected directly in line with the stile heater wire connection. The transformer steps up the voltage from approximately 115 volts to approximately 160 volts, thereby approximately doubling the wattage on the resistance heater wire.

Abstract: An evaporator structure comprises a heating tube and a refrigerant tube. The heating tube contains a heating wire, and at least the refrigerant tube contains heat exchange fins. The tubes and fins are of one-piece extruded construction. The evaporator structure is bent to form straight sections interconnected by curved sections. Along the curved sections the tubes are spaced apart to define air-conducting paths. The fins may alternatively be formed in a plate which interconnects the tubes.

Abstract: An outdoor unit includes at least a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger coupled to the compressor. Each of a plurality of indoor units includes at least an indoor heat exchanger. A distribution unit couples the outdoor unit in parallel with the plurality of indoor units to constitute respective refrigeration cycles. The distribution unit has a plurality of refrigeration flow regulating members corresponding to the respective refrigeration cycles. A dew formation preventive member acts on the distribution unit to heat air in the distribution unit, thereby suppressing dew formation in the distribution unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to refrigerate air in a compartment wherein liquid CO2 is delivered through a first primary heat exchanger such that sufficient heat is absorbed to evaporate the liquid carbon dioxide to form pressurized vapor. The pressurized vapor is heated in a gas fired heater to prevent solidification of the pressurized carbon dioxide when it is depressurized to provide isentropic expansion of the vapor through pneumatically driven fan motors into a secondary heat exchanger. Orifices in inlets to the fan motors and solenoid valves in flow lines to the fan motors keep the vapor pressurized while the heater supplies sufficient heat to prevent solidification when the CO2 vapor expands through the motors. CO2 vapor is routed from the second heat exchanger to chill surface in a dehumidifer to condense moisture from a stream of air before it flows to the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system has a control system that controls the operation of the refrigeration system and provides status information to the operator of the refrigeration system. The cryogenic refrigeration system includes one or more heater and at least one Joule-Thomson valve. The heaters are used to control the recondensing capacity of the refrigeration system and to heat the at least one Joule-Thomson valve and other points to melt away contaminants that may freeze at such points. The control system controls operation of the heaters. The control system also automates an initialization routine that utilizes the heaters to prevent blockage of the valves, and cools the refrigeration system down to a desired temperature. In addition, the control system shuts down the refrigeration system if the status information it monitors exceed a safe range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in a high vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface. Dry non-condensable room temperature gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample.

Abstract: A counter for displaying chilled foods such as raw fish on a bed of ice contained in a waterproof tray portion having a drain conduit and heating means for melting the ice in the tray and draining the melted ice with scraps of fish and other debris from the tray through a garbage disposal unit for discharge into a waste water drain, control means being provided for automaticalaly turning on and off the garbage disposal unit and the heating means at preselected times for periods of predetermined duration, the counter further being provided with a source of water under pressure for further washing of the fish scraps and debris from the tray, and wherein an ice making machine is mounted above the tray for replenishing the bed of ice as required, and a refrigerated storage compartment is provided in a base enclosure supporting the tray for containing the fish or other chilled foods while the scraps of fish and debris and used ice are being drained from the tray portion and the bed of ice is being replenished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out maintenance work on structural parts located within the housing of a refrigerator, the refrigerator being divided into two parts separable from each other so that the interior chamber of the refrigerator becomes accessible. The method is carried out by opening the housing, carrying out the maintenance work, closing the housing and thereafter sweeping the housing with working gas. In order to avoid condensation in the cold areas of the interior chamber of the refrigerator after the housing is opened, the method provides that the areas of the refrigerator housing endangered by condensations be heated locally to a temperature, which is so selected, that up to and including the sweeping process following the maintenance work, the temperature does not fall below the dew point of condensable gases.

Abstract: An air baffle for a refrigeration apparatus is provided with means for preventing freeze up of the baffle. The baffle includes a fixed plate and a movable plate each having corresponding apertures therethrough for permitting the control of air flow to a fresh food compartment. The fixed plate is provided with a heating device molded therein which is operable to maintain the fixed plate above the freezing temperature to prevent moisture from freezing thereon. Additionally, spacer means are provided for maintaining the movable plate in spaced relation with the fixed plate, and for preventing the movable plate from coming into contact with an actuator device. The spacer means add to the prevention of freeze up problems as by minimizing moisture which might bridge and freeze up between the movable plates and the fixed plate, or the movable plate and the actuator device.

Abstract: A fridge freezer is provided on a cold surface contactable by humid ambient air with a sensor that is able to activate a heater or an alarm etc., on the appearance of condensation.

Abstract: A frost resistant, horizontal folding door for a freezer room has heater assemblies in the header, jambs and for simultaneously heating the door curtain and the floor of the doorway. The heater assembly in the header can be a mat of open mesh fiber glass having a serpentine array of an electric resistance heating wire bonded to it. The heater assembly in the jamb can be a formable electrical resistance heater within the structure of the jamb. The heater assembly, for the door curtain and the floor of the doorway can be an electrical radiant heater disposed on the header and directed at the curtain and the floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in a high vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface. Dry non-condensable room temperature gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample.

Abstract: An evaporator coil heat exchanger assembly of a refrigeration system, such as a transport refrigeration system, which includes an electrical heating element for rapid defrosting of the evaporator coil with its attendant refrigerant carrying tubes and cooling fins. The electrical heating element is quickly attached to the collective edges of the cooling fins by a plurality of low cost spring retainer clips which have one portion which extends between two closely spaced cooling fins to hook a refrigerant carrying tube, and another portion which holds the heating element against edges of the cooling fins with a spring force. The spring retainer clips may be just as quickly removed should the heating element require replacement. Each spring retainer clip is formed from a single piece of metallic wire having first and second curved end sections, and an intermediate portion which functions both as a spring and as a handle.

Abstract: A dehumidifier for use in an industrial or commercial building in conjunction with an air conditioning system is provided which utilizes the natural coolness of tap water to condense water vapor from the air. The tap water line is diverted into a heat exchanger upstream of the air conditioner evaporator coils to dehumidify the air and remove the latent heat given off during condensation to reduce the work load on the air conditioning system.

Abstract: An air cooler having coolant tubes, a drain, a pair of coolant tube supports and a defroster for preventing condensate in the drain from freezing. The coolant tube supports include a vertical plate provided with a pair of horizontally spaced notches for supporting the defroster. The notches open to the lower edge of the plate and converge towards one another.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a cooling chamber having a given useful space therein, and a cold generator having a cold air loop connected to the cooling chamber for cooling the given useful space, the cold air loop including a compressing device, a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the compressing device and exposed to the ambient air for cooling air drawn from the useful space with a relatively high temperature level almost to the temperature of the ambient air after compression, cooling device downstream of the heat exchanger, an expansion device downstream of the cooling device, the air being returned to the useful space after subsequent expansion and corresponding cooling below the lowest temperature level, and an additional heat exchanger for dehumidifying the circulated air current in the loop, the additional heat exchanger including heat exchanger surfaces, air drawn from the cooling chamber being dried from the upper temperature level with the aid of expanded cold air by the of condensation

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus having an improved antisweat heater structure for preventing condensation on the front surfaces of the stile and mullion portions of the apparatus cabinet at the access opening thereof selectively closed by a suitable door. The antisweat heater includes heater cable portions having different preselected values of resistance per unit length connected in series so as to develop selective differential heating effect at different areas of disposition thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating effect is concentrated at the opposite ends of the mullion by providing the greater heating effect portions of the stile and mullion heaters adjacent that portion of the cabinet structure. In the illustrated embodiment, approximately one-third of the heating effect of each of the mullion and stile heaters is concentrated at each of the opposite ends of the heaters adjacent the ends of the mullion.

Abstract: A cooling device for a refrigerator comprising a plurality of cooling tubes, each of the cooling tubes being formed by helically winding a thermally conductive metal pipe having radial spine fins over the entire periphery thereof, being substantially in parallel to the axis of helix thereof and being connected together through a bent connection portion, to provide a continuous refrigerant passageway.

Abstract: In a refrigeration system including a refrigerating coil, for circulating refrigerant to cool the space ambient thereto, and a defrost pan beneath the coil having a liquid drain outlet so that ice formed thereon by water condensing from the space drops therefrom to the pan, the improvement which comprises a heater pad mounted in the defrost pan to receive ice dropping from the coil, the heater pad comprising a generally flat array of laterally spaced elongated members of good heat conductivity having flat lower surfaces in contact with the defrost pan and flat upper surfaces jointly defining a longitudinally slotted substantially continuous ice receiving plane, the surfaces being in heat conductive relation with central fluid conducting bores, and the pad further comprising conduits for conducting heated fluid to and from the bores in a desired flow pattern to supply heat for conduction to the surfaces.

Abstract: A cold storage element containing an eutectic brine cooled to a given freezing point for the cold storage purpose by one or more refrigerant-conducting pipelines for freezing the brine, and said element being arranged interiorly of the body (structure) of a refrigerating vehicle. The cold storage element comprises a plastics material shell which has a rectangular configuration and a longitudinal weg or rib interconnecting the opposing sidewalls. The pipeline for said refrigerant passes in hair-pin configuration through both an upper compartment and a lower compartment defined by said longitudinal rib. Mounting assemblies and air control slats for such cold storage element are also provided.

Abstract: In this vacuum apparatus with a vacuum chamber and a vapor condenser installed therein, a refrigerant and a brine are supplied into said vapor condenser to thereby effect heat exchanges between both mediums and between both or either one of said mediums and a vapor to be generated.

Abstract: A reverse air cycle type heat pump is provided that utilizes a refrigeration system having a unidirection refrigerant flow wherein the condenser and evaporator retain their functions, but the air directed across them is redirected for different operations. The refrigeration system is provided with a secondary defrost circuit including a first conduit between the upper portion of the evaporator and the compressor casing and a second conduit having a valve which permits refrigerant flow to by-pass the expansion device only when compresssor operation terminates and the system pressure differential is equalized. This defrost circuit causes the relatively warm refrigerant in gaseous phase in the compressor to displace the relatively cold refrigerant in liquid phase in the evaporator with the flow continuing until the defrost process is completed.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a cabinet having storage compartment, an electrical anti-sweat heating means for arming a portion of the cabinet, refrigerating means including a compressor and an evaporator for cooling the compartment, and temperature sensing means to energize the compressor at one predetermined temperature and de-energize the compressor at a second lower temperature. There is provided a switch associated with the temperature sensing means to apply full electrical power to the electrical anti-sweat heating means when the compressor is energized and apply half electrical power to the electrical anti-sweat heating means when the compressor is not energized.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus having a cabinet including a divider mullion wall is provided with a mullion rail assembly mounted to the front outer edge of the mullion wall. The mullion rail assembly includes an insulating elongated member carrying a magnetically attractable strip for cooperation with the magnetic door gasket. The strip is spaced inwardly from the outer edges of the insulating elongated member so as to be thermally insulated from the refrigerated compartment of the apparatus. The strip may be secured at one end to the cabinet and the insulating elongated member may be secured at one end to another portion of the cabinet to permit relative displacement between the strip and elongated member for facilitated installation.

Abstract: An input control system having a sensing circuit, a switching circuit and a source of power isolated from the sensing circuit and the switching circuit. The sensing circuit includes a sensor having a variable electrical characteristic, a detector for detecting variations in that characteristic and for producing a representative output, a signal producing circuit for producing a predetermined signal in response to the detector output achieving a selected value, and coupler responsive to the predetermined signal to produce a coupling output. The switching circuit which is isolated from the sensing circuit produces a switching signal in response to the coupling signal to operate a switch for connecting an electrical load to the power source.

Abstract: A building heating system includes a plenum for distributing heated air and returning cool air to the heater. In accordance with this invention, additional heat pump means are provided comprising condenser or heat rejecter means positioned in the cold air plenum, heat absorber means which are preferably positioned in the attic of the building underneath the roof and/or in heat exchange relation with warmed gases from a chimney, and conduit and compressor means for providing heat transfer flow communication therebetween.

Abstract: An insulative multi-pane window structure of a refrigerator or freezer, said structure being interposable between a colder inside region and a warmer outside region of the refrigerator or freezer to permit vision therebetween and including at least a first pane having a surface exposed in use to humidity-bearing air in the warmer region and a second pane opposite to and spaced apart from the first pane, at least one of the first and second panes having an infrared reflecting coating attached in a specific manner; characterized in that said infrared reflective coating is a transparent, electrically conductive laminated structure composed of(A) a transparent solid substrate of a film-forming synthetic resin,(B) a thin layer of an oxide of titanium in contact with the substrate, said layer being derived from a layer of an organic titanium compound and containing organic residual moieties of the organic titanium compound,(C) a thin layer of an electrically conductive metal in contact with layer (B),(D) a thin lay

Abstract: A control indicator optic arrangement and indicating method for a refrigerator having an access door, an interior light bulb that is illuminated when the door is open, and antisweat heaters that are energized by an on-off switch. Included is a movable switch member that energizes the antisweat heaters and a shade member slidable in unison with the switch member and having a cutout area. A light transmitting rod from the interior light bulb to the shade member is arranged such that when the switch is in a first position to energize the antisweat heaters the transmitting rod is in alignment with the cutout area of the shade member and in the second position when the antisweat heaters are de-energized it is out of alignment with the cutout area. Thus, with this arrangement there is a visual indicator to alert the refrigerator user to the fact that the antisweat heaters are energized.

Abstract: An evaporator assembly for a heat transfer unit comprises a sealed thermally conductive container and a duct mounted in the container. Channels are formed between the walls of the duct and those of the container and thermal transfer fins are attached to the inside surfaces of the walls of the container and located in the channels. An evaporator extends transversely across the width of the duct and a defrosting heater bank is located downstream from the evaporator in the duct. Suitable fans and a drive motor are mounted at one end of the duct to circulate air or other gas through or across the evaporator, through the duct, and through the channels. During use of the assembly, heat is transferred from the container walls and the fins to the circulating air and the heat is then extracted from the air or gas by thermal transfer through the evaporator. The assembly provides a buffer between the heat source and the evaporator in order that the evaporator may operate in a near moisture free environment.

Abstract: A cooling unit for refrigeration systems having a substantially vertically disposed air cooling element, utilizing either a volatile or a non-volatile refrigerant, upon which element frost accumulates during the course of the refrigeration process. The element includes heaters to periodically warm the element to a temperature above 32.degree. F. to thaw the frost. These heaters have their heating capacity adjusted so that more heat is applied at the bottom portion of the frost-collecting air cooling element and less heat is supplied to the upper portion.

Abstract: A cabinet heater installation particularly adapted for field repair of refrigerator cabinet warming heaters or for a supplemental cabinet heater for severe humidity conditions. The installation includes a heater element installed about the exterior lateral and top surfaces of the cabinet outer case adjacent the outer case reentrant flanges. The heater cable is housed within a protective and decorative trim channel secured to the cabinet outer case. The electrical leads for the heating element pass into the machine compartment for connections to the power supply through openings located beneath the trim channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressor refrigeration plant comprising a throttling device between the condenser and evaporator and, associated with the throttling device, an intermittently operable electric heating resistor, a chamber being disposed upstream of at least a part of the throttling device and the electric heating resistor being a PTC resistor which is arranged in the chamber and which, when a temperature range between the evaporating temperature of the refrigerant associated with the pressure in the chamber and the coking temperature of the refrigerant oil is exceeded, goes over from a low to a high resistance.

Abstract: A novel door jamb having an isolated heat strip in which the surface to be contacted by the door is made of a re-enforced fiberglass material which has high impact resistance, superior chemical and corrosion resistance, will not easily scratch, and can be readily repaired. Secured to the fiberglass section of the door jamb is an isolated heat strip material requiring a low wattage, which functions to keep the door gasket pliable allowing it to seal tightly to the jamb and thus eliminate any chance of frost buildup on the jamb due to outside air leakage by the gasket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat pumps which include a freeze-up prevention device for use during the heating cycle. The heat pump consists of the normal compressor which connects by means of a four-way valve to an inside coil and an outside coil. An expansion valve and appropriate check valve allow the flow of refrigerant between the inside and outside coils. During the heating cycle, the inside coil is the condenser and the outside is the evaporator. The freeze-up prevention device is a small insertable unit immediately prior to the evaporator which allows the refrigerant to flow therethrough. The insertable unit has a heating element operable by a thermostat attached to the outside coils with the thermostat closing a switch to allow current to flow to the heating element when an icing condition is sensed. The insertable unit, via the heating element, transmits heat directly to the refrigerant thereby preventing freeze-up of the evaporator coil.

Abstract: A food receptacle for a refrigerator freezer compartment for fast-thawing and fast freezing food by the use of a concavo-convex heat energy reflective damper pivotally mounted in an air passage of the receptacle which communicates with an opening in the refrigerated air duct of the compartment. A high energy radiating lamp is located on the pivotal axis of the damper such that a manual control pivots the damper to a first evaporator defrost position closing the passage with the damper operative to direct heat energy from the lamp via reflective surfaces in the duct to the refrigerator cooling coil. The damper upon being pivoted to a second position, opens the passage and cooperates with the duct reflective surfaces to circulate below freezing air through the receptacle to fast freeze food therein. The damper, upon being pivoted to a third position, closes the passage and reflects heat energy from the lamp into the receptacle to fast-thaw food therein.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement, particularly for a no-frost refrigerator, including a heat-insulated housing, containing air; heating means located in said heat-insulating housing for heating a portion of said air; cooling means located in said heat-insulating housing for cooling a portion of said air; and air guiding means for mixing at least a portion of the heated air with a portion of the cooled air.