Abstract: A cooling device for cooling an object to be processed to a target temperature comprises a plurality of contact members mounted on a placing table, for supporting the object such that the object opposes a top surface of the placing table with an interval, temperature sensors for outputting temperature information of the object supported by the contact members, a first cooling unit for cooling the placing table to a temperature lower than the target temperature to cool the object, a second cooling unit for heating the object cooled by the first cooling unit to a temperature almost equal to the target temperature, and a contrast circuit for performing a switching operation between cooling by the first cooling unit and heating by the second cooling unit on the basis of the temperature information from the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A used fluid passes through an exchange path, located in a fluid flow transfer, before returning to use at a required temperature. In the transfer path the exchange path is set between the evaporator and the condenser of a refrigerating circuit. The refrigerating circuit is actuated only when the temperature of the transfer fluid, consisting for example of ambient air, is unsuitable for properly modifying the used fluid temperature by means of the exchange path. The used fluid can be heated by simply reversing the direction of the flow in the transfer path. The invention is useful for rearranging exchange paths into a single transfer path, for example in a single bundle of tubes arranged in several tube layers of suitably connected tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a product comprises a first evaporator and a second evaporator separate from the first evaporator, a first heat exchanger incorporating the first evaporator and a second heat exchanger incorporating the second evaporator. In operation, the product or an intermediate heat transfer medium is cooled in at least two first stages. During the first stage, heat is withdrawn from the product or the medium by the first evaporator cooling the product or the medium to an intermediate temperature. During the second stage, heat is withdrawn from the product or the medium by the second evaporator further cooling the product or the medium to the desired temperature. Since the product or the medium is partially cooled by an evaporator operating at a higher evaporating temperature than required for achieving the desired temperature, an improved energy efficiency is achieved.

Abstract: The ice storage reservoir (1) comprises a container (2) filled with water (3) and containing first heat exchangers (4) through which a cooled medium flows when the ice storage reservoir is charged. The water in the container thus turns to ice. For discharging the ice storage reservoir, a medium can be conveyed through the first heat exchangers which is passed through a second heat exchanger (11). Coolable in the second heat exchanger is a working medium which circulates in a working-medium circuit (14) and can be supplied after cooling to a cooling plant. At the same time, during the discharge operation water is withdrawn from the container via drainage facilities (22), conveyed over a third heat exchanger (18), and returned to the container through supply facilities (27). The working medium precooled by the second heat exchanger is led through the third heat exchanger in which further heat is withdrawn from the working medium.

Abstract: A modular air conditioning system comprises a self-contained refrigeration power cell, a heat exchanger remotely located from the refrigeration power cell, and a low pressure refrigerant communication circuit operably coupling the refrigeration power cell to the heat exchanger. The refrigeration power cell comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator which are serially coupled to form a high pressure closed refrigeration circuit. A drive mechanism, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, or conventional belt, is coupled to the compressor. The low pressure refrigerant communication circuit thermally interfaces with the condenser to remove heat from the high pressure closed refrigeration circuit. Alternatively, this circuit thermally interfaces with the evaporator to remove heat from the low pressure refrigerant. This heat exchanger is adapted to mount in the cabin of an over-the-road or off-road vehicle.

Abstract: Coolant apparatus, and an associated method, for quickly chilling an article, such as a beverage or food item. The article is placed in an enclosed compartment, and a forced flow of super-cooled air is directed upon the article. Heat energy of the article is convected thereaway.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling an object to be processed to a target temperature comprises a plurality of contact members mounted on a placing table, for supporting the object such that the object opposes a top surface of the placing table with an interval, temperature sensors for outputting temperature information of the object supported by the contact members, a first cooling unit for cooling the placing table to a temperature lower than the target temperature to cool the object, a second cooling unit for heating the object cooled by the first cooling unit to a temperature almost equal to the target temperature, and a contrast circuit for performing a switching operation between cooling by the first cooling unit and heating by the second cooling unit on the basis of the temperature information from the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A cooling type cold wind fan assembly including a coolant reservoir containing a coolant, a cooling cylinder being disposed in the coolant reservoir, a top end of the cooling cylinder being attached to the cold interface of a cooling chip, and a heat-radiating fan being disposed above the hot interface of the cooling chip. A cooling circuit has one end connected under the coolant reservoir, and includes a solenoid and a circulation pump disposed near the end of the cooling circuit. A heat-absorbing winding tube is disposed behind the circulation pump, the rear end of the heat-absorbing winding tube being connected back to the coolant reservoir via a returning tube. A blowing fan is disposed in front of the heat-absorbing winding tube with an activated carbon filter mesh disposed in front of the blowing fan.

Abstract: When in operation, devices for telecommunications installed in rooms generate a considerable amount of heat. This takes place continuously, and a maximum temperature must not be exceeded. In order to obtain reserve time for an air cooling system having a reserve time system with a guaranteed low temperature level of the liquid for the reserve time system, an evaporator (2) for the air cooling system is provided with a liquid circuit (2b) which is connected with a liquid tank (7). Liquid is circulated continuously through the evaporator with the liquid circuit, where it is cooled by the cooling medium for the air cooling system, at the same time as the inside air is cooled by the same evaporator. The continuous cooling and circulation of the liquid in the tank ensures that there is always the coldest possible liquid available when the ordinary cooling system is not working.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled cooling of chemical tanks containing a chemical which must be kept at a first prescribed temperature includes at least one heat-exchanger coil immersed inside a chemical tank and through which there is made to circulate a flow of an inert gas. The apparatus includes a storage system for storing and cooling a prescribed volume of inert gas at a second prescribed temperature lower than the first prescribed temperature, feeding means for feeding the storage means with inert gas coming from a main supply line, and valve means interposed between the storage means and an inlet of the at least one heat-exchanger coil for controlling the supply of cooled inert gas to the heat-changer coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using certain hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) as low temperature heat transfer media in secondary loop refrigeration systems. These materials exhibit a low, somewhat linear Temperature Difference Factor over the temperature range of -15.degree. C. to -65.degree. C., making them ideal for use as low temperature heat transfer media. The HFEs of the present invention are nonflammable, nontoxic, environmentally benign, and have a high heat transfer capacity and low viscosity over the required operating temperatures. Furthermore, since these materials have high boiling points and low freezing points, they are not prone to phase changes over the required operating temperatures, and do not require pressurized systems.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a heat pump system for heating and cooling. The air conditioner includes a ventilation passage for ventilating air from a passenger compartment of the vehicle outside of the vehicle. An accelerating system is provided with the heat pump system for accelerating the evaporation of a refrigerant during air cooling or the condensation of a refrigerant during air heating by using involved energy recovered from air exhausted outside of said vehicle through the ventilation passage. Thereby, the air conditioner increases the heating and cooling ability and reduces the energy necessary for maintaining a constant temperature in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the costs associated with the operation of an air conditioning system is disclosed wherein the highest power usage load is shifted from the hottest part of the day to the night time hours when rates are typically lower. The apparatus includes an ice tank containing individually controlled ice building coils and an improved header that produces a water circulation pattern that enhances system efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-mode high efficiency air conditioning system for storing energy and for utilizing the stored energy is provided. The air conditioning system includes these four elements which define the entire system: a condensing unit, a dual-mode indoor cooling coil assembly, a refrigerant and air management assembly and an energy storage assembly. These four elements act in concert to perform the functions of the four principal modes of operation which are ice building, ice transfer, stage 1 cooling and stage 2 cooling. The ice building and ice transfer modes typically take place during electrical off-peak periods. The stage 1 and stage 2 cooling modes typically take place during electrical on-peak periods. When connected to an indoor air fan, the air conditioning unit provides cooling at an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 12 or better over a 24 hour period during a 95 degree Fahrenheit day.

Abstract: The apparatus for heating or cooling a house includes two housings, both of which are located inside the house. The two housings are interconnected by two exterior sections of a single heat transfer line liquid. One housing encloses an air blower to circulate and distribute the indoor air throughout the house, a radiator and a heater connected to the liquid line. The other housing encloses a refrigeration system and a water bath cooled by this system and into which is immersed a cooling coil section of the liquid line. This line interconnects the radiator with a liquid circulating pump and by electro-valves with either the cooling coil or the heater. Cold or hot heat transfer liquid circulate through the radiator which cools or heats the indoor air circulated through the second housing.

Abstract: A cooling system for post-mix beverage dispenser includes an ice bath tank for holding a liquid, a refrigeration circuit for cooling the liquid in the ice bath tank, a concentrate storage area, and a cooling circuit coupled to the ice bath tank, for cooling the concentrate storage area. A pump in the cooling circuit transfers the liquid from the ice bath tank to a coil in the concentrate storage container. The circuit returns the liquid to the ice bath tank and creates the turbulence necessary for the liquid to freeze evenly in the tank. Thus, an agitator assembly is not necessary. A fan in the concentrate storage area circulates air over the coil. The pump can be selectively coupled to drain the tank.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for cooling food in an aircraft while the food is stored in known catering trolleys that are stowed at prescribed stowage locations, preferably for example at least one on-board galley (3A to 3E) within the aircraft cabin. The cooling system includes at least one central cooling plant (4) located below the cabin floor of the aircraft. Heat exchanger units (9A, 9B, 17A, 17B) are provided in the galleys (3A to 3E). A distribution conduit system, including a supply conduit (5) and a return conduit (6) as well as connector conduits (10A, 10B, 11A, 11B), couples the central cooling plant (4) with the respective heat exchangers (9A, 9B, 17A, 17B) arranged in the galleys (3A to 3E). Connector adapters are provided at various locations along the supply conduit (5) and the return conduit (6), and the connector conduits (10A, 10B, 11A, 11B) include quick connectors that are connectable to the adapters.

Abstract: A device for air-conditioning the passenger compartment and for cooling the drive system of electric vehicles includes an air-guide duct connected on the inlet and outlet sides to the passenger compartment and having heat exchangers disposed one behind the other therein in the air-flow direction. One of the heat exchangers, which, together with a circulating pump and a cold store, is incorporated within a circuit of a cold-transporting medium. The circuit is run via the evaporator of a refrigeration unit. The other heat exchanger, together with a circulating pump and a heat store, is incorporated within a circuit of a heat-transporting medium. The circuit is run via the drive system of the electric vehicle for vehicle-cooling purposes.

Abstract: A control system for effecting ultra-precision temperature control for a controlled system having large load fluctuations or including a dead time component. A control unit (5) instructs a high-precision PID temperature controller (10) to renew and correct a control target value T.sub.0,NEW for the supply fluid temperature T.sub.0 only by a temperature difference .DELTA.T=T.sub.C -T.sub.2 between a set value T.sub.C for the return fluid temperature T.sub.2 of a heat transfer fluid and the actually controlled return fluid temperature T.sub.2. In response to the instruction, the high-precision PID temperature controller (10) controls the heating power of a heater (17) for heating control through a constant-power thyristor phase controller (16). The heater (17) heats the heat transfer fluid and sends it to a machining apparatus (1) through a closed damping tank (21). The heat transfer fluid exchanges heat with the machining apparatus (1) and is then returned to a precooling means.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling semiconductor devices includes a module for cooling semiconductor devices; a refrigerant cooling device for receiving via an outlet pipe the refrigerant discharged through an outlet port of the module to cool the refrigerant; a refrigerant circulation pump for receiving, via a suction pipe, the refrigerant cooled by the refrigerant cooling device and sending the refrigerant to the module via an inlet pipe; and a refrigerant-flow stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing a refrigerant circulation flow discharged from the refrigerant circulation pump to be returned to the refrigerant circulation pump via the module and the refrigerant cooling device. Since the refrigerant-flow stabilizing mechanism stabilize the refrigerant flow, the refrigerant flow can be stably circulated so that the semiconductor devices in the module are stably cooled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a narrow thermocline in a thermal energy liquid storage tank in a cooling system for a commercial building in which the tank provides cooling liquid, e.g., water, during a peak electricity demand period to allow the building system to reduce its electric demand during such period. The tank incorporates a water distribution system including a generally centrally positioned, vertically oriented pipe extending from a bottom of the tank to about a top of the tank. A flange is positioned about mid-way of the pipe for separating an upper section of the pipe from a lower section. A water return line is coupled to the pipe above the flange and a water extraction line is connected to the pipe below the flange. A plurality of circumferentially spaced cool water conduits are connected to the pipe generally adjacent the bottom of the tank and a plurality of circumferentially spaced warm water conduits are connected to the pipe generally adjacent the top of the tank.

Abstract: A chiller is quickly pressurized by heating water in the evaporation circuit of the chiller water loop by pumping the water into a first heat exchanger where it is heated by hot refrigerant fluid from a compressor. A non-cavitating jet pump circulates the water through the first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first returns the refrigerant fluid to its vapor state before it returns to the compressor by absorbing heat from tap water. Plural monitoring devices in electrical communication with a control device are arranged throughout the system and the control device deactivates the compressor and the jet pump if monitored operating conditions fall outside of predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A heat pump system in which a vapor compression refrigerant is isolated from the space being conditioned, heat pumped by the refrigeration circuit is stored and a heat transfer fluid circuit is controlled for conditioning the space and for conducting heat from a heat storage medium at times when the refrigeration circuit does not operate in a regular heat pumping mode.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a hydronic distribution system using prefabricated, flexible cable containing plastic tubing to provide liquid supply and return conduits for the hydronic system. The plastic conduits are enclosed in a foam thermal insulation material which is encased in a flexible, moisture impervious shell. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the flexible cable includes electrical conductors for supplying power to a fan and for carrying an electrical control signal from a thermostat. The flexible cable thus described can be installed in a building easily and quickly in a manner similar to that currently used for electrical cable.

Abstract: A mechanical cooling device equipped with a bulk serving tank, a large capacity cooling compressor, a plurality of removable beverage retaining compartments sized so as to retain beverage cans in a rowed relationship, and a serving tank filled with a liquid coolant may be effectively utilized to rapidly cool and serve large quantities of beverages to large crowds such as often arise at festive events. The cooling device may be equipped with mobile means to permit its transport from site to site, levelers for leveling the device at the site and locking means for securing the beverages against theft. A circulatory system prevents localized freezing by uniformly circulating the coolant throughout the tank.

Abstract: The potential for leakage of CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HCs to the atmosphere as a result of leakage in vehicular refrigeration systems is reduced by employing conduits (42, 58 and 63) of relatively short length to interconnect closely grouped system components including a compressor (38), a condenser (44) and an evaporator (62). The condenser (44) includes a liquid flow path (46) in heat exchange relation with a refrigerant flow path (48) and the same is connected by conduit (52) to heat exchanger (36). The evaporator (62) also includes a liquid flow path (65) in heat exchange relation with a refrigerant flow path (60) and the same is connected by conduits (66, 67) to at least one heat exchanger (68, 69) remote from an engine compartment (22) in which the compressor (38), condenser (44) and evaporator (62) are housed. The close proximity of the components minimizes the charge of refrigerant required and thus reduces the amount of refrigerant that may potentially leak from the system.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for a machine tool includes four temperature sensors for detecting a reference temperature, outlet temperature of heat transfer fluid at an outlet of a heat exchanger, and temperatures of the heat transfer fluid at both inlet and an outlet of a machine tool element having a heat generating source. The four temperature sensors are arranged to constitute a differential temperature detecting means that activates control means to control temperature of the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger so as to minimize both deviations of heat transfer fluid temperature and steady-state deviations of machine tool body temperature.

Abstract: A buffer solution being used in an electrophoresis cell as both an electrode buffer and a cooling medium is circulated through a refrigeration system external to the cell without risk of arcing or other danger despite the electrified state of the buffer solution. The refrigeration system contains a circulating coolant, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, various components for the coolant such as a compressor, condenser and capillary, and preferably also a by-pass which, on command from a temperature control unit, passes warm coolant from the compressor discharge directly to the heat exchanger. Couplings of dielectric material insulate the heat exchanger from the remaining components of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Gas hydrate thermal energy storage system and process useful for heating, air conditioning and process cooling, in which a liquid phase and a vapor phase of a 3-component mixture of a refrigerant, heat transfer oil and water, are maintained in an enclosed vessel, emulsified by a mixer and cooled (charged) by one of two internal heat exchangers, stored in its cooled state in the vessel, and later discharged via the other internal heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas/liquid separation has a heat-exchanging condensor housed in an adiabaic coolant container, in combination with an adiabatic reservoir for the condensed liquid. The condensor has an inner pipe conduit for a passive coolant which circulates through the conduit, and the container and is cooled by a freezer coil of an outside refrigerator and effectively cools the solvent vapor travelling through a clearance formed between the inner side wall of said condensor and outer side wall of said inner pipe conduit. This feature enables a continuous operation without troublesome replenishing of an active component in a freezing mixture as an active coolant. The adiabatic reservoir receives the condensed liquid and has a visual gauge for monitoring. A communicating plug detachably provided on the shoulder of the adiabatic reservoir serves to supply an auxiliary freeze-protecting solvent into the reservoir, for easy treatment of a solvent which is liable to be solidified by excessive cooling.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling system incorporates a number of modular refrigeration units each of which includes at least one compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. A variable speed circulating water pump circulates water through each evaporator/condenser, which are connected in parallel across the respective supply line and return line. A master controller activates and deactivates individual compressors in accordance with load demand. Shut-off valves close off the water flow through the respective evaporator and/or condenser of any units deactivated and the resulting changes in the pressure differential in the supply and return lines is sensed by sensor which sends a signal to the pump motor speed controller which changes the output of the pump to restore a predetermined pressure differential.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus having a cold accumulating cycle including a first compressor, a first condensor, a first decompressing mechanism and a heat accumulator and a refrigerating cycle including a second compressor, a second condensor, a second decompressing mechanism and an evaporator, wherein the heat accumulating cycle and the refrigerating cycle are provided independently of each other and in that a cooling device using the evaporator as cooling means serves for cooling by utilizing heat accumulated in the heat accumulator thereby constituting a cold transfer circuit.

Abstract: A cell preservation system utilizes a pre-chilled coolant stored in a coolant reservoir, which is pumped at a controlled rate into a specimen vessel containing a specimen. This allows the achievement of a controlled rate of cooling the specimen and controls the formation of crystals in the specimen. The coolant reservoir is sealed, and the coolant is pumped from the specimen vessel to the coolant reservoir, whereby heat from the pump is not entered into the specimen vessel. A magnetic stirrer is selectively controlled to maintain a uniform temperature in the specimen vessel or, alternatively, is deenergized to permit temperature stratification to occur. A heater is included in the specimen vessel for precise heat control, and for raising the temperature of the coolant in the specimen vessel to a value suitable for beginning a cooling cycle.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for liquids comprising a liquid container internally divided by an impervious flexible membrane into first and second liquid compartments, the first compartment including first liquid inlet port adapted for connection to a supply of liquid and a first liquid outlet port and the second compartment including second liquid inlet and outlet ports; a first liquid pathway extending between the first liquid outlet port and the second liquid inlet port; apparatus associated with the first liquid pathway for changing the level of heat energy in the liquid; and apparatus associated with the first liquid pathway for generating liquid flow therealong from the first liquid outlet port to the second liquid inlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining liquid temperature at a constant level comprises a reaction vessel for containing liquid, a cooling device connected with the reaction vessel for cooling the liquid, a heating device connected with the cooling device for heating the liquid cooled by the cooling device, a circulating device for circulating the liquid through and among the reaction vessel, the cooling device and the heating device, a temperature detecting device for detecting the temperature of the liquid heated by the heating device, a heat exchange rate control device for controlling the heat exchange rate between the cooling device and the liquid, and a control device for controlling the heating device and the heat exchange rate control device based on a control state of the apparatus and on the temperature difference between the detected temperature and a desired temperature.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus which includes a liquid reservoir and a liquid supply conduit and a liquid return conduit to the reservoir. The liquid is to be supplied to an exterior structure for changing the temperature of the exterior structure. The reservoir is to be removable from the apparatus to facilitate filling of the reservoir.

Abstract: Tubular containers, preferably corrugated, containing plural thermal storage medium compositions having different fusion temperatures are arrayed in zones or layers within a vessel through which liquid is circulated to exchange heat with the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering latent heat from a heat transfer medium comprising a mixture of water and alcohol, which is circulated through a heat collector and a heat exchanger for heat exchange with the evaporator in a refrigerating circuit. The heat transfer medium is sucked from the heat exchanger to provide an underpressure for atomization of the heat transfer medium with following generation of bubbles in the heat transfer medium, ice crystals then being precipitated and the ratio of water and alcohol thus being changed, the heat transfer medium with ice crystals entrained therein then being supplied to the heat collector under overpressure.

Abstract: An air conditioning system characterized by a multiplicity of conditioned zone and downsized compressors within separately operable mechanical refrigeration air conditioners which can be of varied types including simple refrigeration units or heat pump units and either of which can be air source or water source, and each of which is equipped with a wet economizer air cooling coil, and which also can be equipped with a charging coil, and all of which are connected by control valves into a common support system for the on-peak storage of chilled water and tempered water and with an ice maker supplying ice water, the compressors of the air conditioners and of the ice maker being deactivated during on-peak power periods, and the tempered water of the support system incorporating a fire sprinkler system.

Abstract: A cold storage container has chambers of a solidifiable liquid such as water immersed in a brine. The brine is circulated to heat exchange systems which can cool the brine to below the solidification temperature of the liquid and can extract heat from a space to cool the space. The chambers are preferably formed in sausage-shaped interconnected chambers which are free to move within the container and which occupy about 70% of the container volume.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for controlling the speed of a motor for a piece of ice slab refrigeration equipment, in response to variations in thermal load on the ice slab. The control apparatus comprises thermal load sensing means and motor drive means. The thermal load sensing means detects variations in the thermal load on the ice slab and generates an output signal correlatable with such variations. The motor drive means is operatively coupled to the thermal load sensing means and is connectable to the motor and drives the motor at various speeds correlatable with the variations in ice slab thermal load. The control apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted to control the speed of an alternating current induction motor of a centrifugal brine pump motor.

Abstract: A sealed, pressurized thermal storage system (20) which uses ice as the static thermal storage medium. The system is applicable to diverse cooling and storage requirements such as air conditioning and other relatively large scale cooling loads. The heart of the system is one or more ice-storage chilled water heat exchangers (21, 40) which form a closed pressurized water circulation system (21) with the loads (22) for circulating chilled water thereto. A refrigeration piping system (55, 57) circulates refrigerant through the water heat exchanger(s) (21, 40) for cooling the sealed water system and for making and storing ice along the refrigerant piping (55) within the water heat exchanger (40). An overflow/return circuit (27) compensates for pressure variations within the sealed water system, e.g., to accommodate volume changes in the stored ice.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and method wherein a central pumping system circulates a heat-exchange liquid, through heating and cooling paths of a refrigeration system to and from air-treating units, and to and from a fluid cooler which acts as a heat sink and also as a heat source. The air-treating units have fans or blowers positioned upstream of the air cooling coils so that the fan heat is discharged through the fluid cooler system during cooling load operation, and that heat is available in the air-treating units during heating-load operation. One embodiment includes a separate line for supplying neutral water to each air-treating unit. The neutral water is mixed with either the hot water or the cold water supplied to each treating unit for temperature control. Another embodiment has only hot and cold water with separate supply and return lines.

Abstract: A liquid temperature regulator is disclosed which includes a refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, a liquid tank containing a kind of liquid to be temperature-controlled and the evaporator, and inlet and outlet tubes for feeding the liquid into the tank and feeding out the liquid from the tank. The regulator is provided with a by-pass path for the connection of the outlet and inlet ports of the compressor, a valve for opening and closing the valve and a temperature controller for controlling the valve according to the temperature of the liquid. The by-pass path is closed when the liquid temperature is higher than a preset value and it is closed when the liquid temperature is lower than the value.

Abstract: An S.I.R SYSTEM is a self-contained, indirect, refrigeration system which effectively and efficiently removes varying heat loads (i.e. heat of respiration of climacteric fruits) at changeable operating conditions. System design allows for quick and easy installation.

Abstract: System for making frozen food article comprises a refrigeration source of high capacity, a food-freezing chamber normally maintained at ambient temperature and of low thermal capacity, a source of food or vegetable juice or puree for freezing, and a controller. The controller controls the refrigeration source to maintain an adequate supply of chilled coolant, controls the discharge of the coolant liquid to a coolant jacket around the frozen food chamber for rapid chilling, controls the discharge of food material to the chamber, controls the beating of the food material while it is freezing, and finally controls the discharge of the resultant beaten frozen food article into a receiving cup.

Abstract: While many materials and additives which will melt and freeze at various temperature levels for storing and releasing large amounts of heat thereby per unit volume have been disclosed, the packaging of these materials with suitable non-corrodible long-lasting heat exchange structures has been cumbersome and expensive. The present invention provides an inexpensive, high performance, non-corrodible thermal storage method and system adapted for use with heat storage materials of various compositions and adapted for use over a wide range of temperatures, including a heat exchanger which provides for phase change to occur approximately simultaneously throughout the volume of the entire storage mass and provides for the sites at which the phase change is occurring to be approximately uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the heat storage material. Problems of thermal expansion, stratification and sub-cooling are eliminated.

Abstract: An icebank system is provided for refrigerating produce areas and providing air conditioning in supermarkets. The system is adapted to handle all refrigerating and cooling requirements of supermarkets including produce cases, beverage coolers, food preparation areas, and air conditioning. The icebank system allows a supply of ice to be built up in an icebank storage tank in off-peak hours when the cost of electrical power is lowest. Cold water is circulated from the icebank storage tank to the various produce areas where cooling is required. Each produce area is provided with a heat exchanger which receives cold water from the icebank storage tank to maintain a low refrigeration temperature in the produce area. Each produce area is tapped into a main water conduit extending from the icebank storage tank. The spent water from each produce area is returned to the icebank storage tank via a return conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the earth or other heat source/heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. The system comprises at least one heat transfer fluid conduit and at least one heat pipe in heat transfer communication. When two conduits are employed a dual cycle system for heating and cooling is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, upper and lower heat transfer fluid conduits containing a first heat transfer fluid are connected by heat pipes containing a second heat transfer fluid, the two fluids being isolated from one another. The heat pipes are preferably sealed plastic tubes with hollow metal end caps at each end. The metal end caps on the heat pipes are positioned in the circulation pipes so as to have sufficient contact with the recirculatory fluid in the respective heat transfer fluid conduits to transfer heat to and from such fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using certain hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) as low temperature heat transfer media in secondary loop refrigeration systems. These materials exhibit a low, somewhat linear Temperature Difference Factor over the temperature range of −15° C. to −65° C., making them ideal for use as low temperature heat transfer media. The HFEs of the present invention are nonflammable, nontoxic, environmentally benign, and have a high heat transfer capacity and low viscosity over the required operating temperatures. Furthermore, since these materials have high boiling points and low freezing points, they are not prone to phase changes over the required operating temperatures, and do not require pressurized systems.