Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes an accumulator/dehydrator (A/D) disposed in the suction fluid line for accumulating refrigerant and a heat transfer jacket surrounds the A/D for exchanging heat with the A/D and the refrigerant therein. The heat transfer jacket may define a space between an inner wall of the A/D and an outer wall spaced therefrom with a heat transfer media disposed in the space for cooling by extracting heat from the refrigerant in the A/D. Alternatively, the jacket is defined by a double walled sleeve surrounding the A/D and defining the space for the heat transfer media. Yet another alternative is for the heat transfer jacket to comprise a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator having a cylindrical cooling tank and an auxiliary tank. The auxiliary tank ensures that the cylindrical cooling tank is flooded with liquid refrigerant during normal operation. The flooding of the cylindrical cooling tank provides more efficient and even cooling in an interior cooling chamber. The more efficient cooling allows the ice cream machine to utilize a smaller compressor, thereby reducing the cost and energy consumption of the ice cream machine. The auxiliary tank can be a coil of tubing or a cylindrical container positioned above the cylindrical cooling tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a heat-insulating housing having compartments separated from one another and each having a different temperature, evaporators each cooling one of the compartments with a refrigerant, each compartment having a different refrigerating capacity, throttles each connected upstream of an evaporator, a refrigerant compressor having a suction side connected to a refrigerant collector, and at least one activator connected to the evaporators, the activator positively and separately controlling circulation of the refrigerant through the evaporators. The compressor is connected to the throttles and evaporators for circulating the refrigerant. One evaporator has a higher capacity and a refrigerant routing portion with a refrigerant reception volume. The collector collects an amount of refrigerant when the compressor is in the standstill phase. More than a majority of the reception volume of the refrigerant routing portion is filled with the refrigerant in the standstill phase of the compressor.

Abstract: An accumulator dehydrator assembly for use in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioning system having an inner housing for separating the liquid component from the vapor component of the refrigerant and an integral outer shell being cup shaped and having a bottom and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom to an upper edge defining an opening is disclosed. The inner housing is disposed within and spaced from the outer shell and defines a chamber therebetween. At least one spacer is positioned between the inner housing and the outer shell and positioned annularly around the side walls and is compressed for holding the outer shell onto the inner housing. The spacers define a predetermined distance between the inner housing and the outer shell to establish the chamber while securing the outer shell onto the inner housing.

Abstract: An accumulator dehydrator for cooling circuits with a simplified structure comprising a hollow outer casing (12), cylindrical in shape, provided with a base (13) with a raised thickness, in which an inlet hole (14) and an outlet hole (16) are produced, said hollow outer casing (12) containing a filter element (22), a desiccant bag (31), a U-shaped tube and a diffuser element, in which the U-shaped tube, the filter element and the diffuser element are produced in a single moulded piece (19, 20, 22).

Abstract: A rotary compressor having a housing with a motor and an internal accumulator located on the low pressure side and an oil sump located on the high pressure side. A sealing means positioned within the housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The sealing means substantially maintains the pressure differential between the chambers by segregating high pressure fluid in the second chamber from low pressure fluid in the first chamber. The fluid entering the housing is separated into a gas portion and a liquid portion, the liquid portion being directed downward toward the motor to provide cooling for the motor while the gas portion is directed to a compressor portion. The liquid portion collects about the motor above the sealing means. An orifice or aperture through the sealing means allows liquid collected above the sealing means to be reintroduced into the compressor suction inlet and metered into the refrigerant gas in a controlled fashion and resupply the sump with lubricant.

Abstract: In order to ensure that a braising material applied onto the surface of a header pipe does not enter communicating passages for coolant intake/outlet at a connecting block during the furnace braising process implemented to weld the connecting block utilized to connect a liquid tank to the header pipe, pipe-like projections are formed at the pair of communicating passages for coolant intake/outlet formed at the connecting block for liquid tank connection on the side where the header pipe is connected and the pipe-like projections inserted at holes of the header pipe clad with a braising material are welded to a condenser to constitute an integrated part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accumulator 21 for evaporating and condensing a refrigerant in a pressure vessel 22 thereof to control pressure or the like in a closed-loop type controlled unit. The accumulator comprises liquid-phase refrigerant holding means 23 for holding the refrigerant in liquid phase, heating means 25 for heating and evaporating the refrigerant in liquid-phase, cooling means 24 for cooling and condensing the refrigerant in vapor-phase, and a connection port 28 in fluid communication with the controlled unit. The liquid-phase refrigerant holding means 23 includes a vane 32 made of a material capable of absorbing the refrigerant in liquid phase, and the end 35 of the vane 32 has a shape in contact with the inner surface of the pressure vessel 22.

Abstract: Accumulator (10, 100) for an air-conditioning system. The inlet (58) fluid separation can be controlled, and there is control of the amount of compressor oil in circulation through an adjustable coupling between the interior and the outlet passage (56). Desiccating material (48) can be accommodated in many orientations, and can be made of various materials. The accumulator (10, 100) embodies an outer housing (12, 14) of two or more pieces and an inner liner (16) that is of one or more pieces. The inlet (58) directs the refrigerant into the inner volume formed by the liner (16), wherein the liquid refrigerant and compressor oil are contained and insulated from the wall (12, 14) of the outer housing.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in a heat pump system accommodates the flow of refrigerant in first and second directions as the system heats and cools, respectively. The accumulator includes a body and a cap. The body includes an inlet for receiving refrigerant from a compressor and an outlet for sending refrigerant to the compressor. A first port communicates with a front end heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from this heat exchanger when heating and for sending refrigerant to this heat exchanger when cooling. A second port communicates with a passenger compartment heat exchanger for sending refrigerant to this heat exchanger when heating and for receiving refrigerant from this heat exchanger when cooling. A reversing valve, disposed in the cap, moves between a first position when heating and a second position when cooling such that the accumulator can accommodate the flow of refrigerant in the either direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accumulator 21 for evaporating and condensing a refrigerant in a pressure vessel 22 thereof to control pressure or the like in a closed-loop type controlled unit. The accumulator comprises liquid-phase refrigerant holding means 23 for holding the refrigerant in liquid phase, heating means 25 for heating and evaporating the refrigerant in liquid-phase, cooling means 24 for cooling and condensing the refrigerant in vapor-phase, and a connection port 28 in fluid communication with the controlled unit. The liquid-phase refrigerant holding means 23 includes a vane 32 made of a material capable of absorbing the refrigerant in liquid phase, and the end 35 of the vane 32 has a shape in contact with the inner surface of the pressure vessel 22.

Abstract: A refrigerant accumulator (1) for a vehicle air-conditioning system comprises and upper and a lower half-shell (5, 6), which are connected to one another by a welded seam (7).

Abstract: An accumulator dehydrator for cooling circuits with a simplified structure comprising a hollow outer casing (12), cylindrical in shape, provided with a base (13) with a raised thickness, in which an inlet hole (14) and an outlet hole (16) are produced, said hollow outer casing (12) containing a filter element (22), a desiccant bag (31), a U-shaped tube and a diffuser element, in which the U-shaped tube, the filter element and the diffuser element are produced in a single moulded piece (19, 20, 22).

Abstract: An accumulator having an improved baffle connection and a related method of interlocking an outlet tube and baffle within annular grooves of a passage of an enclosure to prevent blow by of liquid refrigerant fluid past the baffle connection. The baffle includes a cylindrical extension having a mounting passage through which an outlet tube extends. The cylindrical extension and outlet tube extend into the passage of the enclosure and are engaged within one or more of the annular grooves of the enclosure to interlock the baffle and outlet tube to the enclosure. The enclosure preferably includes a puck having the passage therethrough, where the puck is inserted into a canister and then welded thereto.

Abstract: An accumulator with an inlet port comprising a deflector for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system, and a method for use thereof are disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is provided between the evaporator and compressor of an air conditioning or refrigeration system. Vaporized refrigerant is conveyed from the evaporator into the accumulator through an inlet port having a deflector. The deflector deflects the refrigerant from the inlet port in a spray pattern to reduce the velocity of the refrigerant thereby avoiding turbulence in the accumulator. In another embodiment, a vapor conduit inside the accumulator for conveying refrigerant to an outlet port has an open vapor inlet end with chamfered cut edges pointing away from the inlet port to avoid liquid from splashing into the vapor conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner selectively switches one of a cooling mode in which an interior heat exchanger of a refrigerant cycle is operated as an evaporator for cooling air, and a heating mode in which the interior heat exchanger is operated as a radiator for heating air. In the vehicle air conditioner, an accumulator, for separating gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant from each other and for storing the separated liquid refrigerant therein, is disposed between an outlet of the interior heat exchanger and a suction port of a compressor. Further, the accumulator includes a heating device for heating the liquid refrigerant stored in the accumulator in the heating mode. Therefore, heating performance for heating air in heating mode can be efficiently improved.

Abstract: A universal accumulator device for an auto air conditioning system includes a housing having an inlet opening, one or more outlet openings, one or more inlet fittings selectively engaged with the inlet opening of the housing, and one or more outlet fittings selectively engaged with the outlet opening of the housing. The inlet and outlet fittings may include a metric or a British thread for coupling to the metric or British pipings or lock nuts. A tubing may be selectively secured to the fittings with one or more sealing rings and with an additional barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for discharging a fluid and a liquid separated from the fluid from an outlet chamber of a heat exchanger. The outlet chamber is configured to collect the separated liquid. The outlet chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet opening disposed on an exit surface of the outlet chamber. The apparatus includes a plate that is positionable in the outlet chamber adjacent to the exit surface to form a channel between the plate and the exit surface. The plate is configured to protrude over the outlet tube opening so that the fluid flowing through the outlet chamber and into the outlet opening pulls the liquid collected in the outlet chamber through the channel and out through the outlet opening with the fluid. Because of the plate protruding over the outlet opening, the fluid exiting directly from the outlet chamber through the outlet opening must flow through a decreased area. This decreased area produces the vena contracta effect and creates a low pressure region.

Abstract: An accumulator having an improved baffle connection and a related method of interlocking an outlet tube and baffle within annular grooves of a passage of an enclosure to prevent blow by of liquid refrigerant fluid past the baffle connection. The baffle includes a cylindrical extension having a mounting passage through which an outlet tube extends. The cylindrical extension and outlet tube extend into the passage of the enclosure and are engaged within one or more of the annular grooves of the enclosure to interlock the baffle and outlet tube to the enclosure. The enclosure preferably includes a puck having the passage therethrough, where the puck is inserted into a canister and then welded thereto.

Abstract: An accumulator having an improved baffle connection and a related method of interlocking an outlet tube and baffle within annular grooves of a passage of an enclosure to prevent blow by of liquid refrigerant fluid past the baffle connection. The baffle includes a cylindrical extension having a mounting passage through which an outlet tube extends. The cylindrical extension and outlet tube extend into the passage of the enclosure and are engaged within one or more of the annular grooves of the enclosure to interlock the baffle and outlet tube to the enclosure. The enclosure preferably includes a puck having the passage therethrough, where the puck is inserted into a canister and then welded thereto.

Abstract: An accumulator with an inlet port comprising a deflector for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system, and a method for use thereof are disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is provided between the evaporator and compressor of an air conditioning or refrigeration system. Vaporized refrigerant is conveyed from the evaporator into the accumulator through an inlet port having a deflector. The deflector deflects the refrigerant from the inlet port in a spray pattern to reduce the velocity of the refrigerant thereby avoiding turbulence in the accumulator. In another embodiment, a vapor conduit inside the accumulator for conveying refrigerant to an outlet port has an open vapor inlet end with chamfered cut edges pointing away from the inlet port to avoid liquid from splashing into the vapor conduit.

Abstract: An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a U-tube having first and second legs and a return bend, a space between the first and second legs and the return bend, adsorbent in the space, opposite sides on the first and second legs and the return bend, permeable covers bonded to the first and second opposite sides to contain the adsorbent within the space, a hole in the return bend, a frame connected to the U-bend and defining a space in communication with the hole, and filter material on the frame. An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a plastic U-tube and a self-contained adsorbent unit having a plastic cover bonded to the U-tube with the body of the self-contained adsorbent unit positioned between the legs of the U-tube.

Abstract: A high pressure gas cooler for a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system, the refrigerant circuit having, in the flow direction of the refrigerant, a compressor, the gas cooler, an inner heat exchanger exchanging heat between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, a throttle device, an evaporator and a manifold on the low-pressure side, which communicates via the low-pressure side of the inner heat exchanger with the intake side of the compressor. The gas cooler is combined with the inner heat exchanger and/or the manifold on the low-pressure side to form a single unit.

Abstract: A vessel for use in a refrigeration system. The vessel includes a vessel body and at least one end wall for closing the vessel body, the end wall having a threaded receptacle. The threaded receptacle is configured to accept a threaded fitting and the threaded receptacle includes: an annular sealing surface for engaging a corresponding surface of the fitting, the sealing surface formed on a first side of the end wall; and a threaded surface defined by an inside wall of an annular protrusion, the annular protrusion having a longitudinal axis disposed generally perpendicular to the sealing surface, and wherein the protrusion extends longitudinally from a second side of the end wall toward an interior of the vessel body.

Abstract: Accumulator (10, 100) for an air-conditioning system. The inlet (58) fluid separation can be controlled, and there is control of the amount of compressor oil in circulation through an adjustable coupling between the interior and the outlet passage (56) Desiccating material (48) can be accommodated in many orientations, and can be made of various materials. The accumulator (10, 100) embodies an outer housing (12, 14) of two or more pieces and an inner liner (16) that is of one or more pieces The inlet (58) directs the refrigerant into the inner volume formed by the liner (16), wherein the liquid refrigerant and compressor oil are contained and insulated from the wall (12, 14) of the outer housing.

Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator assembly for use in an air conditioning system including an evaporator and a compressor. The accumulator-dehydrator assembly also includes a canister with an upper portion, an inlet, an outlet and a delivery tube with a first tube end positioned in the upper portion of the canister and a second tube end connected to the outlet. A baffle is disposed within the canister that includes a first end connected to the canister and a second end positioned to define a partition between the first tube end of the delivery tube and the inlet. The purpose of the baffle is to reduce pulsations that result from pressure fluctuations in the air-conditioning system.

Abstract: When the first pressure reducing device 161 is fixed to the accumulator tank 140 and the internal heat exchanger 150 is housed in the accumulator tank 140, the accumulator, the first pressure reducing device 161 and the internal heat exchanger 150 are integrated into one body. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to eliminate parts for piping to connect the first pressure reducing device 161 with the internal heat exchanger 150. The mass of the vibration system of the first pressure reducing device 161 including the accumulator tank 140 and the internal heat exchanger 150 is increased. Therefore, even if the valve body 413 in the first pressure reducing device is vibrated, it becomes difficult for other portions to vibrate. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce noise (vibration) generated when refrigerant is decompressed by the first pressure reducing device 161.

Abstract: An adsorbent unit including first and second porous containers, adsorbent in the first and second porous containers, a first and second end on each of the first and second containers, a yoke connecting the first ends, spaced first apertures in the yoke, a severance in the yoke extending between and in communication with the first apertures, a tab on each of the second ends of the first and second porous containers, and a second aperture in each of the tabs.

Abstract: An accumulator with an internal heat exchanger for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator is disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is placed in the system so high pressure, high temperature refrigerant flowing from the condenser and low pressure, low temperature refrigerant flowing from the evaporator simultaneously enter and flow through the heat exchanger disposed in the accumulator whereby the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and thereby cools the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a tube having at least one high temperature channel and one low temperature channel extending through the interior of the tube. In a second embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a single spirally wound coaxial tube having an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube.

Abstract: Accumulator in an air conditioner including a body having an inlet formed in a top portion thereof, first means fitted near to the inlet in the body for filtering contaminants, second means fitted under the first means for filtering oil, and an outlet tube for recovering oil stored in the body to a compressor, thereby preventing an unnecessary excessive operation of the compressors to improve an energy efficiency.

Abstract: An accumulator with an internal heat exchanger for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator is disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is placed in the system so high pressure, high temperature refrigerant flowing from the condenser and low pressure, low temperature refrigerant flowing from the evaporator simultaneously enter and flow through the heat exchanger disposed in the accumulator whereby the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and thereby cools the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a tube having at least one high temperature channel and one low temperature channel extending through the interior of the tube. In a second embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a single spirally wound coaxial tube having an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube.

Abstract: An accumulator with an internal heat exchanger for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator is disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is placed in the system so high pressure, high temperature refrigerant flowing from the condenser and low pressure, low temperature refrigerant flowing from the evaporator simultaneously enter and flow through the heat exchanger disposed in the accumulator whereby the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and thereby cools the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a tube having at least one high temperature channel and one low temperature channel extending through the interior of the tube. In a second embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a single spirally wound coaxial tube having an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube.

Abstract: An optimized CO2 air-conditioning system for a vehicle has individual components designed and/or matched to one another in such a way that if the high pressures in the high-pressure section deviate by up to ±30% from the optimum high pressures, the associated optimum performance figures are reduced by no more than 20%. The individual components include a controllable compressor, a gas cooler, an internal heat exchanger, an evaporator and an accumulator. As a result, a fixed throttle expansion member can be used between the high-pressure and low-pressure sections of the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an accumulator device which has an outer housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a U tube contained within the housing. The device also includes a filter which is positioned inside the housing adjacent the inlet. Dryer means in the form of a desiccant are also contained inside the housing. The device is positioned upstream of a compressor and functions to filter unwanted debris which would otherwise enter the compressor and cause potential damage.

Abstract: A receiver-tank is provided with a vertical tank main body 140. An inlet 131 and an outlet 132 are provided in an inlet-and-outlet forming member 150 as a bottom wall of the tank main body 140. A desiccant-filled-layer 135 as a flow-resistance layer is provided in a lower part of the tank main body 140, and an upper space is formed above the desiccant-filled-layer 135. A suction pipe 133 is provided in the tank main body 140 with the lower end connected with the outlet 132 and the upper end opened toward the upper space. When the refrigerant introduced into the tank main body 140 from the inlet port 131 goes up through the desiccant-filled-layer 135, the flow velocity decreases, and liquid-stagnation R is quietly created bin the upper space. The liquefied refrigerant of this liquid-stagnation R flows out of the outlet 132 through the suction pipe 133. Thereby, the stable liquid refrigerant can be supplied.

Abstract: A hot water supply system wherein a flow of a refrigerant on a high-pressure side of a supercritical heat pump cycle and a flow of hot water are oppositely directed, and wherein water heated by the refrigerant on the high-pressure side is stored in heat insulating tanks of a vacuous and double structure. Water is heated with heat absorbed from the atmosphere and by the supercritical heat pump cycle having a high heat exchange efficiency &eegr;, to reduce the power required to heat the water. Therefore, hot water can be generated even in the daytime during peak power rates. Accordingly, because it is unnecessary to store hot water for daytime use in insulated tanks, system space requirements are reduced.

Abstract: An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a U-tube having first and second legs and a return bend, a space between the first and second legs and the return bend, adsorbent in the space, opposite sides on the first and second legs and the return bend, permeable covers bonded to the first and second opposite sides to contain the adsorbent within the space, a hole in the return bend, a frame connected to the U-bend and defining a space in communication with the hole, and filter material on the frame. An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a plastic U-tube and a self-contained adsorbent unit having a plastic cover bonded to the U-tube with the body of the self-contained adsorbent unit positioned between the legs of the U-tube.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator device for vapor compressed air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, comprises: an accumulator with its one end connected to refrigerant pipe at high pressure side as compressor, and with the other end connected to an inlet pipe of a condenser; a flow-rate control unit provided at the outlet of said accumulator, or in the condenser tube of said condenser characterized in that high pressure is maintained for refrigerant at high pressure side.

Abstract: An accumulator for an automotive air-conditioning system includes a suction tube having an inlet leg, an outlet leg, and a bight therebetween. A pickup filter is mounted to the bight of the suction tube and cooperates with a desiccant bag. The pickup filter has a clasp circumscribing a portion of the bight, wherein the clasp includes a flange extending therefrom. The pickup filter further has a screen filter body extending integrally and downwardly from the clasp. The desiccant bag includes a flap extending from one end, wherein the flap includes an aperture therethrough defining a locating edge at one end or side thereof. The aperture of the desiccant bag mounts over the pickup filter with the locating edge of the flap locating against a portion of the clasp of the pickup filter to assist in retaining the desiccant bag in position on the pickup filter.

Abstract: A refrigerated intercooler for an air conditioning, refrigeration or similar cooling system. The intercooler provides a thermal interface between colder refrigerant gas leaving the air conditioning system's evaporator and the hotter refrigerant liquid leaving the system's condenser. The thermal interface occurs between the gas in the accumulator portion of the intercooler and the liquid in an interior container of the intercooler. In the preferred embodiment, the interior container is coiled tubing, to promote better heat exchange. The system's oil/refrigerant emulsion is metered and returned from the intercooler to the compressor through an oil return line that is external to the accumulator portion of the intercooler.

Abstract: The improved refrigeration system of the present invention includes an accumulator with a diffuser pipe extending downwardly into the upper end of a vapor refrigerant tank, the diffuser pipe extending from an evaporator and discharging vapor refrigerant therefrom into the tank. The diffuser pipe includes a lower end located within the interior of the tank which is expanded in diameter relative to the upper end, thereby reducing the velocity of fluid flowing through the pipe and entering the accumulator tank. A diffusion plate is mounted in the lower end of the diffuser pipe, to further diffuse fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: This refrigeration system is an orifice-tube system constituting a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant passes through a compressor 1, a condenser 10, an orifice-tube 3, an evaporator 4, and an accumulator 5 in this order and then returns to the compressor 1. The condenser 10 is constituted by the so-called multi-flow type heat exchanger having a plurality of passes P1-P3. The intermediate pass P2 is constituted as a decompression pass for decompressing the refrigerant. After condensing the refrigerant by the first pass P1, the condensed refrigerant is decompressed and evaporated by the decompression pass P2, and then the evaporated refrigerant is re-condensed by the third pass P3. This refrigeration system is excellent in response characteristic to thermal load fluctuations and in refrigeration performance.

Abstract: An accumulator for an air-conditioning (refrigeration or heat pump) system is designed to reduce flooding due to greater effective internal volume while at the same time incorporating an internal heat exchanger for better system performance, and providing better evaporation and controlled thermal properties. The accumulator embodies an outer housing that co-axially surrounds an inner liner. The inlet directs the refrigerant into the inner volume formed by the liner, wherein the liquid refrigerant and compressor oil are contained and insulated from the wall of the outer housing. A heat exchanger is arranged in the annular space between the outer housing and the inner liner and circulates a flow of condensate therethrough before delivering it to the expansion device. In this way the condensate is cooled for higher performance and at the same time refrigerant passing out of the accumulator is vaporized more completely.

Abstract: A refrigerated intercooler for an air conditioning, refrigeration or similar cooling system. The intercooler provides a thermal interface between colder refrigerant gas leaving the air conditioning system's evaporator and the hotter refrigerant liquid leaving the system's condenser. The thermal interface occurs between the gas in the accumulator portion of the intercooler and the liquid in an interior container of the intercooler. In the preferred embodiment, the interior container is coiled tubing, to promote better heat exchange. The system's oil/refrigerant emulsion is metered and returned from the intercooler to the compressor through an oil return line that is external to the accumulator portion of the intercooler.

Abstract: High pressure drop and evaporator inefficiency due to the presence of lubricant in a refrigerant are avoided in a refrigeration system including a compressor (10) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (14). A gas cooler/condenser (16) receives compressed, lubricant containing refrigerant from the compressor outlet (14). Also included is an evaporator (48) for evaporating refrigerant and cooling another fluid and returning the refrigerant to the compressor inlet (12). A phase separator (36) is interposed between the gas cooler/condenser (16) and the evaporator (48) for receiving cooled refrigerant from the gas cooler/condenser (16). The phase separator (36) includes a chamber (62) having an inlet (34) connected to the gas cooler/condenser (16), an upper vapor outlet (38) connected to the compressor inlet (12), a liquid refrigerant outlet (40) and a lubricant outlet (78).

Abstract: A vessel (50) having a cylindrical wall (52) and an end wall (54). The cylindrical wall (52) includes an edge portion (58), a radially inward shoulder portion (60), and a capture portion (62) therebetween. The end wall (54) is interference-fit in the capture portion (62) with the shoulder portion (60) forming a positive stop therefore and the edge portion (58) being turned radially inward thereover. An inlet/outlet fitting (70) extends through an appropriately-sized opening in the end wall (54) and is secured thereto by, for example, a lip (72) and a weld (74). The vessel (50) can be incorporated into the construction of refrigeration components wherein compressor-generated vibration causes stress concentration concerns for inlet/outlet interfaces on the end wall (54).

Abstract: An evaporator has plural tubes arranged in parallel with each other in a width direction perpendicular to an air flowing direction. The tubes are further arranged in two rows in the air flowing direction, and tank portions extending in the width direction are also arranged in the two rows in the air flowing direction to correspond to the tubes. A refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet are provided in the tank portions, respectively, at one side end in the width direction, so that refrigerant flows through all one-row tubes after passing through the other-row tubes. In the evaporator, throttle holes are provided in a distribution portion of the tank portions, for distributing refrigerant, so that a refrigerant distribution within the tubes can be arbitrarily set. Thus, air temperature blown out from the evaporator can be made uniform.

Abstract: A refrigeration system which comprises a compressor, an evaporator to which liquid refrigerant compressed by the compressor is supplied through a flow restrictor, and return means which direct refrigerant expanded in the evaporator back to the compressor. The return means include an accumulator in which liquid refrigerant leaving said evaporator may collect, and heating means either integral with or attached to the accumulator. The heating means are adapted to supply heat energy to the liquid refrigerant collected by said accumulator in order to promote its evaporation, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system. The heating means may be controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A receiver-tank is provided with a vertical tank main body 140. An inlet 131 and an outlet 132 are provided in an inlet-and-outlet forming member 150 as a bottom wall of the tank main body 140. A desiccant-filled-layer 135 as a flow-resistance layer is provided in a lower part of the tank main body 140, and an upper space is formed above the desiccant-filled-layer 135. A suction pipe 133 is provided in the tank main body 140 with the lower end connected with the outlet 132 and the upper end opened toward the upper space. When the refrigerant introduced into the tank main body 140 from the inlet port 131 goes up through the desiccant-filled-layer 135, the flow velocity decreases, and liquid-stagnation R is quietly created bin the upper space. The liquefied refrigerant of this liquid-stagnation R flows out of the outlet 132 through the suction pipe 133. Thereby, the stable liquid refrigerant can be supplied.

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