Abstract: The present invention provides an oil diffuser in the suction line of a compressor. The oil diffuser provides an increased cross sectional area whereby the flow velocity is decreased and further provides non-aligned entering and discharge lines whereby inertial forces and gravitational forces acting on oil flowing into the diffuser tends to move the oil away from the circuitous path necessary for entering into the discharge line. The resulting separated oil can enter the discharge line via a small hole in the tube which only permits metered mounts of oil to be supplied to the suction of the compressor.

Abstract: There is provided herein a refrigerant receiver for use in an automotive air conditioning system. The receiver includes a generally cylindrical body, a circular closure member secured at one end of the body and a manifold member configured to engage the closure member. The manifold includes a bottom surface having a stepped configuration which sealingly engages a corresponding stepped surface on the closure member. A single threaded fastener is utilized to secure the manifold to the closure member.

Abstract: An accumulator assembly having an accumulator surrounded by a heat insulating layer on the outer side thereof. The container includes mounting devices formed on the exterior thereof for mounting the accumulator assembly in place.

Abstract: An accumulating vessel for use in a refrigeration system wherein a partially vaporized refrigerant is circulated therethrough. The vessel is constructed as a generally cylindrical housing having first and second end portions, and a body portion with a generally continuous circumferential inner surface, the portions together defining an internal chamber. An inlet tube opens into fluid communication with the internal chamber at a first location defining an inlet port, with an outlet tube opening into fluid communication with the internal chamber at a second location defining an outlet port. A baffle is received within the chamber intermediate the inlet and outlet ports for deflecting refrigerant from the inlet port over the outlet port.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a cryogenic refrigeration system having an evaporator-heater coil, an electronically controlled valve for regulating the amount of cryogenic gas to the coil, and a vapor motor powered by the cryogenic gas that drives both an alternator for recharging the system battery, and a fan for generating an air flow through the coil and into a conditioned space. The control system includes a temperature sensor for generating an electrical signal indicative of the temperature of the conditioned space, and a microprocessor that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the alternator, and the electronically controlled valve for modulating the flow of cryogenic gas through the evaporator-heater coil in said vapor motor to achieve a selected set point temperature in the conditioned space, and to maintain a sufficient alternator current to effectively recharge the system battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor compression refrigeration system for cooling air, particularly for use in automobiles, having a closed circuit for refrigerant fluid incorporating an expansion device in the form of an orifice tube supplying expanded refrigerant fluid to an evaporator for cooling the air, wherein the system comprises electrical heating means such as a resistive wire winding or film resistor to supply heat to the refrigerant fluid within the orifice tube, and control means for controlling the heating means so as to achieve desired mass flow rates of the expanded fluid in the evaporator. The control means may operate in response to signals from a pressure sensor downstream of the evaporator and from further sensors sensing the temperature and speed of the air to be cooled as it enters the evaporator.

Abstract: A preformed desiccant bag for use with a retaining clip including a preformed porous casing including a first preformed bulbous end portion of a first girth and width, a second preformed bulbous end portion of a second girth and width, a central preformed waist portion of a third girth and width located between the first and second preformed bulbous end portions, with the third girth and width being smaller than either the first and second girths and the first and second widths to thereby provide a pronounced position for reception of a retaining clip, and desiccant in the casing.

Abstract: A self-contained liquefied gas supply system has a tank for storing a liquefied gas, a primary pump for delivering the liquefied gas from the tank, a secondary pump for pressurizing the liquefied gas delivered from the primary pump, a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquefied gas discharged from the secondary pump into a vaporized gas, an expander for actuating the secondary pump with the vaporized gas produced by the vaporizer, and a back-pressure line connected to an outlet of the expander. A bypass pipe is connected between the primary pump and the vaporizer in bypassing relation to the secondary pump for supplying the liquefied gas from the primary pump to the vaporizer. A joint line is connected between the back-pressure line and a substantially atmospheric pressure line, the joint line having a first flow regulating valve for regulating a rate of flow of a gas from the back-pressure line to the substantially atmospheric pressure line.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an accumulator for an automotive air conditioning system. The accumulator includes a sump for collecting oil to be provided to the air conditioning compressor. There is also disclosed an outlet tube in the accumulator, the tube having a flange opening and a necked-down portion a predetermined distance from the flange opening.

Abstract: Cryogenic cooling system for transport vehicles. The cooling system includes an oversized ceiling evaporator, with adjustable heat absorption capability and pressure regulating mechanism, supplied with liquid CO.sub.2 from a main insulated reserve tank through a fill tank which balances the pressure of the liquid CO.sub.2 to the proper levels in order to permit the transfer of the refrigerant. To ensure this transfer, a gas-driven pump, activated by the CO.sub.2 gas exhaust from the evaporator, circulates the liquid CO.sub.2 inside the system. In addition, to ensure a quick stabilization of the temperature of the enclosure, a timed dry-ice injector acts as a booster and safety device to the system.

Abstract: An aluminum header has spaced inlet and outlet ports formed thereon to closely interfit inlet and outlet tubes. A U-shaped standpipe has one end swaged in the outlet port and the opposite end spaced adjacent the header surface to control flow into the standpipe. A permeable dessicant filled pouch is folded over the standpipe and a deep drawn aluminum canister is received over the pouch and standpipe and welded to the header. An inlet tube with a convolution is received in the inlet port and header material deformed over the convolution to retain the tube. A separate outlet tube with a convolution adjacent one end is inserted in the outlet port from the side opposite the standpipe and header material deformed over the convolution to retain the tube in the outlet port. A bleed hole for lubricant is formed in the standpipe and a filter cartridge received over the standpipe and located over the bleed hole.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a vapor compression cycle utilizing a liquid over-feeding operation with an integrated accumulator-expander-heat exchanger. Hot, high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser passes through one or more lengths of capillary tubing substantially immersed in a pool liquid refrigerant in the accumulator-expander-heat exchanger for simultaneously sub-cooling and expanding the liquid refrigerant while vaporizing liquid refrigerant from the pool for the return thereof to the compressor as saturated vapor. The sub-cooling of the expanded liquid provides for the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator for liquid over-feeding the evaporator and thereby increasing the efficiency of the evaporation cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved refrigeration subcooler comprising an accumulator and receiver apparatus for use in a refrigeration unit or heat pump. Specifically, the present invention relates to a subcooler that requires less refrigerant and is operable at lower operating pressures than conventional subcoolers.

Abstract: An air conditioning system of the present invention has a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an oil separator, a condenser, a expansion device, an evaporator, a first accumulator, and a second accumulator which are connected in order by piping, said evaporator, said first accumulator, said second accumulator, and said compressor being connected in series; a first oil return bypass for connecting said oil separator and a connection pipe between said first and second accumulators; and a second oil return bypass for connecting said first accumulator and a connection pipe between said second accumulator and said compressor.

Abstract: A receiver/drier/filter for refrigerant having an aluminum cannister formed integrally with one end closed and an inlet tube and outlet standpipe extending through ports in the closed end and brazed therein with the external tube ends formed at right angles to facilitate external connection. A center tube is received over and sealed on the standpipe with a desiccant filled basket having a cover plate washer received over the center tube through the open end of the cannister as a subassembly. An aluminum cap is brazed over the open end of the cannister to seal the assembly. Alternatively, the basket and center tube are molded integrally of plastic.

Abstract: A refrigerant assembly includes a refrigerant housing for receiving and containing refrigerant. In one embodiment, the housing has an upper end cap extending over and covering an open upper end of the housing to define a central cavity for the refrigerant. The upper end cap has a bore extending from an inner surface of the end cap to the outer surface. A pick-up tube extends inwardly into the bore from the inner surface of the end cap and is dimensioned so as to be closely received therein. The pick-up tube includes an annular bead toward its outlet end which is received within a counterbore formed coaxial with the bore from the inner surface of the end cap. The counterbore is dimensioned to closely receive the bead on the pick-up tube. The inner surface of the end cap surrounding the counterbore is then mechanically deformed, preferably by staking, around the entire circumference of the pick-up tube such that end cap material is forced radially inward toward the tube.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycling system (10) has a compressor (12) and identical first and second drier/separators (18, 20). Refrigerant material to be reclaimed is drawn into an inlet (22) of the first drier/separator, in which lubricant is separated from refrigerant vapor. After the lubricant is removed, the refrigerant vapor is filtered as it passes through a screen (80), a bed of molecular sieve material (82), and a fibrous pad (84). After passing through the first drier/separator, the refrigerant enters the compressor in which clean lubricant material is introduced to enable the compressor to operate effectively. From the compressor, the refrigerant vapor and clean lubricant passes through the second drier/separator wherein the clean lubricant is removed and the refrigerant vapor is again filtered. The twice filtered vapor is then passed to a condenser (44) in which it is condensed to a liquid. The clean refrigerant liquid is delivered from the reclamation system cleansed of impurities.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit suction accumulator has an inner copper U-tube with open inlet and outlet ends, a small oil inlet metering orifice formed in the closed tube end, and a threaded connection stud secured to the closed tube end. Formed on an inlet end portion of the U-tube is an integral deflector structure positioned between refrigerant outlet and inlet openings in the tube side wall. The U-tube legs extend through openings in a generally disc-shaped wire mesh filter element adjacent the closed tube end. The U-tube and filter element are disposed within a unitary tubular outer shell formed from a length of seamless copper tubing. In forming the assembly, one end of the outer copper tube is spun closed and a spaced pair of holes are formed therein.

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 flameless nitrogen vaporizing unit includes a first internal combustion engine driving a nitrogen pump through a transmission. A second internal combustion engine drives three hydraulic oil pumps against a variable back pressure so that a variable load may be imposed upon the second engine. Liquid nitrogen is pumped from the nitrogen pump driven by the first engine into a first heat exchanger where heat is transferred from exhaust gases from the first and second internal combustion engines to the liquid nitrogen to cause the nitrogen to be transformed into a gaseous state. The gaseous nitrogen then flows into a second heat exchanger where it is superheated by an engine coolant fluid to heat the gaseous nitrogen to essentially an ambient temperature. The superheated nitrogen is then injected into the well. The engine coolant fluid flows in a coolant circulation system. Heat is transferred to the coolant fluid directly from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An accumulator distillation insert is provided for allowing the composition f a zeotropic refrigerant to be adjusted based upon a building heat load. The accumulator distillation insert comprises an accumulator, the accumulator having a two-phase input and a vapor output, the accumulator having a refrigerant mixture, in liquid form, disposed at a bottom of the accumulator; an immersion heater is provided in communication with the refrigerant mixture, in liquid form; and a distillation column is disposed in the accumulator, the distillation column is maintained above the refrigerant mixture in liquid form, the distillation column is provided for changing the chemical composition of the refrigerant mixture by decreasing the amount of volatile components in the refrigerant mixture, stored in the accumulator and thereby increasing the capacity of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A refrigerant circulating system that uses a highly polar refrigerant, as typified by a hydrofluorocarbon-based one, and a refrigerating oil that has slight solubility with a liquid refrigerant on the condensation side. Also, a refrigerant circulating cycle that uses a highly polar refrigerant, as typified by a hydrofluorocarbon-based one, and a refrigerating oil that has a slight solubility with a liquid refrigerant and which has a greater specific gravity than the liquid refrigerant. Thereby, it provides a high electrical insulation and moisture resistance, good oil return to the compressor, and high reliability.

Abstract: A suction accumulator assembly in which a flexible resiliently yieldable support is attached between the accumulator casing and an internal suction tube to allow the suction tube to move relative the accumulator casing. The flexible support includes an annular fold located circumferentially about the suction tube to increase the ability of the flexible support to damp vibration and reduce sound transmitted through the suction accumulator.

Abstract: An evaporator of the plate-fin construction has attached a formed housing which together with the evaporator end plate comprises a suction accumulator. A liquid conduit passes through the accumulator and induces fluid from the accumulator into the evaporator via a venturi located in the conduit. A tube inserted into one tank of the evaporator is in direct connection to the accumulator and increases storage capacity of the accumulator. A field removable filter-drier assembly is installed in the exit tank or compartment of the evaporator. A baffle is located in the accumulator section and separates liquid from gas and allows mostly gas with entrained oil to flow to the compressor. A secondary flow path which opens under low charge conditions aids in oil return to the compressor.

Abstract: The air conditioning system contains a refrigerant and comprises a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, a condenser having an inlet and an outlet, an evaporator having an inlet and an outlet and a suction conduit connecting the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor where the refrigerant returns to the compressor as a low pressure vapor. A discharge conduit is provided which connects the outlet of the compressor to the condenser where upon removal of heat of the vapor, the gas becomes a high pressure liquid refrigerant. A liquid conduit having an injector and restrictor connects the outlet of the condenser to the inlet of the evaporator. An accumulator having an inlet port and an outlet port is interposed in the suction conduit. A liquid discharge port is also provided in the accumulator. A recirculating conduit connects the discharge port to the liquid conduit.

Abstract: A simple connector assembly for an A/D canister that can accommodate a wide range of possible inlet and outlet line orientations and angles, both in terms of basic design and in terms of tolerance type variations within a design. An assortment of four possible independent block fittings, two straight and two ninety degree fittings, are used, one of each chosen depending on the inlet and outlet line orientation. Each pair is designated an outlet or an inlet fitting, and will fit only the proper depth socket in a canister end cap. The block fittings are basically cylindrical, and clamped in place by a standard clamp that has close fitting bearing surfaces on its side which allow any ninety degree fittings used to self align, in terms of angular orientation, as the clamp is tightened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suction accumulator construction comprised of a pair of closed vessels arranged in spaced relation one within the other to define an air or vacuum space therebetween effective to prevent sweating of the inner vessel during performance of its normal suction accumulator function. The air space may be evacuated to near vacuum to improve upon the sweating-avoidance function. Further, air spaces may be provided around the ends of the inlet and outlet tubes to and from the suction accumulator to preclude sweating or frosting thereof. Means are also provided for circulating heated fluid in the space between the closed vessels.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in an automobile, has an inner housing located within an outer housing. The inner housing has a channel formed therein, such that a fluid-tight flow path which goes down one side across the bottom and back up the other side to an exit orifice is defined. A cap having inlet and outlet orifices therethrough is secured to the outer housing and seals both the inner and the outer housings to prevent any leakage of any fluid.

Abstract: A liquid refrigeration system for providing cooling operations, including an evaporator with its refrigerant outlet connected to a vapor/liquid separator so that refrigerant in the refrigerant conduits in the evaporator may undergo heat exchange in the form of a mixture of vapor and liquid. The compressor of the system outputs high pressure refrigerant vapor which passes through a specially designed condenser before being conveyed to a thermostatic expansion valve at the front end of the inlet of the evaporator. Low-pressure oil-rich liquid refrigerant separated by the vapor/liquid separator first passes through the condenser to become superheated vapor and it is then sent to the suction line of the compressor together with the saturated refrigerant vapor from the vapor/liquid separator. The expansion valve meters the flow rate of system refrigerant and has a temperature sensor which detects the superheat of the low pressure refrigerant vapor leaving the condenser.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises an evaporator overfed with liquid refrigerant and discharging a mixture of vapor refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; a compressor for compressing vapor refrigerant discharged from the evaporator; a condenser receiving compressed vapor refrigerant from the compressor for transforming it into liquid refrigerant; and a receiver receiving the liquid refrigerant from the condenser and supplying it to the evaporator. A separator receiving the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator separates the-vapor refrigerant for the compressor from the liquid refrigerant for recirculation. A feeder stores the pressurized liquid refrigerant and overfeeds the evaporator therewith. An educer feeds liquid refrigerant from the separator to the feeder using liquid refrigerant from the receiver as pressurizing agent.

Abstract: A bottom feed accumulator canister for an automotive air conditioning system includes a novel means to prevent drain down when the system compressor is off. A valve chamber located at the bottom of, and to one side of, the accumulator return tube surrounds a small bleed orifice through the tube. A valve seat in the valve chamber holds a weight that is sufficiently massive to block the valve seat against liquid ingress when the compressor is off. When the compressor is on, the suction at the bottom of the return tube is also seen in the valve chamber, lifting the weight so that liquid can be drawn into the tube through the small orifice.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in an air-conditioning system wherein a refrigerant fluid is circulated. The accumulator embodies an enclosed housing defining an internal vapor chamber, an inlet tube, an outlet tube having a vapor inlet end in an upper portion of the vapor chamber, and a baffle member located within the housing between the upper and lower portions and within the vapor chamber to impede the flow of incoming partially vaporized fluid causing it to circulate within the chamber and allowing the refrigerant vapor to rise to the upper portion of the vapor chamber and to flow through the outlet tube. The baffle member is an integral part of the housing, being formed at the open end of one of two cup-shaped housing members and turning inwardly to provide a generally ring-shaped baffle member, with the cup-shaped members being joined at their open ends to complete the enclosed housing.

Abstract: An improved oil/gas separator having an upright cylindrical housing with a radial oil/gas inlet and a gas outlet pipe arranged within the housing downward and terminating within the housing with an open end. A helical wall is mounted coaxially around the gas outlet pipe and an oil collection zone is arranged below the open end of the gas outlet pipe. A drip ring is mounted at a low end portion of the gas outlet pipe adjacent to the open end to prevent oil from being entrained into the gas proceeding into the open end. A replaceable porous filter can be provided above an exit end of the gas outlet pipe for a last stage of oil removal from the gas flowing through the separator. A baffle is arranged below the porous filter and above the helical wall for collecting oil removed by the porous filter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of firing a gas turbine with LNG which is designed to store the "cold" of LNG in an the LNG vaporizer.

Abstract: In a dual-purpose cooling/heating air conditioner, refrigerant is conducted from an evaporator to an accumulator and then into a compressor. The accumulator includes an electric heater for heating the refrigerant to a desired minimum superheat level in order to promote the evaporation of liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: A screw compressor ice making packaged unit comprises a horizontal low pressure refrigerant receiver, at least one screw compressor which is on top of the receiver and parallel thereto, two refrigerant liquid supply installations, two horizontal high pressure refrigerant vessels provided at the exterior of the supply installations, and refrigerant system pipe lines connecting all parts of the set. The central axes of the compressor, low pressure refrigerant receiver together with the supply installations and the high pressure refrigerant vessels are disposed in three levels of upper, middle and lower, and are basically lined up in the same vertical plane. All parts of the same group are arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle perpendicular plane of the ice making packaged unit.

Abstract: Air conditioning and refrigeration methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a conditioned space to a predetermined temperature band adjacent to a predetermined set point temperature via cooling and heating cycles utilizing a supply of pressurized cryogen. A fluid flow path for the cryogen includes a heat exchanger associated with the conditioned space. A cryogen heater is connected in the active cryogen flow path during a heating cycle, and cryogen is directed through the heater and heat exchanger via at least two successive serial passes, utilizing the elevated pressure energy of the cryogen as the motive force.

Abstract: A modular accumulator dehydrator assembly for a vehicle air conditioning system uses an array of common components to provide configurations adapted to fit several possible orientations and locations of lines in the system. A cylindrical canister is closed by an end cap, to which a block is attached by a single bolt. Either a bottom or top feed set of inlet pipes is inserted in the end cap, depending on the chosen orientation for the canister. Then, a pair of tubes is added to the outside of the block, which are turned and bent to the proper position for joining to the compressor and evaporator line before brazing in place in the block. A single bolt is tightened to join the block to the end cap, which tightens a pair of O-ring seals to seal the block to end cap connection.

Abstract: A refrigeration device comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an accumulator and a refrigerant is described. Lubricating oil present in the compressor is chosen so as to be insoluble with the refrigerant, and a particular accumulator design is described to ensure return of oil back to the compressor.

Abstract: A bottom outlet type air conditioning accumulator canister avoids the drain down problem inherent with bottom outlets by providing an internal return tube that has two complete loops, including three legs and an upper and lower bight. A bleed hole assembly for aspirating out collected liquid is located in the lower bight, while the upper bight prevents drain down through the bleed hole when the system sits idle. The upper bight is also located just below the upper end of the return tube, so that a pair of saddle bag style desiccant pouches can be hung over the upper tube end and rest on the upper bight.

Abstract: An air conditioning system circulates a mixture of refrigerant fluid and lubricating oil. An accumulator is disposed upstream of a compressor to separate gaseous refrigerant from liquid refrigerant and oil. The accumulator includes an outer case, an inner case, an upstanding pipe, and a baffle plate disposed in the outer case and above the inner case. Gaseous refrigerant exits the accumulator through the pipe. Oil and possibly liquid refrigerant collect in the inner case around the pipe. Liquid refrigerant and possibly oil collect outside of the inner case. Each of the pipe and inner case include vertically spaced oil-return holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a heat load in which a pressure vessel is provided to contain a cryogen as a saturated liquid and saturated vapor separated by liquid-vapor interface. The pressure vessel has an inlet adapted to receive a subcooled liquid cryogen and thereby convert it to a saturated liquid through contact with the saturated vapor. A heated overflow tube projects into the pressure vessel and is level, at one end, with the liquid-vapor interface so that any increase in the saturated liquid overflows into overflow tube and is vaporized to form the saturated vapor. The heat transfer and the reintroduction of the vaporized liquid can be effected through forced circulation provided by an ejector. Preferably the pressure vessel is provided with two outlets for discharging the saturated cryogen as saturated liquid or vapor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a compressor, and indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. During a heating cycle, when the refrigerant exiting the outdoor heating exchanger comprises a mixture of gaseous and liquid refrigerant, that mixture is passed through an accumulator in which the flow speed of the refrigerant is reduced, and in which the refrigerant is heated to convert the liquid refrigerant to gaseous refrigerant.

Abstract: Supplementary cooling for a mechanical refrigeration plant using ammonia as a refrigerant is provided by placing a tube in the vapor space of a buffer vessel and introducing liquid nitrogen into the tube. Although ammonia solidifies at -78.degree. C. and liquid nitrogen enters the tube at -196.degree. C. no ammonia solidifies on the tube even after extended operation. The present invention also provides a method of refrigeration which comprises introducing liquid nitrogen into the heat exchanger of a refrigeration apparatus in accordance with the invention and condensing refrigerant therewith. Preferably, the refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of ammonia and fluorocarbon R22.

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 refrigeration system which controls the temperature of a conditioned space to a predetermined temperature range adjacent to a selected set point temperature SP via a cooling cycle which includes evaporation a cryogen, such as CO.sub.2 or N.sub.2, in a heat exchanger. In an apparatus embodiment, a controller determines a desired evaporation vapor pressure value EPX of the cryogen as a function of the selected set point temperature SP, and then controls the evaporation pressure EP in the heat exchanger means as a function of the determined desired evaporating vapor pressure value. The controller further determines a desired superheat value SHX of the cryogen exiting the heat exchanger means as a function of the selected set point temperature SP, and controls the mass flow rate of liquid cryogen evaporating in the heat exchanger as a function of the determined desired superheat value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a conditioned space to a predetermined set point temperature, utilizing a supply of cryogen. Cryogen is drawn from the supply in a flow path to provide a cooling mode via a heat exchanger disposed in the flow path. A vapor motor in the flow path, downstream from the heat exchanger, drives a fan which moves air between the conditioned space and the heat exchanger. Heat is applied to the cryogen downstream from the heat exchanger, after all cooling modes have been performed, to provide the desired fan horsepower, without interfering with a cooling cycle. A by-pass flow path selectively directs cryogen directly to the vapor motor, by-passing the heat exchanger, to provide air circulation in the conditioned space when the temperature of the conditioned space is satisfied.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in an air-conditioning system wherein a refrigerant fluid is circulated. The accumulator embodies an enclosed housing defining an internal vapor chamber, an inlet tube, an outlet tube having a vapor inlet end in an upper portion of the vapor chamber, and a baffle member located within the housing between the upper and lower portions and within the vapor chamber to impede the flow of incoming partially vaporized fluid causing it to circulate within the chamber and allowing the refrigerant vapor to rise to the upper portion of the vapor chamber and to flow through the outlet tube. The baffle member is an integral part of the housing, being formed at the open end of one of two cup-shaped housing members and turning inwardly to provide a generally ring-shaped baffle member, with the cup-shaped members being joined at their open ends to complete the enclosed housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a conditioned space to a predetermined set point temperature, utilizing a supply of cryogen in liquid and vapor states. The two states are drawn from the supply in two separate flow paths. The liquid cryogen is vaporized in a heat exchanger, and the two flow paths are then combined. The combined cryogen is used to drive a vapor motor connected to a fan, with the fan moving air between the conditioned space and the heat exchanger. Heat is applied to the cryogen as required to hold the set point temperature or to defrost the heat exchanger. In a preferred embodiment, the cryogen is added to a first vessel at the pressure provided by ground support apparatus, and expanded into a second vessel as a function of system conditions, to provide the supply of cryogen in both the liquid and vapor states.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a sight glass structure positioned in conduit means connecting a suction accumulator and compressor in a refrigeration system. The sight glass structure herein provided may take the form of bushing means rigidly attached to the conduit means and threadably or otherwise receiving an axially passaged sight glass member providing visual communication with the interior of the conduit means, thereby permitting the detection or observation of any slugs of vaporized refrigerant passing from the suction accumulator to the compressor. Another form of the invention includes diametrally opposed bushing means affixed to the conduit means, and each bushing means is similarly equipped with sight glass members of like construction. Either form of the invention, if desired, may include within the sight glass member means impeding movement of the slugs or droplets, thereby improving the detection or observation thereof.