Abstract: A refrigeration air conditioning system utilizing a liquid over-feeding operation is described. A liquid refrigerant accumulator-heat exchanger is placed in the system to provide a heat exchange relationship between hot liquid refrigerant discharged from condenser and a relatively cool mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant discharged from the evaporator. This heat exchange relationship substantially sub-cools the hot liquid refrigerant which undergoes little or no evaporation across the expansion device and provides a liquid over-feeding operation through the evaporator for effectively using 100 percent of evaporator for cooling purposes and for providing the aforementioned mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant.

Abstract: High side pressure in a transcritical vapor compression cycle system is regulated by varying a liquid inventory of a low pressure refrigerant receiver provided in a circuit of the system. The circuit includes a compressor, a gas cooler, a throttling valve, an evaporator and the receiver connected in series in a closed circuit operating at supercritical pressure in a high pressure side of the circuit. The degree of opening of the throttling valve is controlled to regulate the high side pressure in the circuit. It is possible to control capacity, and it also is possible to achieve minimum energy consumption for a given capacity requirement by regulating high side pressure.

Abstract: A heated accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a cylindrical tank closed by upper and lower tank caps. The tank is divided into upper and lower chambers by a plate disposed near the upper tank cap, with the lower chamber defining a sump. The plate includes a central opening surrounded by smaller openings. An outlet U-tube has a first end disposed within the central opening of the plate, a second end which extends through the upper tank cap, and a central portion which extends into the sump. A refrigerant inlet tube includes swirl ports which direct refrigerant into a vortex against the inner surface of an upper portion of the tank. Heat is applied to this same upper tank portion, introducing heat directly into the swirling liquid refrigerant. Refrigerant vaporized by the heat rises into the upper tank chamber where it is drawn by compressor suction into the outlet U-tube.

Abstract: A filter/separator for a vehicle air conditioning system includes an outer container and an inner container. A first chamber is defined between the outer and inner containers. A second chamber is defined by the inner container. The first chamber is filled with the coolant. An inlet is formed in a wall of the outer container, communicating a condenser with the first chamber. A first tube extends in and through a wall of the inner container with a first end thereof located in the first chamber and a second end thereof communicating with an expansion valve. A filter is provided in the first chamber between the inlet and the first end of the first tube for filtering water and other undesired articles carried by the coolant. A second tube has a first end communicating with an evaporator and a second end in the second chamber.

Abstract: A refrigeration and defrost system utilizing various valves for opening a defrost line to hot gas and regulating the pressure in refrigerant lines. A slug surge suppressor is provided at several points in the defrost and refrigerant lines to alleviate hydraulic shock damage caused by liquid/gas "slugs" passing rapidly through the lines. The slugs are commonly formed by the required rapid opening of the various valve of the system. Capillary passages in the suppressor resist liquid flow while allowing gas to flow freely.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a compressor and an evaporator connected to the compressor inlet for evaporating refrigerant passing therethrough to the compressor inlet from refrigerant equipment under service. A sensor is coupled to the system input for detecting presence of liquid phase refrigerant. A valve is connected to the compressor inlet in parallel with the evaporator for bypassing refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor inlet when the sensor indicates that liquid refrigerant is absent at the system input. The liquid refrigerant sensor takes the form of an open canister between the system input and the evaporator, and a liquid level sensor coupled to the canister for sensing level of liquid refrigerant collected within the canister. A solenoid valve is connected in parallel with the evaporator, and is responsive to the liquid level sensor for opening the valve and bypassing the evaporator in the absence of liquid refrigerant within the canister.

Abstract: An accumulator for use with a vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The accumulator comprises a housing having first and second sections, an outlet tube, and an outlet tube shield. Inlet and outlet openings are formed in the housing through which refrigerant enters and exits the interior chamber defined by the housing. The outlet tube extends to the outlet opening and is preferably integral with the second section. The outlet tube shield is integral with the first section and extends into the interior chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet tube to prevent the direct passage of liquid refrigerant into the outlet tube. A desiccant container is preferably provided in the housing to dry the refrigerant as it circulates through the accumulator.

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 refrigerant receiver includes a tubular body having a bottom and an open upper end portion, and a closure fitted in the open end portion. The open end portion is constricted and crimped by electromagnetic forming and thereby secured to the closure.

Abstract: An economical method for converting a compression type refrigeration system designed for the use of R-12 refrigerant, comprising an evaporator, a compressor rated for R-12, a condenser, and a receiver, to the use of R-22 refrigerant without replacing the compressor or other major pieces of equipment. The retrofit comprises the installation of a pressure regulator in the suction line to the compressor and the balancing of the regulator to the operating limitations of the compressor motor; the installation of a line into the body of the compressor sufficient to inject liquid refrigerant into the compressor for cooling purposes; and the attachment of a desuperheating control to the refrigerant injection line to control the amount of refrigerant injected based upon the temperature inside the compressor. In many embodiments it is also advisable to install a pressure regulator at the outlet of the evaporator to maintain design temperature in the evaporator.

Abstract: An improved gas pumping recirculating refrigeration system is disclosed. A controlled pressure flash tank provides flash gas for forcing liquid refrigerant from a dump tank. A controlled pressure receiver receives liquid from the dump tank and recirculates it to an evaporator. The flash gas pressure in the flash tank is controlled by a pressure regulator valve connected between the controlled pressure flash tank and the controlled pressure receiver. The pressure regulator valve may set so that the flash gas in the flash tank is at the pressure needed to force liquid from the dump tank. Thereby, optimum refrigeration efficiency is achieved with very little energy waste.

Abstract: An accumulator is provided for use with a vehicle air conditioning system. The accumulator comprises a housing having first and second sections, an outlet tube integral with the second section, and a desiccant container. Inlet and outlet openings are formed in the housing through which refrigerant enters and exits the interior chamber defined by the housing. The outlet tube extends from the outlet opening into the interior chamber and terminates in a free end. The desiccant container is mounted in the interior chamber between the housing and the free end of the outlet tube to define a first path between the housing and the desiccant container through which incoming refrigerant may flow. The desiccant container also has a second path therethrough through which incoming refrigerant may flow.

Abstract: An accumulator is provided for use with a vehicle air conditioning system. The accumulator comprises a housing, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and an outlet tube shield. The housing includes first and second end portions and a cylindrical body portion which are joined together to define an interior chamber. An inlet opening is provided through which refrigerant in an inlet tube enters the interior chamber. The inlet tube directs the incoming flow of refrigerant against the first end portion of the housing. The outlet tube shield is attached to the inlet tube, and prevents the direct passage of refrigerant between the inlet tube and free end of the outlet tube.

Abstract: A refrigerant apparatus having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion value, evaporator and an oil repellent coat. An oil repellent coat is coated inside of a low pressure refrigerant passage which lubricant is easy to adhere so that lubricant is prevented from staying inside of the refrigerant passage. Since the oil repellant coat is low affinity for oil, luricant forms guttulate on the oil repellent coat by surface tension. Since the guttulate is easy to move on the inside wall with a flow of the refrigerant, it is prevented lubricant from staying on the inside wall.

Abstract: A liquid accumulator for a motor vehicle air conditioning system having a liquid separator and return pipe having an inlet end formed with a flared or trumpet shape that forms a baffle to prevent liquid entry into the return pipe.

Abstract: There is a disclosed herein a retaining clip for a desiccant bag used in an accumulator of an air conditioning system for an automotive vehicle. The retaining clip is hinged at one end and surrounds the bag of desiccant. The clip includes integrally formed tube engaging mechanisms for matingly engaging the refrigerant tubes within the housing of the accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for avoiding possible compressor damage occasioned by major flood back of the suction accumulator in a refrigeration system. In one embodiment of the invention, a float member slides upwardly and downwardly upon the stand pipe of the accumulator in response to the level of refrigerant therein, and when the refrigerant rises to a critical level, the float member is effective to block the outlet openings in the upper end of the suction accumulator, preventing flow of refrigerant to the compressor sufficient in volume to cause damage thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, a float member having magnet means associated therewith moves vertically in opposite directions upon a tubular support connected to the suction accumulator structure.

Abstract: A ground source heat pump comprising an indoor coil circuit and an outdoor coil circuit utilizes a scroll compressor to pressurize the refrigerant. The outdoor coil may comprise ground coils formed from copper tubing into a spiral configuration. A charge control device controls the volume of refrigerant in the system in heating and cooling modes. A restrictor in parallel with a thermal expansion valve permits a base flow of refrigerant into the outdoor coil in heating mode. An accumulator is provided with a level switch controlling a solenoide value connected in parallel to a thermal expansion value feedig the indoor coil. The scroll compressor includes a discharge port operating in conjunction with a solenoid valve to trap high pressure refrigerant in the condenser circuit during compressor off cycles. Means for closing off one of the ground coils to reduce the effective length of the outdoor coil is provided.

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

Abstract: A method of refueling a road transportation vehicle or the like comprising receiving and storing liquid natural gas in a relatively large supply tank at relatively low temperature and moderate pressure, dispensing the liquid natural gas from the supply tank generally exclusively on demand when a vehicle is present for refueling, delivering the dispensed gas to a high-pressure fuel tank on the vehicle while simultaneously converting it to compressed natural gas vapor at relatively high pressure and moderate temperature through the addition of energy to the gas primarily in thermal form. In one embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is elevated by a mechanical pump while in another embodiment the pressure of the natural gas is raised primarily by the addition of heat.

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

Abstract: A nitrogen liquid to gas system in which an internal combustion engine drives hydraulic pumps and motors in a closed ethylene gylcol fluid circuit. A heat exchanger is provided between the liquid nitrogen and the ethylene glycol fluid for converting the liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen. Heat is recovered from the ambient air in a heat exchange with the ethylene glycol fluid for maintaining the fluid between approximately 0.degree. F. and 20.degree. F. by means of a temperature regulating valve.

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

Abstract: A method of assembling suction accumulators is provided. A suction accumulator as employed in a refrigeration system conventionally comprises a cylindrical casing, a pair of end closures therefor, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and a stand pipe. In applicant's assembly process, the inlet and outlet tubes are constructed essentially of copper. The assembly method of this invention is practiced by securing the stand pipe with end cap attached to the top end closure, preferably furnace brazing the end closures to the cylindrical casing, inspecting the metering orifice in the end cap of the stand pipe by viewing the same through the open top end of the stand pipe, and inserting the inlet and outlet tubes through openings in the top end closure and brazing them to said closure by induction or furnace brazing techniques. The disclosed assembly method may also be practiced with a heat exchanger--suction accumulator combination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for avoiding possible compressor damage occasioned by major flood back of the suction accumulator in a refrigeration system. In one embodiment of the invention, a float member slides upwardly and downwardly upon the stand pipe of the accumulator in response to the level of refrigerant therein, and when the refrigerant rises to a critical level, the float member is effective to block the outlet openings in the upper end of the suction accumulator, preventing flow of refrigerant to the compressor sufficient in volume to cause damage thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, a float member having magnet means associated therewith moves vertically in opposite directions upon a tubular support connected to the suction accumulator structure.

Abstract: A suction accumulator for the compressor of a refrigeration system including a disk-shaped dirt trap baffle member spaced from the wall of the vessel to form a gap through which liquid refrigerant flows from an active zone above the baffle to a quiet zone therebelow. Within the quiet zone, liquid refrigerant flows from a radially outer region to a radially inner region along a tortuous flow path. A bleed-through orifice in a gaseous refrigerant flow conduit siphons liquid refrigerant from the radially inner region into the gaseous flow path. Foreign particles suspended in the liquid refrigerant are isolated within the accumulator at various points along the flow path, particularly within the quiet zone. A cup-shaped porous filter is disposed over the lower end of the conduit for the gaseous refrigerant to filter liquid refrigerant before it flows through the orifice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to refrigerate air in a compartment wherein liquid dioxide 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 an external heat exchanger to prevent solidification of the pressurized carbon dioxide when it is depressurized to provide isentropic expansion of the vapor into a secondary heat exchanger. Pneumatically driven motors are driven by the pressurized carbon dioxide vapor to move air across the heat exchangers. Orifices in inlets to the motors and solenoid valves in flow lines to the motors keep the vapor pressurized while the external heat exchanger supplies sufficient heat to prevent solidification when it expands through the motors.

Abstract: A refrigeration and defrost system utilizing various valves for opening a defrost line to hot gas and regulating the pressure in refrigerant lines. A slug surge suppressor is provided at several points in the defrost and refrigerant lines to eliminate hydraulic shock damage caused by slugs of a liquid-gas mixture passing rapidly through the lines. The slugs are generally formed by the required rapid opening of a hot gas defrost valve and a pressure regulatory valve of the system. A series of capillary passages in the suppressor are operative to resist the flow of liquid while allowing gas to flow freely. Tangential velocity is imparted to the slug to separate the liquid and gas components of the slug.

Abstract: An accumulator/dehydrator for a motor vehicle air conditioning system has a bleed valve that operates in parallel with a normal fixed area bleed hole to provide for increased lubricant flow to a compressor under low charge conditions.

Abstract: A universal accumulator for utilization in an automotive air conditioning system. An inlet fitting and an outlet fitting are connected to the top of the accumulator housing. The adjustable connection of the outlet fitting to approximately the center of the housing top permits the variable positioning of the outlet port relative to the inlet port and utilization of the accumulator in a wide variety of automobile applications. A method for replacing an accumulator with the universal accumulator of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adsorbent packet including a casing of permeable material, adsorbent in the casing, and a sleeve of metal foil fused to a central portion of the casing by ultrasonic welding and having a layer of nylon on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, condenser, pressure-reducing device, evaporator, and gas-liquid separator between the pressure-reducing device and the evaporator. The gas-liquid separator separates a coolant from the pressure-reducing device into a liquid coolant and a gas coolant. A conduit between the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator supplies the separated liquid and gas coolant into the evaporator at a predetermined rate for controlling the quality of the coolant downstream of the gas-liquid separator, thereby attaining a super-cool condition of the coolant at the outlet portion of the condenser.

Abstract: A liquid line service and process device for use in the liquid line of a refrigeration system comprising a housing respectively including an inlet, a filter core and an outlet forming a refrigerant flow path through the housing. The housing also includes an access port, means for connecting the access port to the refrigerant flow path, a moisture indicator in the refrigerant flow path, and means for controlling the flow of refrigerant in the flow path.

Abstract: A combined heat shielding and bonding device for shielding an adsorbent packet from heat experienced during fabrication of a refrigerant receiver housing in which the packet is located and for bonding the adsorbent packet to conduits within the receiver including a planar flexible metal sleeve surrounding the adsorbent packet and conduits in the vicinity where the housing is to be welded to thereby conduct heat away from the packet during the welding process, and a film of heat-meltable plastic on the inside surface of the sleeve facing the adsorbent packet and the conduits for being melted by heat experienced during the welding process and thus effecting adhesion between the sleeve and the adsorbent packet and the conduits to thereby retain the packet in fixed relationship to the conduits.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides new, make-up refrigerant to the air conditioner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge. A microprocessor provides a diagnostic capability, and includes tables of acceptable values of parameters, such as air discharge temperature, suction pressure, etc., for different automobile makes and air conditioner types; provision is made for adjusting the acceptable ranges of such values due to one or more ambient factors, of which ambient relative humidity may be one. The microprocessor, after comparing actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen.

Abstract: The invention provides a full flow vaporizing accumulator for use in a refrigeration system employing hot gas from the compressor to periodically defrost the cooling coil, or coils where multiple coils are employed. The hot gas cooled in the defrosting coil produces liquid refrigerant droplets that may damage the expensive compressor. The device replaces the usual accumulator that is always provided to try to ensure that these droplets do not reach the compressor. The interior of the vaporizing accumulator is divided by a partition into two chambers, one of which the cooled gas from the defrosting coil is delivered via a perforated tube having one end blocked, so that the fluid is directed forcefully radially outward to make it turbulent. The interiors of the two chambers are connected by a plurality of fine bores in the partition, which discharge the turbulent fluid into intimate contact with a coil heated by the hot gas that is fed thereto before it is fed to the cooling coil to defrost it.

Abstract: A universal accumulator for utilization in an automotive air conditioning system. An inlet fitting and an outlet fitting are connected to the top of the accumulator housing. The adjustable connection of the outlet fitting to approximately the center of the housing top permits the variable positioning of the outlet port relative to the inlet port and utilization of the accumulator in a wide variety of automobile applications. A method for replacing an accumulator with the universal accumulator of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination air conditioning accumulator and fuel cooler unit comprises an enclosed housing having fuel inlet and outlets, and refrigerant inlets and outlets. Liquid refrigerant entering the unit is evaporated by means of heat exchange with hotter fuel in the unit. Preferably, the housing is in the form of an elongated cylinder and the fuel flow path is coaxial with the housing longitudinal axis. The heat exchanger includes a substantially cylindrical wall within which the fuel flows, and an outer, finned portion in contact with the flow of refrigerant. A desiccant is provided between the refrigerant flow path and the housing, to serve both insulating and moisture-removing functions. A stand pipe is provided to prevent unevaporated freon from exiting and returning in liquid form to the air conditioning compressor. The housing includes end plug members in which the fuel and refrigerant inlets and outlets are formed, the housing being attached to the plug members by crimp connections.

Abstract: A universal accumulator for utilization in an automotive air conditioning system. An inlet fitting and an outlet fitting are connected to the top of the accumulator housing. The adjustable connection of the outlet fitting to approximately the center of the housing top permits the variable positioning of the outlet port relative to the inlet port and utilization of the accumulator in a wide variety of automobile applications. A method for replacing an accumulator with the universal accumulator of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus comprises a switching valve for switching the flowing direction of a refrigerant discharged from a compressor to carry out either cooling operation, heating operation or defrosting operation; an outdoor heat exchanger for receiving the refrigerant supplied by the compressor through the switching valve to make the refrigerant heat exchange with air to be heat exchanged; an indoor heat exchanger for making the refrigerant heat exchange with a fluid to be heat exchanged; an oil separator which is arranged in a discharging side refrigerant pipe connecting the switching valve and the discharge port of the compressor to separate the refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil which are discharged from the compressor; a first and second accumulators which are connected in series in an intake side refrigerant pipe connecting the switching valve and the intake port of the compressor; a first bypass passage for connecting the oil separator and the second accumulator through a solenoid valv

Abstract: Liquefied gases are transferred by a method and apparatus which uses the energy of the pressurized liquefied gas to drive an air motor which in turn drives a pump for transferring the liquefied gas from one container to another. This method is advantageous over known methods which use fuel or electric powered motor systems for transporting liquefied gases on tank trucks. The apparatus and method of the invention are particularly useful on tank trucks transporting liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A self-retaining adsorbent cartridge having spaced adsorbent containers attached to each other at their inner ends by a yoke and having tab-like latch structure on their outer ends, the latch structure consisting of a flexible resilient latch member formed at the outer end of one of the adsorbent containers and a second latch member having an aperture therein for receiving the first latch member in locking engagement so that the spaced adsorbent containers will be secured in side-by-side relationship with a bend in the yoke. A self-retaining adsorbent cartridge having tab-like latch structure extending outwardly from opposite edges thereof for encircling conduits in a refrigerant receiver and binding the adsorbent cartridge thereto.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides preselected commands upon receipt of signals indicating conditions of temperature, pressure, etc. The reclaimed refrigerant is deposited into a reservoir, which contains a float that cooperates with a level sensor and signal generator to send a signal when the liquid level has reached a predetermined position. This signal causes a valve in the discharge line from the reservoir to close, to prevent discharge of gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: A compressor and suction accumulator assembly wherein the suction accumulator is secured in close proximity to the compressor by way of a strap. The strap is engaged with the housing of the compressor and extends circumferentially around the accumulator casing. A spring loop is formed on the strap to establish spring tension at the engagement of the strap and the compressor housing. The spring loop has opposing sides spaced apart a predetermined distance, with each of the opposing sides having a hole disposed therein which is axially aligned with the hole in the opposite side. A screw is received in one hole and extends to the hole in the other side. Rotating the screw results in a constriction of the distance between the opposing sides of the spring. Spring tension is imparted to the strap and a tight connection is created between the accumulator and the compressor.

Abstract: An improved accumulator for use in a refrigeration circuit for vehicle air conditioning systems having a refrigerant reservoir with an enclosed interior with a lower region for the accumulation of liquid refrigerant and an upper region for the accumulation of vaporous refrigerant, an input connector coupled to the refrigerant reservoir for delivering liquid and vaporous refrigerant to the enclosed interior thereof, an output connector coupled to the refrigerant reservoir for extracting vaporous refrigerant therefrom, wherein at least one of the connectors if rotatably mounted allowing the accumulator to be coupled to a refrigerant circuit at a plurality of variable angular positions whereby a variety of refrigeration circuit configurations may be accommodated.

Abstract: A heat pump system adapted to use a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture preferably containing a high boiling temperature refrigerant as a primary component thereof is given an improved heat transfer efficiency and its pressure loss is minimized by arranging a refrigerant extracting means for removing the refrigerant stagnating in the system in an unfavorable state, in a vapor state in a condenser or in liquid state in an evaporator and returning the removed refrigerant into a refrigerant circulating passage of the system; and by constructing an evaporator of a flooded type at least at a portion adjacent to a refrigerant outlet portion of the evaporator.

Abstract: A universal accumulator for utilization in an automotive air conditioning system. An inlet fitting and an outlet fitting are connected to the top of the accumulator housing. The adjustable connection of the outlet fitting to approximately the center of the housing top permits the variable positioning of the outlet port relative to the inlet port and utilization of the accumulator in a wide variety of automobile applications. A method for replacing an accumulator with the universal accumulator of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system for use with a heat exchange apparatus which includes a first heat exchange or condensor to extract heat from the heat exchange apparatus, a compressor and a second heat exchange or evaporator to provide heat to the heat exchange apparatus, the fluid flow control system comprises a system charge control device operatively coupled between the first and second heat exchanges to regulate the flow of refrigerant therebetween.

Abstract: A suction accumulator for the compressor of a refrigeration system is disclosed in which a vertical fluid storage vessel comprises a cylindrical central member and a lower end cap. A disk-shaped dirt trap baffle member includes at its outer periphery a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs that are clamped between the central housing member and lower end cap. Circumferentially intermediate the tabs are gaps through which liquid refrigerant flows from an active zone above the baffle to a quiet zone therebelow. Within the quiet zone, liquid refrigerant flows from a radially outer region to a radially inner region along a tortuous flow path created by a vertically extending wall comprising a portion of the baffle member. A bleed-through orifice in a gaseous refrigerant flow conduit siphons liquid refrigerant from the radially inner region into the gaseous flow path.

Abstract: A latent heat economizing device having a shell forming a chamber, a saturated refrigerant inlet, a liquid refrigerant outlet, a dual air pass and a suction gas pass is provided for installation in the liquid refrigerant line of a refrigeration system prior to an existing liquid sub-cooler upstream from a metering device in the direction of flow. The inlet includes means for distribution of saturated refrigerant evenly over the internal surface area of the chamber to effect heat transfer and removal of the latent heat of condensation from the vapor and sub-cooling of refrigerant liquid. A liquid level is maintained within the shell to effect heat transfer from the liquid to the suction gas pass. The outlet for the liquid is connected to the lowest part of the shell to insure that no vapor is passed through the outlet to the metering device.