Abstract: A refrigeration equipment includes a vapor compression type of refrigerant circuit that prevents a decline in refrigeration ability in user side heat exchangers when the refrigerant condensed by a heat source side heat exchanger is reduced in pressure and sent to the user side heat exchangers. An air conditioner includes a refrigerant liquid junction line and a refrigeration gas junction line, a heat source side expansion valve, a cooler, and a first pressure detection mechanism. The heat source side expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger and sent to the user side heat exchangers. The cooler cools the refrigerant that is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger and sent to the user side heat exchangers. The first pressure detection mechanism detects the pressure of the refrigerant after the pressure thereof has been reduced by the heat source side expansion valve.

Abstract: Refrigerant is circulated through an economized refrigeration system including a compressor, a gas cooler, a main expansion device, an economizer heat exchanger and an evaporator. After cooling, the refrigerant splits into an economizer flow path and a main flow path. Refrigerant in the economizer flow path is expanded to a low pressure and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the main flow path in the economizer heat exchanger. The refrigerant in the main flow path is then expanded and heated in the evaporator and enters the compressor, completing the cycle. An accumulator positioned between the economizer heat exchanger and the compressor stores excess refrigerant in the system, regulating the amount of refrigerant in the system and the high pressure in the system. The amount of refrigerant in the accumulator is controlled by regulating the economizer expansion device.

Abstract: For high reliability through redundancy, in a thermal chamber, heat exchange tubes are configured in multiple parallel runs. Typically three tubes are attached side-by-side in a strip which is formed into folded-back horizontal rows to be built into or attached to the walls of the chamber. In a freezer, each tube can serve independently as an evaporator when connected to a compressor/condenser source. Versatile source interfacing is provided by two valve-manifold routing units, one at each end of the multi-tube strip, enabling easy tube substitution in case of failure, as well as facilitating source-swapping, networking, defrosting and refrigerant operations such as purging, flushing, replenishing, changing or replacement, all without interrupting the required cooling process or affecting the chamber temperature.

Abstract: The refrigerating appliance comprises at least one first, second and third refrigerating area for a low, medium or high storage temperature, whereby each refrigerating area has an evaporator (24, 25, 26). The refrigerating appliance also comprises a compressor (19), a refrigerant circuit for supplying compressed refrigerant to the evaporators (24, 25, 26) and for returning expanded refrigerant to the compressor (19), and comprises at least one switching element (22, 22′) for directing, as desired, the refrigerant through one of two branches (I, II) of the refrigerant circuit. In the first branch (I), the evaporators (24, 26) of the first and the third refrigerating areas are connected in series. In the second branch (II), The evaporators (24, 25, 26) of all three refrigerating areas are connected in series.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling apparatus including a compressor, a condenser, a first expanding unit, a second expanding unit, a third expanding unit, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator; a first refrigerant circuit containing refrigerant discharged from the compressor and flowing into a suction side of the compressor through the condenser, the first expanding unit, the first evaporator, the second expanding unit and the second evaporator; a second refrigerant circuit containing the refrigerant passing through the condenser flowing into the suction side of the compressor through the third expanding unit and the second evaporator; a flow path control unit installed at a discharge side of the condenser, switching a refrigerant flow path so that the refrigerant passing through the condenser flows through at least one of the first and second refrigerant circuits; and a control unit selectively opening and closing the flow path control unit.

Abstract: A temperature control method for a refrigerator includes providing a valve device, in which an inflow port where a refrigerant flows into, at least two outflow ports having a first outflow port and a second outflow port where the refrigerant flows out, and a valve element for performing opening/closing of the outflow ports are positioned in a sealed space. The method also includes providing a valve element drive device for driving the valve element. The method further includes controlling the valve element drive device, at the time a power source of the refrigerator is turned on, to reciprocate between a first mode as an OPEN-CLOSE mode and a second mode on a CLOSE-OPEN mode until a temperature in a first chamber where the refrigerant is supplied through the first outflow port, and a temperature in a second chamber where the refrigerant is supplied through the second outflow port, are lowered to reach to a prescribed temperature.

Abstract: Multi-type air conditioner including a plurality of distributors each including a gas-liquid separator for separating refrigerant from the outdoor unit into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and distributor pipelines for guiding the gas or liquid refrigerant separated at the gas-liquid separator to the indoor units, and guiding the refrigerant passed through the indoor unit to the outdoor unit again, and an equalizing pipeline part for connecting the distributors for equal supply of refrigerant, thereby installing the indoor unit easily, and improving an air conditioning efficiency by supplying the refrigerant, equally.

Abstract: A falling evaporator has a two-phase refrigerant flow distribution system with improved circulation features in both the header and subheader of the system. Both the header and the subheader have vertically disposed, parallel pass conduits interconnected by way of a return bend, with the downstream end of the second pass conduits then fluidly interconnected with the upstream end of the first pass conduits to complete the circuit. A nozzle at the upstream end of the first pass conduits provides a relatively high velocity jet stream of refrigerant flow that propels the flow of refrigerant around the circuit so as to prevent stratification. The header has a plurality of outlets formed in its wall to accommodate the flow of two-phase refrigerant to the various subheaders, and each subheader has openings formed in a lower wall of its first pass conduit such that refrigerant can flow from the openings, to the outer upper surface of the second pass conduits and eventually to the heat transfer tubes below.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a temperature sensor is disposed on a tank of an evaporator to contact the tank. In addition, the temperature sensor is disposed at a tank position separated from a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. Accordingly, a downstream space of the evaporator can be effectively used, and the size of the air conditioner can be reduced while the temperature of the evaporator can be accurately detected using the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An expansion valve 1 comprises a prism-shaped body 10, and a valve chamber 20 is formed within the body 10. Refrigerant supplied from a compressor flows into the valve chamber through a passage 22, passes between a valve means 42 and a valve seat 23, and travels toward an evaporator through a passage 24. Refrigerant returning from the evaporator enters the body 10 through a passage 26, and after the refrigerant temperature information is transmitted to the operating shaft 40, the refrigerant flows out through a passage 28 toward the compressor. Passages 22 and 28 open to a first side surface of the body, and passages 24 and 26 open to a second side surface orthogonal to the first surface. Such structure improves the degree of freedom for mounting the expansion valve 1.

Abstract: A refrigerant system selectively operable in a cooling mode, a reheat cooling mode, and a heating mode, includes a primary heat exchanger and a reheat heat exchanger that condition air for a room. In the cooling mode, the primary heat exchanger functions as an evaporator that cools the air, while the reheat heat exchanger is inactive. In the reheat cooling mode, the primary heat exchanger cools the air, and hot refrigerant in the reheat heat exchanger reheats the air to provide dehumidified air at or near room temperature. In the heating mode, the primary heat exchanger functions as a condenser that heats the air, while the reheat heat exchanger is inactive. When the reheat heat exchanger is inactive, a unique venting arrangement prevents the inactive heat exchanger from becoming flooded with liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel tank configured to receive liquid natural gas. A first conduit extends from a vapor holding portion of the fuel tank to an economizer valve. A second conduit extends from a liquid holding portion of the fuel tank to the economizer valve. Fluid coupled to the economizer valve is a vaporizer which is heated by coolant from the engine and is positioned below the fuel tank. The economizer valve selectively withdraws either liquid natural gas or vaporized natural gas from the fuel tank depending on the pressure within the vapor holding portion of the fuel tank. A delivery conduit extends from the vaporizer to the engine. A return conduit having a check valve formed therein extends from the delivery conduit to the vapor holding portion of the fuel tank for pressurizing the fuel tank.

Abstract: A split air conditioner unit having a distributor located indoors for delivering refrigerant to a plurality of evaporator flow circuits. The distributor is connected to an outdoor condenser by a refrigerant line containing an expansion device. A strainer is located at the entrance to the distributor that homogenizes the expanded two phase mixture so that refrigerant of equal quality is delivered to each of the evaporator flow circuits.

Abstract: A refrigerant separator is capable of exhibiting the heat exchanger capacity to the maximum extent, by dividing the refrigerant, including liquid phase and gas phase, at an optimum refrigerant separation ratio, regardless of the mounting position of the refrigerant separator in the heat ex-changer inside the indoor unit of an air conditioner. A first passage having a first opening end, a second passage branched off from the first passage, and a third passage branched off from the first passage are provided. The second passage and third passage are formed in mutually different inside diameters by using an L-shaped partition. Supposing the inside diameter of the second passage to be .phi.A and the inside diameter of the third passage to be .phi.B, .phi.A and .phi.B are set so as to satisfy the relation of 7/10<.phi.B/.phi.A)<1.

Abstract: A refrigerant distribution unit 10 is an integrated structure comprising: a multiplicity of branch tubes 12a-12c connectable with a multiplicity of indoor units 1a-1c; a distributor 11, connected with one refrigerant tube 5a extending from an outdoor unit for receiving refrigerant from the outdoor unit, the distributor distributing the refrigerant to the multiple branch tubes 12a-12c; and electric valves 15 provided one in each of the branch tubes 12a-12c for controlling the flows of refrigerant that pass through the respective branch tubes; and a case for enclosing the flow control unit. The refrigerant distribution unit 10 enables distribution of optimal amounts of refrigerant to all of the coexisting indoor units 1a-1e, even when the indoor units 1d-1e have much larger heat capacities than the indoor units 1a-1c.

Abstract: A heat pump with a closed cooling medium circuit for transport of heat from one air flow to another, comprises an evaporator (27) provided in one air flow for evaporation of a cooling medium, a compressor for compression of the vaporiform cooling medium, a condenser (28) provided in the other air flow for condensation of the cooling medium, and a return system for condensed cooling medium from the condenser (28) to the evaporator (27). The evaporator (27), the compressor and the condenser (28) are located in a fan casing (32) and arranged to rotate about a common shaft (1), with the compressor in the middle. The compressor works according to the liquid ring principle and comprises a rotating compressor housing (17), an intermediate shaft (2) mounted eccentrically on the outside of the shaft and one or more free-running impellers (3A, 3B), thus causing the compressor housing (17) to transfer rotary energy to the impellers via the liquid ring during operation.

Abstract: A refrigeration system (12) is comprised of three expansion units (19A, 19B, 19C), with each having an expansion chamber (22) and three secondary chambers (24, 26 and 28), connected to a supply (16) of compressed refrigerant. The expansion chamber and secondary chambers are formed with progressively reducing volumetric capacity. The end of each of the the secondary chambers, is connected to a common bleed tube (29) having a bleed hole (34) for venting the refrigerant. The bleed hole opens to the outside of a housing (15) which houses the expansion units. The interior of the housing (15) is filled with a gel which changes state from a liquid to a solid at a predetemmined temperature. A valving arrangement (32) connects the expansion units to a supply of compressed refrigerant. The housing (15) together with a supply (16) refrigerant can be installed into a cooling box for cooling the space within the cooling box.

Abstract: An improved distribution system for an evaporator. The system comprises an evaporator having a plurality of heat exchange flow paths; and an evaporator distributor operably connecting the plurality of flow paths to an evaporator inlet. The system includes an impingement device having an outlet operably connected to the evaporator inlet and having at least a pair of fluid inlets arranged so that fluid entering through either of the fluid inlets directly impinges upon fluid entering the other fluid inlet thereby providing a churned up fluid to the impingement device outlet. Additionally, the system includes an expansion device having an inlet and an outlet; and a separator having a separator inlet connected to the expansion valve outlet and having at least a pair of outlets. The separator is arranged to divide fluid from the expansion device into several streams and direct those streams to its outlets.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of cryogenic fluid, more particularly a cryogenic fuel, such as, for example, but not limited to an liquified natural gas (LNG), to a cryogenic fluid using source, and more particularly an LNG fuel source, and even more particularly an LNG fuel-operated engine. The system includes a source of a cryogenic fluid, more particularly an underground tank and with a liquid level within the underground tank source. The system includes a delivery pump to deliver cryogenic fluid from the underground tank source, to a cryogenic using source, typically an LNG fuel source above the underground tank source, with the pump located below the liquid level of the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid fuel tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, withdrawing liquefied cryogenic fuel stored in a primary insulated storage tank at a relatively low pressure and temperature; increasing the pressure of the withdrawn liquefied cryogenic fuel through a heat exchanger to warm the liquefied cryogenic fuel to a subcooled or near saturated liquid condition; and feeding the warmed and pressurized liquefied cryogenic fuel to an insulated tank on a vehicle at a refueling facility, said vehicle using liquefied cryogenic fuel as its fuel and the insulated vehicle fuel tank being adapted to safely contain and store the liquefied cryogenic fuel in liquid form, at an approximate saturated condition.

Abstract: A phase separator of a time shared dual evaporator cycle refrigerator includes an attachment unit formed at the end of a suction pipe and a cap formed at the attachment unit which prevents a flow of liquid refrigerant into a compressor. The liquid refrigerant which is flowing into a refrigerator compartment evaporator is expanded in a second capillary tube to be evaporated in a freezer compartment evaporator, and is then returned into the compressor. A refrigerant controlling unit determines the path of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A flash tank economizer containing a first expansion device to expand high pressure refrigerant from a system condenser to an intermediate pressure and a second expansion device for further expanding liquid refrigerant at the intermediate pressure that has collected in the tank to a desired low pressure for delivery to the system evaporator. Vapor phase refrigerant produced by the first expansion in the tank is injected back into the system compressor at the intermediate pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, withdrawing liquefied cryogenic fuel stored in a primary insulated storage tank at a low pressure and at a temperature close to its boiling point; increasing the pressure of the withdrawn liquefied cryogenic fuel and then feeding the pressurized liquefied cryogenic fuel through a heat exchanger to warm the liquefied cryogenic fuel to a subcooled or near saturated liquid condition; and feeding the said warmed and pressurized liquefied cryogenic fuel to an insulated tank on a vehicle at a refueling facility, the vehicle using liquefied cryogenic fuel as its fuel and the insulated vehicle fuel tank being adapted to safely contain and store the said liquefied cryogenic fuel in liquid form, at an approximate saturated condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for storing cold fluid. The system includes a main tank and an auxiliary tank that are in fluid communication, and the auxiliary tank receives vapor and expanding fluid as the cold fluid in the main tank warms thereby avoiding overpressurization of the system.

Abstract: The invention described in the patent is an automatic control system which provides monitoring, supervision, and control of the process of filling of a tank or container with a liquid, where at the temperature of operation the vapor pressure of the liquid is at or above atmospheric pressure. The invention provides an improved method of carrying out the process of filling of tanks with liquids such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, liquefied petroleum gas or any other liquid with high vapor pressure at the temperature of operation. The main advantage provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention is that an improved means is included for automatically stopping the filling process at the correct point, so as to avoid a possibly hazardous overfilled condition. One of the methods currently in use requires a mechanical valve which senses liquid level in the tank and is supposed to close so as to stop flow to the tank when the liquid has reached the maximum allowable level.

Abstract: A liquid nitrogen capillary tube heat exchanger comprises a vertical array of alternating vaporization chambers and pressure control chambers connected together in series. The vaporization chambers each have a plurality of capillary tubes mounted in exterior loops along the exterior of the chamber in communication with liquid nitrogen in the chamber. The capillary tubes provide a contolled rate of vaporization of the liquid nitrogen and increased exterior surface area to facilitate refrigeration. The pressure control chambers are filled with copper filings and a dessicant.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a conditioned airflow inside a microenvironment using a portion of the breathing gas supply diverted to an ejector from a breathing respirator gas stream, is described. The respirator, such as a liquified-gas type respirator, includes an endothermic heat exchanger, and the microenvironment air or ambient air or both is flowed over and contacted with the heat exchanger to condition the air by cooling and dehumidifying it. The conditioned airflow is set up by the ejector which expels a portion of the breathing gas stream into a venturi to create a low pressure zone for entraining the microenvironment air or ambient air. The conditioned airflow is then directed to the user's body to reduce user heat stress. Broadly, the air conditioning apparatus is useful with any housing for a controlled physical environment in which a person or group of people can endure surrounding inhospitable conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a multi-component cryogenic liquid in which headspace vapor in a storage tank is condensed in an external condensation tank through indirect heat exchange with liquid being vented from the storage tank. The resulting condensate can then be re-introduced into the storage tank through a pressure building circuit applied to the external condensation tank. In such manner, the pressure within the storage tank is regulated and the composition of the liquid stored within the storage tank is held with some degree of consistency. The use of an external condensation tank allows prior art cryogenic storage tanks and dewars to be retrofitted to store a multi-component cryogenic liquids.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen delivery system for providing liquid cryogen to a use point, such as a freezer, at a constant temperature employing a subcooler for use disposed between the cryogen source and use point wherein expanding fluid flows countercurrently and annularly to the cryogen in a controlled manner responsive to pressure differences between the liquid and a reference pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a cryogenic liquid includes means for focusing a beam of energy, eg. laser energy from a source onto the liquid cryogen as it passes through an outlet from a cryogenic liquid container.

Abstract: A relief valve is provided in the dip tube line that provides a fixed back pressure of 2-3 psi. When the economizer valve on the economizer circuit opens, the back pressure in the dip tube is the head pressure plus the 2-3 psi created by the relief valve. This pressure creates a path of least resistance through the economizer circuit such that the demand of product will draw gas from the gas head via the economizer line until the pressure falls below the valve set at the regulator. Once the pressure falls below the valve set at the regulator, the regulator closes the economizer circuit and liquid will be drawn through the dip tube. Because the relief valve prevents flow back into the tank, an orifice is provided to allow back flow of the cryogen from the withdrawal line to the tank once delivery of product is stopped.

Abstract: Quantities of liquid are distributed via a conduit (5) connected to a source (4) of the liquid, by periodically opening and closing a closure member (7) disposed in the conduit, and injecting, during a predetermined period, immediately after the 5 closing of the closure member (7), a quantity of gas into the conduit portion (6)immediately downstream of the closure member. The duration of the cycle between two successive openings of the closure member (7)is less than 0.1 second. The liquid is an inert liquefied gas, e.g. nitrogen or argon. The injected gas is the same as the liquefied gas and comes from a same cryogenic receptacle (1). The invention is useful for rendering inert or pressurizing containers of food products.

Abstract: A single-pass method for accurate and precise temperature control in the -160.degree. to +90.degree. C. range, and which exhibited minimal set-point overshoot during temperature transitions. Control to .+-.2.degree. C. with transitions between set-points of 7.degree. C. per minute were achieved. The method uses commercially available temperature controllers and a gaseous nitrogen/liquid nitrogen mixer to dampen the amplitude of cold temperature spikes caused by liquid nitrogen pulsing.

Abstract: The present invention produces discrete droplets of cryogenic liquid, suitable for injection into receptacles such as cans or plastic bottles, at high speeds. A container of cryogenic liquid includes a hole and an orifice, spaced apart from each other, and defining a path for liquid to flow out of the container. A conduit directs a gas into the space between the hole and the orifice. The orifice is formed in an orifice plug which can be adjusted so as to vary the volume of the space between the hole and the orifice. When gas fills the space, the gas tends to prevent the outflow of liquid. When gas is withdrawn from the space, liquid can flow out of the container. By rapidly closing opening a valve which supplies gas to the space, and by proper choice the volume of the space, the liquid can be made to fall out of the container in discrete droplets.

Abstract: Two LNG storage tanks receive LNG from a fill station. The two storage tanks are connected to an overflow tank into which the LNG flows during pressurization of the system. The overflow tank is connected to the use device, i.e. the vehicle's engine, through a heat exchanger to provide high pressure natural gas thereto. The fill station initially delivers LNG to the two storage tanks until the tanks are substantially filled with LNG whereupon the fill station automatically stops delivery of LNG and begins to deliver natural gas vapor to the storage tanks until the pressure in the system reaches a predetermined maximum that is equal to or greater than the pressure required by the use device. During the pressurization of the system some of the LNG in the two storage tanks is forced into the overflow tank by the incoming natural gas vapor.

Abstract: A natural gas vehicle fuel delivery system regulates the pressure of LNG which is vaporized and delivered to an engine. The system employs dual regulator valves responsive to the gas phase pressure of a storage tank to either directly couple vapor produced from a heat exchanger to an engine combustion system, or to divert that vapor through another heat exchanger contained within the tank itself. This additional heat exchanger maintains the pressure within the tank at the desired level despite heavy fuel demands of the engine. The system functions independent of liquid level in the storage tank. When multiple LNG storage tanks are used, they are coupled in parallel so that they both produce gas and are concurrently regulated in the gas phase portion. A pressure initializing structure and process are also provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic station for delivering a cryogen substantially free of higher boiling impurities. The cryogenic station includes an insulated main tank and an auxiliary tank. Liquid stored in the main tank and pressurized by a pressure building circuit is driven into the auxiliary tank. Cryogenic vapor formed in the auxiliary tank is warmed to ambient temperature by an external heat exchanger and is then recirculated back to an internal heat exchanger located within the auxiliary tank. The internal heat exchanger is configured such that a portion of the cryogen driven into the auxiliary tank is vaporized to form the cryogenic vapor and a remaining portion of such cryogen is left within the auxiliary tank to substantially retain the higher boiling impurities in a solidified state. As such, the cryogenic vapor is substantially free from the impurities when delivered as a product stream.

Abstract: A system for cooling fluid stored in a generally cylindrical container is disclosed. The system includes a generally cylindrical hollow coil element having an engaged orientation for engaging the container and at least one disengaged orientation in which the container is disengaged. The hollow coil element is configured to provide thermal engagement between a refrigerant fluid located interiorly thereof and the container when the hollow coil element is in the engaged orientation. The hollow coil element includes at least one elongate hollow element with a nonuniform generally spiral configuration, wherein the spiral defines a plurality of turns of the elongate hollow element. There is also disclosed a system for cooling gaseous fluid stored in a selectably disengageable container.

Abstract: The invention in its preferred embodiment is a portable life support system for use in warm water diving providing temperature regulation and breathable atmosphere through cryogenic technology while maintaining neutral buoyancy and trim throughout zero-gravity simulation. The portable life support system comprises: a liquid cooled garment; an externally charged, positive expulsion dewar for storing and delivering liquid cryogen; means for circulating liquid cryogen from said dewar in heat exchange relation with the cooling liquid so as to cool the wearer of the garment and vaporize the liquid cryogen; and means forming a semi-closed breathing loop for delivering breathable gas obtained from the vaporized cryogen from said circulating means to the wearer of said garment for breathing purposes.

Abstract: The invention in its preferred embodiment is a portable life support system providing the wearer of a garment with temperature regulation and a breathable atmosphere using cryogenic technology. Wherein a liquid cryogen is vaporized by heat exchange with the wearers body and the vaporized cryogen is delivered to the wearer as a breathable atmosphere.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid Dewar container (10) for supplying a gas mixture to an on-demand external delivery device, such as a regulator and associated facepiece (84) independent of the direction of its gravitational field and spatial orientation of the container, is described. The Dewar container holds a volume of cryogenic fluid (24) as a liquefied-gas at a relatively low pressure. A first endothermic heat energy conduction means (58) is mounted outside the Dewar and vaporizes and warms the cryogenic fluid to form a raised-energy fluid that is moved to an exothermic heat energy conduction means (62) mounted inside the Dewar container, which conducts a portion of the added heat energy to the remaining cryogenic fluid. This causes some of the cryogenic fluid to vaporize and raise the pressure inside the Dewar container.

Abstract: A combination expansion and flow distributor unit suitable for use in a heat pump for homogeneously mixing liquid and vapor phase refrigerant throttled through the expander section and uniformly distributing the mixture into the individual flow circuits of a downstream heat exchanger.

Abstract: A control for the expansion valve of an air conditioning system interrupts a decision to deactivate one or more stages of compression and proceeds to calculate a new expansion valve position based upon the amount of capacity to be lost by the deactivated stages of compression. The expansion valve is commanded to the calculated position before the compressors are deactivated.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, withdrawing liquefied natural gas stored in a primary insulated storage tank at a low pressure and at a temperature close to its boiling point; increasing the pressure of the withdrawn liquefied natural gas and then feeding the pressurized liquefied natural gas through a heat exchanger to warm the liquefied natural gas to a subcooled or near saturated liquid condition at a temperature of about -220.degree. F. to -126.degree. F. when at a pressure of about 50 psig to 550 psig; and feeding the said warmed and pressurized liquefied natural gas to an insulated tank on a vehicle at a refueling facility, said vehicle using liquefied natural gas as its fuel and the insulated vehicle fuel tank being adapted to safely contain and store the said liquefied natural gas in liquid form, at an approximate saturated condition at a temperature of about -220.degree. F. to -126.degree. F. and a pressure of about 50 psig to 550 psig.

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 liquid cryogen is supplied, preferably by means of a reservoir, to a dispensing tube so that the liquid cryogen tends to flow from the dispensing tube. A heating coil wrapped around the dispensing tube heats the dispensing tube so that the liquid cryogen undergoes nucleate boiling within the dispensing tube to form a vapor block, and thereby at least impede the liquid cryogen from flowing from the dispensing tube. Flow is reestablished within the dispensing tube by terminating the heating of the dispensing tube, e.g. by turning off electrical power supplied to the heating coil. The heating of the dispensing tube can be sufficient to stop the flow of liquid cryogen. Additionally, the dispensing tube can be cyclically heated by a timing circuit connected to the heating coil. Such cyclical heating is used to throttle the flow of the liquid cryogen from the dispensing tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for lowering the temperature within a chamber from a higher actual value to a set desired lower value, the latter being stabilized by intermittently flowing liquid gas selectively through the chamber and a venting orifice, under the control of a microcomputer responding to a temperature sensor within the chamber. In one embodiment (FIG. 2), the chamber (2) and the venting orifice (11B) is supplied with coolant through separate solenoid valves (1,5) which are both open to allow maximum coolant flow rate during the initial cool-down and during the settling down stage and the approach to the steady state which follow operate with much reduced coolant flow in a coordinated intermittent mode wherein the venting orifice valve (5) is open only when extra cooling is momentarily required to assist the action of the valve (1) supplying the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerant shunt comprising an approximately cylindrical shunt portion which is provided at its one end with an inlet portion for forming a throttle, and at its other end with a collision wall for changing the flowing direction from the inlet portion, a plurality of output pipes which are radially spliced with the above described shunt portion peripheral wall, so that the vapor phase and the liquid phase of the refrigerant flowing into the inlet portion are uniformly mixed and also, are equally branched in flowing.

Abstract: Inefficiencies in an evaporator for a refrigerant in a refrigeration or air-conditioning system may be avoided in an evaporator having a plurality of tubes (18) in fluid and geometrical parallel through which the refrigerant may pass by providing a refrigerant distributor between an inlet (26) and the tubes (18) which includes an orifice (86) connected to the inlet (26) for directing a stream of refrigerant toward a flat impingement surface (102) from which it is disbursed to a plurality of receiver passages (34) angularly spaced about the periphery of the impingement surface (102) and respectively connected by a fluid passage (38, 44, 50) to an associated one of the tubes (18).

Abstract: The invention in its preferred embodiment is a portable life support system providing the wearer of a garment with temperature regulation and a breathable atmosphere using cryogenic technology. Wherein a liquid cryogen is vaporized by heat exchange with the wearers body and the vaporized cryogen is delivered to the wearer as a breathable atmosphere.