Abstract: A refrigeration system for refrigerators having two or more compartments maintained at different temperatures comprises separate cycles for each compartment, each cycle in turn comprising separate evaporator means, heat exchanger means and compressor. To provide for cycle separation, the condenser may be split into separate units, connected by phase separators where appropriate. The system is particularly designed for use in connection with mixed, nonazeotropic refrigerants.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated storage vessel holds a quantity of LNG for delivery to a pressure building tank. The pressure building tank maintains a natural gas head over the LNG. The pressure in the pressure building tank is lowered using liquid nitrogen (LN.sub.2) to condense the natural gas head and is raised by vaporizing the LNG. A valve system connects the supply of LNG in the pressure building tank to the fuel tank of the vehicle being supplied to allow either LNG or natural gas to be delivered to the vehicle tank and allows natural gas in the tank to be vented back to the fueling station. The fueling station of the invention includes suitable controls for controlling the pressure and temperature of the LNG delivered to the vehicle, the pressure and temperature in the fueling station itself and the pressure and temperature in the vehicle fuel tank.

Abstract: A household refrigerator includes a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a condenser receiving refrigerant from the compressor and a phase separator receiving refrigerant from the condenser. The liquid refrigerant containing portion of the phase separator is connected to the inlet of the freezer evaporator, the outlet of which is connected to the compressor. The vapor refrigerant containing portion of the phase separator is connected to the compressor. The fresh food evaporator is connected to the phase separator to receive liquid refrigerant from the phase separator and to return vapor refrigerant to the phase separator.

Abstract: The regulator of the invention includes a pressure builder inlet, economizer outlet and a pressure builder outlet/economizer inlet. A valve is moved in response to the pressure of the gas head in the tank to connect the pressure builder outlet/economizer inlet with either the pressure builder inlet or economizer outlet. As a result, the single dual-function regulator of the invention allows gas to be delivered from either the gas head or the liquid body as determined by the pressure of the gas head. A manual pressure build up valve is provided to allow isolation of the pressure build up system.

Abstract: The fueling station of the invention consists of a vacuum insulated storage vessel for delivering LNG to a pressure building tank. The pressure building tank holds a quantity of LNG and a natural gas head. The pressure in the pressure building tank is lowered using liquid nitrogen (LN.sub.2) to condense the natural gas head and is raised by vaporizing the LNG. A valve system connects the supply of LNG in the pressure building tank to the vehicle being supplied to allow either LNG or natural gas to be delivered to the vehicle tank and allows natural gas in the vehicle tank to be vented back to the fueling station. The fueling station of the invention includes suitable controls for controlling the pressure of the LNG delivered to the vehicle, the pressure in the fueling station itself and the pressure in the vehicle.

Abstract: In a thermostatic expansion valve having a thermo bulb, a valve opening degree is defined by the force difference between a first force at one side surface of a diaphragm and a second force at the other side surface thereof. The former force is the sum of the pressure of a refrigerant, sensed at the downstream side of a valve seat and applied on one side surface by an auxiliary pressure applying capillary tube, and the biasing force, applied on one side surface by a valve body spring. The latter force is the sum of the pressure of an actuator vapor, contained in a thermal bulb and applied on the other side surface of the diaphragm, and the pressure of the refrigerant, sensed at the upstream side of the valve seat in a refrigerant pathway of a valve housing and applied on the other side surface by way of a force transmitting member.

Abstract: A pressure building circuit for a double-walled tank containing a low temperature fluid, including a settling ring and an orifice between the tank outlet and the pressure building coil for maintaining a minimum pressure.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for compressing gaseous fluids, especially refrigerant gas vapors operating in refrigeration cycles, combining reciprocating pistons in a rotating cylinder member which is mounted for rotation in a stationary frame and is driven by an external source of rotative power. The cylinder block rotates in an encircling port ring member which contains inlet, interstage, and outlet port sets with the number of port sets, numbering more or less than the number of cylinders, to provide a vernier effect in the timing of connections between the port sets and the cylinders.

Abstract: A pump and method for delivering a cooling fluid from a reservoir of fluid to a destination is disclosed. The pump comprises a vessel for holding fluid to be delivered, the vessel being submersible within the reservoir. The vessel has a fluid inlet near its bottom for receiving fluid from the reservoir and a gas discharge outlet near its top. The pump has an inlet valve for preventing fluid from flowing out of the vessel through the fluid inlet, and a gas discharge valve for opening and closing the gas discharge outlet. The discharge valve is responsive to the level of fluid within the vessel. The pump also comprises a conduit for conducting fluid from inside the vessel to its destination, and heating means for evaporating the fluid within the vessel. This heating creates a pressure head within the vessel when the gas discharge outlet is closed thereby causing the fluid to flow through the conduit.

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: The present invention is directed to a portable quick chilling device. A compressor is affixed to a base. A condenser is operatively connected to the compresser. A fan is provided for blowing air across the condenser. An accumulator is operatively connected to the condenser. A capillary tube (expansion valve) is operatively connected to the accumulator. The capillary tube is operatively connected to an evaporator. The evaporator is operatively connected to the compressor. The evaporator is a coil of tubing. Each ring of the coil is in contact with an adjacent ring. An inwardly facing surface of each ring is flattened. The capillary tube enters the coil where said evaporator is operatively connected to the compressor. The tube passes within the coil. The free end of the tube is bent to point back down the coil. The device cools a 12 ounce beverage can from about 75.degree. F. to about 45.degree. F. in about 4 minutes.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for cooling a mold having plural parallel cooling passages therethrough, the mold having flow control means at the inlet and sight glasses at the outlets and being arranged for overfeed so that liquid is always present in all cooling passages to avoid hot spots in the mold.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed in which the air conditioning capacity is stepped to a lower level upon reduced sensible air conditioning demand. The stepped reduction involves both a stepped reduction of blower capacity and a stepped change of the heat exchange fluid flow at the heat exchanger modifying the temperature of the air. Several embodiments are 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 heat pump with high coefficient of performance. The heat pump includes a compressor (6), a condenser (2), and an evaporator (5). The condenser (2) is connected to a water accumulator (3). A pump (15) circulates the water from the accumulator and through the condenser (2). The evaporator (5) is connected to a heat medium of a suitable kind with which heat exchange takes place. The evaporator includes a plurality of relatively short tubes (22) connected in parallel. Each tube at the lower end thereof includes separation means for oil, which is directed via a separate duct (26) to a separate oil inlet of the compressor (16). The tubes of the evaporator includes restrictions (22b) spaced along the length of the tubes. The restrictions are accomplished by the tubes being compressed while rotated. The rotations are preferably in different directions in adjacent compressions.

Abstract: A method of obtaining low temperatures comprising pulse-feeding a refrigerant within a step-wise pressure range where boiling occurs, and its vapors are formed at a low pressure. The refrigerant vapors are subsequently compressed and condensed until the formation of a liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is subcooled and boiled at a low pressure and a temperature out of the boiling temperature step-wise range with the number of steps depending on the final temperature of the refrigerated medium. An apparatus for obtaining low temperatures comprises, successively interconnected in a closed path, an evaporator, a means to separate a liquid refrigerant, associated with at least two differential pressure relays through pressure transducers, a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, a means for pulse feeding of the liquid refrigerant, and a means for uniform distribution of the liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: A selectably variable flowrate expansion apparatus is disclosed comprising a main body having a flow path, the flow path including an inlet and an outlet for the flow of refrigerant therethrough. The main body has a plug member sealably mounted therewithin, this plug member being selectively rotatable relative to the main body between a plurality of discrete flow positions. The plug body has an outlet manifold chamber in communication with the outlet of the flow path in the main body, the outlet manifold being generally coaxial with the axis of rotation of the plug member. The plug body further has a plurality of orifice bores, each of a different predetermined cross section, extending generally radially outwardly from the manifold chamber, there being one orifice bore for each of the above-mentioned discrete flow positions, such that with the plug body in one of its discrete flow positions, a predetermined flowrate of refrigerant will pass through a selected orifice bore of the plug body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaporator, particularly for air conditioning installations in automotive vehicles, comprising an evaporator block including several evaporator tubes and coolant supply means. The coolant supply means comprise an expansion valve, a feed tube and a manifold from which the evaporator tubes extend. A calming line segment for the coolant is arranged within the manifold. A distributing space connected with the calming segment is located adjacent to the calming segment. Means are provided for deflecting the coolant between the calming segment and the distributor space.

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 liquid flow control device operatively coupled between the first and second heat exchanges to regulate the rate of flow of liquid from the first heat exchange to the second heat exchange, separate any vapor from the liquid fed from the first heat exchange to the second heat exchange, and maintain the desired level of liquid in the lower portion of the first heat exchange or condensor, and a vapor flow control device operatively coupled between the second heat exchange and the compressor to regulate the flow of vapor from the second heat exchange to the compressor, separate any liquid from the vapor, and provide for continuous flow of compressor lubricating oil through the vapor flow control device.

Abstract: A heat pump employing a capillary tube as an expansion device is disclosed. The main throttle portion of the heat pump comprises a main capillary tube and a by-pass through which a portion of the refrigerant flows and cools the refrigerant flowing through the main capillary tube. A solenoid valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant through the main capillary tube is connected to the intake of the main capillary tube, and an electrical expansion valve is connected to the intake of the by-pass for controlling the flow therethrough. An auxiliary capillary tube for cooling and an auxiliary capillary tube for heating are connected in parallel with the main throttle portion, both capillary tubes having a higher resistance to flow than the main capillary tube.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus has a compressor, a condenser connected to the discharge side of the compressor, an evaporator connected to the suction side of the compressor, a decompressor connected between the condenser and evaporator, and a valve of a pressure responsive type. The valve includes a housing having a chamber, and a valve piston slidably received in the chamber. The suction side of the compressor is connected to the chamber through a first communication port of the housing and the discharge side of the evaporator is connected to the chamber through a second communication port of the housing. The discharge side of the condenser is connected to the chamber through a first guide port of the housing and the discharge side of the decompressor is connected to the chamber through a second guide port of the housing.

Abstract: A heat pump system comprising a compressor and two heat exchangers connected in a refrigerating circuit is provided with refrigerant flow restricting means between the heat exchangers which imparts relatively high restriction to the flow of refrigerant between the heat exchangers in one direction and a relatively lower restriction to the flow of refrigerant between the heat exchangers in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration system is disclosed. The assembly is a single vessel construction having an evaporator, condenser and flash subcooler. A plate inside the shell separates the evaporator from the condenser and the flash subcooler, and a partition inside the vessel separates the condenser from the flash subcooler. Removable orifice means in the partition control flow of refrigerant into the subcooler from the condenser. Removable solid pipe plugs in the shell of the vessel provide access to the orifice means so that, if desired, an individual orifice means may be removed and replaced with another, different sized orifice means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaporator comprising a connector member, a Venturi distributor connected to the connector member for receiving and distributing a coolant, wherein the Venturi distributor divides the coolant into a plurality of streams, a plurality of channels formed in the connector member for conducting the coolant streams from the Venturi distributor, the channels corresponding in number to the streams with each channel being positioned to receive one of the streams from the Venturi distributor, a plurality of evaporator pipes connected to the connector member in parallel flow arrangement, the pipes corresponding in number to the channels with each pipe being connected to one of the channels, thereby forming a continuous coolant flow path from the Venturi distributor via the channels to the evaporator pipes, and a collection chamber formed in the connector member for receiving the coolant from the pipes.

Abstract: A variable capacity refrigeration system and a fluid flow control device particularly well suited for use therewith. The fluid flow control device includes a body, a Belleville spring, and a plug. The body defines a fluid flow passage, and the plug is secured therewithin. The Belleville spring is positioned within the fluid flow passage and includes an inside edge defining a radially extending spring port for conducting fluid through the spring. The Belleville spring has a normal position, where the inside edge of the spring engages the plug to close the spring port, and an overcenter position, where the inside edge of the spring is spaced from the plug to allow fluid flow through the spring port.

Abstract: A vapor compression cycle device is provided using two capillaries to maximize efficiency benefits due to capillary flowrate regulation thus permitting the working fluid flowrate to depend on the level of liquid working fluid accumulated at the condenser.

Abstract: A vapor compression cycle device is provided which incorporates a first expansion device, a second expansion device with inlet positioned upstream from said first expansion device and means to transfer heat from the working fluid liquid flowing through said first expansion device to the expanded working fluid flowing through said second expansion device so as to maximize efficiency benefits due to flowrate regulation thus permitting the working fluid flowrate to depend on the level of liquid working fluid accumulated at the condenser.

Abstract: A refrigerant control, for a room air conditioner, operates to reduce the load on the compressor by throttling the flow of refrigerant to a predetermined number of circuits in the condensor, while allowing the flow of refrigerant to the remaining circuits to be unaffected.

Abstract: A distributor for feeding the liquid-vapor mixture of refrigerant from the expansion valve to the core elements of an evaporator of an air conditioning system to provide equal distribution of both the liquid and vapor components. The distributor involves either a single header with separate orifices for the liquid and vapor in each core element or a pair of distribution headers to carry the separated component phases from a separator with an orifice for each phase in each core element where the phases would be recombined to pass through the core elements to a common outlet.

Abstract: A plug-in cold storage assembly capable of being moved from one insulated cabinet or chest to another, including at least two spaced "holdover" cold storage units and a mounting structure that holds the storage units in spaced relation and which completes flow connections between them and permits mounting in a cabinet or chest.

Abstract: A device according to the present invention comprises one or more compression units for compressing a cooling gas fluid, one or more condensers for cooling and condensing the cooling fluid, an expansion device and one or more evaporators for the evaporation of the expanded coolant, according to which the supply, adjustment and expansion device supplying the evaporator or evaporators is a device in which the supply, adjustment and expansion of the cooling fluid is carried out by a fixed injector nozzle and by an inlet device of varying section depending on the amount of liquid outflowing from the evaporator or evaporators.Preferably, the liquid from the evaporator or evaporators is introduced into a container in which it is collected, so that by sensing the liquid level by means of a probe the inlet device of varying section can be controlled.

Abstract: Refrigerating apparatus comprising freezing and refrigerating compartments, to be controlled to different temperatures, which are provided with respective evaporators. During operation of a compressor, liquid refrigerant is always fed to the freezer evaporator, but is selectively fed to the refrigerator evaporator by function of a feed control device which comprises a vapor bubble pump as its essential component. The feed control device is supported by an insulation board which, in turn, is mounted on the back surface of an inner shell forming the freezing compartment such that a ratio of a distance 1 between the outer surface of the inner shell of the freezing compartment and the innermost surface of the feed control device with respect to the thickness m of the insulation wall filling the heat-insulation space defined by the inner shell and an outer shell of the freezing compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus with at least two evaporators which are controlled at different temperatures by a refrigerant, a vapor bubble pump for pumping the refrigerant, a vapor bubble pump for pumping the refrigerant and a delayer located in the conduit path in which the refrigerant flows when said vapor bubble pump is not in operation for delaying the refrigerant flow therethrough.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus comprising at least two evaporators which are controlled at different temperatures by a refrigerant, conduits for conducting the refrigerant to the evaporators, a rising portion which is formed in one of the conduits and which has an irregularly formed inner surface, a heater winding around the outer surface of not only the irregularly formed portion but also the portion of the conduit above the irregularly formed portion in order to produce smoother, more effective bubbling action.

Abstract: A distributor for volatile refrigerant having a single inlet and many outlets and designed to distribute refrigerant substantially uniformly to each outlet, has its outlets manifolded together in groups to provide equal refrigerant distribution to a few relatively large loads or unequal distribution to a few relatively large loads according to a predetermined ratio, the ratio of the refrigerant distribution to the various loads being predetermined by the ratios of the numbers of outlets that are selected to serve those loads.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for operating a refrigeration system without reverse cycle defrost are disclosed. A heat exchanger is divided into a plurality of zones, one zone being constantly utilized as a subcooler to both defrost said zone and to subcool the refrigerant. The remaining zones of the heat exchanger are utilized as an evaporator as is known in the art. A selector valve which is capable of indexing liquid refrigerant flow between zones and receiving gaseous refrigerant from the remaining zones is also disclosed. Additionally, a header arrangement having both expansion means and a conduit controlled by check valve is utilized to direct refrigerant flow from the subcooled zones to the remaining zones of the heat exchanger which act as an evaporator.

Abstract: A three-way magnetic valve as a switching device for refrigerators with two different temperature compartments operated with only one refrigeration machine, has an axial bore hole in a tubular housing with an inlet to the bore hole of the housing and an outlet at each end of the housing, a rod-like plunger with a sealing member at end, axially movable in the bore hole so as to seal one end and open the other end and vice versa, a coil of an electro-magnet mounted on the housing, an armature axially movable in the housing to engage and move, when energized, the plunger against the restoring force of a spring. A damping spring is also provided. The valve is simple in design, less expensive, smaller in dimensions, and is substantially trouble-free for long periods of time.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a condenser including a plurality of generally parallel heat exchange fins and a plurality of refrigerant circuits running through the condenser generally transverse to the heat exchange fin, wherein groups of the refrigerant circuits cover in overlapping fashion the area of the condenser transverse to the direction of the flow of an external heat exchange medium moving thereover.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling refrigerant flow through the indoor coil of air conditioning equipment including a refrigeration system such that upon predetermined humidity conditions being sensed refrigerant flow will be routed to provide additional latent cooling and dehumidification. Within the liquid header of the indoor coil in the refrigeration system a solenoid valve is mounted to isolate at least one of a plurality of refrigerant circuits. This valve is closed when a need for dehumidification is detected by a humidistat located in communication with the air of the enclosure to be conditioned. When a need for dehumidification is not detected by the humidistat the valve is opened and refrigerant flows through all of the circuits of the indoor coil. Additionally, a check valve is mounted in parallel with the solenoid valve such that if a reversible refrigeration system is utilized refrigerant flow can bypass the solenoid valve in the heating mode of operation.

Abstract: Cold is generated, according to the invention, by compressing a refrigerant and expanding the refrigerant isentropically in a nozzle. Advantageously at least a part of the expanded refrigerant is passed in indirect heat exchanging relationship with the portion of the refrigerant prior to expansion. An expansion machine can be used to work-expand a portion of the compressed refrigerant with the expanded gas returned to the compressor. The balance of the compressed stream is expanded in the nozzle.

Abstract: The 1st type of parallel flow evaporator, comprising an upper tank and a lower tank, a plurality of flat pipes communicating said upper and lower tanks, fins inserted between each of said flat pipes, having an outlet pipe and an inlet pipe respectively, said outlet pipe being inserted into the innermost of said upper tank and provided with bores at respective positions above each of said flat pipes, and said outlet and inlet pipes are respectively inserted on the windward of said upper and lower tanks.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a refrigerating cycle in which a refrigerant is charged and which includes a cooler for a freezing compartment, a closed loop which is branched from the refrigerating cycle and includes a cooler for a refrigerating compartment, and a heating device provided in the closed loop which supplies the refrigerant to the closed loop by means of vapor bubble pumping action, to thereby control the refrigerant flow in the closed loop.

Abstract: An air conditioning system which is operable on either a heating or cooling cycle is provided with capillary control means including a plurality of branch lines between heat exchangers of the system, and one or more of the branch lines of the capillary system is located in a heat exchanging relationship with a refrigerant line portion adjacent one of the heat exchangers to cause the flow of refrigerant in the system to be retarded when such heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser.

Abstract: A construction in a compressor-type refrigerator which is arranged between the condenser and the evaporator and adjacent to where a flow restricting tube connects to the evaporator tube whereby the noise level is considerably reduced when the refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a twin slab heat exchanger A-frame assembly having a plurality of refrigerant circuits arranged to provide a first and second circuit in each of the heat exchanger slabs. The first circuits in each heat exchanger being connected to provide the evaporator in one refrigerant system with the second circuits in each heat exchanger connected to provide the evaporator of another refrigerant circuit. The first and second circuits being arranged so that one precedes the other in air flow communication relative to air passing through the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A refrigerant delivery and separation apparatus and a process for delivering refrigerant at evaporator temperature to an evaporator at a predetermined pressure which is less than the pressure at the receiver, and simultaneously separating refrigerant liquid and vapor which is discharged from the evaporator. The apparatus includes a pair of tanks connected by time operated control members to conventional refrigeration equipment so that one tank is pumping liquid refrigerant to an evaporator at a predetermined pressure while the other tank is separating liquid and vapor refrigerant substantially at evaporator pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigeration system having an air-cooled condenser and more particularly to maintaining an adequate mass flow of refrigerant to the evaporator at low high-side pressures resulting from low ambient temperatures, by providing a dual refrigerant distributor system, refrigerant being metered through only one distributor when the high-side pressure is at or above a predetermined level and refrigerant being metered through both distributors when the high-side pressure drops below the predetermined level.

Abstract: A plate and fin heat exchanger in the form of a refrigerant evaporator. The heat exchanger comprises a plate and fin structure providing alternately channels for the flow of refrigerant and spaces for the flow of air. An apertured inlet manifold is in communication with the refrigerant flow channels. A refrigerant distribution tube is inserted into the inlet manifold through the aperture in the latter. The distribution tube is provided with a series of orifices formed in the tube wall in register with the refrigerant flow channels.The improvement comprises a construction and arrangement in which the orifices are directed toward the air inlet side of the heat exchanger. Preferably, the orifices are directed to the air inlet side of the heat exchanger at an acute angle to a horizontal plane, the angularity being on the order of 0.degree. to 15.degree. relative to the horizontal plane and below the latter.

Abstract: A reversible vapor compression system having control means associated therewith for automatically routing refrigerant through the heat exchangers in response to a system mode of operation to produce optimum system performance when the system is called upon to produce either heating or cooling.