Fixed Restrictor Patents (Class 62/511)
  • Patent number: 11761694
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor; a condenser; an expansion valve having a body with an expansion valve inlet and an expansion valve outlet; an evaporator all arranged in a refrigeration circuit; and a controller. The expansion valve body has a pathway comprising an inlet body capillary tube flow-connected to the expansion valve inlet, and an outlet body capillary tube flow-connected to the expansion valve outlet. The expansion valve comprises a solenoid operated valve element that is selectively positionable between the inlet body capillary tube outlet and the outlet body capillary tube inlet. The controller digitally controls the valve element to position the valve element either to allow flow through the pathway in an open position or to block flow through the pathway in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Lei Zhong
  • Patent number: 9027363
    Abstract: An economizer is provided in a multistage compression refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit in which a multistage compressor, a condenser, a multistage expansion mechanism, and an evaporator are sequentially connected. The economizer includes: a tank having an introducing portion for introducing a refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit, a liquid outlet for guiding a liquid refrigerant into the evaporator, and a gas outlet for guiding a gas refrigerant into a medium pressure portion of the multistage compressor; and a float expansion valve, which forms part of the multistage expansion mechanism and is attached to the liquid outlet, and whose throttle amount is adjusted according to a level of the liquid refrigerant in the tank. Multiple ones of the liquid outlet and multiple ones of are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Takada, Nobuhiro Umeda, Kenji Kinokami
  • Publication number: 20150114031
    Abstract: A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a coolant flow path. The compressor may include a suction port, a first discharge port and a second discharge port. The first heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the first discharge port. The second heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the second discharge port. The coolant flow path may be in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirill IGNATIEV
  • Publication number: 20150101361
    Abstract: A sealed system for an appliance is provided. The sealed system includes a capillary tube for directing refrigerant from a condenser of the sealed system to an evaporator of the sealed system. A suction side conduit assembly is mounted to the capillary tube. The suction side conduit assembly includes multiple conduits or passages for directing refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor of the sealed system. The suction side conduit assembly can assist with transferring heat from the refrigerant within the capillary tube without substantially reducing a pressure of the refrigerant within the suction side conduit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael John Kempiak, Brent Alden Junge
  • Publication number: 20150096325
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit using a non-azeotropic mixture of hydrocarbons refrigerants comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, a first evaporator downstream the expansion device, a second evaporator downstream the first evaporator, a first heat exchanger to cause heat exchange between refrigerant downstream the condenser and upstream the first evaporator, on one side, and refrigerant downstream the first evaporator and upstream the second evaporator, on the other side, and a second heat exchanger to cause heat exchange between refrigerant downstream the condenser and upstream the first heat exchanger, on one side, and refrigerant downstream the second evaporator and upstream the compressor, on the other side, the expansion device having a capillary tube as part of both heat exchangers as a side of exchangers, the capillary tube being parallel to and in contact with a tube of the circuit or it is wrapped around such tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: ENZO MARIO RIVIS
  • Publication number: 20150068241
    Abstract: An outdoor unit of an air-conditioner and two-pipe and three-pipe air-conditioning systems having the same are provided. The outdoor unit includes a compressor defining an outlet and an inlet; a first four-way valve defining a first valve communicated with the outlet, second and third ports communicated with the inlet; a second four-way valve defining second and third ports communicated with the inlet; an outdoor heat exchanger defining a first refrigerant valve Communicated with the fourth port of the first four-way valve; a first gas pipe defining a first end connected with the second and third ports of the first and second four-way valves and, the inlet; a second gas pipe defining a first end connected with the fourth port of the second four-way valve; a third gas pipe defining a first end connected with the outlet and a second end connected with the first port of the second four-way valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Xianjin Sun, Meibing Xiong, Xihua Ma, Zhengxing Wang
  • Publication number: 20150059383
    Abstract: A heat pump apparatus (100) includes an evaporator (10), an electrochemical compressor (11), a condenser (16), a refrigerant delivery path (18), and a non-condensable gas return path (28). The non-condensable gas return path (28) is provided separately from the refrigerant delivery path (18), and is configured to communicate a discharge-side high-pressure space of the electrochemical compressor (11) with a suction-side low-pressure space of the electrochemical compressor (11) so as to return a non-condensable gas from the high-pressure space to the low-pressure space. The non-condensable gas is, for example, hydrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Naoki Sakamoto, Yu Haraki
  • Publication number: 20150001849
    Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus for use in a refrigeration system, comprises an intake port, a nozzle, a turbine and a discharge port. The intake port is adapted to be in fluid communication with a refrigerant cooler of a refrigeration system. The nozzle comprises a fluid passageway. The nozzle is configured to reduce temperature and pressure of refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant cooler and increase velocity of the refrigerant as it passes through the fluid passageway. The turbine is positioned relative to the nozzle and configured to be driven by refrigerant discharged from the fluid passageway. The discharge port is downstream of the turbine and is configured to be in fluid communication with an evaporator of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Steven W. Post, Bobby D. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20140326019
    Abstract: A double-pipe heat exchanger capable of achieving a compact configuration and suppressing a liquid refrigerant contained in a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from flowing out from an inner pipe so as to prevent generation of a liquid-back phenomenon is provided. A double-pipe heat exchanger includes an outer pipe through which a high pressure liquid refrigerant flows, and an inner pipe having an inlet side end into which a low pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant obtained by reducing pressure of the high pressure liquid refrigerant flows, and an outlet side end connected to a suction side part of a compressor. The double-pipe heat exchanger includes a plurality of vertical pipes arranged in the up and down direction, and a curve pipe connecting ends of the plurality of vertical pipe), the outlet side end of the inner pipe is provided in an upper end of one vertical pipe, and the inlet side end of the inner pipe is provided in an upper end of the other vertical pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Mikio Kagawa, Tadashi Sao, Yuusuke Nakagawa, Katsutoshi Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20140326010
    Abstract: A cooling device capable of improving constancy of the ability of a coolant to cool a heat source is provided. A cooling device-cooling an HV device includes a heat exchanger performing heat exchange between the coolant and air-conditioning air; a cooling unit connected in parallel with the heat exchanger and cooling the HV device using the coolant; an expansion valve provided on a downstream side of the heat exchanger and being regulated in opening degree in accordance with a temperature of the coolant between the heat exchanger and the expansion valve and regulating pressure of the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger; and an expansion valve provided on a downstream side of the cooling unit and being regulated in opening degree in accordance with a temperature of the coolant between the cooling unit and the expansion valve and regulating the pressure of the coolant flowing through the cooling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawakami, Kunihiko Arai
  • Publication number: 20140311181
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is a heat exchanger for a refrigeration cycle in which a suction pipe and a capillary tube are made of aluminum which is inexpensive, instead of the copper-made suction pipe and the copper-made capillary tube of the existing heat exchanger for the refrigeration cycle, and which is easy to apply the meandering. The capillary tube is made of aluminum alloy selected from JIS 3000 series alloy and the suction pipe is made of aluminum selected from JIS 1000 series aluminum, and the outer surface of the capillary tube and the outer surface of the suction pipe are melted and bonded together, or particularly, are melted and bonded together by fiber laser beam radiation. The heat exchanger is equipped in a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: Heesung Material Ltd.
    Inventors: Terumasa Matsumoto, Takashi Chino, Makoto Kusama
  • Patent number: 8850848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for sectioning histological samples, which encompasses a sectioning unit (18), a sample holder (14), and a drive unit (16) for moving the sample holder (14) relative to the sectioning unit (18) in order to section the sample (12). Also provided is a cooling unit (20), for cooling at least a sub-region of the sample holder (14), which encompasses a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a capillary tube (25) for delivering the liquefied refrigerant from the compressor (22) to the sample holder (14), and a return line (28) for returning the refrigerant from the sample holder (14) to the compressor (22). At least a sub-region (32) of the capillary tube (25) is embodied in a spiral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Christian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20140283541
    Abstract: A building built-in air conditioning system comprising: an external heat exchanger (1), a reversing valve (2), a compressor (4), and microporous tubes (9, 10, 11). The microporous tubes are metal capillaries bound on a construction steel bar (12) and integrated with the concrete by casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Zhengyi FENG, Zhuo FENG, Ning ZHONG, Wanzhu WANG, Jianliang YANG, Fei YAN, Shijie KE
  • Publication number: 20140231049
    Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system includes a subcooler provided between a condenser and an evaporator, which is formed by a heat exchanger integrally having a primary side and a secondary side into which a refrigerant which has passed through the primary side flows and in which the primary side and the secondary side have the same heat transfer area and capacity. An expansion valve is provided at a refrigerant entrance on the secondary side of the subcooler, and a primary expansion valve is provided at a refrigerant entrance on the primary side of the subcooler to which the refrigerant is introduced in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle having stages of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of the refrigerant. A bypass is provided in the primary expansion valve at the refrigerant entrance on the primary side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MAC CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20140190203
    Abstract: A cooling system that cools a heat generating source mounted on a vehicle includes: a compressor that circulates refrigerant; a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air; a decompressor that decompresses the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and air-conditioning air; and a cooling device that is provided on a path of the refrigerant flowing between the first heat exchanger and the decompressor and that uses the refrigerant to cool the heat generating source. A capillarity generating portion that causes the refrigerant to rise due to capillarity is provided inside the cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Jojima, Yoshiaki Kawakami, Eizo Takahashi, Kousuke Sato, Kazuhide Uchida, Yuichi Ohno
  • Patent number: 8720224
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gravity flooded evaporator for use with commercial or industrial heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, and which does not require integration or use of a conventional, separately field-piped, surge vessel and associated subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: REJ Enterprises, LLP
    Inventor: Justin Marc Brown
  • Patent number: 8567485
    Abstract: A heat transfer system having an evaporator, a heat exchanger, and a working fluid that undergoes compression. The heat exchanger includes a first tube made from a steel alloy which is alloyed to facilitate bending, the first tube having a first end connected to the outlet of an evaporator and a second tube having a first end connected to the inlet of the evaporator. The second tube is positioned in thermal contact with the first tube for a portion of the respective lengths of the first tube and the second tube, so as to allow an exchange of heat between the fluid within the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Limited
    Inventors: Bengt Ake Viklund, Gote Gunnar Berggren, Leo Ostergaard Mogensen
  • Patent number: 8561426
    Abstract: A flow restriction or metering device for a refrigerant system includes a crimped or otherwise formed tubular insert that is installed within a standard flare fitting. The flare fitting can be similar to those used for coupling two refrigerant lines, or the fitting can be part of a service valve, such as those used for charging, discharging, or servicing refrigerant systems. The insert provides a fixed orifice having a predetermined flow coefficient. The insert is removably clamped within the fitting and extends into a refrigerant line that connects to the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 8511112
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus which is capable of performing matching of the volumetric flow rate without performing pre-expansion it obtained. A refrigeration circuit includes a compression unit including a main compressor and a second compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator interconnected with pipes, and a sub-compression mechanism driven by power recovered by the expansion mechanism, a suction side of the sub-compression mechanism is connected to a compression process of the compression unit, a discharge side of the sub-compression mechanism is connected to an inlet side of the gas cooler, and flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the sub-compression mechanism is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Kakuda, Fumihiko Ishizono, Hideaki Nagata, Naofumi Takenaka, Takashi Okazaki, Mihoko Shimoji, Shin Sekiya, Toshihide Koda
  • Patent number: 8136364
    Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with an expansion device that may be a thermostatic expansion device or an electronic expansion device. A bypass line selectively allows a portion of refrigerant to bypass the expansion device and to flow through a fixed restriction expansion device such as an orifice positioned in parallel configuration with the main expansion device. A valve selectively enables or blocks refrigerant flow through this bypass line depending on the volume of refrigerant required to circulate through the refrigerant system as defined by environmental conditions and a mode of operation. The valve can be a simple shutoff valve or a three-way valve selectively allowing or blocking refrigerant flow through a particular refrigerant line or lines. In one embodiment, the expansion device is the main expansion device for the refrigerant system. In the other embodiment, the expansion device is a vapor injection expansion device for expanding refrigerant for performing an economizer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20110247359
    Abstract: An expansion valve (1) is disclosed which comprises an inlet opening (2), at least one outlet opening (3) and first and second valve parts. The inlet opening (2) is adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state. The outlet opening(s) (3) is/are adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state to a flow path. The valve parts are arranged movable relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the first valve part and the second valve part determines a fluid flow between the inlet opening (2) and the outlet opening(s) (3). During normal operation, a resulting force acts upon the first valve part and/or the second valve part to press the first and second valve parts towards each other. The expansion valve (1) comprises means for reducing the resulting force acting upon the valve part(s). Thereby the valve parts can easier be moved relative to each other, and the force required in order to operate the valve (1) is thereby reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Jens Pawlik, Hans Kurt Petersen
  • Patent number: 7938213
    Abstract: A vehicle drain hole structure includes an enclosure (e.g., an air intake tube, an intake enclosure, a resonator, a cleaner, etc.) defined by at least one wall. The at least one wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. A drain hole is defined in the at least one wall for providing drainage from the enclosure. The drain hole extends from a first end defined in the inner surface to a second end defined in the outer surface. The first end of the drain hole at the inner surface has a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the drain hole at the exterior surface to reduce the likelihood of a liquid film forming across the drain hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond Khouw
  • Publication number: 20110077161
    Abstract: A superconducting magnet device for a single crystal pulling apparatus is arranged outside a pulling furnace containing a crucible for melting a single crystal material therein so as to apply a magnetic field to the melted single crystal material. The superconducting magnet device for a single crystal pulling apparatus includes a cryostat containing a superconducting coil therein, and a refrigerator port arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the cryostat and provided with a cryogenic refrigerator that cools the superconducting coil. The cryogenic refrigerator is provided in a region of the outer surface region of the cryostat at which the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the superconducting coil is weak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shohei Takami, Tsutomu Shimonosono, Tomoko Ota, Yuuji Minemoto, Yoshifumi Nagamoto, Makoto Ushijima
  • Patent number: 7913503
    Abstract: A refrigerant expansion assembly, and method of operation, for use in a vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed. The assembly has a main body including an orifice inlet port, an orifice outlet port, an orifice channel extending between the orifice inlet and outlet ports and including a fixed orifice, an upstream bypass channel extending from the orifice channel between the orifice inlet port and the fixed orifice and including a valve seat, and a downstream bypass channel extending from the orifice channel between the fixed orifice and the orifice outlet port. A bypass valve flange extends from the main body, forming a bypass chamber connected to the upstream bypass channel and the downstream bypass channel, with the ball valve seat adjacent to the bypass chamber. A check ball mounts in the bypass chamber adjacent to the valve seat, and a spring biases the check ball into the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jan Lu, Harry E. Eustice, Edwin J. Stanke
  • Patent number: 7784303
    Abstract: A positive displacement expander includes a volume change mechanism (90) for changing the volume of a first fluid chamber (72) of an expansion mechanism (60). The expansion mechanism (60) includes a first rotary mechanism (70) and a second rotary mechanism (80) each having a cylinder (71, 81) containing a rotor (75, 85). The first fluid chamber (72) of the first rotary mechanism (70) and a second fluid chamber (82) of the second rotary mechanism (80) are in fluid communication with each other to form an actuation chamber (66). Meanwhile, the first fluid chamber (72) of the first rotary mechanism (70) is smaller than the second fluid chamber (82) of the second rotary mechanism (80). The volume change mechanism (90) includes an auxiliary chamber (93) fluidly communicating with the first fluid chamber (72) and an auxiliary piston (92) for changing the volume of the auxiliary chamber (93). The auxiliary chamber (93) is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber (72) of the first rotary mechanism (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sakitani, Michio Moriwaki, Masakazu Okamoto, Eiji Kumakura, Yume Inokuchi, Tetsuya Okamoto, Yoshinari Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20100037629
    Abstract: A flow restriction or metering device for a refrigerant system includes a crimped or otherwise formed tubular insert that is installed within a standard flare fitting. The flare fitting can be similar to those used for coupling two refrigerant lines, or the fitting can be part of a service valve, such as those used for charging, discharging, or servicing refrigerant systems. The insert provides a fixed orifice having a predetermined flow coefficient. The insert is removably clamped within the fitting and extends into a refrigerant line that connects to the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 7637115
    Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion device for a refrigerant, in particular an expansion device to control the high-pressure level of an air conditioner. In accordance with the invention, it is provided that the expansion device (16) is a sliding seat valve (22). In addition, the invention relates to an air conditioner (10), in particular an air conditioner (10) for a motor vehicle, with a compressor (12), a condenser or gas cooler (14), an expansion device (16) as well as an evaporator (18). In accordance with the invention, it is proposed that the expansion device (16) is formed by at least one sliding seat valve (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Wessner, Peter Horstmann, Peter Satzger, Tilman Miehle, Martin Reif
  • Patent number: 7621151
    Abstract: A pressure control valve has a temperature sensing portion. The temperature sensing portion includes a diaphragm and a cap member. A peripheral portion of the diaphragm is fixed to a peripheral portion of the cap member. One surface of the diaphragm and the cap member define a sealed space in which gas is airtightly filled. The other surface of the diaphragm is fixed to one end of the valve body, and subjected to fluid in a fluid chamber. A change of the temperature of the fluid changes a volume of the gas in the sealed space to displace the diaphragm and the valve body to open and close a valve port. A reinforcement member reinforces a fixture of the cap member to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromi Ohta
  • Patent number: 7621143
    Abstract: A self contained cooling system which is amenable to miniaturization so as to accommodate space and connectivity restrictions implicit in computer and other electronics apparatus while enhancing heat transfer. In use, the cooling systems of this invention use compression/expansion cycles of a refrigerant material to move thermal energy from one location to another. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are all contained within a volume consistent with mounting directly on a semiconductor device such as a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Samuel Farrow, Albert Vincent Makley
  • Patent number: 7527089
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat, multi-channel heat exchange tubes extending between spaced headers. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end in fluid flow communication with one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of flow channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end. A plurality of connectors are positioned between the inlet header and the heat transfer tubes to define a flow path providing fluid flow communication between the inlet header and the inlet ends of the heat exchange tubes. Two or more flow restriction ports are arranged in the series in the flow path through each connector whereby fluid flowing from the inlet header to the flow channels of the heat exchange tube associated therewith undergoes an expansion as the fluid passes through each flow restriction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail B. Gorbounov, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Igor B. Vaisman
  • Publication number: 20080236193
    Abstract: A motor-operated selector valve relating to refrigerating technology is provided. There are disadvantages, such as complicated assembly structure, big noise, vulnerability to interferences etc., in prior art. In the present invention, a slider is controlled by a stepper motor so as to be rotatablely displaced among four positions on a flat bottom surface of a valve seat. Three outlets on the flat bottom surface are communicated with a normal open inlet in the valve seat via flow-guiding orifices in the slider respectively. In the first working position, the first outlet and the third outlet are in communication with the normal open inlet at the same time; in the second working position, the second outlet is in communication with the normal open inlet; in the third working position, the third outlet is in communication with the normal open inlet; in the fourth working position, the first outlet is in communication with the normal open inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Zhejiang Sanhua Climate & Appliance Controls Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Chen
  • Publication number: 20080229781
    Abstract: The problems of prior compressor structures relying upon conventional check valves are obviated by using, instead, flow control passages which operate to control flow while avoiding mechanical moving elements which may become problematical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy Samuel Farrow, Albert Vincent Makley
  • Publication number: 20080196430
    Abstract: A variable restrictor including a tube with first and second ends of a first cross-sectional area and a region between the ends of reduced cross-sectional area. The region comprises a flattened portion of the tube where the tube has been permanently deformed such that opposed wall portions of the tube are much closed together than in the remainder of the tube. An actuator is arranged to selectively alter the separation of the opposed wall portions of the flattened section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: IAN CAMPBELL McGILL, LING JIANG WANG, WEI GAO
  • Publication number: 20080184722
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a refrigeration circuit is disclosed. In the refrigeration circuit, a single-component or multi-component refrigerant, preferably a nitrogenous refrigerant, in particular nitrogen, circulates, where at least one partial stream of the refrigerant is expanded. The expansion of the refrigerant takes place in at least two expansion turbines that are arranged in series, and the temperature of the refrigerant at the exit of the expansion turbines, or at least at one of the exits of the expansion turbines, is above the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. In this connection, the temperature of the refrigerant at the exit of the expansion turbines, or at least at one of the exits of the expansion turbines, is less than 10° C., preferably less than 5° C., in particular less than 2° C., above the saturation temperature of the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andres KUENDIG
  • Patent number: 7404538
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for pressurized fluids in an air cooling/heating apparatus having a first duct receiving a first restrictor and a second restrictor. Both restrictors are coaxially formed with a capillary through which the pressurized fluid passes and which causes the rapid expansion of the fluid when the fluid exits from a distal end of the capillary. The outer surface of the restrictors is in direct contact with the interior surface of the first duct. The valve can further include a sampling instrument located between the restrictors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Gill, Justin C. Miller, Frederick J. Pilon
  • Patent number: 7395678
    Abstract: A system for modulating refrigerant flow from an evaporator of an air or gas drying apparatus wherein the air or gas drying apparatus has an evaporator shell with at least one exit orifice for return of refrigerant to an accumulator or compressor. The system comprising a flow metering structure connected to the at least one exit orifice, the structure having an internal tube with a vertical rise from an evaporator shell end to an accumulator or compressor end, the internal tube having at least one return orifice (a) which allows passage of liquid refrigerant outside the internal tube into the internal tube, and at least one return orifice (b) which allows passage of gas outside the internal tube into the internal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corp.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Arno, David R. Arno, John A. Carlin
  • Patent number: 7363940
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical restrictor insert for containing an axially movable, apertured restrictive member, housed in a flow control distributor housing of an orifice expansion device used for bi-directionally-flowing pressurized fluid, with a housing passageway being closed off via an annular adaptor flange also having an internal filter, the restrictor insert having a central axial through bore with a plurality of adjoining bore portions defining a central bore cavity, the restrictor insert also having a leading portion, with a frusto-conical front end surface, and intermediate and trailing portions, the latter having a shoulder portion and an annular end face, the restrictive member being located and axially freely movable within a distributor housing central bore cavity, with the restrictor insert, in turn being located, via slip-fit insertion, in a distributor housing central passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Oberley, Dean J. Groff
  • Patent number: 7340920
    Abstract: A Thermostatic Flow Controller composed of two capillary tubes and a tube form receiver, placed in thermal contact with the suction line. It makes a robust, hermitic closed device, without any moveable parts, no need for adjustment or service and therefor suited for inaccessible placement—for instance encapsulated in isolation foam. The flow of refrigerant to the evaporator is controlled by the pressure in the receiver—and the pressure in the receiver is controlled by the need for refrigerant in the evaporator. This balance ensures that the evaporator is flooded, and thereby exploited 100%—for all kind of charges. The invention is suited for small household freezers and refrigerators. For a small extra cost, it replaces the traditional capillary tube, and makes these devices working optimal on both cold and warm locations, and makes the manufacturing more easy because the amount of refrigerant is no longer critical as it is for traditional capillary tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lars Christian Wulff Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7290567
    Abstract: In a refrigerating cycle incorporating a second flow controller having a throttle section, which is composed of an inlet noise eliminating space, an inlet side porous permeable member communicating in a refrigerant flow direction, an orifice, an outlet side foamed metal, and an outlet noise eliminating space, and a multi-directional valve, a gas/liquid two-phase refrigerant is caused to pass through the throttle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Hirakuni, Yoshihiro Sumida, Hiroaki Makino, Atushi Mochiduki, Shigeki Oonishi, Yoshihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7275391
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for refrigerant circuits that is arranged between the compressor and the evaporator thereof including a housing with a through channel. Within the through channel is a microchannel part having a filtering portion and a decompression portion wherein filtering and decompression of the passing refrigerant can be performed generally at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominik Prinz, Marc Graaf
  • Patent number: 7263857
    Abstract: To reduce the degree of influence of differential pressure on a pilot valve of a constant flow rate expansion valve. The constant flow rate expansion valve comprises a restriction passage for restricting the flow rate of refrigerant introduced from a refrigerant inlet port, a main valve for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant having flowed out from the restriction passage for discharging the refrigerant to a refrigerant outlet port, a piston for actuating the main valve in the valve-opening/closing direction by the differential pressure between intermediate pressure on the inlet port side of the main valve and pressure in a pressure chamber formed on the opposite side of the main valve, and a pilot valve for sensing the differential pressure proportional to the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the restriction passage, thereby controlling the pressure in the pressure chamber set by a solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: TGK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Patent number: 7237403
    Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet includes a fan assisted refrigeration unit and a duct in communication with the fan, for distributing cold air from the fan throughout the cabinet; the duct is substantially the full width and the full length of the product storage of the cabinet and at least a major portion of the duct has a substantially constant width; one end of the duct is in communication with a fan and the opposite end of the duct provides an end outlet; intermediate outlets are formed through the duct between the ends, to supply air from the duct to the product storage portion of the cabinet; the size of the end outlet is substantially smaller than the size of the intermediate outlets, so that in use the duct is pressurized compared to the remainder of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Skope Industries Limited
    Inventor: Richard George Phillip Salt
  • Patent number: 7225630
    Abstract: In a refrigerating cycle incorporating a second flow controller having a throttle section, which is composed of an inlet noise eliminating space 19, an inlet side porous permeable member 20 communicating in a refrigerant flow direction, an orifice 23, an outlet side foamed metal 25, and an outlet noise eliminating space 27, and a multi-directional valve, a gas/liquid two-phase refrigerant is caused to pass through the throttle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Hirakuni, Yoshihiro Sumida, Hiroaki Makino, Atushi Mochiduki, Shigeki Onishi, Yoshihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7114348
    Abstract: An expansion device for the heat pump applications consists of a flow resistance device that has a different resistance to refrigerant flow depending on the flow direction through this device. The flow resistance device has no moving parts so that it avoids the damage, wear and contamination problems of the moveable piston in the prior art. The flow resistance device is a fixed obstruction about which the fluid must flow when traveling through the expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Thomas J. Dobmeier, Michael F. Taras
  • Patent number: 7043937
    Abstract: An expansion device for the heat pump applications consists of a flow resistance device that has a different resistance to refrigerant flow depending on the flow direction through this device. The flow resistance device has no moving parts so that it avoids the damage, wear and contamination problems of the moveable piston in the prior art. The flow resistance device is a fixed obstruction about which the fluid must flow when traveling through the expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Thomas J. Dobmcier, Michael F. Taras
  • Patent number: 6978630
    Abstract: A refrigeration system and method of refrigeration employ dual refrigeration circuits. Each circuit has an independent compressor, condenser and evaporator. In one refrigeration circuit, the flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator is regulated in response to variations in the heat load at the evaporator while, in the other refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant is passed from the condenser to the evaporator at a substantially constant rate of flow. The refrigeration system can be used as a cooling system, including an air conditioning system, and as a heat pump. The evaporator in both circuits may be incorporated within a common heat exchanger as may the two condensers. Additionally, the flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator in one refrigeration circuit may be regulated in response to variations in the heat load in the evaporator in that refrigeration circuit by a thermal expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore C. Wensink, David T. Radle
  • Patent number: 6941768
    Abstract: When an air conditioning heat load is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the degree of throttle opening of a nozzle arrangement of an ejector is controlled in such a manner that a coefficient of performance coincides with a target value. When the air conditioning heat load is less than the predetermined value, the degree of throttle opening of the nozzle arrangement is controlled in such a manner that a flow rate of refrigerant, which passes through the nozzle arrangement, coincides with a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Ikegami, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6931887
    Abstract: An ejector decompression device for a refrigerant cycle includes a nozzle which decompresses refrigerant flowing out of a refrigerant radiator, and a pressure increasing portion which increases a pressure of refrigerant while refrigerant jetted from the nozzle and refrigerant drawn from an evaporator are mixed. In the ejector cycle, a coaxial degree of the nozzle with respect to the pressure increasing portion is in a range between 0-30% of an inlet diameter of the pressure increasing portion. Alternatively, the pressure increasing portion has a taper portion at least in a predetermined range from the inlet of the pressure increasing portion, and the taper portion is provided to increase a passage sectional area from the inlet of the pressure increasing portion. Accordingly, collision of high-speed refrigerant jetted from the nozzle to an inner wall surface of the pressure increasing portion can be restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Gota Ogata, Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Yasuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6915648
    Abstract: Flow-regulating members are described that include a primary channel and a plurality of secondary channels. The primary channel defines a primary channel orifice in the flow-regulating member and the plurality of secondary channels define a plurality of secondary channel orifices in the flow-regulating member. The plurality of secondary channel orifices are located along a common periphery of the flow-regulating member, such that an axis passing through the primary channel orifice intersects a plane containing the common periphery at a unique point. At least two of the plurality of secondary channel orifices have different cross-sectional areas. At least one of the plurality of secondary channels intersects the primary channel. Expansion devices containing these flow-regulating members are also described, as are vapor compression systems containing expansion devices, and methods of operating vapor compression systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: XDX Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Wightman
  • Patent number: 6883345
    Abstract: Multi-type air conditioner including an outdoor unit installed outside of a room having a compressor and an outdoor unit mounted therein, a plurality of indoor units each installed in a room having an electronic expansion valve and an indoor heat exchanger, a distributor for separating refrigerant from the outdoor unit at a gas-liquid separator and guiding separated refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units selectively depending on operation conditions, a first connection pipe for guiding the refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the gas-liquid separator in the distributor, a second connection pipe for guiding the refrigerant from the distributor to the outdoor unit, and a switching part in the outdoor unit having a first four way valve provided to a discharge side of the compressor for selective switching of a flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger, and a second four way valve provided to be switched in conformity with switching of the first four way valve for maintaining t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Seon Lee