Abstract: A scroll expresser of a refrigerant system includes a non-orbiting expander scroll plate and an orbiting expander scroll plate which form a plurality of expansion chambers and a non-orbiting compressor scroll plate and a orbiting compressor scroll plate which form a plurality of compression chambers. The scroll expresser expands high pressure refrigerant in the expansion chambers to low pressure vapor refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant exits the scroll expresser for evaporation. The vapor refrigerant is compressed in the compression chambers and mixes with the refrigerant exiting the compressor. Alternatively, the orbiting scroll plates are integrated into one component.

Abstract: In an ejector refrigerant cycle, even if refrigerant is super-heated in an evaporator, super-heated gas refrigerant does not directly flow into a gas-liquid separator, so that boiling of refrigerant does not occur in the gas-liquid separator due to evaporation of refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator. When an equivalent inner diameter (D) of a tank body of the gas-liquid separator is set in a range of 2 cm-6 cm, and when a ratio of a vertical dimension (H) of the tank body to the equivalent inner diameter (D) thereof is larger than 1, a wall thickness of the tank body can be reduced while gas-liquid separation performance in the gas-liquid separator can be improved.

Abstract: In a brazed condenser for an air conditioner, a collecting tube connected with a collector is prefabricated as a one-piece tube. The collecting tube is connected by tack weld seams with the collector before brazing the collecting tube and the collector together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dehumidification in air conditioners comprising an expansion stage, a condenser and comprising a water separator disposed upstream of the expansion stage. A dehumidification system with reduced system construction volume, reduced weight and increased reliability and improved system efficiency at lower cost is formed in accordance with the invention in that the condenser is formed by a heat exchanger (RAM heat exchanger) cooled with ambient air or stagnation air or with another fluid, with the exception of process air, to which the compressed air to be dehumidified is fed on the compressed air side.

Abstract: A first heat exchange unit is for condensing a refrigerant discharged from a compressor. A second heat exchange unit is provided downstream from the first heat exchange unit. A gas-liquid separator, into which part of the refrigerant from the compressor and part of the refrigerant from the first exchange unit flow, is for separating the refrigerants into a gas and a liquid refrigerant to accumulate the liquid refrigerant. The gas refrigerant in the separator is lead to the second heat exchange unit. A primary refrigerant flow path, included in the first heat exchange unit, is for leading the refrigerant to the second heat exchange unit. A branch refrigerant flow path, included in the first heat exchange unit and independently partitioned from the primary refrigerant flow path, is for leading the refrigerant to the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accumulator 21 for evaporating and condensing a refrigerant in a pressure vessel 22 thereof to control pressure or the like in a closed-loop type controlled unit. The accumulator comprises liquid-phase refrigerant holding means 23 for holding the refrigerant in liquid phase, heating means 25 for heating and evaporating the refrigerant in liquid-phase, cooling means 24 for cooling and condensing the refrigerant in vapor-phase, and a connection port 28 in fluid communication with the controlled unit. The liquid-phase refrigerant holding means 23 includes a vane 32 made of a material capable of absorbing the refrigerant in liquid phase, and the end 35 of the vane 32 has a shape in contact with the inner surface of the pressure vessel 22.

Abstract: A concentric tubing apparatus prevents heat gain in an air conditioning system. The heat gain results from heat generated in an engine compartment of a vehicle. To accomplish this, the tubing apparatus includes a first and second refrigerant tubes. The first refrigerant tube is in fluid communication with a receiver and an evaporator of the air conditioning system to accommodate the flow of the refrigerant from the receiver to the evaporator, and the second refrigerant tube is in fluid communication with the receiver and the evaporator to accommodate the flow of the refrigerant from the evaporator to the receiver. The second refrigerant tube is disposed concentrically about the first refrigerant tube such that the second refrigerant tube insulates the refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant tube from the heat generated in the engine compartment. Thus, heat gain in the refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant tube to the evaporator is prevented.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in a heat pump system accommodates the flow of refrigerant in first and second directions as the system heats and cools, respectively. The accumulator includes a body and a cap. The body includes an inlet for receiving refrigerant from a compressor and an outlet for sending refrigerant to the compressor. A first port communicates with a front end heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from this heat exchanger when heating and for sending refrigerant to this heat exchanger when cooling. A second port communicates with a passenger compartment heat exchanger for sending refrigerant to this heat exchanger when heating and for receiving refrigerant from this heat exchanger when cooling. A reversing valve, disposed in the cap, moves between a first position when heating and a second position when cooling such that the accumulator can accommodate the flow of refrigerant in the either direction.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle system using carbon dioxide as refrigerant, an ejector decompresses and expands refrigerant from a radiator to suck gas refrigerant evaporated in an evaporator, and converts an expansion energy to a pressure energy to increase a refrigerant pressure to be sucked into a compressor. Because refrigerant is decompressed and expanded in a super-critical area, a pressure difference during the decompression operation becomes larger, and a specific enthalpy difference becomes larger. Accordingly, energy converting efficiency in the ejector becomes higher, and efficiency of the ejector cycle system is improved.

Abstract: Accumulator in an air conditioner including a body having an inlet formed in a top portion thereof, first means fitted near to the inlet in the body for filtering contaminants, second means fitted under the first means for filtering oil, and an outlet tube for recovering oil stored in the body to a compressor, thereby preventing an unnecessary excessive operation of the compressors to improve an energy efficiency.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system, a low-pressure side gas-liquid separator is disposed between a refrigerant outlet side of an evaporator and a refrigerant suction side of a compressor so that gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, and a throttle passage through which liquid refrigerant is introduced into the compressor is disposed in the low-pressure side gas-liquid separator. Further, in a condenser for condensing gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor in a cooling mode, both first and second heat-exchanging units are provided in this order in a refrigerant flow direction, and a high-pressure side gas-liquid separator is disposed between the first and second heat-exchanging units.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle system using carbon dioxide as refrigerant, an ejector decompresses and expands refrigerant from a radiator to suck gas refrigerant evaporated in an evaporator, and converts an expansion energy to a pressure energy to increase a refrigerant pressure to be sucked into a compressor. Because refrigerant is decompressed and expanded in a super-critical area, a pressure difference during the decompression operation becomes larger, and a specific enthalpy difference becomes larger. Accordingly, energy converting efficiency in the ejector becomes higher, and efficiency of the ejector cycle system is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryogenic refrigerating system for achieving ultra low temperature by sequentially obtaining low temperature through repetition of expansion and evaporation of a mixed-refrigerant in multiple stages. The refrigerating system includes a heat exchanger and a compressor between a final evaporator and a compressor. The heat exchanger causes evaporated refrigerant vapor in a suction tube for the compressor to be heated and to be drawn into the compressor, and causes the refrigerant condensed by a condenser to be supercooled. The refrigerating system includes a plurality of expansion/suction apparatuses connected with one another between the gas/liquid separator and the final evaporator.

Abstract: In a brazed condenser for an air conditioner, such as a motor vehicle air conditioner, a collecting tube connected with a collector is a prefabricated as a one-piece tube which is connected by tack weld seams with the collector before brazing the collecting tube and the collector together.

Abstract: A regenerative type of refrigeration system recirculates a mixture of R-134a, R-32 and R-125 through first and second series condensers. In order to increase the concentration of the high-boiling point R-134a, the liquid output of a liquid-vapor separator receives a super-heated mixture vapor tapped from the output of the compressor. An adjustable valve controls the amount of the super heated mixture vapor which is injected to vary the concentration of R-134a in the recirculation line. Liquified R-134a passes through a secondary expansion valve and a secondary evaporator, reducing to an intermediate pressure, and enters a vortex tube, thus bypassing the main evaporator. Subsequently, the suction pressure of the compressor increases, increasing the EER of the refrigeration system. The recirculating concept is also applicable to a single refrigerant system.

Abstract: A refrigeration system wherein refrigeration is generated at a relatively steady output by a refrigeration circuit and passed into a coupling fluid for transfer to a refrigeration load using a coupling fluid stabilizing circuit having a stabilizing reservoir.

Abstract: An evaporator for evaporating a phase change refrigerant in a space conditioning system such as an air conditioner, heat pump or refrigeration system, is provided. The evaporator includes an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the evaporator, an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the evaporator and plural conduits defining a plurality of hydraulic flow paths between the inlet and the outlet. In accordance with the invention, a separator is provided to substantially separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator to enhance refrigerant distribution within the evaporator, thereby improving evaporator performance.

Abstract: A reservoir is screwed axially into a base, itself brazed to a collecting compartment of the condenser. It is linked to the former by means of channels recessed into the base. The threads securing the reservoir are protected from any contact with the refrigerating fluid by sealing rings and from external attack by a sleeve covering the outside of the junction area between the reservoir and the base. Applied to air-conditioning application for automobile passenger compartments.

Abstract: A receiver tank (2) formed into an airtight container having an inlet port (24) and an outlet port (25) for a refrigerant, wherein separates the refrigerant introduced in a gas-liquid mixture state is separated, and the separated liquid refrigerant is stored therein and discharged therefrom so to continuously supply it, and the airtight container is formed as a double tube of an inner tube (16) and an outer tube (17), which have their tops mutually communicated but their bottoms not; the inlet port is formed to communicate with the bottom portion of a passage formed between the two tubes; and the outlet port is formed at lower end portions of the inner and outer tubes to communicate with the interior of the inner tube. The structure of no communication between the outer tube and the inner tube was achieved by having a structure of fitting either of them with the other or by disposing a joint member. A structure for prevention of the inner tube from tilting is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for warm-liquid defrosting of the evaporator of a refrigeration system. The apparatus includes a first refrigerant expansion device that selectively expands refrigerant for cooling the evaporator, a second refrigerant expansion device that selectively expands the refrigerant after the refrigerant has passed through the evaporator, and a defrosting control for the first refrigerant expansion device and second refrigerant expansion device to selectively defrost the evaporator by causing warm refrigerant to flow through the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerant filter (40) designed for installation into a block fitting (10) of the type that detachably connects refrigerant lines (12,14) to an evaporator. The filter (40) includes a cylindrical mesh screen (42) and a supporting frame (44) that fits into the open end (30) of the liquid refrigerant supply (14) line before the supply line (14) is connected by the fitting (10) to the evaporator lines (16,18). The filter supporting frame (44) has an end plug (48) that fits closely into the line (14), assuring and all refrigerant flow is forced through the screen (42), without by passing the filter (40). The plug (48) also has a stop member (50) that both assures that the filter (40) is not over inserted at installation, and that the plug (48) is not ejected from the line (14) during operation.

Abstract: An adsorbent unit including a porous container having first and second end portions, adsorbent in the container, a rigid clip on the first end portion for engaging the spaced pipes of a U-bend of a refrigerant accumulator, a tab on the second end portion, and an aperture in the tab for receiving the filter housing on the return bend of a U-shaped pipe.

Abstract: An evaporator for evaporating a phase change refrigerant in a space conditioning system, such as an air conditioner, heat pump or refrigeration system, is provided. The evaporator includes an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the evaporator, an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the evaporator and plural conduits defining a plurality of hydraulic flow paths between the inlet and the outlet. In accordance with the invention, a separator is provided to substantially separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator to enhance refrigerant distribution within the evaporator, thereby improving evaporator performance.

Abstract: A miniature mixed gas refrigeration system is disclosed, having a coaxial catheter with an inner high pressure supply lumen and an outer low pressure return lumen. The gas mixture is pressurized by a compressor to a pressure less than 420 psia, for safety reasons. The distal portion of the outer lumen contains a micro-miniature heat exchanger constructed of laminated plates or sheets. The plates or sheets establish high pressure and low pressure passageways, with high surface area, having a tortuous path for the gas flow to maximize heat exchange. The high pressure outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a Joule-Thomson expansion element where the high pressure gas is expanded isenthalpically to a lower temperature at least as low as 180K. This low temperature gas cools a heat transfer element mounted in the outer wall of the catheter, to cool an external object. Return gas flows back through the heat exchanger to pre-cool the incoming high pressure gas mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cooling gas flow in a pressurized pipeline, comprises the installation of one or more Joule-Thomson expansion valves along the length of the pipeline. The valve permit precise control of the temperature of the gas in the line, and accordingly the line itself, for passage through continuous or discontinuous areas of permafrost. The present invention allows precise control of the temperature of such a gas pipeline at predetermined points, to operate either in a warm mode (above the freezing point of water) or cold mode (below the freezing point of water). It is important that the temperature characteristics of the pipeline closely match those of the adjacent terrain or soil, to preclude settling of a warm pipe by melting adjacent permafrost soil, and to preclude frost heaves caused by ice buildup around a cold pipe in thawed ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for refrigeration employing a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor, wherein a condenser vent is provided for exhausting accumulated mixtures of non-condensable gas, such as air, and refrigerant gas, wherein accumulated non-condensable gas mixed with refrigerant gas from the condenser vent is provided to a membrane separator comprising at least two chambers separated by a selective membrane, said chambers being a high pressure chamber to which the non-condensable gas mixed with refrigerant gas is supplied, and a low pressure chamber into which the refrigerant gas is selectively permeated through said selective membrane for reintroduction and reuse in the refrigeration cycle, and on said high pressure chamber of said membrane separator, a vent is provided to exhaust non-condensable gas-rich raffinate gas.

Abstract: A nozzle for producing a continuous gas/solid or gas/aerosol stream from a liquid having a high room temperature vapor pressure. The nozzle comprises a series of expansion stages, with the flow reversing direction after each expansion except the first and going over the conduit which comprised the previous expansion stage. In addition, the flow from the last expansion stage comes in contact with the inlet conduit, thereby exposing the inlet flow to the cold temperature produced in the nozzle. Since the flow in the nozzle is essentially adiabatic, the expansion in each stage takes heat from the flow in the previous stage, ultimately resulting in very low temperature flow. It is particularly useful as a fire extinguisher since it can produce solid CO.sub.2 snow and an aerosol of HFC-23 that are "thrown" by the remaining gaseous CO.sub.2 and HFC-23 at low exit velocities. This means that these agents can be used on Class A fires. A test nozzle using 1 liter (2.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a Joule-Thomson cryostat or refrigeration system in which an expansion valve can be commandably actuated to partially withdraw the core of the expansion valve in order to dislodge and flush contaminants that have collected in the valve passageway, to open the expansion valve to increase flow to accelerate cooldown, and to control flow to regulate the amount of refrigeration produced.

Abstract: An optimum gas mixture formulated from a group of component fluids, for use in a miniature mixed gas refrigeration system. The gas mixture has appropriate components, in appropriate concentrations, to optimize refrigeration power and heat transfer capacity, and to minimize plugging of the Joule-Thomson expansion element. The gas mixture is pressurized by a compressor to a pressure less than 750 psia, and preferably less than 420 psia, for safety reasons, and supplied to a heat exchanger. The high pressure outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a Joule-Thomson expansion element where the high pressure gas is expanded isenthalpically to a lower temperature at least as low as 183K. This low temperature gas cools a heat transfer element mounted in the distal end of the probe, to cool an external object. Return gas flows back through the heat exchanger to pre-cool the incoming high pressure gas mixture.

Abstract: An accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a housing having a cylindrical sidewall, a lower end wall, and an upper end cap. Inlet and outlet passages are provided in the upper end cap for directing refrigerant into and out of the accumulator. A U-shaped return conduit is provided in the accumulator for directing vapor or gaseous refrigerant out of the accumulator. A baffle having a central circular opening is retained between a circular bead on the return conduit and the upper end cap. The circular bead surrounds the conduit toward the outlet end of the conduit. The return conduit is introduced through the central opening in the baffle until the bead contacts the inside surface of the baffle around the central opening. The outlet end of the return conduit is then introduced into the outlet passage in the upper end cap and secured therein such as by mechanically deforming (e.g., burnishing) the conduit outwardly against the inner wall of the passage.

Abstract: The evaporator comprises a) a chamber (12) made of a porous material with an inlet for a heat exchanging fluid in liquid form, b) a shell (9) in which is located said chamber (12) to define around it, a chamber (15) for collecting said fluid in vapor form, said shell (9) having an outlet by which the vapor collected in said chamber (15) is evacuated. It further comprises a tube (22) which extends through the whole internal space of the chamber (12) with a porous wall, from one end (24) of the tube constituting the chamber (12) inlet for the heat exchanging fluid, said tube (22) being pierced over its whole length with holes (33) for injecting the heat exchanging liquid into the chamber (12) wall.

Abstract: An air conditioner comprises a refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor, a heat exchanger, a throttling device, a dryer provided with an adsorbent, a connection piping and a refrigerant. The refrigerant contains a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant, the adsorbent contains a plurality of bulk particles, and the dryer includes a container, wherein the adsorbent is located within the container, having a pressing means for holding the adsorbent by pressing it. The load of the pressing means is within a range of about 0.5 kg/cm.sup.2 to about 3 kg/cm.sup.2. The container is of a cylindrical shape having a sectional area of "A", the refrigerant is at a circulation rate of "B", and the value of B/A is within a range of about 100 g/min cm.sup.2 to about 400 g/min cm.sup.2.

Abstract: There is provided a cryogenic refrigerating apparatus capable of reducing a fluctuation range of refrigerating capacity as far as possible with respect to a wide range of change in outdoor temperature and performing stable refrigerating operation. This cryogenic refrigerating apparatus includes a compressor unit 101 which is installed outside a room and has a compressor 11 and a first air-cooling heat exchanger 12, an intermediate unit 103 which is installed inside a room and has a second air-cooling heat exchanger 31 for cooling gas from the compressor 11 through heat exchange with indoor air and a cryogenic expander 5.

Abstract: A microminiature laminated heat exchanger for use in a cryogenic probe, and a method of manufacture. The heat exchanger has high and low pressure flow patterns etched into oxygen free copper sheets, with the flow patterns being tortuous paths promoting turbulent flow. The sheets containing the flow patterns are bonded into a laminated assembly in the shape of a cylinder, with a high pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet in a first end, and a high pressure outlet and a low pressure inlet in a second end. The high pressure flow path lies alongside the low pressure flow path, with flow in the two paths being in opposite directions, to accomplish counterflow heat exchange.

Abstract: A cryostat (12) with an actuator (40) which reacts to sensed temperature changes via externally controlled thermal heating generated therein. The actuator (40) is constructed with material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. A flexible heating element (44) is embedded in the actuator material. A temperature sensor (62) provides a signal to cryostat control electronics. Responding to the temperature signal, the control circuitry (60) regulates current to the heating element (44) in the actuator (40). As the actuator temperature increases due to the heat generated by the heating element (44), it expands and moves open an attached needle (50) relative to an orifice (30), thereby increasing cryogen flow and regulating cooling. When the desired cold temperature is attained, current and heating are stopped. Flowing cryogen cools the actuator which shortens the actuator and pulls the attached needle into the orifice to regulate flow.

Abstract: An accumulator is capable of preventing an excessive enlargement of the flow rate of a liquid refrigerant which is discharged from the accumulator, reducing the quantity of refrigerating machine oil which is accumulated in the accumulator, and maintaining a required quantity of refrigerating machine oil in a compressor. Liquid and a gas which circulate in a refrigerating and air-conditioning circuit are introduced into a first space by a suction pipe, and the gas refrigerant is discharged to a refrigerating and air-conditioning circuit through a gas passage pipe, a second space and a discharge pipe 5. A liquid-level maintaining mechanism prevents a rise in the height of the accumulated liquid introduced into the first space. When the height has been made to be not lower than a predetermined height, a gas communication mechanism moves liquid in the first space from the first space to the second space.

Abstract: In known collectors for condensers of motor vehicle air conditioners, the dryer cartridge is inserted from an upper end into the collector via a spacing rod. According to the invention, the dryer cartridge can be secured by releasable connecting means to the sealing lid, and the sealing lid can be mounted on the end associated with the flow segment of the collector profile.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument comprises a cooling tip operable to be cooled by a flow of a cryogenic fluid within the tip; and a fluid transfer chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving cryogenic fluid, a first fluid outlet communicating with the cooling tip for supplying cryogenic fluid to the cooling tip, and a second fluid outlet communicating with an atmospheric air vent.

Abstract: A pressure activated flow controller for use with a Joule-Thomson valve having a diaphragm actuator that is located outside a dewar, and which is not cooled. The diaphragm actuator limits flow based on gas pressure supplied to the dewar from a gas supply, not temperature, and does not impede cooldown of a device coupled to the dewar. The diaphragm actuator comprises a diaphragm and load plate that exert a force to open the Joule-Thomson valve. A wave spring provides a force to close the Joule-Thomson valve, thus balancing the back pressure of the gas supply. The diaphragm actuator is compact, and limits flow based on gas supply pressure, not temperature. The present invention thus uses pressure regulation instead temperature regulation to achieve flow control.

Abstract: A vapor compression system having a compressor, condenser, receiver, evaporator, two liquid refrigerant tanks, a phase separator and a liquid refrigerant heat exchanger. The liquid refrigerant is pumped alternatively from one of the tanks through the heat exchanger using controlled valving such that there is no phase change and gaseous refrigerant is withdrawn by the compressor from the top of the phase separator.

Abstract: A miniature mixed gas refrigeration system and method of operation are disclosed, having a coaxial catheter with an inner high pressure supply lumen and an outer low pressure return lumen. An optimum gas mixture is formulated from a group of component fluids, according to calculated thermodynamic properties of a group of candidate fluid mixtures. The gas mixture is pressurized by a compressor to a pressure less than 420 psia, for safety reasons. The distal portion of the outer lumen contains a micro-miniature heat exchanger constructed of laminated plates or sheets. The plates or sheets establish high pressure and low pressure passageways, with high surface area, having a tortuous path for the gas flow to maximize heat exchange. The high pressure outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a Joule-Thomson expansion element where the high pressure gas is expanded isenthalpically to a lower temperature at least as low as 183K.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the rate of supply of a liquid cryogen, for example, for cryosurgical use. The flow rate of the liquid cryogen is controlled by controlling variably the pressure propellant gas acting directly or indirectly on the liquid cryogen. A means for controlling the propellant gas pressure may comprise a source of pressurised propellant gas, and control valve means coupled between the source and the liquid cryogen reservoir chamber for controlling the pressure supplied to the reservoir chamber. A plurality of reservoir chambers may be driven by a common pressure source. When the pressure source is a pressure raising system, the cryogen reservoir chambers may be contained within the vessel of the pressure raising system. A feedback control arrangement is also described for controlling the cryogen flow rate in response to a measured characteristic associated with, or affected by, the cryogen flow rate.

Abstract: In a tank aggregate body for a receiver tank that achieves vapor/liquid separation of a coolant that has been liquefied at a condenser, a primary body wall portion is formed by rolling a plate material, bonding margins are formed at the two sides continuous to the primary body wall portion, a tank primary body is constituted from the primary body wall portion by abutting the bonding margins and the opening ends of the tank primary body are closed off with caps. A communicating passage for coolant inflow or coolant outflow is formed between the bonding margins by creating a gap between them. By constituting such a receiver tank by press-forming a plate material, the need for separately forming the communicating passage at the receiver tank by using a separate member is eliminated, and the shape of the communicating passage can be varied freely by changing the mode for machining the plate material.

Abstract: A controller is provided for controlling the operation of a Joule-Thomson cooler. When the cooler has cooled down to its operating temperature, the rate of gas flow to the cooler is controlled as a function of the ambient temperature in order to maintain the gas flow at a minimum level.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for liquefaction of gases whose critical temperature is lower than the ambient temperature, such as, for instance, natural gas, air, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. Compressed to supercritical pressure gas to be liquefied is cooled by external refrigerator means to a predetermined final temperature that is lower than the saturation temperature of the liquefied gas, and then is throttled to a subcritical pressure. As a result, all gas supplied to the apparatus is liquefied without generating any flash gas, and controlled rate of liquefied gas subcooling is achieved. Three modifications of the apparatus for gas liquefaction employing refrigerator means, based on reversed gas cycles, are introduced. Another modification of the apparatus with refrigerator means applying open air cycle and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is also developed.

Abstract: An in-line valve flow controller for a Joule-Thomson cryostat. The controller has an in-line valve stem that is part of, and is collinear with, an actuation stem of the cryostat. Both the in-line valve stem and actuation stem sit in an orifice of the Joule-Thomson cryostat. This arrangement automatically positions the valve stem over its valve seat. The in-line valve flow controller integrates with a temperature dependent snap disk that is used to close the valve stem against the valve seat. Initial flow rate is determined only by the diameter of the orifice of the Joule-Thomson cryostat, and not by valve position. Bypass flow is aso set by the diameter of the orifice, which is not subject wear, and the valve stem prevents contaminates from clogging the orifice.

Abstract: A cryostat (10') with a heat exchanger (13'); a valve (25') for controlling the flow of fluid through said heat exchanger (13'); and a snap disk (30') for actuating the valve (25'). In a specific embodiment, the snap disk (30') is constructed of at least two different materials (32', 34'), each having a different coefficient of thermal expansion. The snap disk (30') is mounted upon an orifice block (38') and coupled to a needle valve (25') by a connecting rod (40'). The needle valve (25') engages an orifice (16') in the orifice block (38'). The orifice (16') is in communication with the tubing (14') of a heat exchanger (13') via a channel (44') in the orifice block (38'). The geometry of the snap disk (30') is such that when the disk changes state, it snaps due to the thermal properties thereof. This ensures fast response with abrupt closure characteristics and considerable travel. In addition, the snap disk (30') allows for a simplified cryostat design with minimal weight and cost.

Abstract: A structure for supporting an electric fan and fixing it to the radiator of a vehicle having climate control, comprising a unitary injection-moulded plastics material body including a rectangular frame, a plurality of arms for fixing the structure to the body of a vehicle, a housing for receiving a rotatable cooling fan and a mount for the electric motor for driving the fan. The structure also includes a support surface and a seat for supporting and fixing a dehydration filter forming part of the climate control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A miniature mixed gas refrigeration system and method of operation are disclosed, having a coaxial catheter with an inner high pressure supply lumen and an outer low pressure return lumen. An optimum gas mixture is formulated from a group of component fluids, according to calculated thermodynamic properties of a group of candidate fluid mixtures. The gas mixture is pressurized by a compressor to a pressure less than 420 psia, for safety reasons. The distal portion of the outer lumen contains a micro-miniature heat exchanger constructed of laminated plates or sheets. The plates or sheets establish high pressure and low pressure passageways, with high surface area, having a tortuous path for the gas flow to maximize heat exchange. The high pressure outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a Joule-Thomson expansion element where the high pressure gas is expanded isenthalpically to a lower temperature at least as low as 183K.

Abstract: A modulator in a coolant recirculation line for a refrigerating apparatus. The modulator is used for storing an excess amount of the coolant recirculated in the system. The modulator has a space extending vertically, upward and a bottom end connected to the recirculating line at a position downstream of a condenser, in such a manner that only a part of the coolant passed through the condenser is introduced into the modulator to compensate for variations in the amount of coolant needed for recirculation in the system. The modulator can be arranged in the middle of the heat exchanger, and defines therein a boundary between the liquid phase and the gas phase, for a separation of the gas from the coolant, so that the portion of the heat exchanger downstream of the modulator can operate as a super cooler.