Abstract: A device for reducing the permeability of tubing in climate control, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, comprising elements for recovering gas escaped by permeation from at least one tube that is at a first temperature and pressure, adapted to convey the permeated gas to a region of the system that is at a second temperature and pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: A device for reducing the permeability of tubing in climate control, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, comprising elements for recovering gas escaped by permeation from at least one tube that is at a first temperature and pressure, adapted to convey the permeated gas to a region of the system that is at a second temperature and pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: In heating and cooling apparatus, molecules of working gas are excited by light irradiation and thereby cooled as the gas flows through a mirrored cooling cell. In a closed loop embodiment, the gas then flows by means of a fan or compressor to a first heat exchanger where heat from the matter being cooled is transferred to the gas; and, then to a second heat exchanger where heat is transferred from the gas to a heat sink. The apparatus may be used either like a heat pump or air conditioner. In an open-end cooling apparatus embodiment, the gas flows from the cooling cell, through the first heat exchanger, and to atmosphere. The light source may be a 10.6 micron laser; or a 9-11 micron electric arc, a hot filament or the Sun. Working gases comprise N2 and C02; exhaust gases of engines or fuel cells; and gases which comprise different molecular composition gases or different isotopic species of the same molecular composition gas.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the environment of storage facilities, including produce and livestock storage facilities, and the like. Movement of air within the facility is accomplished by air-handling units or fans. The speed of each fan is controlled by a variable-speed drive, allowing the fans to run at speeds below full capacity. Environmental parameters, such as temperature or humidity, are monitored to determine the existing state of the environment which is then compared to a desired state. The speed of the fans or air-handling units is adjusted to alter the existing environmental state, bringing it in alignment with the desired state. The fans or air-handling units are operated continuously, typically at reduced capacity. Other various facets are included with the system and method, including the control of the admittance of external air into the storage facility.

Abstract: A new use for hydrocarbons, phase changing at temperatures above the freezing point of water, by which their latent heat is used to protect temperature sensitive product during shipment. The phase change material is used in shipping containers by packaging the material in flexible or rigid sealed containers, and surrounding the temperature sensitive products with a calculated amount of phase change material.

Abstract: A point-of-sale display for selling containers of chilled food items includes a quadrilateral vessel having a bottom and end and side walls, the walls containing thermally insulating material. At least seven removable panels each of which contains a material that is liquid at room temperature and has a freezing point of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder are configured to fit together to form vertical walls about at least one interior chamber in the vessel and sized to be placed into the vessel with two panels on opposed vessel ends, two panels each on opposed vessel sides and one panel extending between the vessel sides spaced from each vessel end, the panel extending between the vessel sides extending fully between the vessel sides and the panels on each vessel side together not extending fully along the side. The panels can be placed in a freezer below the freezing point of the liquid until the liquid freezes and then placed in the vessel to form an interior chamber in the vessel.

Abstract: A point-of-sale display for selling containers of chilled food items includes a quadrilateral vessel having a bottom and end and side walls, the walls containing thermally insulating material. At least seven removable panels each of which contains a material that is liquid at room temperature and has a freezing point of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder are configured to fit together to form vertical walls about at least one interior chamber in the vessel and sized to be placed into the vessel with two panels on opposed vessel ends, two panels each on opposed vessel sides and one panel extending between the vessel sides spaced from each vessel end, the panel extending between the vessel sides extending fully between the vessel sides and the panels on each vessel side together not extending fully along the side. The panels can be placed in a freezer below the freezing point of the liquid until the liquid freezes and then placed in the vessel to form an interior chamber in the vessel.

Abstract: A beverage chilling monitoring and alarm device. The temperature sensing, beverage temperature estimating, and remote alarm device is adapted for use in quick chilling beverages in containers, and thus enables one who attempts to quick chill a beverage to avoid a freeze-ruptured container that messily or catastrophically loses some or all of its contents in the freezer. The device senses the temperature of a beverage container, uses a method which estimates the beverage temperature against a predetermined temperature profile, and provides multi-level alarms based on the temperature of the beverage. The apparatus includes a flexible thermal sensor support that is adapted for being detachably and non-invasively affixed to a container. The sensor support is provided in a stretch type or adjustable length material, such as elastic, or a narrow strip which is adjustably fastened around a container via detachably affixible fasteners, preferably via Velcro.RTM.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body defining a compartment, a first door on the body for sealably and releasably closing the compartment and a second door on the body substantially opposite the first door for sealably and releasably closing the compartment. Refrigeration componentry is provided for refrigerating the compartment. Elements are attached to the body for mounting the body to a wall. The first door allows access to the compartment from a first side of the wall and the second door allows access to the compartment from a second side of the wall.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: A high quality lubricant for heavy duty service air conditioner and refrigerator compressors, especially those using chlorine free hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant working fluids, is provided by mixed esters of hindered polyols, most desirably di-pentaerythritol, usually mixed with some pentaerythritol, with a mixture of carboxylic acids including at least some of each of iso-pentanoic acid and iso-nonanoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides ice nucleating-active materials which are free from problems like corrosiveness against a device owing to the materials used and harmfulness of the materials themselves; and have a function of elevating freezing temperature of water which is effective for releasing an over-cooling state of it, and generates a method for an ice bank system exhibiting a large energy-saving effect. This invention relates to ice nucleating-active materials containing trioctahedral smectites capable of being dispersive in water as effective components, and a method for an ice bank system comprising adding the trioctahedral smectites into a liquid in the ice bank system at a concentration of at least 30 ppm and freezing it by using a freezer.

Abstract: An instrumentality for promulgating the cryoprecipitation of fibrinogen from a blood product. The instrumentality contemplates a container for the blood product, an apparatus for creating the fibrinogen within the container and a method of manipulating the container within the apparatus and subsequently after fibrinogen has been formed. The apparatus includes a receiver within which the container is supported, a motion transfer device for the receiver to impart motion to the container while simultaneously subjecting the container to a temperature differential to cause heat transfer. The motion imparted to the container results in a thin coating of the blood product being disposed on an interior surface of the container which, in turn, is exposed to a heat transfer fluid through the wall of the container. Successive coatings placed on an interior of the container are timed such that each coating is placed on a previous coating that has changed phase.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling device and method for removing heat energy from an object in thermally conductive contact with the device that is formed of a flexible and conformable container that is at least partially filled with a liquid absorbing material. When the device is hydrated and placed in thermally conductive contact with an object to be cooled, heat energy is transferred from the object to the device and the liquid that was absorbed by the material is evaporated. The amount of heat transferred is substantially equal to the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid that is evaporated. The use of the liquid absorbing material also allows the container to remain dry to the touch, even after it is hydrated.

Abstract: A water evaporation type cooling system equipped with a hermetically sealed housing and a solid electrolytic membrane placed to divide the hermetically sealed housing into first and second hermetically sealed spaces. Water is reservoired within the first hermetically sealed space, while a condenser is situated to communicate with the second hermetically sealed space. A direct-current voltage is applied to the solid electrolytic membrane, with the result that a water electrolytic reaction takes place on its first hermetically sealed space side surface, while a water production reaction occurs on its second hermetically sealed space side surface. Protons produced by the water electrolysis pass through the solid electrolytic membrane to contribute to a water production reaction. Steam within the first hermetically sealed space is transferred to the second hermetically sealed space whereas the oxygen within the second hermetically sealed space is shifted to the first hermetically sealed space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure relief system that utilizes fluid released from a pressure relief valve to activate a sensor. In one form of the present invention a relatively confined passageway is in fluid communication with a reseatable pressure relief valve for protecting a condenser from overpressurization. The pressure relief valve allowing the release of fluid into the passageway at pressures below the overpressure threshold protection value of the valve. The released fluid is accumulated in the passageway and sensed by a sensor. Further, upon the pressure in the relatively confined passageway exceeding a predetermined value the passageway is vented to the environment.

Abstract: A device and method for laser cooling of a solid to extremely low temperature is disclosed, the device including an active cooling structure having a high purity surface passivated direct band gap semiconductor crystal of less than about 3 microns thick and a transparent hemispherical body in optical contact with the crystal. The crystal is itself cooled when illuminated with a laser beam tuned to a frequency no greater than the band gap edge frequency of the crystal. Cooling is caused by emission of photons of higher energy than photons entering the crystal, the additional energy being accounted for by process of absorption of thermal phonons from the crystal lattice.

Abstract: A leak container is provided for detecting whether a refrigerant is leaking from an outdoor condenser of a split system air conditioner. The container includes a substantially gas impervious enclosure having top and side walls for fitting over the condenser. A sealing strip is located on the bottom edge of the walls so that a substantially gas impervious seal can be formed about the condenser. An enclosed space is defined between the condenser and the enclosure. The enclosed space is adapted to contain a refrigerant leaking from the condenser. A plurality of valves are located in corresponding apertures defined in the walls. The valves permit air samples to be taken from the enclosed space. A method for detecting leaks is provided comprising the steps of covering the condenser with the enclosure, sealing the enclosure, collecting air samples through the valves, and testing the air samples for traces of refrigerant.

Abstract: A protection system for electric motors in refrigerated environments, especially those environments cooled to very low temperatures, includes routing a cryogen coolant through the electric motor. A minimum flow of cryogen coolant is maintained through the motor to prevent ingress of moisture in the motor interior. The arrangement is especially useful with cryogenically cooled refrigeration systems, because the same cryogen coolant used to refrigerate the system can also be used to provide a purging flow of cryogen coolant gas through the electric motor.

Abstract: An improved method to provide cooling properties to common beverage containers or sport water bottles is described. Specifically, a thermal cooling insert is universally applicable for use in many such containers used by outdoors, bicycle and fitness enthusiasts. The thermal insert is comprised of a molded polyethylene hollow tube filled with a safe, non-toxic refrigerant material which imparts cooling benefit to beverages held inside the container for extended periods of time. The refrigerant material is hermetically sealed inside the tube. The insert includes a flexible "spring loading" stabilizing assembly system which allows simple insertion into and removal from the container and effectively holds the insert in place during use. A shock absorbing assembly may be incorporated into the bottom of the insert to help hold the insert in place, cushion the insert and reduce rattling during use.

Abstract: A high performance, low cost, regenerator/heat exchanger matrix or bed. The bed consists of numerous stretched elastomer sheets separated by spacers and stacked. The resulting matrix is of the parallel plate type with high porosity, and narrow, uniform, unobstructed channels. The bed is ideal for near room temperature regenerator applications. The bed may also be used to pump heat or refrigerate, when fitted with a mechanism which allows the stretch of the elastomer sheets to be rapidly increased and decreased periodically.

Abstract: A thermal insulated bottle (10) includes an outer container (12) having an open end (16) and an inner cup (18) which is at least partially received and spaced apart from the outer container ( 12 ) . The inner cup ( 18 ) and outer container (12) engage each other, preferably by a shoulder (24) at the open end (16) of the outer container (12) which encloses the space between the inner cup (18) and the outer container (12) to form a chamber (26). Within the chamber (26), a sleeve (28) of freezable fluid (30) is positioned around the inner cup (18). A thermal insulating material (32) occupies the rest of the chamber (26) between the sleeve (28) and the outer container (12).

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

Abstract: A heat-pump device indicates a weight of inappropriate amount of refrigerant in a heat-pump cycle by comparing an actual amount of refrigerant in the heat-pump cycle with an appropriate amount thereof, operates in accordance with a refrigerant amount judging operational mode when the actual amount of refrigerant is measured, and includes a judging device for judging the amount of refrigerant in the heat-pump cycle on the basis of a temperature of refrigerant at a condensor side and at least one information showing an operational condition of the heat-pump cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of long-term control of the temperature within a refrigerated space, such as the cargo compartment of a refrigeration truck. The technique employs sensors which monitor both discharge and return air. A control algorithm uses the multiple sensors to control modes of a refrigeration unit capable of supplying cooled or heated air. This causes the temperature within the refrigerated space to remain within a narrow range about a target temperature. The target is chosen to provide maximum safety for the cargo. If the target temperature is too high, the cargo is needlessly exposed to spoilage. If the target temperature is too low, the cargo is subject to the risk of damage from freezing.

Abstract: A headwear device for cooling the wearer during athletic activity or work. The device is comprised of a cap having interior and exterior surfaces. At least one opening to at least one defined compartment chamber within the cap. The chamber is formed therewithin the interior and exterior surfaces of the cap. The chamber interior having at least one surface being of material capable of transmission of fluid from the chamber interior to the cap's interior surface.

Abstract: In a low side hermetic compressor, a small portion of the compressed refrigerant gas is diverted and discharged into the oil sump through an orifice into the upper level of the oil in the sump. This results in a supersaturated solution of refrigerant in oil in the upper level which drives the refrigerant out of the oil, thereby creating froth which provides sound reduction without disturbing the lower level which remains stratified.

Abstract: A device is provided for cooling beverage containers of a multi-container package. The device consists solely of a shaped, generally planar slab of ice including a surface for directly engaging and supporting the bottoms of the beverage containers of the package. The surface area is larger than but comparable to the bottom area defined by the bottoms of the beverage container and the thickness of the slab is less than the length or width of the slab. The surface of the slab of ice includes a plurality of recesses therein in which the bottoms of the beverage containers are received. The device is carried in a plastic bag and an elevating member is positioned therebeneath that defines a space in which water from the melting ice can collect.

Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprising a liner having end portions capable of being raised to an essentially rectangular position in relation to the liner and at least the end portions being inflatable, and rink blocks having a main body containing a cavity capable of receiving the end portions of the liner through a slotted opening, and when inflated the end portions pressing against the sides of the cavity thus forming a watertight seal, and means for interconnecting the rink blocks.

Abstract: The dilution refrigerator operates by sucking a .sup.4 He-rich mixture from a tank and returning it to the tank through a superleak. Thereby the .sup.3 He is separated and returned to the .sup.3 He-rich content of the tank. By this cycling process, a drop in temperature is obtained at the exit of the superleak and through re-mixing of the .sup.3 He with the .sup.4 He. Cycling of the liquid .sup.3 He-.sup.4 He mixture is performed by a bellows pump maintained in a container 16 at a temperature below 2.degree. K. and by specially designed valves comprising a steel ball as a plug and a gold ring as the valve seat.

Abstract: A method of evaporating a pure liquid (4) by indirect heat exchange between it and a hotter fluid, said liquid flowing under the effect of gravity along a heat exchange surface (1). The vapor formed flows in the same direction (6) as the liquid (4) and the liquid flow speed is adjusted as a function of the heat exchanged via the heat exchange surface so that at least half of the liquid has evaporated by the time the remaining liquid reaches the bottom of the heat exchange surface.Application to heat exchanges using a liquid of which only a small volume is available.

Abstract: An assembly of nested thermal reservoirs has an inner reservoir at an extreme temperature surrounded by one or more reservoirs at moderate temperatures. Over time, heat flow would equilibrate reservoir temperatures thereby loosing available thermal energy. At least a portion of the heat lost by the inner to an outer reservoir is restored by a heat pump operating therebetween.

Abstract: Methanol is produced by gasifying a carbonaceous feed material with steam in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and added hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a temperature between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1500.degree. F.

Abstract: In an operating method for refrigerating machines which is disclosed, a variation pattern of an air-conditioning load on a prearranged day for refrigerating operation and a variation pattern of ambient temperature on the prearranged day are predicted. A period for refrigerating operation on that day is properly divided into plural time intervals. Priority ranking is allotted to those time intervals on the basis of the ambient temperature predicted. The refrigerating machine is operated in accordance with an operating pattern set on the basis of the priority ranking.

Abstract: A container or like structure having a corrugated tubular base or wall at least partly embraced by a thin, pliable sheet clamped in place by a like corrugated collar embracing both the sheet and the tube so that the corrugations intermesh, deforming and securely holding the sheet.

Abstract: A skating rink comprising a rigid wall forming the periphery of a closed area, and a sheet, spread over the area and the wall, to form a water container. The wall is formed of elongated flexible tube of plastic sheet which is placed in a peripheral configuration and then filled with space-filling, rigid material, either water, which is allowed to freeze, or formed-in-place plastic foam. The sheet is held in place either by tucking its edges under the wall or by wire clips which hold the sheet and wall together. A plastic foam blanket can be used to reduce puncturing of the wall.