Albert Robert Lowes

US Patent:

49341553, Jun 19, 1990

Filed:

Feb 16, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/313348

Inventors:

Albert R. Lowes - Roseville CA

Assignee:

Mydax, Inc. - Auburn CA

International Classification:

F25B 4100

US Classification:

62197

Abstract:

A vapor-compression refrigeration system has a continuously operating compressor, with loading on the compressor varied in accordance with conditions and cooling needs. The system avoids any on/off cycling of the compressor or valves in the system, but instead keeps cooling and bypass valves open to varying and proportional degrees depending upon requirements. The system includes several bypass loops, for bypassing coolant fluid to a proportional degree when a desired temperature is approached in a body to be cooled; and when temperature of return gas to the compressor approaches a limit temperature beyond which the compressor should not operate. In the latter case, cool liquid is injected, while expanding and vaporizing, into the hot gas for cooling, to protect the compressor. The system operates in a very hot environment to effect the maximum cooling possible without exceeding the limits of the compressor, by reducing the refrigerant flow to the evaporator to continue operating at reduced load, reducing more and more of the cooling flow as the desired set point temperature is approached and controlling bypass flow to maintain evaporator pressure or temperature. Proportional flow valves used in the system enjoy long life due to the absence of stressful on/off cycling.

US Patent:

49189310, Apr 24, 1990

Filed:

Sep 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/402501

Inventors:

Albert R. Lowes - Roseville CA

Assignee:

Mydax Corporation - Auburn CA

International Classification:

F25B 4304

US Classification:

62 83

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for preventing compressor slugging in a vapor-compression system having an outlet and an inlet connected by a closed loop injects an immiscible charging gas such as nitrogen into the system in an amount sufficient to raise the system pressure by a predetermined amount. The charging gas is separated from the refrigerant and collected in a charging gas separation area of a receiver in the loop. The charging gas remains in the charging gas separation area of the receiver until the power to the compressor system is shut off. A valve in a branch line leading from the charging gas separation area of the receiver automatically opens when the power is lost which releases the charging gas to pressurize the compressor. Pressurization prevents refrigerant in the system from migrating into the compressor to cause slugging when the compressor is reactivated. The anti-slugging method and apparatus can be utilized in any liquid compression system and is particularly adapted for use in air-cooling compression systems such as air conditioners and refrigerators.

US Patent:

49599720, Oct 2, 1990

Filed:

Sep 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/402668

Inventors:

Albert R. Lowes - Roseville CA

Assignee:

Mydax, Inc. - Auburn CA

International Classification:

F25B 500

US Classification:

62200

Abstract:

A refrigerant-compression temperature regulation system providing for suction gas cooling includes: (a) a compressor for compressing the refrigerant in vapor and gaseous phase; (b) a condenser downstream from the compressor for condensing the compressed refrigerant to liquid phase; (c) a first valve downstream from the condenser for creating a predetermined pressure drop; (d) a first evaporator downstream from the first valve for transferring heat between a load and the refrigerant; (e) a suction gas return line leading from the first evaporator to the compressor for returning heated refrigerant to a suction inlet of the compressor; and, (f) a first indirect heat exchanger having a suction gas cooling path from the first valve to upstream of the first evaporator, the first indirect heat exchanger for passively transferring heat from the gas and vapor phase refrigerant in the suction gas return line to the vapor phase refrigerant entering the first evaporator.