US4689964A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Zero gravity (position-insensitive) low-temperature multi-component refrigerator
Assignee: MARIN-TEK Inc A CORP OF CA
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Filing: 1986-04-02
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Granted: 1987-09-01
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Expires: 2006-04-02
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to a refrigeration system using a multi-component refrigerant wherein the heat exchanger/phase separator can be positioned in any orientation and does not operate due to gravitational forces. This is accomplished by providing a constriction at the upstream end of the refrigerant path with a capillary tube entry slightly upstream of the constriction, the amount of liquid refrigerant striking the constriction being sufficient to provide an effective liquid seal at the opening to the capillary tube to prevent gaseous refrigerant from entering thereinto.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael St. Pierre
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:04
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B9/00; F25B9/002; F25B9/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A refrigeration system which comprises: (a) a plurality of cascaded heat exchangers, each heat exchanger including a high pressure line and a suction region, said high pressure lines being connected in cascade by a connection region; (b) a constriction in each said connection region between said heat exchangers; and (c) a capillary tube having an opening disposed at and facing upstream of each said constriction and terminating in a suction region of a said heat exchanger.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A refrigeration system which comprises: (a) a plurality of cascaded heat exchangers, each heat exchanger including a high pressure line and a suction region, said high pressure lines being connected in cascade by a connection region; (b) a constriction in each said connection region between said heat exchangers; and (c) a capillary tube having an opening disposed at and facing upstream of each said constriction and terminating in a suction region of a said heat exchanger.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said constriction is in the form of a Venturi.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said suction regions are connected in cascade.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said suction regions are connected in cacade.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
111 words
A refrigeration method which comprises: (a) providing a plurality of cascaded heat exchangers, each heat exchanger including a high pressure line and a suction region, said high pressure lines being connected in cascade by a connection region, (b) providing a constriction in each said connection region between said heat exchangers; (c) providing a capillary tube having an opening disposed at and facing upstream of each said constriction and terminating in a suction region of a said heat exchanger; and (d) applying a multi-component refrigerant to said constriction having a liquid phase and a gaseous phase in sufficient volume to substantially seal said gaseous refrigerant from said constriction with said liquid regrigerant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
111 words
A refrigeration method which comprises: (a) providing a plurality of cascaded heat exchangers, each heat exchanger including a high pressure line and a suction region, said high pressure lines being connected in cascade by a connection region, (b) providing a constriction in each said connection region between said heat exchangers; (c) providing a capillary tube having an opening disposed at and facing upstream of each said constriction and terminating in a suction region of a said heat exchanger; and (d) applying a multi-component refrigerant to said constriction having a liquid phase and a gaseous phase in sufficient volume to substantially seal said gaseous refrigerant from said constriction with said liquid regrigerant.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said constriction is in the form of a Venturi.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said suction regions are connected in cascade.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 10 wherein said suction regions are connected in cascade.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 10 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
A refrigeration method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said capillary tube terminates in a suction region of a downstream heat exchanger.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-08-31 | 1991-03-02 | 1991-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-31 | 1995-03-02 | 1995-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-31 | 1999-03-02 | 1999-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |