Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
Apparatus for purging non-condensable gases from a condenser containing vaporized, condensable working fluid, said apparatus comprising: a) an enclosed chamber located above the condenser; b) a movable diaphragm in said chamber for dividing the latter into upper and lower portions; c) two flow control valves serially connected together and located between the said condenser and the lower portion of said chamber; d) a venting valve connected to said lower portion; e) each of said valves being selectively operable and having an open and a closed state; f) means for moving said diaphragm in said chamber for changing the volume of said lower portion; and g) means for synchronizing the states of the valves with changes in the volume of said lower portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
Apparatus for purging non-condensable gases from a condenser containing vaporized, condensable working fluid, said apparatus comprising: a) an enclosed chamber located above the condenser; b) a movable diaphragm in said chamber for dividing the latter into upper and lower portions; c) two flow control valves serially connected together and located between the said condenser and the lower portion of said chamber; d) a venting valve connected to said lower portion; e) each of said valves being selectively operable and having an open and a closed state; f) means for moving said diaphragm in said chamber for changing the volume of said lower portion; and g) means for synchronizing the states of the valves with changes in the volume of said lower portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said chamber and diaphragm are constructed and arranged such that the ratio of maximum to minimum volume of said lower portion is about 5:1.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means to cool the lower portion of said chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for moving said diaphragm includes a source of compressed air, and means for connecting said upper portion to said source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said means for moving said diaphragm includes spring means for upwardly biasing said diaphragm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said means for connecting is constructed and arranged to selectively vent said upper chamber to the atmosphere.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for synchronizing is such that said venting valve is in a closed state, and said two flow control valves are in an open state when the volume of said lower portion is a maximum for effecting entry of fluid in said condenser into said lower portion, and preventing venting thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for synchronizing is such that the flow control valve closer to the condenser is operated to change its state from open to closed when the volume of the power portion of said chamber begins to decrease from its maximum value in response to movement of diaphragm while the flow control valve closer to the chamber remains in its open state whereby fluid in said lower portion is compressed as the volume thereof reaches a minimum, and vaporized working fluid in said lower portion condenses to a liquid that flows into the region between the two flow control valves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said means for synchronizing is such that the flow control valve closer to the condenser is operated to change its state from open to closed to disconnect said lower portion from the condenser, and thereafter the venting valve is operated to vent the lower portion of the chamber thereby removing non-condensable gases therefrom.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said means for synchronizing is such that the flow control valve closer to the condenser is thereafter operated to change its state from closed to open to effect the flow of condensate in the region between the two flow control valves back into the condenser.