Kenneth E Vogel

US Patent:

6481231, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Sep 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/950187

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ
Robert G. ONeal - Temecula CA

Assignee:

Ardco, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F25B 4702

US Classification:

62278, 623245

Abstract:

A hot gas defrost system for a refrigeration cycle, including at least a compressor, reversing valve, condenser and evaporator. During defrost, the reversing valve directs the superheated refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator. The hot gas traverses the evaporator coil which, in turn, causes the ice or frost to melt. The hot gas defrost refrigeration system may also include a receiver to store the refrigerant during the refrigeration and defrost cycles.

US Patent:

53800486, Jan 10, 1995

Filed:

Aug 18, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/931852

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ

Assignee:

Russell A Division of Ardco, Inc. - Brea CA

International Classification:

F16L 1308

US Classification:

285 22

Abstract:

Circumferentially spaced bosses concentrically position a male tube end within a female tube end. The bosses have a preferred shape which permits molten brazing material to flow evenly between the tubes, ensuring a void-free joint. The bosses provide a relief clearance at the mouth of the male tube to allow the formation of a continuous annular band of brazing material at this end. Stop tapers on the bosses allow the female tube to be pressed onto the male tube for stability prior to brazing. The bosses also limit the overlap of the two tubes to a maximum distance, ensuring adequate heat conduction to the innermost portion of the male tube. Spacers, integral with the bosses, form an axial gap between the tubes into which the brazing rod more readily melts.

US Patent:

55751580, Nov 19, 1996

Filed:

Oct 5, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/318214

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ

Assignee:

Russell A Division of Ardco, Inc. - Brea CA

International Classification:

F25B 4702

US Classification:

621964

Abstract:

A hot gas defrost system for a refrigeration cycle, including at least one compressor, condenser, receiver, expansion valve and evaporator. During defrost, a pressure-sensitive valve to the condenser inlet is normally closed, and the flow of refrigerant from the compressor bypasses the condenser and flows to the receiver. However, when the pressure in the system reaches a critical point, the pressure-sensitive condenser inlet valve will open to release the excessive pressure. The condenser inlet valve is also temperature-sensitive and will open if the ambient temperature surrounding the condenser is above a specific point. Opening of the condenser valve permits the utilization of the hot gas in the condenser for defrost and to decrease the thermal shock resulting from the superheated vapor contacting the evaporator coil. The compressor, which needs a constant flow of liquid refrigerant for cooling, is continually supplied with liquid refrigerant. During refrigeration, a conduit connecting the receiver outlet and the compressor provides liquid refrigerant.

US Patent:

61256528, Oct 3, 2000

Filed:

Aug 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/384964

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ
Christopher D. Hensch - Yuma AZ

Assignee:

Ardco, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F25B 3904

US Classification:

62509

Abstract:

A refrigeration system is provided with a receiver and a plate attached to the mouth of the outlet tube of the receiver to prevent the formation of a liquid refrigerant vortex. The mouth of the receiver outlet tube has an enlarged cross-sectional area to decrease the velocity of the liquid entering the tube. A deflector for vertical receiver applications interrupts refrigerant downward flow from the receiver inlet to prevent bubble formation in the liquid.

US Patent:

62863223, Sep 11, 2001

Filed:

Jul 31, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/127108

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ
Robert G. O'Neal - Temecula CA

Assignee:

Ardco, Inc. - Brea CA

International Classification:

F25D 2106
F25B 4702

US Classification:

62 81

Abstract:

A hot gas defrost system for a refrigeration cycle, including at least a compressor, reversing valve, condenser and evaporator. During defrost, the reversing valve directs the superheated refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator. The hot gas traverses the evaporator coil which, in turn, causes the ice or frost to melt. The hot gas defrost refrigeration system may also include a receiver to store the refrigerant during the refrigeration and defrost cycles.

US Patent:

55515070, Sep 3, 1996

Filed:

Mar 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/405593

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ

Assignee:

Russell a Division of Ardco, Inc. - Brea CA

International Classification:

F28F 700

US Classification:

165 82

Abstract:

Leaks in tube bundles for a heat exchanger are eliminated or minimized by tube interrelated techniques. A floating tube bundle is constructed with separate support elements also secured to the heat dissipating fins and extending through and supported by the support plates. Thin-walled copper tubing similar to that used for the fluid-carrying tubes is used as support tubes, and steel rods are inserted into these support tubes to provide the necessary strength. To minimize leakage in the area where the tube bundle is joined to a header, connector tubes are provided that have one end joined to the header and the other end extending into one of the tubes of the tube bundle sufficiently far that the end of the connector tube passes through the support plate and at least one fin.

US Patent:

56600500, Aug 26, 1997

Filed:

Jul 10, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/500319

Inventors:

Wilbert J. Wilson - Fullerton CA
Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ

Assignee:

Russell Coil Company - Brea CA

International Classification:

F25B 4902

US Classification:

62125

Abstract:

The refrigeration system is provided with a bundle of refrigeration tubes extending through heat exchange fins, with the bundle forming a condenser section, a receiver section and a subcooler section. A sight glass is positioned in the line between the receiver and the subcooler to facilitate the refrigerant charging process. The system also includes a floating head arrangement which allows the condenser pressure to fluctuate with the ambient temperature. A solenoid valve leading to an expansion valve cycles on/off in response to compressor suction pressure. A check valve insures that a column of liquid is always immediately upstream from the expansion valve.

US Patent:

50463314, Sep 10, 1991

Filed:

Jul 25, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/384839

Inventors:

Robert G. O'Neal - Yuma AZ
Kenneth E. Vogel - Yuma AZ

Assignee:

Russell A Division of Ardco, Inc. - Brea CA

International Classification:

F28D 500

US Classification:

62304

Abstract:

An evaporative condenser having a cylindrical fiberglass housing which provides a circumferential air flow across a plurality of concentrically oriented spiral condensing coils. The planar spiral coils are generated through the compression of a conical winding of tubing formed about a multi-tiered platform, to form an evenly-spaced spiral condensing coil. Each layer of tubing is affixed to a plurality of radial braces, which provide the evaporative coils with sufficient structural integrity to be individually employed. A method and apparatus for producing spiral coils having uniform spacing between adjacent revolutions.