Patent · US Expired

Three-way valve for a refrigeration system

US5074329A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
5References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 13, 1990
Grant dateDec 24, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 13, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/86895
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A three-way valve for a refrigeration system having a body portion which includes an intermediate member and first and second end bells. The body portion includes an inlet adapted for connection to a refrigerant compressor, first and second major outlets respectively adapted for connection to a condenser and an evaporator, and a minor outlet adapted for selective connection to the low side of the compressor. The body portion defines a cavity within which a removable cartridge is disposed which contains all movable parts of the valve, as well as all parts subject to wear. The cartridge is freely removable for maintenance purposes after removal of a predetermined one of the end bells. An equalizing check valve is carried by the cartridge which limits back pressure build up via the first major outlet when the valve is positioned to connect the inlet to the second major outlet.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.