Patent ID: 6105376
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: F24F,F25B,F28D

Abstract:
An apparatus for mounting on a compressor unit of an air conditioner, where the compressor unit has a controlled air fan mounted therein to move air past condenser coils of the air conditioner, said apparatus being a mechanical control apparatus for controlling the spray or misting of water into the immediate vicinity of the condenser coils of the air conditioner so as to promote faster heat exchange therefrom, said apparatus comprising:a hinged, vaned paddle member; anda water valve mechanically connected to and operable by said paddle member;wherein said hinged, vaned paddle member may be mounted in a generally horizontal orientation on a compressor unit of an air conditioner in such a location that blown air flow from an air fan mounted in the compressor unit will impinge on said paddle member, so as to cause said paddle member to pivot upwardly about a hinge at one side thereof;wherein said paddle member has a valve operating member mechanically linked thereto, and said valve is connected to a source of pressurized water, whereby when said valve is open, water will pass through said valve to at least one nozzle mounted on said compressor unit so as to be sprayed or misted into the immediate vicinity of the condenser coils of said compressor unit; and wherein the mechanical linkage between said paddle member and said valve is such that when said paddle member is pivoted upwardly about said hinge when blown air flow impinges on said paddle member, said valve will be opened, and when said paddle member is in its horizontal orientation, said valve will be closed;wherein said hinged paddle member has a first half region and a second half region thereof, where said first half region is that region which is distal with respect to said hinge, and said second half region is proximal said hinge; andwherein said hinged paddle member has a plurality of vane elements which are spaced away from each other;wherein the vane elements which are in said first half region of said paddle member are each sloped upwardly and in a direction towards said hinge, and the vane elements which are in said second half region of said paddle member are each sloped upwardly and in a direction away from said hinge.