Patent ID: 6560986
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: F25B

Abstract:
A valve for use in a refrigeration system, said valve comprising an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis extending generally vertically, said housing having an inlet extending generally perpendicular to said axis for receiving heated liquid refrigerant having traces of entrained vapor bubbles and an outlet for discharging liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant through an outlet directed generally in the same direction as said axis, said valve housing including an upright outer shell having outside and inside surfaces, an elongated upright inner hollow tubular member positioned inside said outer shell with its longitudinal axis coincident with said axis of said housing, said tubular member having an outer and inner surface and proximal and distal ends, said inside surface of said outer shell and said outer surface of said tubular member forming a vapor bubbles condensation chamber, said tubular member having a plurality of vertically spaced passageways extending generally perpendicular to said axis and through said inner and outer surfaces of said tubular member, and a slide tube outwardly of said tubular member for selectively closing and opening one or more of said passageways to minimize vapor bubbles passage therethrough while permitting pressurized liquid and gas refrigerant to pass therethrough in response to system load and discharge through said outlet.