Application of motors to household refrigeration compressors

HOUSEHOLD refrigeration has come a long way since the days when the ice came from a commercial ice-making plant, lake or river and was placed in an ice box. The first mechanical compressor consisted of a pump, belt driven by an electric motor. There were shaft seals in the pump to prevent the refrigerant and oil from escaping. The belt and shaft seals were troublesome. The manufacturers did the best they could to make as good a box, and the mechanism as quiet, efficient, and free of vibration as was possible at that time. However, with all its shortcomings, the housewife welcomed this type of refrigeration in preference to the old ice box.