Patents Assigned to Prime Solutions LLC
  • Patent number: 7096685
    Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6981511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Prime Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, Terrence D. Kalley
  • Patent number: 6959717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid from a fluid system. The method or apparatus can include a pressure-reducing source to facilitate fluid removal. The system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, John Raymond Burke
  • Publication number: 20050115610
    Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Applicant: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Steven Knowles
  • Patent number: 6837064
    Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6742535
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of servicing fluid systems by draining, filling, or leak testing the fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system, or other fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, John R. Burke
  • Publication number: 20040084082
    Abstract: A system for servicing a fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Prime Solution LLC, a Michigan corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, John R. Burke
  • Patent number: 6612327
    Abstract: A system for servicing a fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, John R. Burke
  • Patent number: 6588445
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of servicing fluid systems by draining, filling, or leak testing the fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, John R. Burke
  • Patent number: 6584994
    Abstract: A system for servicing a fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, John R. Burke
  • Patent number: 6539970
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Prime Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, Terrence D. Kalley
  • Patent number: 6296228
    Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The position of the valve opening member within the connector is adjustable or self-adjusting. The adjustable valve opening member allows the valve in the service port to be opened fully by the connector over a range of valve positions within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Prime Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, Terrence D. Kalley
  • Patent number: 6250603
    Abstract: A service port connector for connecting to a service port of a pressurized system is described. The connector includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The position of the valve opening member within the connector is adjustable. The adjustable valve opening member allows the valve in the service port to be opened fully by the connector over a range of valve positions within the port. The connector can attach to a service device for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Prime Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, Terrance D. Kalley