With Means For Charging Closed Refrigeration Producing System Patents (Class 62/292)
  • Patent number: 11118820
    Abstract: Servicing devices and methods of use for servicing refrigerant systems are described herein. The servicing device may include a body and a plunger. The body may include a first fluid port, a second fluid port, and a passage. The first fluid port operatively couples to a fluid port of a fluid source. The second fluid port operatively couples to a refrigeration system. The passage is in fluid communication with the fluid ports of the body and in fluid communication with a measuring device. A plunger is at least partially disposed in the passage of the body. A first portion of the plunger is engagable with an integrated valve of the fluid source. Adjustment of the plunger to a released position allows communication between the second fluid port and the measuring device while inhibiting communication between the first fluid port and the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ENERGIZER AUTO, INC.
    Inventor: Vincent Carrubba
  • Patent number: 11060773
    Abstract: A refrigerating device includes a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows. A refrigerant collection container through which the refrigerant flows in a refrigeration cycle operation is detachably provided in the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Patent number: 11008494
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for providing heating and/or cooling of the type comprising evaporating refrigerant liquid and condensing refrigerant vapor in a plurality of repeating cycles, where the method comprises (a) providing the refrigerant comprising at least about 5% by weight of a lower alkyl iodofluorocarbon; and (b) exposing at least a portion of said refrigerant in at least a portion of said plurality of said cycles to a sequestration material comprising: i) copper or a copper alloy; ii) a molecular sieve (preferably a zeolite), comprising copper, silver, lead or a combination thereof; iii) an anion exchange resin, and iv) a combination of two or more of these, wherein said exposing temperature is preferably above about 20 C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ankit Sethi, Samuel F. Yana Motta, Elizabet del Carmen Vera Becerra, Yang Zou, Henna Tangri, Gregory L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10960416
    Abstract: A fluid injection device (10) for injecting a dispensible fluid material (28), e.g., a liquid sealant, into refrigerant lines of an operating air conditioning or refrigeration system or the like, includes a tube (12) having at its outlet end a fluid outlet valve (18) is closed by a valved plug (24) to provide therebetween an airlock chamber (42) containing a dried inert gas which prevents reaction, e.g., polymerization, of any liquid sealant which has leaked past the fluid outlet valve (18) prior to use of the device. The device (10) is used by removing the valve plug (24) just prior to use and connecting the outlet valve (18) to a low pressure zone of the system and then connecting an inlet closure member (14) to a high pressure zone of the system while the system is in operation. A method of making the device includes displacing air from the device with the inert gas and then introducing the material 18 into the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: ZYNON TECHNOOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Floyd Kent Matlack, Brian E. King, Adam Eckenroth
  • Patent number: 10928111
    Abstract: A device comprises: a container; a first fitting coupled to the container; and a second fitting coupled to the container, wherein the first fitting is configured for coupling to a first service port of a system and the second fitting is configured for coupling to a second service port of the system such that a fluid can travel from the first service port to the second service port through the container while the system is running, wherein the system comprises at least one of an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Alltemp Products Company Limited
    Inventors: Paul Clarence Appler, Jesse Richard Homenuik, Norma Hill
  • Patent number: 10359219
    Abstract: Servicing devices and methods of use for servicing refrigerant systems are described herein. The servicing device may include a body and a plunger. The body may include a first fluid port, a second fluid port, and a passage. The first fluid port operatively couples to a fluid port of a fluid source. The second fluid port operatively couples to a refrigeration system. The passage is in fluid communication with the fluid ports of the body and in fluid communication with a measuring device. A plunger is at least partially disposed in the passage of the body. A first portion of the plunger is engagable with an integrated valve of the fluid source. Adjustment of the plunger to a released position allows communication between the second fluid port and the measuring device while inhibiting communication between the first fluid port and the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Armor All/STP Products Company
    Inventor: Vincent Carruba
  • Patent number: 10288333
    Abstract: Servicing devices and methods of use for servicing refrigerant systems are described herein. A servicing device may include a body and actuator. The body includes a first fluid port that is coupleable to a fluid port of a fluid source; a second fluid port, that is operatively couples to a refrigeration system; a passage in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports and in fluid communication; and a plunger at least partially disposed in the passage of the body, and the plunger is adjustable between a released position and an engaged position, during use. The actuator is coupled to the body, and, during use, downward movement the actuator raises or lowers a plunger such that substantially continuous fluid communication between the first fluid port and the second fluid port is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: THE ARMOR ALL/STP PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Vincent Carrubba, Kenneth Alan Pistone
  • Patent number: 10144041
    Abstract: Use of supercritical CO2 for cleaning long, narrow pipes with a cross sectional area of less than 1000 square mm and a length of more than 500 meter. Cleaning is performed by adding a fluid to the lumen of the pipe (140); providing the fluid (2) in a supercritical state (6) inside the lumen; and subsequently, as a flushing step, while the fluid is in the supercritical state or in a liquid state, displacing the fluid (2) in the lumen of the pipe (140) and out of lumen of the pipe at a speed that causes a turbulent flow of the fluid, thereby flushing particles out of the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ocean Team Group A/S
    Inventors: Jens Peder Høg Thomsen, Søren Leth, Martin Mose Stenstrup
  • Patent number: 10006646
    Abstract: An outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit may include a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser for condensing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a control device for containing electronic parts to control the outdoor unit; and a cooling unit in contact with a heat generating part of the electronic parts to cool the heat generating part, wherein the cooling unit comprises a first heat radiation member installed to be in contact with the heat generating part; a refrigerant pipe extending through the first heat radiation member and enabling a refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant pipe; and a second heat radiation member coupled with the first heat radiation member for heat transfer and installed to be in contact with air flowing into the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Hoon Kim, Kyo Seung Kim, Tae Il Kim, Ji-Ho Baek, Youn Sang Jang, Sun-Muk Choi, Seung Kwan Choi, Sung Goo Kim
  • Patent number: 9993778
    Abstract: A diffuser is disclosed and includes a channel with an inner portion having an inlet and an outlet through which a gaseous substance enters and exits the diffuser, respectively. The inner portion includes a first conical section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to a central axis, in a first direction. The inner portion also includes a second conical section that has a decreasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in the first direction. The second conical section is communicatively coupled with the first conical section. The outer portion includes a first annular section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in a second direction opposite the first direction. The diffuser further includes a plurality of orifices that communicatively couple the second conical section with the first annular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Martin E. Lozano, Victor J. Barackman
  • Patent number: 9933318
    Abstract: A thermochromic clip provides a visual indication of the temperature of the air flowing through an air vent as refrigerant is introduced into an air conditioning system. The thermochromic clip including an elongate body having an outer facing surface; a fastening member on the elongate body. The fastening member being sized and configured for selective attachment to the air vent. At least the outer facing surface coated with a thermochromic material. The thermochromic material of the outer facing surface being structured and disposed for changing from a first color state to a second color state in response to a change in temperature that places the thermochromic material at a temperature equal to or below a predetermined temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Michael E. Quest
  • Patent number: 9890979
    Abstract: An air conditioning service system includes an inlet port configured to connect to an air conditioning system to receive refrigerant, a discharge circuit, a pressure transducer, and a controller. The discharge circuit includes a plurality of discharge lines arranged in parallel with one another, each of the plurality of discharge lines fluidly connecting the inlet port to the atmosphere through an associated orifice to vent the refrigerant to atmosphere, and a plurality of discharge valves, each of which is configured to open and close an associated one of the plurality of discharge lines. The controller is configured to obtain the pressure at the inlet port and determine a theoretical mass flow rate through each of the plurality of discharge lines based upon the pressure and the cross-sectional area of the associated orifice, and to operate selected ones of the discharge valves based upon the determined theoretical mass flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mark W. McMasters, Dylan M. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9857111
    Abstract: A refrigerant service system according to the disclosure includes an inlet port configured to connect to an air conditioning system, a recovery valve fluidly connected to the inlet port, an accumulator fluidly connected to the recovery solenoid valve and including a pressure transducer configured to generate an electronic signal corresponding to a pressure in the accumulator, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a target pressure for the accumulator based upon a condition of the refrigerant, obtain a current pressure in the accumulator from the pressure transducer, and to operate the recovery valve based upon the accumulator target pressure to control flow of refrigerant from the air conditioning system to the accumulator based upon the obtained current pressure and the determined target pressure for the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mark W. McMasters, Dylan M. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9709307
    Abstract: Servicing devices and methods of use for servicing refrigerant systems are described herein. A servicing device may include a body and actuator. The body includes a first fluid port that is coupleable to a fluid port of a fluid source; a second fluid port, that is operatively couples to a refrigeration system; a passage in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports and in fluid communication; and a plunger at least partially disposed in the passage of the body, and the plunger is adjustable between a released position and an engaged position, during use. The actuator is coupled to the body, and, during use, downward movement the actuator raises or lowers a plunger such that substantially continuous fluid communication between the first fluid port and the second fluid port is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: THE ARMOR ALL/STP PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Vincent Carrubba, Kenneth Alan Pistone
  • Patent number: 9702606
    Abstract: A pressure operation control module is provided for a coolant recovery device and includes a gas path flow division module, two pressure-variable cylinders, a motor, and at least one the control circuit. The gas path flow division module has high-pressure and low-pressure coolant terminals respectively coupled to high-pressure and low-pressure electromagnetic valves and high-pressure and low-pressure sensors for providing connection control and pressure detection of the high-pressure and low-pressure terminals for coolant recovery. The variable-pressure cylinders each have an output terminal connected to an input terminal of the gas path flow division module. The pressure-variable cylinder includes at least one piston/connection rod assembly including a connection portion and a joint portion. The piston/connection rod assembly maintains a linear movement in the pressure-variable cylinder for all angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Boundless Lin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiang-Kao Chen
  • Patent number: 9447998
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit with improved charging accuracy is provided. In some embodiments, the contamination of charging refrigerant can be prevented while also providing greater refrigerant flow control. In addition, methods associated therewith for servicing refrigerant containing refrigeration systems are provided. In some aspects, the methods include steps that can be used to achieve more accurate assessments of the refrigerant that is charged into the refrigeration systems during servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Mark McMasters, Dylan Lundberg, William Brown
  • Patent number: 9194620
    Abstract: A method of purging air from a tank includes opening, with a controller, a purging orifice on the tank to release a gas mixture contained within the tank, operating a timer to track multiple time intervals during which the purging orifice is open, each time interval having a beginning time and an ending time, determining an initial value of a system variable at each beginning time and a subsequent value of the system variable at each ending time, deriving a characteristic value of the gas mixture based on a change in the system variable from the initial value to the subsequent value measured over each time interval, and closing, with the controller, the purging orifice if a rate of change of the characteristic value over sequential time intervals is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold rate of change value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SERVICE SOLUTIONS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Mark McMasters, Dylan Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20150128621
    Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing coolant of an x-ray tube assembly having a closed cooling system include a service port that is operatively connected to a portion of the x-ray tube assembly and a vacuum assisted service kit that is operatively coupled to the service port. Used coolant is drained from the x-ray tube assembly, and thereafter a vacuum is drawn on the x-ray tube assembly via the service kit. Replacement coolant within a vacuum tank of the service kit is degassed under a vacuum. The degassed replacement coolant is provided into the cooling system from the vacuum tank, preferably by pushing under pressure with an inert gas to prevent the introduction of any air into the replacement coolant. The replacement coolant may be pressurized in the cooling system with the inert gas. Thereafter, the service kit may be disconnected from the service port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Clark Bowlsbey, Edward Q. Castle, JR.
  • Patent number: 8955342
    Abstract: A method of operating a filling system, which is configured for transferring a refrigerant to a refrigeration system and comprises a receiver for collecting a refrigerant-air-mixture, comprises the steps of determining the saturation pressure of the refrigerant at the actual environmental conditions; determining the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver; and stopping the operation of the filling system and/or issuing an alarm if the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver exceeds the saturation pressure of the refrigerant by more than a predetermined margin or if the change of the air pressure within the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver over time exceeds a predetermined margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle Clevite Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Cording
  • Patent number: 8955341
    Abstract: In a method for servicing an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, surrounding areas in which there is a risk of leakage of inflammable coolant is ventilated such that air in the surrounding areas is suctioned out and discharged from the surrounding areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle Clevite Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Cording, Bjarne Lund
  • Publication number: 20150040588
    Abstract: Servicing devices and methods of use for servicing refrigerant systems are described herein. A servicing device may include a body and actuator. The body includes a first fluid port that is coupleable to a fluid port of a fluid source; a second fluid port, that is operatively couples to a refrigeration system; a passage in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports and in fluid communication; and a plunger at least partially disposed in the passage of the body, and the plunger is adjustable between a released position and an engaged position, during use. The actuator is coupled to the body, and, during use, downward movement the actuator raises or lowers a plunger such that substantially continuous fluid communication between the first fluid port and the second fluid port is established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent CARRUBBA, Kenneth Alan PISTONE
  • Patent number: 8950198
    Abstract: A method of filling refrigerant into a refrigeration system by means of a filling system comprising a tank includes the step of pressurizing the tank by means of a conditioning process to a predetermined differential pressure above the saturation pressure of the actual ambient temperature before the refrigerant is filled into the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Louis Cording
  • Patent number: 8899056
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor, first and second heat exchangers connected with high pressure piping, low pressure piping connecting the second heat exchanger to a compressor suction port, a pressure reducing mechanism arranged to reduce pressure in the high pressure piping, a bypass passageway, a vessel connected to the bypass passageway, and first and second opening/closing mechanisms. The first heat exchanger is connected to a compressor discharge port. The bypass passageway is arranged to divert refrigerant from the high pressure piping to the low pressure piping without passing through the second heat exchanger. The first opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a first portion of the bypass passageway that connects the high pressure piping to the vessel. The second opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a second portion of the bypass passageway that connects an upper part of the vessel to the low pressure piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Masahiro Oka, Kazuhiko Tani, Atsushi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20140338385
    Abstract: A device for charging a primary fluid system, such as an air-conditioning or cooling system, closed and at a first pressure (P1), with a secondary fluid, comprises a dispensing cylinder of the secondary fluid, said cylinder containing the secondary fluid and a propellant fluid having a second pressure (P2) greater than said first pressure. Said cylinder further comprising a filler valve operable to allow/block the exit at least of the secondary fluid from the cylinder. A connection hood is partially superposed over the dispensing cylinder, fitted with connections means suitable for fluidically connecting said filler valve directly to said primary fluid system or to a connection pipe to said system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: ERRECOM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Ronga
  • Patent number: 8887516
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with a vapor-phase refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, an input line, a sensor and a pressure regulator. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system. One or more valves are disposed between the refrigerant source and refrigeration system to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant being introduced into the refrigeration system, and the sensor measures the pressure of the refrigerant entering the refrigeration system. A pressure regulator can also be used to regulate the flow of refrigerant. Once the pressure of the refrigerant reaches a predetermined pressure, the refrigeration system is fully charged, and the transfer of refrigerant to the refrigeration system is stopped. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle, and the refrigeration is carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Craig F. Govekar, Dean P. Pfefferle, Larry G. Moller, Anwar Suharno, Ken R. Meldahl
  • Patent number: 8875524
    Abstract: Air conditioning charging hose assembly and method allows for quick, safe and reliable air conditioning system testing and charging. The assembly includes a shut-off valve positioned proximate the supply fitting to allow a technician to quickly shut-off the refrigerant gas supply. The method also allows the technician to test the vehicle air conditioning system pressure when charging as the hose assembly is connected to the air conditioning system and when disconnected from the air conditioning system, allows the technician to determine the refrigerant gas canister pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: FJC, Inc
    Inventor: E. Lynn Parnell
  • Publication number: 20140318169
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a system for fast and accurate filling of a two-phase cooling device, comprising a binding device (30) intended to be hermetically mounted onto the cooling device, the binding device (30) comprising a through-hole (32) able to be in fluid contact with the cooling device, said through-hole (32) being extending between a lower surface adapted to the cooling device's surface, and an essentially plane upper surface, the binding device (30) further comprising a gripping head essentially level with said upper surface, allowing for a filling tool (400) to be put in hermetic contact with said upper surface. In a preferred embodiment, the through-hole (32) can be hermetically sealed by forced insertion of a pin-shaped plug (33). The invention also relates to the filling tool (400) to be used in combination with the binding device (30), allowing gas removal from the cooling device, filling of a working fluid, and hermetic sealing of the cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Wessel Willems Wits, Harm Jan Ten Hoeve, Gert Jan Te Riele, Johannes Van Es
  • Patent number: 8863538
    Abstract: A method of treating a contaminated refrigeration fluid including the steps of transferring, separating, returning, moving and removing. The transferring step includes the transferring of a portion of the contaminated refrigeration fluid from a refrigeration system to a first tank. The separating step includes the separating of refrigerant from the portion of the contaminated refrigeration fluid resulting in the refrigerant and a refrigerant depleted portion. The returning step includes the returning of the refrigerant to the refrigeration system. The moving step includes the moving of the refrigerant depleted portion to a second tank. The removing step includes the removing of oil from the refrigerant depleted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Wagner-Meinert LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Hildebrand, Wayne Douglas Zollinger
  • Publication number: 20140260352
    Abstract: A method and charging apparatus for adding refrigerant to refrigerant system are provided. The disclosure includes thermally conditioning the interior of the service hoses of a refrigerant recovery unit used to charge refrigerant. The conditioning may be based on one or more temperature reading(s) and/or based on a function and may be achieved by a heater along the length of the hose, recirculating refrigerant, and/or through a parallel line of heated liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Gary MURRAY
  • Publication number: 20140260354
    Abstract: A service hose includes a service coupler and a check valve assembly. The service coupler is configured to fluidly connect the service hose to a refrigeration system. The check valve assembly is disposed proximal to the service coupler and includes a recovery and a recharge flow path. The recovery flow path is defined by a flow of a refrigerant from the refrigeration system and flows along a first bore disposed in a body having a recovery poppet. The recharge flow path is defined by a flow of the refrigerant to the refrigeration system and flows along a second bore disposed in the body, a recharge poppet, and a biasing member. The check valve assembly is configured to provide a substantially free flow of refrigerant along the recovery flow path and also configured to provide a predetermined cracking pressure in response to the refrigerant being urged to flow along the recharge flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SERVICE SOLUTIONS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Dylan Lundberg, Mark McMasters, William Brown
  • Publication number: 20140260350
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant circuit, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit is in fluid connection with refrigeration system. The refrigerant circuit is configured to recover refrigerant from the refrigeration system and recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery unit and the processor is configured to control a fan. The fan is configured to provide a flow of air to the refrigeration system. The memory is to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mark McMasters
  • Publication number: 20140165625
    Abstract: A method for maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system, such method including introducing into the system fluid of the air conditioning or refrigeration system a hydrolytic drying agent, and distributing the hydrolytic drying agent throughout the system fluid; methods of maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system including introducing a hydrolytic drying agent and a sealing agent; devices for maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system which include a sealed vessel containing a hydrolytic drying agent and a sealant; kits for the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: PAUL APPLER, GEORGE E. CRANTON, JACK BRASS
  • Patent number: 8740582
    Abstract: For refrigeration units, maintenance machines are required that can receive and compress the refrigerant from the refrigeration unit. Furthermore, a vacuum pump is required, which is connected to the emptied lines and pumps out humidity and air. The maintenance machine according to the invention includes a motor that drives a compressor via a freewheel in one rotational direction. The same motor drives a vacuum pump via a second freewheel in the other rotational direction. The maintenance machine, which can perform two different functions, includes only one single motor. The machine is lightweight, so that it can be carried by the maintenance personnel. Furthermore, it is small and can be produced in a cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd H. Rabe
  • Publication number: 20140144170
    Abstract: A charging device (1) of a cooling system comprising a coolant fluid; said charging device (1) comprises a supply system (2) suitable to place a reservoir (10) of coolant fluid in fluidic connection with the cooling system; said charging device (1) comprises measurement means (3) of the coolant fluid, comprising a pressure sensor (3a) suitable to measure the pressure of the coolant fluid in the cooling system and a thermometer (3b) suitable to measure the temperature of the coolant fluid in the cooling system; a connection body (4) suitable to functionally and simultaneously connect the supply system (2) and the measurement means (3) to the cooling system; and a control unit (5) suitable to measure at least the quantity of coolant fluid present in the cooling system as a function of said temperature and said pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Luciano Faccin
  • Patent number: 8720486
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve main body provided with a first inlet and outlet, a valve chamber to which a valve port is open, and a second inlet and outlet connected to the valve port. A valve shaft having a valve body portion for opening and closing the valve port is provided in the valve chamber. A relief valve is provided within the valve body portion to relieve a pressure of the valve chamber to the second inlet and outlet when a fluid pressure of the refrigerant within the valve chamber becomes a predetermined pressure or more in a fully closed state in which the valve port is closed by the valve body portion, thereby to automatically relieve a fluid within a valve chamber without causing a cost increase and an enlargement of size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikoki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Uchida
  • Patent number: 8695642
    Abstract: A service valve assembly that is designed to minimize leakage by reducing the number of leakage paths from the valve assembly. In addition, the service valve assembly is designed to permit connection to many different refrigeration systems and has higher flow capacity. The valve assembly is engageable by current servicing tools so that purchase of new service tools is not required. In the valve assembly, the service connection is designed as part of the shut-off valve and communicates with the condenser side port. Therefore, initial processing through the condenser side port and subsequent processing through the evaporation side port occur through the combined service connection and shut-off valve structure. Once installed, the described valve assembly has one leak path versus two leak paths in known valve assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: FasTest, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Danielson, Stanlee Meisinger
  • Patent number: 8695364
    Abstract: A system and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant transport containers. At least one intact refrigerant transport container is received into a sealed chamber. The refrigerant transport container is punctured to release residual refrigerant, which is removed and compressed. The container is shredded and/or compacted. A refrigerant transport container deposit program is provided, comprising: encoding a deposit container prior to use; receiving the encoded spent container and releasing the imposed deposit; automatically removing residual refrigerant from the spent container; and recycling materials from the refrigerant transport container. A database storing a record relating to the encoded refrigerant transport containers may be employed for tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hudson Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Zugibe
  • Publication number: 20140069133
    Abstract: A service port cap has a body configured to be snapped onto a service port such as an automotive air conditioning service port. The cap has an axial slot allowing the body to spread as it is pressed onto the service port. A rubberized plug in the top of the cap bears and seals against the end of the service port. Should a fluid leak develop through the service port, the rubberized plug maintains a seal until the pressure is sufficient to overcome the seal created by the plug. At this point, the leaking fluid is directed out through the axial slot in the cap. Thus, the cap does not blow off and the flow of leaking fluid is controlled so that it does not spew. One embodiment includes a locking ring that slides to a locking position to lock the cap onto a service or other port to form a fixed seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: AirSept, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Becker
  • Publication number: 20140060091
    Abstract: A method of servicing an aircraft cooling system comprises connecting a refilling container containing a two-phase refrigerant to a refrigerant connection provided in a cooling circuit of the cooling system, supplying refrigerant from the refilling container into the cooling circuit of the cooling system, and operating a condenser disposed in the cooling circuit so as to liquefy gaseous refrigerant flowing through the cooling circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Markus Piesker
  • Publication number: 20140060090
    Abstract: A method of servicing an aircraft cooling system comprises connecting a refilling container containing a two-phase refrigerant to a refrigerant connection provided in a cooling circuit of the cooling system, supplying refrigerant from the refilling container into the cooling circuit of the cooling system, and operating a condenser disposed in the cooling circuit so as to liquefy gaseous refrigerant flowing through the cooling circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Piesker
  • Patent number: 8661839
    Abstract: A portable recovery unit for automatically filling a background tank of blended refrigerant includes a main tank for holding recovered refrigerant from a vehicle A/C system which has a first chemical composition, and an auxiliary tank for holding an auxiliary supply of fresh refrigerant which has a second refrigerant composition. The auxiliary tank is arranged in fluid communication with the main tank so that fluid can be transferred from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. An electronic controller controls the flow of fluid from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. A refrigerant identifier is coupled to the main tank to sample and analyze the refrigerant in the main tank in order to determine the chemical composition of the refrigerant in the main tank, so the refrigerant in the main tank can be purified to an acceptable level based on that analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Mark McMasters
  • Patent number: 8652348
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to refrigerants generally, and more specifically to nonflammable, non-ozone depleting mixtures of refrigerants that may be substituted for (HCFC R-22, R-407C, R-417A, R-502, R-402A, R-402B, R-404A, R-408A &R-507A) and usable in mineral oil systems. Among the most preferred embodiments of the present invention(s) are mixtures that are substitutes for these refrigerants, comprising about 35 to 65 weight percent R-125, and about 20 to 55 weight percent R-134a, and about 5 to 25 weight percent of R-143a and about 1 to 5 weight percent hydro component of (R-600 OR R-601) or combination, and about 2-10 weight percent of R-227ea the weight percentages of the components being weight percentages of the overall mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmad M. Shihab
  • Publication number: 20140033742
    Abstract: A servicing device and method for operating a servicing device for vehicle air-conditioning systems in particular for the self-cleaning thereof, the servicing device is equipped with an emptying device and a filling device for the drawing off of the refrigerant/compressor oil mixture from the refrigerant circuit system of a vehicle air-conditioning system and for the refilling of the vehicle air-conditioning system with refrigerant and compressor oil. A vacuum pump is used for the residual emptying of the refrigerant circuit system of the vehicle air-conditioning system and/or of the servicing device. An at least partially evacuated flushing agent tank is connected directly or indirectly via a connecting line with at least one of the high pressure servicing connection connectors of the servicing device and/or the subsequent pressure hoses and/or the switchover valve block and that a fluidic further connection takes place to the refrigerant reservoir which is under increased refrigerant pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Esch
  • Patent number: 8631662
    Abstract: A pressure and prevacuum testing system for an AC system in a vehicle includes an air pressure source for pressurizing a cooling circuit of the AC system to a predetermined high pressure threshold and a vacuum source for prevacuuming the cooling circuit either to a predetermined prevacuum low pressure level or for a predetermined time period. The system also includes a pressure gauge for operatively measuring a pressure level in the cooling circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the air pressure source, the vacuum source and the pressure gauge. The controller compares the pressure level as measured by the pressure gauge to the predetermined high pressure threshold during a pressurized test of the cooling circuit and to the predetermined prevacuum low pressure level during a prevacuum test of the cooling circuit to determine if leaks are present in the cooling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry Castle, Tiffany Kasettratut, Richard McDonald, Charles Hudgins, Kevin Lilly
  • Patent number: 8627673
    Abstract: An atmospheric water harvester includes a cooling member over which humid air flows to condense moisture from the atmosphere. The cooling member may be the evaporator of a conventional, gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit. If a gas vapor-based refrigeration circuit is used, the compressor of the circuit may be variable speed. A fan or impeller used to move air through the system may also be variable speed. A preferred embodiment includes a variable flow geometry thermal economizer section configured such that, to varying degrees, the incoming air may be pre-cooled, before it passes over the cooling member, by heat exchange with colder air that has already flowed over the cooling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Water Generating Systems LLC
    Inventors: James W. Hill, Christopher G. Preston, Michael D. Max
  • Patent number: 8621879
    Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: William Brown, Mark McMasters
  • Patent number: 8616011
    Abstract: An apparatus and method providing a refrigeration servicing system that comprises a clean refrigerant source, a recovery circuit and a flushing circuit. The recovery circuit can be configured to recover refrigerant from a cooling system. After recovery cycle is completed, the flushing circuit that is coupled to the recovery circuit can flush clean refrigerant through the recovery circuit. A housing can be provided and configured to house the refrigerant source, the recovery circuit and the flushing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: William Brown, Gary Murray
  • Patent number: 8616083
    Abstract: A high-durability cam wheel assembly mounted in a shell of a refrigerant recovery machine is disclosed to include a frame member (1) having rails (12) mounted therein, a sliding block (2) mounted inside the frame member (1) and having a plurality of sliding grooves (21) extending around the periphery thereof and kept in contact with the rails (12) of the frame member (1), and a cam wheel set (3) consisting of a first cam wheel (31) and a second cam wheel (32) arranged at two opposite sides relative to the sliding block (2) and connected to each other in an axle bearing (23) inside the sliding block (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sun-Wonder Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: An-Chao Chang
  • Publication number: 20130340447
    Abstract: A convertible refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge unit, comprising a control valve array, a vacuum pump, an oil separator, an oil-less compressor, and one or more storage tanks. The vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator, and the storage tanks are in flow communication with said oil-less compressor. The control valve array receives refrigerant from a refrigerant containing device wherein the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said the storage tanks. The unit is compatible with a plurality of refrigerant types without cross-contamination of the refrigerant due to the oil-less compressor and conversion cycle whereby the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit. A refrigerant identifier sensor is in flow communication with the system and can detect contaminants and selectively open and close the storage tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: CPS PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Koldewey, Jose Sacerio, Juan Saluzzio
  • Publication number: 20130319025
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that is capable of communicating with a vehicle diagnostic tool. The diagnostic tool can retrieve vehicle information, such as vehicle identifying information or vehicle diagnostic information. The refrigerant recovery unit can diagnose the vehicle and provide fixes to the user using the database stored therein or from a remote location. The refrigerant recovery unit includes various hardware and software to communicate with electronic control units in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Tim Wagaman, Mark McMasters