With Means For Charging Closed Refrigeration Producing System Patents (Class 62/292)
-
Publication number: 20100326117Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for injecting an injection medium into a volumetric flow of a line system. The injection device comprises a housing with at least one first compartment which is set up to receive an injection medium, and at least one second compartment which is spatially separated from the first compartment, both compartments having an injection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: DEBETEX GMBHInventor: Richard Hipp
-
Patent number: 7854133Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying pressure on electrically driven analog-display pressure gauges.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Travis Bakker, William Brown
-
Patent number: 7854130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: William Brown, Gary Murray
-
Publication number: 20100313583Abstract: A helium management control system for controlling the helium refrigerant supply from a common manifold supplies a plurality of cryogenic refrigerators with an appropriate helium supply. The system employs a plurality of sensors to monitor and regulate the overall refrigerant supply to deliver an appropriate refrigerant supply to each of the cryogenic refrigerators depending on the computed aggregate cooling demand of all of the cryogenic refrigerators. An appropriate supply of helium is distributed to each cryopump by sensing excess and sparse helium refrigerant and redistributing refrigerant accordingly. If the total refrigeration supply exceeds the total refrigerant demand, or consumption, excess refrigerant is directed to cryogenic refrigerators which can utilize the excess helium to complete a current cooling function more quickly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Dresens, Gary S. Ash, Allen J. Bartlett, Bruce Andeen, Y. Roberto Than, Joseph Chopy, JR.
-
Patent number: 7832222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Mark McMasters
-
Publication number: 20100281890Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Craig F. Govekar, Dean P. Pfefferle, Larry G. Moller, Anwar Suharno, Ken R. Meldahl
-
Patent number: 7788942Abstract: A helium management control system for controlling the helium refrigerant supply from a common manifold supplies a plurality of cryogenic refrigerators with an appropriate helium supply. The system employs a plurality of sensors to monitor and regulate the overall refrigerant supply to deliver an appropriate refrigerant supply to each of the cryogenic refrigerators depending on the computed aggregate cooling demand of all of the cryogenic refrigerators. An appropriate supply of helium is distributed to each cryopump by sensing excess and sparse helium refrigerant and redistributing refrigerant accordingly. If the total refrigeration supply exceeds the total refrigerant demand, or consumption, excess refrigerant is directed to cryogenic refrigerators which can utilize the excess helium to complete a current cooling function more quickly.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Dresens, Gary S. Ash, Allen J. Bartlett, Bruce Andeen, Y. Roberto Than, Joseph Chopy, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7762089Abstract: 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 regulator 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Craig F. Govekar, Dean P. Pfefferle, Larry G. Moller, Anwar Suharno, Ken R. Meldahl
-
Publication number: 20100139296Abstract: A refrigerant additive supply device can include an outer rigid container, an inner flexible bag positioned in the outer rigid container and defining a space therebetween where the inner flexible bag contains an additive without a refrigerant, a valve in fluid communication with the inner flexible bag, an actuator operably coupled to the valve, and a propellant sealed within the space, where the inner flexible bag has a device pressure that allows flow of the additive into a refrigerant circuit when the actuator is depressed. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Tire Seal, Inc.Inventors: Mark Eggen, Phil Eggen, Paul Erdek
-
Patent number: 7730735Abstract: The refrigerant service port valve for air conditioners has a valve body defining a main fluid conduit adapted for insertion into a coolant line using compression fittings at opposite ends of the conduit. A pedestal is mounted on the exterior conduit wall. The pedestal has a bore therethrough forming a lower service passage that enters the main fluid conduit, and an internally threaded blind bore parallel to the lower service passage. A slider is mounted on the pedestal, the slider having a male quick connect fitting defining an upper service passage. The upper service passage may be aligned with the lower service passage in an open position to service the system, or the slider may be moved to align the upper service passage with the blind bore to access a setscrew, which is raised partially into the upper service passage to lock the valve in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventors: Richard H. Maruya, George M. Whitmyre
-
Patent number: 7726343Abstract: A multi-block manifold facilitates assembly of the manifold in a fluid handling apparatus during manufacture and disassembly and removal of a secondary manifold block of the manifold during service without disconnecting external tubes and flow control devices from the manifold. The external tubes are isolated and integral to a primary manifold block of the manifold which is permanently mounted in the apparatus and the flow control devices are integral to the secondary manifold block which is quickly, releasably secured to the primary manifold block in the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: RTI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric I Shultz, Jeffrey B Murphy, Thomas L Crandall
-
Patent number: 7716942Abstract: An air conditioner having a service valve assembly which comprises a connection body connected with a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows, and having a penetration passage through which the refrigerant flows; an opening/closing unit disposed in the connection body, and having a blocking hole for opening/closing the passage of the refrigerant flowing through the penetration passage; a plurality of ports disposed at the connection body, respectively, by a particular interval therebetween, connected with the penetration passage, and having an opened end portion, respectively; and a filter unit removably coupled to each end portion of the ports such that the refrigerant flowing through the penetration passage is bypassed to the ports to thus be filtered thereby, whereby it is possible to basically solve the problem in a blocking caused by moisture and foreign materials within a circulation system of the air conditioner, and to simplify the construction of the system by being provided with a filterType: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sung-Oh Choi, Si-Kyong Sung, Ki-Bum Kim, Jin-Ha Choi, Jae-Sik Kang
-
Publication number: 20100107660Abstract: A refrigerant charging device includes: an electric valve provided in a supply pipe; a flow rate control unit for controlling the degree of opening of the electric valve such that the flow rate in the supply pipe lies within a predetermined range, on the basis of a pressure difference between pressure of refrigerant supplied to the supply pipe and the pressure of refrigerant on the suction side of a compressor; an outdoor air temperature sensor for detecting outdoor air temperature; and a low-pressure side pressure sensor for detecting refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor. The pressure difference is a difference between a saturation pressure corresponding to the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor and refrigerant pressure detected by the low-pressure side pressure sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Masahiro Oka, Kazuhiko Tani, Atsushi Okamoto
-
Patent number: 7690209Abstract: A refrigerant charging method in an air conditioner using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant includes a first refrigerant charging step and a second refrigerant charging step. The first refrigerant charging step is a step of charging a refrigerant charging target portion including refrigerant communication pipes with refrigerant in a gas state until the pressure of the refrigerant charging target portion rises to a predetermined pressure after the start of charging. The second refrigerant charging step is a step of charging the refrigerant charging target portion with refrigerant in a liquid state until the amount of refrigerant charging the refrigerant charging target portion becomes a predetermined amount. The second refrigerant charging step occurring after the first refrigerant charging step.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Toshiyuki Kurihara
-
Publication number: 20100031687Abstract: A conduit joint for a refrigerant charging device comprises an upper housing including a connection tube disposed on the outer wall thereof and a first chamber formed therein, a conduit connected between the connection tube and an outlet, a first compression spring mounted in the fist chamber; a lower housing fitted on the upper housing and including a second chamber fixed therein for communicating with the first chamber and balls retained on the outer wall thereof; a leakproof ring disposed in the second chamber and on the valve stem; an action loop mounted in the second chamber and under the leakproof ring, wherein the action loop pushes the balls outward by using the leakproof ring; an outer cover fitted around the lower housing, between the outer cover and the lower housing is defined a second compression spring, wherein the outer cover is pushed to move upward by the balls.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventor: Chia-Jen Lee
-
Publication number: 20090293511Abstract: A modular utility supply unit that includes a utility supply module housing having removable engageability to a surface of an appliance. Also included is at least one refillable reservoir capable of storing a plurality of utilities and receiving at least one utility from the appliance when the utility supply unit is operably engaged to the appliance. Further included is an interface capable of engaging a plurality of feature modules, where the interface includes a recognition device that prompts the utility supply unit to provide the engaged feature module with at least one of the storage utilities within the utility supply from at least one of the refillable reservoirs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: PAUL B. ALLARD, ROBERT RYAN BRADLEY, JAMES W. KENDALL, STEVEN J. KUEHL, ALAN S. LUCAS, ANDREW M. TENBARGE, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, GUOLIAN WU
-
Publication number: 20090272131Abstract: A method for using refrigerant to check for a leak in a refrigerant system is provided that establishing fluid communication between a refrigerant recovery unit and a refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery unit passes a refrigerant through the refrigerant recovery unit, compresses the refrigerant utilizing the refrigerant recovery unit, and transfers the compressed refrigerant from the refrigerant recovery unit directly into the refrigerant system. Additional refrigerant is added into the refrigerant system until a desired system pressure is reached, and then the refrigerant system is checked for leaks.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: SPX Corporation (a Delaware corporation)Inventor: Mark William McMasters
-
Publication number: 20090241560Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit that diverts blended refrigerant withdrawn out of a refrigerant system to an external tank outside the refrigerant recovery unit for reclamation includes a recovery circuit coupled on one end to the refrigerant system and coupled on another end to the external tank, a controller in communication with the recovery circuit for controlling a transfer of the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank, and a valve operatively engaged with the controller and the recovery circuit and operable to transfer the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank for recycling or reclamation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: SPX Corporation (a Delaware corporation)Inventors: Gary Murray, Mark McMasters, William Brown
-
Publication number: 20090229295Abstract: The invention relates to a method for servicing an air conditioner, particularly in a motor vehicle. According to the method, a test gas is applied at a defined pressure to the air conditioner cooling circuit that is depleted of coolant in order to perform a tightness test, and changes in the pressure are recorded and evaluated during a certain interval. The aim of the invention is to further develop such a method in such a way that the same can be carried out in a highly automated manner, rapidly, and without harming the environment. The aim is achieved by using a gas mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen as a test gas and inspecting the cooling circuit by means of a hydrogen probe once a drop in pressure has been recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Andre Schmidt, Guenter Renner
-
Patent number: 7588059Abstract: A fluid dispensing tool assembly includes an upper tool unit having an evacuation port and a fluid inlet port with fluid actuated poppet valves selectively controlling the flow through each port to a center passage within the upper tool unit. The assembly also has a lower tool unit connected to the upper tool unit by a quick-release coupler and includes a center tube member projecting into the passage and also into the inlet portion of a fluid receiving system. The tube member is shifted axially by a fluid actuated piston within the lower tool unit to form a fluid-tight seal with the inlet portion after a second coupler secures the tool assembly to the inlet portion. A fluid-tight seal may be formed between an annular seat on a plastic inlet portion of the receiving system and an annular shoulder on the tube member within the lower tool unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Production Control Units, Inc.Inventors: Randy S. Robinson, Chad E. McKee, Matthew A. Smith
-
Publication number: 20090188271Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can clear oil from an oil inject path in order to prepare the unit to switch over to a different kind of oil. The refrigerant recovery unit includes an oil inject circuit that receives an oil from the oil bottle into the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery circuit is coupled in fluid communication with the oil inject circuit. The refrigerant recovery circuit is operable to receive and transfer a fluid drawn through the oil inject circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant recovery circuit and to the oil inject circuit so that as the fluid is drawn through the oil inject circuit a quantity of the oil in the oil inject circuit is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Mark McMasters, Gary P. Murray, William Brown
-
Publication number: 20090188849Abstract: A coolant recycling system is disclosed, including a chiller and a coolant filtering unit. The chiller includes a coolant tank, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve. The coolant tank includes an evaporator, a coolant outlet and an coolant inlet. The evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the expansion valve are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant loop. The coolant filtering unit includes an unfiltered storage container, a dehydration filter and a filtered storage container. The unfiltered storage container is connected to the coolant outlet and the filtered storage container is connected to the coolant inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: INOTERA MEMORIES, INC.Inventors: Jung-Chih Hsu, Chun-Wei Wu
-
Publication number: 20090158756Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit for accurately filling a refrigerant system with a refrigerant is provided which includes a storage vessel for holding refrigerant, sensors to assist in determining the pressure of the refrigerant in the storage vessel, a controller to control the flow of refrigerant from the storage vessel to the refrigerant system to be serviced, and a heating device to heat the refrigerant, which is activated only if heating is required, as determined by data received by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: William Brown, Mark McMasters
-
Publication number: 20090107164Abstract: A refrigerant accumulation and oil recovery device for recovery/regeneration/recharging units for a refrigerant fluid withdrawn from refrigeration or air conditioning plants or heat pumps, characterised by comprising a refrigerant fluid accumulation/evaporation vessel and an oil recovery vessel, said vessels being closed at their top by at least one plate which supports them both, the plate presenting a plurality of passages defining, with said vessels, a part of the charging/recycling circuit of said recovery/regeneration unit, in which said accumulation/evaporation vessel and said oil recovery vessel present at least one wall in common, such that any refrigerant fluid leakage from one of said vessels at the connection interface between said common wall and said plate is recovered into the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: PARKER HANNIFIN S.P.A.Inventors: Dario Colnaghi, Stefano Avoledo, Osvaldo Mascarello, Jean-Charles Borsatti
-
Patent number: 7500368Abstract: An apparatus for the diagnosis of a cooling system which receives inputs in the form of data about a cooling system, and measurements made from the cooling system, and which then calculates the amount of refrigerant to be removed or added to the cooling system for optimal performance. In addition, methods for ensuring correct setup of a cooling system are disclosed. The methods may apply to FXV (fixed expansion valve) systems and may include making and displaying a prediction of a refrigerant adjustment based upon measurements such as return air wetbulb temperature, condenser air entering temperature, refrigerant superheat vapor line temperature, and refrigerant superheat vapor line pressure. A method for ensuring correct setup of a cooling system is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Inventor: Robert James Mowris
-
Patent number: 7493773Abstract: A system for monitoring the amount of refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant tank to a plurality of refrigerant systems comprising a tank valve for connection to a refrigerant tank at a predetermined location. A rack of refrigerant rack lines is routed from the location to the refrigerant systems for connecting the tank valve and refrigerant to the refrigerant systems. Rack valves are disposed in the refrigerant rack lines for controlling the flow of refrigerant through the rack lines to a selected refrigerant system. A sensor for determining the amount of refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant tank to a refrigerant system and recording the supplied amount of refrigerant. The system controller controls the rack valves and tank valve to selectively connect the supply of refrigerant in the refrigerating tank with a selected refrigerant system so that the amount of refrigerant delivered to the refrigerant system is recorded by the system controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Emerson Retail Services, Inc.Inventors: John Bryan Beatenbough, Edward Rios, Ryan Edward Haley
-
Publication number: 20080289353Abstract: The refrigerant service port valve for air conditioners has a valve body defining a main fluid conduit adapted for insertion into a coolant line using compression fittings at opposite ends of the conduit. A pedestal is mounted on the exterior conduit wall. The pedestal has a bore therethrough forming a lower service passage that enters the main fluid conduit, and an internally threaded blind bore parallel to the lower service passage. A slider is mounted on the pedestal, the slider having a male quick connect fitting defining an upper service passage. The upper service passage may be aligned with the lower service passage in an open position to service the system, or the slider may be moved to align the upper service passage with the blind bore to access a setscrew, which is raised partially into the upper service passage to lock the valve in a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Richard H. Maruya, George M. Whitmyre
-
Patent number: 7428822Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
-
Publication number: 20080229774Abstract: A device for automatic processing of contaminated refrigerant from an air conditioning system, said device comprising a compressor for compressing refrigerant. Said device further comprising an oil separator, said oil separator receiving compressed refrigerant from said compressor; said oil separator further including means for draining oil separated from said compressed refrigerant. Said device further comprising a storage tank, said storage tank receiving and temporarily containing said compressed refrigerant from said oil separator. Said storage tank including a vapor port and a liquid port. Said device further comprising a vacuum pump for creating low pressure within said device during evacuation of refrigerant. Said device further comprising a low pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system. Said device further comprising a high pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: CPS PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: EDWARD JEFFERS, RICHARD KOLDEWEY, JOSE SACERIO
-
Patent number: 7404414Abstract: A fluid dispensing tool includes parallel spaced first and second manifolds supporting therebetween an elongated actuator unit having a tubular body confining a piston connected to move a valve actuator stem projecting into a releasable coupler mounted on the second manifold. The manifolds also support therebetween a plurality of elongated valve units each having a tubular valve body defining a valve chamber and a chamber receiving a piston connected to move an elongated valve member. Each valve body has a port for receiving a corresponding fluid supply line or an evacuation line. The first manifold has separate passages connecting air control lines to the piston chambers for moving the actuator stem and each valve member axially. The second manifold has a fluid passage connecting each valve chamber to the coupler, and a handle supports the tool and a finger actuator connected to the coupler.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Production Control Units, Inc.Inventors: Randy S. Robinson, Glenn C. Danner, Matthew A. Smith
-
Publication number: 20080156002Abstract: An applicator for introducing an air conditioning system treatment into an air conditioning system refrigerant flow path. The applicator comprises a reservoir carrying the treatment, the reservoir having first and second caps closing first and second reservoir openings, each of the first and second caps including a hose fitting. First and second hoses are connected between respective first and second valves in the refrigerant flow path and the respective first and the second fittings. A pressure differential between the first and the second valves (a higher pressure at the first valve than at the second valve) forces the treatment from the reservoir through the second hose into the second valve in the refrigerant flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: John Dale Willis, Ronald E. LeClair
-
Publication number: 20080141688Abstract: A HVAC system and method for a vehicle is disclosed. The air conditioning portion of the HVAC system may be able to store and release refrigerant in charge bottle while operating in an air conditioning mode. The air conditioning portion of the HVAC system may be able to employ the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator to provide supplemental heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Edwin J. Stanke, Gregory A. Major, William R. Hill
-
Patent number: 7383693Abstract: A cooling device includes a branch line with one end thereof communicating with a supplying line, and the other end communicating with a recovery line, wherein a part of the refrigerant supplied to the supplying line by a pump, flows as a branch; a heater installed in the middle of the branch line, for heating the refrigerant up to temperature higher than that for freezing moisture dissolving in the refrigerant; and a moisture adsorption filter installed in the middle of the branch line, through which the refrigerant heated by the heater passes, for adsorbing moisture mixed in the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Nishiyama CorporationInventors: Masahiro Kawai, Yoji Fujino, Someyoshi Arai
-
Publication number: 20080111099Abstract: The invention pertains to heat transfer compositions, particularly to automobile refrigerants comprising a hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, a polyol ester and at least one compound comprising trifluoromethane, methyl iodide, heptafluorobutane or propene.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, Raymond H. Thomas, George J. Samuels, David P. Wilson, Michael Van Der Puy, John L. Welch, Gregory J. Shafer, Mark W. Spatz
-
Patent number: 7370483Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with a single three-way service valve that is utilized for draining and adding refrigerant. In the prior art, a second two-way valve was used in combination with the three-way valve. The present invention simply drains the refrigerant, and does not need to return the refrigerant. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with an environmentally benign refrigerant such as CO2.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Tobias H. Sienel, Yu Chen
-
Patent number: 7370673Abstract: A service valve for a refrigerant system comprising a valve body and a system port. The valve body has at least one fluid passage integrated therein including a longitudinal bore. An orifice is located at one end of the bore. An annular protrusion axially extends from the valve body and is symmetrical about the orifice. A valve seat generally surrounds the orifice. The system port includes a valve stem having a first end, a second end, and a bore integrated within. The stem is axially movable within the annular protrusion between at least a first position in which the orifice is closed when the valve stem first end sealingly abuts the valve seat and a second position in which the orifice is open when the valve stem first end is offset from the valve seat. The valve stem is restricted from moving further away from the valve body by the annular protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Michael Trumbower, Jeffrey M. Grau, Nazih M. Khatib, Michael P. Wells
-
Publication number: 20080098764Abstract: Apparatus for regulating refrigeration systems including a refrigerant fluid and comprising transport means (2) of the refrigerant fluid, suitable to carry and transport the refrigerant fluid, measurement means (3) suitable to measure the quantity of refrigerant fluid contained in the refrigeration system and a connection device (4) suitable to functionally connect the transport means (2) and the measurement means (3) simultaneously to the refrigeration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Luciano Faccin, Ricardo Liuktus
-
Publication number: 20080060368Abstract: A multi-fluid cooling system and method for cooling an electronic device are provided which employ freeze protection when in a shipping state. The cooling system includes a coolant loop having an expansion tank containing first and second fluids, which are immiscible and of different densities, and the second fluid freezes at a lower temperature than the first. The coolant loop further includes a first valve for facilitating coupling of the first fluid into the coolant loop and a second valve for facilitating coupling of the second fluid into the coolant loop, the first and second valves being independently controllable. Control logic electronically controls actuation of the first and second valves to automatically pass the first fluid through the coolant loop when the system is in an operational state and to automatically maintain the second fluid in the coolant loop when the system is in a shipping state.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
-
Publication number: 20080000254Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying pressure on electrically driven analog-display pressure gauges.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Travis Bakker, William Brown
-
Patent number: 7310965Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
-
Patent number: 7310964Abstract: A charging system for charging a refrigeration system of a vehicle includes a refrigerant source, a coupler, a line, and a control valve. The coupler is adapted for connection to a connection point on the refrigeration system. The line fluidly connects the refrigerant source to the coupler, and the control valve is disposed proximate the coupler to control flow of the refrigerant from the line through the coupler and into the refrigeration system. The control valve may be integral with the coupler. A scale is used to measure an amount of refrigerant being discharged from the coupler, and a controller is connected to the scale and the control valve. Actuation of the control valve is controlled by the controller based upon an initial weight and a measured weight of the refrigerant source from the scale.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventor: Craig F. Govekar
-
Patent number: 7293419Abstract: A refrigerant recovery/recycling system includes a source container fluidly connected to a recovery/recycling device via a vaporizer. Liquid refrigerant is introduced into the vaporizer via the source container and the vaporizer changes the refrigerant from a liquid into a vapor. In so doing, slow/no flow conditions of both the source container and the recovery/recycling device can be reduced, which increases the rate in which the recovery/recycling device is charged with refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Larry G. Moller, Dean P. Pfefferle
-
Publication number: 20070234747Abstract: A refrigerant measuring and warning device includes a casing, at least one sensing element, and a detection circuit. The casing forms connectors, which are connected together by a conduit, to selectively connect to sources of refrigerant to be detected. The sensing element has an enclosure forming a connector at an end for connection with the conduit and an interior chamber communicating the connector via a pressure-dropping necked passage, a pressure detection chip and a thermocouple arranged at a top of the chamber for detecting pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to be detected. The detection circuit is housed in the casing and stores multiple sets of reference temperature and pressure for different type of refrigerants for comparison with the detected pressure and temperature, both data being displayed on a display device for visual observation and comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: Chiang Kao Chen
-
Patent number: 7275383Abstract: A portable device for measuring the refrigerant pressure in an automobile air conditioning system and, if needed, charging the system with additional refrigerant, is provided. An actuator is coupled to a pressurized container that selectively opens the container valve. A hose is provided, the first end of which is connected to the actuator, and the second end is coupleable to a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A T-connector with a check valve is disposed in the hose, and a pressure gauge is connected to the T-connector. When the second end of the hose is coupled to a service port and the actuator is not activated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure of the air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to a service port and the actuator is activated, refrigerant is released from the pressurized container and into the air conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.Inventors: Ken Motush, Thomas Gottlieb, Vincent Carrubba
-
Patent number: 7254954Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, one or more cartridges, an input line, an output line, and a scale preferably having an accuracy within about ±0.2 ounce. The cartridge is filled with refrigerant by transferring the refrigerant from the refrigerant source to the cartridge, after which, the filled cartridge is disconnected from the refrigerant source. An initial weight of the filled cartridge is obtained, and the cartridge is connected to the refrigeration system. Refrigerant is then transferred from the filled cartridge to the refrigeration system. A revised weight of the filled cartridge is obtained, and the revised weight is compared to the initial weight to determine if the refrigeration system has been completely charged. The cartridge is disconnected from the refrigeration system after the refrigeration system has been completely charged.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Craig F. Govekar, Anwar Suharno
-
Publication number: 20070163276Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a charge level of a refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle system. The method and apparatus monitor the system while the system is operated to ascertain that the system is operating at approximately steady-state. The superheat and the subcooling of the system are then determined at the suction line and at the liquid line, respectively, and the refrigerant charge level is calculated based on the determined subcooling, the determined superheat, and rated operating conditions of the system, including rated refrigerant charge level, rated liquid line subcooling, and rated suction line superheat.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: James E. Braun, Haorong Li
-
Patent number: 7210300Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, one or more cartridges, an input line, a scale, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the cartridge. A valve is disposed between the refrigerant source and cartridge. The scale measures the weight of the cartridge. The pressure and temperature sensors adjust the remaining refrigerant that ensures full charge on the refrigeration system. A heater can be connected to the refrigerant source to raise the temperature of the refrigerant within the refrigerant source, and a controller can be attached to the components of the refrigeration charging system. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Anwar Suharno, Dean P. Pfefferle, Craig F. Govekar, Kenneth R. Meldahl, Larry G. Moller
-
Patent number: 7194870Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a compressor delivering hot compressed refrigerant, a desuperheater coil receiving refrigerant from the compressor and condensing same, a condenser coil receiving refrigerant from the desuperheater coil and condensing same, an expansion device receiving refrigerant from the condenser coil and expanding same, and an evaporator coil receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and evaporating same and delivering the refrigerant to the compressor, in a refrigeration cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Bou-Matic Technologies LLCInventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Steve S. Dingle
-
Patent number: 7168256Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a coolant gas from a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a coolant gas recovery section, and analysis section, and a coolant gas blending section. The coolant gas recovery section recovers a coolant gas containing contaminants from the heat exchanger. The analysis section monitors a condition of an analysis portion of the recovered coolant gas. The coolant gas blending section operates to produce, based on the condition of the recovered coolant gas monitored by the analysis section, a blend coolant gas comprising a virgin coolant gas and a reclaimed coolant gas that comprises at least a portion of the recovered coolant gas. The blend coolant gas has a predetermined contaminant concentration and is recycled into the heat exchanger. Thus, the coolant gas is recovered from, and recycled to, the heat exchanger at the predetermined contaminant concentration without using a purification device.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, André Micke, Yaping Lu
-
Patent number: RE41263Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Technical Chemical CompanyInventor: Newton Howard Dudley