Means For Discharging Impurity From System Patents (Class 62/475)
  • Publication number: 20070193721
    Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system includes an active venting system for regulating an amount of non-condensable gas within the cooling system. Various venting structures may be used to remove gases from the cooling system, some of which are designed to remove the non-condensable gases and avoid removing the vapor-phase coolant. A control system activates the venting system to achieve a desired pressure, which may be based on measured process conditions within the cooling system. A venting and refilling system may serve multiple cooling systems in a parallel arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Donald E. Tilton, Angela Maehren, Courtney Bonuccelli
  • Publication number: 20070193285
    Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system includes an active venting system for regulating an amount of non-condensable gas within the cooling system. Various venting structures may be used to remove gases from the cooling system, some of which are designed to remove the non-condensable gases and avoid removing the vapor-phase coolant. A control system activates the venting system to achieve a desired pressure, which may be based on measured process conditions within the cooling system. A venting and refilling system may serve multiple cooling systems in a parallel arrangement. A return path of the cooling system can be tested for coolant leaks by increasing the pressure in the return path and placing a coolant detector near the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Paul A. Knight, John R. Mason
  • Patent number: 7201016
    Abstract: A refrigerant supply apparatus for supplying a refrigerant to a cooling target. The apparatus includes a refrigerant supply channel through which pure water as the refrigerant is supplied to the cooling target, an impurity removing unit disposed in an impurity removing channel which is a channel different from the refrigerant supply channel, a sensor which measures a purity of the pure water, and a valve which stops supply of the pure water to the cooling target when the purity of the pure water does not satisfy a predetermined standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7178347
    Abstract: A method for refrigerant and oil collecting operation capable of assuring the cleanliness of the inside of an existing communication pipe at a low cost and installing, at a low cost, a new air conditioner, comprising a compressor (1), a heat source side heat exchanger (3), a decompressing mechanism (4), and a user side heat exchanger (5), comprising the steps of performing a pipe heating operation in a heating operation mode and performing a refrigerant and oil collecting operation to collect refrigerant to a heat source side heat exchanger (3), namely, with the refrigerant heated to a temperature higher than that where contaminants such as refrigerator oil inside a refrigerant circuit is dissolved into the refrigerant, performing the refrigerant and oil collecting operation so as to assure the cleanliness of the inside of the existing communication pipes (7, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeharu Taira, Junichirou Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7174742
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for servicing refrigeration system (12) which provides a single device for recovering and reclaiming refrigerant, flushing the refrigerant system with solvent, and recharging the system with refrigerant. Refrigerant is recovered and reclaimed by withdrawing the refrigerant from the refrigeration system, vaporizing the refrigerant, removing the contamination from the refrigerant, liquefying the refrigerant, and then storing the cleaned refrigerant. The refrigeration system, or a component of it, can then be cleaned with solvent, using the same apparatus used to flush the refrigeration system with solvent. After flushing, the solvent is processed by vaporizing the solvent, removing the contamination from the solvent, liquefying the solvent, and then storing the cleaned solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond H. Thomas, Kane D. Cook, Guillermo J. Hitters, Gary M. Knopeck, Raymond Chia
  • Patent number: 7168256
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, André Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Patent number: 7131290
    Abstract: Gaseous-phase portion of a condenser contains vapor and a non-condensing gas, such as air, that impedes condensation of the vapor, and a non-condensing gas discharge device of the condenser is arranged to discharge only the non-condensing gas from the condenser. The non-condensing gas discharge device includes a valve device, in the form of an air vent, for separating the non-condensing gas from the vapor and selectively discharging only the non-condensing gas from the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Taniguchi, Makoto Uda
  • Patent number: 7104086
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is provided with a vapor compression type refrigerant circuit. With this apparatus, reliability from the standpoint of the pipe cleaning mode of the apparatus is improved. The air conditioning system has a main refrigerant circuit that has a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, and a user-side heat exchanger. The air conditioning system also has a contaminant collecting device provided on the intake side of the compressor (21). The contaminant collecting device is equipped with a contaminant collecting container, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main opening/closing device. The contaminant collecting container separates contaminants from refrigerant flowing in the intake gas pipe toward the compressor when the refrigerant is directed through it. The inlet and outlet pipes are each provided with a return preventing shape for preventing contaminants that have accumulated inside the pipes from returning to the intake gas pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Mizutani, Hiromune Matsuoka, Atsushi Yoshimi, Manabu Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 7033508
    Abstract: Fluid decontamination device includes a base having a fluid passage in it. An observation window is provided in the base for allowing a user to observe a fluid in the fluid passage. A differential pressure indicator, such as a vacuum indicator, is operatively connected to the fluid passage for indicating the relative pressure in the fluid. An indicator light which turns on when the differential pressure in the fluid passage is less than a predetermined differential pressure may be provided on the differential pressure indicator. A filter may be fluidly connected with the fluid passage for filtering out one or more contaminants present in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7013660
    Abstract: The present invention relates a cooling device of the reverse Carnot cycle-type using a refrigerant, and an aerosol generation system including it. The cooling device includes a refrigerator of the reverse Carnot cycle-type, a cleaning medium conduit, a temperature sensor, and a heater. The intermediate portion of the cleaning medium conduit and the evaporator are wound like a coil in the same configuration so as to maximize the contacting area therebetween. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the carbon dioxide discharged from the cooling device, and the heater is arranged to contact the evaporator of the refrigerator and the intermediate portion of the cleaning medium conduit so as to precisely adjust the liquefying rate of the carbon dioxide according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The carbon dioxide is refrigerated at a temperature in the range of ?80° C. to ?100° C. through the cooling device, transformed into liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: K.C. Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Se-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 6957550
    Abstract: A cooling technique involves: reducing a pressure of a cooling fluid to a subambient pressure at which the cooling fluid has a boiling temperature less than a temperature of a heat-generating structure; bringing the cooling fluid at the subambient pressure into thermal communication with the heat-generating structure, so that the coolant absorbs heat, boils and vaporizes; thereafter removing heat from the coolant so as to condense substantially all of the coolant to a liquid; and thereafter extracting a selected portion of the cooling fluid that has been cooled, the selected portion being a vapor that includes a non-condensable gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William Gerald Wyatt, Richard M. Weber
  • Patent number: 6952938
    Abstract: A purge system operable to remove lubricant from a liquid refrigerant material removed from an evaporator of a mechanical refrigeration system. The contaminated liquid refrigerant is delivered to the purge system by gravity and the separated lubricant is returned to the compressor sump by force from a pressurized fluid. Refrigerant vapor is separated from the contaminated liquid refrigerant by heating and returned to the evaporator of the mechanical refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Redi Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Luther D. Albertson
  • Patent number: 6904770
    Abstract: A multi-function condenser for an air conditioning system includes a first header, a second header, a plurality of tubes, and a conduit. The tubes extend in parallel relationship between the headers for establishing fluid communication between the first header and the second header. The second header includes a header portion and a receiver portion. A conduit extends into and out of and is surrounded by the receiver portion to define a space between the conduit and the receiver portion. Heat is transferred between hot refrigerant flowing in the receiver portion, the header portion, and cooler refrigerant flowing through the conduit as the refrigerant flows through the conduit independently of the refrigerant flowing in the space and in the header portion to increase an overall efficiency of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Telesz, Edward Douglas Pettitt, Scott Edward Kent, David A. Southwick
  • Patent number: 6901770
    Abstract: A refrigerant filter/dryer assembly isolates, removes, and replaces a filter/dryer core, and allows the vapor-compression heat pump system to continue to operate while the filter/dryer is being replaced. The refrigerant flow is automatically by-passed and the filter/dryer core is isolated for removal. The filter/dryer easily connects back into the refrigerant flow path. An indicator can be provided for indicating the remaining useful life of the filter/dryer while it is being used in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Scaringe, Todd Gibson
  • Patent number: 6877337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning fluid for a refrigeration plant, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning oil mixed with a liquefied carrier gas with which it forms, by expansion, a cleaning foam, for example the oil is a POE or a PAG and the gas is R134a. The invention also relates to a cleaning method. This comprises the following steps: the step of creating a foam from the oil and a liquefied gas in which it is at least partly miscible; the step of making the foam circulate in the said component; and the step of extracting the foam. In particular, the plant is rinsed with the gas separated from the cleaning foam, in order to remove the oil residues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DEHON SA
    Inventors: Serge Francois, Francoise Brisset
  • Publication number: 20040261439
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electronic device under test includes a thermal head. The thermal head defines a flow channel for passage of a refrigerant fluid so as to cause transfer of thermal energy between the electronic device and the thermal head. A refrigeration system is connected in fluid communication with the flow channel of the thermal head to supply refrigerant fluid thereto. An inlet valve and outlet valve are provided to facilitate disconnection of the thermal head from the refrigeration system. The valves are sequentially closed with the refrigeration system continuing to operate during the interim period so as to reclaim the refrigerant fluid. Accordingly, thermal head may be disconnected from refrigeration system and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Lewis S. Wayburn, Ian G. Spearing, Derek E. Gage
  • Patent number: 6826925
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for collecting and purifying a refrigerant fluid in air conditioning systems, comprising a first tubular body (110), used as evaporator and separator of impurities of refrigerant (130) coming from a refrigerant circuit (50), through ducts (51) and (52), and a second tubular body (104) used for separating the fluid (130) from the oil (131) entrained during a compression step. First tubular body (110) and second tubular body (104) are arranged between a top distribution flange (101) and a bottom distribution flange (106). In said flanges a plurality of channels are made, which form portions of the circuit for refrigerant (130), as well as are used for other functions and for other fluids flowing in the whole purifying machine that includes apparatus (100) same. Refrigerant (130) contained in tubular body (110) evaporates by the heat of both a coil tube exchanger (111), which is located inside tubular body (110), and a portion of flange (106), which is located under tubular body (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: North European Patents & Investments H.S.A. Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Marie Joseph Renders
  • Publication number: 20040231351
    Abstract: A cooling technique involves: reducing a pressure of a cooling fluid to a subambient pressure at which the cooling fluid has a boiling temperature less than a temperature of a heat-generating structure; bringing the cooling fluid at the subambient pressure into thermal communication with the heat-generating structure, so that the coolant absorbs heat, boils and vaporizes; thereafter removing heat from the coolant so as to condense substantially all of the coolant to a liquid; and thereafter extracting a selected portion of the cooling fluid that has been cooled, the selected portion being a vapor that includes a non-condensable gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: William Gerald Wyatt, Richard M. Weber
  • Publication number: 20040226302
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to provide for the safe and effective removal and neutralization of ammonia from a stream of waste oil or other liquid. The apparatus consists of a receiving tank, a treatment tank, circulation piping, associated controls, pumping and monitoring mechanisms. The primary utility for the invention is with commercial and industrial refrigeration units. The neutralizing solution in the treatment tank is circulated through the piping which includes a venturi that is used to induce a negative gauge pressure in the receiving tank by creating a suction that draws gases from the receiving tank. The negative pressure allows the receiving tank to pull the mixture of waste oil and entrained ammonia from the drain port of the refrigeration system even when the system is below atmospheric pressure. The venturi also removes ammonia gas from the receiving tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Masterson
  • Patent number: 6779359
    Abstract: There are provided a high-yield economical, refrigerant processing apparatus for collected equipment which can recover and regenerate a liquid refrigerant by highly efficient thermal conversion and charge collected equipment with the liquid refrigerant, without releasing the refrigerant into the air, and an oil separator for use with the refrigerant processing apparatus. In the oil separator, an oil is separated from an oil-containing refrigerant to be recovered, and in a condenser, a gaseous refrigerant is converted into a liquid refrigerant. The oil separator has a heat exchanging double spiral pipe in which a double pipe made of a central pipe and an external pipe is formed spirally about a vertical central axis of the oil separator, and a heating unit for vaporizing the liquid refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Dengen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadao Higami
  • Publication number: 20040148946
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Igor Shedletksy, Andre Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040123622
    Abstract: There are provided a compact and portable refrigerant recovery device which can easily recover a refrigerant present in a refrigeration circuit of a used-up household refrigerator or an extra-low temperature freezer which uses a low boiling point refrigerant at low costs, and a method for recovering a refrigerant by using the refrigerant recovery device. In the refrigerant recovery device comprising a refrigerant recovery tank which stores an activated carbon for adsorbing the refrigerant, the recovery tank is equipped with a detachable cap, and the activated carbon is wrapped in unwoven cloth finer than a grain diameter of the activated carbon, and stored in the recovery tank. The refrigerant recovery device is connected to the refrigeration circuit, a gas in the refrigerant recovery tank is vacuumed to be discharged before the refrigerant of the refrigeration circuit is recovered, and then the refrigerant is adsorbed on the activated carbon to be recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicants: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Yuzawa, Fukuji Yoshida, Katsuhiko Inoue, Minoru Suto, Ryuzo Tobe, Katsuzi Takasugi
  • Patent number: 6755029
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to provide for the safe and effective removal and neutralization of ammonia from a stream of waste oil or other liquid. The apparatus consists of a receiving tank, a treatment tank, transfer piping, associated controls, pumping and monitoring mechanisms. The primary utility for the invention is with commercial and industrial refrigeration units. The mixture of waste oil and entrained ammonia is removed from the drain port of the refrigeration system and placed into the receiving tank. The receiving tank includes aeration piping and nozzles and is in fluid communication with the treatment tank. The system provides for the introduction of an acid such as carbon dioxide as a neutralizing agent to be mixed with liberated ammonia as it is pumped into the treatment tank for recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Marvin Ralph Bertrand, Jr., James A. Masterson
  • Patent number: 6701728
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Boc Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, André Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040040320
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, Andre Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040020233
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Publication number: 20040000163
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for collecting and purifying a refrigerant fluid in air conditioning systems, comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: North European Patents
    Inventor: Marie Joseph Renders
  • Publication number: 20030221444
    Abstract: A purge system operable to remove lubricant from a liquid refrigerant material removed from an evaporator of a mechanical refrigeration system. The contaminated liquid refrigerant is delivered to the purge system by gravity and the separated lubricant is returned to the compressor sump by force from a pressurized fluid. Refrigerant vapor is separated from the contaminated liquid refrigerant by heating and returned to the evaporator of the mechanical refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Luther D. Albertson
  • Patent number: 6640582
    Abstract: A self-retaining adsorbent unit for use in combination with an elongated refrigerant-containing housing includes an elongated adsorbent-carrying porous fabric casing with adsorbent disposed therein. A retaining tab is formed at one end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Incorvia, Peter R. Millen
  • Publication number: 20030196450
    Abstract: There are provided a high-yield economical, refrigerant processing apparatus for collected equipment which can recover and regenerate a liquid refrigerant by highly efficient thermal conversion and charge collected equipment with the liquid refrigerant, without releasing the refrigerant into the air, and an oil separator for use with the refrigerant processing apparatus. In the oil separator, an oil is separated from an oil-containing refrigerant to be recovered, and in a condenser, a gaseous refrigerant is converted into a liquid refrigerant. The oil separator has a heat exchanging double spiral pipe in which a double pipe made of a central pipe and an external pipe is formed spirally about a vertical central axis of the oil separator, and a heating unit for vaporizing the liquid refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Sadao Higami
  • Patent number: 6606881
    Abstract: A filter system for an absorption chiller includes a replaceable filter element, a plateable member, and a sacrificial member. The filter receives a weak solution from the chiller's evaporator, receives a stronger solution from the chiller's absorber, and discharges a mixture of the solutions to the chiller's generator. Conveying the weak solution to the filter system avoids creating an accumulation of lithium bromide in the evaporator and helps dissolve or flush inhibitors from the filter element on a continuous basis. Combining the weak and stronger solutions in the filter system attempts to confine a corrosion or copper oxide plating process to an area of the chiller that can be readily serviced. The plateable member and the sacrificial member provide replaceable or consumable members used in the corrosion or plating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Justin
  • Publication number: 20030126868
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to provide for the safe and effective removal and neutralization of ammonia from a stream of waste oil or other liquid. The apparatus consists of a receiving tank, a treatment tank, transfer piping, associated controls, pumping and monitoring mechanisms. The primary utility for the invention is with commercial and industrial refrigeration units. The mixture of waste oil and entrained ammonia is removed from the drain port of the refrigeration system and placed into the receiving tank. The receiving tank includes aeration piping and nozzles and is in fluid communication with the treatment tank. The system provides for the introduction of an acid such as carbon dioxide as a neutralizing agent to be mixed with liberated ammonia as it is pumped into the treatment tank for recirculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Marvin Ralph Bertrand, James A. Masterson
  • Patent number: 6589444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of drying agents of superabsorbent polymers, molecular sieves and mixtures thereof and binders of polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate foam and supports comprising cellulose and a method for separating, drying and/or filtering chemical mixtures. The composition and method of the invention have broad applicability. They may be used for example to remove water from chemical mixtures like refrigerants (e.g., in vehicular refrigeration systems), air (e.g., in vehicular braking systems), natural gas and cleaning solvents (e.g., used in semiconductor manufacture and pipeline cleaning).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hilton Percival Thomas, Roy Philip Robinson, David John Williams, Peter Brian Logsdon
  • Publication number: 20030110785
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system performs low pressure side pumpdown with the assistance of a service technician. When the refrigerant in the system is transferred to the high pressure side, the low pressure side is available for servicing by the technician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Willard Edwin Williamson, Paul Valentine Weyna, Richard Alan Simone
  • Patent number: 6564564
    Abstract: A purging device for a system accumulating condensable and non-condensable gases. The purging device comprises: a purge tank; apparatus receiving the condensable and non-condensable gases from the system and directing said gases into the purge tank; apparatus condensing the non-condensable gases into a condensed form; apparatus accumulating the non-condensable gases in a header space; apparatus returning the condensed gases from the purge tank to the system; apparatus controllably removing the accumulated non-condensable gases from the header space; and apparatus generating controlled flow in the condensable and non-condensable gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Heiden, Robert J. Roth, Brian T. Sullivan, Steven E. Wolfgram
  • Patent number: 6553783
    Abstract: An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a U-tube having first and second legs and a return bend, a space between the first and second legs and the return bend, adsorbent in the space, opposite sides on the first and second legs and the return bend, permeable covers bonded to the first and second opposite sides to contain the adsorbent within the space, a hole in the return bend, a frame connected to the U-bend and defining a space in communication with the hole, and filter material on the frame. An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a plastic U-tube and a self-contained adsorbent unit having a plastic cover bonded to the U-tube with the body of the self-contained adsorbent unit positioned between the legs of the U-tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Dobson, Samuel A. Incorvia, Peter R. Millen
  • Publication number: 20030074909
    Abstract: A purging device for a system accumulating condensable and non-condensable gases. The purging device comprises: a purge tank; apparatus receiving the condensable and non-condensable gases from the system and directing said gases into the purge tank; apparatus condensing the non-condensable gases into a condensed form; apparatus accumulating the non-condensable gases in a header space; apparatus returning the condensed gases from the purge tank to the system; apparatus controllably removing the accumulated non-condensable gases from the header space; and apparatus generating controlled flow in the condensable and non-condensable gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Heiden, Robert J. Roth, Brian T. Sullivan, Steven E. Wolfgram
  • Patent number: 6546747
    Abstract: Assaying of liquid samples of refrigerant to determine their composition utilizing refractive index techniques. The sampling may be done with the use of extractors which remove refrigerant gases from refrigerant machines, and clean and dry the sample before it is assayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Frederico Burke
  • Patent number: 6536230
    Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator assembly for use in an air conditioning system including an evaporator and a compressor. The accumulator-dehydrator assembly also includes a canister with an upper portion, an inlet, an outlet and a delivery tube with a first tube end positioned in the upper portion of the canister and a second tube end connected to the outlet. A baffle is disposed within the canister that includes a first end connected to the canister and a second end positioned to define a partition between the first tube end of the delivery tube and the inlet. The purpose of the baffle is to reduce pulsations that result from pressure fluctuations in the air-conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Coyle, Prasad Shripad Kadle, John Barrett, John Paul Telesz
  • Patent number: 6519971
    Abstract: Accumulator in an air conditioner including a body having an inlet formed in a top portion thereof, first means fitted near to the inlet in the body for filtering contaminants, second means fitted under the first means for filtering oil, and an outlet tube for recovering oil stored in the body to a compressor, thereby preventing an unnecessary excessive operation of the compressors to improve an energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Cheol Min Kim
  • Patent number: 6494057
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an accumulator device which has an outer housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a U tube contained within the housing. The device also includes a filter which is positioned inside the housing adjacent the inlet. Dryer means in the form of a desiccant are also contained inside the housing. The device is positioned upstream of a compressor and functions to filter unwanted debris which would otherwise enter the compressor and cause potential damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Don A. Schuster, Larry D. Burns
  • Publication number: 20020184911
    Abstract: An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a U-tube having first and second legs and a return bend, a space between the first and second legs and the return bend, adsorbent in the space, opposite sides on the first and second legs and the return bend, permeable covers bonded to the first and second opposite sides to contain the adsorbent within the space, a hole in the return bend, a frame connected to the U-bend and defining a space in communication with the hole, and filter material on the frame. An integrated U-tube and adsorbent unit including a plastic U-tube and a self-contained adsorbent unit having a plastic cover bonded to the U-tube with the body of the self-contained adsorbent unit positioned between the legs of the U-tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Rodney L. Dobson, Samuel A. Incorvia, Peter R. Millen
  • Patent number: 6487874
    Abstract: An absorption refrigerator of excellent thermal efficiency where water vapor contained in the exhaust gas does not condenses even at the starting or during the partial load operation where the temperature elevation is small. A refrigerant drain heat collector 11 allowing the refrigerant liquid condensing by heating the intermediate absorption liquid in the low temperature regenerator 3 and flowing into the condenser 4 to exchange heat with a part of dilute absorption liquid and first and second heat collectors 26, 27 where the exhaust gas discharged from the gas burner 2 and the dilute absorption liquid exchange heat are installed and, at the same time, a absorption liquid pipe (absorption liquid branch pipe) 14 is installed, and a flow control valve 28 is installed in the absorption liquid pipe 14 and, furthermore, a controller 30 is installed in order to control the aperture of the flow control valve 28 so that a temperature sensor 29 continues to detect a predetermined temperature (for instance 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Air Conditioning Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shiguma Yamazaki, Eiichi Enomoto, Yasushi Kamada, Masahiro Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6484526
    Abstract: A manifold gauge assembly that combines in a single apparatus the features of a manifold gauge set and the features of a phase change device. The manifold gauge assembly may be utilized for charging both pure liquid refrigerants and blends of liquid refrigerants and still maintain the ability of full porting for vacuum optimization. The invention also comprises a phase change device adapted to be fixedly attached to a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: ICOR International, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Terry
  • Patent number: 6481241
    Abstract: An accumulator for an automotive air-conditioning system includes a suction tube having an inlet leg, an outlet leg, and a bight therebetween. A pickup filter is mounted to the bight of the suction tube and cooperates with a desiccant bag. The pickup filter has a clasp circumscribing a portion of the bight, wherein the clasp includes a flange extending therefrom. The pickup filter further has a screen filter body extending integrally and downwardly from the clasp. The desiccant bag includes a flap extending from one end, wherein the flap includes an aperture therethrough defining a locating edge at one end or side thereof. The aperture of the desiccant bag mounts over the pickup filter with the locating edge of the flap locating against a portion of the clasp of the pickup filter to assist in retaining the desiccant bag in position on the pickup filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dale Fisk, Stephen Troy Schroder
  • Patent number: 6474098
    Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided for use within the sealed canister of a fluid flow tube of an air conditioning system. The adsorbent package includes a desiccant bag formed of a pouch having a sealed first end and a substantially cylindrical second end. A filter cap is slidably and sealingly received within the second end of the pouch. The cap includes a resilient sealing ring formed proximate a porous end wall. The sealing ring slidably and sealingly engages an inner surface of the canister. The package is constructed of a non-woven spun bonded nylon and can therefore be snugly received within the tight confines of fluid flow tube or canister sections of an integrated condenser receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Stanhope Products Company
    Inventors: Glenn D. Perrine, David V. Flaugher, John M. Evans
  • Patent number: 6467301
    Abstract: The improved refrigeration system also includes a tee having a stem portion extending horizontally from the condenser of the system, and a pair of upper and lower arms connected in a vertical orientation to the stem. The tee lower arm is connected to the receiver and the upper arm is connected to a purge connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Fredric J. Lingelbach, John F. Lingelbach
  • Publication number: 20020148238
    Abstract: A system and method for reconditioning a chiller in which moisture has contaminated a refrigerant side of the chiller includes draining refrigerant from the refrigerant side of the chiller and operating a moisture removal assembly connected thereto to remove remaining moisture. The chiller is then recharged with refrigerant and a refrigerant purification assembly connected to the chiller is operated to remove contaminates, such as particulate matter, from the refrigerant. The refrigerant purification assembly includes a vacuum line connected to the chiller for receiving refrigerant drawn out of the chiller and a diaphragm pump connected to the vacuum line and operable to draw refrigerant out of the chiller and through the vacuum line to the pump. A filter assembly is disposed in the vacuum line intermediate the chiller and the pump for filtering contaminates out of refrigerant drawn through the vacuum line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Bryan A. Blume
  • Patent number: 6463757
    Abstract: An accumulator for an air-conditioning (refrigeration or heat pump) system is designed to reduce flooding due to greater effective internal volume while at the same time incorporating an internal heat exchanger for better system performance, and providing better evaporation and controlled thermal properties. The accumulator embodies an outer housing that co-axially surrounds an inner liner. The inlet directs the refrigerant into the inner volume formed by the liner, wherein the liquid refrigerant and compressor oil are contained and insulated from the wall of the outer housing. A heat exchanger is arranged in the annular space between the outer housing and the inner liner and circulates a flow of condensate therethrough before delivering it to the expansion device. In this way the condensate is cooled for higher performance and at the same time refrigerant passing out of the accumulator is vaporized more completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Halla Climate Controls Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Dickson, Wayne Whittle, Michelle M. Stobbart
  • Patent number: 6457326
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration unit having a purge system that will sense when the discharge pressure of the solution pump becomes subatmospheric and will automatically increase the speed of the pump to bring the discharge pressure up to a desired level above atmospheric pressure so that a purging cycle can be achieved. The system further monitors the generation solution level and interrupts the purging cycle in the event the solution reaches an undesirable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Serpente, Darren Sheehan