Assembling, Charging, Or Repairing Of Refrigeration Producer Patents (Class 62/77)
  • Patent number: 7726137
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a user to change a filter dryer of a refrigerant recovery unit having a refrigerant determining module that is configured to determine a condition of the refrigerant or an amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter dryer, or a condition of the filter dryer, an alert device that notifies the user to change the filter dryer in response to the condition, a pressure module that regulates the pressure in the filter dryer, and a pressure-sensing device that is configured to detect a change of pressure in response to filter dryer maintenance. The refrigerant recovery unit is disabled from recovering refrigerant when the refrigerant determining module determines that the filter dryer needs to be replaced, and it is activated in response to the change of pressure detected by the pressure-sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Bakker, Gary Murray
  • Publication number: 20100126188
    Abstract: An exchangeable air-conditioning unit (1) is described for attachment to mobile equipment. The air-conditioning unit includes a compressor (5) operable to compress a refrigerant and a hydraulic motor (17) operable to drive the compressor. Hydraulic fittings (11) are provided in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor for transporting hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fittings (11) are adapted to be releasably connected to a hydraulic system of the mobile equipment. Refrigerant fittings (7) are provided in fluid communication with the compressor for transporting refrigerant. The refrigerant fittings (7) are adapted to be releasably connected to a refrigeration circuit of the mobile equipment. An enclosure (3) houses the compressor and hydraulic motor and has at least one releasable connector (21) for releasably connecting the enclosure to the mobile equipment. The exchangeable unit may be pre-charged with gas in and stored in readiness for attachment to the mobile equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Terence Andrew Clarke
  • Publication number: 20100126189
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a service method and a service device (50) for a liquid cooling system (1) of an aircraft, the service device (50) being adapted to send at least one instruction to a liquid cooling control device (10) of the liquid cooling system (1). A plurality of service lines (52, 54, 56, 58, 62) are then connected between the service device (50) and the to liquid cooling system (1). The entire liquid cooling system (1) or a sub-system (12) can then be filled, emptied, deaerated and checked in respect of a leakage. Further, it is possible to set the fill level of a reservoir (8) and to service a fill-level sensor (99) of the reservoir (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Kenan Soenmez, Axel Redemann
  • Patent number: 7712319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the sufficiency of refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system by the use of only two temperature measurements. The temperature of the liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser coil is sensed and the temperature of the condenser coil itself is sensed and the difference between these two measurements is calculated to provide an indication of the adequacy of refrigerant charge in the system. This process is refined by steps taken to eliminate measurements during transient operations and by filtering signals to eliminate undesirable noise. A permitted threshold of deviation is calculated by using probability theory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Braun, II, Pengju Kang, Julio I. Concha, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Timothy P. Galante, Dong Luo, Craig Kersten
  • Publication number: 20100107659
    Abstract: A refrigerant cooling system includes multiple evaporator coils fed by one variable refrigerant metering device and one or more fixed refrigerant metering devices. To avoid condensed moisture on the coils from being entrained by the supply air and ultimately adversely increasing the humidity of a room or comfort zone of a building, the variable refrigerant metering device delivers refrigerant to the evaporator's lowermost coil at a superheat that is less than that of the other higher coils. To operate the refrigerant system at various loads, two or more compressors are selectively energized individually and in combination for various stages of capacity, while the variable refrigerant metering device is active at each stage. The refrigerant system may include multiple refrigerant circuits that are hermetically isolated from each other, or two or more of the circuits may be in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Edward D. Hildreth, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100108290
    Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a device for enabling an HVAC component to be easily connected to, and disconnected from, an HVAC system. The device can include a modular distribution box, hot and cold HVAC fluid inlet pipes, HVAC component supply and HVAC component return pipes, and hot and cold HVAC fluid outlet pipes, each of which can be coupled to the modular distribution box, and each of which can have a connector. The hot HVAC fluid inlet pipe's connector can be configured to connect to a hot HVAC pipe, and the cold HVAC fluid inlet pipe's connector can be configured to connect to a cold HVAC pipe. The HVAC component supply pipe's connector can be configured to connect to an inlet pipe of the HVAC component, and the HVAC component return pipe's connector can be configured to connect to an outlet pipe of the HVAC component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: TRAK INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20100107660
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Masahiro Oka, Kazuhiko Tani, Atsushi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7707839
    Abstract: This invention relates to a declogging device (9) and declogging method used to declog and clean the precipitation of metal dusts, compressor oil and the foreign matters in the refrigeration cycle (1) in a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gurol Altunan
  • Publication number: 20100101245
    Abstract: Disclosed are refrigerant compositions comprising the following components, as expressed in weight percent, and such that the total adds up to 100%, including any additives. 7.0-9.0% wt. R32 [difluoromethane, CH2F2, having a normal boiling point of ?51.7° C.]; 39.0-50.0% wt. R125 [pentafluoroethane, CF3CHF2, having a normal boiling point of ?48.5° C.]; 39.0-50.0% wt R134a [1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane, CF3CHF2, normal boiling point of ?26.1° C.]; 1.9 to 2.5% wt hydrocarbon, which consists essentially of 1.5-1.8% wt R600 [n-butane, CH3CH2CH2CH3, normal boiling point of ?0.5° C.], and 0.4-0.7% wt R601a [isopentane, ((CH3)2CHCH2CH3, having normal boiling point of +27.8° C.] or R601 [n-pentane (CH3CH2CH2 CH2CH3, having a normal boiling point of +36° C.)]. Further disclosed are refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water chillers, and heat pumps using the compositions described herein as at least one of the heat transfer compositions in the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald Bernard Bivens, Thomas J. Leck
  • Publication number: 20100101246
    Abstract: Vapor compression air conditioning systems are provided with a flow restrictor for transferring working fluid to and from at least one of the compressor low pressure inlet conduit and compressor high pressure outlet conduit to provide for accurate charge adjustment to achieve predetermined fluid sub-cooling. Pressure and temperature measurements are taken at a condenser fluid outlet conduit and provided to a microcontroller for determining fluid sub-cooling and comparing sub-cooling with a predetermined target sub-cooling. A charge addition or recovery apparatus may include a solenoid valve controlled by the microcontroller to more accurately control the addition or recovery of refrigerant fluid charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan David DOUGLAS, James Thomas SCHAEFER, JR., Gregory F. WALTERS
  • Publication number: 20100089076
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for indicating the status of the refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system based upon the degree of subcooling present in the condensed refrigerant system temperature measurements. The status of the refrigerant charge in the system is indicated in real-time on a service panel for access by a field service technician. The status of the refrigerant charge in the system on a time-average basis for a specified period of operation is presented on an indicator panel. The indicator panel includes a first indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is low, a second indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is high, and a third indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is correct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPROATION
    Inventors: Don A. Schuster, Sathish R. Das
  • Publication number: 20100087322
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a first section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a first flow of coolant and to permit the first flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a second section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a second flow of coolant and to permit the second flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a cable joint configured to couple the first section of HTS cable and the second section of HTS cable. The cable joint may be in fluid communication with at least one refrigeration module and may include at least one conduit configured to permit a third flow of coolant between said cable joint and said at least one refrigeration module through a coolant line separate from said first and second sections of HTS cable. Other embodiments and implementations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Jie Yuan, James Maguire
  • Publication number: 20100050684
    Abstract: A canteen cooling apparatus of the present disclosure has a cavity for holding a canteen. The cavity has a sleeve with a first layer and a second layer. The apparatus further has an inlet coupled to the second layer that receives a medium from a medium injection apparatus and an envelope created between the first and second layers that receives the medium and delivers the medium to the canteen in the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel C. Vickroy
  • Publication number: 20100050664
    Abstract: It is provided a system for cleaning a blower and an air inlet filter of an air condition unit using condensed water. The system includes a reservoir for condensed water, a first sub-system for facilitating flowing pressurized liquid in a duct having spraying outlets, and a second sub-system for removal of sprayed liquid out of the air condition unit. The cleaning liquid includes condensed water and a cleaning additive. The air inlet filter may rotate on a pair of pulleys, and the filter is exposed to the sprayed liquid by rotating a pulley while spraying. The system includes barriers disposable in a separating position between the cleaned parts and other objects. The system also includes a manipulating handle or an electric motor, for placing the barrier. Electrical circuitry may automatically initiate cleaning the parts on turning-off the air condition unit. The system include a chamber for a cleaning additive and a mixing mechanism for mixing the cleaning additive with the condensed water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Dan David BAJNAR
  • Publication number: 20100037636
    Abstract: A method for servicing a refrigeration system is disclosed. The refrigeration system contains a refrigerant and has a compressor, a high-side section and a low-side section. The method includes the steps of releasing the refrigerant from the refrigeration system from the high-side section; collecting the released refrigerant with a recovery container containing a refrigerant adsorptive substance; charging the refrigeration system with inert gas from the low-side section; and discharging the inert gas from the refrigeration system from the high-side section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Michael Thomas Groh, Jeffrey Jacoby, Lee Mathieson, Richard Miller, Alan J. Mitchell, Michael Christopher Ross, Martin Mitchell Zentner
  • Publication number: 20100037635
    Abstract: A method and a recovery container for collecting a hydrocarbon refrigerant are disclosed. The method includes releasing the hydrocarbon refrigerant from the refrigeration system, and collecting the released hydrocarbon refrigerant with a recovery container containing a hydrocarbon refrigerant adsorptive substance thereby binding the released hydrocarbon refrigerant to the hydrocarbon refrigerant adsorptive substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Martin Mitchell Zentner, Alan Joseph Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100011787
    Abstract: A refrigerant system may utilize CO2 as a refrigerant. Should the sensed operating conditions indicate that the refrigerant might be approaching a condition at which the refrigerant could solidify, corrective actions are taken to prevent refrigerant transformation to a solid thermodynamic state. In one embodiment, hot gas from a compressor discharge is bypassed to a location upstream of the evaporator. In another embodiment, the high-side pressure of a refrigerant system is adjusted. In yet another embodiment, an additional charge of refrigerant is delivered on demand into the refrigerant system. In still another embodiment, a defrost cycle is initiated on demand. These embodiments prevent the refrigerant from approaching the conditions at which it may solidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20100010681
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing refrigerant to a liquid, an evaporator for evaporating liquid refrigerant from the condenser to a gas, an inner control loop for optimizing a supply of liquid refrigerant to the evaporator, and an outer control loop for optimizing a level of refrigerant in the evaporator, said outer control loop defining a supply rate for said inner control loop based on an optimization including measurement of evaporator performance, and said inner control loop optimizing liquid refrigerant supply based on said defined supply rate. Independent variables, such as proportion of oil in refrigerant, amount of refrigerant, contaminants, non-condensibles, scale and other deposits on heat transfer surfaces, may be estimated or measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin Zugibe, Riyaz Papar
  • Publication number: 20100005815
    Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid discharge method in a temperature controller having a refrigerant circulation line circulating a refrigerant to a target of temperature control and a heater heating the target, wherein the refrigerant is circulated so as to control the temperature of the target with the refrigerant and the heater in the case where the temperature of the target is controlled to be a first temperature lower than or equal to a room temperature, wherein the circulation of the refrigerant is stopped so as to control the temperature of the target with the heater in the case where the temperature of the target is controlled to be a second temperature higher than the room temperature, wherein in the case of changing the setpoint of the target from the first temperature to the second temperature, when the temperature of the refrigerant rises to reach a first predetermined temperature lower than or equal to the boiling point of the refrigerant, the circulation of the refrigerant is stopped, one of air and an
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicants: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihito Yanagida, Taichi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20100000237
    Abstract: When a refrigeration device in which CO2 is used as a refrigerant is to be charged with a refrigerant, the time required for charging and the time that elapses after charging until operation can recommence can be reduced. A refrigerant charging method for an air conditioning device (10) in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant comprises a connecting step and a refrigerant charging step. In the connecting step, a cylinder (81) containing the refrigerant is connected to a space in the air conditioning device 10 intended to be charged by the refrigerant, a heater (83) being interposed therebetween. In the refrigerant charging step, the refrigerant is moved to the intended charging space from the cylinder (81), via the heater (83). In the refrigerant charging step, further, the refrigerant that has exited the cylinder (81) is heated by the heater (83) so that a specific enthalpy of the refrigerant when it enters the intended charging space will be 430 kJ/kg or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Toshiyuki Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20090314013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for filling a fluid (2) into the cooling circuit (1) of air-conditioning systems, in particular into those of motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, in which method the fluid (2) which is to be filled in is stored at approximately atmospheric pressure in a container (3), in which method a filling line (11) is connected to the cooling circuit (1), which filling line (11) can be connected by means of an initially closed valve (10) to a riser line (7) which dips into the fluid (2) which is to be filled in, in which method the filling line (11) is then evacuated, and in which method the valve (10) is subsequently opened such that the fluid (2) which is stored under approximately atmospheric pressure rises through the riser line (7) into the evacuated filling line (11). The invention is based on the problem of preventing the undesired infiltration of moisture into the cooling circuit (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: André Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090301108
    Abstract: A multi-refrigerant cooling system comprising a cooling circuit (100) for circulation of a refrigerant mixture. The cooling circuit comprises, i.a., one or more separator(s) (102, 103) configured to separate and withdraw a respective refrigerant fraction of the refrigerant mixture. Each separator is connected to a respective holding tank (201, 202). Each holding tank is further connected to the cooling circuit via a supply conduit (207), the supply conduit being configured to supply one or more refrigerant fraction(s) to the cooling circuit. Method for adjusting the composition of a refrigerant mixture of a multi-refrigerant cooling system. The method allows adjustment of the composition of the refrigerant mixture during operation of the multi-refrigerant cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Wolfgang G. Hees
  • Publication number: 20090293511
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: PAUL B. ALLARD, ROBERT RYAN BRADLEY, JAMES W. KENDALL, STEVEN J. KUEHL, ALAN S. LUCAS, ANDREW M. TENBARGE, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, GUOLIAN WU
  • Patent number: 7614242
    Abstract: Self-contained refrigeration units include evaporator modules, condenser modules, compressor modules, control subassemblies, and all other refrigeration components in compact interconnected modular packages. The modules, which are assembled in rigid or flexible self-contained monoblock refrigeration units, are installable, removable and replaceable as complete self-contained refrigeration units without requiring transport downtime for servicing and repairing of the refrigeration units. Vehicles with refrigeration systems arrive at a distributor and have malfunctioning units removed and complete units replaced and installed and are back on the road within minutes. Dealers' inventories are small and non complex and dealers' workers need not be skilled transport refrigeration mechanics. Dealer trucks have light cranes to remove and replace complete self-contained refrigeration units on site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Carlos Quesada Saborio
  • Publication number: 20090272132
    Abstract: A method or apparatus of accessing data includes detecting at least one parameter of a component of a refrigerated container and providing data relating to the at least one parameter to a transmitting computer located on the refrigerated container. The method or apparatus can further include transferring the data from the transmitting computer to a first remote computer located at an off-site location and transferring the data from the first remote computer to a second remote computer located at another off-site location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Giorgio Rusignuolo, Patrick McDonald, Kevin L. Barnett, Eden T. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090272131
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SPX Corporation (a Delaware corporation)
    Inventor: Mark William McMasters
  • Publication number: 20090241560
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SPX Corporation (a Delaware corporation)
    Inventors: Gary Murray, Mark McMasters, William Brown
  • Publication number: 20090235675
    Abstract: A air-conditioner and the refrigerant charging method of the air-conditioner are disclosed. When a refrigerant amount determining mode is requested to be performed, whether or not the refrigerant amount in the air-conditioner is proper is automatically determined and a shortage amount of refrigerant can be charged. Thus, a user can easily check whether or not the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioner is sufficient or insufficient, and if the refrigerant is not sufficient, the user can automatically charge the refrigerant without having to entirely remove the refrigerant from the air-conditioner, thus increasing the user convenience and reducing time and costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seung Yong Chang, Chang Min Choi
  • Patent number: 7587904
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes a housing including an insulated compartment having opposing first and second walls. A spring rod has a first end mounted at a first location to the first wall of the insulated compartment and a second end mounted at a second location to the second wall of the insulated compartment. An evaporator assembly includes a component mounted to the insulated compartment by the spring rod. A shoulder of the spring rod exerts a force against the component in a direction toward the first wall to limit movement of the component mounted to the insulated compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20090223231
    Abstract: A system and method for improving the efficiency of a refrigerated air conditioning system utilizing a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The improved system includes an accessory sub-cooling unit which is fluidly connected between the condensing coil and the expansion valve in a closed loop refrigeration system utilizing a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The accessory sub-cooling unit comprises a serpentine heat exchange tube having one end fluidly connected downstream of the condensing coil prior to the expansion valve. The accessory sub-cooling unit further comprises a plurality of parallel planar heat transfer fins to assist the heat transfer from the heat exchange tube to the ambient air. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the accessory sub-cooling unit is mounted to a side of the condenser unit in order to utilize the existing air flow generated by the exhaust fan of the condenser unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Amos A. Snow III
  • Publication number: 20090217679
    Abstract: A controller is configured to perform at least one of loading and unloading at least one of a plurality of refrigerant compressors to a refrigeration cooling system based at least upon an enthalpy of circulating refrigerant liquid of the refrigeration cooling system and a rate of change of enthalpy of evaporated refrigerant gas in the refrigeration cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Optidyn Inc.
    Inventor: Sridharan Raghavachari
  • Publication number: 20090211281
    Abstract: In a refrigerant amount determining method of an air-conditioning apparatus, when a refrigerant amount determining mode is requested to be performed, whether or not the amount of refrigerant in the air-conditioning apparatus can be automatically determined. Thus, a user can easily check whether or not the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioning apparatus is excessive or insufficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Yong Chang, Chi Woo Song, Sung Hwan Kim, Chang Min Choi
  • Publication number: 20090188263
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can recover and recharge refrigerant. The unit is further configured with a pair of service hoses and a refrigerant control circuit operable to receive and transport the refrigerant between the hoses and the storage vessel and to process the refrigerant to substantially remove contaminants from the refrigerant. A fluid connector is provided in fluid communication with the hoses to enable the refrigerant to flow between the hoses and to establish a closed loop through the refrigerant control circuit, and a controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant control circuit and configured to control a flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant control circuit and through the fluid connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Gary P. Murray, Mark McMasters, William Brown
  • Publication number: 20090183516
    Abstract: A manifold gauge set has at least one sight glass window for viewing contents of a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system being serviced. The window may be non-planar to achieve an appearance that varies with the presence or absence of liquid. Such a non-planar window may be in the form of a dome, prism or a fresnel lens. The gauge set may have a second light transmissive window to allow light to illuminate system contents being viewed. A light source may be provided to illuminate system contents being viewed. The light source may provide light through the same window that is used for viewing contents. A diffuser may be provided with a second window to achieve an illuminated background for viewing system contents. Similar configurations may be used in standalone sight glasses, vacuum pumps, and recovery machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: BRASSCORP LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul C. Appler, Jack Brass, Steven M. Knowles, Donald L. Klipstein
  • Publication number: 20090165472
    Abstract: An adequate operation and performance of a refrigerant system includes the steps of adding a refrigerant that is different from the original refrigerant, into the refrigerant system should any operational problems be observed during operation of the refrigerant system. As an example, should the refrigerant system be cycling frequently, a lower pressure refrigerant may be added or replace, partially or fully, the refrigerant the system being initially charged with. By making this change, the present invention can, for example, lower the provided system capacity, and hence reduce the amount of cycling. Additionally, conditioned space comfort and system reliability would be improved. Further, changes over time, such as the degradation of the heat exchanger performance, and their negative effect on system operation can be alleviated by such a refrigerant substitution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20090158756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: William Brown, Mark McMasters
  • Publication number: 20090151365
    Abstract: The present invention provides azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245cb) with either the Z isomer of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225yeZ) alone or with mixtures of the E and Z isomers of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225 yeZ and HFO-1225 yeE) and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants, and in process for separating azeotrope-like mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Hang T. Pham, Ryan J. Hulse, Rajiv R. Singh
  • Publication number: 20090145143
    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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Mark William McMasters
  • Publication number: 20090133436
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a fluid inlet manifold, a fluid outlet manifold, a plurality of heat transfer channels configured to communicate with the fluid inlet manifold and the fluid outlet manifold, and packing located within the fluid inlet manifold. Further aspects of the invention are found in a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor and at least one heat exchanger coupled to the compressor. The at least one heat exchanger includes a header, packing located in the header, and a heat transfer channel. The heat transfer channel is configured to receive fluid passing through the header and the packing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Boiarski, Oleg Podtcherniaev, Kevin P. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20090133413
    Abstract: 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 ster occuring after the first refrigerant charging step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Toshiyuki Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20090126375
    Abstract: An air conditioner is arranged so as to be able to accurately judge a refrigerant filling state within the air conditioner regardless of environmental and installation conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Masaki Toyoshima, Kousuke Tanaka, Kouji Yamashita, Osamu Morimoto, Fumitake Unezaki
  • Publication number: 20090113900
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for enhancing the performance of rooftop air conditioning systems by operating such systems with an economizer cycle and utilizing a blend incorporating R32 and R125 refrigerants as a working medium, wherein such benefits are related to at least the performance (e.g. capacity and/or the energy efficiency ratio) of the rooftop air conditioning system operating at various environments (e.g. temperatures at and above 95° F.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Publication number: 20090113901
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for servicing a coolant system is disclosed. Using the apparatus, a user may fill the coolant system with coolant. The user may also measure a current pressure of the coolant system. The apparatus then compares the current pressure with a predetermined pressure associated with an ambient temperature to determine a coolant charge status. The apparatus alerts a user to the coolant charge status of the coolant system using an indicating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Interdynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent F. Carrubba, Ken Motush
  • Publication number: 20090084117
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for guiding and supporting an evaporator structure with respect to a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a system can include a guide rail adapted to mount to a housing associated with a refrigeration unit, and a guide support adapted to mount to an evaporator structure, wherein the guide support can be aligned with the guide rail, and the guide support can maintain close proximity to the guide rail when the evaporator structure is moved adjacent to the refrigeration unit. In other embodiments, associated methods of use and installation for the system can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Hoshizaki America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Roy Czerwonky, Randy Edward Johnson, Yusuke Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20090064699
    Abstract: A drain pan liner usable with a drain pan is provided. The drain pan liner includes a plurality of elongated foam lining portions, an adhesive film disposed on a rear portion of each of the foam lining portions, and a release sheet to cover the adhesive film, the release sheet being removable from the adhesive film by peeling to expose the adhesive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Miller
  • Patent number: 7493773
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Emerson Retail Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bryan Beatenbough, Edward Rios, Ryan Edward Haley
  • Publication number: 20090013700
    Abstract: In a refrigerating air conditioning system using refrigerant such as CO2 used in a supercritical area, a highly efficient refrigerating air conditioning system is provided by adjusting the amount of refrigerant in a radiator which contributes to the efficiency of the system stably and quickly. During heat utilizing operation, the superheat at the exit of an evaporator is controlled to a predetermined value by controlling the opening of an expansion valve provided on the upstream side of the evaporator, and an expansion valve is controlled so that the state of refrigerant in a connection pipe on the high-pressure side becomes a supercritical state. In this state, a flow rate control valve is controlled to change the density of the refrigerant stored in a refrigerant storage container and the amount of refrigerant existing in the radiator is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Fumitake Unezaki, Tetsuji Saikusa, Takashi Okazaki, Makoto Saitou, Hirokuni Shiba, Sou Nomoto
  • Publication number: 20090013701
    Abstract: A suction modulation valve is throttled when conditions in a refrigerant system indicate that an undesirable amount of liquid refrigerant might otherwise be delivered to the compressor. As an example, the throttling would occur at start-up, among other conditions. Throttling the suction modulation valve reduces the amount of refrigerant reaching the compressor and thus ensures that any liquid refrigerant would be likely “boiled off” before raising any problems in the compressor. Other control steps can also be performed to alleviate flooded compressor operation with liquid refrigerant. Such steps, for example, can consist of: actuating heaters, discharge valve throttling, by-passing refrigerant from intermediate compression point back to suction, controlling the speed of the condenser fan can be performed independently or in combination including the suction modulation valve throttling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Jason D. Scarcella
  • Patent number: 7472557
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing temperature and/or pressure conditions of the system which collectively indicate the actual refrigerant charge level in the system. This level is then compared with optimum level values that are stored in memory, and the difference between the two is used to indicate whether the system is properly charged. If not, the difference is applied to open a charge valve or a purge valve to automatically install additional refrigerant or to remove refrigerant so as to establish an optimum volume of refrigerant in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Pengju Kang, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Dong Luo, Timothy P. Galante
  • Publication number: 20090000316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular refrigeration unit for a refrigeration appliance, and to a process for assembling the modular refrigeration unit to a cabinet of a refrigeration appliance. A modular refrigeration unit (3) includes a base plate (6) supporting a condensing assembly (7), which comprises condensing means (8) and a compressor (9), and an evaporating assembly (10) comprising an evaporator (11); the condensing assembly and the evaporating assembly are operatively interconnected. The evaporating assembly (10) is arranged, in use, vertically spaced apart and above the compressor (9); the evaporating assembly (10) is supported by support means (24) vertically extending from the base plate (6); insulating means (16) separate the evaporating assembly (10) from the condensing assembly (7, 107).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Ilan Cohen, Per Wennerstrom, Xavier Hue, Per Fonser