Assembling, Charging, Or Repairing Of Refrigeration Producer Patents (Class 62/77)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080289343
    Abstract: A coupling in accordance with the present invention may be used to join devices together without the need for conduits or other intermediaries. A nut may be used to couple the coupling to a first device via a first thread portion and to a second device via a second thread portion. In some embodiments, the coupling may be affixed to one of the first or second devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Herman D. Wiser
  • Patent number: 7451606
    Abstract: A tool for the analysis of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, methods for performing various analyses of an HVAC system with the tool, and a computer executable program used by the tool to perform the analyses are disclosed. The tool includes a processing machine, a database, a memory device having a software program executable by the processing machine, and a display device. The database stores information on each of a plurality of HVAC components and the software program is configured to identify and access information pertaining to at least one HVAC unit in an HVAC system from the database and is configured to generate a wiring diagram using the accessed information from the database that is displayed to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Gregory Ralph Harrod
  • Patent number: 7448224
    Abstract: A smaller configuration air treatment appliance that can perform multiple air treatment functions and which has a modular design that enables the manufacturer to reduce the cost of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Guolian Wu, Nihat O. Cur, Andrew D. Litch
  • Patent number: 7448435
    Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically setting up and controlling a climate control system for a building having one or more zones and one or more thermostats in communication with the associated heating or cooling components of the climate control system. In some embodiments, the climate control system comprises one or more heating or cooling systems which may be controlled by one or more thermostats. In other embodiments, the climate control system comprises a thermostat, a heating and cooling system, one or more remote temperature sensors corresponding to at least some of the one or more zones within the building, and one or more dampers corresponding to at least some of the one or more zones within the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: James P. Garozzo
  • Patent number: 7428822
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Publication number: 20080216492
    Abstract: When according to the invention, using a method and a system comprising a compressor (4) for filling CO2 into an air conditioning system (18) via an oil filter (5) and a gas cooler (6), CO2 may be pumped to an internal pressure container (11), and from there the system (18) may be filled with CO2 in gas form via valves (15). When the system is extended with a heat exchanger (9), the temperature may be controlled in the pressure container (11) so that it does not exceed 31.8 C, whereby CO2 may be filled into the system (18) in liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: AGRAMKOW FLUID SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Louis Cording
  • Publication number: 20080216491
    Abstract: A pressure gauge apparatus for determining refrigerant pressures in a refrigeration system and methods of use are described herein. The pressure gauge apparatus may include a pressure gauge and a faceplate. The faceplate may be rotated such that ambient temperature and a pressure range are visually indicated on the pressure gauge. The pressure range may correlate to an adequate amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system at ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: William J. Quest, Kerry Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20080203349
    Abstract: Mixtures of tetrafluoropropenes with bromofluoropropenes provide compositions that have boiling points within an acceptable range, have good chemical stability, low GWP and are essentially non-flammable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, David P. Wilson, Ian Shankland, Hang T. Pham
  • Publication number: 20080190120
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for a nautical vehicle includes a main body including an assembly, and a blower including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in air communication with the main body, the blower further including blades rotating therewithin about a first axis, the assembly for adjusting the blower with respect to the main body about a second axis so as to alter an orientation of the outlet. The assembly includes a guiding cover and a cylindrical duct element for maintaining the main body and the blower in air communication with one another. The duct element has a first base and a second base, and is coupled to the blower at the second base. The first base of the duct element is dimensioned to correspondingly fit the guiding cover, and the duct element is rotatably adjustable around the guiding cover about the second axis at the first base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: DOMETIC ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Marciano, Ronald Pabisz
  • Publication number: 20080178606
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides multistage thermoelectric coolers and methods for their fabrication. For example, in one aspect, a multistage thermoelectric cooler is disclosed that includes at least two cooling stages, each of which comprises a p-type leg portion and an n-type leg portion coupled to form a p-n junction. The p-n junctions of the two stages are thermally and electrically coupled such that at least a portion of a current flowing, during operation of the device, through one stage is coupled to the other. Further, at least one of the p- or n-type leg portions of one stage forms a unitary structure with a corresponding p- or n-type leg portion of the other stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT)
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Xiaoyuan Chen, Ronggui Yang
  • Publication number: 20080166246
    Abstract: To protect the bearings, lubricant and seals of a refrigerant compressor, the compressor includes one or more inductors for mitigating a high frequency common mode current that produces a high frequency shaft voltage. Each inductor is a ring of magnetic material encircling three insulated cables that convey three-phase power from an adjustable frequency drive to the compressor's motor. Without the inductors, the high frequency shaft voltage can become damagingly high due to the length of a cast iron housing that can be particularly long if the housing contains both a motor and several centrifugal impellers. The high frequency shaft voltage is just one component of a composite adverse shaft voltage. Another component, known as an operationally induced shaft voltage, can be reduced by a grounding contact, so instead of using just an inductor or just a contact, both can be used to provide a total solution to the problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert M. Swanson, Joel S. Duga, David M. Foye
  • Publication number: 20080156002
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: John Dale Willis, Ronald E. LeClair
  • Patent number: 7386985
    Abstract: The refrigerant charge adequacy of an air conditioning system is determined by the sensing of two temperatures in the system, one being at a midpoint in a condenser coil and the other being the temperature in the liquid line of the condenser discharge, with the difference then being indicative of the degree of subcooling, which, in turn, may be indicative of refrigerant charge condition. The method is refined by measuring a third temperature at the compressor discharge, with the three temperature values then being used to calculate a pair of residual values which provide an indication of whether the two temperature approach is useful in determining charge adequacy under the existing conditions and if not, whether the system is overcharged or undercharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Julio I. Concha, Robert J. Braun, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Don A. Schuster, Sathish R. Das
  • Publication number: 20080111100
    Abstract: The invention pertains to heat transfer compositions, particularly to automobile refrigerants comprising a hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, and at least one lubricant having hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms, wherein no more than 17% of the total number of hydrogen atoms which are attached to a carbon atom are tertiary hydrogen atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: RAYMOND H. THOMAS, Rajiv R. Singh, George J. Samuels, Ian Shankland, David P. Wilson, Roy P. Robinson, Michael Van Der Puy, John L. Welch, Gregory J. Shafer, Mark W. Spatz, Ryan Hulse
  • Patent number: 7370483
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Tobias H. Sienel, Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20080022700
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an air conditioning unit for conditioning air and a conduit mounting portion. The conduit mounting portion is integrally formed with a component on a periphery of the air conditioning unit. The conduit mounting portion has a mounting hole formed therein for mounting the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Katsuyama
  • Publication number: 20080011001
    Abstract: An outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes a main body casing, at least one shut-off valve, a shut-off valve cover, a conduit mounting plate, and a shielding portion. The at least one shut-off valve is attached to an outer surface of the main body casing and connected to a refrigerant pipe. The shut-off valve cover has an opening through which the refrigerant pipe passes. The shut-off valve cover covers the shut-off valve. The conduit mounting plate is attached at a position on the outer surface of the main body casing in an interior space in the shut-off valve cover. The shielding portion is disposed around the conduit mounting plate. The shielding portion prevents an intruding object that intrudes into the shut-off valve cover through the opening from contacting an electric wire extending out from a conduit mounted to the conduit mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi KATSUYAMA
  • Publication number: 20080000240
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Travis Bakker, Gary Murray
  • Patent number: 7310956
    Abstract: A charging system for charging a refrigeration system of a vehicle includes a controller, a refrigerant source, at least one line fluidly connecting the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system; a control valve disposed to control flow of the refrigerant from the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system, and an efficiency sensor for measuring the efficiency of the refrigeration system. The controller operates to cause the charging system to input into the refrigeration system a predetermined amount of refrigerant less than a recommended refrigerant charge amount; measure a baseline efficiency of the refrigeration system, input a supplemental amount of refrigerant into the refrigeration system, measure an adjusted efficiency of the refrigeration system, and compare the measured adjusted efficiency to the baseline efficiency using the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth Meldahl, Dean Pfefferle, Craig Govekar, Anwar Suharno, Larry Moller
  • Patent number: 7310964
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Craig F. Govekar
  • Publication number: 20070266717
    Abstract: An automatic recharge system (22) is provided for a transcritical cooling system (10). The recharge system (22) includes a refrigerant container (30) capable of storing a refrigerant charge at a higher pressure that can be accommodated on the low pressure side of the cooling system (10), and a control valve (34) connected between an outlet (36) of the container (30) and the low pressure side of the cooling system (10) to automatically control the release of refrigerant form the refrigerant container (30) for circulation in the cooling system (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Charles E. Goodremote, Jianmin Yin
  • Patent number: 7293419
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry G. Moller, Dean P. Pfefferle
  • Publication number: 20070234747
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Chiang Kao Chen
  • Patent number: 7260944
    Abstract: Self-cooling food and beverage containers and processes for manufacturing such containers with cryogenic high-pressure refrigerant cooling apparatus are disclosed. A self-cooling beverage container apparatus containing a beverage or other food product, a method of storing cryogenic gases which then cool said food products, and to methods of assembling and operating the apparatus. A self-cooling beverage container includes a container body having an openable portion, a pressure vessel substantially housed within said container body, the pressure vessel having a first chamber for containing a refrigerant and a charging port, an actuation valve system is configurable from a closed configuration wherein the refrigerant is maintained within the pressure vessel to an open configuration wherein said refrigerant is allowed to expand and exit the pressure vessel upon opening of said container whereby refrigerant expansion and flow through said outlet conduit cools the contents of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 7260943
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for servicing a coolant system, such as, an automobile air conditioner are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a device for measuring a parameter of the coolant system; and means for selectively switching between providing: (i) communication between the coolant system and said measuring device, and (ii) communication between the coolant system and the coolant supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Carrubba, Ken Motush
  • Patent number: 7254954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig F. Govekar, Anwar Suharno
  • Publication number: 20070175330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a cabinet forming a fresh food storage compartment and a freezer compartment, at least one door for opening and closing the cabinet, and an adsorbing device containing a desiccant material for collecting moisture from air inside the cabinet, wherein the adsorbing device is mounted inside the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: DIEGO BARONE, ENRICA MONTICELLI, LORENZO BIANCHI, GIULIANO ROSI, LUCA NARDI
  • Patent number: 7246504
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing cooling storage units and a sales management system is to be provided for the same permitting the exclusion of a made-to-order production system which indispensably requires pre-shipment cooling tests. Thermally insulated boxes of different predetermined sets of specifications, each usable as a freezer, a refrigerator, or a freezer-refrigerator, and cooling units so fabricated as to have a prescribed cooling capacity for any one of the group of thermally insulated boxes are made ready in advance. One thermally insulated box, meeting the specified requirements from the group of thermally insulated boxes, and a matching cooling unit are transported to the installation site of the cooling storage unit. The thermally insulated box and the cooling unit are combined at the installation site to constitute the cooling storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Hirano, Shinichi Kaga
  • Patent number: 7243499
    Abstract: A refrigeration capillary tube inside suction tube heat exchanger assembly, including a suction tube whose ends each have a slot with a shaped inner end portion; two braze connectors, each including a sleeve portion with the free end having a shaped recess; a capillary tube adapted to be inserted into one of the suction tube ends and therethrough until each capillary tube ends extends from a suction tube end, each capillary tube end being deformed so as to emerge from the suction tube at locations abutting the shaped inner end portions thereof; and each of the braze connectors sleeve portions engaging one of the suction tube ends, with each suction tube slot cooperating with an adjacent one of the sleeve portion shaped recesses to contact, locate and subsequently fixedly secure the deformed capillary tube portions to the suction tube. Two methods of manufacturing the assembly are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Cole, Michael W. Trumbower
  • Patent number: 7216493
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a plurality of walls forming a refrigeration compartment, an evaporator is positioned proximate at least one of the walls, a thermal insulator is positioned proximate the evaporator, and an airflow duct is positioned proximate the thermal insulator such that the thermal insulator is between the evaporator and the airflow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ziqiang Hu
  • Patent number: 7216492
    Abstract: A portable refrigeration unit for cooling a refrigerated space, the unit comprising an evaporator unit that is separable from a condensing unit, the evaporator unit and condenser unit being connected by extended lengths of flexible hosing, such that the evaporator unit can be positioned within the space and the condenser unit positioned external to the space during cooling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald Sellers
  • Patent number: 7210300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Anwar Suharno, Dean P. Pfefferle, Craig F. Govekar, Kenneth R. Meldahl, Larry G. Moller
  • 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: 7127901
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Dresens, Gary S. Ash, Allen J. Bartlett, Bruce R. Andeen, Y. Roberto Than, Joseph Chopy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7127902
    Abstract: A composition is disclosed for preventing and repairing leaks, and lubricating gaskets and o-rings, preferably for use in a motor vehicle air conditioning system. The composition preferably includes a fluorocarbon resin mixed a dye. Mineral oil for R-12 refrigerant systems or ester oil for R-134a refrigerant systems can also be added to the mixture. The composition is preferably installed with an air conditioning oil injector through the low pressure side service port of the air conditioning system. When using the product, it is not required to evacuate the air conditioning system. The oil injector containing the composition is connected to the low pressure side service port, the motor vehicle engine is started, the air conditioning system is set to maximum cooling and the system recharged with either R-12 or R-134a refrigerant. The relevant leaks are sealed by composition which also lubricates rubber parts of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ahron Levy
  • Patent number: 7124598
    Abstract: A combination pressure measurement/charging system may include a conduit coupled to a refrigerant can. The conduit may be coupled to a low-pressure side of a refrigerant system. The system may include a valve to control a flow of fluid through the conduit. Thus, a flow of fluid between the refrigerant can and the low-pressure side of the refrigerant system may be controlled using the valve. A first pressure gauge may be in fluid communication with the conduit. The first pressure gauge may be coupled to the low-pressure side of the refrigerant system. The first pressure gauge may be used to operate the valve to control fluid flow through the conduit. A second pressure gauge may be coupled to a high-pressure side of the refrigerant system. The second pressure gauge may be isolated from fluids that flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Quest, Kerry W. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7104075
    Abstract: A method and system for discharging refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, from an air conditioning system. The discharge rate of the refrigerant from the air conditioning system is controlled by a discharge rate controller, even as refrigerant pressure at the system input varies. By maintaining discharge rate at a controlled value, the discharge time of the refrigerant from the air conditioning system is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael B. Meeker
  • Patent number: 7086237
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for transferring a measured level of liquefied refrigerant to a refrigeration system includes the steps of purging a calibration container; filling the calibration container with liquefied refrigerant from a liquefied refrigerant supply to a desired level; and charging a system with the liquefied refrigerant from the calibration container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, Paul Thomas Wickberg, Daniel Thomas Johnson
  • Patent number: 7077149
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a fluid into a closed pressurized system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be introduced into the system using the resting and operating pressures of the closed pressurized system. The system can be a climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence D. Kalley, John Burke
  • Patent number: 7051547
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for motor vehicles, which contains a connection piece for a pressure switch/pressure sensor, said connection piece being suitable for evacuating and filling the air conditioning system after the removal of the pressure switch/pressure sensor, so that the two normally separate functions are combined in one connection piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dietmar Boehme, Dietmar Fischer, Uwe Heinz
  • Patent number: 7032392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling an integrated circuit die. An integrated circuit package comprises an integrated circuit die. A cooling fluid makes contact with the integrated circuit die. In one embodiment, an interposer is disposed between the integrated circuit die and a package substrate. The integrated circuit die and/or the interposer may have microchannels in its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Koeneman, Mark A. Trautman
  • 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: 7021080
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (10) is formed by connecting, in the order given, a compressor (11), a four-way selector valve (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), and an indoor heat exchanger (15) by a gas side pipe (31) and a liquid side pipe (32). The refrigerant circuit (10) is charged with a single refrigerant of R32 or with an R32/R125 mixed refrigerant whose R32 content is not less than 75% by weight. As an insulating material of an electric motor of the compressor (11), a resin material is used, and as an refrigeration oil a synthetic oil is used. When cooling rated capacity is not more than 5 kW, the liquid side pipe (32) is formed by use of a pipe whose inside diameter is less than 4.75 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Domyo, Hideki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7021069
    Abstract: A multi-type refrigerator is capable of achieving a high coefficient of performance (COP) while using R32 as refrigerant and that takes account of energy saving and global warming. Refrigerating cycles are executed by circulation of R32 as refrigerant through a refrigerant circuit including one outdoor unit having a compressor, a condenser, and expansion means and a plurality of indoor units having evaporators. A filling quantity of R32 for the refrigerant circuit is set in a range from 120 to 300 g/kW (refrigerating capacity). The filling quantity of R32 for the refrigerant circuit is set in a range from 84 to 300 g/L (internal volume of the condenser).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Patent number: 7013655
    Abstract: A method to manufacture an engineered air-conditioning system that satisfies desired air-conditioning specifications, the engineered air-conditioning system including a refrigeration component coupled to at least one of an energy recovery system and an indirect evaporative cooling system, the method comprising: pre-determining a plurality of pre-engineered refrigerated air conditioning units as a plurality of standard refrigeration components, each component satisfying a different air conditioning specification; selecting one of the standard refrigeration components that substantially satisfies the desired air conditioning specification; custom designing at least one of the energy recovery system and the indirect evaporative cooling system to satisfy the desired air conditioning specification; and assembling the selected standard refrigeration components with at least one of the custom designed energy recovery system and indirect evaporative cooling system to create the engineered air conditioning system that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Entrodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas H. Des Champs
  • Patent number: 6981384
    Abstract: An air conditioning, heating or refrigeration system includes a controller that automatically determines if refrigerant amount is above or below the desired amount within the system. In one example, a sensor measures the temperature difference between sub-cooled liquid and saturated condensing temperature and provides information to the controller. The controller determines a variance between the measured and an expected value. If that variance exceeds a selected threshold, the controller automatically determines that the amount of refrigerant in the system is outside of an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dobmeier, Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Patent number: 6978636
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Motush, Thomas Gottlieb, Vincent Carrubba
  • Patent number: 6968706
    Abstract: Each blow-off valve includes a valve body with a first movable wall defining a portion of the liquid fluid passage therein and a second movable wall defining a portion of the suction fluid passage therein. An actuator interconnects the movable walls for simultaneously moving the walls and opening the fluid passages in response to the electrical leakage-warning signal. In the species of FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable walls are integrally united with the valve body and include frangible sections that are fractured by an explosive squib to separate the movable walls from the body to simultaneously open the liquid and suction fluid passages. In the species of FIG. 5, the movable walls are separate valve elements disposed in a circular bore that opens the passages to the ambient surroundings. The actuator includes a spring, for biasing each of the valve elements out of its respective bore, and a holding device that weakens in response to the electrical leakage-warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventors: Prasad Shripad Kadle, James Allen Baker, William James Kumpf, Mahmoud Ghodbane, Lawrence P. Scherer
  • Patent number: 6952931
    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: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: ASP Corporation
    Inventors: John Bryan Beatenbough, Edward Rios, Ryan Edward Haley