Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining refrigerant density and mass flow rate, and for pressurizing a refrigerant recovery tank while the refrigeration system is being recharged. The mass of a flowing refrigerant is automatically continually determined by reliable static means in a controlled recharging process. Flow-dependent pressure, such as the pressure drop across the orifice, and temperature data are taken from the recharging system and are connected to a data processor which uses the pressure and temperature data to determine the refrigerant density and the mass of the flowing refrigerant that has been used. The pressure of a source of recharging refrigerant can be maintained by withdrawing and heating liquid refrigerant and returning the resulting superheated vapor directly to the source of recharging refrigerant, and recharging operations can proceed during such pressure maintenance.

Abstract: A coupling member is provided for coupling a refrigerant line to a refrigerant port of a refrigeration system. The coupling member includes a generally cylindrical body member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a radially inwardly facing surface defining an axially extending interior passageway, and a radially outwardly facing surface. The radially inwardly facing surface includes a circumferential fluid passageway portion. A radially extending fluid inlet passageway extends between the circumferential fluid passageway and the radially outwardly facing surface. An inner sleeve member is disposed in the axially extending interior passageway for axial movement therein. The inner sleeve member includes a wall having a radially inwardly facing surface defining an interior of the inner sleeve member, and a radially outwardly facing surface defining a boundary of the circumferential fluid passageway. A pin depressor member is disposed at least partially in the interior of the inner sleeve.