Abstract: A leak detection dye carrier is formed using a two-stage process (53). In a first stage, the dye carrier (52) is saturated with a mixture (54) of a dye powder and an evaporable solvent, such as alcohol. The solvent is permitted to evaporate leaving dispersed dye solids (56) on the dye carrier (52). In a second stage, the dye carrier (52) and dispersed dye solids (56) are immersed in a wet bath (58). The method may be a hybrid of dry and wet systems of placing dye onto a substrate carrier in which the wet bath is a mixture of a dye and a solvent, such as a system lubricant. Alternatively, the immersion of the dye carrier in the second stage may be limited in duration to prevent the dye solids in the first stage from being dissolved.

Abstract: A leak detection dye carrier is formed using a two-stage process (53). In a first stage, the dye carrier (52) is saturated with a mixture (54) of a dye powder and an evaporable solvent, such as alcohol. The solvent is permitted to evaporate leaving dispersed dye solids (56) on the dye carrier (52). In a second stage, the dye carrier (52) and dispersed dye solids (56) are immersed in a wet bath (58). The method may be a hybrid of dry and wet systems of placing dye onto a substrate carrier in which the wet bath is a mixture of a dye and a solvent, such as a system lubricant. Alternatively, the immersion of the dye carrier in the second stage may be limited in duration to prevent the dye solids in the first stage from being dissolved.

Abstract: A cord-reel includes a spool for windingly receiving a cord within a spool housing interior and a sanitizer for sanitizing the spool housing interior. According to one embodiment, the sanitizer includes an ultraviolet lamp generating ultraviolet radiation, most preferably having a wavelength between approximately 250 and 260 nanometers, and a reflector redirecting ultraviolet radiation toward the spool housing interior. A control system for activating the sanitizer may include a manual actuation switch or, alternatively, may sense when a cord is unwound from the spool to activate the sanitizer. The control system may be adapted to activate the sanitizer during a predetermined activation time period. The control system may include a light indicator for visually signaling during activation of the sanitizer. The spool housing may define first and second cord openings for respective passage of first and second ends of a cord to an exterior of the spool housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile, handheld inspection lamp with a unique configuration. Light of different wavelengths is emitted along different portions of the length, and an opaque slider allows the user to select the preferred wavelength of light for a particular task.

Abstract: A container including a mixture of refrigerant and leak detection dye medium is disclosed for adding to an air conditioning or refrigeration system. The container includes a storage container adapted to communicate with an air conditioning or refrigeration system for supplying material inside the container to the air conditioning or refrigeration system. A refrigerant is contained within the container, along with a leak detection dye medium. The dye medium including a dye adapted to fluoresce when exposed to incident radiation below about 500 nm. The dye medium having an initial state where at least a portion of the dye medium is in a non-liquid form separate from the refrigerant and includes a concentrated dye, and a second state where the dye is dispersed or mixed with the refrigerant. A method of forming the mixture within the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held germicidal UV lamp includes housing for a UV light source and an aperture for allowing the transmission of UV light. A safety switch is provided on the housing which can be moved by an activation tool. A cover is provided over the switch having an opening for accessing the switch. The opening is sized so that a human finger cannot pass through the opening and move the switch. A light shield may be provided which surrounds the aperture and limits transmission of UV light.

Abstract: A pen-size inspection lamp for detecting fluorescent leak detection materials in hard-to-reach areas. The inspection lamp includes a housing, an extendible handle, at least one LED and a mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a mirror, a clip for attaching the mirror to the housing, and an arm extending between the clip and the mirror with a hinge connection for rotating the mirror to different reflection angles with respect to the LED.

Abstract: An inspection lamp kit for detecting fluorescent leak detection materials in hard-to-reach areas. The inspection lamp kit includes a pen-size light with an extendible handle and a plurality of attachable lamp housings. At least one lamp housing including at least one LED which emits light within a wavelength band below about 500 nm.

Abstract: An inspection lamp kit for detecting fluorescent leak detection materials in hard-to-reach areas. The inspection lamp kit includes a pen-size light with an extendible handle and a plurality of attachable lamp housings. At least one lamp housing including at least one LED which emits light within a wavelength band below about 500 nm.

Abstract: A hand-held inspection lamp is described. The lamp includes a multi-pin receptacle capable of connecting to a cord carrying alternating current and, alternatively, a cord capable of carrying direct current. The pins of the receptacle are wired to appropriate hardware within the lamp such that the proper type of current is supplied to a bulb housed therein. Thus, if the lamp is configured for a bulb that utilizes AC current, the pin configuration of the receptacle and an AC power cord supply AC current directly to the bulb or a ballast. The DC power cord has pins configured to supply current to an inverter connected to the bulb or ballast through the receptacle. A similar, but converse, arrangement is provided for the lamp when designed to house a bulb that utilizes DC current.

Abstract: A pen-size inspection lamp for detecting fluorescent materials. The inspection lamp includes a lamp housing, an extendible handle, and at least one LED.

Abstract: A pen-size inspection lamp for detecting fluorescent leak detection materials in hard-to-reach areas. The inspection lamp includes a housing, an extendible handle, at least one LED and a mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a mirror, a clip for attaching the mirror to the housing, and an arm extending between the clip and the mirror with a hinge connection for rotating the mirror to different reflection angles with respect to the LED.

Abstract: A pen-size inspection lamp for detecting fluorescent materials. The inspection lamp includes a lamp housing, an extendible handle, and at least one LED.

Abstract: A hand-held inspection lamp is described. The lamp includes a multi-pin receptacle capable of connecting to a cord carrying alternating current and, alternatively, a cord capable of carrying direct current. The pins of the receptacle are wired to appropriate hardware within the lamp such that the proper type of current is supplied to a bulb housed therein. Thus, if the lamp is configured for a bulb that utilizes AC current, the pin configuration of the receptacle and an AC power cord supply AC current directly to the bulb or a ballast. The DC power cord has pins configured to supply current to an inverter connected to the bulb or ballast through the receptacle. A similar, but converse, arrangement is provided for the lamp when designed to house a bulb that utilizes DC current.

Abstract: A hand-held germicidal UV lamp includes housing for a UV light source and an aperture for allowing the transmission of UV light. A safety switch is provided on the housing which can be moved by an activation tool. A cover is provided over the switch having an opening for accessing the switch. The opening is sized so that a human finger cannot pass through the opening and move the switch. A light shield may be provided which surrounds the aperture and limits transmission of UV light.

Abstract: A fluorescent dye composition for inclusion in a fluid for leak detection applications is provided which is responsive to a broad range of UVA, blue, and UVA-blue light sources. The composition comprises a mixture of a perylene dye, a naphthalimide dye, and a hydrocarbon-based fluid, wherein the combination of the perylene dye, the naphthalimide dye and the hydrocarbon-based fluid are miscible in the fluid. A fluorescent dye composition is also provided that is effective for all automotive working fluids, including heavy lubricants and transmission fluids, synthetic lubricants and internal combustion oils, refrigerants, liquid and gaseous fuels, and hydraulic fluids. A fluorescent dye composition is also provided containing only a combination of perylene dye and naphthalimide dye.

Abstract: A compact hand-held high intensity ultraviolet inspection lamp having a straight handle aligned with beam direction includes a high-intensity light bulb enclosed within a bulb housing, a light-emitting aperture at the end of the bulb housing away from the handle, and an ultraviolet light filter in alignment with the aperture to absorb substantially all light emitted from the bulb at frequencies outside of the ultraviolet spectrum and to transmit the unabsorbed ultraviolet light. Three embodiments of such lamp are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A compact hand-held high intensity ultraviolet inspection lamp having a straight handle aligned with beam direction includes a high-intensity light bulb enclosed within a bulb housing, a light-emitting aperture at the end of the bulb housing away from the handle, and an ultraviolet light filter in alignment with the aperture to absorb substantially all light emitted from the bulb at frequencies outside of the ultraviolet spectrum and to transmit the unabsorbed ultraviolet light. Three embodiments of such lamp are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A compact hand-held high intensity ultraviolet inspection lamp having a straight handle aligned with beam direction includes a high-intensity light bulb enclosed within a bulb housing, a light-emitting aperture at the end of the bulb housing away from the handle, and an ultraviolet light filter in alignment with the aperture to absorb substantially all light emitted from the bulb at frequencies outside of the ultraviolet spectrum and to transmit the unabsorbed ultraviolet light. Three embodiments of such lamp are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of introducing a leak detection dye into a closed refrigeration system through circulation of the refrigerant. A predetermined amount of the leak detection dye, which is soluble in the refrigerant and the system lubricant, is installed in a component of the refrigeration system, such as in a desiccant bag placed in a dehydrator. The leak detection dye may come in various forms including as a leak detection additive having the leak detection dye implanted on and absorbed into a host swatch of a substrate material, as a powder, as a solid pellet of powdered dye concentrate and inert ingredients, or as a slurry. The refrigeration system is assembled, charged and operated, by which the refrigerant and system lubricant flowing through the component, such as a desiccant bag in the dehydrator, and mixes the dye with the refrigerant and system lubricant.