Patents by Inventor Charles E. Dull

Charles E. Dull has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5906106
    Abstract: A refrigerant air analyzer and purge system for detecting and purging air within a refrigerant system or supply. The analyzer includes a vented test chamber, means for controlling a flow rate of refrigerant and an oxygen sensor. The means for controlling receives refrigerant from the refrigerant supply and provides the refrigerant to the test chamber through an inlet of the test chamber. The means for controlling limits the pressure and flow rate of refrigerant provided to the test chamber. The oxygen sensor is coupled to the test chamber and produces a signal which is a function of the oxygen level within the test chamber. The means for controlling is connected to the oxygen sensor for receiving the oxygen signal and providing a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: SPX Corporation Robinair Division
    Inventors: William C. Brown, Walter D. Murray, Charles E. Dull
  • Patent number: 5209077
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system that includes a refrigerant accumulator having an inlet port for connection to the liquid port of equipment from which refrigerant is to be recovered, a vapor outlet port connected to the inlet of a refrigerant compressor, and a liquid outlet port. A valve connects the liquid outlet port of the accumulator to the inlet of a liquid refrigerant pump, which has an outlet for connection to a refrigerant storage container. A liquid refrigerant sensor is coupled to the accumulator and responsive to presence of liquid refrigerant within the accumulator for operating the valve and thereby connecting the accumulator liquid outlet port to the liquid pump. A second valve is responsive to the liquid refrigerant sensor for connecting the compressor outlet to the vapor port of refrigeration equipment under service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Manz, Christopher M. Powers, Charles E. Dull
  • Patent number: 5172562
    Abstract: In a combined recovery, purification and recharging system, a refrigerant compressor has an inlet coupled to a recovery control valve for connection to a refrigeration system under service from which refrigerant is to be recovered, purified and recharged into the system. The compressor outlet is connected to a first port of a refrigerant storage container. A filter for removing contaminants from refrigerant is coupled to a circulation control valve for selectively circulating refrigerant in a closed path during a purification cycle from a second port of the container through the filter back to the first port of the container. A vacuum pump is coupled to a vacuum control valve for selective connection to the refrigeration system under service during a vacuum cycle for evacuating the system under service to atmosphere. A pressure sensor is connected to the vacuum pump for automatically terminating vacuum pump operation when pressure in the system under service is below a preselected low-pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Manz, Charles E. Dull
  • Patent number: 5158747
    Abstract: Apparatus for identifying and distinguishing between at least two different types of refrigerant includes a sample container having a fixed internal volume. Refrigerant to be tested is selectively admitted into the container in vapor phase, vapor pressure of refrigerant within the container is measured, and admission of refrigerant into the container is terminated when the vapor pressure of refrigerant contained therein reaches a preselected level. A sensor and associated electronics are coupled to the container for determining type of refrigerant vapor in the container as a function of one or more selected properties of the refrigerant, and indicating such refrigerant type to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Manz, Gary P. Murray, Charles E. Dull