Patents by Inventor James E. Ferris

James E. Ferris 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: 6796340
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a pressurized fluid from a container into an automobile air conditioning system. A moveable plunger in an interior of a housing may engage an automobile air conditioning system valve and pressurized container valve to allow refrigerant and lubricant to flow from the pressurized container into the automobile air conditioning system. A quick-connect coupling may be used to couple the housing to the automobile air conditioning system after the housing has been snapped onto the pressurized container. In addition, the moveable plunger may be biased toward the automobile air conditioning system valve by a spring to ensure the automobile air conditioning system valve is opened when the housing is coupled to the automobile air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Publication number: 20040079092
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging/pressure testing hose assembly meeting SAE standard J2196 is useable to both (1) check the pressure in a refrigerant circuit and, (2) if necessary, add refrigerant to the circuit. The assembly includes a length of refrigerant charging hose having a quick disconnect coupler disposed at one end and connectable to a service fitting portion of the circuit, a piercing-type shutoff valve disposed at the other hose end and connectable to a refrigerant charging canister, a pressure gauge installed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of the hose, and a check valve installed in the hose between the shutoff valve and the pressure gauge and permitting flow through the hose only toward the quick coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6722141
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive liquid and is partially evacuated. Additive liquid from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and a vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6609385
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging/pressure testing hose assembly meeting SAE standard J2196 is useable to both (1) check the pressure in a refrigerant circuit and, (2) if necessary, add refrigerant to the circuit. The assembly includes a length of refrigerant charging, hose having a quick disconnect coupler disposed at one end and connectable to a service fitting portion of the circuit, a piercing-type shutoff valve disposed at the other hose end and connectable to a refrigerant charging canister, a pressure gauge installed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of the hose, and a check valve installed in the hose between the shutoff valve and the pressure gauge and permitting flow through the hose only toward the quick coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Publication number: 20020189265
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive fluid which is partially evacuated, said refrigerant circuit additive fluid is comprised of a combination of a binding azeotrope of methanol and cyclohexanone with a drying agent, a metal sealant and a rubber rejuvinating compound in a single container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J Quest
  • Publication number: 20020174664
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive liquid and is partially evacuated. Additive liquid from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and a vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6481221
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive liquid and is partially evacuated. Additive liquid from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and a vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Publication number: 20020124578
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive fluid which is partially evacuated, said refrigerant circuit additive fluid is comprised of a combination of a binding azeotrope of methanol and cyclohexanone with a drying agent, a metal sealant and a rubber rejuvinating compound in a single container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Publication number: 20020124577
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive liquid and is partially evacuated. Additive liquid from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and a vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6438970
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive fluid which is partially evacuated, said refrigerant circuit additive fluid is comprised of a combination of a binding azeotrope of methanol and cyclohexanone with a drying agent, a metal sealant and a rubber rejuvinating compound in a single container. Additive fluids from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6385986
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging hose assembly has an aerosol shut-off valve connectable to a refrigerant canister and interconnected to a disconnect coupler fitting by a length of refrigerant charging hose, the body portion of the coupler fitting being economically formed from high tensile strength elastomeric plastic material. A spring-loaded, floatingly supported control pin member is shifted to open the disconnect coupler fitting when the pin member engages and depresses a corresponding pin member within an air conditioning system service fitting to which the coupler fitting is connected. when the coupler fitting is removed from the service fitting the coupler fitting pin member is spring-driven back to its original position in which a flange portion thereof closes the coupler fitting to prevent discharge of pressurized refrigerant therethrough from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 5967204
    Abstract: An injection device is operable to force a treatment fluid into a refrigerant circuit having an R-134a service fitting thereon and includes a tubular container in which the treatment fluid is disposed. The container has an outlet structure with a body section adapted to sealingly receive and open the service fitting, and a rotatable nut portion operative to deform the body section and releasably lock it onto the service fitting. A hollow plunger member is threaded into the container and may be (1) threadingly advanced into the container to force the treatment fluid outwardly therefrom into the refrigerant circuit, or (2) serve as a conduit through which a pressurized driving fluid may be forced into the container to drive the treatment fluid into the refrigerant circuit. Inlet and outlet check valve structures are incorporated into the device to prevent undesirable fluid backflow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 5070917
    Abstract: A compact device for sealingly storing, and subsequently delivering to the interior of a tire, a predetermined charge quantity of a tire leak sealant liquid includes a hollow liquid storage and transfer member, having an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting, within which the sealant liquid is disposed. When the hollow member is operatively interconnected between a pressurized air source and the tire's valve stem, pressurized air sequentially forces the entire sealant liquid charge volume into the tire and then flows into the tire through the storage and transfer member. Accordingly, the device may be utilized to repair and fully inflate a flat tire. A check valve structure incorporated in the device prevents fluid backflow through the storage and transfer member. The device may also be used to force other treatment liquids, such as a tire conditioner liquid, into the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 4829829
    Abstract: A refrigerant system gas pressure check gauge with a valve head opening having a valve pin and shaped to fit on and over the low pressure suction side valve fitting of a refrigeration system, auto or home, with colored zones and safety markings with worded indications including safety danger warnings. The colored zones and safety markings directly match precise pressure zones on the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4777828
    Abstract: A removable, in-place pressure check gauge connectable to the normally closed low pressure test and service valve fitting in the refrigerant circuit of a car air conditioning system has a hollow cylindrical body with first and second open opposite ends. The first end has secured thereto a connection fitting that may be threaded onto the test and service valve, and functions to hold the valve in an open position to admit pressurized refrigerant into the gauge body. The refrigerant exerts a pressure force on a seal element supported for axial movement within the body against the biasing force of a compression spring therein. Pressure-caused movement of the seal element toward the second body end is operative to move an elongated pressure indicating rod from a retracted position within the body outwardly through the second body end to an extended position indicative of the refrigerant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4770044
    Abstract: A refrigerant system gas pressure check gauge with a valve head opening having a valve pin and shaped to fit on and over the low pressure suction side valve fitting of a refrigeration system, auto or home, with colored zones and safety markings with worded indications including safety danger warnings. The colored zones and safety markings directly match precise pressure zones on the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4745772
    Abstract: A portable air conditioner drier and chemical additive system feeder particularly useful for home and auto air conditioning systems. The unit is an in-line filter/drier with an input flexible line section and an output flexible line section connectable from a system high pressure fitting to the refrigerant system suction side valve fitting so that a portion of the system pumps high pressure gas output through the filter/drier for a short contaminant, moisture, and air removal running period of time generally to an extent of twenty to forty minutes. The filter/drier unit includes a screw top container that seals against leakage when threaded down normally containing a screen and filter material with a fill of desiccant particles cartridge which can be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4693112
    Abstract: A universal refrigerant system gas pressure check gauge with a valve head opening about a valve pin within the valve head opening that is shaped to fit on and over the low pressure suction side valve fitting of a refrigeration system with the valve stem of the refrigeration system suction side valve fitting engaging and being depressed by the gauge valve pin to open the valve. A resiliently compressible washer is held in the gas pressure check gauge valve head opening with a center opening in the washer that does not close on the valve pin in order that refrigerant gas may pass on through into valve head and gauge stem internal passages. The resiliently compressible washer is of such thickness as to be engaged and resiliently compressed by the end of the refrigeration system suction side valve fitting as the valve stem is being depressed by the gauge valve pin thereby sealing the valve fitting to the check gauge to insure that refrigerant materials leak very little if at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4599903
    Abstract: A universal refrigerant system check gauge adapter in the form of an instrument of semi rigid yet flexible plastic having a bottom tube that is received in a valve head opening of a pressure gauge and about a valve pin within the valve head opening. The top end of the adapter has an opening shaped to fit on and over the low pressure suction side valve fitting of a refrigeration system. Internal projections within the bottom extended tube engage the end of the check gauge valve pin and a center projection within the adapter top end opening engages the valve stem of the refrigeration system suction side valve fitting so that as the check gauge is pushed toward the refrigeration valve fitting the refrigeration system valve is opened and refrigeration gases propelled from the refrigeration system enter the check gauge passing through the center opening of a resiliently compressible washer and through a port opening in the valve head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4224032
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing chemical analysis on selected fluids. The apparatus comprises a turntable which carries a plurality of cartridges containing test slides. A transfer mechanism is adapted to receive a slide from a selected cartridge, transport the slide to a metering device where a precise amount of fluid is deposited thereon, and then deliver the slide to a conveyor which moves the slide through an incubator. A radiometric reading of the slide is taken while it is in the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Clyde P. Glover, James E. Ferris, Robert J. Meyer, Edward Muka