Patents by Inventor Ralph C. Lower

Ralph C. Lower 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: 4688388
    Abstract: Apparatus for service and recharge of refrigeration equipment, with particular application to automotive air conditioning equipment. A vacuum pump, and oil and refrigerant charge containers are housed within a portable enclosure and configured for selective connection by electrically operated solenoid valves to refrigeration equipment under service. The refrigerant and oil containers are carried by a scale which provides electrical outputs signals as a function of weight of refrigerant and oil remaining in the containers. A microprocessor-based controller receives the scale signals and control signals from an operator panel for automatically cycling through vacuum, oil charge and refrigerant charge stages in a programmed mode of operation. The microprocessor-based controller includes facility for operator programming of the vacuum time and oil and refrigerant charge quantities, and for self- or operator-implemented diagnostics. Operating conditions and stages are displayed at all times to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph C. Lower, Kenneth W. Manz, Gary P. Murray
  • Patent number: 4523897
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a two stage vacuum pump particularly suitable for servicing refrigeration systems wherein a pair of electrically driven rotors support outwardly movable vanes engaging the cylindrical circumference of pumping chambers in which the rotors are mounted. The efficient relationship of components produces a high capacity pump in a concise configuration, lateral sides of the rotors are recessed to produce rapid seating of the vanes, reduce hydraulic end loading of the second stage rotor and minimize friction. The vanes are offset from the associated rotor axis to allow greater displacement for a given chamber bore and rotor size, and advantageous frictional forces are produced to augment sealing between the vane tips and chamber surface. Further, the vane tips are shaped to optimize compression and reduce gas re-expansion, and the rotors of the two stages are rotationally phased to improve capacity and pumping characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Robinair Division
    Inventors: Ralph C. Lower, Gary P. Murray
  • Patent number: 4441330
    Abstract: The invention pertains to method and apparatus for servicing refrigeration circuits wherein the refrigerant is removed from the circuit and the circuit recharged. In accord with the invention the recovered refrigerant may be reprocessed for recharging the circuit, or the recovered refrigerant may be stored and fresh refrigerant employed for circuit charging purposes. Further, the invention contemplates the removal of oil from recovered refrigerant, and the charging of a predetermined amount of lubricating oil into the recharged circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Robinair Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph C. Lower, Roger D. Shirley
  • Patent number: 4364236
    Abstract: The invention pertains to method and apparatus for servicing refrigeration circuits wherein the refrigerant is removed from the circuit and the circuit recharged. In accord with the invention the recovered refrigerant may be reprocessed for recharging the circuit, or the recovered refrigerant may be stored and fresh refrigerant employed for circuit charging purposes. Further, the invention contemplates the removal of oil from recovered refrigerant, and the charging of a predetermined amount of lubricating oil into the recharged circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Robinair Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph C. Lower, Roger D. Shirley
  • Patent number: RE33212
    Abstract: Apparatus for service and recharge of refrigeration equipment, with particular application to automotive air conditioning equipment. A vacuum pump, and oil and refrigerant charge containers are housed within a portable enclosure and configured for selective connection by electrically operated solenoid valves to refrigeration equipment under service. The refrigerant and oil containers are carried by a scale which provides electrical outputs signals as a function of weight of refrigerant and oil remaining in the containers. A microprocessor-based controller receives the scale signals and control signals from an operator panel for automatically cycling through vacuum, oil charge and refrigerant charge stages in a programmed mode of operation. The microprocessor-based controller includes facility for operator programming of the vacuum time and oil and refrigerant charge quantities, and for self- or operator-implemented diagnostics. Operating conditions and stages are displayed at all times to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph C. Lower, Kenneth W. Manz, Gary P. Murray