Abstract: A highly efficient refrigerant purification device for removing moisture, oil, particulates, non-condensible impurities and other contaminants from a refrigerant, thereby allowing maximum recovery of the refrigerant in a refrigeration system, the refrigerant being in full compliance with regulatory standards. The device can be easily adapted to purify a wide variety of refrigerants, and the device is organized in a logical arrangement which utilizes a minimum number of parts.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides new, make-up refrigerant to the air conditioner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge. A microprocessor provides a diagnostic capability, and includes tables of acceptable values of parameters, such as air discharge temperature, suction pressure, etc., for different automobile makes and air conditioner types; provision is made for adjusting the acceptable ranges of such values due to one or more ambient factors, of which ambient relative humidity may be one. The microprocessor, after comparing actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen.

Abstract: A microprocessor provides a diagnostic capability, and includes tables of acceptable values of parameters, such as air discharge temperature, suction pressure, etc., for different automobile makes and air conditioner types; provision is made for adjusting the acceptable ranges of such values due to one or more ambient factors, of which ambient relative humidity may be one. The microprocessor, after determining whether the air conditioning system has a cycling or a non-cyling clutch and providing a valid set of actual system values based on whether the clutch is cycling or non-cycling, compares actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, and displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen. Self-testing of both the microprocessor and associated electrical elements, and of mechanical elements such as conduits, valves and a scale is performed.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides preselected commands upon receipt of signals indicating conditions of temperature, pressure, etc. The reclaimed refrigerant is deposited into a reservoir, which contains a float that cooperates with a level sensor and signal generator to send a signal when the liquid level has reached a predetermined position. This signal causes a valve in the discharge line from the reservoir to close, to prevent discharge of gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling for a pair of telescopic slidable tubular members has an annular garter spring trapped in a spring housing carried by one of the tubular members. The garter spring is adapted to be lodged between a right-angularly disposed flange on the spring housing and an upwardly-inclined annular flange formed on the end of the other tubular member. The respective flanges are arranged transverse to each other. The components of the coupling are formed conveniently and economically, without the necessity for expensive metal-forming dies, and are easily assembled.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station includes oil and refrigerant reservoirs, a vacuum pump, and an electronic sequencing unit. A header conduit connected to the reservoirs and vacuum pump is connected to a cross-over conduit, which in turn is connected to conduits extending to the high and low pressure sides of an air conditioner compressor. Electrically operated valves are provided in the cross-over conduit, in a dump conduit connected to the cross-over conduit, and in branch conduits connected to the reservoirs and to the vacuum pump. An over-ride control of the cross-over valve is provided, responsive to the pressure of the high pressure side and an over-ride control is provided for cross-over valve, activated if the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level. An excessively high pressure in the high pressure side causes the closing of the valve in the refrigerant reservoir branch conduit.

Abstract: An evaporator core assembly for automotive air-conditioning service is disclosed in which attaching tubes, comprising the inlet, outlet and to some cases, an oil return tube, are removably secured to the core assembly in such a manner that the tubes may be adjusted to any desired angle in relation to the core assembly thereby reducing the service parts storage volume, required for making evaporator core assemblies of different or unique designs, as well as enabling the core assemblies to be made of different stack heights or dimensions. The removability is accomplished through the use of fittings of unique design, and nuts which are used in combination with these fittings.

Abstract: A wire hose clamp has barbs extending from at least one of the encircling wires forming a part of the hose clamp. The barbs extend in the direction of rotation in which the clamp is urged by the application of a tool to tighten the clamp, and may be inclined to the plane containing the axis of the wire.

Abstract: A mobile air-conditioner charging station having a reluctance-type weighing scale on which are mounted reservoirs of both lubricant oil and refrigerant. A computer module reads the weight loss of the combined reservoirs as, first, the oil is charged into the air-conditioner and then, sequentially and automatically, the refrigerant is charged into the air-conditioner. Each charging cycle is completed when the computer module senses, by a plurality of discrete readings of the scale at timed intervals, that a pre-selected magnitude of weight loss has occurred and has been maintained.

Abstract: A radially-adjustable wire grip hose clamp made of a single wire strand forming a pair of coaxial, axially-spaced clamping loops. Each loop having a portion progressively traversing a seat element as said clamp is adjusted by a radially-disposed screw threadedly engaging a nut and bearing upon the seat element. The traversing portions are maintained at equal length to stabilize the screw against tipping and a mechanical interlock configuration of bends retains the nut against torsion-induced angular displacement.

Abstract: A grommet seal is disclosed comprising a cup-shaped part or piece adapted to provide a substantially air-tight seal between a wire, rod or tube and a metallic panel or the like through which the wire, rod or tube passes, and a mating part or piece interfitted with said cup-shaped part or piece, and adapted to act in combination or conjunction therewith to improve or complete the seal. The parts or pieces are provided with tongues which are flexibly movable relatively to the wire, rod or tube, to accommodate the passage through the grommet seal of wires, rods or tubes of varying or different diameters or sizes.

Abstract: A mobile air-conditioner charging station having a reluctance-type weighing scale on which are mounted reservoirs of both lubricant oil and refrigerant. A computer module reads the weight loss of the combined reservoirs as, first, the oil is charged into the air-conditioner and then, sequentially and automatically, the refrigerant is charged into the air-conditioner. Each charging cycle is completed when the computer module senses, by a plurality of discrete readings of the scale at timed intervals, that a pre-selected magnitude of weight loss has occurred and has been maintained.