Abstract: The invention pertains to an environmental protection system and method for withdrawing and charging refrigerants, particularly fluorocarbon refrigerants, with respect to refrigeration systems as used for refrigeration, dehumidifying, air conditioning and the like without contamination of the atmosphere. Refrigerant is evacuated from a refrigeration system through a closed circuit into a closed disposal or storage container, and in an embodiment of the invention direct evacuation pumping of the refrigerant may be proceeded by drawing the majority of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system by means of a preliminary vacuum tank connected in series with a refrigerant disposal container. Additionally, the invention contemplates combining a refrigerant charging circuit with the refrigerant evacuation circuit in order to provide complete refrigeration system servicing without the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention pertains to vacuum pump structure, and the innovations include a multiple pumping chamber pump wherein substantially identical pumping chambers may be assembled in contiguous relationship, and by the selective use of a pump head plate mounted upon both chambers the pump may operate in either a series or parallel mode. Further innovations include a novel air conducting nozzle which minimizes oil loss, and the pump employs a combination carrying handle and base interposed between the motor and pumping structure which facilitates assembly and handling.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an environmental protection system and method for withdrawing and charging refrigerants, particularly fluorocarbon refrigerants, with respect to refrigeration systems as used for refrigeration, dehumidifying, air conditioning and the like without contamination of the atmosphere. Refrigerant is evacuated from a refrigeration system through a closed circuit into a closed disposal or storage container, and in an embodiment of the invention direct evacuation pumping of the refrigerant may be proceeded by drawing the majority of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system by means of a preliminary vacuum tank connected in series with a refrigerant disposal container. Additionally, the invention contemplates combining a refrigerant charging circuit with the refrigerant evacuation circuit in order to provide complete refrigeration system servicing without the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A rotary mechanical vacuum pump has a pump chamber formed of aluminum which has been treated by hard anodizing the working surfaces of the pump chamber and the lapped mating surfaces between the parts surrounding the chamber, with a high vacuum grease applied to such mating surfaces and providing an effective seal against leakage between the pump chamber and the ambient atmosphere.