Abstract: A flow control system allows sampling of refrigerant from a refrigerant recovery inlet of the system or, alternatively, the refrigerant recovery tank. Refrigerant selected from either source is metered and oil is filtered therefrom to provide a clean vapor refrigerant sample to a refrigerant identification detector. Oil separated from the refrigerant is returned to the oil drain of the main system for collection. In a preferred embodiment, a first conduit having a pressure control valve is coupled from a refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant recovery and recharging system. A check valve, a metering orifice, and an oil separator is coupled in the first conduit and to a refrigerant identification detector.

Abstract: A conduit is coupled to an oil accumulator with an orifice coupled in series with the conduit for limiting the flow of oil therethrough. A pressure sensor is coupled to the conduit for measuring the pressure in the conduit. An oil drain control solenoid valve is coupled to an electrical circuit also coupled to the pressure sensor for selectively opening the oil drain for the draining of oil into a collection tank without losing refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerant servicing system includes a main supply tank of refrigerant and an auxiliary tank which is coupled to the main tank by a valve which is selectively controlled by a circuit also coupled to weight and pressure sensors to assure the main tank has a level of refrigerant adequate for providing a continuous supply of refrigerant during servicing.

Abstract: Conduits are coupled to a supply tank of refrigerant to allow the sensing of the amount of air present in the refrigerant tank and, upon the detection of air, the purging of air from the tank with a minimal loss of refrigerant. Preferably, the conduits include flow restrictors such as orifices and solenoid valves controlled by a microprocessor to sequentially sample and purge air from the refrigerant tank as required.

Abstract: A lift assembly which is coupled to a refrigerant service cart to raise and lock the supply tank of refrigerant off of a weight sensor, locking the tank in a raised position for transportation of the portable servicing cart. In a preferred embodiment, a fixed arm extends from the portable cart and is positioned at a location above the refrigerant tank. A movable connecting link extends from the arm and is coupled to the tank and is controlled by an over-center toggle with a control handle for raising and lowering the tank coupled to the link between a use position resting on the weight sensor and a transporting position engaging the fixed arm and locked thereto by the over-center toggle control.

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.

Abstract: In a refrigerant recovery system, a refrigerant compressor has an inlet for connection to a source of refrigerant to be recovered and an outlet for connection to a refrigerant storage container. A separator is connected in series with the compressor for separating lubricant from refrigerant either before or after passage of the refrigerant through the compressor. A valve or other suitable means is operatively connected between the inlet and outlet of the compressor for equalizing pressure across the compressor during non-operation of the compressor. A pressure sensor is coupled to the refrigerant recovery system and responsive to refrigerant pressure at the lubricant separator. A manual or automatic valve is coupled to a drain on the separator for draining lubricant from the separator during non-operation of the compressor when refrigerant pressure at the separator reaches a selected level during non-operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that is particularly adapted for flammable or potentially flammable refrigerants that includes a compressor having an inlet for connection to a source of refrigerant, and a condenser connected to the outlet of the compressor for at least partially condensing refrigerant passing therethrough. An air motor is connected to a source of air under pressure for operating the compressor. The air from the motor exhaust is directed to the condenser for cooling the condenser and thereby enhancing extraction of heat from refrigerant passing through the condenser.

Abstract: An upright cargo support includes a post having an angular lower segment provided with a base for floor engagement. A pair of feet on the base are recessed to engage hold-down pins of the floor structure. One of said feet includes a locking element to secure the base against movement. An arm structure on the post is equipped with a strap to confine golf bags or other cargo against displacement. A bar interconnects a pair of cargo support structures to brace the structures as well as to support additional articles to be transported.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system that includes a refrigerant compressor having an inlet for connection to refrigeration equipment under service from which refrigerant is to be recovered. The outlet of the compressor is connected through a condenser to a refrigerant storage vessel or container, with the condenser at least partially liquifying refrigerant prior to passage to the storage container. A liquid refrigerant pump is connected for selectively circulating refrigerant in liquid phase in a closed path from the storage container through a filter for removing contaminants from the refrigerant, and then through the condenser back to the storage container. Refrigerant circulated by the liquid pump in the closed path is thus simultaneously purified by passage through the filter and cooled by passage through the condenser.

Abstract: This is an electronic device which determines the fatigue life of a structure and its crack growth characteristics when subjected to repeated loading by using the signal from an electrical resistance type strain gage secured to the structure to provide the input to a processor which monitors cyclic excursions, calculates the fatigue and fracture structural damage from those excursions, stores the cumulative damage, and displays that damage on command.