Abstract: An air conditioning service system includes a plurality of conduits and voids defining a total refrigerant receiving volume of the air conditioning service system, a pressure transducer configured to sense a pressure at a first location in the plurality of conduits and voids, a compressor operably connected to the plurality of conduits and voids, and a controller. The controller determines a quantity of refrigerant recovered from a refrigeration system by obtaining a first pressure signal from the pressure transducer corresponding to a first pressure at the first location, operating the compressor to recover the refrigerant from the refrigeration system after the first pressure is sensed, obtaining a second pressure signal from the pressure transducer corresponding to a second pressure at the first location after operating the compressor, and determining an amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigeration system based on the first pressure signal an the second pressure signal.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a first oil separator including a chamber configured to receive refrigerant from an air conditioning system, a heat exchanger disposed within the first oil separator, and a compressor fluidly connected to the chamber and the heat exchanger. A first valve is disposed in a first flow line that is fluidly connected between an inlet of the first oil separator and a source of refrigerant and a second valve is disposed in a second flow line that fluidly connects the compressor and the heat exchanger. A controller is configured to open the first valve to enable refrigerant to pass into the chamber of the first oil separator, open the second valve so that a flow loop for refrigerant is formed between the heat exchanger and the compressor, activate the compressor to heat the refrigerant flowing through the flow loop, and subsequently commence a refrigerant recovery operation.

Abstract: An air conditioning service system includes a plurality of conduits and voids defining a total refrigerant receiving volume of the air conditioning service system, a pressure transducer configured to sense a pressure at a first location in the plurality of conduits and voids, a compressor operably connected to the plurality of conduits and voids, and a controller. The controller determines a quantity of refrigerant recovered from a refrigeration system by obtaining a first pressure signal from the pressure transducer corresponding to a first pressure at the first location, operating the compressor to recover the refrigerant from the refrigeration system after the first pressure is sensed, obtaining a second pressure signal from the pressure transducer corresponding to a second pressure at the first location after operating the compressor, and determining an amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigeration system based on the first pressure signal an the second pressure signal.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a first oil separator including a chamber configured to receive refrigerant from an air conditioning system, a heat exchanger disposed within the first oil separator, and a compressor fluidly connected to the chamber and the heat exchanger. A first valve is disposed in a first flow line that is fluidly connected between an inlet of the first oil separator and a source of refrigerant and a second valve is disposed in a second flow line that fluidly connects the compressor and the heat exchanger. A controller is configured to open the first valve to enable refrigerant to pass into the chamber of the first oil separator, open the second valve so that a flow loop for refrigerant is formed between the heat exchanger and the compressor, activate the compressor to heat the refrigerant flowing through the flow loop, and subsequently commence a refrigerant recovery operation.

Abstract: A manifold having an electrical pressure transducer which is coupled to a diagnostic instrument. In a preferred embodiment, a pressure transducer is incorporated in the manifold which has one end which threads directly onto the refrigeration unit. The manifold also has a coupling to which a servicing hose can be coupled for recharging the refrigeration unit.

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: The present invention relates to the use of universal joints, especially constant velocity universal joints, to provide multi-axial rotational freedom on exercise, rehabilitation and testing machines. The universal joints may be an integral part of the exercise, rehabilitation and testing machines, or they be provided as adapters for use on uni-axial machines. Furthermore, the adapters may function to act as converters such that attachments designed for machines using a receiver apparatus may be used on machines with an input shaft. Conversely, the adapters may function to act as converters such that attachments designed for machines using an input shaft may be used on machines using an attachment receiver. Additionally, an improved apparatus attachment is provided which uses an arm/joint stabilizer to further support the arm and joint position. The apparatus attachment primarily comprises a lever arm with a hand grip attached to a first end and the arm/joint stabilizer attached to a second end.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to recombinant methods and materials for effecting the microbial production of useful polypeptides. More particularly, the invention relates to expression vector systems which utilize a translational repressor system, and transcriptional control proteins to provide a highly efficient, tightly regulated, staged inducible promoter system capable of expressing exogenous genes, including toxic genes, in E. coli.

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: Compositions for enhancing the production of toxic polypeptides in prokaryotic hosts comprise a coding nucleic acid and a bacteriophage nucleic acid. The coding nucleic acid encodes a promoter operably linked to a gene encoding a selected toxic protein. The bacteriophage nucleic acid contains at least one gene from the early region of a T7-like bacteriophage other than an RNA polymerase. When both the coding nucleic acid and the bacteriophage nucleic acid are used to transform or transfect a prokaryotic host, the production of the toxic polypeptide is greater than the level of production of the same toxic polypeptide when the same host is transformed only with the coding nucleic acid.

Abstract: A sunroof noise attenuation system employs a sunroof assembly having an actuator driven pane movable in response to a sensor signal. In another aspect of the present invention, a pair of vibration sensors are mounted to the sunroof tub. In a further aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit is electrically connected between a sensor and the actuator. In still another aspect of the present invention, a speed sensor is employed. A method of operating the sunroof assembly is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a casing having a plurality of sources of pressurized liquid. The sources of pressurized liquid are preferably contained in at least one elastomeric bladder. Housing is provided to establish fluid communication between the sources of pressurized liquid. Additionally, at least one flow restrictor is provided to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid. A single or a plurality of flow restrictors can be used to regulate the flow of liquid between the sources of pressurized liquid. The plurality of sources of pressurized liquid can be contained under different pressures which can be provided by varying the size of the elastomeric storage area. The casing further contains an inlet port and an exit port in fluid communication with the sources of pressurized liquid to provide for filling and dispensing of the fluid.

Abstract: An impedance matching coaxial adaptor for use with magnetron power sources having output coaxial probes includes an outer cylindrical housing disposed around a cylindrical inner housing. The inner housing is disposed along a common axis of the outer housing and includes a bore disposed within a first end of the inner housing for receiving an antenna-type probe element of a magnetron power source. The coaxial adaptor allow a magnetron source normally having an output probe for radiating into a waveguide to be used with a coaxial output.

Abstract: The present invention provides housing containing a cylindrical, prestress member around which an elongated elastomeric bladder is wrapped. This interior of the bladder defines a fluid chamber. A filling port and an exit port are provided in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to provide for filling and dispensing of the liquid. The elongated bladder is wrapped around the cylindrical, prestress member so that the bladder is prestressed in the axial direction when disposed thereon.

Abstract: An omni-directional antenna for use with light or other electromagnetic radiation has a surface extending outward from a central axis. The surface can be either radially symmetrical or asymmetrical. A portion of the surface adjacent to the axis is substantially transmissive and the remainder of the surface is substantially reflective. The reflective portion of the surface curves radially outward from the transmissive portion. The shapes and sizes of the transmissive and reflective portions of the surface are fixed such that upwardly directed rays striking the surface of the device parallel to the axis will be refracted by the transmissive portion and/or reflected by the reflective portion of the surface into a substantially omni-directional output pattern, when the device is used as a transmitter.

Abstract: A system for metering nutrient media to cell culture containers includes a media flow conduit which defines at one end means for substantially aseptic communication with the source of the media. In a preferred embodiment, sterile connectors may be used for essentially sterile conditions. A branch conduit extends from the flow conduit at a location spaced from the ends. The branch conduit communicates with means for receiving a predetermined-volume aliquot of media through the media flow conduit from said one end. The flow conduit also defines a portion downstream from the branch conduit, which communicates with at least one cell culture container, each container being a flexible bag. At least part of the flexible bag is made of a material capable of providing at least 2 times the oxygen diffusion and at least 2 times the carbon dioxide diffusion between the bag interior and exterior, compared with an identically-sized, sealed bag having polyethylene walls 0.013 inch thick.