KIT, SYSTEM, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR FILLING SEALED DIRECT INJECT DELIVERY DEVICES WITH REFRIGERANT GAS ADDITIVES

Abstract

A kit defined by various components, a system, and a method for filling new direct inject cartridges and syringe-style direct injects and for refilling an empty used direct inject cartridge and an empty used syringe-style direct inject. In various embodiments, the invention provides a kit consisting of valves for selectively providing fluid communication between a canister containing a selected volume of at least one selected refrigerant additive and a direct inject cartridge, and for selectively providing fluid communication between a direct inject and a vacuum pump for filling a direct inject cartridge, and a method for using the disclosed kit and system for filling a direct inject cartridge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 19/242,047, filed on Jun. 18, 2025, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to direct inject sealed delivery devices, both cartridge style and syringe style, for injecting refrigerant additives, such as drying agents or sealants, into an air conditioning system, such as the chilling system on a refrigerated appliance or an automotive air conditioning system. More specifically, it relates to a kit, system, and an associated method for filling or refilling a direct inject sealed delivery devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of maintaining chilling systems, such as automotive air conditioning systems or chilling systems for refrigerated appliances, it is known that refrigerant additives are commonly added to the refrigerant gases. Such refrigerant additives can include sealants, including conditioners for rubber components such as O-rings, lubricants, dyes, such as UV dyes used for leak detection, system enhancers for reducing energy use or improving heat transfer, and drying agents. Frequently, these additives are sold in pre-measured, sealed delivery devices designed to inject these additives directly into the HVAC or automobile A/C system without needing to recharge the system first. These pre-measured, sealed delivery devices are commonly referred to as “direct injects” and are available as both cartridge style and syringe style devices. As used herein, “direct inject cartridges” refer to canister-style, pre-measured sealed delivery cartridges. Further, as used herein, “syringe-style direct inject” refers to the syringe style direct inject devices. The terms “direct inject” without a modifier or “direct inject delivery device” refer collectively to cartridge and syringe-style devices.

As recognized by those skilled in the art, direct injects are typically connected via the low pressure side service port. Because many of the refrigerant additives that are frequently used with direct injects are subject to being polymerized or oxidized upon exposure to air, and can be contaminated by moisture in ambient air, the direct inject cartridge is sealed against exposure to the atmosphere or moisture. Further, to avoid the possibility of air or moisture seeping into the sealed direct inject cartridge, direct inject cartridges are typically sold in sealed, air-tight packages, as seen in Prior Art FIG. 1A. Typically, this package will also contain a desiccant pack.

Those skilled in the art recognize and understand that direct inject cartridges commonly have a self-sealing valve, commonly a Schrader-Type valve disposed at each end and a cylindrical cartridge body disposed between the two valves. These self-sealing valves are adapted to engage the low pressure port on the A/C system and similar valves on hoses and vacuum pumps designed to be compatible with an A/C system and the equipment utilized to maintain such a system. Those skilled in the art understand that with a Schrader-Type Valve and other similar valves, the valve opens when pressed and, once disconnected and the pressure on the valve is released, the valve automatically resets and seals. As understood, when manufactured, direct inject cartridges are initially filled with nitrogen which is blown through the direct inject cartridge. This step forces oxygen from the cartridge. Then, the refrigerant additive is blown into the cartridge under pressure. When the cartridge is filled with the refrigerant additive, it is not uncommon for excess refrigerant additive to escape the cartridge as it is being removed from the filling apparatus. This excess refrigerant additive is typically exposed to the atmosphere, thereby potentially exposing those working on the filling process to the refrigerant additives. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that canister-style direct inject cartridges are single-use products and are considered disposable. This results in the metal and plastic components of the direct inject ending up in a landfill and the attendant risk of the landfill being exposed to chemical residue associated with the additives previously contained within the direct inject cartridge.

It is also known in the art that direct inject sealed delivery devices are also available as syringe-style direct injects. One such syringe-style direct inject, as illustrated in FIG. 7, includes, as is common with syringes, a barrel, a nozzle, a plunger seal, and some mechanism for pressing the plunger seal through the barrel to push the additives out of the nozzle. While it is known in the art that with certain syringe-style have a traditional integral plunger, plunger seal, and plunger shaft, others, such as the syringe-style direct inject illustrated in FIG. 7, have a plunger actuator, typically having a jack screw, that when the handle is rotated, the jack screw engages the plunger. The syringe-style direct inject plunger, in cooperation with a plunger actuator manually compresses the pre-measured refrigerant additive through the nozzle which is adapted via a threaded or quick-connect fitting to engage the low-pressure service port of the HVAC or automobile A/C system. When the plunger is depressed, internal pressure forces the additive through the service hose and valve fitting into the system, often assisted by residual system vacuum or with the aid of a pressure differential.

What is missing from the art is a kit and associated system for quickly and efficiently refilling a direct inject so that the direct inject can be reused. What is further missing from the art is a method of filling a direct inject, either filling the direct inject initially during manufacture or refilling the direct inject for reuse, that utilizes a closed, or sealed system that minimizes release of refrigerant additive to the atmosphere and that allows used direct injects to be recycled, refilled, and reused thereby reducing the burden of chemical, plastic, and metal waste currently being disposed and burdening landfills.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards various components, assemblies, and methods for filling a new direct inject cartridge and for refilling an empty used direct inject cartridge. In various embodiments, the invention provides a kit of components that may be provided together and used, in conjunction with a vacuum pump for filling a direct inject cartridge, a system in which the components are assembled and interact to facilitate filling a direct inject cartridge, and a method for using the disclosed kit and system for filling a direct inject cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a drawing of the prior art packaging for a direct inject additive delivery device;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a prior art can tap commonly used with aerosol cans of refrigerant gas and/or refrigerant gas additives;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the direct inject cartridge filling system of the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the direct inject cartridge filling system of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the kit of the present invention for filling a direct inject cartridge as shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the kit of the present invention for filling a direct inject cartridge as shown in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the kit of the present invention for filling a direct inject cartridge as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the canister of the present invention shown as illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIGS. 4C and 4D are perspective views of the first valve member of the present invention for filling both cartridge-style and syringe-style direct injects in which 4D is in partial section;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the direct inject cartridge filling system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the steps of the method of filling a direct inject sealed delivery device;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing one style of a prior art syringe-style direct inject in a retail package;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the syringe-style direct inject filling system of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the syringe-style direct inject filling system of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the kit of the present invention for filling a syringe-style direct inject as shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the steps of the method of filling a syringe-style direct inject sealed delivery device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards various components, assemblies, and methods for filling a new direct injects and for refilling an empty used direct inject. In various embodiments, the invention provides a kit of components that may be provided together for filling a direct inject, a system in which the components are assembled and interact to facilitate filling a direct inject, and methods for filling a direct inject. The kit and the system are adapted for use in the disclosed method. As mentioned above, the term “direct inject” used without a modifier refers to pre-measured sealed delivery devices which are available in both cartridge style devices and syringe-style devices. It will be understood that canister style cartridges have self-sealing Schrader-Type valves, referred to herein simply as Schrader valves and are designed to inject refrigerant additives directly into an air conditioning system. Such refrigerant additives can include sealants, including conditioners for rubber components such as O-rings, lubricants, dyes, such as UV dyes used for leak detection, system enhancers for reducing energy use or improving heat transfer, drying agents, or a combination of two or more of such additives. As used herein, the phrase “air conditioning system” refers broadly to an HVAC system, a chilling system for a refrigerated appliance such as refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, small ice makers, wine coolers, etc., or an automotive air conditioning system.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 5, kit 10 is provided for filling, or refilling direct inject cartridge 20. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that direct inject cartridge 20 has a first end 25 that has a self-sealing valve, which in an exemplary embodiment is an externally threaded Schrader valve and a second end 35 that has a self-sealing valve, which, in an exemplary embodiment, has a Schrader valve with an internally threaded Schrader valve chuck. Direct inject cartridge 20 also includes a cylindrical body 30 which is adapted to contain a selected refrigerant gas additive. As discussed above, such refrigerant additives can include sealants, including conditioners for rubber components such as O-rings, lubricants, dyes, such as UV dyes used for leak detection, system enhancers for reducing energy use or improving heat transfer, drying agents, or a combination of two or more of such additives.

A canister 40 is provided which is filled with the refrigerant additive. In an exemplary embodiment, canister 40 contains only the refrigerant additive under at least a partial vacuum. Canister 40 is, in an exemplary embodiment, under negative pressure, i.e., at least a partial vacuum, to minimize the risk of exposing the refrigerant additive within canister 40 to atmospheric air which could oxidize or polymerize the refrigerant additive.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, typically, a state-of-the-art aerosol canister in this art contains the refrigerant gas, or refrigerant gas additive, that is intended to be dispensed along with a pressurized gas or liquified gas, typically, a hydrocarbon gas, compressed air, or a fluorocarbon gas, collectively referred to herein as “the propellant”. The pressure of the propellant is what propels the contents of the aerosol canister out of the canister when the self-sealing valve is actuated. And, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art, that a state-of-the-art hose and can tap valve 4, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, includes a fitting 6, a gauge 5, and an actuator knob 8. When the fitting 6 is threadably connected to the self-sealing valve of a conventional aerosol can, actuator knob 8 is used to selectively drive a moveable piercing pin, or valve depressor, into the self-sealing valve.

However, with the refrigerant additives utilized with the present invention, use of such a propellant creates an attendant risk of oxidizing or polymerizing the additive and also risks the propellant itself being injected into cartridge 40. This is not desirable because the propellant could contaminate the chilling system being worked on by a technician using direct inject cartridges for introducing a refrigerant additive into the chilling system. Unlike typical aerosol cans which utilize a propellant, canister 40 only contains the refrigerant additive, preferably under negative pressure. Canister 40 includes a self-sealing valve 45 adapted to release the refrigerant additive contained therein only when the valve is actuated. In an exemplary embodiment, self-sealing valve 45 is defined by an externally threaded self-sealing valve.

The kit 10 further includes a first valve member 60, which is disposed between canister 40 and direct inject cartridge 20. First valve member 60 includes a first end 62 adapted to threadably engage and actuate self-sealing valve 45. As illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, first valve member 60 serves as a can tap and includes a threaded collar 62, a pin 68, and a Teflon seal O-ring 64 to ensure a proper seal with canister 40. Pin 68 engages, and opens, the self-sealing valve 45 of canister 40. As will be understood, pin 68 is hollow and includes an orifice 69 which allows the contents of canister 40 to flow through pin 69, and first valve member 60. Unlike a conventional can tap, pin 68 is fixed relative to the body of first valve member 60. Flow of the contents of canister 40 is selectively actuated by operation of valve actuator 65.

First valve member 60 further includes a second end 66 defined by a Schrader valve chuck and is adapted to engage first end 25 of direct inject cartridge 20 and actuate the Schrader valve of first end 25. First valve member 60 further includes a valve actuator 65 for selectively opening and closing the valve of first valve member 60. While various types of valves could be utilized, in an exemplary embodiment, first valve member 60 is a ball valve. First valve member 60 is adapted to provide selectively actuated fluid communication between canister 40 and direct inject cartridge 20.

Kit 10 also includes a second valve member 80 which is disposed between direct inject cartridge 20 and a vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 80 includes a first end 82 adapted to threadably engage the Schrader valve chuck of second end 35 of the direct inject cartridge 20 and thereby actuate the Schrader valve of second end 35. Second valve member 80 further includes a second end 86 adapted to engage a vacuum port provided on vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 80 further includes a valve actuator 85 for selectively opening and closing the valve of second valve member 80. While various types of valves could be utilized, in an exemplary embodiment, second valve member 80 is a ball valve. Second valve member 80 is adapted to provide selectively actuated fluid communication between direct inject cartridge 20 and vacuum pump 15.

As seen in FIG. 3B, kit 10 optionally includes a filter 70 as a safety precaution for protection of pump 15. In this regard, filter 70 is adapted to catch any refrigerant additive that may flow through direct inject cartridge 20 inadvertently due to an accidental opening of valve actuator 65 while valve actuator 85 is either completely or partially opened.

In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosure provides a system that utilizes kit 10 for filling a new direct inject cartridge 20 or refilling a used direct inject cartridge 20. In accordance with the disclosed system, the components of kit 10 are assembled together as described above, and the second valve member 80 is connected to the vacuum port provided on vacuum pump 15. Alternatively, second valve member 80 is connected to filter 70, which, in turn, is connected to pump 15. The components of kit 10 are assembled and, in cooperation with pump 15, operate in functional cooperation to fill direct inject cartridge 20 as will be described hereinbelow.

An alternate embodiment of the kit of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 5, kit 10′ is provided for filling, or refilling direct inject cartridge 20. Kit 10′ is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between direct inject cartridge 20 and either canister 40 or vacuum pump 15. As described above, direct inject cartridge 20 has a first end 25 that, in an exemplary embodiment is an externally threaded Schrader valve and a second end 35 that, in an exemplary embodiment, has a Schrader valve with an internally threaded Schrader valve chuck. Direct inject cartridge 20 also includes a cylindrical body 30 which is adapted to contain a selected refrigerant gas additive. A canister 40 is provided which is filled with the refrigerant additive. In an exemplary embodiment, canister 40 contains only the refrigerant additive under negative pressure. Canister 40 includes a self-sealing valve 45 adapted to release the refrigerant additive contained therein only when the valve is actuated.

The kit 10′ further includes a first valve member 60 which is disposed between canister 40 and a T-fitting 90 that is threadably engaged with direct inject cartridge 20 in order to provide fluid communication between first valve member 60 and direct inject cartridge 20. First valve member 60 includes a first end 62 adapted to threadably engage and actuate self-sealing valve 45. First valve member 60 further includes a second end 66 adapted to engage T-fitting 90. T-fitting 90 includes a Schrader chuck that engages the first end 25 of direct inject cartridge 20 and actuate the Schrader valve of first end 25. First valve member 60 further includes a valve actuator 65 for selectively opening and closing the valve of first valve member 60. First valve member 60 acting with T-fitting 90 provides selectively actuated fluid communication between canister 40 and direct inject cartridge 20.

Kit 10′ also includes a second valve member 80′ which is disposed between T-fitting 90 and vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 80′ is adapted to threadably engage the T-fitting 90 and provide fluid communication between vacuum pump 15 and T-fitting 90 and thereby provide fluid communication between pump 15 and direct inject cartridge 20. A hose 95 is optionally provided between second valve member 80′ and vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 80′ further includes a valve actuator 85′ for selectively opening and closing the valve of second valve member 80′. Second valve member 80′ is adapted to provide selectively actuated fluid communication between direct inject cartridge 20 and pump 15. As discussed above, kit 10′ can also include filter 70. Kit 10′ can also optionally include a filter 70.

Referring to FIG. 6, the method of using kit 10 to fill, or to refill, direct inject cartridge 20 will now be described. At step 110, canister 40 is attached to first valve member 60. As described above, canister 40 contains a selected refrigerant additive, preferably under negative pressure. First valve member 60 is confirmed closed, step 120, by ensuring that valve actuator 65 is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. First valve member 60 is attached to the direct inject cartridge 20; and, second valve member 80 is also attached to direct inject cartridge 20 at step 130. At step 140, the second valve member 80 placed in fluid communication with vacuum pump 15. While second valve member 80 could be connected directly to pump 15, optionally, filter 70 could be positioned between second valve member 80 and vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 80 should be confirmed to be in the open position at step 150. FIG. 2B illustrates first valve member 60 being in the closed position and second valve member 80 being in the open position. It should be understood that so long as steps 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 are performed, the sequence or order of performing these steps is not critical.

Once steps 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 are performed, vacuum pump 15 is activated, step 160, and allowed to run for a selected period of time, step 170. The time for running vacuum pump 15 will depend on the size of the direct inject cartridge, however, allowing vacuum pump to run at least ten seconds, in one exemplary embodiment, and for at least between ten seconds and thirty seconds in a further exemplary embodiment, should be sufficient. After this period of time, and while the vacuum pump is still running, second valve member 80 is rotated back to the closed position, step 180, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, and, vacuum pump 15 is deactivated. The actuator 65 of first valve member 60 is then rotated to the open position, illustrated in FIG. 2C, step 190, and direct inject cartridge 20 is allowed to fill with refrigerant additive. Once direct inject cartridge 20 is filled with refrigerant additive, actuator 65 of first valve member 60 is rotated to the closed position, step 200, and first valve member 60 and second valve member 80 are removed from direct inject cartridge 20, step 210.

It will be appreciated that while a technician could use the system of the present invention, including kit 10, and associated method 100 to fill used direct inject cartridges 20 while on a job site, a technician could also refill used and empty direct inject cartridges 20 in a workshop environment prior to going to a jobsite or upon returning from a jobsite. Alternatively, the technician could perform the second part of step 130, i.e., connecting second valve member 80 to direct inject cartridge 20, and perform steps 160, 170, 180, to a plurality of direct inject cartridges in one location. Then the technician could perform steps 110, 120, the first part of 130, and steps 190 and 200, to this plurality of previously evacuated direct inject cartridges 20 in a different location.

Further, the kit 10 and associated method 100 also provide flexibility and allow the technician to be prepared for a variety of scenarios. Rather than carrying a large variety of direct inject cartridges of various capacities and with various refrigerant additives, a technician could carry a plurality of empty direct inject cartridges 20 that have already been evacuated by steps 110 through 180 of method 100. The technician could also carry a plurality of canisters 40 that contain a variety of refrigerant additives. Once the technician has diagnosed the problem at the jobsite and identified the necessary refrigerant additive, the technician could then fill the evacuated direct inject cartridges 20 with the appropriate refrigerant additive by attaching the appropriate canister 40 to the first valve member 60 and attaching the first valve member 60 to the direct inject cartridge 20 and executing steps 190 and 200 of method 100 and removing the first valve member 60 from the direct inject cartridge 20 and the canister 40.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a kit, system, and method are provided for filling, or refilling, a syringe-style direct inject. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, kit 300 is provided for filling, or refilling syringe-style direct inject 320. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that syringe-style direct inject 320 has a first end 325, which in an exemplary embodiment is an externally threaded nozzle. A second end of syringe-style direct inject 320 includes and cooperates with an adapter cap 335. Adapter cap 335 includes a cap member 370 that is threadably engaged with the second end of syringe-style direct inject 320 and an externally threaded self-sealing valve 365, that, in an exemplary embodiment is defined by a Schrader valve. While an exemplary embodiment utilizes a Schrader valve, those skilled in the art that other types of self-sealing valves could be utilized.

Syringe-style direct inject 320 also includes a cylindrical body 330. Disposed within cylindrical body 330 is a plunger 355 having at least one, and preferably two plunger sealing O-rings 360. Similar to cylindrical body 20 described above, cylindrical body 330 is adapted to contain a selected refrigerant gas additive. As discussed above, such refrigerant additives can include sealants, including conditioners for rubber components such as O-rings, lubricants, dyes, such as UV dyes used for leak detection, system enhancers for reducing energy use or improving heat transfer, drying agents, or a combination of two or more of such additives.

As stated above, canister 40 is provided and contains the refrigerant additive. In an exemplary embodiment, canister 40 contains only the refrigerant additive under at least a partial vacuum. Canister 40 is, in an exemplary embodiment, under negative pressure, i.e., at least a partial vacuum, to minimize the risk of exposing the refrigerant additive within canister 40 to atmospheric air which could oxidize or polymerize the refrigerant additive.

The kit 300 further includes first valve member 60, which is disposed between canister 40 and syringe-style direct inject 320. First valve member 60 includes a first end 62 adapted to threadably engage and actuate self-sealing valve 45. As illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, first valve member 60 serves as a can tap and includes a threaded collar 62, a pin 68, and a Teflon seal O-ring 64 to ensure a proper seal with canister 40. Pin 68 engages, and opens, the self-sealing valve 45 of canister 40. As will be understood, pin 68 is hollow and includes an orifice 69 which allows the contents of canister 40 to flow through pin 69, and first valve member 60. Unlike a conventional can tap, pin 68 is fixed relative to the body of first valve member 60. Flow of the contents of canister 40 is selectively actuated by operation of valve actuator 65.

First valve member 60 further includes a second end 66 defined by an internally threaded valve chuck, in an exemplary embodiment, a Schrader valve chuck, and is adapted to threadably engage nozzle 325 of syringe-style direct inject 320. First valve member 60 further includes a valve actuator 65 for selectively opening and closing the valve of first valve member 60. While various types of valves could be utilized for first valve member 60, in an exemplary embodiment, first valve member 60 is a ball valve. First valve member 60 is adapted to provide selectively actuated fluid communication between canister 40 and syringe-style direct inject 320.

Kit 300 also includes a second valve member 380 which is disposed between syringe-style direct inject 320 and a vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 380 includes two, internally threaded valve chucks 390. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve chucks are defined by Schrader valve chucks. One such valve chuck 390 engages threaded fitting 365 of adapter cap 335. Second valve member 380 further includes a second valve chuck 390 adapted to engage a vacuum port provided on vacuum pump 15. Second valve member 380 further includes a valve actuator 385 for selectively opening and closing the valve of second valve member 380. While various types of valves could be utilized, in an exemplary embodiment, second valve member 380 is a ball valve. Second valve member 380 is adapted to provide selectively actuated fluid communication between syringe-style direct inject 320 and vacuum pump 15.

As seen in FIG. 8, kit 300 optionally includes a filter 70 as a safety precaution for protection of pump 15. In this regard, filter 70 is adapted to catch any refrigerant additive that may flow through syringe-style direct inject 320 inadvertently due to an accidental opening of valve actuator 65 while valve actuator 85 is either completely or partially opened.

In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosure provides a system that utilizes kit 300 for filling a new syringe-style direct inject 320 or refilling a used syringe-style direct inject 320. In accordance with the disclosed system, the components of kit 300 are assembled together as described above, and the second valve member 380 is connected to the vacuum port provided on vacuum pump 15. Alternatively, second valve member 380 is connected to filter 70, which, in turn, is connected to pump 15. The components of kit 300 are assembled and, in cooperation with pump 15, operate in functional cooperation to fill syringe-style direct inject 320 as will be described hereinbelow.

It will be appreciated that syringe-style direct inject 320 could be filled according to the method illustrated in FIG. 6. However, syringe-style direct inject 320 could also be filled according to the steps of the following method. Referring to FIG. 11, the method of using kit 300 to fill, or to refill, syringe-style direct inject 320 will now be described. At step 410, canister 40 is attached to first valve member 60. As described above, canister 40 contains a selected refrigerant additive, preferably under negative pressure. First valve member 60 is confirmed closed, step 420, by ensuring that valve actuator 65 is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 9A. First valve member 60 is attached to the syringe-style direct inject 320; and, second valve member 380 is also attached to syringe-style direct inject 320 at step 430. At step 440, the second valve member 380 is placed in fluid communication with vacuum pump 15. While second valve member 380 could be connected directly to pump 15, optionally, filter 70 could be positioned between second valve member 80 and vacuum pump 15. First valve member 60 and second valve member 380 should be confirmed to be in the open position at step 450. FIG. 9A illustrates first valve member 60 being in the closed position and second valve member 80 being in the open position. It should be understood that so long as steps 410, 420, 430, 440 and 450 are performed, the sequence or order of performing these steps is not critical.

Once steps 410, 420, 430, 440 and 450 are performed, vacuum pump 15 is activated, step 460, and allowed to run for a selected period of time, step 470. The time for running vacuum pump 15 will depend on the size of the syringe-style direct inject 320, however, allowing vacuum pump to run at least ten seconds, in one exemplary embodiment, and for at least between ten seconds and thirty seconds in a further exemplary embodiment, should be sufficient. After this period of time, and while the vacuum pump is still running, the actuator 65 of first valve member 60 is then rotated to the open position, illustrated in FIG. 9B, step and syringe-style direct inject 320 is allowed to fill with refrigerant additive. Once syringe-style direct inject 320 is filled with refrigerant additive, actuator 65 of first valve member 60 and actuator 385 of the second valve member 380 are both rotated to the closed position, step 480, and first valve member 60 and second valve member 80 are removed from syringe-style direct inject 320, step 510.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with refrigerant gas additive, the kit comprising:

a first valve member adapted for providing fluid communication between a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve and the direct inject delivery device, said first valve member having a first end defining a collar adapted to threadably engage the canister, a pin adapted to actuate the selectively actuated self-sealing valve of said canister, a second end adapted to engage a first end of the direct inject delivery device and a valve actuator for selectively opening and closing a valve of said first valve member; and

a second valve member adapted for providing fluid communication between the direct inject cartridge and a vacuum pump, said second valve member having a first end adapted for engaging a threaded fitting on the direct inject delivery device, a second end adapted to provide fluid communication between the direct inject delivery device and the pump, and a valve actuator for selectively opening and closing a valve of said second valve member.

2. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 1 wherein the direct inject delivery device is defined by a direct inject cartridge.

3. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 2 wherein said first end of the direct inject delivery device includes a self-sealing valve and said first valve member further has a second end adapted to engage the first end of the direct inject cartridge, and said second valve member further has a first end adapted to threadably engage a second end of the direct inject cartridge, a second end adapted to engage a vacuum port provided on a vacuum pump.

4. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 2 wherein said first valve member and said second valve member each includes a ball valve.

5. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 2, wherein said at least one refrigerant gas additive is selected from a group consisting of sealants, including conditioners for rubber components, lubricants, dyes, system enhancers adapted for reducing energy use or improving heat transfer, and drying agents.

6. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 1, wherein said kit further comprises a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve, said canister containing said at least one refrigerant additive, wherein said canister contains said at least one selected refrigerant additive under negative pressure.

7. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 2, wherein the self-sealing valves of the direct inject cartridge are Schrader valves, the second end of the direct inject cartridge including a Schrader valve chuck, and further wherein said second end of said first valve member is defined by a Schrader valve chuck and is adapted to engage the first end of the direct inject cartridge and actuate the Schrader valve of the first end of the direct inject cartridge.

8. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 7, wherein said first end of said second valve member is adapted to threadably engage the Schrader valve chuck of the second end of the direct inject cartridge and thereby actuate the Schrader valve of second end of the direct inject cartridge.

9. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 1, wherein said pin of said first valve member is fixed relative to said first valve member.

10. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 1, wherein said kit further comprises a filter member adapted for providing fluid communication between said second valve member and the pump.

11. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 1 wherein the direct inject delivery device is defined by a syringe-style direct inject having a first end having a threaded nozzle, a cylindrical body, a second end, an adapter cap adapted to threadably engage the second end of the syringe-style direct inject, the adapter cap including an externally threaded self-sealing valve.

12. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 11 wherein the second valve member has a first end defining an internally threaded self-sealing valve chuck and a second end defining an internally threaded self-sealing valve chuck.

13. The kit adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device of claim 12 wherein the self-sealing valve chucks are defined as Schrader Valve Chucks.

14. A system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive, the system comprising:

a direct inject delivery device, said direct inject delivery device having a cylindrical body adapted to contain at least one selected refrigerant additive;

a vacuum pump;

a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve, said canister containing said at least one selected refrigerant additive;

a first valve member adapted for providing selectively actuated fluid communication between said canister and said direct inject delivery device, said first valve member having a first end defining a collar adapted to threadably engage said canister, a pin adapted to actuate said selectively actuated self-sealing valve of said canister, a valve actuator for selectively opening and closing a valve of said first valve member, and a second end adapted to engage a first end of said direct inject delivery device; and

a second valve member adapted for providing selectively actuated fluid communication between the direct inject delivery device and said vacuum pump, said second valve member having a first end adapted to threadably engage a threaded fitting carried by the second end of the direct inject delivery device, a second end adapted to engage a vacuum port provided on a vacuum pump, and a valve actuator for selectively opening and closing a valve of said second valve member.

15. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 14 wherein said first valve member and said second valve member each includes a ball valve.

16. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 14, wherein said at least one selected refrigerant additive is selected from a group consisting of sealants, including conditioners for rubber components, lubricants, dyes, system enhancers adapted for reducing energy use or improving heat transfer, and drying agents.

17. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 14, wherein said system is adapted to connect the direct inject delivery device to said canister containing the refrigerant additive and to said vacuum pump, thereby selectively providing fluid communication between said direct inject cartridge and said canister and selectively providing fluid communication between said direct inject cartridge and said vacuum pump.

18. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 14, wherein said canister contains said at least one selected refrigerant additive under negative pressure.

19. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 14, wherein the self-sealing valves of the direct inject cartridge are Schrader valves, the second end of the direct inject cartridge including a Schrader valve chuck, and further wherein said second end of said first valve member is defined by a Schrader valve chuck and is adapted to engage the first end of the direct inject cartridge and actuate the Schrader valve of the first end of the direct inject cartridge.

20. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 19, wherein said first end of said second valve member is adapted to threadably engage the Schrader valve chuck of the second end of the direct inject cartridge and thereby actuate the Schrader valve of second end of the direct inject cartridge.

21. The system adapted for a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 15, wherein said pin is fixed relative to said first valve member.

22. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 19, wherein said system further comprises a filter member adapted for providing fluid communication between said second valve member and the pump.

23. The system adapted for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 14 wherein said direct inject delivery device is a syringe-style direct inject and the system further comprises an adapter cap having a first end adapted to threadably engage the second end of the syringe-style direct inject and a second end defining a threaded fitting adapted to engage the first end of the second valve member and further wherein the first and the second ends of the second valve member are defined by internally threaded valve chucks.

24. A method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive, said method comprising the steps:

attaching a cannister containing at the least one selected refrigerant additive to a first valve member;

confirming said first valve member is closed;

attaching said first valve member to the direct inject delivery device;

attaching a second valve member to the direct inject delivery device;

placing said second valve member in fluid communication with a vacuum pump;

confirming at least said second valve member is in an open position;

actuating said vacuum pump and running said vacuum pump for a selected period of time thereby evacuating said direct inject delivery device;

confirming said first valve member is in an open position;

closing said second valve;

shutting off said vacuum pump; and

removing said first valve member and said second valve member from said direct inject delivery device.

25. The method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 24 wherein said refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device is a syringe-style direct inject and said first valve and said second valve are each opened prior to the step of actuating said vacuum pump.

26. The method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 24 wherein said steps of attaching a cannister containing at the least one selected refrigerant additive to a first valve member; confirming said first valve member is closed; attaching said first valve member to the direct inject cartridge; attaching a second valve member to the direct inject cartridge; attaching said second valve member to a vacuum pump; and confirming said second valve is in an open position may be performed in any order relative to each other, provided that all of said steps of attaching a cannister containing at the least one selected refrigerant additive to a first valve member; confirming said first valve member is closed; attaching said first valve member to the direct inject cartridge; attaching a second valve member to the direct inject cartridge; attaching said second valve member to a vacuum pump; and confirming said second valve is in an open position are completed prior to said step of actuating said vacuum pump.

27. The method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 24 wherein said selected period of time for running said vacuum pump is at least ten seconds.

28. The method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 24 wherein said selected period of time for running said vacuum pump is between ten seconds and thirty seconds.

29. The method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 24 wherein said step of closing said second valve is performed before said step of shutting off said vacuum pump.

30. The method for filling a refrigerant additive direct inject delivery device with at least one selected refrigerant additive of claim 24 wherein a filter is placed between said second valve member and said pump.

31. A can tap adapted for facilitating transfer of a refrigerant gas additive from a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve to a direct inject delivery device with refrigerant gas additive, the can tap comprising:

a valve member adapted for providing fluid communication between the canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve and the direct inject delivery device, said valve member having a first end defining a an internally threaded collar adapted to threadably engage the self-sealing valve of the canister, a pin adapted to actuate the selectively actuated self-sealing valve of said canister, a second end defining a self-sealing valve chuck adapted to engage a first end of the direct inject delivery device and a valve actuator for selectively opening and closing a valve of said first valve member.

32. The can tap adapted for facilitating transfer of a refrigerant gas additive from a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve to a direct inject delivery device with refrigerant gas additive of claim 31 wherein the self-sealing valve chuck is defined by a Schrader valve chuck.

33. The can tap adapted for facilitating transfer of a refrigerant gas additive from a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve to a direct inject delivery device with refrigerant gas additive of claim 31 wherein the direct inject delivery device is defined by a direct inject cartridge.

34. The can tap adapted for facilitating transfer of a refrigerant gas additive from a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve to a direct inject delivery device with refrigerant gas additive of claim 31 wherein said valve of said valve member is a ball valve.

35. The can tap adapted for facilitating transfer of a refrigerant gas additive from a canister having a selectively actuated self-sealing valve to a direct inject delivery device with refrigerant gas additive of claim 31, wherein said pin of said first valve member is fixed relative to said valve member and further wherein actuation of said valve actuator to an open position provides for fluid communication from the first end through the valve member to the second end.