Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided for mounting to a filter or bleed nipple that is, in turn, attached to a bright tube or other fluid flow conduit in an auto or truck accumulator or receiver dryer. In a preferred form of the invention, a centrally disposed opening is provided in the adsorbent package and is surrounded by a rigid collar. The aperture is dimensioned so that it will be force or snap fit over a flange or the like on a filter.

Abstract: A pressure vessel housing that can be brazed and leak tested before adding desiccant material, eliminating the risk of damaging desiccant bags during assembly. The desiccant is added to the housing of the pressure vessel through an existing inlet opening in the top of the accumulator housing, thereby eliminating the potential for damage to the desiccant and the desiccant container while maintaining the integrity of the housing because no additional openings in the housing are required to access the desiccant material. A screen permanently mounted inside the pressure vessel supports the loose desiccant material and another screen removably attached to the inlet opening provides access to the loose desiccant material housed within the pressure vessel. A method of making the pressure vessel allows the accumulator assembly to be leak tested before the desiccant is added, reducing scrap and allowing repair of accumulator assemblies.

Abstract: A filter/drier for receiving and discharging a flow of refrigerant having a header with an inlet passage forming a plenum and an outlet passage through the header. A louvered baffle plate has peripheral tabs crimped over an annular flange on the header to form a subassembly. A cup-shaped shell containing desiccant, with a layer of fibrous filter material over the desiccant, is assembled over the header subassembly and sealed to the header by weldment. The peripheral spaces between the crimped baffle tabs provide exclusive flow dispersion to an annular collector space in the header which communicates with the outlet passage.

Abstract: A receiver-dryer for use in an air conditioning system utilizes desiccant bags that can be mounted within the receiver-dryer body without using mounting plates or baffles. The receiver-dryer includes an output tube having a retaining shoulder located thereon. In one embodiment, a desiccant bag includes a rigid eyelet that cooperates with the retaining shoulder to support the desiccant bag. In an alternate embodiment, the desiccant bag is supported by the retaining shoulder via a support washer.

Abstract: A cup like, rigid desiccant container and methods for co-molding the container to associated accumulator tubing are disclosed. The container includes an elongated U-shaped slot bounded by upstanding wall surfaces of the housing. A first pair of opposed ridges formed on opposite ones of the walls is provided for snap fitting over an accumulator tube or tube segment. A pair of opposing protuberances is provided on opposite wall surfaces near the circumferential border of the container to provide a second grasping location to snap or friction fit over a second tube or tube segment.

Abstract: A baffle or deflector having a cone-shaped baffle. Refrigerant fluid enters through the apex and flows through the deflector toward the inner wall of a vessel in an air-conditioning system. The laminar flow of refrigerant fluid against the inner wall separates the liquid and vapor components of the refrigerant fluid. Radial openings in the deflector allow the outlet tube to pass by the deflector. The amount of refrigerant fluid used in the system can be maximized while the size of the vessel can be minimized.

Abstract: A desiccant cartridge including a molded plastic shell having an outer cylindrical portion and an inner tubular portion connected by a plurality of ribs which extend therebetween, a molded plastic end cover grid secured in each of the opposite ends of the molded plastic shell and being attached to both the outer cylindrical portion and the inner tubular portion, annular porous felt members secured to the inner sides of the molded plastic end cover grids, and desiccant in the annular space between the outer cylindrical portion of the shell and the inner tubular portion thereof.

Abstract: An automotive-type air conditioning refrigerant fluid dryer assembly composed of a receiver tank and desiccant cup assembly that are configured to enhance the operation and durability of the refrigerant fluid dryer assembly, as well as facilitate its assembly. The receiver tank is formed to have a unitary construction. The desiccant cup is provided with a number of axially-spaced nib segments disposed adjacent its open end that form detents and a cap that is received in the open end of the cup such that a peripheral edge of the cap engages at least some of the nib segments so as to secure the cap to the cup. During assembly, the cap is pressed downward into the cup until contact is made with the desiccant within and is thereafter secured within the cup by the nib segments. As such, assembly of the cap with the cup involves a simple push-type operation, yet enables the cap to positively confine the desiccant within the cup, such that relative movement of the desiccant within the chamber is restricted.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycling system (10) has a compressor (12) and identical first and second drier/separators (18, 20). Refrigerant material to be reclaimed is drawn into an inlet (22) of the first drier/separator, in which lubricant is separated from refrigerant vapor. After the lubricant is removed, the refrigerant vapor is filtered as it passes through a screen (80), a bed of molecular sieve material (82), and a fibrous pad (84). After passing through the first drier/separator, the refrigerant enters the compressor in which clean lubricant material is introduced to enable the compressor to operate effectively. From the compressor, the refrigerant vapor and clean lubricant passes through the second drier/separator wherein the clean lubricant is removed and the refrigerant vapor is again filtered. The twice filtered vapor is then passed to a condenser (44) in which it is condensed to a liquid. The clean refrigerant liquid is delivered from the reclamation system cleansed of impurities.

Abstract: A filter formed of a filter material, such as, fluororesin, cellulose ester, polycarbonate or silica fiber is provided in a refrigerant flow passage of a refrigeration system. In the refrigerant flow passage, the filter is sandwiched by porous members, or the filter is attached to a porous member by means of, such as, heat sealing. The filter may be provided in a drier provided in the refrigerant flow passage. Alternatively, the filter may be provided in the refrigerant flow passage within a sealed casing of a refrigerant compressor which is incorporated in the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A container for particulate desiccant comprises a cup and a cap. The cup includes spaced inner and outer wall portions connected by a transverse web portion to define a chamber having an opening. The cap is designed for receipt in the chamber to cover the opening. In addition, the cap has a hole for receiving the inner wall portion of the cup. According to one embodiment, the inner wall portion includes an integral detent formed therein and positioned to detain the cap in place. The cap has a peripheral surface adapted to rest on a shoulder formed along the inner surface of the outer wall portion of the cup to detain the cap in place. The outer wall of the cup has a resilient flange member that protrudes outwardly from the cup. This flange is adapted to provide snug, friction fit of the cup within a fluid flow housing such as an air conditioner accumulator or the like.

Abstract: A receiver/drier for fluid refrigerant having the housing formed of an aluminum header with a centrally disposed outlet port and off-center inlet port welded to an aluminum canister. A header sub-assembly is formed with an outlet tube with one attached to the header outlet port. A basket with a perforated bottom is filled with desiccant and the open end is attached to the header with the outlet tube ending through an aperture in the bottom of the basket. A layer of filter material is disposed adjacent the perforated bottom of the basket, the inner face of the header has plural concentric grooves interconnecting the inlet port and another layer of filter material disposed adjacent the grooved face of the header; and these grooves distribute flow over the filter in the event of contaminant accumulations in the inlet. The basket is attached to the header to complete the header sub-assembly prior to welding of the header to the aluminum canister.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a fluid stream wherein the fluid stream is passed through a first filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a first preselected micron level, then through a desiccant media bed zone including a multiplicity of desiccant beads to dry the fluid stream and then through a second filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a second preselected micron level below said first micron level so as to remove smaller particulate materials including particulates from said first filtering zone.

Abstract: A device for removing water from an aqueous phase at the bottom of a hydrocarbon fuel tank has an elongated tubular frame with open areas defined by longitudinal members and circumferential ribs. A pad of cotton carrying a coating of highly water-absorbent particles on its inner surface is disposed over the frame, and the pad is enclosed on the outside by one or more layers of cotton muslin. An outside cover of a plastic mesh placed over the fabric provides a limit to outward expansion of the pad upon absorption of water and forces expansion of the particles to occur in a radially inward direction. Absorption of water is enhanced by treating the pad with an aqueous solution of a surfactant and by keeping the device enclosed so as to retain its moistened condition until being placed in use. An elongated metal rod placed inside the tube along its axis serves both as a weight to retain the device in place and as a means for grounding any static electricity.

Abstract: A receiver dryer for an automobile air conditioning system embodies a cylindrical housing having a spin-closed top end; an inlet tube and an outlet tube inserted in holes drilled in the top end of the housing and both extending through the housing to their respective predetermined positions; and an axially inserted desiccant bag and thermoplastic perforate filter. The outlet tube extends through a hole in the filter to a predetermined position from the bottom end of the housing, and a retainer clip holds the filter at a set position in the housing while the bottom end of the housing is spin-closed. Spin closing the bottom end creates a thermal gradient in the wall of the housing such that the thermoplastic perforate filter is thermally bonded at its edge to irregularities of the inner surface of the housing thereby forming a barrier to any particulates which might otherwise have passed by the filter.

Abstract: An accumulator for use with a vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The accumulator comprises a housing having first and second sections, an outlet tube, and an outlet tube shield. Inlet and outlet openings are formed in the housing through which refrigerant enters and exits the interior chamber defined by the housing. The outlet tube extends to the outlet opening and is preferably integral with the second section. The outlet tube shield is integral with the first section and extends into the interior chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet tube to prevent the direct passage of liquid refrigerant into the outlet tube. A desiccant container is preferably provided in the housing to dry the refrigerant as it circulates through the accumulator.

Abstract: A receiver dehydrator for a refrigeration system for heating and cooling accommodates flow in either direction. It comprises a canister with openings near the top for coupling to refrigerant lines, and tubes inside the canister extending from the openings to tube mouths at the bottom of the canister for either intake or withdrawal of liquid. A baffle between the mouths allows liquid passage from either mouth to the other but inhibits flow of gas bubbles. The baffle has many perforations for liquid flow and an inclined vane outside each opening directs rising bubbles away from the perforations to encourage migration to the top of the canister. Alternate perforations have vanes on opposite sides of the baffle for gas-liquid separation in either flow direction. A desiccant bag between each tube mouth and the baffle further aids in such migration.

Abstract: An accumulator is provided for use with a vehicle air conditioning system. The accumulator comprises a housing, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and an outlet tube shield. The housing includes first and second end portions and a cylindrical body portion which are joined together to define an interior chamber. An inlet opening is provided through which refrigerant in an inlet tube enters the interior chamber. The inlet tube directs the incoming flow of refrigerant against the first end portion of the housing. The outlet tube shield is attached to the inlet tube, and prevents the direct passage of refrigerant between the inlet tube and free end of the outlet tube.

Abstract: An accumulator is provided for use with a vehicle air conditioning system. The accumulator comprises a housing having first and second sections, an outlet tube integral with the second section, and a desiccant container. Inlet and outlet openings are formed in the housing through which refrigerant enters and exits the interior chamber defined by the housing. The outlet tube extends from the outlet opening into the interior chamber and terminates in a free end. The desiccant container is mounted in the interior chamber between the housing and the free end of the outlet tube to define a first path between the housing and the desiccant container through which incoming refrigerant may flow. The desiccant container also has a second path therethrough through which incoming refrigerant may flow.

Abstract: There is a disclosed herein a retaining clip for a desiccant bag used in an accumulator of an air conditioning system for an automotive vehicle. The retaining clip is hinged at one end and surrounds the bag of desiccant. The clip includes integrally formed tube engaging mechanisms for matingly engaging the refrigerant tubes within the housing of the accumulator.

Abstract: A filter for removing contaminants from refrigerant, consisting of an elongate closed container having a first end, a second end and an interior. An inlet is positioned adjacent to the first end. An outlet is positioned adjacent to the second end. Desiccant substantially fills the interior of the container. A plurality of liquid impervious and vapor flow retarding membranes are positioned transversely within the interior of the container forming vapour barriers. The desiccant is divided into a plurality of layers separated by the membranes. Refrigerant enters the inlet and passes through the plurality of layers prior to exiting the container via the outlet.

Abstract: A tethered container of desiccant and a surrounding protective cage for entry into an enclosed space to extract moisture. The weight of the cage serves as ballast to settle the assembly to the bottom of any nonaqueous fluid in the enclosed space. In one embodiment, the cage takes the form of an elongated cylinder with perforated side walls slideably mounted on a tether cable disposed through an eye in a solid end wall at one end of the cylinder. The end of the tether cable interior of the cage is attached to the container of desiccant. Preferably, the eye is located on the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cage to enhance mobility of the device. An access opening in a portion of the cage opposite the eye permits removal of the desiccant container from the cage by sliding the cage along the tether cable away from the desiccant container. In an alternate embodiment, the tether cable opening is selectively closeable to restrain the desiccant container or its contents.

Abstract: A filter for the lubricating oil and refrigerant within refrigerators, freezers and heat pumps is provided which does not interfere with the cooling cycle. The filter utilizes a housing with an orifice that functions as an outlet and an inlet for the transfer of fluids. The filter withdrawn fluids from a location between the compressor and the condenser when the compressor cycles on and returns the fluids when the compressor cycles off. Preferred embodiments of this invention provide for the release of additives to the fluids from the filter material. Also provided by the invention are vapor compression cycle devices which incorporate such a filter and a method of filtering said fluids.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for a moisture-removal device used in compressed air systems in which an inner filter adapted to remove water from the air is encircled by an outer filter that is adapted to remove oil from the air. A space between the inner and outer filters is provided to accommodate accumulation of the filtered-out oil with a valving arrangement provided in the area of oil accumulation that is operative in response to a pressure differential when the regeneration phase of operation is initiated to concurrently discharge the accumulated oil.

Abstract: An adsorbent packet including a casing of permeable material, adsorbent in the casing, and a sleeve of metal foil fused to a central portion of the casing by ultrasonic welding and having a layer of nylon on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A combined heat shielding and bonding device for shielding an adsorbent packet from heat experienced during fabrication of a refrigerant receiver housing in which the packet is located and for bonding the adsorbent packet to conduits within the receiver including a planar flexible metal sleeve surrounding the adsorbent packet and conduits in the vicinity where the housing is to be welded to thereby conduct heat away from the packet during the welding process, and a film of heat-meltable plastic on the inside surface of the sleeve facing the adsorbent packet and the conduits for being melted by heat experienced during the welding process and thus effecting adhesion between the sleeve and the adsorbent packet and the conduits to thereby retain the packet in fixed relationship to the conduits.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for cleaning oil of an oil sealed vacuum pump which comprises a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing being releasably mounted to the vacuum pump; filter materials including at least two types of filters having different characteristics, the filter materials including the filters being disposed in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A water absorbent device for a fuel tank that has a permeable housing through which a liquid passes. Within the permeable housing is a permeable container through which liquid passes. Water absorbing material is contained within paper bags that are disposed within the permeable container for absorbing water within the fuel tank. The permeable container is removably disposed in the housing. At least one end of the housing is an open end, which is closed by a cap for retaining the removable container within the housing. The cap is removed to enable the container to be removed from the housing for replacement. A chain is attached to the housing for placing the housing into the fuel tank and for removing the housing from the fuel tank.

Abstract: Described is a dewatering apparatus for insertion into and retrieval from an engine fuel tank through the tank inlet for removing water from the liquid fuel contained in the tank. The apparatus includes an elongate cylindrical container of fixed capacity and an elongate tie connected thereto and accessibly anchored near the fuel tank inlet. A volume of dry particulate hygroscopic material, principally cross-linked polyacrylamide co-polymer fills a minor portion of the container capacity, and is expandable to many times its dry volume in the presence of water without absorbing the liquid fuel, so as to remove water therefrom within the capacity of the container. The dry volume is selected to limit the fully expanded volume to within the capacity of the container.

Abstract: Containment means in the form of water-absorbing polymers are included in the path of a refrigeration cycle to remove accumulated water or water vapor that inherently develops. Such polymers do not lose their efficiency even when they become oil coated, which occurs because lubricating oil is normally circulated with the refrigerant and refrigerants like freon are also somewhat oily. Preferably such containment means are in the form of polymer granules included in a bag or sack placed in a readily-openable canister, which itself is placed inside the housing of a dehydrator. This dehydrator housing also has a readily opened lid held on by a quick-disconnecting clamping means.

Abstract: A refrigerant drier constructed to maintain compression of a desiccant to reduce the formation of refrigerant contaminating dust caused by attrition of the desiccant when the drier is used in applications subject to vibration. The desiccant is maintained in compression by a compression spring and barbed spring follower. Composite laminated filters are disposed adjacent to each end of the desiccant, with each composite filter including a fiberglass filter pad, which has excellent filtration characteristics for preventing any attrition dust which is generated from leaving either end of the drier. Each composite filter also includes a filter pad selected for durability which is disposed immediately adjacent to the desiccant, to cushion and protect the fragile fiberglass from aggressive action by the dessiccant. Annular perimeter rings are disposed between the dessicant and the composite filters to prevent desiccant migration past the outer perimeters of the composite filters.

Abstract: A water removal device for placement in the fuel line of an hydrocarbon fueled engine between the fuel tank and the engine. The device includes a hermetically sealed housing which has an inlet end and an outlet end, respectively, for receiving and discharging flowing fuel. Within the interior of the housing a quantity of hygroscopic material is tightly packed. The grain size and shape of the grains of the material is selected so that substantially no particulate matter will enter the fuel stream. In a preferred embodiment conventional filters are utilized downstream of the device. A screen filter or filter made from a fibrous material may be used upstream of the device. Also, a screen may be attached within the housing adjacent the inlet and outlet ends to prevent granules of the hygroscopic material from passing out of the device and into the fuel stream. A viewing port may be incorporated in the housing to allow the operator of the vehicle to visually determine whether the chemical needs replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing residual water from heavy crude oil comprising a casing, an inlet for admitting liquid crude oil into the casing so as to establish a liquid surface in the casing, an outlet passage for discharging dehydrated liquid crude oil from the casing, a heater in the casing for maintaining the liquid oil at a distillation temperature for evaporating water and light hydrocarbons, a vapor outlet for discharging a mixture of water vapor and light hydrocarbons evaporated from the crude oil, a spray device above the surface of the liquid in the casing for spraying incoming crude oil onto and in heat exchange contact with the surface of the heated oil in the casing, whereby water and light hydrocarbon vapors are distilled from incoming crude oil upon contact with the surface of the heated liquid crude oil.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a desiccant assembly for a refrigeration circuit of the type used in automotive air conditioning systems. The method includes performing a container body by cutting a piece of seamless tube stock and friction forming one end of the tube to form an end wall. One or more apertures are formed within the container body to accommodate refrigerant circuit fittings. A refrigerant tube is installed in the container body along with associated components such as the desiccant material, additional fittings etc. Thereafter, the container body is again friction formed to enclose the opposite end wall of the container. The method according to this invention avoids the disadvantages associated with a multi-piece desiccant container which is subject to refrigerant leakage.

Abstract: A filter drier is disclosed for installation in a liquid refrigerant line of a refrigeration system, the filter drier comprising a housing having an inlet at one end thereof and an outlet at the other end thereof. The liquid refrigerant is discharged from the inlet into the housing in a jet and a perforate plate is provided within the housing against which this jet impinges for diffusing the refrigerant jet substantially across the width of the housing. A filter filters the diffused liquid refrigerant and a bed of desiccant beads is provided with a perforate divider between the filter and the desiccant. A perforate support plate supports the desiccant bed and a second filter bears on the downstream perforate support plate with the desiccant being engageable with the second filter.

Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator assembly for an air conditioning system is provided with a desiccant canister outlet fitting having an integral particulate filter cage at one end and an integral neck at an opposite end. The cage is insertable through and the neck is received in a flanged outlet opening in a desiccant canister that is received within the assembly's housing. The neck is also received from the interior of this housing in and sealingly engages with the housing's outlet connector. Both the neck and the flange about the canister outlet opening have radial holes which align and receive an exit end of the assembly's pickup tube arranged external of the canister. The neck and the canister outlet opening flange have cooperating angular alignment means that positively align their pickup tube accommodating holes angularly. The filter cage and the interior of the canister have cooperating longitudinal alignment means that positively align the pickup tube accommodating holes longitudinally.

Abstract: A device in which moisture-adsorbing material that adsorbs moisture dissolved in oil and the electrical resistance of which decreases in accordance with the amount of moisture adsorbed, is immersed in circulating oil supplied to machinery and is connected to a sensor that outputs a signal when the electrical resistance of the material falls below a given preset value. This moisture-adsorbing material absorbs moisture not yet dissociated from the oil, and removes the moisture from the oil, preventing deterioration of the oil. Moreover, because the sensor electrically detects the decline in the adsorptive strength of the moisture-absorbing material as the amount of moisture adsorbed increases, upon depletion of this adsorptive capability the material can be rapidly replaced, permitting the moisture content of the oil to be held below a given value.

Abstract: A filter media for use in a filter employed to separate water and particulate material from a liquid to be purified, such as a hydrocarbon fuel. The filter media includes a porous material such as glass fiber having a density sufficient to provide the desired mechanical filtration and which carries a water insoluble, water-absorbing material as, for example, a starch-polyacrylonitrile graft copolymer. Also disclosed is a filter employing the media and a method of making the media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer unit for an encapsulated refrigerant compressor unit. The capsule of the compressor unit has suction and compression nipples and an auxiliary nipple. A dead end housing unit containing a drying agent is connected to the auxiliary nipple.

Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator assembly for an air conditioning system comprising an accumulator housing defining an enclosed chamber including an inlet and an outlet in the upper end and a refrigerant and oil accumulator in the lower end, and a vapor drier canister assembly comprising a one-piece plastic body defining a closed top wall, a closed side wall and an open bottom. The canister includes an integral outlet projecting into and sealingly engaging the outlet of the housing. A vapor filter is associated with the outlet of the canister such that refrigerant flows through the filter before passing through the outlet. A perforated plate is provided in the bottom of the canister for holding desiccant within the canister. A refrigerant and oil tube is mounted externally of the canister and has a lower end extending to the bottom of the chamber of the accumulator housing and has an upper end extending into the outlet of the canister. A filter is associated with the lower end of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-aided refrigerated filter assembly and method for its use for filtration of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) so that a liquid phase is maintained during the filtration process and that the LPG is sufficiently subcooled to suppress the formation bubbles to prevent the risk of vapor lock or cavitation damages to a pump downflow from the filtration process and/or to provide liquid for metering purpose.

Abstract: An adsorbent device including a casing having a substantially semi-cylindrical wall for placement against spaced parallel pipes in a refrigerant receiver and a planar wall secured to the semi-cylindrical wall for placement next to another pipe spaced from the spaced parallel pipes so that the casing lies between the spaced parallel pipes and the other pipe, adsorbent in the casing, a tab formed integrally as an extension of the casing walls, and an aperture in the tab for receiving a strap for attachment to the tab to a pipe joining the spaced parallel pipes.

Abstract: A self-retaining adsorbent container including a cylindrical cup-shaped casing of porous material, adsorbent in the casing, a porous end wall secured to the edge of the cup-shaped casing at its open end by a rim which is more rigid than the material of the cup-shaped casing, and diametrically spaced concave indentations in the casing and the cover for receiving spaced pipes in a refrigerant receiver.

Abstract: An adsorbent cartridge for mounting in a housing including a casing consisting of an end wall and a cup-shaped member having a flexible substantially cylindrical wall, with the end wall and the cylindrical wall having their edge portions fused to each other to provide a radially outwardly extending rim for sealing engagement with the housing of a filter-drier, adsorbent in the housing, and the flexible cylindrical wall being adapted to bulge into sealing engagement with the housing when opposing forces directed toward each other are applied to the end wall and the bottom of the cup-shaped member. An adsorbent cartridge having the above structure and including an axially extending pipe fused to the end wall and the opposite end wall of the cup-shaped casing so as to provide an annular chamber for adsorbent, with the end walls extending radially inwardly beyond the pipe to provide rims for sealing engagement with a pipe member passing through the pipe of the adsorbent cartridge.

Abstract: A combined filter and filter-drier, for the suction side of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, comprises a dual filter system straddling a cylindrical plug of dessicant. Upstream of the dessicant, a rigidly built primary filter assembly comprises an inlet deflector and a stepped filter. Downstream of the dessicant, a secondary filter assembly comprises an outlet filter pad which is compressed by a coaxially disposed spring near the inlet of the filter/filter-drier. The inlet deflector is preferably triangular in shape and is disposed transversely to the inlet.

Abstract: An integral low-pressure accumulator/filter-drier for use in air conditioning and refrigeration systems between the evaporator and the compressor is described. This device is installed in upright position and includes a filter-drier and an accumulator which are separated by a bottom filter-drier retaining member which positions, in cooperation with a top filter-drier retaining member, an annular filter-drier assembly comprising a pair of thin cylindrical filter cartridges which straddle an annular dessicant bed which is itself straddled, at top and bottom, by a pair of annular filter pads. A pickup tube within the accumulator is sealably attached to an opening within the bottom retainer plate and extends coaxially within the inner filter cartridge, being biased against the top retainer plate by a spring assembly so that it is securely held and resistant to vibrations and rotation thereof.

Abstract: A filter-drier unit adapted for bidirectional flow in heat pump systems. This filter-drier unit includes a shell having opposed flow ports. Spaced partitions in the shell provide a compartment therebetween, each partition separating a flow port from the compartment. An outlet check valve is connected to each partition, and a perforated tube in the compartment, extends between and interconnects the outlet check valves. A molded desiccant core in the compartment, is disposed about the tube. An inlet check valve is connected to each partition in laterally spaced relation to the outlet check valve connected to the same partition to control the flow from each flow port through an inlet check valve in one partition and into the compartment, through the core and tube thence through an outlet check valve in the other partition, and out the other flow port.

Abstract: A liquid accumulator for air conditioning systems and the like having a hollow porous desiccant container which is adapted to be sealingly connected in the bottom of the accumulator's casing prior to permanent assembly thereof and wherein the desiccant container accommodates the accumulator's normal tube assembly and remains serviceable through the bottom of the casing for the adding and emptying of desiccant.

Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided which has a high ratio of adsorbent weight to package surface area. The package comprises a container having an enclosing wall formed of a sheet of thermoplastic fibrous material folded upon itself to provide superimposed edge portions which are fused together into a continuous welded seam, the container being filled with an adsorbent material, preferably particulate desiccant. The thermoplastic fibrous sheet material preferably has a fiber tie down on its side which constitutes the outside of the container, and also is preferably a felted polypropylene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing residual water from heavy crude oil comprising a casing, an inlet for admitting liquid crude oil into the casing so as to establish a liquid surface in the casing, an outlet passage for discharging dehydrated liquid crude oil from the casing, a heater in the casing for maintaining the liquid oil at a distillation temperature for evaporating water and light hydrocarbons, a vapor outlet for discharging a mixture of water vapor and light hydrocarbons evaporated from the crude oil, a spray device above the surface of the liquid in the casing for spraying incoming crude oil onto and in heat exchange contact with the surface of the heated oil in the casing, whereby water and light hydrocarbon vapors are distilled from incoming crude oil upon contact with the surface of the heated liquid crude oil.