Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system performs low pressure side pumpdown with the assistance of a service technician. When the refrigerant in the system is transferred to the high pressure side, the low pressure side is available for servicing by the technician.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system includes the steps of establishing a relationship between at least one selected system operating parameter and refrigerant charge level, independent of ambient temperature conditions; measuring the selected parameter(s) while the system is in operation; and using the established relationship and the measured parameter(s) to determine the refrigerant charge level. In one embodiment of the invention, both condenser subcooling and evaporator superheat parameters are measured and the predetermined relationship between charge level and each of these parameters is used to determine the actual refrigerant charge level.

Abstract: An energy administration device serves for operating an absorption refrigerating device with different energy sources and includes an energy control unit (7) for controlling and selecting an energy source. It includes at least one gas operation unit (8 to 12) for operating said absorption refrigerating device with gas with a gas burner connected to a gas supply line, which can be controlled by a surveillance system. Said surveillance system is an ignition surveillance system and includes an ionisation sensor and/or UV sensor for surveying said gas flame of said gas burner (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.

Abstract: A refrigeration system generally including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. A refrigerant expansion tank is connected to the suction side of the compressor to vary the charge of refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Preferably, the expansion tank adds additional refrigerant to the system only after it has reached, is near, or at least is approaching, its operating point. The additional refrigerant is removed from the refrigerant fluid path and contained within the expansion tank when the refrigeration system is turned off.

Abstract: In a natural gas liquefaction system having a refrigerant storage circuit, a refrigerant circulation circuit in fluid communication with the refrigerant storage circuit, and a natural gas liquefaction circuit in thermal communication with the refrigerant circulation circuit, a method for liquefaction of natural gas in which pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit is adjusted to below about 175 psig by exchange of refrigerant with the refrigerant storage circuit. A variable speed motor is started whereby operation of a compressor is initiated. The compressor is operated at full discharge capacity. Operation of an expansion valve is initiated whereby suction pressure at the suction pressure port of the compressor is maintained below about 30 psig and discharge pressure at the discharge pressure port of the compressor is maintained below about 350 psig.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a system pressure in a refrigeration system based on a variable load, which includes sensing return pressure and high side pressure in the system, and adjusting the low pressure to optimize a gas flow rate in the system by adding or removing gas from the system through an operating range of pressures in response to the sensed return pressure and the sensed high side pressure. The method further includes calculating a pressure difference between the return pressure and the high side pressure. A second pressure difference is calculated, and if the pressure difference decreases, gas is added to system and if the pressure difference increases, gas is removed from the system.

Abstract: A helium management control system for controlling the helium refrigerant supply from a common manifold supplies a plurality of cryogenic refrigerators with an appropriate helium supply. The system employs a plurality of sensors to monitor and regulate the overall refrigerant supply to deliver an appropriate refrigerant supply to each of the cryogenic refrigerators depending on the computed aggregate cooling demand of all of the cryogenic refrigerators. An appropriate supply of helium is distributed to each cryopump by sensing excess and sparse helium refrigerant and redistributing refrigerant accordingly. If the total refrigeration supply exceeds the total refrigerant demand, or consumption, excess refrigerant is directed to cryogenic refrigerators which can utilize the excess helium to complete a current cooling function more quickly.

Abstract: A manifold gauge assembly that combines in a single apparatus the features of a manifold gauge set and the features of a phase change device. The manifold gauge assembly may be utilized for charging both pure liquid refrigerants and blends of liquid refrigerants and still maintain the ability of full porting for vacuum optimization. The invention also comprises a phase change device adapted to be fixedly attached to a manifold.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a pair of heat exchangers, a hermetic compressor assembly having a compressor housing containing refrigerant fluid, fluid conveying lines and a flow restriction device forming a working refrigerant system, an evacuation volume having one of a first, substantially evacuated state and a second, fluid-containing state, a control valve located between the working refrigeration system and the evacuation volume and having an initial, closed position and an open position, and at least one refrigerant gas detector located externally of the working refrigeration system and in communication with the control valve. The evacuation volume is fluidly isolated from the working refrigeration system in the valve closed position and in fluid communication with the working refrigeration system in the valve open position.

Abstract: A gauge manifold is connectable to the suction and liquid lines of an air conditioning refrigerant circuit and has a built-in charge level calculator into which system manufacturing and capacity data is enterable. Charging data corresponding to the input data is stored within the calculator and automatically utilized in conjunction with ambient temperature and refrigerant pressure levels sensed by the calculator to generate a visual display indicating whether the circuit's refrigerant charge level is acceptable, high or low for the particular unit or system being checked. If the displayed charge level is high or low, the gauge manifold is additionally connected to a pressurized refrigerant canister or recycling drum and a valve portion of the manifold is operated to add or remove refrigerant to the circuit, via the gauge manifold, as necessary until the calculator display indicates that the circuit is properly charged.

Abstract: A kit and method for retrofitting an R-12 air conditioner into an R-134a air conditioner are provided. The kit includes a first pressurized container of R-134a lubricant or oil sufficient to fully charge an automobile air conditioner. Preferably, the first container also contains pressurized refrigerant 134a to act as a propellant to deliver the lubricant in aerosol form. A second pressurized container may also be provided containing a full charge of R-134a for an auto air conditioner. The kit includes a service port adapter, configured to be convertible to the service port of an automobile air conditioner wherein both the first and second containers may be hooked up to the auto air conditioner via the same service port adapter.

Abstract: A system and method for reconditioning a chiller in which moisture has contaminated a refrigerant side of the chiller includes draining refrigerant from the refrigerant side of the chiller and operating a moisture removal assembly connected thereto to remove remaining moisture. The chiller is then recharged with refrigerant and a refrigerant purification assembly connected to the chiller is operated to remove contaminates, such as particulate matter, from the refrigerant. The refrigerant purification assembly includes a vacuum line connected to the chiller for receiving refrigerant drawn out of the chiller and a diaphragm pump connected to the vacuum line and operable to draw refrigerant out of the chiller and through the vacuum line to the pump. A filter assembly is disposed in the vacuum line intermediate the chiller and the pump for filtering contaminates out of refrigerant drawn through the vacuum line.

Abstract: A vapor compression type refrigeration apparatus is provided, in which refrigerant leakage is detected at an early stage. A temperature difference related to the theoretical heat dissipation of the condenser is compared with the actual temperature difference in heat dissipation (temperature difference between the condensation temperature and the outside-air temperature) of the condenser to determine whether there is a refrigerant leak.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a system pressure in a refrigeration system based on a variable load, which includes sensing return pressure and high side pressure in the system, and adjusting the low pressure to optimize a gas flow rate in the system by adding or removing gas from the system through an operating range of pressures in response to the sensed return pressure and the sensed high side pressure. The method further includes calculating a pressure difference between the return pressure and the high side pressure. A second pressure difference is calculated, and if the pressure difference decreases, gas is added to system and if the pressure difference increases, gas is removed from the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting low charge of a working fluid in a heat transfer system of the type having a fluid circuit comprising a compressor for pressurizing working fluid received from an evaporator, a condenser and condenser fan for cooling the working fluid received from the compressor, and an expansion device for controlling flow of the working fluid between the condenser and the evaporator, the apparatus comprising: a working fluid state sensor operative in response to a control signal and disposed in the fluid circuit on the outlet side of the evaporator to produce a working fluid state signal; and a control circuit for providing the control signal to the sensor and for controlling operation of the heat transfer system based on a comparison of the working fluid state signal with a state set point; the control circuit detecting a low charge condition of the working fluid when the state signal indicates the working fluid superheat exceeds a first predetermined threshold over a first predetermined time with

Abstract: A gauge manifold is connectable to the suction and liquid lines of an air conditioning refrigerant circuit and has a built-in charge level calculator into Which system manufacturing and capacity data is enterable. Charging data corresponding to the input data is stored within the calculator and automatically utilized in conjunction with ambient temperature and refrigerant pressure levels sensed by the calculator to generate a visual display indicating whether the circuit's refrigerant charge level is acceptable, high or low for the particular unit or system being checked. If the displayed charge level is high or low, the gauge manifold is additionally connected to a pressurized refrigerant canister or recycling drum and a valve portion of the manifold is operated to add or remove refrigerant to the circuit, via the gauge manifold, as necessary until the calculator display indicates that the circuit is properly charged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems which can be operated with harmless and natural refrigerants, in particular CO2. The filling device is to have a high safety standard, while at the same time being simple to operate and having a cost-effective makeup. For this purpose, the filling device comprises a connection (12) for connecting the device (10) to the air-conditioning system, a drainage line (18), containing a drainage valve (24), for draining off the refrigerant of the air-conditioning system in a defined manner, a pumping-off line (20) which has a pump (36) and is connected to the connection (12), for completely pumping off refrigerant residues and any other impurities, and a refrigerant feed line (22), connected to the connection (12), for filling the air-conditioning system with refrigerant from a refrigerant reservoir (44).

Abstract: An automatic refrigerant handling apparatus has a compressor pump for withdrawing a refrigerant from an associated refrigeration system to be serviced, a condenser for liquefying the refrigerant and a storage vessel for storing the recovered refrigerant, the compressor pump also being capable of evacuating the refrigeration system to a first refrigeration system pressure. The apparatus has a connection jack for receiving a connector of an associated optional vacuum pump, the connector including a jumper which interconnects two terminals on the jack when the vacuum pump is connected so that the control circuitry of the apparatus can recognize the presence of the vacuum pump, whereupon the program routine of the control processor utilizes the vacuum pump instead of the compressor pump to draw a vacuum on the associated refrigeration system.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus is used in an air-conditioning system of an automotive vehicle, which is capable of operating in a hot gas bypass heating mode. Here, the discharge side of a compressor is directly connected through a hot gas bypass conduit to the inlet side of an evaporator. The evaporator acts as a radiator, heated by gas refrigerant. The compressor is stopped during operation of the apparatus in this heating mode when a physical quantity representing the high-side pressure at the compressor discharge side rises above a set value. The compressor is restarted when a physical quantity representing a heating capacity (for example the high-side pressure) falls below a set value which indicates that there is no heating capacity in the stopped state of the compressor. As a result, the heating capacity obtained through hot gas bypass can be controlled well without frequent stopping and restarting of the compressor.

Abstract: A delivery system to refill and treat automobile air conditioning systems is provided. A sealed housing such as a can contains a combination of automobile air conditioner treatment and a refill component. The refill component includes refrigerant and oil, and the treatment component includes automobile air conditioner treatment chemicals, such as sealant or a booster treatment. The housing can permit a controlled amount of the refill and the treatment to directly charge and treat an auto air conditioning system. A hose connectable between the housing and the air conditioning system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for flushing contaminants from a contaminated refrigeration system, comprising flushing a continuously purified volatile composition through a portion of a refrigeration system during a first phase; flushing an aqueous solvent through the portion of the refrigeration system during a second phase; and drying the portion of the refrigeration system to remove residual water. The source of purified volatile composition preferably employs a recycling or in-line purification system, for example, a fractional distillation system. The preferred volatile composition is R-22.

Abstract: A flushing composition containing a lubricant and a deposit removal component having a deposit removal effect which is especially useful for cleaning refrigeration systems by reducing or removing unwanted deposits in constricted areas in the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A device for recharging an a/c system with dye containing refrigerant using recovery/recycle/recharging equipment. The device connects to the recovery/recycle/recharging equipment so as to allow the refrigerant/dye mixture to bypass the purification process of such equipment and has a main valve having first and second inlets and an outlet. The first inlet connects to a source of refrigerant/dye mixture, the second inlet connects to the recovery/recycle/recharging equipment and the internal refrigerant tank therein, and the outlet connects to the a/c system to be recharged. The main valve is operable to provide a first fluid path from the first inlet to the outlet while isolating the second inlet, and a second fluid path from the second inlet to the outlet while isolating the first inlet. In operation the device allows the isolation of the recovery/recycle/recharging equipment refrigerant tank while virgin refrigerant with dye is added to the a/c system.

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 closed circuit (13) is formed such that the upper ends of preinstalled refrigerant pipes (2A, 2B) in a refrigerant circuit are connected to each other through an upper connecting passage (11) and the lower ends thereof are connected to each other through a lower connecting passage (12). A refrigerant is charged into the closed circuit (13). In a separator (50) of the lower connecting passage (12), a separating heat exchange coil (52) heats the liquid refrigerant to evaporate it, and a filter (53) captures foreign substance from the gas refrigerant. Two conveying heat exchangers (7A, 7B) of the lower connecting passage (12) alternately carry out a repetitive cooling operation of cooling the gas refrigerant, having been changed in phase by the separator (50), to change the phase from gas to liquid and a repetitive pressurizing operation of pressurizing the liquid refrigerant by heating the refrigerant to the extent kept in the liquid phase, respectively, thereby applying a running force to the refrigerant.

Abstract: A method and system for fully evacuating refrigerant from storage devices, appliances, and refrigerant systems. An evacuation system is provided with a vacuum pump including a housing containing an electric motor positioned with its stator in heat conductive contact with the inner surfaces of the housing. The electric motor is used to drive a rotating-vane, rotary compressor that provides positive displacement suction on the device being evacuated of refrigerant. The vacuum pump further includes an external cooling system positioned about the housing to dissipate heat that builds up within the housing during periods of low refrigerant flow. The external cooling system includes tubular fins contained within a shell and held in abutting contact with an outer surface of the housing and a fan for forcing cooling air flow over and through the fins.

Abstract: A light weight, refrigerant flow meter that calculates the quantity of refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow meter for a given period of time and provides a continuous visual display output of the quantity of refrigerant transferred between a refrigerant container and a system being charged with refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerant purge system for use with a chiller including a condenser and evaporator to remove noncondensables from the refrigerant comprising a refrigerant separation stage to separate noncondensables from the refrigerant coupled to the chiller by a refrigerant/noncondensables input stage to receive refrigerant and noncondensables from the chiller when noncondensables therein reach a predetermined level and a refrigerant output stage to feed condensed refrigerant to the chiller when condensed refrigerant within the refrigerant separation stage reaches a predetermined level and a noncondensable output stage to release noncondensables to the atmosphere when the noncondensables within the refrigerant separation stage reach a predetermined level.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for servicing a refrigeration system having a refrigerant containing an oil lubricant. The apparatus includes a support frame, a modular housing supported by the frame and defining internal accumulator, condenser, storage, and high and low pressure filter chambers, and a control plate assembly having a plurality of flow passages enabling flow communication between the various chambers. The control plate is adopted for connection to the refrigeration system being serviced, and has control valves operative to control flow of refrigerant through the passages to and between the internal chambers. A processor controls the control valves in a manner enabling selective recovery, evacuation, charging and/or flushing of the refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: In the detection of circulating compositions in the cycle of a non-azeotropic refrigerant composed of three or more kinds of refrigerants, there have been drawbacks in that the number of sensors required is large, and large errors are contained in the circulating composition which can be detected. To overcome these drawbacks, the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus comprises at least a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, and in a refrigerant cycle which uses as a working refrigerant a non-azeotropic refrigerant composed of N kinds (N≧3) of refrigerants and is provided with composition detecting means for detecting the circulating compositions of the non-azeotropic refrigerant, circulating compositions are determined by using (N−2) relations on compositions among a first component to a j-th (2≦j≦N−1) component of the non-azeotropic refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and recycling refrigerant from an air conditioning unit. The apparatus includes a combined oil separator and heat exchanger for condensing purified refrigerant and for vaporizing contaminated refrigerant. The combined oil separator and heat exchanger includes a canister having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a substantially cylindrical side wall. The canister further includes a high pressure region comprising heat exchange coils and having high pressure inlet for providing purified refrigerant vapor and high pressure outlet for removing purified refrigerant liquid, and a low pressure region having low pressure inlet for introducing contaminated refrigerant proximate the heat exchange coils, low pressure outlet through the top wall for removal of refrigerant vapor, and condensed oil outlet for removal of condensed oil. By introducing the contaminated refrigerant proximate the heat exchange coils, improved separation efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: In a method for the diagnosis of an air conditioning system having a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion device and a compressor, the stroke of which can be set via a valve, a maximum compressor stroke is set abruptly when the air conditioning system is running and a pressure impulse arising in the high pressure side of the refrigerant circuit is measured in order to determine the degree of filling of the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A liquefied gas is transfer filled by drawing out a nonazeotropic mixture stored in a first container and containing at least two liquefied gases differing in boiling point as essential components from a liquid phase thereof. The mixture is then transferred filled into a second container. The first container is filled with a supplement liquid or supplement gas in an amount making up for the portion of the capacity of the first container that is equal to the decrease in volume of the liquid phase of the nonazeotropic mixture resulting from transfer filling. The supplement liquid is the liquid phase of the liquefied gas mixture having the same composition as that of the nonazeotropic mixture stored in the first container.

Abstract: An air conditioner capable of conducting a natural circulation operation by circulating refrigerant through an evaporator and a condenser located at a higher position than the evaporator, which are connected with pipes, wherein the air conditioner has means for obtaining an air conditioning load quantity to an outdoor air temperature in a temperature range, means for obtaining an air conditioning ability quantity to an outdoor air temperature in a temperature range in a case of using a predetermined mount of refrigerant, means for obtaining the maximum outdoor air temperature capable of conducting air conditioning at the time when an air conditioning load quantity produced from the means for obtaining an air conditioning load quantity substantially coincides with an air conditioning ability quantity from the means for determining an amount of refrigerant, as an amount to be charged, in which a maximum outdoor air temperature capable of conducting air conditioning among the obtained maximum outdoor air tempera

Abstract: A refrigerant storage reservoir, connected by valves to the high and low pressure lines of a refrigeration system, and controlled by a microprocessor based system that monitors temperatures and pressures, provides a means of regulating the overall amount of refrigerant charge in a heating or cooling system to optimize economy or performance during operation. Reference temperature and pressure data profiles, permanently stored in memory, are compared with actual data collected while the refrigeration system is operating. If a reduction of refrigerant charge is indicated, a valve on the high pressure side of the refrigeration system is opened to allow excess refrigerant to flow into the storage reservoir. If an increase in refrigerant charge is indicated, a valve on the low pressure side of the refrigeration system is opened to allow refrigerant to flow from the reservoir into the operating loop of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: An air conditioner capable of conducting a natural circulation operation by circulating refrigerant through an evaporator and a condenser located at a higher position than the evaporator, which are connected with pipes, wherein the air conditioner has means for obtaining an air conditioning load quantity to an outdoor air temperature in a temperature range, means for obtaining an air conditioning ability quantity to an outdoor air temperature in a temperature range in a case of using a predetermined mount of refrigerant, means for obtaining the maximum outdoor air temperature capable of conducting air conditioning at the time when an air conditioning load quantity produced from the means for obtaining an air conditioning load quantity substantially coincides with an air conditioning ability quantity from the means for determining an amount of refrigerant, as an amount to be charged, in which a maximum outdoor air temperature capable of conducting air conditioning among the obtained maximum outdoor air tempera

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

Abstract: A method for taking custody of, transporting and installing an air conditioner having an outdoor unit which uses a flammable refrigerant and includes a refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor, an expansion device and an outdoor heat exchanger which are connected to one another through pipes, wherein the outdoor unit is shipped from a factory while the refrigeration cycle is evacuated to produce a vacuum, the outdoor unit is kept in custody and transported in a state in which the vacuum in the refrigeration cycle is maintained, and when the outdoor unit is installed, the flammable refrigerant is charged into the refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system includes a cabinet having two service ports and two sample ports and housing recycling/recharging apparatus coupled to the service ports and a refrigerant identifier coupled to one of the sample ports and coupled through solenoid-actuated valves to the recharging/recycling apparatus. Two coupling assemblies are provided for coupling the cabinet to the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, respectively, of an automotive air conditioner, each coupling assembly including a service hose with end couplers for respectively coupling to the air conditioner and one of the service ports and connected through solenoid-actuated valves disposed within a housing closely adjacent to the air conditioner coupler. Each coupling assembly also has a sample hose communicating with the service hose within the housing between the air conditioner coupler and the valves and having a distal end with a coupler for connection to one of the sample ports, and electrical conductors for control of the valves.

Abstract: A rupture disk for a refrigeration unit that, upon bursting, does not interfere with the operation of a downstream, normally closed, mechanical relief valve. The disk is designed to rupture at predetermined pressure and is made of a compressed powder or an organic wax that dissolves in the refrigerant. The process side of the disk, i.e. the side facing the evaporator, is covered with a film that is impermeable to the particular halocarbon refrigerant in use. Upon rupture, fractures from a disk that is made of compressed powder readily pass through a downstream mechanical relief valve because the fragments are small and have a uniform geometry. Upon rupture, fractures from a disk that is made of organic wax readily pass through a downstream mechanical relief valve because they have all or partially dissolved in the halocarbon refrigerant.

Abstract: A self-contained refrigerant recovery device for recovering refrigerant from a transfer vessel into a storage reservoir, comprising, in a single enclosure a qualitative analyzer for determining a quality of a refrigerant in the transfer vessel; a quantitative analyzer for determining a quantity of refrigerant in the transfer vessel; a refrigerant extractor for withdrawing refrigerant from the transfer vessel into a storage reservoir; an accounting system for determining a value of refrigerant in the transfer vessel based on the qualitative analysis and the quantitative analysis; and an output for outputting said value. The system preferably has a plurality of storage reservoirs, the refrigerant being withdrawn from the transfer vessel into one of said plurality of storage reservoirs based on said qualitative analysis. In operation, a single connection between the transfer vessel and the recovery device is sufficient.

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: 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 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: A refrigeration system having a closed circulating circuit filled with a refrigerant which on evaporation expands and gives rise to an increase in pressure in the whole or in parts of the circulating circuit, and which at ambient temperature has a saturation pressure that is higher than the maximum working pressure in the refrigeration circuit. A refrigeration of this kind may, for example, be carbon dioxide. By allowing vaporized refrigerant to condense against the surface of the refrigerant in liquid phase, contained in a container that is insulated and has adapted size and adapted liquid level, the pressure in the circulating circuit can be maintained below the maximum working pressure of the refrigeration circuit. Thus undesirable build-up of pressure in the event of, e.g.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus having a hot gas bypass heating mode that quickly recovers refrigerant in the condenser side to the evaporator side to maximize the work performed by the compressor in the hot gas bypass heating mode, to thereby maximize hot gas bypass heating capacity. Specifically, in a refrigerating cycle apparatus in which operation of a hot gas bypass heating mode is carried out with the inlet side of a condenser closed and the inlet side of a hot gas bypass conduit opened by valves, refrigerant in the condenser side is recovered to the evaporator side by operating the compressor for a predetermined time with the inlet sides of both the condenser and the hot gas bypass conduit closed by the valves.

Abstract: The invention is a device to maintain a continuous volume and pressure in a Freon (.TM.) operated air conditioning unit. Outside ambient temperature is used as a baseline for the on/off switch. Vital components include a 110 volt to 24 volt transformer, a pair of electromechanical operated solenoid valve, a pressure and volume gauge, a compressor, and a timer. All devices are connected to a Freon tank-operated air conditioning unit and can be instituted into either enclosed structure or automotive air conditioning systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen unit (100) for the handling of portions of household garbage at the source, i.e. in the individual households, said kitchen unit being in the form of a box, which fits into a kitchen table. The first compartment (7) is connected to a refrigeration unit having an evaporator (13) in the first compartment (7) and a condenser (14) which is placed under the bottom in the second compartment (17), so that the heat from the condenser (14) can rise up through a grating (21) into the second compartment (17). The first compartment (7) is insulated against heat on five (6, 8, 9, 10, 11) of its six walls, while the sixth wall (15) is formed using a heat-conducting material. The moisture from wet garbage which is deposited in the second compartment (17) is evaporated by the heat from the condenser and rises to meet the cold wall (15). Consequently, the vapor condenses and drips down this wall to a drip-tray (18), from which the condensate is led to a dish (20) via a tube (19).

Abstract: A kit and method for retrofitting an R-12 air conditioner into an R-134a air conditioner are provided. The kit includes a first pressurized container of R-134a lubricant or oil sufficient to fully charge an automobile air conditioner. Preferably, the first container also contains pressurized refrigerant 134a to act as a propellant to deliver the lubricant in aerosol form. A second pressurized container may also be provided containing a full charge of R-134a for an auto air conditioner. The kit includes a service port adapter, configured to be convertible to the service port of an automobile air conditioner wherein both the first and second containers may be hooked up to the auto air conditioner via the same service port adapter.