Abstract: A system for servicing refrigeration equipment having at least one service fitting of first predetermined configuration includes devices for recovering, purifying and/or recharging refrigerant within such equipment. A manifold includes a first refrigerant hose or conduit having an end coupling for releasable connection to the service fitting of the equipment under service and a second refrigerant hose or conduit having an end coupling for selective releasable connection to service fittings on each of the refrigerant service devices. Each of the first and second couplings includes facility for automatically sealing the associated conduit upon disconnection from the fittings, and thereby sealingly retaining refrigerant within the conduits.

Abstract: A readily portable refrigerant handling unit for withdrawing, receiving, storing and optionally recharging the refrigerant of a down refrigeration system under repair or servicing or the like, the unit accommodating interchangeable refrigerant reclaim tanks provided with refrigerant porting systems connectable to various down systems for allowing the flow of refrigerant therebetween, the unit being constructed of a housing providing a cavity for removably receiving a reclaim tank, an openable closure on the housing and/or the tank for substantially thermally sealing the tank in the housing, access conduits or equivalent structure in the housing for allowing connection of the tank to the down system, and a cooling system and optionally a heating system in the housing adapted to selectively cool or heat the tank to withdraw or recharge the refrigerant respectively from or to the down system.

Abstract: A refrigerant purification and recovery apparatus for removing refrigerant from a refrigeration unit and for purifying the refrigerant removed from the refrigeration unit includes a compressor, condenser, a receiver-separator vessel having upper and lower end portions, pressure detection means for generating signals indicative of a pressure in the upper end portion of the receiver-separator vessel, liquid detection means for generating a signal indicative of the presence or absence of liquid in the vessel at a position between the upper and lower end portions, means for venting gas from the upper end portion of the receiver-separator vessel, means for draining liquid from the lower end portion of the receiver-separator vessel, and control-signal means for receiving the pressure indicative and liquid-presence indicative signals and generating a drain signal only when the pressure indicative signal is indicative of a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure and the liquid presence indicative signal is ind

Abstract: A method for substituting a replacement refrigerant for an existing refrigerant in a centrifugal compressor includes the steps of selecting a desired impeller Mach number for the centrifugal compressor, selecting a base refrigerant constituent, combining at least one additive refrigerant constituent with the base refrigerant constituent to form a replacement refrigerant having at least one physical or chemical property different from the existing refrigerant and substantially providing the desired impeller Mach number in the centrifugal compressor, and replacing the existing refrigerant with the replacement refrigerant. The existing refrigerant can be replaced by choosing a particular molecular weight or acoustical velocity which will provide the desired impeller Mach number.

Abstract: For use in processing an object refrigerant produced from an original refrigerant, a refrigerant processing system comprises a separating unit (18, 20, and 22) for separating the original refrigerant into a gaseous phase refrigerant component and a liquid phase refrigerant component. A first supplying pipe (12a) supplies the gaseous phase refrigerant component as the object refrigerant to a liquefying unit (24a and 24b), which liquefies the object refrigerant into a liquefied object refrigerant by the use of evaporation of a liquid refrigerant. A second supplying pipe (12b) supplies the liquid phase refrigerant component to the liquefying unit as the liquid refrigerant. The separating unit comprises a receiving unit (18) for receiving the original refrigerant as a received refrigerant, a condensing unit (20) for condensing the received refrigerant into a condensed refrigerant, and a separation vessel (22) comprising upper and bottom parts defining upper and bottom spaces, respectively.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: A passive refrigerant retrieval and storage apparatus is shown for retrieving refrigerant from a cooling system prior to servicing the cooling system. The passive apparatus includes a coil collector tube for the refrigerant contained within an insulated housing with an outlet from the collector tube passing through a metering valve into the housing. The collector tube is connected to the condenser outlet of a cooling system and the system compressor operated to pump pressurized liquid refrigerant into the collector tube. A small portion of the refrigerant is discharged through the metering valve into the apparatus housing where it is evaporated and causes extreme subcooling to the refrigerant in the collector tube. The refrigerant that is not evaporated is trapped within the evaporator housing. A return line from the housing to the inlet side of the compressor returns the evaporated refrigerant to the cooling system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling refrigerants, preferably freons, to be emptied from refrigeration systems or heat pump systems with the aid of piston compressor pumps when repairing or scrapping such systems. The compressor suction line is connected to one chamber of a heat exchanger and a pressure reduction valve is connected in the suction line upstream of the heat exchanger. The pressure line extending from the compressor passes to an oil separator and then to the other chamber of the heat exchanger. The fall in pressure in the reduction valve and heating of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger causes the refrigerant to be in a gaseous state when reaching the compressor, which is a prerequisite for safe operation of the compressor. The pressure increase achieved in the compressor pump and cooling of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger enables the refrigerant to be delivered to a container, preferably in a liquid state.

Abstract: In a device to recover refrigerant from a refrigeration circuit and subsequently recharge the refrigeration circuit with the recovered refrigerant, the condenser and refrigerant storage means of the device is a cooled tank. Refrigerant vapor inputs the base of the tank through a one-way check valve so that the entering vapor is cooled as it bubbles through any liquid refrigerant in the tank and then condenses on the cool walls of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system to remove moisture chemically from refrigerant fluid being recaptured, recycled or reclaimed comprises adding an appropriate organosilane to the refrigerant being treated in the reclamation/recycling apparatus.

Abstract: A compact refrigerant reclaim apparatus that is capable of removing refrigerant from a refrigeration system during repairs in order to remove oil and other impurities from said refrigerant and being capable of returning the refrigerant to the refrigeration system in a clean state. The apparatus includes an oil separator that includes oil separation and oil accumulator means.

Abstract: A liquid refrigerant transfer system includes a low-pressure liquid refrigerant pump coupled by drain hoses between a refrigeration system liquid refrigerant service or drain fitting and a liquid refrigerant storage tank. Another hose couples the refrigerant storage tank with a vapor refrigerant service or fill fitting of the refrigeration system. Preferably, a quick disconnect coupling is provided at least between the drain hose and the refrigerant storage tank to facilitate the removal of the filled tank and the substitution of a second, empty tank to continue the transfer. The vent hose carries liquid refrigerant vapor and any liquid refrigerant overflow back into the refrigeration system, thereby permitting substantially unattended use of the system. The system can be used to transfer liquid refrigerant back from the storage tank back into the refrigeration system through the drain opening.

Abstract: An electronic scale assembly for transferring refrigerant charge between a tank and refrigeration equipment under service comprises a generally rectangular enclosure that includes a handle positioned along one side edge of the enclosure for manually transporting the scale, and a cover for selectively opening and closing the enclosure. A scale includes a platform mounted within the enclosure at a position to support a refrigerant tank when the cover is open, and a strain gage sensor for providing an electrical signal as function of weight supported by the platform. A solenoid-operated refrigerant transfer valve is mounted within the enclosure for connection between a tank mounted on the scale platform and refrigeration equipment under service for selectively transferring refrigerant between the tank and the equipment through the valve. An electronic controller is responsive to the electrical scale signal for indicating weight of refrigerant transferred through the valve.

Abstract: A connector for a bomb includes a case capable of covering a projected opening of the bomb; a case fastening device for fastening the case onto the bomb by utilizing an outer circumferential recess of the projected opening; a handle having a shaft portion and a handle portion with the shaft portion being arranged to rotatably and movably pass through a top wall of the case and the handle portion being positioned outside the case; a threaded plug retainer which is fixed to an end of the shaft portion and is detachably engaged with a threaded plug screwed onto the projected opening; a first sealing member for sealing between an end portion of a side peripheral wall of the case and the bomb; and a second sealing member for sealing between the shaft portion and the case.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery apparatus has features for trapping oil recovered from an air conditioning system. It has a low pressure oil separator which is mounted in line with the flow of refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor. The low pressure oil separator will be located at a lower elevation than the compressor. When the compressor is turned off, this allows excess oil in the compressor to drain to its design level.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system which includes a compressor having an input coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an output coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container. The evaporator and condenser are contained within a closed cylindrical canister for heat exchange and oil separation, the canister having an oil drain valve in the bottom. The refrigerant storage container is carried by a scale having a limit switch coupled to control electronics to prevent or terminate further refrigeant recovery when the container is full. The entire system, including the control electronics, is mounted on a two-wheel hand truck to facilitate transport to a job site such as a building air conditioning or heat pump system.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration system and process for flushing and cleaning an installed refrigeration system including disconnecting the compressor from the installed system and connecting the disconnected lines to a portable refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an evaporator, a filter, and a dehydrator so as to form a closed circuit of the installed system and the portable system; operating the portable system to flush refrigerant through the installed system alternately as a liquid and as a gas, and alternately in the normal and reverse directions of flow; passing the flushing refrigerant through a filter for removing particulate matter and through a dehydrator for removing aqueous contaminants; and returning the installed system to its separate operating circuit when all parts and when the refrigerant is judged to be cleaned.

Abstract: Discarded refrigerators, freezers and like cooling units are relieved of confined supplies of coolant and/or lubricant by transporting them onto a tiltable platform which attracts the cooling units by suction and tilts them until the freshly tapped portion of the normally closed circuit for coolant or lubricant is located at the lowermost point of the circuit. The lubricant or coolant can be evacuated by a pump by way of a conduit which is connected to a tapping tool and discharges into a vessel. Alternatively, the coolant or lubricant is caused to flow from the tapped circuit by gravity to gather in a vessel beneath the tiltable platform. The transporting system for cooling units can employ trolleys and winches with suction cups which lift discarded cooling units from the gathering point for discarded cooling units and remove cooling units from the platform when the lubricant- or coolant-evacuating operation is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured amount of hydroscopic lubricant into an air conditioning system. The apparatus includes a container for the lubricant which has a key type coupling to a cylinder. The cylinder has a piston which may reciprocate therein. The piston has a bore therethrough so that the lubricant may pass from the container and through the piston, and thereafter, through a hose and into the air conditioning system. The container has a seal to protect the lubricant from moisture, the seal being interrupted when the cylinder is coupled to the container. The cylinder has driven pins extending outwardly therefrom and the cylinder also has a pair of diametrically opposed slots therein. The piston has a pair of diametrically opposed drive pins thereon arranged so that the piston drive pins communicate with the slots in the cylinders. A detachable leveraged handle having arms joined in a scissor fashion is provided.

Abstract: This invention involves a method for recycling Freon by the use of an appropriate valve that is attached to the Freon source in the appliance. The appliance can be a refrigerator, an air conditioner or any structure using Freon. The valve is so constructed so as to have a puncture means which taps the Freon supply tube or other supply and conveys the Freon into a collection vessel which can be hermetically sealed once the Freon is collected. The collecting vessel is then brought to a collection center where the collected Freon is recycled and reused. This invention provides a valuable ecological function and also an incentive for the reuse of this material.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery processing and storage unit (RPSU) for removing and storing refrigerant from an air conditioning and refrigeration system (AC&R) is disclosed. The unit creates a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet side of the AC&R, and a pressurized motivating gas is delivered to the inlet and flows therethrough to the outlet. The pressurized gas flow drives the refrigerant fluid from the AC&R. The RPSU separates the mixed refrigerant from the pressurized gas, and delivers the separated refrigerant to a detachable storage unit. After the AC&R is repaired, the refrigerant is returned from the storage tank to the AC&R.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and reclamation apparatus and method for removing and reclaiming fluorocarbon refrigerants from refrigeration systems through a closed loop preventing exposure of the refrigerant to the atmosphere. A refrigerant is drawn by suction to a boiler chamber, vaporized, condensed, filtered and recycled.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclamation system for a refrigeration system having a refrigerant therein. The system includes a pump for removing refrigerant from the refrigeration system. The pump is driven by a pneumatic motor. The pump has a first mode of operation for removing refrigerant in a substantially liquid phase and a second mode of operation for removing refrigerant in a substantially gaseous phase. A refrigerant heat exchanger for cooling refrigerant passing therethrough is in fluid communication with the pump. A refrigerant recovery container is connected to the heat exchanger for receiving the cool refrigerant therefrom. A compressed gas drives the pneumatic motor so that the pump removes refrigerant from the refrigeration system and is passed through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a method for the disposal and recovery of environmentally harmful substances, especially refrigerant from refrigerant systems, in which the refrigerant is aspirated from the refrigeration system with the aid of a compressor and liquefied, and after passing through an oil filter supplied to a disposal container, the invention provides that on its way to the compressor, the refrigerant is kept in the gaseous state by heating and is freed of foreign substances such as oil, water and dirt, which are collected in separate containers, and on its way from the compressor to the disposal container, in the liquid state, is subjected to further cleaning to remove the aforementioned substances.

Abstract: A tubular adapter fitting for attachment to the service connector of a refrigeration unit enabling receipt of a quick disconnect coupler to attach the coupler end of refrigeration tubing in flow communication therewith. The fitting in comprised of a tubular body adapted at one end for mounting onto a service connector. A contoured periphery serves to receive a quick connect coupler almost instantaneously in a pressure tight interlock relation thereon. Two adapter fitting embodiments are disclosed, one of which is particularly suited to a threaded service connector of a type normally provided with the refrigerant unit of a vehicular air conditioning system. The second embodiment of the adapter fitting is more suited to servicing non-vehicular refrigerant systems in which a service connector is not normally provided in advance by the manufacturer of the equipment but must be provided by the serviceman on site.

Abstract: A system for servicing refrigeration equipment having at least one service fitting of first predetermine configuration includes devices for recovering, purifying and/or recharging refrigerant within such equipment. A manifold includes a first refrigerant hose or conduit having an end coupling for releasable connection to the service fitting of the equipment under service and a second refrigerant hose or conduit having an end coupling for selective releasable connection to service fittings on each of the refrigerant service devices. Each of the first and second couplings includes facility for automatically sealing the associated conduit upon disconnection from the fittings, and thereby sealingly retaining refrigerant within the conduits.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system including a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-drier and a cooling coil in the chill tank. An improvement relates to means for preventing the premature destruction of the compressor pump by supplying the compressor with a liquid injection system and an oil sight glass. Further improvements relate to means for monitoring the level of refrigerant in the storage tank and means for adopting the refrigerant reclaim system to accept several different refrigerants by including a plurality of expansion valves which can selectively be placed on line.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a refrigerant container in the form of a bag, or pouch, made from two sheets of multi-layer barrier film material which are heat sealed adjacent their edges to form a closed pouch which has an interior space. The bag may be connected to an access valve provided in a line of a sealed refrigeration system for capturing the refrigerant therefrom. The barrier film material is specially formulated to prevent outward permeation of a refrigerant and to prevent inward permeation of air. A valve stem is provided for filling and emptying the bag.

Abstract: A liquid line service and process device for use in the liquid line of a refrigeration system comprising a housing respectively including an inlet, a filter core and an outlet forming a refrigerant flow path through the housing. The housing also includes an access port, means for connecting the access port to the refrigerant flow path, a moisture indicator in the refrigerant flow path, and means for controlling the flow of refrigerant in the flow path.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides new, make-up refrigerant to the air conditioner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge. A microprocessor provides a diagnostic capability, and includes tables of acceptable values of parameters, such as air discharge temperature, suction pressure, etc., for different automobile makes and air conditioner types; provision is made for adjusting the acceptable ranges of such values due to one or more ambient factors, of which ambient relative humidity may be one. The microprocessor, after comparing actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering a compressible refrigeration fluid from a refrigeration system and delivering the recovered fluid to a receiver as disclosed. The apparatus includes a discriminator tank for discriminating between influent liquid phase fluid and gas phase fluid. Liquid phase fluid is directed to the receiver. Gas phase fluid is condensed and directed to the receiver. The apparatus further includes a safety tank for preventing overfilling of the receiver and a compressor particularly adapted to refrigerant recovery.

Abstract: A check valve of the type having a valve body and a valve pin mounted to slide in the valve body includes on its exterior surface a raised annular ridge. This ridge defines at least one pair of wrench flats and has first and second annular shoulders, each on a respective side of the ridge. The first shoulder is shaped to retain a quick disconnect coupler in position on the valve body. The overall length of the valve body can be reduced because the same annular ridge defines both the wrench flats and the shoulder that retains the quick disconnect coupler.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system particularly applicable to automotive air conditioning systems employs a centrifugal separator connected directly to the disabled automotive air conditioning system and which connects to a slack-sided accumulator and to a condenser chamber, all operating at near atmospheric pressure in a low pressure section. Oil and contaminants are separated by centrifugal action from the incoming refrigerant vapor stream and removed by gravity from the separator chamber. Condensing of the refrigerant vapor in the condenser produces a vacuum pressure for causing vapor to flow from the slack-sided accumulator to the condenser. A conventional refrigeration system supplies refrigerant liquid under pressure to a first evaporator coil within the condenser. The conventional refrigeration system also supplies high pressure liquid refrigerant to a second evaporator coil surrounding a liquid receiver connected by a conduit in series with the condenser and the accumulator.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the presence of gas in refrigeration systems and other evacuated systems. The exhaust from a vacuum pump connected to the system is passed through a gas detector having a reservoir of liquid in which bubbling can be observed. The exhaust is normally discharged through a discharge opening in the detector. The opening is blocked with the hand to divert the exhaust from the vacuum pump into the liquid to produce bubbling in the liquid in the event that any gas is present in the exhaust.

Abstract: In a refrigerant charging apparatus for charging a refrigerant by using a refrigerant can (1), an upper can-opening part (21), a conduit (6) having two ways of inner passages for indication and charging and a lower can-opening part (6A), and a level indicator (4) communicated with the refrigerant can via both can-opening parts are provided in order to correctly indicate remaining quantity of the refrigerant in the can.

Abstract: A refrigerant storage apparatus including one or more holding tanks for containing refrigerant, and a float control device capable of preventing further access of refrigerant to the holding tanks when a certain predetermined level of refrigerant has been reached within the holding tanks.

Abstract: The container is provided for use in a refrigerant recovery device. The container includes a refrigerant storage tank having a wall defining an exterior and generally hollow interior. A tank inlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow from the exterior of the tank to the interior of the tank. A tank outlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow from the interior of the tank to the exterior of the tank. A contaminant canister is provided for separating contaminants from refrigerant and for storing the contaminants so separated. The contaminant canister includes a wall defining an interior and an exterior, and is disposed substantially within the interior of the refrigerant storage tank. A canister inlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow into the canister and a canister outlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow out of the canister. A canister removal means is provided for removing contaminant from the canister.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and purifying refrigerant from refrigeration units where the refrigerant is routed through expansion means into the internal coil of a purification unit, causing the coil to cool. The refrigerant exits the coil and is subsequently passed back into the internal chamber of the purification unit, where impurities are condensed onto the cool coil. The purified refrigerant is then passed into storage means.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system which includes a compressor having an input coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an output coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container. The evaporator and condenser are contained within a closed cylindrical canister for heat exchange and oil separation, the canister having an oil drain valve in the bottom. The refrigerant storage container is carried by a scale having a limit switch coupled to control electronics to prevent or terminate further refrigerant recovery when the container is full. The entire system, including the control electronics, is mounted on a two-wheel hand truck to facilitate transport to a job site such as a building air conditioning or heat pump system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing chloroflurocarbon (CFC) refrigerant emissions during removal or transfer or refrigerants from a vapor compression cooling system or heat pump which comprises contacting the refrigerant with a suitable sorbent material. The sorbent material allows for the storage and retention or the chlorofluorocarbon in non-gaseous form so that it does not tend to escape to the atmosphere where it would cause harm by contributing to ozone depletion. In other aspects of the invention, contacting of CFC refrigerants with sorbent material allows for purification and recycling of used refrigerant, and a device containing stored sorbent material can be employed in the detection of refrigerant leakage in a cooling system or heat pump.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides preselected commands upon receipt of signals indicating conditions of temperature, pressure, etc. The reclaimed refrigerant is deposited into a reservoir, which contains a float that cooperates with a level sensor and signal generator to send a signal when the liquid level has reached a predetermined position. This signal causes a valve in the discharge line from the reservoir to close, to prevent discharge of gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for refrigerant and recovery and processing includes a hollow fluid-tight pressure vessel having a fluid input; a hollow annular jacket having its inner surface in thermal communication with the pressure vessel, the jacket having a polar axis in substantial alignment with the gravity vector, and the jacket having a liquid accumulator at the bottom thereof. The jacket is provided with an input in liquid communication with the refrigeration system to be vented during a recovery process, such input line in fluid communication with the pressure vessel during reprocessing of the refrigerant. The input from the refrigerant line is further provided with a liquid expansion element for selectively increasing the volume of fluid flowing from the vessel, or from the refrigerant system to be vented. A condenser is in fluid communication with the output of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration system and process for flushing and cleaning an installed refrigeration system includng disconnecting the compressor from the installed system and connecting the disconnected lines to a portable refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an evaporator, a filter, and a dehydrator so as to form a closed circuit of the installed system and the portable system; operating the portable system to flush refrigerant through the installed system alternately as a liquid and as a gas, and alternately in the normal and reverse directions of flow; passing the flushing refrigerant through a filter for removing particulate matter and through a dehydrator for removing aqueous contaminants; and returning the installed system to its separate operating circuit when all parts and when the refrigerant is judged to be cleaned.

Abstract: A T-shaped manifold employs a single multiway control valve for purging and charging a cryogenic system of interest. The single multiway control valve is positioned at the intersection of a crossbar and perpendicular elongate member. One end of the crossbar is associated with a source of working gas. the opposite end of the crossbar provides a purge or check valve outlet. One end of the elongate member is connected to the multiway control valve and an opposite end is coupled by a VCO fitting to the cryogenic system of interest. At one setting, the single multiway control valve provides working gas to the system through the one end of the crossbar and elongate member. At a second setting, the multiway control valve allows gas to be vented from the system to ambient through the elongate member and the purge valve outlet. An in-line pressure gauge connected to the elongate member provides an indication of ingoing flow as well as outgoing flow of gas during respective charging and purging of the system.

Abstract: The control manifold comprises a manifold casing which is at least approximately hexagonal, a pair of parallel sides forming thereby the upper and lower narrow sides of the casing, between which, the internal-casing conduit section of the connecting piece for the vacuum pump and for the pressure-medium supply container extend vertically and approximately concentrically; the conduit sections of the intake and outlet pieces lead into the upper end area of said supply container, the intake and outlet pieces each running parallel and near to the narrow sides joining at the upper narrow side of the casing. In this connection, the connecting piece is common to both the low-pressure side as well as the high-pressure side. From the foregoing there results a very compact and manageable manifold casing with very short, straight and hence easily-manufactured flow routes on one level.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system that includes a refrigerant storage container, means for withdrawing refrigerant from a refrigeration system to be serviced and feeding such refrigerant to the container for storage, and a scale supporting the container for sensing impending overfill of the container. The scale includes a beam horizontally rigidly cantilevered from a base. A switch is positioned adjacent to the cantilever-remote end of the beam, and is responsive to deflection of the beam to indicate impending overfill of the container and prevent or terminate operation of the refrigerant recovery system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recovering and purifying a refrigerant containing lubricant from a refrigerant system. The apparatus includes an evacuation means for evacuating the refrigerant and lubricant from the refrigerant system. A reservoir means receives the evacuated refrigerant and lubricant. A means allows lubricant and refrigerant to exit the apparatus and enter the refrigerant system.

Abstract: Apparatus for service and recharge of refrigeration equipment, with particular application to automotive air conditioning equipment. A vacuum pump, and oil and refrigerant charge containers are housed within a portable enclosure and configured for selective connection by electrically operated solenoid valves to refrigeration equipment under service. The refrigerant and oil containers are carried by a scale which provides electrical outputs signals as a function of weight of refrigerant and oil remaining in the containers. A microprocessor-based controller receives the scale signals and control signals from an operator panel for automatically cycling through vacuum, oil charge and refrigerant charge stages in a programmed mode of operation. The microprocessor-based controller includes facility for operator programming of the vacuum time and oil and refrigerant charge quantities, and for self- or operator-implemented diagnostics. Operating conditions and stages are displayed at all times to the operator.