Abstract: An on-site refrigerant reclamation system connectable to an operating refrigeration or air conditioning installation periodically removes small batches of the contaminated refrigerant to separate out the contaminants. A storage tank provided with an electric heater receives the contaminated refrigerant and through a distillation process drives off the refrigerant in a pure state and returns it to the installation. A control system is provided to enable automatic operation.

Abstract: The invention is a device for recovering contaminated chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs) from refrigeration apparatus, and purifying them for reuse. The CFC can be received in either vapor or liquid state, and is distilled and purified first in vapor state. The vapor is then superheated, compressed and condensed to a liquid state and is further purified in the liquid state. Heat of the condensed liquid stream is applied to help vaporize incoming CFC to heat the vapor so as to prevent recondensation, and to superheat the vapor prior to compression.

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coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an output coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container.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: Apparatus for recovery, storage, and recharging of refrigerant used in an outside air conditioning or refrigeration system which provides faster operation while ensuring complete recovery of refrigerant, using the minimum of components for maximum portability. This apparatus employs a compressor condenser assembly to utilize the stored refrigerant itself directed in an evaporating refrigerating cycle. The cooled stored refrigerant then contact condenses and cools the recovered refrigerant from the outside system. During recovery operation the open-cycle compressor condenser unit can also be used to recover refrigerant so as to increase the recovery rate and to allow a more complete recovery of refrigerant. In addition, the apparatus includes a recharging circuit which can discharge refrigerant to an outside system and a system to purify the stored refrigerant for reuse.

Abstract: A system for recovering, purifying and recharging refrigerant in a refrigeration system comprises a refrigerant compressor having an input connected through an evaporator and a recovery control valve to a refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be recovered, purified and recharged. A condenser is connected to the output of the compressor in heat exchange relation with the evaporator for liquifying refrigerant from the compressor output. Refrigerant liquified in the condenser is fed to a first port of a refrigerant storage container. During a purification cycle, refrigerant is circulated from a second port of the refrigerant storage container in a closed path through a circulation valve and a filter for removing water and other contaminants, and then returned to the first container port. The refrigeration system from which refrigerant has been recovered is evacuated to atmosphere through a vacuum valve.

Abstract: A tubular body supports a fluid actuated tubular piston connected to operate a coupling mechanism for releasably securing the body to a valve fitting on a refrigerant receiving system. The body encloses components which define a center passage connected to the fitting for first evacuating air from the system and then for directing liquid refrigerant into the system. The passage receives an elongated valve opening member which is fluid actuated to a position opening the valve fitting, and a movable valve member closes the passage to the flow of refrigerant. The fluid actuated coupling mechanism provides for convenient and simple insertion of the tool assembly onto the fitting with no insertion force and also for automatic release of the tool assembly from the fitting after charging is completed. A fluid actuated valve member minimizes the volume of residue refrigerant which vaporizes when the tool assembly is removed from the fitting.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery device comprises a pressure vessel filled with packings, such as Berl saddles, that provide a large surface area for mass transfer. The vessel is partly filled with a refrigeration-quality oil. The pressure vessel is mounted on a stand and pivoted so that it can easily be inverted periodically for coating the packing material with the oil. A flexible hose connects the vessel with a refrigeration or air conditioning unit, and a shut off valve is provided as is a check valve which prevents out flow of oil from the vessel. The oil in the vessel absorbs the refrigerant, and causes its partial pressure in the vessel to be reduced, so that refrigerant vapor flows from the refrigeration or air conditioning unit into the vessel. After the refrigerant has been absorbed, the valve can be closed, and the vessel returned to a central site for reclamation.

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 self-contained refrigerant reclamation and charging unit is connected between the refrigeration system to be charged or evacuated and a standard refrigerant receiver. Rather than using a pump (vacuum or otherwise) or an auxiliary refrigerant system (as in many prior art devices), the present invention utilizes a portion of the refrigerant being evacuated to continuously cool itself as the refrigerant travels between the refrigeration system to be evacuated and a storage receiver. As the refrigerant is cooled, the pressure thereof drops creating a pressure differential from the refrigeration system into the receiver.

Abstract: Low-boiling refrigerants are removed from refrigerative and air-conditioning units by decantation into collecting vessels. The vessels are cooled throughout the entire removal process by heat exchanger with a cryogenic coolant to below the boiling temperature of, and within the ambient pressure conditions of, the refrigerant.

Abstract: A valve 10 is disclosed for effectively sealing an opening 11 in an accumulator tank 12 for a refrigeration system holding a refrigerant under very high pressure. The valve stem 17 has a cylindrical portion 29 which increases in diameter toward the flange 28 forming an arcuate concave surface 30 and a base flange 27 having a diameter larger than the opening 11 to provide an effective seal.

Abstract: A portable air conditioner drier and chemical additive system feeder particularly useful for home and auto air conditioning systems. The unit is an in-line filter/drier with an input flexible line section and an output flexible line section connectable from a system high pressure fitting to the refrigerant system suction side valve fitting so that a portion of the system pumps high pressure gas output through the filter/drier for a short contaminant, moisture, and air removal running period of time generally to an extent of twenty to forty minutes. The filter/drier unit includes a screw top container that seals against leakage when threaded down normally containing a screen and filter material with a fill of desiccant particles cartridge which can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: An on-board refrigerant charging system for a vapor cycle environmental control system in an aircraft or the like. A pair of accumulation chambers are provided for holding two different refrigerant components, each chamber including an outlet. A selectively operable valve is operatively associated with each chamber outlet. An inlet is provided to the vapor cycle environmental control system. A unitary dual-vaned pump is in fluid communication with the valves and the inlet to the environmental control system. A control senses refrigerant loss and the component mixture in the control system, and actuates the pumps to replace the refrigerant loss and operates the valves according to the desired component mixture charge.

Abstract: A system for the emptying, replenishing and testing of oil maintained within an oil reservoir of a crank case of a compressor unit having an external casing for purposes of housing the compressor motor wherein the interior of the casing is maintained under a positive pressure due to refrigerant entering the casing as it returns from the evaporator. An access valve is disposed on a free end of a conduit having the opposite end thereof disposed in direct access to oil within the oil reservoir. A valve opening structure, when applied to the access valve will position it in an open or flow allowing position, allowing the oil within the casing to pass through the conduit and out through the access valve due to the positive pressure within the casing. The oil may be replaced by securing a liquid pump in fluid communication to the conduit so as to force the access valve open. Upon the pressurized input, from the pump, oil flows back into the oil reservoir against the internal pressure within the casing.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for cooling a mold having plural parallel cooling passages therethrough, the mold having flow control means at the inlet and sight glasses at the outlets and being arranged for overfeed so that liquid is always present in all cooling passages to avoid hot spots in the mold.

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.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system is disclosed for recovering refrigerant from a heat pump, air conditioner, or other vapor compression refrigerant system into a storage tank while concurrently purifying the recovered refrigerant of impurities and contaminates. The refrigerant recovery and purification system comprises a pair of accumulators connected in line between the compressor and the refrigerant system being evacuated. The output of the compressor is then connected to a heat exchanger positioned within each of the accumulators. The output of the heat exchangers are then connected to a condenser. The accumulators, having the heat exchangers positioned therein, function to distill the refrigerant flowing therethrough to separate the oil, together with the impurities and contaminates normally contained in the refrigerant, thereby purifying the refrigerant being evacuated.

Abstract: In a valve unit provided with a straight-cylindrical valve housing having a thick barrel portion and a thin head portion; an inward-facing valve seat on the upper edge of the head portion; and an upper edge on the head of an internal valve element, the upper edge engages the inward-facing valve seat when a lower passage in the valve housing is defined.

Abstract: An air conditioner charging station includes oil and refrigerant reservoirs, a vacuum pump, and an electronic sequencing unit. A header conduit connected to the reservoirs and vacuum pump is connected to a cross-over conduit, which in turn is connected to conduits extending to the high and low pressure sides of an air conditioner compressor. Electrically operated valves are provided in the cross-over conduit, in a dump conduit connected to the cross-over conduit, and in branch conduits connected to the reservoirs and to the vacuum pump. An over-ride control of the cross-over valve is provided, responsive to the pressure of the high pressure side and an over-ride control is provided for cross-over valve, activated if the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level. An excessively high pressure in the high pressure side causes the closing of the valve in the refrigerant reservoir branch conduit.

Abstract: In an air cooling system including a compressor, a condenser, a liquid tank, an expansion valve and an evaporator which are connected through conduits to form a closed circuit refrigeration system, there is provided a refrigerant over-charging checking system for preventing the system from being overcharged with the refrigerant. The checking system comprises a service valve mounted in a conduit of the system and having therein a refrigerant inlet passage for flowing the refrigerant into the closed refrigeration system, a check mechanism associated with the service valve to block the refrigerant inlet passage when electrically energized, and a liquid level sensor associated with the liquid tank to electrically energize the check mechanism when a refrigerant level in the liquid tank rises to a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight high pressure tubular storage system for storing and transporting a gas which includes a tubular member being formed from a metallic or composite material and having an opening in the first end and preferably an opening in the second end. The storage system also includes an inlet valve for bringing a cryogenic fluid into the tubular member wherein the preferred inlet valve is a high pressure ball valve which is fluidly coupled to the first end and an outlet valve for regulating the flow of a compressed gas from the tubular member. The outlet valve is an ambient pressure balanced piston-type valve which has a needle valve shut-off mechanism for positively shutting off the flow of the compressed gas and which is preferably fluidly coupled to the second end whereby the cryogenic fluid which is introduced through the inlet valve is contained and allowed to warm up within the tubular member and change into the compressed gas.

Abstract: Liquid is extracted from a vapor compression refrigerant flow circuit utilizing a compressor suction line accumulator having a sump portion and boss formed thereon for receiving a device for extracting liquid from the sump of the accumulator. The device includes a curved tube and shutoff valve connected thereto and wherein the tube has a compression sleeve type tube connector and nut assembly secured thereto at a predetermined point on the tube so that the fluid inlet end of the tube may be inserted into the interior of the vessel containing the sump and oriented such that any liquid in the sump is assured of being forced out through the tube and the shutoff valve during steady state operation of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve apparatus for evacuating and/or filling a refrigeration system having a hermatically closeable connecting tube. The apparatus includes a piston and cylinder unit which has a central passage for receiving such a connecting tube and is pressure operable to squeeze a sealing ring into sealing engagement with the tube to facilitate the subsequent filling or evacuating of the system through the tube via valving located in a valve block connected to the piston.

Abstract: A servicing device is shown for recovering and charging refrigerant in a cooling system of the type having a compressor for circulating compressible refrigerant in a closed, pressurized system between a condenser and an evaporator to provide a cooling effect. The servicing device includes a storage container which has a fill port which is adapted to be connected by a fluid conduit to the closed, pressurized system being serviced. Heat exchange coils located within the container are cooled by a heat exchange system to create a low pressure atmosphere within the container and draw refrigerant from the closed, pressurized system into the container. The heat pump system has reversible valves to reverse the flow of auxiliary refrigerant being circulated through the system.

Abstract: A manually operable valve apparatus capable of temporary attachment at one end directly to a refrigeration apparatus which is to be charged with a pressurized refrigerant, such as from a portable source of refrigerant, the present valve apparatus can be attached at its opposite end to a hose or the like to communicate with a pressurized source of refrigerant. The valve comprises an internal spring-loaded valving element having pins at each end which each contact a needle element at opposite ends of said valving element. One of the needle elements is directly biased by a cam twisted by finger manipulation against one of the pins of the valving element to displace against spring pressure the other pin, thereby displacing the other needle element to allow pressurized refrigerant to flow from the refrigerant source through the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A refrigerant fluid accumulator and charging apparatus for vapor-compression refrigeration systems comprising a pressure vessel having an interior liquid/vapor separation chamber, a liquid reservoir, a refrigerant inlet conduit, a primary refrigerant vapor outlet conduit and a secondary refrigerant outlet conduit in communication with a sump portion of the reservoir and with the primary outlet conduit. The secondary refrigerant outlet conduit includes a sight glass for observation of the flow of fluid from the sump into the compressor suction line. Refrigeration systems may be accurately charged with refrigerant fluid by operating the system at design load conditions with the accumulator and charging apparatus interposed in the refrigerant circuit between the evaporator and the compressor and by venting refrigerant fluid from the system until the flow of fluid through the secondary outlet conduit changes from liquid or mixed phase to substantially the vapor phase.

Abstract: The control armature comprises a low-pressure side suitable for connection on a vacuum pump and a high-pressure side suitable for connection on a supply container for pressure medium. Whereby the connecting conduit on the low-pressure side between the shut-off valve of the intake connecting piece and the shut-off valve of the pump connecting piece as well as the connecting conduit on the high-pressure side between the shut-off valve of the pressure-media-inlet connecting piece and the shut-off valve of the pressure-media-outlet connecting piece are in flow connection by way of a common conduit section in the armature casing, formed in each case by a junction curve for the respective connecting conduit, whereby the conduit section, formed by the junction curves, is at least partially in visual range of the sight glass. These measures permit precise observation of the process of flow on the low-pressure side as well as on the high-pressure side by means of a single sight glass.

Abstract: A mobile air-conditioner charging station having a reluctance-type weighing scale on which are mounted reservoirs of both lubricant oil and refrigerant. A computer module reads the weight loss of the combined reservoirs as, first, the oil is charged into the air-conditioner and then, sequentially and automatically, the refrigerant is charged into the air-conditioner. Each charging cycle is completed when the computer module senses, by a plurality of discrete readings of the scale at timed intervals, that a pre-selected magnitude of weight loss has occurred and has been maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and filtering contaminants from the refrigerant in a refrigeration system does not permit any gaseous refrigerant to escape to the atmosphere during repair of the system. A tank containing a disc of filter material has piercing valves connected to an inlet and an outlet. The tank and filter are connected to the contaminated system by the piercing valves, the contaminated refrigerant passes through the filter and is retained in the tank. Once the system is repaired, the refrigerant passes from the tank and filter into the system, but the tank and filter remain connected thereto while the system is operated. The tank and filter are removed after a time sufficient to clean the refrigerant.

Abstract: A connector used in resupplying refrigerant is adaptable to provide a leakproof connection with either a Schroeder-type valve or a standard or service-type valve fitting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained refrigerant recovery and purification system capable of removing gaseous refrigerants from a disabled refrigeration unit for cleaning acid and impurities from the refrigerant so that the refrigerant can be reused or saved rather than being lost to the atmosphere or otherwise wasted. In addition to the feature of saving, cleaning and returning the refrigerant to the repaired refrigeration unit, the present invention can be used as a temporary condensing unit, or for clearing oil restrictions from lines in the refrigeration unit with a high-pressure build-up feature, or as a vacuum pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a refrigeration system with a predetermined amount of refrigerant by weight. The apparatus includes a cylinder which is mounted on top of a strain gauge scale that is first filled from a source of refrigrant and then automatically discharged to fill a refrigeration system with a predetermined amount of refrigerant. The system includes solenoid operated valves which are automatically operated for loading the cylinder and charging the refrigeration system. A vacuum pump is also included in the circuit for placing the refrigeration system under a predetermined vacuum prior to the charging operation.

Abstract: A cylinder is provided with a piston therein having a piston rod screw threadably engaging through one end cap so that rotation of the rod moves the piston along the cylinder. A filler is situated in the other end cap thus allowing the cylinder to be filled with refrigerant oil. An injection assembly is connected to the other end cap and includes a valve, a tube and a connector which may be connected to the high or low side of the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration assembly such as an air conditioner. Once connected to the refrigerant circuit, a loosening of one union allows the refrigerant within the circuit to purge the line whereupon the union is tightened. The piston rod is marked with indicia along the length thereof so that rotation of the rod a predetermined distance indicates to the operator that a given amount of oil has been ejected from the cylinder and into the refrigerant system.

Abstract: A method of evacuating an air conditioner utilizes the vacuum from the air/fuel manifold of a gasoline internal combustion engine. A do-it-yourself kit for so evacuating an air conditioner includes a hose so constructed as to allow one end to fit the Schrader valve on the discharge side of the air conditioner and the other end to fit a variety of sizes of tube members which extend from the air/fuel intake manifold, for example, the tube member which is connected to the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve. The hose includes a one way valve which prevents flow into the compressor of the unit but permits flow out of the compressor.

Abstract: The invention pertains to method and apparatus for servicing refrigeration circuits wherein the refrigerant is removed from the circuit and the circuit recharged. In accord with the invention the recovered refrigerant may be reprocessed for recharging the circuit, or the recovered refrigerant may be stored and fresh refrigerant employed for circuit charging purposes. Further, the invention contemplates the removal of oil from recovered refrigerant, and the charging of a predetermined amount of lubricating oil into the recharged circuit.

Abstract: The maintenance of refrigeration equipment, for example on board airborne refrigeration equipment, is greatly facilitated by a portable maintenance apparatus. For this purpose the portable apparatus comprises a first section for pressure emptying any refrigeration circulatory conduits by using pressurized nitrogen. A second section including at least one hand operated pump is used for refilling the refrigeration circulatory conduits with refrigerant. Both sections are provided with quick-release couplings for a rapid connection to and disconnection from a refrigeration system. The apparatus also includes a venting device for venting the refrigeration system including any intermediate circulatory conduits.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an environmental protection system and method for withdrawing and charging refrigerants, particularly fluorocarbon refrigerants, with respect to refrigeration systems as used for refrigeration, dehumidifying, air conditioning and the like without contamination of the atmosphere. Refrigerant is evacuated from a refrigeration system through a closed circuit into a closed disposal or storage container, and in an embodiment of the invention direct evacuation pumping of the refrigerant may be proceeded by drawing the majority of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system by means of a preliminary vacuum tank connected in series with a refrigerant disposal container. Additionally, the invention contemplates combining a refrigerant charging circuit with the refrigerant evacuation circuit in order to provide complete refrigeration system servicing without the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An adapter for connection with the access valve fitting of a closed refrigeration system which includes a screw threaded coupling engaged with the externally threaded nipple on the refrigeration system with the adapter including a screw threaded adjustable abutment member in a normally open passage for automatically opening the normally closed "Schrader" valve with the adapter itself including a duplicate "Schrader" valve oriented in perpendicular relation to the axis of the existing "Schrader" valve and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter itself with the adapter also including threaded fittings enabling connection with a pressure gauge, hose, closure cap, or the like.

Abstract: In combination with a valve having a biased opening mechanism; a connector for receiving fluid from said valve comprising: a connector body with a nut spaced there around; a cylinder; a tubing attached at one end thereof to the connector body and at a second end to the cylinder; an elongated spring extending through the connector body, tubing and into the cylinder; a piston spaced within the cylinder with a bore extending axially therethrough; and a mechanism to advance the piston against the spring which forces the spring against the valve opening mechanism which opens said valve.

Abstract: A refrigeration machine and a method of charging the same. The machine comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator connected together to form a closed loop, vapor compression refrigeration circuit. The condenser includes first and second parallel refrigerant condenser coils, and refrigerant is condensed with greater efficiency in the first condenser coil than in the second condenser coil. The refrigeration machine further comprises a first sight glass for disclosing the presence of refrigerant vapor in the refrigerant fluid discharged from the first condenser coil, and a second sight glass for disclosing the presence of refrigerant vapor in the refrigerant fluid discharged from the second condenser coil.

Abstract: A valve for conduit systems, such as a base valve for precharged refrigeration circuits, wherein the valve element is initially closed, and is opened by the application of heat to the valve body exterior. The valve element is maintained in a closed or sealed position by a low temperature fusible material, such as solder, and the application of exterior heat melts the fusible material to release the valve element and open the valve to unrestricted flow therethrough. The valve structure includes means for preventing restriction by the released valve element.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a primary refrigerating system and a secondary refrigerating system in heat-exchanging contact with each other. The secondary refrigerating system is connected to a reservoir containing a control gas getter which can be heated to vary the amount of free control gas in the secondary refrigerating system and thereby to control the temperature of the secondary refrigerating system. The reservoir includes an initially breakable seal for aiding in assembling the reservoir to the secondary refrigerating system.

Abstract: Automatic recovery and purification of refrigerant from air-conditioners about to be discarded or repaired is provided for. In addition, the reclaimed refrigerant with or without fresh refrigerant can be recharged to air-conditioning systems. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatic reclaim and recharge of vehicular air-conditioners where the operation is to carried out at a service station at low cost by semi-skilled operators.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an environmental protection system and method for withdrawing and charging refrigerants, particularly fluorocarbon refrigerants, with respect to refrigeration systems as used for refrigeration, dehumidifying, air conditioning and the like without contamination of the atmosphere. Refrigerant is evacuated from a refrigeration system through a closed circuit into a closed disposal or storage container, and in an embodiment of the invention direct evacuation pumping of the refrigerant may be proceeded by drawing the majority of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system by means of a preliminary vacuum tank connected in series with a refrigerant disposal container. Additionally, the invention contemplates combining a refrigerant charging circuit with the refrigerant evacuation circuit in order to provide complete refrigeration system servicing without the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing a combination process tube for charging a refrigeration circuit and pressure variation attenuator for reducing pressure variations within the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A valve assembly providing a disconnectable coupling for a split system air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit joined by connecting tubing to complete the sealed refrigerant system. The present valve is effective in providing a disconnect system between a unit and the connecting tubing. The valve is activated by an electric coil that is applied to the valve only during the disconnecting procedure.

Abstract: An improved air conditioning charging apparatus includes a plug which is connected with the air conditioning system. The plug is provided with a valve of the automotive tire or Dill type to prevent leakage of refrigerant fluid from the air conditioning system. To further prevent leakage of refrigerant fluid from the air conditioning system, the threaded outer end portion of the plug is capped. When the air conditioning system is to be charged with refrigerant fluid, the cap is removed and a socket assembly which is connected to a source of refrigerant fluid under pressure is connected with the plug. To provide a secure connection between the socket assembly and the plug, an external groove is formed in the plug and is engaged by locking balls on the socket assembly. This external groove is disposed inwardly of the threaded outer end portion of the plug.

Abstract: A capillary tube of long length insertable into a distal end of a process tube from a compressor of a refrigeration unit has a Schraeder fitting attached to a distal end of the capillary tube to charge the compressor, after charging the compressor the proximal tip of the capillary tube can be cut from the capillary tube and fitting and the capillary tube tip can be inserted into a swage block which forms a capillary sealing anvil and a handle with a threaded shaft and capillary tip sealing tip can be threaded into a perpendicular shaftway to seal the capillary, thus reducing the number of fittings that a refrigeration unit compressor charger must carry from refrigeration unit to refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A device for detecting and removing contaminants from charged refrigeration systems comprising conduit means temporarily communicating the high pressure liquid line of the system with the lower pressure suction line, the conduit means having means for visually determining the moisture content within the refrigerant charge, filter means for removal of the contaminant and a pressure differential means for allowing the refrigerant to return into the system in low pressure gas form. Means are also provided for selectively introducing into the conduit means a sufficient amount of new charge to replace the contaminated charge which is removed from the system by the filter means.

Abstract: A mobile air-conditioner charging station having a reluctance-type weighing scale on which are mounted reservoirs of both lubricant oil and refrigerant. A computer module reads the weight loss of the combined reservoirs as, first, the oil is charged into the air-conditioner and then, sequentially and automatically, the refrigerant is charged into the air-conditioner. Each charging cycle is completed when the computer module senses, by a plurality of discrete readings of the scale at timed intervals, that a pre-selected magnitude of weight loss has occurred and has been maintained.