Abstract: A heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), difiuoromethane (R-32) and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a).

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can clear oil from an oil inject path in order to prepare the unit to switch over to a different kind of oil. The refrigerant recovery unit includes an oil inject circuit that receives an oil from the oil bottle into the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery circuit is coupled in fluid communication with the oil inject circuit. The refrigerant recovery circuit is operable to receive and transfer a fluid drawn through the oil inject circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant recovery circuit and to the oil inject circuit so that as the fluid is drawn through the oil inject circuit a quantity of the oil in the oil inject circuit is removed.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit that diverts blended refrigerant withdrawn out of a refrigerant system to an external tank outside the refrigerant recovery unit for reclamation includes a recovery circuit coupled on one end to the refrigerant system and coupled on another end to the external tank, a controller in communication with the recovery circuit for controlling a transfer of the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank, and a valve operatively engaged with the controller and the recovery circuit and operable to transfer the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank for recycling or reclamation.

Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a service unit for vehicle air-conditioning systems, which is provided with an emptying and filling device for removing the coolant or a coolant/compressor oil mixture from a vehicle air-conditioning system and replenishing the vehicle air-conditioning system with coolant and optionally with compressor oil. The device can include at least one tank for coolant and a vacuum pump for generating a negative pressure in the vehicle air-conditioning system emptied of coolant or coolant/compressor oil mixture for a subsequent intake of coolant and optionally compressor oil into the vehicle air-conditioning system to be replenished. A chimney-like gas-collecting chamber having upper and lower openings can be arranged inside the service unit and is otherwise sealed off from the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A refrigerant additive supply device can include an outer rigid container, an inner flexible bag positioned in the outer rigid container and defining a space therebetween where the inner flexible bag contains an additive without a refrigerant, a valve in fluid communication with the inner flexible bag, an actuator operably coupled to the valve, and a propellant sealed within the space, where the inner flexible bag has a device pressure that allows flow of the additive into a refrigerant circuit when the actuator is depressed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for injecting an injection medium into a volumetric flow of a line system. The injection device comprises a housing with at least one first compartment which is set up to receive an injection medium, and at least one second compartment which is spatially separated from the first compartment, both compartments having an injection unit.

Abstract: Refrigerant charging systems and methods of use are described herein. A refrigerant charging system may include a conduit, a valve releasably connectable to the outlet portion and coupled to a first end of the conduit; and a disconnect coupler fitting connected to a second end of the conduit. The disconnect coupler fitting may include a control structure positioned in a hollow body that, during use, allows refrigerant flow to the refrigerant circuit. The control structure may include one or more openings that allow controlled leakage of fluid from the refrigerant charging assembly when the refrigerant charging assembly is disconnected from at least the refrigerant service unit.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided and includes a safe purging mode. The safe purging mode allows non-condensable gases to be incrementally purged from a storage tank when the determined ideal vapor pressure is high, such as 40 p.s.i., in order to minimize refrigerant loss during purging. The purging can be done in small increments of time, pressure or mass. The storage tank can include a dip tube that extends into the liquid portion of the refrigerant in order to heat up the refrigerant in the tank with the heated recovered refrigerant.

Abstract: An upgradeable A/C maintenance system and methodology is provided including one or more modular manifolds for mounting and fluidly connecting several components. Embodiments include first and second manifolds, each for removably mounting a plurality of components, and each comprising an internal passage for fluidly connecting at least two of the plurality of components to each other, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal passage to an external surface of the first manifold. The first and second manifolds are removably attachable to each other such that their respective ports fluidly communicate with each other. The first manifold provides a first functionality for the system when the second manifold is not attached to the first manifold, and the second manifold provides a second functionality different from the first functionality when the second manifold is attached to the first manifold.

Abstract: A high-durability cam wheel assembly mounted in a shell of a refrigerant recovery machine is disclosed to include an open frame member, rigid wear strips mounted in the open frame member at two sides, a sliding block having friction cylinders arranged in parallel at two opposite sides and respectively disposed in contact with the rigid wear strips and a cam wheel set formed of a first cam wheel and a second cam wheel and inserted through an axle bearing in sliding block for causing the sliding block to move back and forth in the open frame member.

Abstract: A manifold gauge set has at least one sight glass window for viewing contents of a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system being serviced. The window may be non-planar to achieve an appearance that varies with the presence or absence of liquid. Such a non-planar window may be in the form of a dome, prism or a fresnel lens. The gauge set may have a second light transmissive window to allow light to illuminate system contents being viewed. A light source may be provided to illuminate system contents being viewed. The light source may provide light through the same window that is used for viewing contents. A diffuser may be provided with a second window to achieve an illuminated background for viewing system contents. Similar configurations may be used in standalone sight glasses, vacuum pumps, and recovery machines.

Abstract: An air conditioner refrigerant circuit performs a cooling operation in which an outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser of the refrigerant compressed in a compressor and an indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger. Further, an outdoor expansion valve is disposed at a position that is at once downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger and upstream of a liquid refrigerant communication pipe in the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circuit in the cooling operation, and shuts off the refrigerant flow. A refrigerant detection unit is disposed upstream of the outdoor expansion valve and detects the amount or the amount-related value of refrigerant accumulated upstream of the outdoor expansion valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system for cooling a refrigeration consumer (K) that has a single-stage or multi-stage compressor to compress refrigerant circulating in the cooling system, at least one heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant, and at least one expansion turbine to expand the refrigerant in a way that gives off cold. A storage device that serves to store liquid refrigerant is assigned to the cooling system, or a storage device is integrated into the cooling system, in such a way that at least temporarily, liquid refrigerant can be fed into the cooling circuit from the storage device.

Abstract: A method and charging apparatus for adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system are provided. The method includes calculating a temperature differential by measuring a first temperature of a refrigerant inside of a refrigerant container and measuring a second temperature either at the air conditioning system or the ambient temperature. The method further includes using the temperature differential to calculate a compensation amount of refrigerant to add to a previously determined recommended amount of refrigerant based on the type of air conditioning system being charged.

Abstract: Servicing devices and methods of use for servicing refrigerant systems are described herein. The servicing device may include a body and a plunger. The body may include a first fluid port, a second fluid port, and a passage. The first fluid port operatively couples to a fluid port of a fluid source. The second fluid port operatively couples to a refrigeration system. The passage is in fluid communication with the fluid ports of the body and in fluid communication with a measuring device. A plunger is at least partially disposed in the passage of the body. A first portion of the plunger is engagable with an integrated valve of the fluid source. Adjustment of the plunger to a released position allows communication between the second fluid port and the measuring device while inhibiting communication between the first fluid port and the fluid source.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system to determine the concentration of gases in an automotive air conditioning system comprising: an infrared multi-detector device equipped with a gas analysis chamber; an emitter source emitting infrared radiation in the analysis chamber; infrared multi-detectors generating an electrical measurement quantity based on the absorption of radiation by the gas; a suction pump creating a depression inside the analysis chamber; and an electronic control unit determining a main automotive refrigerant gas concentration and the contaminant gases concentration, based on electrical measurement quantities provided by the multi-detectors and a reference electrical quantity. The control unit controls the pump to suck the gases in the analysis chamber until a condition of absence of gases is achieved, wherein the internal pressure of the chamber reaches a minimum pressure, and then determines the reference electrical quantity, based on the electrical quantity generated in the condition of absence of gases.

Abstract: In a method for servicing an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, surrounding areas in which there is a risk of leakage of inflammable coolant is ventilated such that air in the surrounding areas is suctioned out and discharged from the surrounding areas.

Abstract: Refrigerant recovery unit is provided that includes steps to test for refrigerant leaks. The steps include providing a close loop with the hoses that connect to a refrigerant system, measuring the ambient temperature, calculating the vapor pressure with the ambient temperature, calculating the test pressure as a percentage of the vapor pressure, filling the unit with the refrigerant, and performing a pressure leak test.

Abstract: A positive shutoff device is provided for a connection point of a refrigeration system. The connection point includes a manually-actuatable valve that permits charging and testing of the system. The device includes a first fitting engagable with the connection point and having a raised actuator that actuates the manually-actuatable valve when the first fitting engages the connection point, and a shutoff valve having a first end coupled to the first fitting and a second end coupled to a second fitting, the shutoff valve is operable in a closed position to prevent flow therethrough and an open position to permit flow therethrough, so that the refrigeration system may be charged or tested by connecting equipment to the second fitting and opening the shutoff valve, and the connection point may be positively shut off to prevent leakage of refrigerant through the connection point by closing the shutoff valve.

Abstract: A vessel for use in an air conditioner recharging system contains a desiccant that may limit moisture in a hygroscopic fluid, such as liquid lubricant and/or dye. The vessel may thus limits the amount of moisture introduced as a result of replacing or injecting lubricant. The vessel may contain an amount of pure lubricant for the air-conditioning system, or a lubricant and fluorescent dye to aid in detecting leaks.

Abstract: A method for servicing a refrigeration system is disclosed. The refrigeration system contains a refrigerant and has a compressor, a high-side section and a low-side section. The method includes the steps of releasing the refrigerant from the refrigeration system from the high-side section; collecting the released refrigerant with a recovery container containing a refrigerant adsorptive substance; charging the refrigeration system with inert gas from the low-side section; and discharging the inert gas from the refrigeration system from the high-side section.

Abstract: A method for servicing a vehicle air-conditioning system operated with a closed coolant circulation system, in which in a first servicing phase, a circulation mixture of refrigerant, compressor oil and, if appropriate, further mixture components is sucked out from a vehicle air-conditioning system into a separator stage by means of a compressor via a separator and in the process refrigerant is separated from the sucked-out circulation mixture by means of the separator, compressed and collected, and its quantity is determined. In a second servicing phase, the refrigerant circulation system of the vehicle air-conditioning system is largely emptied of residual content by means of a vacuum pump. The residual gases which are pumped out in the second servicing phase are conducted through the separator stage by means of the compressor, and the quantity of residual refrigerant collected in the process is determined.

Abstract: A recovery apparatus, system and method, including a compressor to evacuate a gas or liquid from a system during a first phase and a second phase of a recovery process, and a vacuum pump to evacuate the gas or liquid during the second phase. A memory stores one or more correlation relations to determine a predetermined second variable recovery time for the second phase to evacuate the system to a second predetermined level related to a first recovery time to evacuate the vessel or system to a first predetermined level during the first phase, and a processor to determine the second variable recovery time, based on the one or more correlation relations and the first recovery time, and selectively control the compressor and the vacuum pump to evacuate the gas or liquid from the vessel or system to the first and second predetermined levels.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for servicing a refrigeration system are described herein. A system may include a fluid source and a device is capable of coupling to the fluid source, a measuring device and a fluid receiving system. The device may include a valve disposed passage disposed in a body of the apparatus that communicates with the fluid source, the measuring device and the fluid receiving system. A portion of the valve being engageable with a self-sealing valve of the refrigerant supply while inhibiting fluid flow between the fluid source and the measuring device and/or between the measuring device and the fluid receiving system.

Abstract: A refrigeration circuit having a system charge and a system charge storage area. The system charge area has a condenser having a set of micro-channel heat exchanger coils. The condenser is appropriately sized to receive a first volume of the system charge. There is a compressor for compressing the system charge from an expanded state to a compressed state. There is a sealed refrigerant charge holding area fluidly connected to the condenser and the compressor. The sealed refrigerant charge holding area is appropriately sized for storing a second volume of the system charge during a system pumpdown. A receiver is fluidly connected to the sealed refrigerant charge holding area. The receiver is appropriately sized to receive a third volume of the system charge during a system pumpdown.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can clear oil from an oil inject path in order to prepare the unit to switch over to a different kind of oil. The refrigerant recovery unit includes an oil inject circuit that receives an oil from the oil bottle into the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery circuit is coupled in fluid communication with the oil inject circuit. The refrigerant recovery circuit is operable to receive and transfer a fluid drawn through the oil inject circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant recovery circuit and to the oil inject circuit so that as the fluid is drawn through the oil inject circuit a quantity of the oil in the oil inject circuit is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering fluids in various states from a system includes a motor that is configured to engage a compressor in a first direction and engage a compressor in a second direction depending on the fluids contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerant filling apparatus of the refrigerating and air conditioning apparatus that can automatically finish filling of a refrigerant after filling to an appropriate amount, without a need to install an extra valve except for a valve provided at a refrigerant cylinder, in between the refrigerating and air conditioning apparatus and the refrigerant cylinder, which is necessary for filling the refrigerant.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant transport containers. At least one intact refrigerant transport container is received into a sealed chamber. The refrigerant transport container is punctured to release residual refrigerant, which is removed and compressed. The container is shredded and/or compacted. A refrigerant transport container deposit program is provided, comprising: encoding a deposit container prior to use; receiving the encoded spent container and releasing the imposed deposit; automatically removing residual refrigerant from the spent container; and recycling materials from the refrigerant transport container. A database storing a record relating to the encoded refrigerant transport containers may be employed for tracking.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can clear oil from an oil inject path in order to prepare the unit to switch over to a different kind of oil. The refrigerant recovery unit includes an oil inject circuit that receives an oil from the oil bottle into the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery circuit is coupled in fluid communication with the oil inject circuit. The refrigerant recovery circuit is operable to receive and transfer a fluid drawn through the oil inject circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant recovery circuit and to the oil inject circuit so that as the fluid is drawn through the oil inject circuit a quantity of the oil in the oil inject circuit is removed.

Abstract: Evaporative cooler media kits and methods of use are disclosed. The media kit is for providing replacement media for use in one or more of a plurality of evaporative coolers. The media kit comprises a plurality of main media components, a plurality of distribution media components, a first width adjustment component, and a second width adjustment component. The method is for installing replacement media in an evaporative cooler is disclosed. The method comprises arranging a plurality of main media components side by side within the opening of the frame, inserting at least one distribution media component in a first gap extending between a top surface of the main media components and a top of the frame, and inserting at least one width adjustment component in a second gap extending between a side surface of the main media components and a side of the frame.

Abstract: Gas vaporizer for flashing liquid to vapor received from a source prior to introduction into a compressor or the like, such as in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. In certain embodiments the vaporize includes an adapter member for connection to a liquid source, a connector member having a plurality of flow passages for facilitating the transfer of heat to fluid present therein to vaporize the same, a body portion providing visual access such as via one or more sight glasses to an internal chamber therein for visual confirmation that liquid has been vaporized, and a hose connecting member for connection to a point of destination such as a compressor. In certain embodiments, the connector has an axial bore containing a high thermal conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for introducing one or more hydrohalocarbon refrigerants into a heat transfer system from a vessel by recovering the one or more hydrohalocarbon refrigerants from the heat transfer system; monitoring the vapor pressure in the vessel and if the vapor pressure in the vessel becomes greater than 3 psi over the expected saturation pressure for the one or more hydrohalocarbon refrigerants then releasing vapor from the vessel; and returning said one or more hydrohalocarbon refrigerants to the heat transfer system by drawing liquid refrigerant from the vessel.

Abstract: An air conditioner is arranged so as to be able to accurately judge a refrigerant filling state within the air conditioner regardless of environmental and installation conditions.

Abstract: A device for automatic processing of contaminated refrigerant from an air conditioning system, said device comprising a compressor for compressing refrigerant. Said device further comprising an oil separator, said oil separator receiving compressed refrigerant from said compressor; said oil separator further including means for draining oil separated from said compressed refrigerant. Said device further comprising a storage tank, said storage tank receiving and temporarily containing said compressed refrigerant from said oil separator. Said storage tank including a vapor port and a liquid port. Said device further comprising a vacuum pump for creating low pressure within said device during evacuation of refrigerant. Said device further comprising a low pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system. Said device further comprising a high pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system.

Abstract: A cross-flow heat exchanger, method of making a cross-flow heat exchanger, and a dehumidifier are provided. The cross-flow heat exchanger has an axial flow path extending through the heat exchanger from an inlet to an outlet and a transverse flow path oriented transversely to the axial flow path and extending through the heat exchanger from an inlet to an outlet. The transverse flow path is adjacent to and separate from the axial flow path. The surface area of the inlet of the axial flow path is less than the surface area of the outlet of the axial flow path. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger has an exterior shape that is trapezoidal.

Abstract: The use of sealants based on organosilanes for refrigeration and air conditioning systems is made possible by control of the rate of introduction and viscosity of the sealant mixture within certain ranges. An appropriate choice of organosilane sealant is made to allow effective sealing of small pinhole size leaks in the air conditioning or refrigeration system. The organosilane is then combined with a miscible lubricant at particular ratios to provide the proper mixture viscosity for injection into the refrigerant system to prevent bearing seizure. Specific orifice sizes are selected for an apparatus to ensure that the composition is injected at the flow rates required to prevent liquid slugging and subsequent compressor shutdown or failure. In addition, effective introduction of the mixture requires certain procedures be performed. Injection procedures are also described that prevent temporary or catastrophic equipment shutdown.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger in a circuit, and a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. In the air cooling with water heating mode, the air heating with water heating mode and the water heating only mode, water from a water reservoir is passed through refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. A refrigerant reservoir may be provided for use in refrigerant charge control. A refrigerant line (71) couples reservoir to the refrigerant circuit intermediate the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for directing liquid refrigerant into the reservoir and a refrigerant line (73) couples the refrigerant circuit upstream of the suction inlet to the compressor for returning refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. A controller controls flow into and from the refrigerant reservoir through selective opening and closing of control valve (72) in line (71) and control valve (74) in line (73).

Abstract: A refrigerant additive supply device can include an outer rigid container, an inner flexible bag positioned in the outer rigid container and defining a space therebetween where the inner flexible bag contains an additive without a refrigerant, a valve in fluid communication with the inner flexible bag, an actuator operably coupled to the valve, and a propellant sealed within the space, where the inner flexible bag has a device pressure that allows flow of the additive into a refrigerant circuit when the actuator is depressed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A maintenance and hygiene method and apparatus (50) for a motor vehicle air conditioning system (30) with a cooling circuit (20?). The apparatus comprises a regeneration device (56) and a hygiene device (57) that are integrated in a single body (51) which includes, furthermore, a program means (55) that contemporaneously actuates and controls the regeneration device (56) and the hygiene device (57). The maintenance and hygiene program that is resident in the memory of the microprocessor (55) is then started by an operator. In particular, the hygiene step is carried out contemporaneously with the step of recovering the cooling fluid and with the engine on, and is prolonged up to a lubricating fluid discharging step/establishing vacuum condition step.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided that is capable of allowing an operator to know, during a refrigerant charging operation using a cylinder, that the refrigerant cylinder is emptied without using a scale or the like. An air conditioner in which the refrigerant is charged using a cylinder containing the refrigerant includes a refrigerant circuit, a charge port, a downstream temperature sensor, an outdoor side controller, and a display unit. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor side heat exchanger, an indoor side expansion valve, and an indoor side heat exchanger. The charge port is a port for charging the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit from the cylinder. The downstream temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of the charge port of the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system, such method including introducing into the system fluid of the air conditioning or refrigeration system a hydrolytic drying agent, and distributing the hydrolytic drying agent throughout the system fluid; methods of maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system including introducing a hydrolytic drying agent and a sealing agent; devices for maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system which include a sealed vessel containing a hydrolytic drying agent and a sealant; kits for the same.

Abstract: A refrigerant accumulation and oil recovery device for recovery/regeneration/recharging units for a refrigerant fluid withdrawn from refrigeration or air conditioning plants or heat pumps, characterized by comprising a refrigerant fluid accumulation/evaporation vessel and an oil recovery vessel, said vessels being closed at their top by at least one plate which supports them both, the plate presenting a plurality of passages defining, with said vessels, a part of the charging/recycling circuit of said recovery/regeneration unit, in which said accumulation/evaporation vessel and said oil recovery vessel present at least one wall in common, such that any refrigerant fluid leakage from one of said vessels at the connection interface between said common wall and said plate is recovered into the other.

Abstract: A high-durability cam wheel assembly mounted in a shell of a refrigerant recovery machine is disclosed to include an open frame member, rigid wear strips mounted in the open frame member at two sides, a sliding block having friction cylinders arranged in parallel at two opposite sides and respectively disposed in contact with the rigid wear strips and a cam wheel set formed of a first cam wheel and a second cam wheel and inserted through an axle bearing in sliding block for causing the sliding block to move back and forth in the open frame member.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging system for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, a storage vessel, input and output lines, and a device for detecting mass of refrigerant within the storage vessel. The input line fluidly connects the refrigerant source to the storage vessel, and the output line extends from the storage vessel and is adapted to connect to the refrigeration system. The system also includes an input control valve disposed between the storage vessel and the refrigerant source, and an output control valve disposed between the storage vessel and the refrigeration system. A heater is connected to the refrigerant source for raising the temperature of refrigerant within the refrigerant source. A method of charging a refrigeration system is also disclosed. The system and method are useful to charging the refrigerant system of an automotive vehicle, among others.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is described a method and a system which use a compressor (4) for filling CO2 into an air conditioning system (18) via an oil filter (5) and a gas cooler (6). CO2 may be pumped to an internal pressure container (11), and from there the air conditioning system (18) may be filled with CO2 in gas form via valves (15). The fill system may additionally include a heat exchanger (9), so that a temperature may be controlled in the pressure container (11) so that it does not exceed 31.8 C, whereby CO2 may be filled into the air conditioning system (18) in liquid form.

Abstract: Various embodiments of adapter systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described. The adapter of the systems is couplable to an outlet of a fluid source and an inlet of a routing device. The adapter includes a plunger configured to engage an integrated valve of the fluid source and to receive a member of the routing device. The routing device member includes an end capable of breaking a seal. Coupling of the routing device to the outlet may advance the plunger such that plunger engages the integrated valve and at least partially opens the integrated valve.

Abstract: An upgradeable A/C maintenance system and methodology is provided including one or more modular manifolds for mounting and fluidly connecting several components. Embodiments include first and second manifolds, each for removably mounting a plurality of components, and each comprising an internal passage for fluidly connecting at least two of the plurality of components to each other, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal passage to an external surface of the first manifold. The first and second manifolds are removably attachable to each other such that their respective ports fluidly communicate with each other. The first manifold provides a first functionality for the system when the second manifold is not attached to the first manifold, and the second manifold provides a second functionality different from the first functionality when the second manifold is attached to the first manifold.