With Means For Charging Closed Refrigeration Producing System Patents (Class 62/292)
  • Patent number: 7159412
    Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Patent number: 7146824
    Abstract: A valve plug is threadedly engaged with a valve stem so as to be inserted from an open end of a passage for charging with and/or releasing from a compressed fluid, toward an inner part of the passage, thereby closing an inner smaller diameter portion. The valve plug includes a threadedly engaging member threadedly engaging a portion of the passage located nearer to the open end side than the smaller diameter portion, and a turn head turnably connected to an end of the threadedly engaging member and having a distal end inserted into the smaller diameter portion so as to adhere closely to an open edge of the smaller diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuji Ohno
  • Patent number: 7127901
    Abstract: A helium management control system for controlling the helium refrigerant supply from a common manifold supplies a plurality of cryogenic refrigerators with an appropriate helium supply. The system employs a plurality of sensors to monitor and regulate the overall refrigerant supply to deliver an appropriate refrigerant supply to each of the cryogenic refrigerators depending on the computed aggregate cooling demand of all of the cryogenic refrigerators. An appropriate supply of helium is distributed to each cryopump by sensing excess and sparse helium refrigerant and redistributing refrigerant accordingly. If the total refrigeration supply exceeds the total refrigerant demand, or consumption, excess refrigerant is directed to cryogenic refrigerators which can utilize the excess helium to complete a current cooling function more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Dresens, Gary S. Ash, Allen J. Bartlett, Bruce R. Andeen, Y. Roberto Than, Joseph Chopy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7124598
    Abstract: A combination pressure measurement/charging system may include a conduit coupled to a refrigerant can. The conduit may be coupled to a low-pressure side of a refrigerant system. The system may include a valve to control a flow of fluid through the conduit. Thus, a flow of fluid between the refrigerant can and the low-pressure side of the refrigerant system may be controlled using the valve. A first pressure gauge may be in fluid communication with the conduit. The first pressure gauge may be coupled to the low-pressure side of the refrigerant system. The first pressure gauge may be used to operate the valve to control fluid flow through the conduit. A second pressure gauge may be coupled to a high-pressure side of the refrigerant system. The second pressure gauge may be isolated from fluids that flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Quest, Kerry W. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7117688
    Abstract: The present invention allows an optimal quantity of refrigerant to be quickly and easily charged into the refrigeration device. In a refrigeration device that includes a refrigerant cycle circuit (A) connecting an outdoor unit (X) and indoor units (Y) via refrigerant lines (6), (7), a refrigerant charging device (10) that charges refrigerant to the refrigerant cycle circuit (A) in the cooling operational state is detachably connected to the liquid side refrigerant line (6) (the high pressure liquid line during cooling operations) that links the outdoor unit (X) with the indoor units (Y). In this way, when the refrigerant charging device (10) and the liquid line refrigerant line (6) are linked together and the refrigerant cycle circuit (A) is in the cooling operational state, refrigerant charging can be carried out from the refrigerant charging device (10) to the refrigerant cycle circuit (A) via the liquid side refrigerant line (6) (the high pressure liquid line).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Dalkin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Osamu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7114344
    Abstract: An air conditioner service fitting is provided and includes a valve body comprising a threaded bore and an annular valve seat extending around the bore. The valve body is configured and the valve seat is positioned such that all fluid that passes through the bore crosses the valve seat. A twist-to-open valve is disposed in the bore and threadedly engages with the valve body. The twist-to-open valve includes a valve element configured to form a polymer-to-metal seal with the valve seat. The polymer-to-metal seal stops substantially all fluid flow through the bore and the flow path when the twist-to-open valve is closed. The valve body further includes an external connection feature disposed around the bore. The valve body comprises an external sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Schrader-Bridgeport International, Inc.
    Inventors: Major H. Gilbert, Jeffrey A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7107781
    Abstract: A combination pressure measurement/refrigerant charging apparatus may include a shutoff valve that includes a piercing pin and a pressure gauge. The piercing pin may be used to pierce a refrigerant can. The pressure gauge may be used as a handle for operating the shutoff valve. A first end of a hose may be coupled to the shutoff. A quick coupling device may be coupled to a second end of the hose. The quick coupling device may be used to couple the apparatus to a refrigerant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Quest, Kerry W. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7096685
    Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 7086237
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for transferring a measured level of liquefied refrigerant to a refrigeration system includes the steps of purging a calibration container; filling the calibration container with liquefied refrigerant from a liquefied refrigerant supply to a desired level; and charging a system with the liquefied refrigerant from the calibration container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, Paul Thomas Wickberg, Daniel Thomas Johnson
  • Patent number: 7077149
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a fluid into a closed pressurized system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be introduced into the system using the resting and operating pressures of the closed pressurized system. The system can be a climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence D. Kalley, John Burke
  • Patent number: 7073346
    Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Patent number: 7051547
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for motor vehicles, which contains a connection piece for a pressure switch/pressure sensor, said connection piece being suitable for evacuating and filling the air conditioning system after the removal of the pressure switch/pressure sensor, so that the two normally separate functions are combined in one connection piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dietmar Boehme, Dietmar Fischer, Uwe Heinz
  • Patent number: 7051761
    Abstract: A fill and bleed valve for filling a liquid cooling system has a single axially movable plunger, slidable within a central block bore, from a normal operating position to a filling position that opens the cooling system to a supply of coolant. The filling operation is continued until all air is purged from the system. The central block bore also retains a solid fill of coolant, and when shifted back to the normal operating system, no air is introduced into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald John Enzinna, Ilya Reyzin
  • Patent number: 7033508
    Abstract: Fluid decontamination device includes a base having a fluid passage in it. An observation window is provided in the base for allowing a user to observe a fluid in the fluid passage. A differential pressure indicator, such as a vacuum indicator, is operatively connected to the fluid passage for indicating the relative pressure in the fluid. An indicator light which turns on when the differential pressure in the fluid passage is less than a predetermined differential pressure may be provided on the differential pressure indicator. A filter may be fluidly connected with the fluid passage for filtering out one or more contaminants present in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7010927
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a supplemental storage container that allows for transferring refrigerant into or out of an air conditioning or refrigeration system based upon different operating conditions. In one example, a controller controls the operation of valves that selectively couple the storage container to the high pressure side or the low pressure side of the system. Depending on operating conditions, when it is desirable to increase an amount of refrigerant in the system, refrigerant is transferred from the storage container to the low pressure side of the air conditioning or refrigeration system. Under conditions where the amount of refrigerant in the system is above a desired amount, refrigerant can be transferred from the high side of air conditioning system to the storage container to bring the pressure within the system closer to the desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
  • Patent number: 6986262
    Abstract: With the intention of reducing power consumption and noise, there is provided a binary refrigeration unit which can be started even by a compressor equipped with a small-torque and compact motor. The binary refrigeration unit is constructed in such a manner that an evaporator 4 of a high-temperature side refrigerant circuit H and a condenser 12 of a low-temperature side refrigerant circuit L are disposed side by side, a refrigerant of the low-temperature side refrigerant circuit L is cooled to be condensed at the condenser 12 by vaporization heat of a refrigerant of the high-temperature side refrigerant circuit H evaporated by the evaporator 4, the condensed refrigerant of the low-temperature side refrigerant circuit L is evaporated at an evaporator 14, and accordingly a low temperature much lower than a low temperature obtained by the evaporator 4 is obtained by the evaporator 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuzi Takasugi, Yuichi Tamaoki
  • Patent number: 6978636
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring the refrigerant pressure in an automobile air conditioning system and, if needed, charging the system with additional refrigerant, is provided. An actuator is coupled to a pressurized container that selectively opens the container valve. A hose is provided, the first end of which is connected to the actuator, and the second end is coupleable to a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A T-connector with a check valve is disposed in the hose, and a pressure gauge is connected to the T-connector. When the second end of the hose is coupled to a service port and the actuator is not activated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure of the air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to a service port and the actuator is activated, refrigerant is released from the pressurized container and into the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Motush, Thomas Gottlieb, Vincent Carrubba
  • Patent number: 6971244
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (10) is formed by connecting, in the order given, a compressor (11), a four-way selector valve (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), and an indoor heat exchanger (15) by a gas side pipe (31) and a liquid side pipe (32). The refrigerant circuit (10) is charged with a single refrigerant of R32 or with an R32/R125 mixed refrigerant whose R32 content is not less than 75% by weight. As a refrigeration oil, a synthetic oil is used, and such a refrigeration oil has an addition of an extreme pressure additive. When cooling rated capacity is not more than 5 kW, the liquid side pipe (32) is formed by use of a pipe whose inside diameter is less than 4.75 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Domyo
  • Patent number: 6959557
    Abstract: A vessel for containing a refrigerant fluid in a vapor compression system. The vessel includes a housing defining a fixed interior volume and an internal structure subdividing the interior volume into a storage chamber and a displacement chamber. The storage chamber is in fluid communication with the vapor compression system and stores both liquid phase and gas phase refrigerant during normal operation of the system. The displacement chamber may be repositionable or have a variable volume wherein varying the volume of the displacement chamber inversely varies the volume of the storage chamber. The volume of the displacement chamber may be controlled by the transfer of thermal energy to a working fluid within the displacement chamber to thereby thermally expand or contract the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Dan M. Manole, Alicia Frostick
  • Patent number: 6952931
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the amount of refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant tank to a plurality of refrigerant systems comprising a tank valve for connection to a refrigerant tank at a predetermined location. A rack of refrigerant rack lines is routed from the location to the refrigerant systems for connecting the tank valve and refrigerant to the refrigerant systems. Rack valves are disposed in the refrigerant rack lines for controlling the flow of refrigerant through the rack lines to a selected refrigerant system. A sensor for determining the amount of refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant tank to a refrigerant system and recording the supplied amount of refrigerant. The system controller controls the rack valves and tank valve to selectively connect the supply of refrigerant in the refrigerating tank with a selected refrigerant system so that the amount of refrigerant delivered to the refrigerant system is recorded by the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: ASP Corporation
    Inventors: John Bryan Beatenbough, Edward Rios, Ryan Edward Haley
  • Patent number: 6901947
    Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Fastest Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Danielson, Stanlee W. Meisinger
  • Patent number: 6889519
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus provides for controlled delivery of fluids into a fluid system. The fluid delivery apparatus can allow a defined volume of fluid to be delivered to the fluid system cleanly, minimizing fluid waste and spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Bright Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6845626
    Abstract: This invention makes it possible to charge a refrigeration apparatus with the amount of refrigerant that the refrigeration apparatus requires at the time of onsite installation. As a result, the optimum refrigerant charging amount can always be obtained. The refrigeration apparatus is provided with a refrigeration cycle in which an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, a condenser, and a receiver is connected to an indoor unit equipped with an expansion valve and an evaporator via a liquid pipe and a gas pipe. The refrigeration cycle is charged with refrigerant while a refrigerant charging operation state is created in which the liquid pipe that connects the outdoor unit to the indoor unit is filled with liquid refrigerant having a prescribed density. Refrigerant charging ends when, during the refrigerant charging operation, it is detected that the level of the liquid inside the receiver has reached a prescribed level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Junichi Shimoda
  • Patent number: 6843070
    Abstract: A refrigerant handling system includes coupling apparatus for coupling a refrigerant processing apparatus to an automotive air-conditioning system. The coupling apparatus includes a ball valve including a common port and at least two selectable ports, and a valve member manually movable among a closed condition, wherein the common port is connected to neither selectable port, and three open conditions wherein the common port is connected, respectively, to each of the selectable ports and both of the selectable ports. The common port of the valve is connected to the refrigerant processing apparatus, while the selectable ports are connected, respectively, to conduits for providing connections to the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the air-conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anwar Suharno
  • Patent number: 6837064
    Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Prime Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6832491
    Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Patent number: 6826925
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for collecting and purifying a refrigerant fluid in air conditioning systems, comprising a first tubular body (110), used as evaporator and separator of impurities of refrigerant (130) coming from a refrigerant circuit (50), through ducts (51) and (52), and a second tubular body (104) used for separating the fluid (130) from the oil (131) entrained during a compression step. First tubular body (110) and second tubular body (104) are arranged between a top distribution flange (101) and a bottom distribution flange (106). In said flanges a plurality of channels are made, which form portions of the circuit for refrigerant (130), as well as are used for other functions and for other fluids flowing in the whole purifying machine that includes apparatus (100) same. Refrigerant (130) contained in tubular body (110) evaporates by the heat of both a coil tube exchanger (111), which is located inside tubular body (110), and a portion of flange (106), which is located under tubular body (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: North European Patents & Investments H.S.A. Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Marie Joseph Renders
  • Patent number: 6823688
    Abstract: A refrigerant filler casing structure comprises a container, having a pressure gauge accommodating groove, a main body accommodating groove, a connector accommodating groove, and a duct accommodating groove sequentially disposed therein; the main body accommodating groove is used for mounting the main body of the filler; the high pressure gauge and low pressure gauge are disposed in the pressure gauge accommodating groove; the high pressure connector, low pressure connector, refrigerant connector, and vacuum connector are disposed in the connector accommodating groove; and the refrigerant duct substantially in a coiled condition is disposed in the duct accommodating groove; and a lid, having one side movably opened and closed is coupled to one side of the container, and the lid covers the duct accommodating groove when the lid covers the container; and an opening is disposed at the bottom of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Shu-Lin Chiu
  • Publication number: 20040231352
    Abstract: The present invention allows an optimal quantity of refrigerant to be quickly and easily charged into the refrigeration device. In a refrigeration device that includes a refrigerant cycle circuit (A) connecting an outdoor unit (X) and indoor units (Y) via refrigerant lines (6), (7), a refrigerant charging device (10) that charges refrigerant to the refrigerant cycle circuit (A) in the cooling operational state is detachably connected to the liquid side refrigerant line (6) (the high pressure liquid line during cooling operations) that links the outdoor unit (X) with the indoor units (Y). In this way, when the refrigerant charging device (10) and the liquid line refrigerant line (6) are linked together and the refrigerant cycle circuit (A) is in the cooling operational state, refrigerant charging can be carried out from the refrigerant charging device (10) to the refrigerant cycle circuit (A) via the liquid side refrigerant line (6) (the high pressure liquid line).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Osamu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20040231833
    Abstract: The refrigeration cycle device has a refrigerant circuit, a liquid receiver, a reaction casing, a cool radiation evaporator and a cool storage/radiation controller. The liquid receiver is disposed in the refrigerant circuit for accumulating liquid refrigerant. The reaction casing is connected to the liquid receiver. The reaction casing selectively serves as a release device for releasing refrigerant gas and as a recovery device for recovering the refrigerant gas. The cool radiation evaporator is disposed in a refrigerant passage between the liquid receiver and the reaction casing when the reaction casing serves as the recovery device. The cool radiation evaporator heats the liquid refrigerant sent from the liquid receiver. The cool storage/radiation controller controls the reaction casing to serve as one of the release device for performing cool storage and the recovery device for performing cool radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Wang, Masao Iguchi, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040168463
    Abstract: An automotive air conditioning refrigerant charging apparatus. In a described embodiment, an automotive air conditioning refrigerant charging apparatus includes an R-134a system quick connect connector, a pressure gauge and a refrigerant can valve. The pressure gauge and the valve are simultaneously and permanently connected to the quick connect connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Newton Howard Dudley
  • Patent number: 6779350
    Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ritchie Enginerring Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Publication number: 20040134224
    Abstract: Multi-type air conditioner is disclosed for effective removal of foreign matters in refrigerant pipelines, including an outdoor unit having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a flow path control valve for controlling a flow path of the refrigerant from the compressor, and an outdoor unit piping system, a plurality of indoor units each having an indoor unit expansion device, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor piping system, a distributor for receiving refrigerant from the outdoor unit, distributing the refrigerant to the indoor units proper to respective operation modes, and returning to the outdoor unit again, connection pipelines connected between the outdoor unit and the distributor, and foreign matter cutting off means mounted on each of the connection pipelines for prevention of the foreign matters from entering into the compressor of the outdoor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park
  • Publication number: 20040129013
    Abstract: An air conditioner service fitting is provided and includes a valve body comprising a threaded bore and an annular valve seat extending around the bore. The valve body is configured and the valve seat is positioned such that all fluid that passes through the bore crosses the valve seat. A twist-to-open valve is disposed in the bore and threadedly engages with the valve body. The twist-to-open valve includes a valve element configured to form a polymer-to-metal seal with the valve seat. The polymer-to-metal seal stops substantially all fluid flow through the bore and the flow path when the twist-to-open valve is closed. The valve body further includes an external connection feature disposed around the bore. The valve body comprises an external sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Major H. Gilbert, Jeffrey A. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040123617
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus provides for controlled delivery of fluids into a fluid system. The fluid delivery apparatus can allow a defined volume of fluid to be delivered to the fluid system cleanly, minimizing fluid waste and spillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Bright Solutions, Inc., a Michigan corporation
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6745591
    Abstract: A cooling lubricant replenishing device for a compressor has an adapter, a flexible tube, a three-way tube, a pressure gauge, and a check valve. The adapter is adapted to selectively mount on a refrigerant inlet of the compressor and communicate with three-way tube via the flexible tube. The three-way tube has three ends respectively connected with the flexible tube, the pressure gauge, and the check valve. The check valve adapts to further connect with an extruder containing cooling lubricant, the extruder provides a pushing force to make the cooling lubricant pass through the tubes and enter the compressor. Whereby, the compressor is conveniently replenished with the cooling lubricant by using the extruder in a convenient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Shan-Chi Lin
  • Publication number: 20040103673
    Abstract: A method for detecting a low-charge state in an air conditioning system. In one aspect, the temperature/pressure of the discharge of the condenser is measured to determine whether a low-charge state exists in the refrigeration system by calculating the degrees of subcooling of the refrigerant and comparing that to a predetermined minimum value. In another aspect, the temperature/pressure of the discharge of the compressor is measured to determine whether a low-charge state is indicated by calculating the degrees of superheat of the refrigerant and comparing that value with a predetermined maximum value. An air conditioning checker is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Daimler Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Kwangtaek Hong
  • Publication number: 20040103682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning fluid for a refrigeration plant, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning oil mixed with a liquefied carrier gas with which it forms, by expansion, a cleaning foam, for example the oil is a POE or a PAG and the gas is R134a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Serge Francois, Francoise Brisset
  • Patent number: 6735964
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. Each of the indoor units has its own coil assembly and fan and is dedicated to heating a particular area within a building, for example. Not all of the indoor units operate at the same time. Managing the refrigerant charge level within the active part of the system includes controlling an amount of refrigerant flow through the inactive indoor units. When the active part of the system does not have an adequate charge, an increased return flow from the inactive indoor units to the outdoor unit serves to increase the charge. Under circumstances where there is an overcharge in the active part of the system, the inactive indoor units are effectively used as storage for excess refrigerant on a temporary basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Palmer, Mark Joseph Perkovich, Bradley Odum
  • Publication number: 20040083750
    Abstract: The multiple charger consists of an instrument that allows several operations, and allows several norms in only one tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jose Carlos Fajardo
  • Publication number: 20040083744
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a low-charge condition in a dual-output vehicle air conditioning system. A program reads a set of evaporator, driver-side, and passenger-side temperatures for the purpose of adjusting a temperature in a vehicle passenger compartment. A diagnostic program then analyzes these same readings to determine whether a temperature differential condition exists. Assuming a temperature differential condition exists, the program records a set of the temperature sensor readings and a time period for these temperature readings. The diagnostic program compares this set of information with a set of stored data to determine whether a low-charge condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Shane A. Harte
  • Patent number: 6722141
    Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive liquid and is partially evacuated. Additive liquid from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and a vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6719003
    Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred G. Schroeder, Eric W. Kesler, Zhongping Zeng
  • Patent number: 6705100
    Abstract: A purging device for a system accumulating condensable and non-condensable gases. The purging device comprises: a purge tank; apparatus receiving the condensable and non-condensable gases from the system and directing said gases into the purge tank; apparatus condensing the non-condensable gases into a condensed form; apparatus accumulating the non-condensable gases in a header space; apparatus returning the condensed gases from the purge tank to the system; apparatus controllably removing the accumulated non-condensable gases from the header space; and apparatus generating controlled flow in the condensable and non-condensable gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Heiden, Robert J. Roth, Brian T. Sullivan, Steven E. Wolfgram
  • Patent number: 6701728
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a coolant gas from a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a coolant gas recovery section, and analysis section, and a coolant gas blending section. The coolant gas recovery section recovers a coolant gas containing contaminants from the heat exchanger. The analysis section monitors a condition of an analysis portion of the recovered coolant gas. The coolant gas blending section operates to produce, based on the condition of the recovered coolant gas monitored by the analysis section, a blend coolant gas comprising a virgin coolant gas and a reclaimed coolant gas that comprises at least a portion of the recovered coolant gas. The blend coolant gas has a predetermined contaminant concentration and is recycled into the heat exchanger. Thus, the coolant gas is recovered from, and recycled to, the heat exchanger at the predetermined contaminant concentration without using a purification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Boc Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, André Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040040320
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a coolant gas from a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a coolant gas recovery section, and analysis section, and a coolant gas blending section. The coolant gas recovery section recovers a coolant gas containing contaminants from the heat exchanger. The analysis section monitors a condition of an analysis portion of the recovered coolant gas. The coolant gas blending section operates to produce, based on the condition of the recovered coolant gas monitored by the analysis section, a blend coolant gas comprising a virgin coolant gas and a reclaimed coolant gas that comprises at least a portion of the recovered coolant gas. The blend coolant gas has a predetermined contaminant concentration and is recycled into the heat exchanger. Thus, the coolant gas is recovered from, and recycled to, the heat exchanger at the predetermined contaminant concentration without using a purification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Igor Shedletsky, Andre Micke, Yaping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040020233
    Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Ritchie Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Ramachandran, Keith Sliger, Ronald A. Plasek
  • Publication number: 20040016258
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for motor vehicles, which contains a connection piece for a pressure switch/pressure sensor, said connection piece being suitable for evacuating and filling the air conditioning system after the removal of the pressure switch/pressure sensor, so that the two normally separate functions are combined in one connection piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dietmar Boehme, Dietmar Fischer, Uwe Heinz
  • Patent number: 6681812
    Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for introducing new coolant into a cooling system of a vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system. The attachment (3) comprises: a body (4) having a first inlet (36) for air left in the cooling system of the vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system; a second inlet (37) for the new coolant; an outlet (38); a passage (39) connecting the outlet (38) to each of the inlets (36, 37); and, a jumper valve (40) located within the passage (39). The jumper valve (40) is moveable between a first closed position and a second open position, and it is biased with a coil spring (41) to remain in the first position. Whilst a vacuum is applied to the attachment (3) by the vacuum gun (2), the jumper valve (40) is in the second position and air may be drawn from the cooling system to form a partial vacuum within the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: ABW Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20040000163
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for collecting and purifying a refrigerant fluid in air conditioning systems, comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: North European Patents
    Inventor: Marie Joseph Renders