Abstract: An air conditioning charging valve includes a valve body that receives a valve element in an interference fit. The valve element is slideable by a charging tool from an opened positioned, in which a refrigerant fluid may be charged into an air conditioning system via the charge valve, and a closed position, in which the valve element forms a leak free, metal-to-metal seal against a valve seat carried by the valve body.

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

Abstract: A manifold having an electrical pressure transducer which is coupled to a diagnostic instrument. In a preferred embodiment, a pressure transducer is incorporated in the manifold which has one end which threads directly onto the refrigeration unit. The manifold also has a coupling to which a servicing hose can be coupled for recharging the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A refrigerating circuit having a condenser and an evaporator, wherein shaped bodies (9, 9a) of a drying agent are arranged within a component (6), which carries liquid refrigerant of the circuit, and are so adapted to the internal geometric shape of the respective component as to filter residual moisture from throughflowing refrigerant.

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

Abstract: A 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. The fluid delivery apparatus can provide a mechanical advantage allowing the fluid to be delivered easily and efficiently to a pressurized fluid system. The apparatus can have a piston and handle arrangement that can reduce wear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A refrigerant dispensing tool includes a three section body with a top manifold section having an evacuation port, a refrigerant supply port and an oil supply port. The intermediate body section has three elongated and converging valve chambers which connect with the corresponding ports and receive corresponding elongated fluid pressure balancing valve members. The valve members are independently operated and precisely controlled by corresponding air actuated pistons which receive pressurized air from corresponding air ports within the manifold section. An air actuated and spring biased annular piston is supported between the intermediate and base sections of the body and operates a set of circumferentially spaced balls which releasably clamp the tool to a stem valve fitting for a refrigerant system.

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

Abstract: A valve in valve assembly. The assembly comprises a housing having an internal passage, a valve body in the housing and movably operable to control process fluid flow through the passage, and a chamber in the valve body. The chamber is open to the passage at a first chamber end. A valve core in the chamber controls service fluid flow the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerant charge valve for a refrigerant system includes a housing adapted to receive a refrigerant system component of the refrigerant system having refrigerant flowing therethrough. The housing has a cavity and a passageway fluidly communicating with a refrigerant charge port of the refrigerant system component. The refrigerant charge valve also includes a valve core disposed in the cavity of the housing to open and close the passageway to allow and prevent access to the refrigerant.

Abstract: This refrigerant recovery system is provided with recovery piping 2, heat exchangers 25, 26 and check valves 30, 31, 37, 38. A refrigerant within the recovery piping 2 is heated and cooled by the heat exchangers 25, 26, so that a fluid power is imparted to the refrigerant. This fluid power is regulated to one direction by the check valves 30, 31, 37, 38, by which the refrigerant is transferred in one way within the recovery piping 2. Thus, the refrigerant can be recovered from a gas line 3 and a liquid line 5 with high efficiency. Also, a degassing circuit 306 makes the gas refrigerant within the recovery container 71 merged with the refrigerant within the recovery piping 2 cooled by the heat exchanger 25 or 26, by which the recovery container 71 can be degassed. Also, the refrigerant can be recovered to the recovery container 71 smoothly, so that the refrigerant can be recovered efficiently.

Abstract: A device for recovering and separating impurities from the cooling fluid of a conditioning system comprises: a cylindrical container provided at its top with an inlet for the fluid/impurities mixture and with an outlet for the fluid and at its bottom with an outlet for the impurities, with a coil positioned inside the container and provided with an inlet and with an outlet to/from the container, a metal cylinder secured within the container and provided with an inlet and with an outlet, a first duct comprising a compressor for the connection of the upper outlet of the container with the inlet of the inner cylinder, a second duct comprising a condenser for the connection of the outlet of the coil with an external collection tank, a third duct for the connection of the outlet of the inner cylinder with the inlet of the coil.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system and apparatus to connect with a refrigeration machine to selectively receive liquid and vapor refrigerant therefrom and to clean, purify and dry that refrigerant for present reuse; said apparatus includes a recovery line with an inlet connected with a related refrigeration machine, a particulate matter filter and de-acidifier devise with an inlet connected with an outlet end of the recovery line, a liquid-vapor refrigerant flow control devise operating to selectively conduct and cause liquid refrigerant flowing through it and expand to a gaseous state and to selectively and freely conduct and cause vaporous refrigerant to flow through it, said refrigerant flow control devise has an inlet connected with an outlet of the filter and de-acidifier devise and an outlet connected with an inlet of a refrigerant conducting vapor line, an oil separator devise with a refrigerant inlet connected with an outlet end of the vapor line, a refrigerant dryer devise with an inlet connected with an

Abstract: A fluid dispensing tool includes a three section aluminum body defining a top evacuation port and a top fluid fill port each having an annular valve seat and connected by a cross passage. Poppet valve members are supported for vertical movement between retracted open positions below the cross passage and closed positions extending upwardly through the cross passage and engaging the valve seats. The valve members are air actuated in an alternating manner with the evacuation valve member closing before the fluid valve member opens and vice versa. A center passage extends downwardly from the cross passage and through a downwardly projecting discharge spout which carries a sleeve or shuttle supporting a set of resilient sealing bands. The sealing bands are compressed axially by an air actuated piston and expand radially outwardly for sealing with a radiator fill neck above and below a port for an overflow container.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) and method for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system (24) comprising a cartridge (26) is described. A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the cartridge (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing a secondary fluid (32) out of the cartridge (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24). The cartridge (26) has a first open end with an inner nozzle (33) which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle (37).

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

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

Abstract: In a main circuit (12) of refrigerant circuitry (11), a liquid-side shutoff valve (23) is provided between a liquid receiver (19) and an indoor heat exchanger (20). Downstream of the liquid-side shutoff valve (23), a refrigerant charging section (40A) including a refrigerant charge valve (40) connectable with a refrigerant cylinder (31) is provided. The refrigerant circuitry (11) includes a pressure relieving circuit (SVP) for conducting refrigerant in a high-pressure-side line of the refrigerant circuitry (11) to a low-pressure-side line thereof in additional refrigerant charging operation executed by operating compressors (15, 22) with the liquid-side shutoff valve (23) closed.

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. The fluid delivery apparatus can provide a mechanical advantage allowing the fluid to be delivered easily and efficiently to a pressurized fluid system. The apparatus can have a piston and handle arrangement that can reduce wear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of recovering a coolant at a low cost and highly efficiently, an apparatus therefor and a tool therefor. When an apparatus from which to recover is an automobile, the fuel remaining in the fuel tank is burned and consumed to prevent contamination to the environment. The three-way valve unit is opened to the recovery circuit simultaneously with the connection of the coupler unit to the recovery circuit in order to avoid a sudden increase in the pressure even when the compressor does not readily come into a halt, and the pressurized fluid such as the coolant is safely recovered by the recovery circuit out of the system. The coolant is guided into the recovery tank through the condenser utilizing gravity by driving the compressor in the apparatus from which the coolant is to be recovered, such as a car or an apparatus (refrigerator, refrigerated show case, etc.) out of service.

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

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

Abstract: A refrigerant pipe unit for a room air-conditioner includes two refrigerant pipes laid through a piping hole in the building wall and interconnecting an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the room air-conditioner for circulation of a refrigerant through the room air-conditioner. A stop valve is attached to at least one end of each of the refrigerant pipes for blocking flow of the refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. A maximum size of the stop valve which is measured in a radial direction about the central axis of each refrigerant pipe is designed such that the stop valve attached to the end of each refrigerant pipe can pass through the piping hole while the other refrigerant pipe is present inside the piping hole. Thus, the air-conditioner can be disassembled while the refrigerant is kept sealed within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit and the refrigerant pipe unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for multiple-dose injection of a liquid, e.g., a leak detection dye or a compressor lubricant, into a closed system, e.g., a refrigeration system, are disclosed. Fluid flow through the closed system is used to flush the liquid into the system.

Abstract: A leak detection dye introduction system for introducing a leak detection dye composition into a climate control system includes an adaptor having an outlet and an inlet connected by a flow path to the outlet, and a valve assembly located between the inlet and the outlet. The outlet is connectable to a transfer unit having an actuating valve and the inlet is connectable to a housing.

Abstract: A method for purging contaminants from a contaminated refrigeration system, comprising providing a source of recycled volatile composition to a refrigerant system; passing the recycled volatile composition through the refrigerant system; receiving the volatile composition from the refrigerant system; and recycling the volatile composition by separation of contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for supplying dye to a leak tester and injecting the dye into a sealed system by precharging a disposable plastic syringe with a sufficient volume of dye to conduct the leak testing. The precharged syringe is shipped to the tester who connects the syringe to a hose assembly having a check valve, and a Luer coupling adapter at one end and a Schrader at the other end, which is then connected to the system, and the syringe plunger advanced to inject the dye. An adjustable stop on the syringe plunger allows an accurately set portion of the total volume to be injected.

Abstract: The refrigeration recovery system equips with a refrigerated container to cool the recovery tanks in order to have a desirable low pressure inside the recovery tank. This method is essential to accelerate the recovery speed and to achieve a complete recovery of refrigerants.

Abstract: An injector for introducing a fluid composition into an air conditioning system is provided. The injector includes a pump including an internal volume having a first opening and a second opening, and a plunger which moves within the internal volume between a first position and a second position. The first opening includes a first valve for selectively allowing the fluid composition to flow from the internal volume as the plunger moves from the first position to the second position. The second opening includes a second valve for selectively allowing the fluid composition to flow into the internal volume as the plunger moves from the second position to the first position. A hose is provided having a first end connected to the first opening, and a second end constructed for attachment to a port on an air conditioning system. A cartridge including a fluid composition is provided fluidly connected to the second opening of the pump.

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

Abstract: An improved quick-release connector for replenishing air conditioning coolant has a female connector and a male connector detachably connecting with the female connector, wherein the male connector comprises a hollow body, a ball valve with a radial passage defined therein operatively received in the hollow body, a cap screwed on one end of the hollow body with an inlet fitting screwed therein, an inlet channel defined in the cap communicating with the inlet fitting and the interior of the hollow body and a control button provided on the ball valve for controlling of the communication and flow of the coolant. Two caulking blocks with concave surfaces are provided on opposite sides of the ball valve respectively to improve water tightness and reduce the abrasion to increase life of the connector.

Abstract: A refrigerant servicing system includes a main supply tank of refrigerant and an auxiliary tank which is coupled to the main tank by a valve which is selectively controlled by a circuit also coupled to weight and pressure sensors to assure the main tank has a level of refrigerant adequate for providing a continuous supply of refrigerant during servicing.

Abstract: A lift assembly which is coupled to a refrigerant service cart to raise and lock the supply tank of refrigerant off of a weight sensor, locking the tank in a raised position for transportation of the portable servicing cart. In a preferred embodiment, a fixed arm extends from the portable cart and is positioned at a location above the refrigerant tank. A movable connecting link extends from the arm and is coupled to the tank and is controlled by an over-center toggle with a control handle for raising and lowering the tank coupled to the link between a use position resting on the weight sensor and a transporting position engaging the fixed arm and locked thereto by the over-center toggle control.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for vacuumizing an air conditioner having multiple compressors and multiple condensers respectively connected with the compressors by multiple refrigerant pipes. The refrigerant pipes are interconnected by a connection pipe. An inlet of one of the compressors and the connection pipe are connected to a manifold. A vacuum pump is connected to the manifold. The inlets of compressors other than the compressor connected to the manifold and an outlet of the condensers are closed. Thus, the compressors and the condensers form a closed circuit. When the vacuum pump operates, the inner space of the closed circuit is vacuumized. Since many compressors and condensers can be vacuumized using a single vacuum pump, the cost of manufacturing a vacuumizing device is reduced.

Abstract: A generally oval upper body supports a generally cylindrical lower body comprising an outlet tube on which is mounted an inner piston containing an annular resilient sealing member adapted to be connected to the tubular inlet fitting of a liquid coolant system. The lower body supports a set of arcuate collar sections which are cammed inwardly for gripping external threads on the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of an outer air actuated annular piston surrounding the outlet tube. The sealing member is compressed axially into the upper face of the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of the inner air actuated annular piston confined between the outlet tube and the outer piston.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycle and reclaim system includes two liquid refrigerant receivers; a low and a high pressure compressor in fluid communication with each other, each having their own oil separator; a condenser; filter driers; a particular arrangement of check and block valves and a high pressure float proximate the receivers; suction gas cooling components; and auxiliary devices. The suction gas cooling components include an expansion valve, a filter drier, a solenoid valve, and a mixer with sensor. The auxiliary devices include level switches, relief valves, purity sensors, and solenoids. The check and block valves, in combination with the high pressure float, automatically select which liquid receiver the refrigerant will therein be contained. The cooling components serve to lower the temperature of heat-intensive suction gases before entering into the low pressure compressor. The auxiliary devices help serve to continuously recycle refrigerants up to 275 PSIG.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system for use in combination with a low pressure recovery reservoir to recover refrigerants such as CFC, HCFC and HFC from a air conditioning or refrigeration system selectively operable in a plurality of system operating modes including a pressurization mode, a liquid refrigerant recovery mode and a vapor refrigerant recovery mode comprising a system control including a microprocessor to control the operation of the refrigerant recovery system and a plurality of control sensors to monitor a corresponding plurality of system operating parameters, a refrigerant processor operatively coupled to the low pressure recovery tank and the air conditioning or refrigeration system by a fluid conduit network including a plurality of fluid conduits and a fluid flow control including a plurality of fluid flow control devices coupled to the microprocessor to receive control signals therefrom and operatively disposed relative to the fluid conduit network to selectively configure the fluid conduit net

Abstract: A temperature controlled insulated jacket construction 10 for encircling the top, bottom, and side of a refrigerant drum 100. The jacket construction 10 includes an inner panel member 40 that encircles the drum 100 in the horizontal orientation, an outer panel member 20 that encircles both the inner panel member 40 and the drum 100 in the vertical orientation, and a temperature controlled heating unit 13 disposed within the inner panel member 40.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for injecting mixed refrigerant into a refrigerant circuit comprising at least a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator which are connected to one another through a refrigerant pipe, the mixed refrigerant is intermittently injected from a refrigerant bomb at a predetermined position of a low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit while keeping the mixed refrigerant in a liquid state. The intermittent injection operation (amount) of the liquid refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit may be controlled on the basis of the degree of superheat of the mixed refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a condenser 3 which includes one end cap 5 which has an integral charge port 7. The end cap 5 seals the manifold 9 of the condenser. The condenser 3 is a brazed aluminium construction and the end cap 5 and integral charge port 7 are brazed as one unit.

Abstract: An injection device is operable to force a treatment fluid into a refrigerant circuit having an R-134a service fitting thereon and includes a tubular container in which the treatment fluid is disposed. The container has an outlet structure with a body section adapted to sealingly receive and open the service fitting, and a rotatable nut portion operative to deform the body section and releasably lock it onto the service fitting. A hollow plunger member is threaded into the container and may be (1) threadingly advanced into the container to force the treatment fluid outwardly therefrom into the refrigerant circuit, or (2) serve as a conduit through which a pressurized driving fluid may be forced into the container to drive the treatment fluid into the refrigerant circuit. Inlet and outlet check valve structures are incorporated into the device to prevent undesirable fluid backflow therethrough.

Abstract: After removal of a valve cap from an in line shut off valve the Retaining Snap Ring Adapter with male threads and seat at one end, female threads and seat at the other end, a hex outer surface at the female threaded end, a longitudinal passageway down its center, is designed to be permanently installed on an in line shut off valve having a threaded moveable plug (operator) and said Adapter will not interfere with the moveable operator which opens and closes the valve when turned by a hexagonal wrench. The Retaining Ring Adapter prevents an improperly back seated operator from being ejected as a deadly missile by the normal operating pressures.The Retaining Snap Ring Adapter having been permanently installed on the valve, the cap is returned to the valve but is now screwed onto the added Retaining Snap Ring Adapter which is essentially now part of the valve.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a piping system connected between two opposite ends of the cooling loop of an air conditioning system and two opposite ends of a cooling medium reclaiming machine, a first storage tank and a second storage tank respectively connected between the two opposite ends of the cooling loop of the air conditioning system and the piping system, and a plurality of valves provided at the piping system for controlling the flowing direction of a cooling medium between the cooling loop of the air conditioning and the cooling medium reclaiming machine, and a hard grained material carried with the cooling medium through the cooling loop of the air conditioning system between the storage tanks to rub dirty deposit away from the inside wall of the cooling loop of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A refrigeration isolation valve including an integral pair of ball valves closed coupled by a custom union for disconnecting and replacing charged refrigeration components. The annular bore through the valve bodies and coupling are consistent with the ball valve aperture. The external diameter of the valve body and coupling are also consistent. The isolation valve is further fitted with a vent for purging trapped air and refrigerant. A method is taught for isolating and disconnecting essential refrigerant components from a system and replacing such components with a precharged component without disturbing the system integrity.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recovery of ammonia refrigerant using paired evaporation condensation processes in which an essentially closed water loop is used to efficiently transfer heat energy from the evaporation process to the condensation process and which further allows excess heat to be purged from the system by evaporation of water in a forced draft condenser.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system for use in connection with a refrigeration system having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and a purge unit connected to the condenser for receiving gaseous refrigerant and non-condensable gases from the condenser. A tank connects to the purge unit by a line for receiving purged gaseous refrigerant and purged non-condensable gases from the purge unit. The tank contains adsorbent material for recovering the purged gaseous refrigerant from the purged non-condensable gases. The system includes means for determining when a predetermined amount of purged gaseous refrigerant is received by the tank and means for controlling the flow of fluids to and from the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming a bottle of refrigerant so as to elevate the pressure within the bottle and increase the rate of refrigerant flow through an open discharge valve. The apparatus includes a housing having a cradle positioned therein for receiving the bottle and spacing same from the walls of the housing to ensure proper air circulation through the interior space. A lid removably covers an opening in the housing and has a central aperture for the passage of the valve stem of the bottle. The lid also has an air intake vent and an air exhaust vent adjacent the central aperture. An air flow passageway connects the air intake vent with the air exhaust vent for circulating air to and from the interior space of the housing. An electrical resistance heater and an electric blower are positioned within the passageway. The blower impels air through the passageway from the air intake vent to the air exhaust vent and past the heater.

Abstract: A connector body at the end of a freon line, of the type which is freely rotatable on the line, and is able to move from a first position adjacent the freon hose surrounding the line to a second position at the end of the line for threadably engaging an air conditioner or the like, the nut in its passage moving past an elbow bend in the line. The connector would comprise at least a connector body having a width substantially wider than the width of a grasping forefinger and thumb, and further comprising a counter bore along its rear end portion, so that as the connector moves from its first position through the elbow of the line, the bend in the line would travel within a portion of the counter bore and allow the nut to slide between its first and second positions without jamming in its passage along the elbow bend.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system and method for recovering refrigerant from a separate refrigeration system are disclosed which first employs a liquid recovery phase and then a subsequent vapor recovery phase. A liquid sensor monitors the incoming recovered refrigerant and produces a signal indicative of when all of the liquid refrigerant has been recovered from the separate refrigeration system. The timer relay continues the liquid refrigerant recovery phase of operation for an additional predetermined time period once the signal is sensed. Thereafter, the recovery system switches to the vapor recovery phase of operation for yet an additional time period. The system then switches between these two phases until a predetermined condition occurs. An alternative refrigeration system is ambient temperature sensitive for controlling the recovery modes of operation. A thermistor is electronically connected to the timer relay which in turn produces a delayed signal that is indicative of the sensed ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging a closed, pressurizable fluid system with an appropriate fluid, comprising a) connecting to the system a closed, unpressurized container containing a predetermined amount of the fluid, b) mechanically forcing the contents out of the container into the system being recharged, and c) disconnecting the container. Preferably, the container is a cylindrical cartridge having a piston sealably disposed therein to displace the cartridge contents. The method and apparatus are effective in recharging various pressurized systems and fluids, such as air conditioning and refrigeration coolant lines, dye injectors, oils, chemicals, glue and the like.