With Refrigerant Treater Patents (Class 62/474)
  • Patent number: 5509276
    Abstract: A universal condenser for an air conditioning system for replacing a custom built condenser. The universal condenser enables use of standardized parts resulting in less inventory requirements. The universal condenser includes a tube assembly fastener and mounting rails for supporting the condenser in an engine well. The standardized parts include a limited number of specifically designed brackets, a set of tubes, and the fastener for securing a tube to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Tripac International
    Inventor: Stephen W. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5490397
    Abstract: There is used a refrigerant which is lower in a saturated water concentration in gas phase than in liquid phase, such as, for example, Freon-134a or Freon-22. In a body block 46 of a box-shaped expansion valve there are formed by-passes 77, 81 and 86 for by-passing a portion of the refrigerant evaporated in an evaporator 41. Halfway in the by-passes 77, 81 and 86 a cooling cylinder 73 is disposed for cooling the refrigerant present in those by-passes, and further a filter 83 is disposed for collecting the water contained in the refrigerant. In addition, a water permeating membrane 88 is disposed in a water discharge passage 79 formed in the body block 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Kitamura, Shin Honda, Hisayoshi Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 5487279
    Abstract: A heat exchanger or condenser for a refrigerant system having an inlet tubular heat exchange surface and an enlarged tubular outlet. A cartridge type filter/drier has a shell or canister containing desiccant secured to a header with an outlet. In one embodiment the header is welded in the condenser enlarged outlet; and, in another embodiment the header is sealed in the enlarged outlet by an o-ring and retained by deforming the outlet tube over the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William N. Eybergen, Wayne K. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 5471854
    Abstract: An accumulator for use in an automobile, has an inner housing located within an outer housing. The inner housing has a channel formed therein, such that a fluid-tight flow path which goes down one side across the bottom and back up the other side to an exit orifice is defined. A cap having inlet and outlet orifices therethrough is secured to the outer housing and seals both the inner and the outer housings to prevent any leakage of any fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. DeNolf
  • Patent number: 5461883
    Abstract: A compression refrigerating machine for enabling an alternative refrigerant to be used by removing water content or chlorine which may be mixed into a lubricating oil. The compression refrigerating machine includes a vaporizer, a condenser, a compressor for compressing a refrigerant gas from the vaporizer, a drive source for driving the compressor, a lubricating oil line in which a lubricating oil is circulated and a refrigerant line in which a refrigerant is circulated. The lubricating oil line provides with a device for removing water content or for removing chlorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Terasaki
  • Patent number: 5456089
    Abstract: A universal condenser for an air conditioning system for replacing a custom built condenser. The universal condenser enables use of standardized parts resulting in less inventory requirements. The universal condenser includes a tube assembly fastener and mounting rails for supporting the condenser in an engine well. The standardized parts include a limited number of specifically designed brackets, a set of tubes, and the fastener for securing a tube to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Tripac, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5440898
    Abstract: This refrigerant filter-drier core is molded from a permeable matrix which includes desiccant particles, a binder and reinforcing fibers, the fibers being fixed in place by the binder and being effective to impart strength and permeability to the filter-drier core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Sporlan Valve Company
    Inventor: Thomas L. Starr
  • Patent number: 5435153
    Abstract: A receiver/drier for fluid refrigerant having the housing formed of an aluminum header with a centrally disposed outlet port and off-center inlet port welded to an aluminum canister. A header sub-assembly is formed with an outlet tube with one attached to the header outlet port. A basket with a perforated bottom is filled with desiccant and the open end is attached to the header with the outlet tube ending through an aperture in the bottom of the basket. A layer of filter material is disposed adjacent the perforated bottom of the basket, the inner face of the header has plural concentric grooves interconnecting the inlet port and another layer of filter material disposed adjacent the grooved face of the header; and these grooves distribute flow over the filter in the event of contaminant accumulations in the inlet. The basket is attached to the header to complete the header sub-assembly prior to welding of the header to the aluminum canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne K. Hutchison, William N. Eybergen
  • Patent number: 5425250
    Abstract: A receiver/dryer assembly for a refrigeration system formed of a drawn aluminum canister having desiccant material contained in a basket secured to an aluminum header welded to the canister. An inlet port is provided in the header and an outlet tube is received through the desiccant basket and is attached to a central outlet port in the header. An inlet tube has an annular convolution formed on one end with an apertured attachment block bearing against the convolution on one side to compress a seal ring on the opposite side for sealing the tube over the inlet port, and the block is fastened to the header with a cap screw. A pair of aluminum studs are welded to the outside of the canister and a retaining bracket received over studs and retained by nuts threaded on the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne K. Hutchison, William N. Eybergen
  • Patent number: 5419141
    Abstract: An air conditioner arrangement for a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, having a condenser designed as a block of tubes and ribs with lateral collecting tubes on both sides. One of the collecting tubes forms a structural unit with a collector, which contains a dryer and has a cage-shaped sleeve in which dryer granulate is contained in a bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Roland Burk
  • Patent number: 5402655
    Abstract: A porous filter having a pore size of no more than 80 .mu.m is provided in a refrigerant flow passage of a refrigeration system. The filter may be provided in a drier provided in the refrigerant flow passage or in a separate filter casing provided in the refrigerant flow passage. Alternatively, the filter may be provided in the refrigerant flow passage within a sealed casing of a refrigerant compressor which is incorporated in the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Refrigerator Company
    Inventors: Masao Mangyo, Seishi Nakaoka, Shuichi Yakushi, Shinya Ito, Takao Kawashima, Satoshi Wada, Hideki Kawai
  • Patent number: 5398523
    Abstract: The receiver dryer includes a cylindrical body with fluid inlet and outlet ports that allow fluid communication between the interior of the body and the refrigeration circuit. The body includes a concave section. The concave section extends downwardly of the bottom portion of the body. A fluid outlet pipe extends into the interior of the concave portion. Therefore, the receiver dryer can reduce the refrigerant volume in the refrigeration circuit without decrease of the refrigerating capacity, since the receiver dryer promotes separation of liquid and gaseous refrigerant. Thus, the receiver dryer can be made compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Yoshii, Toshiyuki Kawai
  • Patent number: 5395524
    Abstract: A filter for a refrigeration unit having a heat exchange fluid supply conduit. The filter is a substantially cylindrical filter screen having a radial flange disposed at each end. One or more filters are disposed along the entire length of the fluid supply conduit to maximize the surface area of the filter screen. Each radial flange has a gasket disposed thereon for providing a seal that prevents the fluid from circumventing the filter screen of the one or more filters. As fluid passes through the conduit, it flows radially through the filter along the entire length of the conduit thereby reducing the adverse effect on fluid pressure in the conduit and passes through the screen, into a volume defined exterior to the filter, thereby minimizing the pressure drop experienced along the fluid supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Multistack, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Sugg
  • Patent number: 5395509
    Abstract: A container (10) for a filter (12) has a cylindrical housing (16) receiving the filter (12) and permitting replacement of the filter (12) from an open end. An enlarged diameter fitting (22) is secured about the open end of the cylindrical housing (16) and has retaining lugs (30) for retaining a removable end cap assembly. The removable end cap assembly has an anchor plate (40) with projections (46) that are received within arcuate slots (32) of the end fitting (22). The anchor plate (40) is coupled to an end cap (42) for rotation to position the projections (46) beneath the lugs (30) to restrain outward movement of the anchor plate (40). A single bolt (44) through the end cap (42) is threaded to the anchor plate (40). Rotation of the bolt draws the anchor plate (40) tightly against the lugs (30). The end cap (42) is simultaneously forced against an O-ring (36 ) disposed on the outer end (50) of fitting (22) for sealing the end cap to the container. An embodiment of FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Valycontrol S.A. De C.V.
    Inventors: Carlos J. Guerra Cisneros, Jose A. Rico Mora
  • Patent number: 5375327
    Abstract: A receiver dryer for an automobile air conditioning system embodies a cylindrical housing having a spin-closed top end; an inlet tube and an outlet tube inserted in holes drilled in the top end of the housing and both extending through the housing to their respective predetermined positions; and an axially inserted desiccant bag and thermoplastic perforate filter. The outlet tube extends through a hole in the filter to a predetermined position from the bottom end of the housing, and a retainer clip holds the filter at a set position in the housing while the bottom end of the housing is spin-closed. Spin closing the bottom end creates a thermal gradient in the wall of the housing such that the thermoplastic perforate filter is thermally bonded at its edge to irregularities of the inner surface of the housing thereby forming a barrier to any particulates which might otherwise have passed by the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry R. Searfoss, Ronald J. Sievert
  • Patent number: 5364540
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a fluid stream wherein the fluid stream is passed through a first filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a first preselected micron level, then through a desiccant media bed zone including a multiplicity of desiccant beads to dry the fluid stream and then through a second filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a second preselected micron level below said first micron level so as to remove smaller particulate materials including particulates from said first filtering zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: George J. Sciuto
  • Patent number: 5347829
    Abstract: A bottom outlet type air conditioning accumulator canister avoids the drain down problem inherent with bottom outlets by providing an internal return tube that has two complete loops, including three legs and an upper and lower bight. A bleed hole assembly for aspirating out collected liquid is located in the lower bight, while the upper bight prevents drain down through the bleed hole when the system sits idle. The upper bight is also located just below the upper end of the return tube, so that a pair of saddle bag style desiccant pouches can be hung over the upper tube end and rest on the upper bight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Newman
  • Patent number: 5311750
    Abstract: An oil collector unit of a refrigerant recovery system includes a housing, an interior middle vertical wall disposed in the housing, an interior middle horizontal wall disposed in the housing and intersecting the interior vertical wall and defining left and right pairs of upper and lower chambers on opposite sides of the middle vertical wall having passageways between the upper and lower chambers at opposite ends of the middle horizontal wall which are spaced from the opposite ends of the housing, and a plurality of tubes connected in flow communication with selected ones of the chambers of the housing so as to define a circuitous flow path through the chambers of the housing permitting travel of a fluid mixture of refrigerant and oil therethrough and separation of oil from refrigerant therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: John P. Stark
  • Patent number: 5301520
    Abstract: There is used a refrigerant which is lower in a saturated water concentration in gas phase than in liquid phase, such as, for example, Freon-134a or Freon-22. In a body block 46 of a box-shaped expansion valve there are formed by-passes 77, 81 and 86 for by-passing a portion of the refrigerant evaporated in an evaporator 41. Halfway in the by-passes 77, 81 and 86 a cooling cylinder 73 is disposed for cooling the refrigerant present in those by-passes, and further a filter 83 is disposed for collecting the water contained in the refrigerant. In addition, a water permeating membrane 88 is disposed in a water discharge passage 79 formed in the body block 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Kitamura, Shin Honda, Hisayoshi Sakakibara, Masashi Honda
  • Patent number: 5289697
    Abstract: A refrigerant receiver/drier having an inner cup-shaped shell received over a standpipe and filled with desiccant beads which are retained by a closure plate fitted over the standpipe. Louvered flow openings are formed in the bottom of the cup and the closure plate with a layer of filter material disposed adjacent the openings. The subassembly thus formed is then secured to a header or base; and, an outer shell received thereover and secured to the header by weldment. The standpipe is press-fitted into the header outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne K. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 5245842
    Abstract: A receiver dryer for an automobile air conditioning system embodies a cylindrical housing having a spin-closed top end; an inlet tube and an outlet tube inserted in holes drilled in the top end of the housing and both extending through the housing to their respective predetermined positions; and an axially inserted desiccant bag and thermoplastic perforate filter. The outlet tube extends through a hole in the filter to a predetermined position from the bottom end of the housing, and a retainer clip holds the filter at a set position in the housing while the bottom end of the housing is spin-closed. Spin closing the bottom end creates a thermal gradient in the wall of the housing such that the thermoplastic perforate filter is thermally bonded at its edge to irregularities of the inner surface of the housing thereby forming a barrier to any particulates which might otherwise have passed by the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Fayette Tubular Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry R. Searfoss, Ronald J. Sievert
  • Patent number: 5222378
    Abstract: A filter/separator for a vehicle air conditioning system includes an outer container and an inner container. A first chamber is defined between the outer and inner containers. A second chamber is defined by the inner container. The first chamber is filled with the coolant. An inlet is formed in a wall of the outer container, communicating a condenser with the first chamber. A first tube extends in and through a wall of the inner container with a first end thereof located in the first chamber and a second end thereof communicating with an expansion valve. A filter is provided in the first chamber between the inlet and the first end of the first tube for filtering water and other undesired articles carried by the coolant. A second tube has a first end communicating with an evaporator and a second end in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Pan C. Chuan
  • Patent number: 5201195
    Abstract: A receiver dehydrator for a refrigeration system for heating and cooling accommodates flow in either direction. It comprises a canister with openings near the top for coupling to refrigerant lines, and tubes inside the canister extending from the openings to tube mouths at the bottom of the canister for either intake or withdrawal of liquid. A baffle between the mouths allows liquid passage from either mouth to the other but inhibits flow of gas bubbles. The baffle has many perforations for liquid flow and an inclined vane outside each opening directs rising bubbles away from the perforations to encourage migration to the top of the canister. Alternate perforations have vanes on opposite sides of the baffle for gas-liquid separation in either flow direction. A desiccant bag between each tube mouth and the baffle further aids in such migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gavlak, Ardeean Scoccia
  • Patent number: 5184471
    Abstract: A food products chiller and method of using the same as provided. The chiller includes a container for receiving and holding the food product, a cooling station for cooling liquid coolant, an ultraviolet radiation station for reducing the microbial contaminants in the coolant, and a circulation system for circulating the coolant from the cooling station to the container, from the container to the ultraviolet radiation station, and from the ultraviolet radiation station to the cooling station for reintroduction into the container for cooling additional food products. In the chilling method, the food products are chilled by exposure to the coolant liquid as the drum rotates. The liquid is drained from the drum, filtered and subjected to ultraviolet radiation so as to kill the microbial contaminants in the coolant. The coolant is then recirculated to the cooling station for re-cooling and re-introduction into the drum for chilling additional food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: OCS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Losacco, Donald L. Catton
  • Patent number: 5179780
    Abstract: A receiver-dehydrator assembly for use in an automobile air conditioning system is provided which incorporates a seamless, aluminum canister with universal-style inlet-to-outlet connector construction. The universal orientation feature consists of an octagonal perimeter at the top of the canister, which accommodates location of the outlet connector in relation to the inlet connector in any 45 degree radial increment. Mechanical joining processes are employed during the manufacturing of this assembly, so as to maximize the cleanliness and dimensional integrity of the assembly. The versatile, one piece canister design provides a clean, seamless, leak free integral assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas C. Wintersteen, Lynn R. Hamilton, Donald E. Mikesell, Gerald R. Sheets
  • Patent number: 5149429
    Abstract: A filter for removing contaminants from refrigerant, consisting of an elongate closed container having a first end, a second end and an interior. An inlet is positioned adjacent to the first end. An outlet is positioned adjacent to the second end. Desiccant substantially fills the interior of the container. A plurality of liquid impervious and vapor flow retarding membranes are positioned transversely within the interior of the container forming vapour barriers. The desiccant is divided into a plurality of layers separated by the membranes. Refrigerant enters the inlet and passes through the plurality of layers prior to exiting the container via the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Norman L. Baker
  • Patent number: 5146767
    Abstract: A condenser for a motor vehicle air conditioning system includes an inlet header and an outlet header with a plurality of baffles forming passages for connection to a plurality of parallel tubes to form a plurality of refrigerant flow passes through the condenser and a liquid refrigerant separator device, provided either as a refrigerant dehydrator receiver or as a subcooler tube, is connected across one of the baffles in the outlet header to direct high pressure liquid refrigerant in parallel flow relationship to the plurality of parallel tubes and wherein the separator device includes desiccant to dehydrate the refrigerant flowing through the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Prasad S. Kadle, Barry J. Frombgen, John P. Telesz
  • Patent number: 5138847
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an environmentally safe, lightweight, portable, user-friendly, self-contained, low-maintenance, refrigerant recycling, purification, and storage system capable of removing refrigerants from refrigeration units for subsequent cleaning of acids and impurities such that the refrigerant will be easily recovered and reused instead of being carelessly released into the atmosphere. In addition to recovery and reuse, the present invention can be used to then recharge the refrigeration system with clean refrigerant or function as a leak tester, or remove obstructions from blocked lines or function as a vacuum pump. Refrigerant is evacuated by placing the lightweight device beside the unit to be repaired and then evacuating the refrigerant through a disposable filter and into a storage tank. The entire operation is completed at a relatively low pressure and because of the lightweight, can be accomplished on-site thereby obviating the need to remove the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Ozone Saver Industries
    Inventor: Scott S. Rollins
  • Patent number: 5123259
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for refrigerant recovery which removes refrigerant in liquid form from an air conditioning unit by cooling the refrigerant, thereby creating a temperature gradient between the air conditioning unit and the recovery apparatus which urges the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit into the apparatus, and then storing the refrigerant in a tank. Refrigerant vapor is pumped from the tank back into the air conditioning unit, thereby avoiding pressure buildup in the tank and also preventing the liquid refrigerant from being retained in the air conditioning unit due to vacuum created therein by the refrigerant removal. Cooling apparatus within the recovery apparatus uses a separate supply of refrigerant to cool the refrigerant, and neither the air conditioning unit itself nor the removed refrigerant is used for this purpose, allowing refrigerant removal from an inoperative air conditioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: B M, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward C. Morgan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5089119
    Abstract: A filter for the lubricating oil and refrigerant within refrigerators, freezers and heat pumps is provided which does not interfere with the cooling cycle. The filter utilizes a housing with an orifice that functions as an outlet and an inlet for the transfer of fluids. The filter withdrawn fluids from a location between the compressor and the condenser when the compressor cycles on and returns the fluids when the compressor cycles off. Preferred embodiments of this invention provide for the release of additives to the fluids from the filter material. Also provided by the invention are vapor compression cycle devices which incorporate such a filter and a method of filtering said fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Day, Arnold Factor, Charles E. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 5072593
    Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Leon R. Van Steenburgh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5038582
    Abstract: A liquid receiver arranged in such a manner that the upper portion of the tank body is arranged to have a large diameter, the lower portion of the same is arranged to have a small diameter, the overall body or the lower portion of the small-diameter portion is tapered off, and a desiccant charging portion is supported by a stepped portion created between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion. Thus, the quantity of the storaged refrigerant can be reduced and the liquid level can be stabilized so that only the liquid refrigerant is allowed to flow and the work for assembling the desiccant charging portion can be performed easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Calsonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 5038578
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system which includes a compressor having an input coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an output coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container. The evaporator and condenser are contained within a closed cylindrical canister for heat exchange and oil separation, the canister having an oil drain valve in the bottom. The refrigerant storage container is carried by a scale having a limit switch coupled to control electronics to prevent or terminate further refrigeant recovery when the container is full. The entire system, including the control electronics, is mounted on a two-wheel hand truck to facilitate transport to a job site such as a building air conditioning or heat pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Manz, Roger D. Shirley
  • Patent number: 5033271
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system which includes a compressor having an input coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an output coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container. The evaporator and condenser are contained within a closed cylindrical canister for heat exchange and oil separation, the canister having an oil drain valve in the bottom. The refrigerant storage container is carried by a scale having a limit switch coupled to control electronics to prevent or terminate further refrigerant recovery when the container is full. The entire system, including the control electronics, is mounted on a two-wheel hand truck to facilitate transport to a job site such as a building air conditioning or heat pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Manz, Roger D. Shirley
  • Patent number: 4994185
    Abstract: A combined heat shielding and bonding device for shielding an adsorbent packet from heat experienced during fabrication of a refrigerant receiver housing in which the packet is located and for bonding the adsorbent packet to conduits within the receiver including a planar flexible metal sleeve surrounding the adsorbent packet and conduits in the vicinity where the housing is to be welded to thereby conduct heat away from the packet during the welding process, and a film of heat-meltable plastic on the inside surface of the sleeve facing the adsorbent packet and the conduits for being melted by heat experienced during the welding process and thus effecting adhesion between the sleeve and the adsorbent packet and the conduits to thereby retain the packet in fixed relationship to the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Multiform Desiccants, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cullen, Samuel A. Incorvia
  • Patent number: 4982576
    Abstract: An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides new, make-up refrigerant to the air conditioner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge. A microprocessor provides a diagnostic capability, and includes tables of acceptable values of parameters, such as air discharge temperature, suction pressure, etc., for different automobile makes and air conditioner types; provision is made for adjusting the acceptable ranges of such values due to one or more ambient factors, of which ambient relative humidity may be one. The microprocessor, after comparing actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Murray Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Proctor, Dennis P. Eichenlaub
  • Patent number: 4942741
    Abstract: The container is provided for use in a refrigerant recovery device. The container includes a refrigerant storage tank having a wall defining an exterior and generally hollow interior. A tank inlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow from the exterior of the tank to the interior of the tank. A tank outlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow from the interior of the tank to the exterior of the tank. A contaminant canister is provided for separating contaminants from refrigerant and for storing the contaminants so separated. The contaminant canister includes a wall defining an interior and an exterior, and is disposed substantially within the interior of the refrigerant storage tank. A canister inlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow into the canister and a canister outlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow out of the canister. A canister removal means is provided for removing contaminant from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventors: John P. Hancock, Ralph A. McClelland
  • Patent number: 4920766
    Abstract: A receiver comprising a closed tank having a top wall with a planar upper surface. The top wall is formed with a blind screw bore and two refrigerant channels each having an outer end opened at the wall upper surface and an enlarged portion at the outer end. Inlet and outlet refrigerant pipes are connected to the top wall and inserted each at its one end in the respective channels. Each refrigerant pipe has an annular projection formed on its outer periphery over the entire circumference thereof and fitted in the channel enlarged portion. A fixing plate having a planar lower surface is disposed over the wall upper surface for fixing the pipes to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Yamamoto, Kanichi Shiina, Toshinori Tokutake
  • Patent number: 4912934
    Abstract: A hermetically closed circulation type, vapor absorption refrigerator which comprises a high temperature regenerator, a low temperature regenerator a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber and heat exchangers in a hermetically closed circulation system as essential constituent members composed of iron-based materials, where refrigeration is produced by repetitions of concentration of an absorbing solution sealed into the circulation system, dilution with a cooling medium and heat exchange, the inside wall of the high temperature regenerator being provided with a composite film of molybdenum oxides and iron oxide can be operated stably with a high reliability or corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Itoh, Heihatiro Midorikawa, Kazutoshi Itoh, Yasumasa Furutani, Michihiko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 4908132
    Abstract: An impact and vibration resistent receiver dehydrator for use in a refrigeration or air conditioning system includes a body (10) enclosing a desiccant core (24). The core includes a projection (32) at a first end and a flat face (38) at a second end. The projection is nested in a resilient core support (50) which in turn is supported by a spring loaded baffle plate (56). The resilient core support is positioned in a recess (58) in the baffle plate. The baffle plate includes a radially extending flange (60) which serves to hold the baffle plate and first end of the core in fixed position relative to the interior of said receiver dehydrator body. The face of the second end of the core is supported by a perforated disc (42). A compressible filter pad (46) is positioned between the disc and the core. The filter pad wraps around the edge (40) of the core and serves to space and cushion the core from the interior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Koval, Robert C. Aman, Jr., Walter O. Krause
  • Patent number: 4811571
    Abstract: A refrigerant drier constructed to maintain compression of a desiccant to reduce the formation of refrigerant contaminating dust caused by attrition of the desiccant when the drier is used in applications subject to vibration. The desiccant is maintained in compression by a compression spring and barbed spring follower. Composite laminated filters are disposed adjacent to each end of the desiccant, with each composite filter including a fiberglass filter pad, which has excellent filtration characteristics for preventing any attrition dust which is generated from leaving either end of the drier. Each composite filter also includes a filter pad selected for durability which is disposed immediately adjacent to the desiccant, to cushion and protect the fragile fiberglass from aggressive action by the dessiccant. Annular perimeter rings are disposed between the dessicant and the composite filters to prevent desiccant migration past the outer perimeters of the composite filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Mayer
  • Patent number: 4805416
    Abstract: A system for recovering, purifying and recharging refrigerant in a refrigeration system comprises a refrigerant compressor having an input connected through an evaporator and a recovery control valve to a refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be recovered, purified and recharged. A condenser is connected to the output of the compressor in heat exchange relation with the evaporator for liquifying refrigerant from the compressor output. Refrigerant liquified in the condenser is fed to a first port of a refrigerant storage container. During a purification cycle, refrigerant is circulated from a second port of the refrigerant storage container in a closed path through a circulation valve and a filter for removing water and other contaminants, and then returned to the first container port. The refrigeration system from which refrigerant has been recovered is evacuated to atmosphere through a vacuum valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Manz, Roger D. Shirley, Richard D. Parks, Dennis W. Hickman
  • Patent number: 4800737
    Abstract: An accumulator for use in an air conditioning system for an automotive vehicle includes a refrigerant processing cartridge with an outer casing, a desiccant, a filter, a separator, and a regulator for controlling the pressure of the refrigerant within the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Smith, Norman H. Dolinski, Jayendra J. Amin
  • Patent number: 4788833
    Abstract: A drier comprising a pressure cylinder formed by two cylinder parts. One cylinder part has inlet and outlet flow fittings on it, for connection of the cylinder in the refrigerant circuit. The two cylinder parts further have passages in them for the flow of the refrigerant, and desiccant modules mounted in the passages to remove water from the refrigerant. The two cylinder parts are made of molded plastic and are round and cup shaped. The annular open sides of the two parts are attached together by a lug-in-groove twist lock connection. Further, the annular open sides have a scarf joint formed thereon, and the parts are bonded together at the joint to form a strong integral construction. A sight glass is provided at one end of the cylinder and a blow-out plug may be provided at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Frigette Corporation
    Inventor: Luther R. Steele
  • Patent number: 4768355
    Abstract: An accumulator for use in an air conditioning system for an automotive vehicle includes a cylindrical housing with an inlet tube and an outlet tube extending through the housing, and an axially insertable refrigerant processing cartridge positioned within the housing and including an outer casing, a desiccant, a filter and a separator, all for processing the refrigerant flowing through the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Ronald G. Breuhan, Jayendra J. Amin
  • Patent number: 4756166
    Abstract: An integral receiver/dehydrator and expansion valve is disclosed in an automotive air conditioning system. A common housing comprises a receiver/dehydrator container surmounted by a connector body in a unitary construction. An electronically controlled expansion valve is disposed in an axial passage in the connector body and a valve chamber in the body connects the draw tube of the receiver/dehydrator to the valve orifice. An annular groove in the common wall between the connector body and the receiver/dehydrator container is connected by a radial passage through the body with the suction line of the receiver/dehydrator from the condenser. An annular chamber surrounding the valve outlet port is connected by a radial passage to the suction line of the evaporator. The radial passages may be disposed at any desired angle on the body to accommodate the connection of the receiver/dehydrator suction line and the evaporation suction line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn E. Tomasov
  • Patent number: 4745772
    Abstract: A portable air conditioner drier and chemical additive system feeder particularly useful for home and auto air conditioning systems. The unit is an in-line filter/drier with an input flexible line section and an output flexible line section connectable from a system high pressure fitting to the refrigerant system suction side valve fitting so that a portion of the system pumps high pressure gas output through the filter/drier for a short contaminant, moisture, and air removal running period of time generally to an extent of twenty to forty minutes. The filter/drier unit includes a screw top container that seals against leakage when threaded down normally containing a screen and filter material with a fill of desiccant particles cartridge which can be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: 4707999
    Abstract: A receiver has a good usage for receiving coolant in a refrigerant circuit. The receiver can improve the fixing and the connecting operation when the receiver is connected with the refrigerant circuit provided in an automotive engine room. The receiver is comprised of a receiver housing having a flat upper surface and a couple of block joints having a flat lower surface. The block joints are furnished on the upper surface of the receiver housing by screwing. The block joints have connecting halls an inlet and an outlet pipes are jointed therein. At least one of the connecting halls are formed vertically so that at least one of the inlet and the outlet pipes elongates upwardly. Therefore, the inlet or the outlet pipe has advantage to be connected easily and effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromi Ohta, Shinji Ogawa, Yosiharu Kajikawa, Keiichi Fukumura, Kiyomitsu Tsuchiya, Kiyoshi Kittaka, Katsushi Narita
  • Patent number: 4698985
    Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator assembly for an air conditioning system is provided with a desiccant canister outlet fitting having an integral particulate filter cage at one end an integral neck at an opposite end. The cage is insertable through and the neck is received in a flanged outlet opening in a desiccant canister that is received within the assembly's housing. The neck is also received from the interior of this housing in and sealingly engages with the housing's outlet connector. Both the neck and the flange about the canister outlet opening have radial holes which align and receive an exit end of the assembly's pickup tube arranged external of the canister. The neck and the canister outlet opening flange having cooperating angular alignment means that positively align their pickup tube accommodating holes angularly. The filter cage and the interior of the canister have cooperating longitudinal alignment means that positively align the pickup tube accommodating holes longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas C. Wintersteen
  • Patent number: 4689969
    Abstract: A refrigerated gas separation apparatus such as a refrigerated dryer for compressed air, includes a conditioner in the form of a shell and tube heat exchanger which cools incoming hot moist compressed air and warms outgoing cold dry air. The cooled moist gas is refrigerated by contact with a refrigeration system evaporator, in the form of a finned baffled coil, and the condensed moisture is removed in a moisture separator including a central conical baffle or shroud and peripheral longitudinal hooked scraper bars or baffles defining channels for collecting moisture and directing the liquid to a sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Wilkerson Corporation
    Inventor: Leon R. Van Steenburgh, Jr.