Apparatus and method for refrigerant fluid leak prevention
First Claim
1. Apparatus for preventing loss of refrigerant from, an air conditioning or refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, refrigerant expansion device, and an evaporator, the apparatus comprising a high-pressure diversion means, a trap for receiving over-pressurized refrigerant exhausted through the diversion means from said system, the diversion means remaining open, thereby allowing the trap to remain, at least one way, in communication with said system until serviced by service personnel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and method for preventing leakage of refrigerant fluid from a closed air conditioning or refrigeration system having a sealed compressor, an evaporator, a receiver and a condenser, the apparatus including a solenoid-actuated valve for segmenting the refrigerant within the closed system away from the most leak-prone area of the system. A pump is provided for the periodic spraying of lubrication fluid onto a condenser seal to prevent drying of the seal. A containment compartment or trap is provided for catching refrigerant diverted by a diversion valve, the containment compartment having an improved high pressure relief valve, with an indicator for indicating the occurrence of a high pressure exhaust of refrigerant into the atmosphere.
85 Citations
26 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for preventing loss of refrigerant from, an air conditioning or refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, refrigerant expansion device, and an evaporator, the apparatus comprising a high-pressure diversion means, a trap for receiving over-pressurized refrigerant exhausted through the diversion means from said system, the diversion means remaining open, thereby allowing the trap to remain, at least one way, in communication with said system until serviced by service personnel.
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15. A method for preventing release of refrigerant into the atmosphere from an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, a refrigerant metering device, and an evaporator, the method comprising the steps of:
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a.) providing a non-reseating diversion means for the diversion of over pressurized refrigerant from the system; b.) receiving and containing refrigerant diverted by the diversion means into a trap, the trap remaining in communication with said system until said system is serviced. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. Apparatus for preventing loss of refrigeration chemicals from an air conditioning or refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, a refrigerant expansion means and an evaporator, the apparatus comprising:
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a) a solenoid actuated valve that is normally closed when the system is not in use, said solenoid valve used for the purpose of creating non-communicating segments in said system, thereby preventing one non-leaking segment from providing refrigeration chemicals to another potential leaking segment, hence reducing overall environmental damage; b) a pump for pumping lubricant, the pump electrically operated when manually turned on, using an electrical circuit not associated with cooling of said system; c) conduit means to convey lubricant from the pump to the area of the compressor seal assembly thereby moistening said compressor seal assembly; d) a sump with conduit means for collecting excess lubricant flowing from said seal assembly area; e) conduit means to convey lubricant from the sump to said pump for recirculation to said seal assembly.
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24. Apparatus for preventing loss of refrigerant from an air conditioning or refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an expansion device and an evaporator, the apparatus comprising:
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a) a solenoid actuated valve that is normally closed when the system is not in use, the solenoid valve used for the purpose of creating two non-communicating segments, thereby preventing a non-leaking segment from providing refrigerant flow to a potential leaking segment during periods when the system is not in use; b) a trap for receiving refrigerant exhausted through a diversion means the diversion means opening at a predetermined pressure, said diversion means remaining open until serviced by service personnel, said diversion means provided to relieve pressure during a high pressure crisis in said system. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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Specification