Murray Corporation

Dennis P Eichenlaub

Robert H Proctor

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it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides new, make-up refrigerant to the air conditioner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge.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. Self-testing of both the microprocessor and associated electrical elements, and of mechanical elements such as conduits, valves and a scale is performed. The operator may command the microprocessor to display, in smaller print, a relatively large volume of detailed instructional material dealing with specific checking procedures or repair. A separator is provided which has a float-operated switch to limit the amount of liquid accumulated in it, and has an inlet spaced from the float, and a support for dessicant located above the maximum liquid level.

Air conditioner charging station with same refrigerant return and method

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 determining whether the air conditioning system has a cycling or a non-cyling clutch and providing a valid set of actual system values based on whether the clutch is cycling or non-cycling, compares actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, and displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen. Self-testing of both the microprocessor and associated electrical elements, and of mechanical elements such as conduits, valves and a scale is performed. the operator may command the microprocessor to display, in smaller print, a relatively large volume of detailed instrucitonal material dealing with specific checking procedures or repair. 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 conditoner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge.

System and method for diagnosing the operation of air conditioner systems

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 preselected commands upon receipt of signals indicating conditions of temperature, pressure, etc. The reclaimed refrigerant is deposited into a reservoir, which contains a float that cooperates with a level sensor and signal generator to send a signal when the liquid level has reached a predetermined position. This signal causes a valve in the discharge line from the reservoir to close, to prevent discharge of gas from the reservoir. The charging station includes a high pressure conduit and a low pressure conduit which are attached to the air conditioner to be serviced, there being a crossover conduit between them with a solenoid valve in it; the solenoid valve is controlled by a pressure switch sensing pressure on the high pressure side, and the microprocessor, the parts being connected through a relay such that when an excess of pressure occurs, the relay is shifted so as to by-pass the microprocessor to maintain the solenoid valve energized, with the valve thereby being closed.

Growing community of inventors

Kingstown, MD, United States of America

Dennis P Eichenlaub