US3837173A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Accumulator with refrigerant level indicating means
Assignee: Carrier Corp
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Filing: 1973-03-29
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Granted: 1974-09-24
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Expires: 1993-03-29
Abstract
Abstract A dead-end tube extending from the side wall of the accumulator in a flooded evaporator refrigeration system having a fixed expansion device, for indicating the level of liquid refrigerant in the accumulator to facilitate the charging of the system. The tube is located at a position coincident with the liquid refrigerant level in the accumulator existing when the system has an optimum charge of refrigerant at predetermined operating conditions. To charge the system, it is run at the predetermined operating conditions while adding refrigerant, until the tube sweats or frosts over to indicate that the liquid level has reached the tube.
Inventors
- 👤 G Kuttruff
- 👤 R Durham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:41
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B43/00; F25B43/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A refrigerant accumulator for use in a flooded evaporator compression refrigeration system having a fixed expansion device, said accumulator comprising: wall means defining a chamber for receiving refrigerant; an inlet to said chamber; an outlet for directing vaporized refrigerant from said chamber; a tube extending horizontally outwardly from said wall means and terminating in a free end, said tube being closed at said free end and having a single opening at the juncture of said tube with said wall means into said chamber at the liquid refrigerant level in said chamber when the system has an optimum charge of refrigerant under predetermined operating conditions, said tube receiving liquid refrigerant when said level is attained and the exterior surface of said tube collecting frost or condensed moisture in response to the entry of liquid refrigerant into said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A refrigerant accumulator for use in a flooded evaporator compression refrigeration system having a fixed expansion device, said accumulator comprising: wall means defining a chamber for receiving refrigerant; an inlet to said chamber; an outlet for directing vaporized refrigerant from said chamber; a tube extending horizontally outwardly from said wall means and terminating in a free end, said tube being closed at said free end and having a single opening at the juncture of said tube with said wall means into said chamber at the liquid refrigerant level in said chamber when the system has an optimum charge of refrigerant under predetermined operating conditions, said tube receiving liquid refrigerant when said level is attained and the exterior surface of said tube collecting frost or condensed moisture in response to the entry of liquid refrigerant into said tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2770105A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-23 | 1978-03-25 | 1978-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-23 | 1982-03-25 | 1982-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-23 | 1986-03-25 | 1986-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |