US4688388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Service station for refrigeration equipment
Assignee: SPX Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1985-04-29
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Granted: 1987-08-25
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Expires: 2005-04-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for service and recharge of refrigeration equipment, with particular application to automotive air conditioning equipment. A vacuum pump, and oil and refrigerant charge containers are housed within a portable enclosure and configured for selective connection by electrically operated solenoid valves to refrigeration equipment under service. The refrigerant and oil containers are carried by a scale which provides electrical outputs signals as a function of weight of refrigerant and oil remaining in the containers. A microprocessor-based controller receives the scale signals and control signals from an operator panel for automatically cycling through vacuum, oil charge and refrigerant charge stages in a programmed mode of operation. The microprocessor-based controller includes facility for operator programming of the vacuum time and oil and refrigerant charge quantities, and for self- or operator-implemented diagnostics. Operating conditions and stages are displayed at all times to the operator.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph C. Lower
- 👤 Kenneth W. Manz
- 👤 Gary P. Murray
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 01:26
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B45/00; B; B60; B60H; B60H1/00; B60H1/00507; B60H1/00585; F25B2345/00; F25B2345/001; F25B2345/003; F25B2345/005; F25B2345/0052
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
322 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming mode of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in said programming mode of operation, and means in said automatic mode of operation for initially displaying in each of said first and second stages a corresponding said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means and for thereafter decrementing said display as a function of operation to indicate progress of the corresponding said stage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
322 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming mode of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in said programming mode of operation, and means in said automatic mode of operation for initially displaying in each of said first and second stages a corresponding said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means and for thereafter decrementing said display as a function of operation to indicate progress of the corresponding said stage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
246 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in said programming mode of operation, and means for initially displaying in each of said first and second stages a corresponding said preselected time and quantity, and for thereafter decrementing said display as a function of operation to indicate progress of the corresponding said stage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
246 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in said programming mode of operation, and means for initially displaying in each of said first and second stages a corresponding said preselected time and quantity, and for thereafter decrementing said display as a function of operation to indicate progress of the corresponding said stage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
300 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, means for detecting malfunction of said apparatus, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
300 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, means for detecting malfunction of said apparatus, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein said control means further comprises means responsive to said malfunction detecting means in said automatic mode of operation and coupled to said keypad for reinitiating said automatic mode of operation at the stage at which the malfunction occurred.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
235 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, means for detecting malfunction of said apparatus, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
235 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, means for detecting malfunction of said apparatus, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 5 wherein said control means further comprises means responsive to said malfunction-detecting means in said automatic mode of operation and coupled to said keypad for reinitiating said automatic mode of operation at the stage at which the malfunction occurred.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
291 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic mode of operation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
291 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic mode of operation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged,
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged,
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
190 words
control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigerator equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic control mode of operation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
190 words
control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigerator equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic control mode of operation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
317 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said second keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
317 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator and including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation, and alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said second keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
239 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, and means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, said control means further comprising means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said second keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
239 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, and means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, said control means further comprising means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said second keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
266 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of oil, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized oil and refrigerant sources to refrigeration equipment to be charged; an alphanumeric keypad mounted on an operator panel, said keypad containing a plurality of numeric data and sequence control keys; an alphanumeric display mounted on said panel; and control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, for connecting said pressurized oil source to the refrigerator equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of oil under pressure to the refrigeration equipment, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a third stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, means coupled to said keypad in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantities, means coupled to said alphanumeric display means for displaying said preselected time and said preselected quantities at said display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, said sequence control keys including means coupled to said control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, means for detecting malfunction of said apparatus, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
266 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of oil, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized oil and refrigerant sources to refrigeration equipment to be charged; an alphanumeric keypad mounted on an operator panel, said keypad containing a plurality of numeric data and sequence control keys; an alphanumeric display mounted on said panel; and control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, for connecting said pressurized oil source to the refrigerator equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of oil under pressure to the refrigeration equipment, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a third stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, means coupled to said keypad in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantities, means coupled to said alphanumeric display means for displaying said preselected time and said preselected quantities at said display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, said sequence control keys including means coupled to said control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, means for detecting malfunction of said apparatus, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 11 wherein said control means further comprises means responsive to said malfunction detecting means in said automatic mode of operation and coupled to said keypad for reinitiating said automatic mode of operation at the stage at which the malfunction occurred.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
259 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of oil, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized oil and refrigerant sources to refrigeration equipment to be charged; an alphanumeric keypad mounted on an operator panel, said keypad containing a plurality of numeric data and sequence control keys; an alphanumeric display mounted on said panel; and control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, for connecting said pressurized oil source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of oil under pressure to the refrigeration equipment, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a third stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, means coupled to said keypad in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantities, means coupled to said alphanumeric display means for displaying said preselected time and said preselected quantities at said display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic control mode of operation, said sequence control keys including means coupled to said control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
259 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of oil, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized oil and refrigerant sources to refrigeration equipment to be charged; an alphanumeric keypad mounted on an operator panel, said keypad containing a plurality of numeric data and sequence control keys; an alphanumeric display mounted on said panel; and control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, for connecting said pressurized oil source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of oil under pressure to the refrigeration equipment, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a third stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, means coupled to said keypad in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantities, means coupled to said alphanumeric display means for displaying said preselected time and said preselected quantities at said display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic control mode of operation, said sequence control keys including means coupled to said control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
284 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of oil, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized oil and refrigerant sources to refrigeration equipment to be charged; an alphanumeric keypad mounted on an operator panel, said keypad containing a plurality of numeric data and sequence control keys; an alphanumeric display mounted on said panel; and control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, for connecting said pressurized oil source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of oil under pressure to the refrigeration equipment, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a third stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, means coupled to said keypad in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantities, means coupled to said alphanumeric display means for displaying said preselected time and said preselected quantities at said display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, said sequence control keys including means coupled to said control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said sequence control keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
284 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of oil, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized oil and refrigerant sources to refrigeration equipment to be charged; an alphanumeric keypad mounted on an operator panel, said keypad containing a plurality of numeric data and sequence control keys; an alphanumeric display mounted on said panel; and control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, for connecting said pressurized oil source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of oil under pressure to the refrigeration equipment, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a third stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, means coupled to said keypad in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantities, means coupled to said alphanumeric display means for displaying said preselected time and said preselected quantities at said display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, said sequence control keys including means coupled to said control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said sequence control keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
244 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator, said sequence display means including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
244 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator, coupled to said control means and comprising an alphanumeric keypad having first keys associated with numeric data and second keys associated with sequence commands, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, and sequence display means for indicating mode of operation of said control means to an operator, said sequence display means including means coordinated with said sequence command second keys for indicating to an operator ones of said sequence command second keys to be activated for transfer between said modes of operation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 15 further comprising alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein said control means further comprises means operable in said automatic mode of operation for initially displaying in each of said first, second and third stages a corresponding said preselected time and quantity, and for thereafter decrementing said display as a function of operation to indicate progress of the corresponding said stage.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein said control means further comprises means for detecting malfunction of said system, and means for displaying an error message at said alphanumeric display means corresponding to the detected malfunction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein said control means further comprises means for indicating at said alphanumeric display means completion of said automatic control mode of operation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein said control means further comprises means distinct from said means operable in said automatic mode and responsive to said second keys for coupling said refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment to transfer a predetermined quantity of refrigerant to the equipment independently of said automatic mode.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
80 words
The appartus set forth in claim 16 further comprising scale means for providing to said control means signals indicative of weight on said scale means, said oil and refrigerant sources being mounted on said scale means, and means responsive to operator activation for initiating a scale test mode of operation, said control means including means operable in said scale test mode of operation and responsive to said signals for indicating weight on said scale means at said alphanumeric display means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein said means in said programming mode of operation includes means for receiving and storing said data in successive stages of said programming mode corresponding to said successive stages in said automatic mode, and wherein said apparatus further comprises second display means for indicating to an operator each of said stages of operation in both said automatic mode and said programming mode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 15 wherein said control means further comprises means responsive to said data entry and sequence control means for initiating a manual mode of operation, and means operable in said manual mode of operation for selectively initiating any of said first, second and third stages of operation.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment,
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment,
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
146 words
data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, and means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, means for receiving and storing said data in successive stages of said programming mode corresponding to said successive stages in said automatic mode, and means in said programming mode for selectively reviewing said data in a sequence corresponding to said successive stages and for selectively reprogramming said data.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
146 words
data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, and means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, means for receiving and storing said data in successive stages of said programming mode corresponding to said successive stages in said automatic mode, and means in said programming mode for selectively reviewing said data in a sequence corresponding to said successive stages and for selectively reprogramming said data.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
281 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and scale means for providing to said control means signals indicative of weight on said scale means, said refrigerant source being mounted on said scale means, and means responsive to operator activation for initiating a scale test mode of operation, said control means including means operable in said scale test mode of operation and responsive to said weight-indicative signals for indicating weight on said scale means at said alphanumeric display means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
281 words
Apparatus for charging refrigeration equipment comprising vacuum and charging means including a vacuum pump, a pressurized source of refrigerant and means for selectively connecting said vacuum pump and said pressurized refrigerant source to refrigeration equipment to be charged, control means including means in an automatic mode of operation for connecting said vacuum pump to the refrigeration equipment in a first stage of said automatic mode for a preselected time duration, and for connecting said pressurized refrigerant source to the refrigeration equipment in a second stage of said automatic mode to transfer a preselected quantity of refrigerant to the refrigeration equipment, data entry and sequence control means responsive to an operator and coupled to said control means, said control means further including means in a programming mode of operation for receiving and storing data from said data entry and sequence control means indicative of said preselected time and said preselected quantity, means coupled to said control means and to said data entry and sequence control means for selectively initiating said automatic and programming modes of operation, alphanumeric display means coupled to said control means, said control means including means for displaying said preselected time and quantity at said alphanumeric display means in both said automatic and said programming modes of operation, and scale means for providing to said control means signals indicative of weight on said scale means, said refrigerant source being mounted on said scale means, and means responsive to operator activation for initiating a scale test mode of operation, said control means including means operable in said scale test mode of operation and responsive to said weight-indicative signals for indicating weight on said scale means at said alphanumeric display means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 25 further comprising means for monitoring quantity of refrigerant in said refrigerant source as a function of said weight-indicative signal, and means for indicating low refrigerant quantity to an operator when said weight-indicative signal is below a preselected threshold.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-08-24 | 1991-02-23 | 1991-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-24 | 1995-02-23 | 1995-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-24 | 1999-02-23 | 1999-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |