US5233840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for cooling refrigerant recovery system tanks and the like
Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corp
•
Filing: 1992-08-19
•
Granted: 1993-08-10
•
Expires: 2012-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A wrapper which has a phase-change material therein is wrapped around the outer circumference of a tank used to store saturated condensed used refrigerant evacuated from a refrigeration system. The phase-change material acts as a heat exchange medium by changing between solid and liquid phases at its melting/freezing temperature selected from a particular temperature range and thus served to provide a large thermal driving force so as to cool the tank. The selected material is normally one that can be brought into its solid phase merely by contact with ice and/or remain in its solid phase for long periods without itself being refrigerated.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert P. Scaringe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:09
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B45/00; F25D; F25D3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
In a method for cooling a refrigerant recovery system storage tank for saturated condensed refrigerant, the improvement comprising the step of placing a heat exchange material that changes between solid and liquid phases at its melting/freezing temperature in a range from about 40° F. to 95° F. in its solid phase in thermal communication with an outer surface of the tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
In a method for cooling a refrigerant recovery system storage tank for saturated condensed refrigerant, the improvement comprising the step of placing a heat exchange material that changes between solid and liquid phases at its melting/freezing temperature in a range from about 40° F. to 95° F. in its solid phase in thermal communication with an outer surface of the tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
In the method according to claim 1, the step of placing includes wrapping a flexible material containing the heat-exchange material around substantially the entire outer surface of the tank.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-08-09 | 1997-02-08 | 1997-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-08-09 | 2001-02-08 | 2001-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-08-09 | 2005-02-08 | 2005-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |