Indicator cap and method of manufacture thereof

A refrigeration system comprising:

• an evaporator in communication with a compressor, the compressor in communication with a condenser, the condenser in communication with a receiver, the receiver in communication the evaporator,
• a sight glass assembly disposed between the receiver and the evaporator, the sight glass assembly comprising
• an in-line connector body comprising two opposing ends for connection between the receiver and the evaporator, the connector body further comprising a central opening for attachment to an indicator cap,
• the indicator cap comprising a lower sleeve portion for attachment to the central opening of the connector body and an upper sleeve portion for accommodating a sight glass,
• the sight glass comprising an inward facing surface that is fixedly connected to a retaining tube that extends from the sight glass into the lower sleeve portion,
• the retaining tube accommodating an indicator material, the retaining tube being held in place in the lower sleeve portion by the sight glass.

A sight glass assembly for detecting water in a refrigerant line, the assembly for connection between two conduit ends of the refrigerant line, the assembly comprising:

• an in-line connector body comprising two opposing ends for connection between the conduit ends, the connector body further comprising a central opening for attachment to an indicator cap,
• the indicator cap comprising a lower sleeve portion for attachment to the central opening of the connector body and an upper sleeve portion for accommodating a sight glass, the sight glass being fixedly bonded to the upper sleeve portion of the indicator cap,
• the sight glass comprising an inward facing surface that is at least partially melted around and fixedly bonded to an upper end of a retaining tube, the retaining tube further comprising a lower end,
• the lower end of the retaining tube being attached to a screen, the retaining tube accommodating a piece of moisture indicating paper between the screen and the sight glass.

A sight glass assembly comprising:

• an in-line connector body comprising two opposing ends with a through passageway extending therebetween, the connector body further comprising a central opening disposed between the two opposing ends for attachment to an indicator cap,
• the indicator cap comprising a lower sleeve portion for attachment to the central opening of the connector body and an upper sleeve portion for accommodating a sight glass,
• the sight glass comprising an inward facing surface that is attached to a retaining tube, the retaining tube being attached to the inward facing side of the sight glass by at least partially melting the sight glass and pressing an end of the tube into the partially melted glass,
• the retaining tube accommodating indicator material.

A refrigeration system comprising:

• an evaporator in communication with a compressor, the compressor in communication with a condenser, the condenser in communication with a receiver, the receiver in communication the evaporator,
• a sight glass assembly disposed between the receiver and the evaporator, the sight glass assembly comprising
• an in-line connector body comprising two opposing ends for connection between the receiver and the evaporator, the connector body further comprising a central opening for attachment to an indicator cap,
• the indicator cap comprising a lower sleeve portion for attachment to the central opening of the connector body and an upper sleeve portion for accommodating a sight glass,
• the sight glass comprising an inward facing surface that is attached to a retaining tube, the retaining tube being attached to the inward facing side of the sight glass by melting the glass and pressing an end of the tube into the glass,
• the retaining tube accommodating an indicator material.