Removable filter dryer with capacity indicator for vapor compression systems
AssigneeMainstream Engineering Corporation
InventorsRobert Scaringe, Todd Gibson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A refrigerant filter/dryer assembly isolates, removes, and replaces a filter/dryer core, and allows the vapor-compression heat pump system to continue to operate while the filter/dryer is being replaced. The refrigerant flow is automatically by-passed and the filter/dryer core is isolated for removal. The filter/dryer easily connects back into the refrigerant flow path. An indicator can be provided for indicating the remaining useful life of the filter/dryer while it is being used in the system.
Claims38
A filter-dryer apparatus, comprising:
- a cover;
- a base with an inlet into which a fluid is flowable and an outlet from which the fluid is exitable;
- a filter configured to be associated interiorily of the base and cover so as to circulate the fluid from the inlet, through the filter and then to the outlet of the base;
- means for removing the filter from the association with the cover, and single valve means for simultaneously isolating both the inlet and the outlet from the filter while providing a by-pass state which allows the fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet without filtration.
A refrigerant cleaning assembly, comprising:
- an internal valve spool assembly;
- a base with an inlet and an outlet for operative connection with a vapor compression refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump system;
- a cover adapted to be attached to the base;
- a core configured to be arranged inside the cover and to provide a path for at least one of filtering, drying and cleaning of fluid passing therethrough and
- a torque transmitting apparatus configured to transfer engaging motion of the cover to the internal valve spool assembly, wherein the internal valve spool assembly is configured to selectively direct fluid through the core, by-pass the core, and isolate the inlet and outlet, depending on a position thereof in the base.
A method for replacing a cleaning element for removing acid, moisture and other contaminates from an operating system, comprising rotating a filter/dryer cover relative to a base, positioning an inner valve spool assembly to isolate the cleaning element from flow of fluid and the system, and diverting the flow to the system which bypasses an area where the cleaning element was located.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.