A method and device for flushing an HVAC line, wherein an output line from a manifold is inserted into an HVAC service line and a first medium is connected to a first input line connected to the manifold and a second medium is connected to a second input line connected to the manifold. The flow of the first medium into the manifold using a first valve and/or flow of the second medium into the manifold using the second valve so that the first medium and/or second medium are selectively provided to the manifold and exit the manifold and enter the HVAC service line through the output line, and the outflow of the first medium and/or second medium out of the HVAC service line is monitored.

A refrigeration system includes a main refrigeration circuit for holding refrigerant fluid, the main refrigeration circuit including: a compression device 12, a heat rejecting heat exchanger 14, an expansion device 18 and a heat absorbing heat exchanger 16. In addition, the refrigeration system includes a buffer tank 20 attached to the main refrigeration circuit, with valves 22, 24 for controlling flow of refrigerant fluid between the main refrigeration circuit and the buffer tank 20. The refrigeration system is arranged such that the valves 22, 24 are controlled to transfer refrigerant fluid between the main refrigeration circuit and the buffer tank 20 based on a measure of sub-cooling in the main refrigeration circuit.

A coupler for connecting to a port, and a method for connecting a coupler to a port are provided. The coupler includes a body, a plunger needle, and a threaded portion. The body includes a radially outward facing surface, a radially inward facing surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The plunger needle is fixed to the body, and extends in parallel with the body toward the distal end of the body. The threaded portion extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the radially outward facing surface of the body toward the distal end of the body, the threaded portion configured to receive a threaded portion of the port.

An apparatus for connecting an evacuation hose to a system for evacuation of the system. The apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector, and a seal. The first connector includes a first face defining a longitudinally extending indentation and the second connector includes a second face with a protrusion that is positionable within the indentation. The seal is positionable on the protrusion to circumscribe the protrusion and to be sealing engagement with the first connector and the second connector when the protrusion is at a preferred position in the indentation.

A temperature control medium processing apparatus configured to collect a temperature control medium from a module using the temperature control medium or refill the module with the temperature control medium includes a tank configured to store the temperature control medium therein; a first inlet path which is connected to a first inlet opening of the tank, and through which the temperature control medium is introduced; an inlet connector configured to connect the first inlet path and a path from the module; an outlet path which is connected to an outlet opening of the tank, and through which the temperature control medium is flown out; an outlet connector configured to connect the outlet path and a path to the module; and a pump provided at the outlet path, and configured to force the temperature control medium stored in the tank to be flown out.

Refrigerant charging systems and methods of use are described herein. A refrigerant charging system may include a conduit, a valve releasably connectable to the outlet portion and coupled to a first end of the conduit; and a disconnect coupler fitting connected to a second end of the conduit. The disconnect coupler fitting may include a control structure positioned in a hollow body that, during use, allows refrigerant flow to the refrigerant circuit. The control structure may include one or more openings that allow controlled leakage of fluid from the refrigerant charging assembly when the refrigerant charging assembly is disconnected from at least the refrigerant service unit.

The present disclosure relates to a novel portable apparatus suitable for providing an optimized amount of refrigerant to a refrigeration system, and to methods of using the novel portable apparatus.

An apparatus for injecting an additive in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system having a service valve includes a cartridge with a piston, an adapter configured to be connected to the service valve, and a bending unit interposed between the adapter and the cartridge. The bending unit includes a flexible capillary tube having a first end fitting adapted to be connected to the cartridge. The flexible capillary tube has a second end fitting adapted to be connected to the adapter. The flexible capillary tube is adapted to be bent at least at 90° without kinking.

A fluid injection device (10) for injecting a dispensible fluid material (28), e.g., a liquid sealant, into refrigerant lines of an operating air conditioning or refrigeration system or the like, includes a tube (12) having at its outlet end a fluid outlet valve (18) is closed by a valved plug (24) to provide therebetween an airlock chamber (42) containing a dried inert gas which prevents reaction, e.g., polymerization, of any liquid sealant which has leaked past the fluid outlet valve (18) prior to use of the device. The device (10) is used by removing the valve plug (24) just prior to use and connecting the outlet valve (18) to a low pressure zone of the system and then connecting an inlet closure member (14) to a high pressure zone of the system while the system is in operation. A method of making the device includes displacing air from the device with the inert gas and then introducing the material 18 into the tube.

In one embodiment, an HVAC system includes an indoor unit having a furnace, an outdoor heat pump unit having a compressor and an outdoor coil, a refrigerant line coupled to the indoor unit and the outdoor heat pump unit, and a valve coupled to the refrigerant line. The HVAC system further includes one or more controllers operable to determine that the outdoor heat pump unit is in operation during an air conditioning cycle. The controllers are further operable to determine an outdoor temperature and compare the outdoor temperature to a predetermined temperature. The controllers are further operable to initiate a closure of the valve coupled to the refrigerant line and initiate operation of the compressor at an end of the air conditioning cycle to pump down a refrigerant to the outdoor coil in response to comparing the outdoor temperature to the predetermined temperature.