Apparatus for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system

Abstract

An apparatus ( 22 ) and method for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system ( 24 ) comprising a cartridge ( 26 ) is described. A facility ( 28 ) is for fluidly coupling the cartridge ( 26 ) to the pressurized system ( 24 ). An assemblage ( 30 ) is for forcing a secondary fluid ( 32 ) out of the cartridge ( 26 ), through the fluidly coupling facility ( 28 ) and into a service valve ( 34 ) of the pressurized system ( 24 ). The cartridge ( 26 ) has a first open end with an inner nozzle ( 33 ) which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle ( 37 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A canister for charging a closed, pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system with a fluid, comprising: 
       a) a closed, non-pressurized cylindrical canister,  
       wherein said canister has two ends, a first open end which connects to the system being charged and a second open end, and  
       wherein said first open end comprises a nozzle;  
       b) a predetermined amount of said fluid,  
       wherein said fluid is selected from the group consisting of a lubricant, a fluid dye for said air conditioning or refrigeration systems, and combinations thereof, and  
       wherein said fluid is maintained in said canister at about ambient pressure; and  
       c) a piston sealably disposed with said second open end of said canister,  
       wherein said canister is adapted to sealably and releasably connect to said pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system via fluidly coupling means to form a closed binary system,  
       wherein said fluidly coupling means is a connector assembly having a first end connected to said nozzle of said canister and a second end connected to a service valve of the pressurized system,  
       wherein said connector assembly comprises:  
       i) a flexible conduit,  
       ii) a thread on  a first end of said flexible conduit, to engage with said nozzle of said canister, and  
       iii) a release valve on a second end of said flexible conduit, to engage with the service valve of the pressurized system, and  
       wherein said connector assembly further comprises a valve at one end of said flexible conduit, which prevents any material from back flushing into and contaminating said fluid in said canister.  
     
     
       2. The canister of  claim 1 , wherein said canister is fabricated out of transparent material and includes a plurality of gradient markings; and 
       wherein said nozzle is threaded.  
     
     
       3. The canister of  claim 2 , wherein said first open end comprises a threaded cap for engagement with said threaded nozzle. 
     
     
       4. The canister of  claim 1 , wherein said piston further comprises an O-ring. 
     
     
       5. The canister of  claim 1 , wherein said piston further comprises a recessed double O-ring.