Fluid handling – With casing – support – protector or static constructional... – Guards and shields
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-04
2001-04-03
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With casing, support, protector or static constructional...
Guards and shields
C137S377000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209574
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention prevents the unauthorized access to FREON from air from air conditioning units.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Air conditioning systems require circulation of a refrigerant to generate the desired cooling effect. Although various refrigerants have been used in the past, and are in use today, the most common refrigerants have been various fluorocarbon compounds, at least some of which have been marketed as and commonly known under the trade name FREON. That material traditionally served as a relatively efficient and inexpensive refrigerant, although in recent years has come under critisim for ozone layer degradation. In a typical refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is carried through the system in metal lines (which are often copper) either as a gas or a liquid, depending upon which point in the cycle is being considered. In a typical air conditioning system, at least a pair of metal service lines run into the external compressor/fan unit, and there are usually valves or fittings located adjacent the unit to permit service (such as adding FREON in the event of a leak, or bleeding down the lines) to the system.
Yet another problem has arisen in connection with FREON and other refrigerant systems, in the form of unauthorized persons opening valves and/or fittings on the refrigerant lines in order to inhale the escaping refrigerant (exciting the line as a gas). Youths, in particular, have done this on occasion for the “high” they receive from the inhalant. Unfortunately, a number of persons, in particulars teens, have in fact died from the adverse effects of inhaling large quantities of the refrigerant.
A need exists, then, for an apparatus which prevents unauthorized access to valves and/or fittings on the service lines or conduits or refrigeration systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a box that covers the gauge ports located on the refrigerant lines of a typical air conditioning system, and locks in place, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the FREON in the air conditioning system.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
In accordance with the law that requires one to be certified to purchase FREON, it would therefore be prudent to restrict access to FREON or other refrigerants after purchase only by authorized persons. Therefore, it is desirable to have an apparatus which prevents unauthorized access to refrigerants by preventing unauthorized access to mechanical fittings on service lines carrying the refrigerant, via an enclosure or box that locks over such line fittings, in particular the gauge ports, presenting several objects and advantages to the present invention:
(a) the lock box of the present invention is simple to manufacture;
(b) the present invention is affordable;
(c) the present invention is easy to install and open when proper access is required.
Additional objects and advantages include reduced depletion of the Earth's ozone layer, because the atmospheric release of refrigerants is reduced; and perhaps importantly, greatly increased personal safety by preventing persons from inhaling FREON and suffering the damaging and long term effects FREON inhalation has on the human body, particularly the brain.
REFERENCES:
patent: 961959 (1910-06-01), Herfurth
patent: 1084996 (1914-06-01), Wright
patent: 1690461 (1928-11-01), Sieben
patent: 3963144 (1976-06-01), Berwald
patent: 4301828 (1981-11-01), Martin, Jr.
patent: 4352370 (1982-10-01), Childress
patent: 4630456 (1986-12-01), Nielsen, Jr.
patent: 4777811 (1988-10-01), Binkley
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