US2316423A - Device for providing refrigerants in containers - Google Patents

Description

April 13, 1943. H Y A 2,316,423

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING REFRIGERA-NTS IN CONTAINERS I Filed June 23, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l Eruazw 1551A L. M. HARVEY EFAL 2,316,423

Filed June 23, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet; 2

H 3 1 w; A Z 0 aw 2/ W 2 IIIII Willii/iiii/Z April 13, 1943.v

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING REFRIGERANTS IN CONTAINER Patented Apr. 13, 1943 UNITED STATES ENT FFICE DEVICE FOR PROVIDING REFRIGERANTS IN CONTAINERS Leo M; Harvey Application June 23, 1939, Serial No. 230,818

15 Claims.

This invention relates to the refrigeration o'f perishable products and. relates more particularly to means for refrigerating cartons or containers holding products requiring refrigeration. A general object of this invention is to provide a 1 simple, practical and efficient device for forming or providing a refrigerant in containersor cartons holding perishable or refrigerable products.

In the distribution and marketing of perishable products, such as ice cream, etc., it is the general. practice, where the product is to be retained in a container for some time, to arrange the container in an outer carton and to place blocks of dry ice (solidified CO2) in the outer carton to maintain the product at a suitablelow temperature. The period which the product'is to remain in. the package is determined or estimated. and the quantity of dry ice required to preserve the given quantity of the product for said given period is then ascertained or estimated. The dry. ice. is then weighed and placed in the outer carton asadvantageously as possible. This practice has many disadvantages The handling and. the weighing of the dry ice blocks are time consuming operations and the estimated quantity of. the refrigerant required is many times incorrect. The dry ice blocks cannot be arranged to maintain an. even temperature throughout the inner container and its contents, with the result that a porticnof the product may spoil or become unfit foruse while the other parts of the product may be maintained at an excessively low temperature. Furthermore, with the usual practice, it is: necessary to keep on hand a substantial supply of the dry ice blocks with the accompanying loss through heat absorption;

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for producing. dry ice or CO2 snow in an outer container to preserve or refrigerate the product contained in an inner container disposed in said. cutercontainer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for'reirigerating a container holding a s andard food container in. spaced relation to its inner. walls andthat is adapted to discharge CO2 into. the space or spaces inv the outer container in such a manner. that a body or jacket of solidified CO5; forms about the inner container to assure the suhstantally uniform cooling or refrigeration of the inner container and. its contents.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the class mentioned that may be readily manipulated or controlled to produce a refrigerant body in, the outer container capable of maintaining a given quantity of the perishable product at a given temperature for. a given period, thus eliminating all guess work in the packaging and refrigerating operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying an indicating means or timing means made operative upon initiating the discharge of. the CO2 into the package and clearly indicating to the operator the quantity of the CO2 delivered into the package so that the operator may terminate the delivery of the 002 at the correct time for the preservation of a given quantity of the product for a given period.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the indicating means or timing means need not control the CO2 discharge valve but may merely serve as a timer by means of which the operator times the period of the CO2 discharge. This relation between the timing means and the manually controlled discharge means is important as it allows the operator to inject a larger or smaller quantity of CO2 refrigerant into the package or carton, as conditions may. require, while aware or informed of the duration of the discharge and, therefore, of the amount of the refrigerant dispensecl.

Another object of this invention is to provide 7 a device of the character mentioned adapted to receive the open end of a carton and to automatically spread the flaps of said open end of" the carton in such a manner that the cartonend is fully open for the reception of the refrigerant or CO2.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying effective means for sealing with the carton at'its open end to reduce or prevent the loss of th refrigerant from about the carton.

"Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying novel means adapting the device for the refrigeration. of containers of different sizes and capacities.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying simple, yet very effective valve means and valve control means governing the discharge of the refrigerant or CO2 into the carton or package.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout whichdescription reference is made. to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a horizontal detailed sectional view of the device of the present invention, illustrating in broken lines the position assumed by the carton when entered in the carton receiving chamber. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the plunger or follower for temporarily retaining the carton in the refrigerant receiving position. Figs. 3 and 4 are vertical detailed sectional views taken substantially as indicated by lines 3-3 and 4-4, respectively, on Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 4.

The device of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a body or case Ill having a carton receiving compartment A, a valve compartment B, and a coil compartment C, means II in the compartment A conditioning a carton X for the reception of the refrigerant, means l2 in the compartments B and C for conducting or delivering the refrigerant to the carton X, an operating means [3 for operating and controlling the means l2, and a timing means l4 operated by the means I3 and adapted to time the discharge of the refrigerant into the container X.

The body or case I is a hollow partitioned structure containing and carrying the various elements of the device and adapted to receive the cartons X to be refrigerated. The case It! may be constructed of any suitable material and is thermally insulated at the points or portions requiring such insulation. This insulation has been omitted from the drawings to simplify the disclosure. The compartment A for receiving the cartons X is defined by what may be considered as forwardly projecting walls l and a rearwardly flaring apron IS. The walls I5 are angularly related and joined to form a tube and to define a polygonal opening I I which constitutes the forward or outer portion of the chamber A. The opening I! is shaped and proportioned to rather accurately receive the cartons X. The forward end of the opening I! is normally open to freely receive the cartons. The rear end portions of the walls l5 are suitably'fixed or secured in the apron IS. The apron l6 extends rearwardly and laterally at an angle to the walls l5 and a vertical partition 1 extends across the rear end of the apron It. The apron I6 and the partition 1 define a flaring space or opening joined with the opening I! and constituting the inner portion of the chamber A. The apron I5 is suitably secured or fixed to the partition 7. As illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings the opening I! and the remainder of the compartment A are designed I to receive square or rectangular cartons X, it bein'g'understood that the opening I! and the remainder of the compartment A may be of other configurations to receive cartons of other shapes. The carton X illustrated in the drawings may be considered as a carton of the general character fully described and claimed in the co-pending application of Leo M. Harvey and Reuben Hill, entitled Container, filed June 23, 1939, Serial No. 280,819.

The compartments B and C are located behind or at the rear of the carton receiving compartment A. The compartments B and C may be defined by spaced side walls H], a rear wall IS, the partition 1 and a horizontal partition 20. The compartment B is preferably positioned above the compartment C and is closed at its upper side by a top 2|. The compartment C is closed at its lower end by a bottom wall 22. It will be understood that the several walls and partitions defining the several compartments of the case 10 may be secured together in any suitable or selected manner. The case l0 may be mounted on a suitable vertical support or horizontal support, as desired. In the case illustrated spaced lugs 23 project laterally at the rear portion of the case ID to facilitate its attachment to a support.

The means H for conditioning the carton X to receive the CO2 is provided in the inner portion of the compartment A and is operable to spread the free inner end flaps F of the carton X and to engage or seal with the carton so that the CO2 may freely discharge into it with little or no loss. The means ll includes an abutment 24 secured to the forward side of the partition 1 to project forwardly in the compartment A. The abutment 24 presents forwardly facing surfaces 25 for engagement by the carton flaps F. The surfaces 25 incline or curve rearwardly and laterally to effect a further or substantiall complete opening of the flaps as the carton is moved inwardly. The surfaces 25 are adapted to spread the flaps F to the positions indicated in Fig. 1 where the inner end of the carton X is fully open. The means I I may further include rearwardly flaring surfaces 26 on the interiors of the walls l5 designed to facilitate or allow the above described spreading of the flaps F by the surfaces 25. When the carton X is moved inwardly through the opening I! the resiliency of the flaps F and the carton walls urges the flaps F outwardly against the inner sides of the walls [5 and when the carton approaches the inner end of the opening I! the flaps slide along the surfaces 26 and spread under the influence of the said resiliency. The partially open flaps F come into engagement with the surfaces 25 and are fully opened by this engagement by the time the carton X reaches its final position for the reception of the C02.

The means ll further includes a sealing element 2! for sealing with the inner end portion of the carton X when the carton is in position to receive the refrigerant. The abutment 24 has a central opening 28 and a plate 29 is secured or fixed in the opening 28. A recess or groove 30 is provided in the outer edge of the plate 29 and the sealing element 21 is set in the groove. The plate 29 protrudes from the forward face of the abutment 24 and the sealing element 2! is located immediately in front of the flap guiding surfaces 25. The sealing element 21 is in the form of an annular or continuous tube of rubber, or the like, adapted to yield and flex. The sealing element 21 arranged as just described, is engageable by the rear edge portion of the carton X to assure an effective seal with the carton. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the portion of the carton X occurring where its flaps F join its body, seal with the sealing element 2'! to effectively prevent the appreciable loss or escape of the refrigerant from the carton. The groove 30 is of substantially the same shape as the carton, that is, in the case illustrated the groove 30 is rectangular or square and the sealing element 21 conforms to the shape of the groove to correctly seal with the rectangular carton X. The plate 29 extends forwardly beyond the sealing element 21 so that its forward face lies in the plane occupied by the forward edge of the carton X. With this arrangement the plate 29 substantially fully occupies or closes the forward end of the carton X.

The means H may further include a plunger or follower SI for assisting in the insertion of the carton X and means for retaining the car ton in itsrefrigerant receiving position. The: follower 31 is proportioned; to slidably or shiftably operatein the opening. I! andhas a flat-rear face forpressing against the end. of. the carton-.1 X. The edge of the follower 3lis preferably thickened' to have substantial cooperation. with the wall of the opening ll; The means for retaining the carton X in place to receive theCOz is preferably such that cartons ofidifierent' sizes, capacities or lengths may be correctly positioned for the reception of the CO2. In the construction illustrated the retaining means. comprises a. pair of bolts 32 slidable through guides .33; on the forward side of the follower 3|. and adapted'tov project through openings 34 in. opposite edge portions of. the follower. Flanges 3.5 are provided on the inner end portions of the bolts 32: andra spring. 3161s arranged under: compression between the spaced flanges 35.. to urge: the. bolts.32 outwardly; The flanges 35 form handles by means of which the bolts filmay be retracted. Longitudinally spaced sets or: pairs: of openings 31 are provided in the upper: and lower walls l5. for the reception of the protruding. portions of the bolts 32.- The innermostpair of openings 31 is adapted toreceive the bolts 32 to retain or positionthe follower 3! where it holds the. smallest. or the shortest carton X place to receive the carbon dioxide. The outermost: pair of openings: 31 is adapted to receive the bolts 32' to hold the fol: lower 31' in place where it retains the largest. or the longest carton for the reception of thecarbon'dioxide. By graspingrthe flanges 35 the bolts 32 maybe retracted to permit the insertion of the followerfi'l in the opening. ll behindthe carton X and the follower may be pushed inwardly to move the carton X. to: its final carbon dioxide receiving position whereupon the flanges 35; may be'released so that the spring 3:6.moves the bolts into the correct openings 31. Longitudinalslots 33. may be provided intheside-walls IE to render the carton X accessible for easy removal following the withdrawal of the follower 3i.

Thenieans iZLis a duct system and valve means forconducting the CO2 to the carton X in the compartment A and is under the control of .the operating means 43; The means I2 includes a valve V in the compartment B. The body of the valveV may be secured to a suitable base which in turn may be fixed to the. partition 26. The valve V has an inlet fitting that one endand a lateral outlet 50-between its ends. A. needle 51 in the valve V is adapted tocontrol or closethe inlet. The stem 52 of the needle 5| extends through a gland 53 in an end of the valvebody. and carries spaced nuts 54. Alever 55? is. pivoted on a suitable bracket 56 and has a yoke 51' co;- operable with the needle. stem 52 between the nuts 54. Spring means is provided for closing the needle 5! of the valve V. This spring; means includes a cylinder 58 mounted on the base 43- and a, plunger 59 projecting from an end of the cylinder. A spring 60 is arranged? in the cylinder- 58 under compression and acts on the plunger 59 to force the same outwardly. The outer end of the plunger 5%, engages the lever 55 and, acting through the lever, serves to close the needle 51. The spring 6% also operates to return the operating means 13-, as will be subsequently described.

TheCOz may be held under pressure in a container or tank T and this tank may be located at a convenient point adjacent the device. A. conduit 5! leads from the supply or tank T to a fit-- ting. 6.2 on. a case wall It. A coiled tube or coil ill 6.3:is provided inthecompartment; C and hasone end connectedwith the fitting; E2 to: receive the liquid. carbon. dioxide under pressure. The coil 63 acts as an expansion element and trap for the carbon dioxide and is preferably of substantial length. and capacity. The limited. expansion of the carbon dioxide in the coil 63 'produces a rare-cooling. action and the carbon dioxide is cooled before it. reaches the valve V. A pipe or tube 636. extends from the coil 63 to the inlet 48 of. the valve V to deliver the carbon dioxide to the valve. The tube 64 passes through. an opening' inthe partition Zllwhich is closed by a split plate-B5. It. ispreferred to thoroughly insulate the coil compartment C.

The means I 2:further includes a nozzle system for-discharging the COzinto the carton-X to produce CO2 snow or solidified. carbon dioxide in the carton. X; As best illustrated. in Fig. 4 of the drawings, the carton X houses or holds the container Y which maybe considered as containing a perishable product. The container Y is cylindrical'. and fits the square or rectangular carton X: in. such a. manner that longitudinal corner spaces are left. open or unoccupied in the carton. The nozzle system serves to discharge the carbon dioxide into. these corner spaces andall other unoccupied partsof the carton X.

Nozzles. 65.- project from the forward face of the plateZS. andare spaced andrelated to protrude. into the unoccupiedcorner portions of the carton X. The nozzles 65 have small spaced perforations for directing the CO2 under pressure forwardly and laterally in such a manner that it rapidly expands with a correspondingly rapid cooling which in turnv produces crystallization of solidificationof most of the carbon dioxide. This action. is well known to those. skilled in the art andjresults in. the production of what is known as CO2- snow or solidified carbon dioxide. The nozzlesfili are carried. by pipes or tubes 66 which pass rearwardly throughopenings 6! in the plate 29-andconnect. with a manifold 68 which in turn joins with the outlet of the valve V. The manifold 68 extends through a suitable opening in the case partition H. The openings 61 are considerably larger than the tubes 6% and form passagesthrough the plate 29 which allow for the free escape of. the carbon dioxide that fails to solidify in the container X. An opening 69 is provided inthe partitionltand constitutes a passage connecting the compartment C with the opening 28 otthe abutment 24. The gaseous CO2 passes .from the openings 5.! through the opening.

28 andthe opening 59 todischarge intothe compartment C where it assists in pre-cooling the CO2 in. the tube $3 It will beseen that upon opening of the-valve V the CO2 under pressure is discharged from the nozzles to produce solidified carbon dioxide or CO2 snow in the carton X.

Hie operating. means. [dis manually actuatable and is operable to open the valve V and to oper-' ate or initiate operation of the timing means M, The operating means i 3 includes a suitable bracket 'm'fixed'to. the base 48: or any other suitable support and a. lever ll mounted on the bracket. ill-by a pivot pin 12. The lever H extends through an opening 73 in a side wall id of the case Hiand its projecting outer end portion is shaped to constitute ahandle M. The" inner end of the lever H has a slit or slot 75. The operating means 53 further includes a link iii pivotally secured to-the base 48 by a pivot pin H.

A pin 18' isv secured to the outer portion ofv the link 18 and cooperates with the slot 15 so that operation of the lever H pivots the link. A pin 19 on the link 16 cooperates with a cam face 80 on the lever 55.

Forward manual pivoting of the outer arm of the lever H results in rearward pivoting of the link 16 and the cooperation of the pin 19 with the cam face 88 pivots the lever to open the valve V. It i to be observed that the spring urged plunger 59 urges the rear arm of the lever 55 against the pin 19 and thus tends to pivot the link 76 in a direction to return the operating lever H. The spring urged plunger 59 operates to return the manual operating lever H and to reclose the valve V when the lever is released by the operator. The handle portion 14 of the lever H may be readily grasped and moved forwardly to open the valve V and may be retained in the forward position to hold the valve V open as long as desired.

The timing means I4 is provided to indicate the time elapsing following opening of the valve V so that the operator may close the valve or may permit closing of the valve at any selected or given time and thus be assured that a given quantity of CO2 snow is delivered to or formed in the carton X. In accordance with the invention the timing means I4 is actuated or put into operation by the means l3 and is related to the refrigerant discharge means l2 to indicate the time required to discharge suflicient CO2 into the carton X to thoroughly preserve given quantities of products for given periods.

The means I4 includes a bracket 8| projecting laterally from the case I9 and carrying a housing 82. The housing 82 contains a clockworks 83 or its equivalent. The clockworks 83 includes a spring driven shaft 84 and a hand 85 fixed to the shaft. The clockworks 83 is adapted to drive or move the hand 85 rearwardly at a given rate and forward movement of the hand serves to tension the spring of the works 83 and thus store energy in the clockworks. A plate 86 is removably or replaceably held in channels 81 on the upper side of the housing 82 and has spaced markings or calibrations 88. The hand 85' cooperates with or moves past the calibrations 88. The plate 86 illustrated is designated One pint and is to be used where the machine is employed to refrigerate containers Y holding one pint. The

calibrations 88 when read with the position of the hand 85 designate time intervals, that is, they designate the time intervals required to discharge given quantities of CO2 into the container X to assure the refrigeration or preservation of the contents of the container Y for given periods. In the case illustrated one calibration 88 is designated 2 hrs. and the other calibration is designated 4 hrs. and when read with the hand 85 indicate that sufficient CO2 snow has been supplied to the carton X to preserve the contents of the container Y for periods of two and four hours, respectively, when the valve V has been held open until the hand moves to the calibrations.

The means l4 further includes a drive means or actuating means for the clockworks 83. A link 98 is connected with the operating lever II by a pivot pin 9| and extends forwardly at one side of the housing 82. The link 90 has a hooklike projection 92 on its outer edge to cooperate with a pin 93 on the hand so that forward movement of the link moves the hand forwardly to store energy in the clockworks 83 and to bring the hand to its forward position. The link 98 has a pitched face 94 extending forwardly from the projection 92 and a curved face 95 extending rearwardly from the projection 92. The forward or outer end of the link 99 is sloping or pitched and normally cooperates with a stop pin 96 on the bracket 8|. A leaf spring 9! is secured to the case In and cooperates with the inner edge of the link to hold the link in its operative position. The outer end of the spring 91 may cooperate with a notch 98 in the inner edge of the link 98 to releasably hold the link and the operating lever H in their normal unactuated positions.

When the operating lever 'H is pulled forwardly by the operator the projection 92 of the link 90 cooperates with the pin 93 to move the hand 85 forwardly. During the first phase of this movement the engagement of the pitched forward end of the link 98 with the stop pin 99 swings or cams the link 99 toward the case I8 so that the curved edge 94 comes into engagement with the stop pin 98. The forward movement of the link 99 continues until the hand 85 has reached its forward position. The link 98 is directed or guided by the pin 96 so that the projection 92 leaves or moves out of cooperation with the pin 93 when the hand 85 reaches its forward position. At this time or immediately thereafter the projection 92 comes into engagement with the stop pin 96 to limit the forward movement of the link 90. When the pin 93 and the projection 92 are disengaged, as just described, the clockworks 83 immediately begins to move the hand 85 toward its normal position. The operator retains the lever H in its forward position until the hand 85 reaches a selected calibration 88 whereupon the lever H is released to permit closing of the valve V by the spring urged plunger 59. The arcuate or curved surface of the link 98 allows the free return movement of the hand 85 when the link is in its forward position. A stop pin 99 limits the return movement of the clockworks hand 85.

In the operation of the device the container Y holding the 'product to be refrigerated, is arranged in the carton X and the carton is introduced into the opening H with its open end facing inwardly. The follower 3| is arranged behind the carton X and the flanges 35 are engaged to retract the bolts 32 and to push the follower 3i inwardly. As described above, the flaps F of the carton X open or spread somewhat through the resiliency of the carton material as they'pass the surfaces 28 and the surfaces 25 serve to further open the flaps as the carton approaches its innermost position. The follower 3! is pushed inwardly until the inner end of the carton is in sealing engagement with the sealing element 21 whereupon the flanges 35 are released to allow the bolts 32 to enter the openings 31. The operator then moves the lever H forwardly to open the valve V. The lever is moved forwardly until the projection 92 comes into engagement with the stop pin 96, and is held in this position. As above described, the hand 85 is released to be returned under the action of the clockworks 83 just before the projection 92 engages the stop pin 96.

Upon opening the valve V the carbon dioxide flows through the coil 63, the tube 64, the valve V, the manifold 58 and the tubes 86 to the nozzles 65 where it is discharged to form solidified carbon dioxide or CO2 snow. The nozzles 65 are located to discharge the CO2 in the unoccupied corner portions of the carton X so that the refrigerant or snow is effectively distributed around the container Y. The discharge of the carbon dioxide from the nozzles 65 of course continues so long as the valve V remains open. If the product held by the container Y is to be preserved or refrigerated for two hours the operator holds the lever H in its forward position until the hand 85 reaches the calibration 88 designated 2 hrs. whereupon he releases the lever H to allow the valve V to close under the action of the spring urged plunger 59 as described above. On the other hand, if the contents of the container Y are to be refrigerated for four hours the lever H is maintained in its forward position until the hand 85 has reached the 4 hrs. calibration 88, whereupon the lever H is released to allow the valve V to be closed. It will be apparent that the lever H may be returned to its forward position following such closing of the valve V and retained in its forward position until the hand 85 reaches a selected calibration 88 so that sufficient refrigerant or CO2 is discharged into the carton X to preserve the contents of the container Y for a longer period. Any of the CO2 that does not solidify during the above operation flows out through the openings 6?, 28 and 69 into the compartment C where it assists in pre-cooling the CO2 passing through the coil 63. When the valve V has been closed the flanges 35 are engaged and moved toward one another by the operator, and the follower Si is withdrawn from the opening H. The carton X is then removed and its flaps F may be closed and sealed in the usual manner.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of our invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but Wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art -or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A device for providing a refrigerant in a container having open end flaps comprising a case having a compartment for receiving the container, abutment means in the compartment engageable by the flaps at the inner end of the container to spread the same when the container is moved inwardly in the compartment, sealing means on the case for sealing with the inner end of the container, and means for introducing refrigerant into the open inner end of the container.

2. A device for providing a refrigerant in a container having an open end provided with closure flaps comprising a case having a compartment for receiving the container, abutment means in the compartment engageable by the flaps at said open end of the container to spread the same when the container is moved inwardly in the compartment, a sealing element for sealing with the container where said flaps join the container body and substantially corresponding in shape to the open end of the container, and means for introducing refrigerant into the open end of the container when the container and sealing element are in contact.

3. A device for providing a refrigerant in a container having an open inner end provided with flaps comprising a case having a compartment for receiving the container, abutment means in the compartment engageable by the flaps at the inner end of the container to spread the same when the container is moved inwardly in the compartment, a sealing element supported in the case for sealing with the container where said flaps joi-n the container body, means for retaining the container in the position where it is in contact with the sealing element, and means for introducing refrigerant into the inner end of the container when the container and sealing element are in contact.

4. A device for introducing a refrigerant into a container having open end flaps on at least one end comprising a case having a compartment whose outer portion is shaped to receive and guide the container and whose inner portion is enlarged, a flaring forwardly facing abutment in the inner portion of the-compartment operable to spread said flaps when the container is moved inwardly in the compartment so that the flaps extend laterally in the enlarged portion of the compartment, and means for introducing refrigerant into the inner end of the container.

5. A device for introducing a refrigerant into a polygonal outer container housing a cylindrical inner container comprising a-body having an opening for receiving the outer container, spaced nozzles at the inner end of the opening positioned to discharge into the corner portions of the-outer container, and means conducting the refrigerant to the nozzles.

6. A device for introducing a refrigerant into an outer container housing an inner container, there being spaces in the corner portions of the outer container and at least one end of the outer container being open, the device comprising a body'having an opening 'substantiall-y corresponding in shape to the outer container to receive the outer container, and refrigerant discharging nozzles positioned at the inner wall of the opening to project into said corner spaces of theouter container through saidopen end-of the outer container.

7. A device for introducing refrigerant into a container comprising a case having a compartment for receiving the container, a second compartment behind the first named compartment, and a third compartment behind the said first named compartment, a coil in the said third compartment for receiving the refrigerant from a source of the same, nozzles for discharging the refrigerant into the-container in said first named compartment, a duct system for conducting the refrigerant from the coil to the nozzles, and a valve means in said second compartment controlling the duct system, the case having an opening allowing the escape of excess refrigerant from said first named compartment into said third compartment.

8. A device for introducing refrigerant into a container having an open end comprising a case having an opening conforming in shape to the container and adapted to closely receive the container, the outer end of the opening being open to receive the container, a nozzle in the case directed outwardly toward said outer end of the opening for discharging the refrigerant into the container when the same is positioned in the opening, a sealing element in the case at the inner end of the opening for sealing with the inner end face of the positioned container, and means for cooperating with the outer end of the container to retain the container in position in cooperation with the sealing element to receive the refrigerant.

9. A device for introducing refrigerant into a container having an open end comprising a case having an opening for receiving the container, a nozzle in the case for discharging the refrigerant into the container when the same is positioned in the opening, a sealing element in the case for sealing with the inner end of the positioned container, and means for maintaining the container in position in cooperation with the sealing element to receive the refrigerant comprising a follower shiftable in the opening to bear against the outer end of the container, and latch means releasably holding the follower in a position where it maintains the container in the refrigerant.

10. A device for introducing refrigerant into a container having an open end comprising a case having an opening for receiving the container, a nozzle in the case for discharging the refrigerant into the container when the same is positioned in the opening, a sealing element in the case for sealing with the inner end of the positioned container, and means for maintaining the container in position in cooperation with the sealing element to receive the refrigerant comprising a follower shiftable in the opening to bear against the outer end of the container, and releasable means for holding the follower in any one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced positions where it maintains the container in the refrigerant receiving position.

11. A device for introducing a refrigerant into a container comprising a case for receiving the container, a nozzle carried by the case for discharging the refrigerant into the container, a normally closed valve governing the delivery of the refrigerant to the container, manually operable means for opening the valve and for manually holding the valve open, and a timing means put into operation by the manual actuation of the first named means and operable to indicate the time the valve is manually held open.

12. A device for introducing a refrigerant into a container comprising a case for receiving the container, a nozzle carried by the case for discharging the refrigerant into the container, a normally closed valve governing the delivery of the refrigerant to the container, manually operable means for opening the valve and for manually holding the valve open, timing means operable to indicate the elapse of given time intervals, and an operative connection between the first named means and the timing means whereby the timing means is put into operation when the valve is opened.

13. A device for introducing a refrigerant into a container comprising a case for receiving the container, means for retaining the container in a given position in the case, a nozzle carried by the case for discharging the refrigerant into the container, a normally closed valve governing the delivery of the refrigerant to the container, manual means for opening the valve and adapted to be held by the operator to hold the valve open, means for automatically closing the valve upon the release of the manual means, timing means operable to indicate the elapse of given time intervals, and means actuated by operation of the manual means to initiate operation of the timing means.

14. A device for introducing a refrigerant into a container comprising a case for receiving the container, a nozzle carried by the case for discharging the refrigerant into the container, a

normally closed valve governing the delivery of the refrigerant to the container, manual means for opening the valve and adapted to be held by the operator to hold the valve open, means for automatically closing the valve upon the release of the manual means, timing means operable to indicate the elapse of given time intervals comprising a clockworks, calibrations, and an indicating element moved by the clockworks and cooperating with the calibrations, and means operated by the manual means for storing energy in the clockworks to drive the same and for moving the indicating element to position for movement across the calibrations.

15. A device for providing a refrigerant in a container having an open end comprising a body having a compartment for receiving and confining the container, the outer end of the compartment being open to admit the container, sealing means in the body facing outwardly at the inner end of the compartment to be engageable by the end face of the container at the open end of the container to provide a seal between the container and body when the container is positioned in the body, and means for discharging a refrigerant into said open end of the container when the same is positioned in the compartment.

LEO M. HARVEY. HERBERT HARVEY. REUBEN HILL.

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