Patent Publication Number: US-2021172662-A1

Title: Systems, devices, and methods for fluid management

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a Divisional of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/833,074 filed 27 Mar. 2020; which is a Divisional of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 15/261,320 filed 9 Sep. 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,605,505 issued 31 Mar. 2020; which claims a benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/217,534 filed 11 Sep. 2015; each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure is related to fluid management. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In this disclosure, where a document, an act, and/or an item of knowledge is referred to and/or discussed, then such reference and/or discussion is not an admission that the document, the act, and/or the item of knowledge and/or any combination thereof was at a priority date, publicly available, known to a public, part of common general knowledge, and/or otherwise constitutes any prior art under any applicable statutory provisions; and/or is known to be relevant to any attempt to solve any problem with which this disclosure may be concerned with. Further, nothing is disclaimed. 
     There is a difficulty in introducing a fluid into an air conditioning system. Likewise, there is a difficulty in introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system. Accordingly, there is a desire to address at least one of such difficulties. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure may at least partially address at least one of above difficulties. However, this disclosure can prove useful to other technical areas. Therefore, various claims recited below should not be construed as necessarily limited to addressing any of the above inefficiencies. 
     In an embodiment, a device comprises: a container; a first fitting coupled to the container; and a second fitting coupled to the container, wherein the first fitting is configured for coupling to a first service port of a system and the second fitting is configured for coupling to a second service port of the system such that a fluid can travel from the first service port to the second service port through the container while the system is running, wherein the system comprises at least one of an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system. 
     In an embodiment, a device comprises a container comprising an energy storing element and a connector, wherein the container contains a fluid, wherein the connector is configured to connect to a service port of a system such that the energy storing element is able to facilitate a discharge of the fluid from the container through the connector into the service port based on a pressure differential in the system, wherein the system comprises at least one of an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system. 
     In an embodiment, a method comprises inputting a fluid into a tube, wherein the tube comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises a two-way valve fitting, wherein the two-way valve fitting is fluidly closed by default, wherein the tube comprises an ambient air distinct from the fluid; outputting the ambient air from the tube such that the fluid remains in the tube; connecting the two-way valve fitting to a service port of a system such that a pressure differential between a service mode of the system and an operating mode of the system forces the fluid into the system from the tube through the two-way valve fitting, wherein the system comprises at least one of an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system. 
     This disclosure may be embodied in various forms illustrated in a set of accompanying illustrative drawings. Note that variations are contemplated as being a part of this disclosure, limited only by a scope of various claims recited below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The set of accompanying illustrative drawings shows various example embodiments of this disclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed as necessarily limiting this disclosure. Like numbers and/or similar numbering scheme can refer to like and/or similar elements throughout. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device coupled to an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a discharge fitting of a fluid introduction device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded side view of an embodiment of a control fitting of a fluid introduction device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device with two automatic discharge fittings according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multiple injection system using a fluid introduction device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device for introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device for introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device for introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an embodiment of a fluid introduction device for introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system according to this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to denote similar elements and features. While aspects of this disclosure will be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, this is not intended to limit this disclosure to such embodiments. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is now described more fully with a reference to the set of accompanying illustrative drawings, in which example embodiments of this disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to the example embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in a relevant art. 
     Features described with respect to certain example embodiments may be combined and sub-combined in and/or with various other example embodiments. Also, different aspects and/or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined and sub-combined in a similar manner as well. Further, some example embodiments, whether individually and/or collectively, may be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures may take precedence over and/or otherwise modify their application. Additionally, a number of steps may be required before, after, and/or concurrently with example embodiments, as disclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, at least as disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via at least one entity in any manner. 
     Various terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element and/or intervening elements can be present, including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly couple” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from various teachings of this disclosure. 
     Various terminology used herein is for describing particular example embodiments and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, various singular forms “a,” an and the are intended to include various plural forms as well, unless a context clearly indicates otherwise. Various terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify a presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence and/or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, a term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of a set of natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. 
     Example embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with a reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of this disclosure. As such, variations from various illustrated shapes as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, various example embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to various particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. 
     Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or be separately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assembly and/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be manufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and/or other any other types of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth. 
     Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include, whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, an amorphous material, a ceramic, a glass ceramic, an organic solid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, a semiconductor, a nanomaterial, a biomaterial and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including an informational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesive coating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, such as tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such as for tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency, translucency, opaqueness, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence, anti-reflection and/or holography, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be rigid, flexible, and/or any other combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be identical and/or different from each other in material, shape, size, color and/or any measurable dimension, such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation, perimeter, volume, breadth, density, temperature, resistance, and so forth. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in an art to which this disclosure belongs. Various terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with a meaning in a context of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” can be used herein to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as illustrated in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of illustrated technologies in addition to an orientation depicted in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. For example, if a device in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings were turned over, then various elements described as being on a “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of other elements. Similarly, if a device in one of illustrative figures were turned over, then various elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” other elements. Therefore, various example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. 
     As used herein, a term “about” and/or “substantially” refers to a +/−10% variation from a nominal value/term. Such variation is always included in any given value/term provided herein, whether or not such variation is specifically referred thereto. 
     If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with this disclosure, then to an extent of a conflict, if any, and/or a broader disclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, this disclosure controls. If such disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with one another, then to an extent of a conflict, if any, a later-dated disclosure controls. 
     In some embodiments, this disclosure enables a technology for managing a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas. For example, such management may include sending, receiving, inputting, outputting, containing, storing, or other actions. For example, the fluid may comprise an organosilane, an oil, a UV dye, a colorant, a refrigerant, an oil additive, or others. For example, this disclosure enables a technology for introducing a fluid into a refrigeration system, such as refrigerator, or an air conditioning system, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. For example, a device may introduce a fluid such as a refrigerant, whether in a liquid form or a gaseous form, into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning (AC/R) system. The AC/R system includes a first port, such as a service port, and a second port, such as a service port. The device includes a container, a first fitting, and a second fitting. The container contains the fluid to be dispensed. The first fitting connects the container to the first port. The second fitting connects the container to the second port. Resultantly, a path for the fluid is formed through the container from the first port to the second port in order to discharge the fluid from the container and into the AC/R system. Note that although the AC/R system is described as a single system, the AC/R system may be a plurality of distinct systems, whether operating dependently or independently with respect to each other, whether in a single locale or a plurality of distinct locales, whether operated via a single operator or a plurality of distinct operators. Therefore, a refrigeration system and an air conditioning system may be distinct systems. This disclosure applies at least to both. For example, the refrigeration system may be a refrigerator, whether residential, commercial, scientific (biology/chemistry/physics), or others. For example, the air conditioning system may be residential, commercial, vehicle, whether land, air, or marine, or others. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a device  1102  that may be used to store a fluid  1106 , such as a liquid or a gas. For example, the fluid  1106  may comprise a refrigerant. The device  1102  may be used to introduce the fluid  1106  into an AC/R system. The device  1102  may be pre-filled with the fluid  1106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fluid  1106  may be formulated for an introduction into an AC/R system  1301  (see  FIG. 3 ). The device  1102  may be used with the AC/R system  1301  that includes a compressor  1300  that is located between a high pressure side  1302  and a low pressure side  1304  in a refrigerant flow path, with the refrigerant being in a gaseous form on the low pressure side  1304  and in a liquid form on the high pressure side  1302  or as a hot gas on high side discharge port  1309 . The AC/R system  1301  has a low side service fitting or port  1308  on the low pressure side  1304  and a high side service fitting or port  1306  and the hot gas discharge port  1309  on the high pressure side  1302 . In some embodiments, each of the service ports  1306 ,  1308 , and  1309  is a male low loss fitting that is sealed by a normally closed valve, such as a Schrader style push valve, which may be spring biased into a normally closed position. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  1102  includes a fluid storage container  1104  that defines a fluid storage reservoir for the fluid  1106 . The container  1104  may be a unitary piece of resilient flexible tubing  1108  that is formed from a transparent or translucent elastomer or a plastic or other polymer tubing reinforced with fiber braiding. In some embodiments, the tubing  1108  may not be reinforced with fiber braiding. In some embodiments, the tubing  1108  may be opaque rather than transparent, in whole or in part. In some embodiments, the container  1104  may be formed from or comprise a rigid material, such as copper, aluminum, an alloy, another other metal or a rigid polymer. In some embodiments, the container  1104  may be formed from or comprise a semi-rigid material, such as a malleable soft metal or a polymer. 
     The tube  1108  has a first end portion and a second end portion. The device  1102  includes a first fitting  1116  at one end of tubing  1108 , such as at the first portion, and a second fitting  1118  at the other end of the tubing  1108 , such as the second portion. As seen in  FIG. 4 , the fitting  1116  is configured for connecting one end of the container  1104  of device  1102  to the high pressure or high side service port  1306  of AC/R system  1301 , such as mechanically or fluidly, and the second fitting  1118  is configured for connecting the other end of the container  1104  to the service port  1308  of the AC/R system  1301 , such as mechanically or fluidly. The fitting  1116  is also configured for connecting the container  1104  of the device  1102  to the high pressure or hot gas discharge port  1309  of AC/R system  1301 , such as mechanically or fluidly. 
     The fitting  1118  can be a low loss fitting configured to thread onto the service port  1308 . The fitting  1118  may include a normally closed valve mechanism that cooperates with the service port  1308 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the fitting  1118  can include an internally threaded valve housing  1130  for threading onto the service port  1308 , an upper valve sleeve  1132  with a valve seat  1133 , a depressor  1134 , a spring  1136 , a lower valve sleeve  1138  with a valve seal  1137 , a hose barb  1139 , and a snap ring  1140 . When the valve housing  1130  is screwed onto a service port, such as at least one of the service ports  1306 ,  1308 , or  1309 , the depressor  1134  interacts with a corresponding valve activator in the service port to displace the valve seal  1137  of the lower valve sleeve  1138  from the valve seat  1133 , as defined by the upper valve sleeve  1132 , and permit the fluid to flow through the fitting  1118 . A height of the nub  1142  that is provided on an end of the depressor  1134  defines a size of a flow opening through the fitting  1118  and can be calibrated to provide a desired fluid flow rate in accordance with an application of the device  1102 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a crimp clamp  1125  is used to secure the fitting  1118  to the tubing  1108  by securing the hose barb  1139  of the valve sleeve  1138  to the container  1104 . In some embodiments, the depressor  1134  interacts with the normally closed valve of the service port  1308  such that securing the fitting  1118  to the service port  1308  establishes a fluid communication between an interior of the container  1104  and the low side  1304  of the compressor  1300  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The fitting  1116  can be a push button valve fitting or a low loss fitting configured to thread onto the service port  1306  or the port  1309 . The fitting  1116  includes a normally closed valve mechanism that cooperates with the service port  1306  or the high side discharge port  1309 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the fitting  1116  can include a housing  1124  to contain an internal poppet  1120  and an O-ring  1144  to form a compressed seal against a Schrader style push valve, a push button  1122 , a spring  1143 , a thread  1147 , such as an ⅛th male National Pipe Thread (NPT) thread, a valve sleeve  1148 , a hose barb  1149 , and an internally threaded valve fitting  1146 . The valve fitting  1146  is connected to the housing  1124  via a roll pin  1145  allowing the fitting  1146  to rotate and thread on the high side service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309 . The poppet  1120  is threaded into the push button  1122 , so that when the push button  1122  is manually depressed, the poppet  1120  interacts with a corresponding valve activator in a service port, such as the port  1306  or the port  1309 , to permit a fluid flow through the fitting  1116  and into the container  1104 , through a side port bore and the thread  1147  on the valve sleeve  1148 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the crimp clamp  1125  is used to secure the fitting  1116  to the tubing  1108  by securing the hose barb  1149  of the valve sleeve  1148  to the container  1104 . In some embodiments, the high side fitting  1116  includes the housing  1124  for securing the high side fitting  1116  to the high side port  1306  or the high side discharge port  1309  of the AC/R system  1301 , with a normally closed valve and the poppet  1120  acting as a seal between the container  1104  and the fitting  1116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the poppet  1120  includes the spring  1143  biased into a closed position. The poppet  1120  also includes the push button  1122  to allow a user to manually depress the poppet  1120  into an open position, such as via a manual push button activator. The push button  1122  depresses the poppet  1120  and thereby establishes a fluid communication between the container  1104  and the high pressure side  1302  of the compressor  1300 . 
     In one mode of operation, the device  1102  is used to introduce the fluid  1106  into the AC/R system  1300 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . Note that the AC/R system  1301  may remain operating throughout such introduction, such as via conditioning air. For example, the AC/R system  1301  may not need to be placed into a service mode and may keep operating in an operating mode, such as a normal air conditioning mode. 
     In a first step, a user secures the low side fitting  1118  of the device  1102  to the service port  1308  of AC/R system  1301 , which causes a normally closed valve of the low side fitting  1118  and a normally closed valve of the service port  1308  to be moved into an open state, thereby establishing a fluid communication between an interior of the container  1104  and the AC/R system low pressure side  1304 . 
     In a second step, a user secures the high side fitting  1116  of device  1102  to the high side service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  of the AC/R system  1301 . Note that since the poppet  1120  employs a manual activation technology, a mere connection of the high side fitting  1116  to the high side service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  may not activate the poppet  1120  of the fitting  1116 , and likewise may not activate a valve of the service port  1306 , and thus may not establish a flow connection between the container  1104  and the high pressure side  1302 . In some embodiments, such a feature may effectively minimize or mitigate against an accidental escape of a high pressure refrigerant onto a hand or a body part of a user during a coupling process. In some embodiments, the high side fitting  1116  may be secured directly to a refrigerant cylinder, which may be used for charging the AC/R system  1301 . In some embodiments, an order of the first and second steps described above can be reversed, such as the second step precedes the first step. 
     In a third step, a user depresses the push button  1122  of the valve fitting  1116 , thereby causing the poppet  1120  to open a flow path to the container  1104  and to also activate a valve of the high side service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309 . This causes a fluid path to be established through the container  1104  between the high pressure side flow path  1302  and the low pressure side  1304  of the AC/R system  1301 . Consequently, a pressure differential between a pair of ends of the container  1104 , such as the first end portion and the second end portion, causes a refrigerant fluid from the AC/R system  1301  to enter the interior of the container  1104  through the fitting  1116  and displace the fluid  1106  stored in the interior of the container  1104  so that the fluid  1106  is discharged from the container  1104  and injected into the AC/R system  1301  through the service port  1308 . In some embodiments, the container  1104  is transparent or translucent so that a user can see when the fluid  1106  is fully discharged. In some embodiments, an assumption is made that a full discharge has occurred after the valve push button  1122  has been depressed for a predetermined duration. Once discharge of the fluid  1106  is complete, a user releases the push button  1122 , which causes the poppet  1120  to close and also causes a valve of the high side service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge  1309  port to close. 
     In a forth step, a user disconnects the fittings  1116 ,  1118  of the device  1102  from the hot gas discharge port  1309  or the service ports  1306 ,  1308  of the AC/R system  1301 . 
     In some embodiments, the fittings  1116  and  1118  are reversed, with a manually activated valve, such as via the push button  1122 , being on the low pressure side  1304  of the device  1102 . 
     An example of a method of using a device  1103  is described with a reference to  FIGS. 1 to 7 . The device  1103  may be used to introduce a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, such as a refrigerant, to the AC/R system  1301 . Note that the AC/R system  1301  may remain operating throughout such introduction, such as via conditioning air. For example, the AC/R system  1301  may not need to be placed into a service mode and may keep operating in an operating mode, such as a normal air conditioning mode. 
     In a first step, a user secures one of the fittings  1118  of the device  1103  to the service port  1308  of AC/R system  1301 . Such securing, such as via fastening or mating, causes a normally closed valve of the fitting  1118  and a normally closed valve of the service port  1308  to be moved into an open state, thereby establishing a fluid communication between the interior of the container  1104  and a low pressure refrigerant flow path of the AC/R system  1301 . 
     In a second step, a user secures one of the fittings  1118  of the device  1103  to the service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  of the AC/R system  1301 . Such securing, such as via fastening or mating, causes a normally closed valve of the fitting  1118  and a normally closed valve of the service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  to be moved into an open state, thereby establishing a fluid communication between the interior of the container  1104  and a high pressure or hot gas refrigerant flow path of the AC/R system  1301 . In some embodiments, an order of the first and second steps described above can be reversed, such as the second step precedes the first step. 
     An example of a method of using a device  1105  is described with a reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8 . The device  1105  may be used to introduce a single or multiple fluids, such as a liquid or a gas, such as a refrigerant, to the AC/R system  1301 . Note that the AC/R system  1301  may remain operating throughout such introduction, such as via conditioning air. For example, the AC/R system  1301  may not need to be placed into a service mode and may keep operating in an operating mode, such as a normal air conditioning mode. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the device  1105  includes the device  1102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , an input manifold  1152 , the device  1103 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , and an output manifold  1153 . The fitting  1118  of the device  1102  connects, whether mechanically or fluidly, to the input manifold  1152  which contains a plurality of male input slots, such as three available ¼ inch Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) male input slots, although more or less can be used as well, whether two or four. Note that single or multiple units of the device  1103  can be coupled, such as via attaching or fastening, to the input manifold  1152  and the output manifold  1153  via connecting the fitting  1118  of the device  1103  to one or more available slots, such as three slots. 
     In a first step, a user assembles the device  1105  by securing the fitting  1118  of the device  1102  to the input manifold  1152 . As exemplarily illustrated in  FIG. 8 , one, two, or three units of the device  1103  are secured to the input manifold  1152  slots by coupling, such as via attaching, such as via fastening or mating, one side of the fittings  1118  of the device  1103  to the male input slots, such as various ¼″ male SAE input slots. The fittings  1118  of the device  1103  are coupled on another side, such as via attaching, such as via fastening or mating, to the output slots on the output manifold  1153 , such as various ¼″ male SAE output slots. Note that at least one or all of such couplings, such as fluid or mechanical connections, may cause a normally closed valve of the fitting  1118  to be switched, such as via moving, into an open state. 
     In a second step, a user secures a fitting  1151  of the device  1105  to the low side service port  1308  of AC/R system  1301 . Such securing, such as via fastening or mating, causes a normally closed valve of the fitting  1151  and a normally closed valve of the service port  1308  to be switched, such as via moving, into an open state, thereby establishing a fluid communication between the interior of the container  1104  and a low pressure refrigerant flow path of the AC/R system  1301 . 
     In a third step, a user secures the fitting  1116  of the device  1105  to the high side service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  of the AC/R system  1301 . As the poppet  1120  employs a manual activation technology, a mere connection of the fitting  1116  to the service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  may not activate the poppet  1120  of fitting  1116 , and likewise may not activate a valve of the service port  1306 , and thus may not establish a flow connection between the container  1104  and a high side refrigerant flow path. In some embodiments, such a feature may effectively minimize or mitigate against an accidental escape of a high pressure refrigerant onto a hand or a body part of a user during a coupling process. In some embodiments, an order of the second step and the third step can be reversed, such as the third step precedes the second step. 
     In a fourth step, a user depresses the push button  1122  of the fitting  1116  of the device  1102 , thereby causing the poppet  1120  to open a fluid flow path to the container  1104  and to activate a valve of the service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309 . Such action causes a fluid flow path to be established through the device  1105  between the high pressure side  1302  and the low pressure side  1304  of the AC/R system  1301 . A pressure differential between various ends of the device  1105  causes a refrigerant fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, from the AC/R system  1301  to enter an interior of the device  1105  though the fitting  1116  and displace the fluid  1106  stored in the interior of the devices  1102 ,  1103  so that the fluid  1106  is discharged from the container  1104  and injected into the AC/R system  1301  through the service port  1308 . In some embodiments, the container  1104  is transparent or translucent so that a user can see when the fluid  1106  is fully discharged. In some embodiments, an assumption is made that a full discharge has occurred after the push button  1122  has been depressed for a predetermined duration, such as under one minute, although less than one minute or more than one minute is possible, such as under five minutes. Once a discharge of the fluid  1106  is complete, a user releases the push button  1122 , which causes the poppet  1120  to close and also causes a valve of the service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309  to close. 
     In some embodiments, the device  1105  may contain four different fluid chambers, although more or less are possible, thereby allowing four different fluid  1106  compositions to be injected, whether a liquid or a gas. The fluid  1106  comprises of either a same composition or different compositions allowing for a semi-automatic or automatic mixing of chemical solutions and direct delivery into the AC/R system  1301 . In such embodiments, the device  1105  comprises a four-part solution of fluid  1106  which activates internally within the AC/R system  1301  to allow a longer shelf life. A fluid flow path is formed through the container  1104  from the fitting  1116  through the device  1105  to the fitting  1151  to mix and discharge the fluid from the container  1104  and into the AC/R system  1301 . For example, a method may comprise inputting one or multiple fluids into the AC/R system  1301 , wherein a device, as disclosed herein, may comprise an input manifold and an output manifold. 
     In some embodiments, a non-reactive fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, may be used. Consequently,  FIGS. 9 to 13  relate to further embodiments of systems, devices, and methods for storing a fluid, which may be a reactive fluid or a non-reactive fluid, whether a liquid or a gas, and subsequently introducing that fluid into a refrigeration system or air conditioning system. 
     For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a fluid storage and introducing device  1107 . The device  1107  may be pre-filled with the fluid  1106  that is formulated for an introduction into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system. 
     The device  1107  includes the container  1104  that defines a fluid storage reservoir. The container  1104  can be a unitary piece of resilient flexible tubing  1108  that is formed from transparent or translucent elastomer or plastic or other polymer tubing reinforced with fiber braiding. In some embodiments, the tubing  1108  may not be reinforced with fiber braiding. In some embodiments, the tubing  1108  may be opaque rather than transparent. The device  1107  includes a bleed valve fitting  1112  at one end of the tubing  1108  and a discharge/fill fitting  1118  at another end of the tubing  1108  for connecting the device  1107  to a fluid filling station and to an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , as the fluid  1106  enters a compressor  500  from the tubing  1108 , a refrigerant  504  from the AC/R system  1301  bubbles up into the tubing  1108  to replace the fluid  1106 , as the fluid  1106  departs therefrom. In some embodiments, the refrigerant  504  may be in a gaseous state wherein the refrigerant  504  expands into the tubing  1108  and bubbles towards a sealed end of the tubing  108 , thereby facilitating a displacement of the fluid  1106  from the tubing  1108 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, a volumetric displacement of the fluid  1106  by the refrigerant  504  can provide a force for introducing the fluid  1106  into the AC/R system  1301  the tubing  1108  is coupled to, whether mechanically or fluidly. 
     In some embodiments, a turbulence of the refrigerant  504  within the AC/R system  1301  to which the device  1107  is connected may create a Venturi effect that assists in an evacuation of the fluid  1106  from the device  1107  and into the AC/R system  1301 . 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments, alternative or additional to using stored or externally added force to add the fluid  1106  to the AC/R system  1301 , the device  1107  relies on one or a combination of various effects, where the effects may include (1) a change in stored energy in the device  1107  caused by a change in a pressure between an out of service and in service states of the AC/R system  1301 , (2) a volumetric displacement of the fluid  1106  by the refrigerant  504  entering the device  1107 , or (3) a Venturi force resulting from a movement of the refrigerant  504  past a service port in the AC/R system  1301 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , an alternative embodiment  1107 A that is similar to an embodiment described above, except that the bleed valve  1112  on the tubing  1108  has been replaced with a low loss female fitting  1118 A. The fitting  1118 A is similar or identical to the fitting  1118  except that the fitting  1118 A is made for mating with a different diameter service port such that the device  1107 A can be used to service a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system that has a different size service ports simply by reversing an orientation of the device  1107 A. For example, the fitting  1118  can be a ¼″ SAE low loss fitting and the fitting  1118 A can be a 5/16″ SAE low loss fitting. For example, the fill/discharge fitting  1118  is a ACME automotive  1134 A ½″ fitting, with the fitting  1118 A being either a ¼″ SAE low loss fitting or an  1118 A 5/16″ SAE low loss fitting. 
       FIG. 12  shows yet another alternative embodiment  1107 B that is similar to an embodiment described above, except that the bleed valve  1112  on the tubing  1108  has been replaced with a no-valve seal  701 . 
       FIG. 13  shows still another alternative embodiment  1107 C that is similar to an embodiment described above, except that the tubing  1108 , which may be flexible, has been replaced with a rigid tube  802 . The rigid tube  802  may be transparent or translucent or opaque. A compressible member  801 , such as a sphere, is provided at the bleed valve  112  of the device  1107 C. The compressible member  801  may function as a mechanical energy storage element to provide a pressure absorbing function when the device  1107 C is attached to a low pressure compressor port during an off cycle, and to provide a pressure or energy release function when a compressor is subsequently turned on. In some embodiments, the compressible member  801  helps provide an additional seal to the bleed valve  1121 . In some embodiments, an energy storage element is based on an elasticity of the container  1104 , where the elasticity is based on a heat generated by a friction resulting for expansion/contraction of the container  1104 . 
     Note that when the rigid tube  802  is used, the compressible member  801  may be omitted. Also, note that the compressible member  801  may be included within the tubing  1108 , which may be flexible or elastomeric, of the devices  1107 ,  1107 A or  1107 C to enhance an energy absorption and a release feature of the devices  1107 ,  1107 A or  1107 C. Also note that a lubricant additive composition for improving a miscibility and a performance of the AC/R system  1301  may be located in a flexible expanding hose or tube that is sealed at one end and at another end includes a two-way flow fitting that can be attached to the AC/R system  1301 . 
     An amount of the fluid  1106  and a discharge rate of the fluid  1106  from the container  1104 , as disclosed herein, can be controlled by a number of factors, including (1) a volume and a dimension, such as a length or an internal diameter of the tubing  1108 , (2) a size of a valve openings included in the fittings  1116 ,  1118 , and  1118 A when in an open state, (3) a characteristic of the fluid  1106 , such as a viscosity, or (4) a pressure of the service port  1306  or the hot gas discharge port  1309 . For example, at least one of such factors can be calibrated according to a use of the device  1102 , at least as disclosed herein, such that a design of the device  1102  can be adapted to accommodate a wide range of fluids, air conditioning systems, or refrigeration systems. 
     In some embodiments, various devices of  FIGS. 1 to 13  can be used to facilitate an introduction of the fluid to an exclusion of an ambient air. 
     In some embodiments, where the fluid  1106  is colored, a departure of the fluid  1106  is easily observed. In some embodiments, where the tubing  1108 , which may be flexible, is used as all or part of the container  1104 , a device, as disclosed herein, can be configured or manipulated for a use in a tight area or to connect to different AC/R configurations. 
     The fill/discharge fitting  1118  can take a number of different configurations. In some embodiments, the fill/discharge fitting  1118  comprises a ¼″ SAE low loss fitting. In some embodiments, the fill/discharge fitting  1118  comprises a 5/16″ SAE low loss fitting. In some embodiments, the fill/discharge fitting  1118  comprises a  1134 A ½″ ACME automotive fitting, or any other suitable automotive A/C fitting. 
     The fluid  1106  could be selected from any number of possible fluids, such as liquids or gases, that are required or useful for maintenance of air conditioning or refrigerant systems. In some embodiments, the fluid  1106  could include an oil, a sealant (including a refrigerant sealant), a leak detection dye (including a fluorescent dye), a refrigerant gas, a performance enhancing fluids, or others. In some embodiments, the fluid  1106  includes a lubricant or a lubricant additive. For example, the lubricant may comprise a refrigeration lubricant. For example, the lubricant additive may comprise an organosilane, an orthoester, an antioxidant, or an anticorrosion additive. For example, a suitable orthoester that may be included in the fluid  1106  as the lubricant additive could comprise a triethylorthoformate. In some embodiments, an organosilane component comprises about 0% to about 20% by weight of the fluid  1106 . In some embodiments, the orthoester component or components comprises from about 0% to about 100% by weight of a total amount in any fluid management device disclosed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid  1106  includes a colorant that allows the fluid  1106  to be easily seen through the tubing  1108 , which may be transparent, to allow an easy visual confirmation of a presence of or an amount of the fluid  1106  present in the tubing  1108 . For example, such colorant is not a florescent dye, such as used to allow leaks to be detected in a refrigerant system, although in some applications a fluorescent dye may be used, such as a ultraviolet (UV) dye could also be included in the fluid  1106 . A suitable non-dye colorant may comprise Chromatint Blue HF or others. 
     At least some of the additives noted above may function as a drying agent to reduce a moisture level of the lubricant that is included in the fluid  1106 . Such use, in some applications, can increase a storage life of the fluid  1106  by mitigating against a breakdown of a chemical component of the fluid  1106 . 
     In some embodiments, the lubricant in the fluid  1106  can function to stop a fluid leak in an air-conditioning system or a refrigeration system that the fluid  1106  is injected into. 
     In some embodiments, a number of different compositions are possible for the fluid  1106 . One possible composition consists of a polyolester lubricant, a triethyl orthoformate, a Vinyltrimethoxysilane, a N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine, methyltrimethoxysilane, a tint solution, or others. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid  1106  can include a small or a micron size particle, such as a Teflon particle or others. 
     In some embodiments, there is provided a number of variations of various devices described above for storing or introducing the fluid  1106  into a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system. One such variation enables a cost efficient manufacture and shipping due to a unitary structure of the tubing  1108  having a fitting at each end. For example, the fitting  1118 , and  1118 A may be directly connected to the container  1104  that stores the fluid  1106  such that no intermediate hoses or fittings are required to move the fluid  1106  from a storage location in the tubing  1108  to the fitting  1118 , or  1118 A. Thus, the fitting  1118 , or  1118 A may provide a direct fluid communication between a fluid storage region of the container  1104  (as defined by the tubing  1108 ) and the service port  1308 . 
     Another such variation may be reusability. For example, a device, as disclosed herein, may be configured for a single use or multiple uses. In such multiple use application, the fitting  1116 ,  1118 , or  1118 A may also function as a refill fitting to allow the tubing  1108  to be refilled. 
     In some embodiments, all or a part of the container  1104  is formed from a rigid component. 
     In some embodiments, various functions or acts can take place at a given location and/or in connection with the operation of one or more apparatuses or systems. In some embodiments, a portion of a given function or act can be performed at a first device or location, and a remainder of the function or act can be performed at one or more additional devices or locations. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     The diagrams depicted herein are illustrative. There can be many variations to the diagram or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For instance, the steps can be performed in a differing order or steps can be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the disclosure. It will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, can make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. 
     The description of this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustive and/or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in techniques and structures will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in an art without departing from a scope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplated as being a part of this disclosure. A scope of this disclosure is defined by various claims, which include known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at a time of filing of this disclosure.