Abstract: A coupling for joining together opposing ends of a pressurized refrigerant flow line utilizes a quick connect feature and provides a metal-to-metal seal when connected. When disengaged, opposing ends of the fluid flow line are closed by valves, each of which includes a structure containing an axial passageway and an axially extending valve positioned therein. The valves are yieldingly urged to a closed position when disconnected. The first structure and valve are mounted in a housing having a quick connect feature for retaining the second structure and valve. When connected together, the first structure and valve is moved axially relative to the second structure and valve, while the second structure is maintained in an axially fixed position in the housing. The axially extending first valve engages the axially extending second valve moving it relative to its structure from a closed to an open position while at the same time moving relative to a cooperating sleeve from a closed to an open position.

Abstract: A manually adjustable service adapter includes a manually adjustable actuation shaft for opening the valve of a charging port of a refrigeration system to permit the charging of refrigerant into such system. Actuation of such charging port results from an axially movable shaft in combination with one of two internal, axially slideable sleeves. The axially movable actuation shaft is manually adjustable by a rotatable knob which causes it to move axially but non-rotatably. Such axial movement of the shaft along with restriction of movement of one slideable sleeve upon abutment against the other slidable sleeve when the adapter is engaged to the charging port, opens the seal between the shaft and such one slideable sleeve while movement of the shaft with its end engaged to the valve of the charging port, opens such valve. Means are provided for preventing rotational movement of the axially movable shaft.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is disclosed having a female element with a conically shaped transition segment integrally formed between a mating segment and a central segment. As the mating segment of the male element is inserted into the female element, the conical transition segment serves to guide to the mating segment into an engaged position with the central segment of the female element.

Abstract: A catheter check valve assembly has a body member with a wall defining a generally cylindrical chamber and a transverse wall having an aperture lying on the axis of such chamber. A duckbill valve and an end cap supporting a catheter are positioned on one side of the transverse wall. A separator has a major portion positioned in said cylindrical chamber and an elongated cylindrical probe extending from said major portion. The separator is axially moveable from a retracted position where the probe is out of contact with the duckbill valve to a forward position extending through and opening the duckbill valve. A trocar may be extended through the catheter check valve assembly when the separator is in the forward position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flat ball valve coupling that reduces spillage to less than 1CC. The coupling provides numerous safeguards against spillage because one of the flat ball valves rotates and pulls away from the other flat ball valve. This eliminates any spacing between the flat ball valves in the closed position thereby eliminating spillage during uncoupling. Another feature is an interlock which prevents the coupling from being accidently disconnected when either valve is open.

Abstract: A pressure actuated fracture tool for use in splitting and fracturing hardened material, such as rock, stone, concrete and the like, having two expansible outer shells designed to move in opposition to each other along a selected axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool. The outer shells define a central orifice extending longitudinally to length of the tool. An elastomeric tubular member is positioned in the central cavity between two longitudinally fixed end connectors. Upon the application of pressure to the tubular member, the outer shells expand outwardly in a determined radial diversion to contact the wall of a cavity bored in the hardened material and cause the material to cleave or split.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for a liquid handling system is disclosed. When disconnected the first and second coupling members are valved closed. The second coupling member includes an adjustable pressure relief feature. By moving an adjustment member, the operating pressure for the pressure relief can be varied and set at a desired level.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in the coupling of two members. The first member has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines a coupling sleeve and a valve sleeve. A fluid passageway is in communication between the coupling sleeve and the valve sleeve. A valve is positioned in the valve sleeve. The valve is biased toward the fluid passageway by a coiled spring. A valve pusher having a first end and a second end is positioned in the coupling sleeve and the fluid passageway. The assembly has a second member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a terminal portion. When the second member is inserted in the coupling sleeve, the terminal portion engages the first end of the valve pusher causing the second end of the pusher to engage the valve to unseat the valve to allow unrestricted fluid flow between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A hydraulic fuse includes cooperating inlet and outlet members within which are positioned a fixed guide having main flow ports and pressure detecting ports, an axially slideable sleeve mounted on the fixed guide and a spring yieldingly urging the slideable sleeve to a position leaving the main flow ports open. Upon the flow rate reaching an excessive level creating an excessive pressure drop, the slideable sleeve is urged forwardly against the biasing action of the spring to a position overlying and closing the main flow ports.

Abstract: A stackable container having excellent resistance to impact breakage includes (1) a plastic tank for containing liquids having at least one opening in its upper end and upper and lower abutments extending around sidewalls, (2) a top member engaged to the upper end of the tank having a downwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said upper abutment and (3) a bottom member engaged to the lower end of the tank having an upwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said lower abutment and having a plurality of downwardly extending legs. The tank has a generally rectangular configuration with a sump defined at one corner extending downwardly from the bottom and an internally raised area at another corner defining a depression forming an external ledge. Two tanks may be stacked in bottom-to-bottom relationship with the sump of one tank engaging the ledge of the other tank.

Abstract: Tooling for use in forming articles and a method for making same wherein the tooling includes a mold. The mold has a mold surface having an interior and an exterior. A plurality of metallic strands are positioned adjacent to the interior of the mold surface. The mold further includes at least one metallic heat transfer tube for containing a fluid cooling agent. One or more heat transfer rods can also be positioned in the mold. A layer of a plastic material is placed adjacent the interior of the mold surface. The plastic material surrounds the metallic strands and the metallic heat transfer tubes and rods. When heat is produced on the mold during a molding operation, the heat is transferred through the metallic strands and the heat exchange tubes and rods. The heat is dissipated by the cooling affect caused by the cooling fluid in the tubes.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid container defining a fluid cavity. A manifold assembly is mounted over a container bunghole. A tube assembly including a fill tube extends into the fluid cavity. Keyed couplings are mounted on the manifold assembly. One of the couplings is in communication with the fill tube and another coupling is in communication with the cavity. A pressure relief valve is mounted adjacent the manifold assembly. Tamper evident assemblies are provided on the manifold assembly for determining if the fluid container has been opened.

Abstract: A multiple layer hose and fitting assembly for refrigeration circuits particularly suitable for larger sizes of refrigeration conduit wherein refrigerant loss to the atmosphere through the hose material is minimized and flexibility is maintained. An inner tube of thermoplastic material is employed to minimize refrigerant loss due to permeation, and the inner tube is corrugated to provide lateral flexibility. The hose includes pressure reinforcing layers or covers, and a moisture ingression resistant sheath or layer circumscribes the inner tube to protect the inner tube from contamination by moisture. In the preferred embodiment the sheath is located between a braided reinforcing layer engaging the inner tube and a braided cover. The moisture ingression resistant layer is preferably formed of a thermoplastic rubber, and the adjacent hose layers are capable of limited axial displacement relative to each other to assure lateral flexibility.

Abstract: A nut retention system for nut connected couplings including an end fitting having an outer end wherein interfering abutments are defined upon the end fitting and nut to limit retraction of the nut on the end fitting when the coupling is disconnected whereby the outer end of the nut will always axially extend beyond the outer end of the end fitting to protect the end fitting outer end and seal located thereon.

Abstract: A manually adjustable service adapter includes a manually adjustable actuation shaft for opening the valve of a charging port of a refrigeration system to permit the charging of refrigerant into such system. Actuation of such charging port results from an axially movable shaft which is manually adjustable by a rotatable knob which causes the shaft to move axially opening the valve of the charging port. Means are provided for preventing rotational movement of the axially movable shaft.

Abstract: A flexible joint for the connecting and sealing of tubular sections that includes a flexible pad having inner and outer surfaces. A contoured portion extends around the inner surface of the pad. The flexible joint further includes a first tubular section having a raised portion. The raised portion engages the contoured portion on the inner surface of the pad. A second tubular section includes a housing. The housing has exterior and interior surfaces. The interior surface of the housing engages the outer surface of the pad for retaining the pad in a sealing relationship with the first tubular section.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool having a piston movable along a first axis and a jaw member movable along a second axis spaced from and parallel to the first axis is provided with supporting means to resist angular deflection and is provided with a floating shaft abutting the piston to absorb any lateral deflection without causing deflection to the piston. The abutment face of the piston is outwardly convex.

Abstract: A connector and ball joint assembly including a connector, a receiving means, such as a conduit of a component of an air conditioning system, and a ball. The connector includes a flange and a cylindrical inner surface. A portion of the inner surface includes threads. The component conduit has an exterior surface and an interior surface. A portion of the exterior surface includes threads for receiving the threads on the inner surface of the connector. The interior surface of the component conduit defines an open end. The ball includes a wall having a spherically-shaped outer surface defining an open end. The wall is positioned adjacent the flange of the connector and the interior surface of the component conduit. Annular gaskets can be positioned between the wall, the connector and the component conduit to seal the joint.

Abstract: An improved hose fitting is disclosed. The hose fitting has a body member with a coupling nut at one end. A socket member surrounds the body member and together they define an opening for receiving a hose. A plurality of projections extend inwardly from the interior surface of the socket member. Each projection includes an inner side or surface, an outer side or surface and a tip surface connecting the inner surface and the outer surface. The tip surface extends a distance "x" from the interior surface of the socket member. An enlarged radius defines a circular outer surface on each projection. The radius is between 0.5x and 1.3x and is preferably approximately "x".

Abstract: The invention pertains to a coupling adapter for use with self-sealing valved coupling parts of the axially movable type for servicing and testing a fluid circuit. The adapter consists of a tubular body having a coupling end for connecting to the associated part and an axial passage wherein a threaded valve actuator is located having a free end adapted to releasably engage and displace the associated part's valve. A torque appling handle operatively associated with the value actuator facilitates manual control of the valve's axial position.