Abstract: A valve that includes a housing defining first and second bores having a central axis, and a peripheral valve seat. An actuator is located in the first bore and has a reciprocating seal disposed for movement along the central axis for engaging the valve seat and closing the valve. A coiled return spring is mounted in the housing for urging the reciprocating seal towards the chamber to open the valve, the return spring having a first end connected to the reciprocating seal and a second end engaging a spring support in the housing facing the first bore. The return spring may have a larger diameter at its second end than its first end. The housing may include a third bore in communication with the second bore and having a different cross-sectional area than the second bore. A closure cap formed from moldable material may close an opening in the housing, the closure cap being sealably joined to the housing by a welded joint.

Abstract: A by-pass valve that includes a housing defining a chamber therein, and a by-pass valve port and a first port communicating with the chamber. The by-pass valve port has a central axis and a peripheral valve seat. The by-pass valve also includes a valve assembly comprising a central shaft disposed along said central axis, and an annular ring slidably mounted on the central shaft for movement between a closed position in which the annular ring engages the valve seat and an open position in which the annular ring is spaced apart from the valve seat, the annular ring having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding the central shaft with a first circumferential rib extending inward from a portion of the inner surface and slidably engaging the central shaft.

Abstract: A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.

Abstract: A valve that includes a housing defining first and second bores having a central axis, and a peripheral valve seat. An actuator is located in the first bore and has a reciprocating seal disposed for movement along the central axis for engaging the valve seat and closing the valve. A coiled return spring is mounted in the housing for urging the reciprocating seal towards the chamber to open the valve, the return spring having a first end connected to the reciprocating seal and a second end engaging a spring support in the housing facing the first bore. The return spring may have a larger diameter at its second end than its first end. The housing may include a third bore in communication with the second bore and having a different cross-sectional area than the second bore. A closure cap formed from moldable material may close an opening in the housing, the closure cap being sealably joined to the housing by a welded joint.

Abstract: A by-pass valve and a heat exchanger employing same is disclosed where the by-pass valve makes a short circuit from the heat exchanger inlet to the heat exchanger outlet to disable the heat exchanger under certain temperature conditions. The by-pass valve includes a housing defining a chamber. Three main ports communicate with the chamber, one being a valve port. A temperature responsive actuator located in the chamber operates a spring loaded valve to open and close the valve port. The valve port can be connected to one of the heat exchanger inlet or outlet, the other main ports are then connected in series with the other of the heat exchanger inlet or outlet.