Abstract: Dial face insert properly indexed or keyed so as to tightly fit into a correspondingly indexed or keyed housing. In a preferred embodiment, the dial face includes one or more reference scales printed thereon, such as a temperature scale. The housing to which it is indexed may be the gauge body, the gauge face or the gauge cover.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupler having a slidable piston to connect and disconnect to a standard fitting or coupling attached to suitable tubing. The coupling is slidably received by the coupler and locked in place by the piston. In the locked position, the coupling depresses a valve pin in the piston which opens a passageway in the coupler. At the same time, a depressor in the coupler depresses a valve stem in the coupling, thereby allowing bi-directional gas flow to the device being serviced from the service apparatus, or vice versa. A method of charging or discharging refrigeration apparatus with said coupler is also disclosed.

Abstract: Dial face insert properly indexed or keyed so as to tightly fit into a correspondingly indexed or keyed housing. In a preferred embodiment, the dial face includes one or more reference scales printed thereon, such as a temperature scale. The housing to which it is indexed may be the gauge body, the gauge face or the gauge cover.

Abstract: A fuel combuster such as a torch tip, having means therein for cleaning the orifice of the tip, as well as a method of cleaning such an orifice. The combustion device comprises a metallic elongated tube having a forward section terminating in a front end, a middle section and a rearward section, the middle section communicating at its respective ends with the forward section and the rearward section. The rearward section is adapted, suitably at its rearward end, for connection to a source of combustible gas, and is suitably provided with axially positioned fuel jet means for injecting combustible gas into the tube and with apertures for intake of combustion supporting gas to be mixed with the combustible gas. The fuel jet means includes an orifice having an elongated wire passing therethrough. Movement of the wire loosens any dirt in the orifice.

Abstract: An automatic locking pressure regulator or valve for a fuel tank. The regulator or valve includes locking means which prevent loosening of the regulator or valve from a standard fuel cylinder valve outlet connection. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism is coupled to the base of the regulator or valve, and protrudes into the threads on the standard fitting on the fuel cylinder to prevent one-way rotation of the pressure regulator or valve.

Abstract: A fuel combuster such as a torch tip, having means fixed ignition means and means for encapsulating the same. The combustion device comprises a metallic elongated tube having a forward section terminating in a front end, a middle section and a rearward section, the middle section communicating at its respective ends with the forward section and the rearward section. The rearward section is adapted, suitably at its rearward end, for connection to a source of combustible gas, and is suitably provided with axially positioned fuel jet means for injecting combustible gas into the tube and with apertures for intake of combustion supporting gas to be mixed with the combustible gas. A spring-loaded piezo crystal is affixed to the middle portion and is activated by grasping a cap assembly encapsulating the piezo crystal and applying a downward force thereto. The device can be ignited regardless of the orientation of the torch tip on the gas supply source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing an undesirable release of fluid from a conduit upon disconnection of the conduit. In a specific form of the invention, the apparatus includes a hose having a slide valve located therein adjacent an end of the hose for preventing the escape of liquids or gases, especially refrigerants, to the environment. The slide valve includes a substantially cylindrically shaped nipple having first and second bores extending axially therethrough, the first and second bores being divided and bounded by an integral wall of the nipple. The nipple includes a plurality of ports adjacent the integral wall which provide passages through the nipple to provide fluid communication between the first and second bores. A sleeve member is slidable disposed around the nipple and contains seals for providing a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight interface between the sleeve and the nipple.