Abstract: An exemplary compounding method of controlling a compounding device to prepare an admixture of at least two distinct material sources can include examining material source solutions for incompatibility of the ingredients and operating a first and a second pump to prevent one of the incompatible source solutions from entering a common flow path. The processing method can detect degradation of a fluid line by evaluating one or more of calibration error rate data, cumulative volumetric flow data, or cumulative pump operation data. The processing method can also selectively transfer a first group of source solutions using the first pump, receiving pump data from one or more sensors that sense actions of the pumps, applying fluid correction factors and calculating discrete pump movements, the pump movements being indicative of an amount of source solution displacement by a pump, and operating the pumps to selectively dispense the source solution amounts according to a preparation order.

Abstract: Tube flaring tool comprising a tube receiving region comprising first and second gripping dies retractable with respect to each other and positionable to cooperatively define an opening for receiving a tube; a first clutch shaft; a support housing having a bore for receiving a second clutch shaft; a clutch plate; a flare forming head operable to flare the free end of the tube; and a biasing member urging the flare forming head axially. The first clutch shaft may have an outer configuration adapted to be engaged by a 12 point or ?? square drive SAE ratchet wrench for creating mechanical advantage to actuate the flare forming head. When the force that the biasing member urges the flare forming head axially is overcome, the clutch plate disengages from the second clutch shaft such that further actuation of the first clutch shaft does not rotate the flare forming head shaft, preventing over-flaring.

Abstract: Tube flaring tool comprising a tube receiving region comprising first and second gripping dies retractable with respect to each other and positionable to cooperatively define an opening for receiving a tube; a first clutch shaft; a support housing having a bore for receiving a second clutch shaft; a clutch plate; a flare forming head operable to flare the free end of the tube; and a biasing member urging the flare forming head axially. The first clutch shaft may have an outer configuration adapted to be engaged by a 12 point or ?? square drive SAE ratchet wrench for creating mechanical advantage to actuate the flare forming head. When the force that the biasing member urges the flare forming head axially is overcome, the clutch plate disengages from the second clutch shaft such that further actuation of the first clutch shaft does not rotate the flare forming head shaft, preventing over-flaring.

Abstract: Retaining bracket for a fluid spray delivery apparatus to ensure that an applicator rod remains properly attached to the apparatus and in fluid communication with the fluid even when subjected to a driving force. Also disclosed is a fluid application system or assembly, and a method of applying fluid using the same, the system or assembly including a source of fluid to be applied to a target object, a siphon gun assembly, an applicator rod, tubing for placing the applicator rod in fluid communication with the siphon gun assembly, and a retaining bracket that secures the tubing to the siphon gun assembly such that the tubing remains in place and does not disconnect from the siphon gun assembly when subjected to a driving force such as water under pressure.

Abstract: Retaining bracket for a fluid spray delivery apparatus to ensure that an applicator rod remains properly attached to the apparatus and in fluid communication with the fluid even when subjected to a driving force. Also disclosed is a fluid application system or assembly, and a method of applying fluid using the same, the system or assembly including a source of fluid to be applied to a target object, a siphon gun assembly, an applicator rod, tubing for placing the applicator rod in fluid communication with the siphon gun assembly, and a retaining bracket that secures the tubing to the siphon gun assembly such that the tubing remains in place and does not disconnect from the siphon gun assembly when subjected to a driving force such as water under pressure.

Abstract: A tool including a front housing and an expander head ring that is readily attachable and detachable from the front housing. The front housing may be coupled to the tool body, or can be integral with the tool body. The front housing may have a mating end that has one or more locking tabs that are configured to be engaged by the expander head ring. The expander head ring may carry one or more functional elements such as a die set that may be expanded by insertion of an expander extending from the tool such as by manual actuation of the tool. A plurality of expander head rings, each with a different size die set, can be alternatively attached to the front housing, depending on the desired extent of expanding of the pipe or the like with the tool.

Abstract: Gas vaporizer for flashing liquid to vapor received from a source prior to introduction into a compressor or the like, such as in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. In certain embodiments the vaporize includes an adapter member for connection to a liquid source, a connector member having a plurality of flow passages for facilitating the transfer of heat to fluid present therein to vaporize the same, a body portion providing visual access such as via one or more sight glasses to an internal chamber therein for visual confirmation that liquid has been vaporized, and a hose connecting member for connection to a point of destination such as a compressor. In certain embodiments, the connector has an axial bore containing a high thermal conductive material.

Abstract: Tube flaring tool comprising a tube receiving region comprising first and second gripping dies retractable with respect to each other and positionable to cooperatively define an opening for receiving a tube; a first clutch shaft; a support housing having a bore for receiving a second clutch shaft; a clutch plate; a flare forming head operable to flare the free end of the tube; and a biasing member urging the flare forming head axially. The first clutch shaft may have an outer configuration adapted to be engaged by a 12 point or 3/8? square drive SAE ratchet wrench for creating mechanical advantage to actuate the flare forming head. When the force that the biasing member urges the flare forming head axially is overcome, the clutch plate disengages from the second clutch shaft such that further actuation of the first clutch shaft does not rotate the flare forming head shaft, preventing over-flaring.

Abstract: Locking device and seal for an access fitting/valve, and methods of locking an access fitting/valve. The locking device may comprise an outer housing having a first internal cavity and an upper surface having an aperture; an inner housing configured to be received in the internal cavity of the outer housing, the inner housing having a second internal cavity defined by side walls at least a portion of which having internal threads for threadably connecting to an access fitting having corresponding external threads, the inner housing further having a recess having a keyed shape configured to be received by a corresponding tool or key. The inner housing is independently rotatable inside the outer housing about a common or coaxial longitudinal axis, and thus is spaced from the inner side wails of the outer housing when in the assembled condition.

Abstract: Device and method for injecting one or more additives into systems, such as a sealing agent to repair leaks in such systems, including air conditioning and refrigeration systems. In certain embodiments, the device is a disposable or single-use device, and includes a hose, tube, or conduit or the like that contains a sealing agent. Introduction of the sealing agent into the closed system allows the sealing agent to travel through the system and seal leaks therein. In some embodiments, one end of the hose is configured to connect to a manifold, and the other end of the device is configured to connect to the unit to be sealed. A check valve prevents unwanted backflow of refrigerant from the unit to be sealed.

Abstract: A tool including a front housing and an expander head ring that is readily attachable and detachable from the front housing. The front housing may be coupled to the tool body, or can be integral with the tool body. The front housing may have a mating end that has one or more locking tabs that are configured to be engaged by the expander head ring. The expander head ring may carry one or more functional elements such as a die set that may be expanded by insertion of an expander extending from the tool such as by manual actuation of the tool. A plurality of expander head rings, each with a different size die set, can be alternatively attached to the front housing, depending on the desired extent of expanding of the pipe or the like with the tool.

Abstract: A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A tool including a front housing and an expander head ring that is readily attachable and detachable from the front housing. The front housing may be coupled to the tool body, or can be integral with the tool body. The front housing may have a mating end that has one or more locking tabs that are configured to be engaged by the expander head ring. The expander head ring may carry one or more functional elements such as a die set that may be expanded by insertion of an expander extending from the tool such as by manual actuation of the tool. A plurality of expander head rings, each with a different size die set, can be alternatively attached to the front housing, depending on the desired extent of expanding of the pipe or the like with the tool.

Abstract: A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.

Abstract: An adapter comprising an elongated member having an intermediate body region to be received by a tool in locking engagement, a first region extending in a first direction axially from the intermediate body region and having a first keyed free end having a cross-section of a first size, and a second region extending axially from the intermediate body region in a second direction opposite the first direction and having a second keyed free end having a cross section of a second size different from the first size. The adapter can be used to actuate sockets of different size.

Abstract: A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A tool including a front housing and an expander head ring that is readily attachable and detachable from the front housing. The front housing may be coupled to the tool body, or can be integral with the tool body. The front housing may have a mating end that has one or more locking tabs that are configured to be engaged by the expander head ring. The expander head ring may carry one or more functional elements such as a die set that may be expanded by insertion of an expander extending from the tool such as by manual actuation of the tool. A plurality of expander head rings, each with a different size die set, can be alternatively attached to the front housing, depending on the desired extent of expanding of the pipe or the like with the tool.

Abstract: Gas vaporizer for flashing liquid to vapor received from a source prior to introduction into a compressor or the like, such as in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. In certain embodiments the vaporize includes an adapter member for connection to a liquid source, a connector member having a plurality of flow passages for facilitating the transfer of heat to fluid present therein to vaporize the same, a body portion providing visual access such as via one or more sight glasses to an internal chamber therein for visual confirmation that liquid has been vaporized, and a hose connecting member for connection to a point of destination such as a compressor. In certain embodiments, the connector has an axial bore containing a high thermal conductive material.