Abstract: An ultra low permeability fluid member for conveying a fluid (e.g., a hose, tube, etc.) having a metal vapor barrier layer (22) formed around an inner tube (14). The metal vapor layer (22) is formed from one or more metal strips (40a, 40b) having edge portions (44) that are bonded so as to seal the vapor barrier layer (22) preventing permeation of vapor.

Abstract: A hose coupling assembly is provided for use with an ultra low permeable hose. The coupling utilizes multiple sealing techniques to ensure that no refrigerant escapes from the end of the hose. The techniques are mechanical crimping utilizing a shell with barbs, a chemical sealant on the cut end of the hose and between the hose and the shell, annular seals on the nipple portion of the coupling, and an annular weld or braze of the shell to the coupling body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchanger having an inner tube forming an inner flow path and having an inlet and an outlet; an outer tube radially surrounding at least a portion of the inner tube and spaced radially outwardly therefrom to form an annular space; and a thermally conductive spiral element wound around the inner cube and disposed in the space, wherein the spiral element forms, in conjunction with the inner tube and the outer tube, a helical flow path through the space, the helical flow path in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the outer tube, and wherein the outer tube is thermally isolated from the spiral element. The invention further provides for collars connecting the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: A hose coupling assembly is provided for use with an ultra low permeable hose. The coupling utilizes multiple sealing techniques to ensure that no refrigerant escapes from the end of the hose. The techniques are mechanical crimping utilizing a shell with barbs, a chemical sealant on the cut end of the hose and between the hose and the shell, annular seals on the nipple portion of the coupling, and an annular weld or braze of the shell to the coupling body.

Abstract: An ultra low permeability fluid member for conveying a fluid (e.g., a hose, tube, etc.) having a metal vapor barrier layer (22) formed around an inner tube (14). The metal vapor layer (22) is formed from one or more metal strips (40a, 40b) having edge portions (44) that are bonded so as to seal the vapor barrier layer (22) preventing permeation of vapor.

Abstract: Thermostatic expansion valve for a vehicle air-conditioning system including a housing and a power element supported by the housing. The power element includes a diaphragm, and a pressure pad disposed against the diaphragm. The pressure pad may be formed in one piece from copper, a copper alloy, or another material, which material may also be a blend, composite, mixture, or other combination, having a thermal conductivity of at least about 800 BTU-in/hr-ft2-° F. (115 W/m-K), and preferably 1200 BTU-in/hr-ft2-° F. (170 W/m-K), and more preferably at least about 2000 BTU-in/hr-ft2-° F. (280 W/m-K), and a density of at least about 0.3 lb/in3 (8 g/cm3), and is connected via a stem to a valve element in the housing to control the refrigerant flow between the condensor and evaporator. The use of such material in the pressure pad reduces the susceptibility of the valve to external temperature changes and reduces the hunting of the valve.

Abstract: Thermostatic expansion valve for a vehicle air-conditioning system including a housing and a power element supported by the housing. The power element includes a diaphragm, and a pressure pad disposed against the diaphragm. The pressure pad may be formed in one piece from copper, a copper alloy, or another material, which material may also be a blend, composite, mixture, or other combination, having a thermal conductivity of at least about 800 BTU-in/hr-ft2-° F. (115 W/m-K), and preferably 1200 BTU-in/hr-ft2-° F. (170 W/m-K), and more preferably at least about 2000 BTU-in/hr-ft2-° F. (280 W/m-K), and a density of at least about 0.3 lb/in3 (8 g/cm3), and is connected via a stem to a valve element in the housing to control the refrigerant flow between the condensor and evaporator. The use of such material in the pressure pad reduces the susceptibility of the valve to external temperature changes and reduces the hunting of the valve.