Abstract: A hose including at least one rubber layer, an outer cover, and at least one barrier layer provided between the rubber layer and the outer cover, wherein the barrier layer is configured to prevent rubber from the rubber layer from reaching the outer cover during curing of the hose. In one embodiment, the rubber layer is the hose inner tube and the outer cover is braided wire. In another embodiment, the barrier layer includes at least one layer of polymeric film. In another embodiment, the hose can include at least one reinforcing layer provided between the rubber layer and the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the hose can include at least one intermediate layer provided between the rubber layer and the barrier layer, where the intermediate layer is formed from a porous material. In another embodiment, the hose can include at least one retaining layer provided between the barrier layer and the outer cover, where the retaining layer is formed from a polymeric material.

Abstract: A full flow quick connect fluid coupling that reduces spillage using a convex and a concave ball valve mounted each in a separate coupling body that are joined together where the ball valves seal together and are sequentially rotated using one activation lever to first rotate a first ball valve 90 degrees and then rotating a second ball valve 90 degrees using a gear drive mechanism. A handle button release lock and a secondary handle lock ensure that the valves are not opened until the bodies are joined and locked together in sealing engagement. A lock mechanism is used to lock the bodies together and to provide a lock tab that prevents the ball valves from being opened until the lock mechanism is closed.

Abstract: A full flow quick connect fluid coupling that reduces spillage using a convex and a concave ball valve mounted each in a separate coupling body that are joined together where the ball valves seal together and are sequentially rotated using one activation lever to first rotate a first ball valve 90 degrees and then rotating a second ball valve 90 degrees using a gear drive mechanism. A handle button release lock and a secondary handle lock ensure that the valves are not opened until the bodies are joined and locked together in sealing engagement. A lock mechanism is used to lock the bodies together and to provide a lock tab that prevents the ball valves from being opened until the lock mechanism is closed.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a body defining a passageway, a valve member that is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position, and an interface at which the body is connectable to a complementary coupling. An interlock system is configured to permit movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling is connected to the body at the interface, and to prevent movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling is not connected to the body at the interface.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a body defining a passageway, a valve member that is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position, and an interface at which the body is connectable to a complementary coupling. An interlock system is configured to permit movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling is connected to the body at the interface, and to prevent movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling is not connected to the body at the interface.

Abstract: A hose including at least one rubber layer, an outer cover, and at least one barrier layer provided between the rubber layer and the outer cover, wherein the barrier layer is configured to prevent rubber from the rubber layer from reaching the outer cover during curing of the hose. In one embodiment, the rubber layer is the hose inner tube and the outer cover is braided wire. In another embodiment, the barrier layer includes at least one layer of polymeric film. In another embodiment, the hose can include at least one reinforcing layer provided between the rubber layer and the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the hose can include at least one intermediate layer provided between the rubber layer and the barrier layer, where the intermediate layer is formed from a porous material. In another embodiment, the hose can include at least one retaining layer provided between the barrier layer and the outer cover, where the retaining layer is formed from a polymeric material.

Abstract: A variable volume container is provided that includes a flexible tube having a wall that defines a variable volume chamber. The tube wall includes a pair of generally curved end wall portions and a pair of generally flat intermediate wall portions separated from the end wall portions by a transition wall portion. The generally flat intermediate wall portions are spaced-apart in a neutral state. A method of making a variable volume container is also provided.

Abstract: A secondary reservoir for a power steering system includes a container having an inside volume configured to hold a fluid, a cover attached to the container, a float assuming a height within the container indicative of a level of the fluid within the container, and a vent valve configured to open the inside volume of the container to an outside atmosphere when the float is at a relatively low level within the container and to close the inside volume of the container when the float is above the low level.

Abstract: A wheel valve assembly for adjusting the air pressure within a pneumatic tire is provided that includes a body that extends from a first end in communication with a pressure source to a second end in communication with the tire. A low pressure differential operable valve member is received within the body. The valve member is moveable between open and closed positions for respectively allowing and preventing air communication between the internal segment and the external segment of the body. The check valve of the present invention is virtually unaffected by the centrifugal force of a rotating tire to substantially prevent back flow of the tire air when the tire is rotating at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: An access port includes a process port with a removable valve core. An adapter is receivable within an end of the process port, and includes a depressor which can engage a valve within the valve core. The process port allows correction of standard female coupling members for rapid in-plant processing of air conditioning and refrigeration systems; while the use of the adapter with the process port permits the connection of standard field service equipment, to facilitate repair of the air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A fluid connector is provided that includes a fluid conveying member having an interior fluid passageway and a fitting that includes a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct in communication with the first fluid duct. The fluid conveying member is sized for receipt in the first fluid duct and includes an opening defined by a retaining formation that secures the fitting to the fluid conveying member and provides the interior fluid passageway of the fluid conveying member in communication with second fluid duct. A method for assembling a fluid connector of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel valve assembly for adjusting the air pressure within a pneumatic tire is provided that includes a body that extends from a first end in communication with a pressure source to a second end in communication with the tire. A low pressure differential operable valve member is received within the body. The valve member is moveable between open and closed positions for respectively allowing and preventing air communication between the internal segment and the external segment of the body. The check valve of the present invention is virtually unaffected by the centrifugal force of a rotating tire to substantially prevent back flow of the tire air when the tire is rotating at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: A service coupling for use with either a push-type or a screw-type port valve of a charge port is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing. Axial movement of an actuator permits both the selective axial movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward a forward position and the selective disengagement of the port valve to open a flow path. In one embodiment the actuator has a nose portion that engages a threaded port valve, or axially moves a push-pin valve, to open a flow path. The operation is the same with either type of type of valve such that the user in not required to know which type of valve is present.

Abstract: A service coupling for use with either a push-type or a screw-type port valve of a charge port is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing. Axial movement of an actuator permits both the selective axial movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward a forward position and the selective disengagement of the port valve to open a flow path. In one embodiment the actuator has a nose portion that engages a threaded port valve, or axially moves a push-pin valve, to open a flow path. The operation is the same with either type of type of valve such that the user in not required to know which type of valve is present.

Abstract: An access port includes a process port with a removable valve core. An adapter is receivable within an end of the process port, and includes a depressor which can engage a valve within the valve core. The process port allows correction of standard female coupling members for rapid in-plant processing of air conditioning and refrigeration systems; while the use of the adapter with the process port permits the connection of standard field service equipment, to facilitate repair of the air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting fluid lines having a unitary female body and a male coupling portion. The female body includes at least two passageways having frangible diaphragms. The male coupling portion includes at least two male coupling halves having frangible diaphragms. Cutting devices are positioned in the passageways of the female body. As the male coupling portion is moved toward the female body by a bracket and fastening device, the diaphragms are ruptured to allow fluid flow between the lines.

Abstract: A service coupling is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing disposed in a central passageway of the body portion. The valve housing includes at least one pressure balancing passage extending therethrough and a service valve sealingly engaged within an inner cavity of the valve housing. An actuator moves the valve housing to a forward position that causes the service valve to abut a port valve of a refrigerant system inlet port and disengage the service valve from sealing engagement within the cavity to open a flow path. The axial movement of the valve housing to the forward position also creates a void between the valve housing and the body portion. The void is provided in communication with the flow path by the at least one pressure balancing passage, such that the refrigerant pressure is substantially balanced on either end of the valve housing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting fluid lines having a unitary female body and a male coupling portion. The female body includes at least two passageways having frangible diaphragms. The male coupling portion includes at least two male coupling halves having frangible diaphragms. Cutting devices are positioned in the passageways of the female body. As the male coupling portion is moved toward the female body by a bracket and fastening device, the diaphragms are ruptured to allow fluid flow between the lines.

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.