Abstract: A closure cap comprises a base having at an inner side thereof an annular gland for receiving an annular seal. The annular gland has a bottom surface and an annular side surface depending from the bottom surface. A skirt depends from base and has an internal fastening thread for attaching the cap to a correspondingly but externally threaded body. Additionally, the annular side surface of the annular gland has a venting thread depending from the bottom surface of the gland to enable venting of air that may otherwise be trapped behind the annular seal when fitted in the gland. Also disclosed is a method of molding the cap.

Abstract: An air-conditioning service plug-type valve includes a valve body having a chamber. First and second openings extend through the valve body. The air conditioning plug-type valve also includes a stem having a plug portion configured for being received in the chamber of the valve body. The stem, when the plug portion is received in the chamber, is rotatable relative to the valve body between a closed position blocking fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body and an open position enabling fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body. The plug portion includes a fluid blocking portion located immediately adjacent the first opening when the stem is in the closed position. A groove extends into a peripheral surface of the plug portion defining the fluid blocking portion. A seal is disposed in the groove and extends between the plug portion and the valve body. The seal, when located in the groove, is stretched by at least a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A service valve for a refrigerant system comprising a valve body and a system port. The valve body has at least one fluid passage integrated therein including a longitudinal bore. An orifice is located at one end of the bore. An annular protrusion axially extends from the valve body and is symmetrical about the orifice. A valve seat generally surrounds the orifice. The system port includes a valve stem having a first end, a second end, and a bore integrated within. The stem is axially movable within the annular protrusion between at least a first position in which the orifice is closed when the valve stem first end sealingly abuts the valve seat and a second position in which the orifice is open when the valve stem first end is offset from the valve seat. The valve stem is restricted from moving further away from the valve body by the annular protrusion.

Abstract: A distributor, for use in a refrigerant system for conveying refrigerant between an expansion device and an evaporator, having a longitudinal body, an actuator, a plug, a first nozzle, and a second nozzle. The longitudinal body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal passage between the first and second ends. The first nozzle being affixed within the passage. The second nozzle being rotatable within the passage for alignment and misalignment with the first nozzle. The second nozzle having a plurality of gear teeth engageable with the actuator, which is adjustable. A method of mixing refrigerant fluid while passing through the distributor.

Abstract: In a plug-style valve, such as an air-conditioning service plug-style valve, basically including a valve body, a stem, a retainer including a service fitting and a valve core, and a cap, the plug including an intermediate O-ring, between the valve body and the plug, disposed in an intermediate O-ring seal groove of a serpentine shape and having integral first and second O-ring groove portions, the intermediate O-ring being stretched a predetermined amount during installation and defining, therebetween and the valve body and the plug, a closed volume without a primary lateral passage in the plug, with the O-ring stretching preferably being in excess of about 15% to offset refrigerant medium absorption effects that will cause the O-ring to swell, become too large and become loose within its retaining groove, with the single cap including a redundant seal that covers both the valve actuation stem and the service fitting

Abstract: A service valve for a refrigerant system comprising a valve body and a system port. The valve body has at least one fluid passage integrated therein including a longitudinal bore. An orifice is located at one end of the bore. An annular protrusion axially extends from the valve body and is symmetrical about the orifice. A valve seat generally surrounds the orifice. The system port includes a valve stem having a first end, a second end, and a bore integrated within. The stem is axially movable within the annular protrusion between at least a first position in which the orifice is closed when the valve stem first end sealingly abuts the valve seat and a second position in which the orifice is open when the valve stem first end is offset from the valve seat. The valve stem is restricted from moving further away from the valve body by the annular protrusion.

Abstract: A clip fitting for a hose that includes a hose nipple defining at least one circular groove. A circular seal is positioned in the groove. At least one hose clip is mounted on the hose nipple. At least one clamp is positioned on the hose clip over the seal. The fitting provides an improved seal between the hose and the nipple.

Abstract: A crimper assembly for crimping a workpiece such as a hose fitting is disclosed. The crimper assembly includes a pair of tie rods of differing diameters which mount a lower stationary die carriage and an upper movable die carriage. A central rod is mounted on the movable carriage and extends through a press bar. A driving force is applied to the central rod by a cylinder in one embodiment and by a tool, such as an impact wrench in another embodiment. Die retainer plates are attached to the carriages and include guide slots. Tongues are provided on flexible die set retainers which are received in the guide slots. A spring biased disconnect plate is slidably attached to the tie rods adjacent the press bar. When the disconnect plate is moved to a disconnect position, the movable carriage can be moved upwardly for access to the flexible die set retainers for changing individual dies.