Abstract: An internal heat exchanger includes a sleeve having a thermally conductive spiral profile, a fluid line inlet and a fluid line outlet. The internal heat exchanger further has an inner tube defining an inner flow path and an axial direction. The inner tube is configured to have a fluid flow through the inner tube in the axial direction. The sleeve is arranged around a section of the inner tube. The spiral profile is configured to have a fluid supplied to the sleeve via the fluid inlet flow through the spiral profile to the fluid outlet while contacting the inner tube wall. The spiral profile can include a first spiral groove running in a clockwise direction and a second spiral groove running in a counterclockwise direction. The first and second spiral grooves mutually intersect at at least one cross-point.

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: An internal heat exchanger includes an inner tube for a flow of a first fluid; an outer tube that is coaxial with the inner tube; a passageway between the inner tube and the outer tube for a flow of a second fluid; and, a flow enhancer inside the inner tube and configured to divert the flow of fluid in the inner tube along a wall of the inner tube.

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: 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 for use in vehicle air conditioning (“A/C”) systems comprises a nipple at the end of a metal tube, a tubular seal insert, and a crimp collar. The seal insert includes a tubular retainer and at least one annular sealing element made of elastomeric material integrally joined to the retainer. The sealing element protrudes radially inwardly from an inner diameter surface of the retainer such that when the sealing element is telescoped over the nipple, the sealing element will effect a seal with an outer diameter surface of the nipple. The sealing element also protrudes radially outwardly from an outer diameter surface of the retainer such that when an end portion of a hose is telescoped thereover, the sealing element will effect a seal with an inner diameter surface of the hose end portion.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use in vehicle A/C systems comprises a nipple at the end of metal tube, a tubular seal insert, and a crimp collar. The seal insert includes a tubular retainer and at least one annular sealing element made of elastomeric material integrally joined to the retainer. The sealing element protrudes radially inwardly from an inner diameter surface of the retainer such that when the sealing element is telescoped over the nipple, the sealing element will effect a seal with an outer diameter surface of the nipple. The sealing element also protrudes radially outwardly from an outer diameter surface of the retainer such that when an end portion of a hose is telescoped thereover, the sealing element will effect a seal with an inner diameter surface of the hose end portion.

Abstract: A seal and coupling, wherein the seal has a thin profile including a primary sealing element that provides both a face and radial seal, and a secondary or backup sealing element that provides a face seal. The secondary or backup sealing element seals against leakage past or through the primary sealing element, and the retainer may be made of a fluid impervious material for blocking permeation of fluid from the primary to the secondary seal. The retainer may also function to prevent over-compression of the sealing elements, while also maintaining a radial spacing between the sealing elements.

Abstract: An assembly for fluidly connecting two components in a refrigerant system comprised of a tube and a plate. The tube has a first end, a second end, a bent portion between the first and second end, a through-hole extending from the first end to the second end, and an annular bead radially extending around the exterior of the tube. The plate has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a bore extending from the first end surface to the second end surface for receiving the tube. At least a part of the tube bent portion is received within the plate bore, and the tube is affixed to the plate at the first end surface.