Abstract: A latching connector that connects a first fluid system to a second fluid system for performing processing operations on the second fluid system. The connector is designed to connect to a fitting on the second fluid system and accommodate dimensional tolerances in the fitting to achieve a reliable seal between the connector and the fitting and prevent fluid leakage during processing operations. The connector includes a front body, a rear body, a sleeve disposed around the front body and the rear body, a sealing piston disposed within the front body and the rear body, a shaft disposed within the sealing piston and fixed to the rear body, and a spring engaged between the sealing piston and the shaft and generating a biasing force that biases the sealing piston and the shaft in opposite directions.

Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.

Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.

Abstract: Valves, particularly service connection valves for use with a refrigeration system and the like, to permit charging, evacuation and/or testing of the system, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the valve includes a valve seat, a valve body detachably connected to the valve seat, and a valve core detachably secured within the valve body. The valve body and valve core are removable together as a single unit from the valve seat. In another embodiment, the valve includes a valve seat, a valve body detachably connected to the valve seat, and a cap that are designed so that the action of unscrewing the cap from the valve body will never cause the valve body to be unscrewed from the valve seat. Therefore, unscrewing the cap from the valve body will never loosen the connection between the valve body and the valve seat, thereby preventing leakage between the valve body and valve seat.

Abstract: A quick connect connector for connecting to a fluidline in a safe, reliable manner. The connector includes a body member and a piston member slideably engaged with the body member and defining therewith a fluid passage. The body member is slideable relative to the piston member between a first position and a second position. A valve mechanism is provided for controlling flow through the fluid passage, with the valve mechanism preventing fluid flow through the fluid passage at the first position of the body member, and permitting fluid flow at the second position of the body member. A collet assembly or a ball detent assembly is connected to the piston member for connecting the fluidline, which has a valve mechanism at the end thereof, to the piston member. A positioning and retaining mechanism is provided for selectively controlling movement of the body member relative to the piston member between the first position and the second position and for retaining the body member at the second position.

Abstract: A filling connector for fastening to a valve arrangement on a gas container to enable filling of the gas container with a gas. The filling connector includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis, with a recess formed through a side of the housing to receive the valve arrangement of the gas container. A bore is formed in the housing parallel to the longitudinal axis, with the bore extending from one end of the housing and opening into the recess. A shaft portion is fixed to the housing in the bore, and an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced from an interior surface of the housing which forms the bore to define a space between the outer surface and the interior surface. A piston is slideably disposed within the bore, with the piston including a sealing neck extending into the recess and a skirt portion disposed within the space and slideable on the outer surface of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A high pressure coupling includes a tubular piston having a longitudinal axis and first and second opposite ends, with the tubular piston being moveable between a disengaged position and a pressurized position. A coupling mechanism surrounds the first end of the tubular piston, with the coupling mechanism including an un-coupled configuration and a coupled configuration. A sleeve is engaged with the coupling mechanism for controlling operation of the coupling mechanism. The sleeve is moveable between a first position at which the coupling mechanism is in the un-coupled configuration and a second position at which the coupling mechanism is in the coupled configuration. A detent mechanism is provided which is actuatable by the tubular piston.

Abstract: A quick connect connector for connecting to a fluidline in a safe, reliable manner. The connector includes a body member having a central fluid passageway with a valve fixedly secured therein for selectively controlling fluid flow through the passageway. A piston member is slideably engaged with the body member, with the body member being slideable relative to the piston member between a first position and a second position. A collet assembly or a ball detent assembly is connected to the piston member for connecting the fluidline, which has a valve at the end thereof, to the piston member. A positioning and retaining mechanism is provided for selectively controlling movement of the body member relative to said piston member between the first position and the second position and for retaining the body member at the second position. The collet assembly or the ball detent assembly initially secures the fluidline to the piston member prior to the valves in the fluidline and the body member being opened.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved bubble leak tester, and associated method for performing a leak test and operating the leak tester, to test for leaks in a test part. The apparatus and methods of the invention allow for simple, inexpensive, quick and accurate testing of the test part, provides a visual indication of a leak, and eliminates the part damage and clean-up associated with conventional water immersion tests. Further, the apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention control liquid backflow, so that contamination and damage to the device is reduced. In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, a leak tester is provided that is connectable to a reference volume and a test volume for determining the presence of a leak in the test volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high pressure plug coupling for providing a quick, fluid tight connection to a fluid port having internal threads. The high pressure plug coupling includes a generally hollow, exterior sleeve, with a hollow cylindrical piston slideably disposed within the exterior sleeve. A split collet assembly is connected to an end of the piston and is moveable therewith relative to the exterior sleeve. The split collet assembly includes a distal end portion that is radially expandable and contractable, with an interior surface of the distal end portion being tapered. An expansion pin is moveably disposed within the collet assembly and the piston for expanding the distal end portion. The expansion pin includes a frustum-shaped end portion adjacent to the distal end portion, with the frustum-shaped end portion being engaged with the tapered interior surface when the distal end portion is radially expanded.

Abstract: A system for performing rapid charging and evacuation of systems that contain a fluid, such as cooling systems on refrigeration products. In addition, the invention relates to methods of accomplishing rapid charging and evacuation, as well as to tools that form part of the system and that are used to accomplish the methods.