Abstract: A fluid connector that connects a first fluid system with a fluid port of a second fluid system for transferring fluids, including gaseous or liquid fluids, between the first and second fluid systems. The fluid connector can be used with differently configured, non-matching threaded fluid ports and allow for misalignment/tipping of the fluid connector to maintain a seal with the fluid port.

Abstract: Fluid connectors are described where one or more sensors are provided for sensing a connection state of the fluid connectors. The sensor(s) indicates that the fluid connector of the first fluid system is connected to the second fluid system prior to initiating fluid flow between the first and second fluid systems. The sensor(s) senses movements of one or more elements of the quick connect fluid connectors that are involved in the actual connection of the fluid connectors to the second fluid system. The elements that are sensed can be, for example, one or more cylindrical sleeves of the connector or a piston of the connector. Therefore, the connection state of the fluid connectors can be determined accurately.

Abstract: A fluid connector that is designed to work with a wide range of tube configurations and sizes by being able to adjust to the configuration and size of tube being connected to. The fluid connector can also include a pressure driven actuation resistance mechanism to achieve higher pressures. Therefore, a single fluid connector can be used over a wide range of applications. This permits the creation of a standardized cost effective fluid connector design.

Abstract: Quick connect fluid connectors are described that can be used to connect a first fluid system to a second fluid system for transferring fluids between the first and second fluid systems. The connectors include an eccentric mounted roller mechanism disposed within a slot in a main body and that is in continuous engagement with front and back walls of the slot. The eccentric mounted roller mechanism is used to actuate connection collets when the eccentric mounted roller mechanism is rotated. Since the eccentric mounted roller mechanism is in substantially continuous contact with the front and back walls, this ensures a smooth actuation of the main body and the connection collets without any lost motion.

Abstract: A service valve assembly that is designed to minimize leakage by reducing the number of leakage paths from the valve assembly. In addition, the service valve assembly is designed to permit connection to many different refrigeration systems and has higher flow capacity. The valve assembly is engageable by current servicing tools so that purchase of new service tools is not required. In the valve assembly, the service connection is designed as part of the shut-off valve and communicates with the condenser side port. Therefore, initial processing through the condenser side port and subsequent processing through the evaporation side port occur through the combined service connection and shut-off valve structure. Once installed, the described valve assembly has one leak path versus two leak paths in known valve assemblies.

Abstract: Quick connect fluid connectors are described that can be used to connect a first fluid system to a second fluid system for transferring fluids between the first and second fluid systems. The connectors include an eccentric mounted roller mechanism disposed within a slot in a main body and that is in continuous engagement with front and back walls of the slot. The eccentric mounted roller mechanism is used to actuate connection collets when the eccentric mounted roller mechanism is rotated. Since the eccentric mounted roller mechanism is in substantially continuous contact with the front and back walls, this ensures a smooth actuation of the main body and the connection collets without any lost motion.

Abstract: A connector that is designed with an integrated electric drive mechanism to actuate the connector to connect a first fluid system to a second fluid system. The connector includes a connector body, a connection mechanism connected to the connector body and configured to connect the connector to the second fluid system, and an electric motor connected to the connector body and to the connection mechanism to actuate the connection mechanism.

Abstract: A modular connector system that permits changes to the connector, for example changes in the type of connection interface that is used and/or changes in the type of actuator that is used to actuate the connector. By making parts of the connector changeable, the connector can be changed so as to be able to connect to different fluid systems. This eliminates the need to have separate connectors for different fluid systems.

Abstract: Improved latching connectors that can be used to connect a fluid system, such as manufacturing, test, or processing equipment, to an external system, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing equipment. In one embodiment, the connector includes elements by which to protect connector seals from being exposed to fluid being transferred, thereby lengthening the lifetime and reliability of the connector. In another embodiment, the male connector portion and the female connector portion are both valved in a normally closed position. The connector is designed to achieve connection of the male portion to the female portion, and sealing between the male portion and the female portion, prior to the valves in each connector portion being opened and fluid flowing through the connector. The latching connector includes a pressure locking sleeve that, once the connector is under pressure, locks the connector to prevent accidental disconnection.

Abstract: A service valve assembly that is designed to minimize leakage by reducing the number of leakage paths from the valve assembly. In addition, the service valve assembly is designed to permit connection to many different refrigeration systems and has higher flow capacity. The valve assembly is engageable by current servicing tools so that purchase of new service tools is not required. In the valve assembly, the service connection is designed as part of the shut-off valve and communicates with the condenser side port. Therefore, initial processing through the condenser side port and subsequent processing through the evaporation side port occur through the combined service connection and shut-off valve structure. Once installed, the described valve assembly has one leak path versus two leak paths in known valve assemblies.

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 modular connector system that permits changes to the connector, for example changes in the type of connection interface that is used and/or changes in the type of actuator that is used to actuate the connector. By making parts of the connector changeable, the connector can be changed so as to be able to connect to different fluid systems. This eliminates the need to have separate connectors for different fluid systems.

Abstract: A connector that is designed with an integrated electric drive mechanism to actuate the connector. The connector fluidly connects a first fluid system to a second fluid system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the second fluid system through the connector. The electric drive mechanism allows more precise control of connection forces. Further, the connector can be used in locations where manual actuation is difficult or impossible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.

Abstract: A hyper encoder module encodes a block of data having a plurality of sub-blocks. Each sub-block includes a plurality of systematic block code codewords. A parity sub-block is added to the block. The parity sub-block is a first sub-block rotated by a predetermined number of bits. Each subsequent sub-block in the n-dimensional block is rotated by an appropriate number of bits and bit-wise XORed. An encoder method and apparatus which includes the hyper encoder module receives the block of data. A row of the block is immediately output and encoded by a first module according to a first encoding scheme. A column is encoded by a second module according to a second encoding scheme. A second set of encoded data is generated, iteratively updated and output by the second module. The hyper encoder module hyper-diagonally encodes the information bits as described above and then output.

Abstract: Improved latching connectors that can be used to connect a fluid system, such as manufacturing, test, or processing equipment, to an external system, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing equipment. In one embodiment, the connector includes elements by which to protect connector seals from being exposed to fluid being transferred, thereby lengthening the lifetime and reliability of the connector. In another embodiment, the male connector portion and the female connector portion are both valved in a normally closed position. The connector is designed to achieve connection of the male portion to the female portion, and sealing between the male portion and the female portion, prior to the valves in each connector portion being opened and fluid flowing through the connector. The latching connector includes a pressure locking sleeve that, once the connector is under pressure, locks the connector to prevent accidental disconnection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector. Some embodiments include a system and method that organizes an encoded codeword.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.