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 coupler for coupling flanged fluid conducting tubes end-to-end in a sealed manner, thereby preventing contact between the fluid flowing through the tubes and the coupler. The coupler includes a body having an interior surface defining an axially extending passage, with the passage being sized so that a first, enlarged end portion of a first fluid conducting tube and a second, enlarged end portion of a second fluid conducting tube can be disposed therein in an end-to-end relationship with a gasket therebetween. The interior surface of the body is provided with a fastening mechanism whereby the first enlarged end portion can be removably secured within the passage of the body. Additionally, the body includes a ball locking mechanism whereby the second enlarged end portion can be clamped to the first enlarged end portion with the gasket therebetween.

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 valved fitting is provided which includes a body having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, with a fluid passage extending through the body between the first and second ends. A valve seat is defined on the body within the fluid passage, and a valve assembly is removably disposed within the fluid passage for controlling flow through the fluid passage. The valve assembly includes a valve head that is engageable with the valve seat in sealable relation therewith. A higher flow area, and thus a higher flow rate, are achieved with the fitting of the invention as compared to conventional fittings which utilize a single-piece body with a Schrader valve, because the valve seat is defined on the body, and the valve head is engageable with the valve seat. Further, the valve assembly is removable, thereby allowing the valve assembly to be replaced when needed. The valved fitting of the invention is particularly useful on a service valve block for an air conditioning system.

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 connector for providing a fluid tight connection to a fluid port having internal threads. The connector includes an exterior sleeve having a split collet retractably mounted therein. The split collet defines an axial bore and includes a distal end portion extending axially outward from an end of the sleeve and adapted for lockingly engaging the threads of the fluid port. A sealing structure is mounted on the distal portion of the collet for providing a fluid tight seal with an end portion of the fluid port. The connector further includes an expansion pin mounted within the axial bore of the split collet adjacent to the distal end portion of the split collet. The expansion pin cooperates with the split collet to move the split collet radially inward and outward. A cross member connects the expansion pin to the exterior sleeve for preventing relative axial movement between the exterior sleeve and the expansion pin.

Abstract: A fluid connector (40) for gripping and sealing on an external surface of a fluid conductor (61). The fluid connector (40) includes a seal (62) which is forced into a bore (70) of a piston (66) having a smaller diameter than the seal, so that the seal (62) is radially squeezed to seal the external surface of the fluid conductor (61). A collet assembly (50) of the fluid connector (61) is forced to reduce the diameter to grip the external surface of the fluid conductor (61). A spring (68) which is disposed in the piston (66) compensates seal preload mechanism for variations in fluid conductor size.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connection with an inside of a fluid conduit including seal member, sleeve member and collet assembly to seal and grip the fluid conduit which is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway. The connection apparatus further includes a resilient member and a control valve to cause actuating and deactuating relative movement between the collet assembly and the sleeve member so as to grip and seal the inside of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A coupling for use with an insert. The coupling including a latching sleeve unbalanced under pressure and a release sleeve for venting pressure.

Abstract: A pressure balanced coupling device for quick connection and disconnection with at least one mechanism. The device operates to maintain a sealed flow-through connection between two devices which may also contain a pressurized medium such as refrigerants. The preferred device permits non-destructive gripping of tubing while affording readily selectable means for safely releasing pressure from within the device prior to releasing the gripping connection provided by this coupling device.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling (20) for fluid tight connection to a threaded fluid port (22). A body (26) of the quick connect coupling (20) having a cylindrical, externally threaded first end (28) defining an axially extending passage (29) into the coupling body (26). Axially slidable sleeve (42) being mounted on the outside of the coupling body (26) for slidable motion between a seal unassisted position and a seal assisted position, the axially slidable sleeve (42) forcing against an elastomeric seal (30) in the seal assisted position so as to provide a fluid tight seal between an end of the fluid port (22) and the coupling (20).

Abstract: A push-pull type fluid coupling having interfitting male and female bodies. The female body carries radially movable ball detents to lock the male body in position, the detents being held inwardly by a rigidly mounted sleeve which supports the female body for relative axial movement. Both bodies have spring biased fluid retaining valves which are opened when the bodies interfit but close when they are disconnected. Two axially disposed springs surround the female body member and coact with the sleeve to resist movement of the body members in one direction, thus providing one level of required uncoupling force while only one of the springs is operative to resist movement of the body members in the other direction, thus providing a reduced force requirement for coupling.