Abstract: An external valve operating means that forms a seal around the rotating valve stem of a valve operating under internal pressure is disclosed. This seal prevents the escape of fluids should the valve's primary seals fail. The external valve operating means allows for rotation of the valve stem without removal or compromise of the seal. A stationary operating seal cap is in threaded and sealed engagement with the valve body. Upon partial disengagement of the stationary operating seal cap, the pressure within the external valve operating means is vented. An external valve stem drive protrudes through the top of the stationary operating seal cap. An O-ring forms a seal between the two. The bottom of the external stem drive mates with the rotating valve stem while the top of the external stem drive is shaped so as to allow gripping by a tool. Rotation of the external stem drive via the tool effects rotation of the valve stem while the seal surrounding it is maintained.

Abstract: When the O-rings of ball valves used in the fluid circuits of refrigeration systems are exposed to new EPA-correct refrigerants and blends, the lubrication covering the O-rings tends to wash away. This results in failure of the ball valves. A quarter turn ball valve with a valve stem seal configuration for use under such conditions is disclosed. The valve stem seal configuration protects the ball valve O-ring from contact with the refrigerant fluid flowing through the ball valve. The ball valve has a valve stem receiving passageway with annular recesses in the upper and bottom portions of the passageway. The recesses are spaced apart from one another and a primary seal washer is seated within the bottom recess while an O-ring is seated within the upper recess. Both embrace the valve stem. An annular spring and valve stem guide are supported above the O-ring. In order to minimize wear, the O-ring is maintained in a state of "controlled squeeze" where it is subjected only to radial compression.

Abstract: A refillable filter-drier assembly for use in a refrigerant line. The assembly includes a shell or casing which houses a replaceable core having a central bore and which may be a filter, drier or strainer element or any combination thereof. Refrigerant enters the shell adjacent one end and occupies the space surrounding the core. The liquid passes inwardly through the core into the central bore and exits the casing from the end opposite from which it enters. The core is supported in spaced relationship with respect to the casing interior by an annular cage on the outlet end of the core and by an end closure cage on its opposite end. Both the annular cage and the end closure cage have resilient fingers which grip the core adjacent its opposite ends. Both the annular cage and the end closure cage also have pluralities of laterally extending lugs which support the core in its spaced relationship within the casing.