US 5,395,509 A · Container for a refrigerant system filter

Abstract

A container (10) for a filter (12) has a cylindrical housing (16) receiving the filter (12) and permitting replacement of the filter (12) from an open end. An enlarged diameter fitting (22) is secured about the open end of the cylindrical housing (16) and has retaining lugs (30) for retaining a removable end cap assembly. The removable end cap assembly has an anchor plate (40) with projections (46) that are received within arcuate slots (32) of the end fitting (22). The anchor plate (40) is coupled to an end cap (42) for rotation to position the projections (46) beneath the lugs (30) to restrain outward movement of the anchor plate (40). A single bolt (44) through the end cap (42) is threaded to the anchor plate (40). Rotation of the bolt draws the anchor plate (40) tightly against the lugs (30). The end cap (42) is simultaneously forced against an O-ring (36 ) disposed on the outer end (50) of fitting (22) for sealing the end cap to the container. An embodiment of FIG. 5 has an adaptor (25A) removably connected to a flange (22A) on the cylindrical housing (16A) to provide a retrofit. An embodiment of FIGS. 6-9 provides visible external indicia on the cap assembly to indicate when the cap (42B) is in fully engaged position with the housing (16B).

Claims10

Dependent claims

A container adapted for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing having a closed end and an enlarged diameter end fitting defining an open end, said enlarged diameter end fitting having a plurality of spaced retaining members therein;
a filter means adapted to be positioned within said housing;
a removable end cap assembly adapted to be mounted on said open end and including:
an anchor member having interfitting retaining members thereon adapted to fit with said open end and to engage said retaining members upon rotation thereof in one direction;
an end cap mounted against the open outer end of said cylindrical housing for alignment with said anchor member;
means connecting said end cap to said anchor member for simultaneous rotation thereof;
and
fastener means connecting said end cap and said anchor member to each other for moving said anchor member axially toward and away from said end cap, said end cap being rotated manually upon positioning of said interfitting retaining members on said anchor member within said open end for rotating said interfitting retaining members on said anchor into an axial alignment with said retaining members on said enlarged diameter end fitting;
said fastener means being tightened upon alignment of said interfitting retaining member and retaining members for tight engagement of said retaining members and said interfitting retaining member for securement of said removable end cap assembly on said housing.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Container for a refrigerant system filter

Life of this patent

Container for a refrigerant system filter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10