US 6,637,460 B2 · Dual function service coupling

Abstract

A service coupling for use with either a push-type or a screw-type port valve of a charge port is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing. Axial movement of an actuator permits both the selective axial movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward a forward position and the selective disengagement of the port valve to open a flow path. In one embodiment the actuator has a nose portion that engages a threaded port valve, or axially moves a push-pin valve, to open a flow path. The operation is the same with either type of type of valve such that the user in not required to know which type of valve is present.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims29

Dependent claims

A service coupling for connecting a fluid source to a fluid system having a charging port that includes an axially displaceable port valve, comprising:

(a) a body portion extending along an axis from an adjustment end to an outlet end, the body portion including a central passageway and a lateral port positioned between the ends to provide communication between the central passageway and the fluid source;
(b) an axially moveable valve housing received in the central passageway, the valve housing including a fluid flow opening in communication with the lateral port to form a flow path, and at least one pressure balancing passage extending there through between opposing longitudinal ends;
and
(c) an actuator for permitting the movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward the adjustment end to a forward position toward the outlet end, wherein axial movement of the actuator results in disengagement of the port valve from sealing engagement in the charging port to open the flow path, and wherein as the flow path is opened, the at least one pressure balancing passage results in the pressure being substantially balanced on either end of the valve housing.

1 more element

A service coupling for connecting a fluid source to a fluid system, comprising:

(a) a charging port that includes an axially displaceable port valve, the valve being of either a push-pin type or a screw-type;
(b) a body portion extending along an axis from an adjustment end to an outlet end, the body portion including a central passageway and a lateral port positioned between the ends to provide communication between the central passageway and the fluid source;
(c) an axially moveable safety sleeve received in the central passageway, the safety sleeve including a fluid flow opening in communication with the lateral port to form a flow path, and at least one pressure balancing passage extending there through between opposing longitudinal ends, a first cavity being disposed on a side of the safety sleeve adjacent to the port valve and a second cavity being disposed adjacent an opposing side of the safety sleeve, the pressure balancing passage disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity;
and
(d) an actuator for permitting the movement of the safety sleeve from a rearward position toward the adjustment end to a forward position toward the outlet end, wherein axial movement of the actuator results in disengagement of the port valve from sealing engagement in the charging port to open the flow path, and wherein as the flow path is opened, the at least one pressure balancing passage results in the pressure being substantially balanced on either end of the safety sleeve.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description8,800 words

Summary1,621 words

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a service coupling for use in directing refrigerant from a refrigerant supply source to a refrigeration system through a charging port which is normally attached to the refrigeration system and in communication therewith. The service coupling may also be used to evacuate refrigerant from a refrigeration system.

#2. Description of the Related Art

Detailed description7,179 words

#Referring now to FIG. 1, there is provided a service coupling 20 intended to be affixed to a charging port 22, which functions as an inlet for refrigerant being introduced into a refrigeration system to which the charging port 22 is connected. When joined together, service coupling 20 and charging port 22 exhibit a common longitudinal axis A—A.

#Charging port 22 may be of a conventional type and, in and of itself, forms no part of the present invention. However, a remedial understanding of charging port 22 will assist in explaining operation of service coupling 20.

#Charging port 22 includes a body 24 having a central passage 26 extending therethrough from an inlet end 28 to an outlet end 30. As illustrated in FIG. 5, central passage 26 includes a reduced diameter cylindrical valve seat 32 and internal threads 34 for engaging a polymeric sealing element 36 and external threads 38, respectively, of a valve core 40.

Facts

Application

10/243,551Filed 13 Sep 2002 · continuation in part

Priority

28 Jan 2002

Published

US 2003/0140971 A131 Jul 2003

Granted

28 Oct 2003

Term ended

28 Jan 2022

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification8 codes

F16L 37/36
With fluid cut-off means in each of two pipe-end fittings: with two lift valves being actuated to initiate the flow through the coupling after the…
F16L 37/23
In which the connection is maintained by means of balls, rollers or helical springs under radial pressure between the parts: by means of balls
Y10T 137/87949
Each valve and/or closure operated by coupling motion: linear motion of flow path sections operates both
Y10T 137/87957
Linear motion of flow path sections operates both: valves actuate each other

Family

Application10/058,555Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 28 Jan 2002

Application60/394,353Us provisional application · filed 8 Jul 2002

US 2003/0140971 A1Pre-grant publication · published 31 Jul 2003

US 6,450,199 B1Parent of this continuation-in-part

US 6,637,460 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Dual function service coupling

Life of this patent

Dual function service coupling

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims29

Description8,800 words

Classification8 codes

Life of this patent

Drawings

Description8,800 words