Valves and valve actuation – With correlated flow path – Valve operated by joining flow path sections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-06-26
Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
With correlated flow path
Valve operated by joining flow path sections
C251S149200, C251S149300, C251S149600, C251S148000, C251S121000, C137S613000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250603
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates an adjustable device for opening service valves of a pressurized system, in particular an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
Service devices, such as service couplings, are commonly employed to facilitate charging and evacuation of a pressurized fluid system, such as a refrigeration system, an air conditioning system, or a hydraulic system. The service device connects to a service port of the system. The service device opens a valve within the service port, allowing fluids, including liquids or gases, to be exchanged with the system. For example, when servicing a refrigeration or air conditioning system, the service device can be connected by a flexible hose to a refrigerant supply source, such as a pressurized bottle or cylinder. When the service device and valve within the service port are opened, refrigerant can flow through the connection and into the refrigeration or air conditioning system.
In order to properly open a valve within the service port, the valve must be positioned properly within the service port so that the service device can open the valve when connected to the port. Deviations in valve position within the port can cause the service device to improperly open the valve, fail to open the valve, or damage the valve by applying excessive pressure to the valve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention features a service port connector for connecting to a service port of a pressurized system. The connector includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The position of the valve opening member within the connector is adjustable. The adjustable valve opening member allows the valve in the service port to be opened fully by the connector over a range of valve positions within the port, opening the valve properly regardless of the position of the valve in the port.
In one aspect, the invention features a service port connector. The connector includes a body and a valve opening member. The body has a first end engageable with a service port, the service port including a valve. The body also includes a second end engageable with a service device, and an inner surface defining an interior chamber. The first end and the second end are in fluid communication through the interior chamber. The valve opening member is disposed in the interior chamber.
The valve opening member includes a valve actuating end proximate to the first end. The valve actuating end is capable of changing position relative to the first end. The valve actuating end is configured to open the valve as the first end is engaged with the port. The valve opening member can be arranged to depress a pin within the valve when engaged with the port. The first end can be capable of forming a seal with the port when it is engaged with the port. The connector can include a sealing gasket between the body and the first end. The connector can include a threaded fitting or a snap-on fitting at the first end for engaging it with the port.
In certain embodiments, the valve opening member is engageable with a tool for changing the position of the valve actuating end relative to the first end. The valve opening member and the inner surface of the body can be threaded. The position of the valve opening member can be adjusted using a tool.
In other embodiments, the service port connector includes a spring between the valve opening member and the second end of the body. The valve opening member is biased by the spring toward the first end. The position of the valve opening member can be adjusted by pressing the valve of the port against the member to compress the spring. The spring can be less compressible than the valve or pin.
In other embodiments, the second end of the body is engaged with a service device and the valve opening member is in a fixed position relative to the service device. The second end can be movably engaged with the service device. Movement of the body relative to the service device can change the position of the valve actuating end relative to the first end. For example, the second end of the body can be connected to the device by threading, and the body or service device can be rotated to change the position of the valve actuating end. A button, a switch, a lever, a knob, or a rocker can be used to move the valve actuating end relative to the first end.
In another aspect, the invention features a method of opening a service port. The method includes adjusting a position of a valve actuating end of a valve opening member relative to a first end of a service port connector and opening a valve within the service port. The valve actuating end is capable of being positioned relative to the first end to open the valve as the first end is engaged with the port. The valve opening member being within the connector. The first end is engageable with the service port. The service port connector can be attached to a service device. When the connector is attached to a service device, the connector can be an integrated portion of the service device or it can be separable from the service device. Alternatively, the service port connector can be capable of attaching to a service device. In certain embodiments, the method includes sealing the connector to the port prior to or concurrently with opening the valve.
Adjusting can include changing the position of the valve actuating end relative to the first end with a tool or moving the valve opening member relative to the first end against a spring, the spring being biased to position the valve opening member toward the first end. Alternatively, the connector can include a second end engaged with a service device and the valve opening member can be in a fixed position relative to the service device. When the valve opening member can be in a fixed position relative to the service device, adjusting can include moving the second end relative to the service device to change the position of the valve actuating end relative to the first end. Since the movement is relative, either the body or the service device can be moved to change the position of the valve actuating end relative to the first end.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention.
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Kalley Terrance D.
Knowles Steven M.
Bonderer David A.
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Kaufman Joseph A.
Prime Solutions LLC
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