Fluid handling – Systems – Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-24
2001-07-10
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
C251S149600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257278
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to connecting or coupling devices, and in particular to a connector device to permit quick connections to a high pressure fluidline.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the refrigeration industry, high pressure fluidlines, tubes, conduits and the like that are found in refrigeration apparatus are often subjected to high pressure testing and recharging operations. In such operations, it is necessary to be able to connect the fluidline to the testing or recharging equipment in a quick and easy manner. Many times, the fluidline is located in a tight space, so that little room is available in order to accomplish such a connection.
Typically, these high pressure fluidlines include a valve, such as a Schrader valve, in the end thereof which must be opened when the connection is made to permit flow between the fluidline and the connector, and then to the equipment. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,727,952 and 3,825,223 to Richardson, previous connectors have been generally designed with structure to accomplish the opening of the valve in the fluidline as the connector and fluidline are connected together. In each of these connectors, a sleeve must first be pulled backward relative to a body portion. The end of the fluidline is then forced into the connector, thereby forcing a plunger member backward to expose the end of the fluidline to a gripping collet assembly. Further, as the plunger member is forced backward, a valve opening member in the connector contacts the valve in the fluidline to thereby open the valve. Once the fluidline is fully inserted, the sleeve is released to lock the fluidline within the connector. Each of these connector devices requires the use of two hands in order to permit the connection, thus making it difficult, if not impossible, to use the connectors in tight spaces or when only a single hand is available. Further, the collet assembly locks the fluidline within the connector after, or simultaneously with, opening of the valve in the fluidline, so that in certain circumstances, the fluidline could possibly become dislodged before a proper locking is achieved, resulting in the escape of fluid from the connector.
An additional coupler 10 is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,010. The coupler 10 includes an outer sleeve 11, an outer body 14, an inner body 17, and valve elements 24, 27, 35, 38. The coupler 10 connects to a body 20 of a service port via balls 16. The body 20 also includes a valve 21 therein. The body 14 includes balls 13 that are actuated by sleeve 11 into engagement with inner body 17 to retain the inner body 17 in the position it is at when the valves are open, as shown in FIG. 5C. As described in this reference, while the sealing, snapping and locking actions are taking place, the valves are opened.
What is needed is a connector for connecting to a high pressure fluidline, that can be operated using a single hand and that locks the fluidline to the connector before fluid is allowed to flow through the connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a quick connect connector for connecting to a fluidline in a safe, reliable manner. The connector is designed to permit one-handed connection with the fluidline, such that the connector can be used in locations where space is limited. Further, the connector in accordance with the invention ensures that the fluidline is secured in a sealed relationship with the connector before fluid is allowed to flow to or from the fluidline.
In one embodiment of the connector in accordance with the principles of the invention the connector comprises a body member and a piston member slideably engaged with the body member. The body member and the piston member define a fluid passage through the connector, and the body member is slideable relative to the piston member between a first position and a second position. Valve means are provided for controlling flow through the fluid passage, with the valve means being arranged to prevent flow through the fluid passage at the first position of the body member and to permit flow through the fluid passage at the second position of the body member. The connector further includes means for connecting a fluidline to the piston member, and positioning and retaining means 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, with the positioning and retaining means being in engagement with the body member and the piston member.
In a another embodiment of the invention, a fluidline connector is provided which comprises a body member having a central fluid passageway, and a piston member slideably engaged with the body member. The body member is slideable relative to the piston member between a first position and a second position. The connector further includes means for connecting a fluidline to the piston member, and positioning and retaining means 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. The means for connecting is actuatable by the positioning and retaining means.
The connector is configured such that when the body member is moved from the first position to the second position, the valve means is opened to permit flow through the connector. The connector is further designed such that it connects to the fluidline in a sealed manner prior to the valve means being opened. Therefore, leakage of fluid from the connector is prevented since the fluidline is locked in place within the connector, and is sealed relative thereto, prior to the valve means being opened.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying description, in which there is described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Danielson Robert B.
Meisinger Stanlee W.
FasTest Inc.
Lee Kevin
Merchant & Gould P.C.
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