Patent ID: 6450199
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A service coupling for connecting a refrigerant source to a refrigeration system having an inlet 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 refrigerant source; (b) an axially moveable valve housing received in the central passageway, the valve housing including an inner cavity in communication with the lateral port to form a flow path, a service valve sealingly engaged within the inner cavity to close the flow path, and at least one pressure balancing passage extending therethrough; (c) a connector releasably engaging the service coupling to the inlet port; and (d) an actuator for moving the valve housing from a rearward position toward the adjustment end to a forward position toward the outlet end, wherein axial movement of the valve housing to the forward position causes the service valve to abut and disengage the port valve from sealing engagement in the inlet port and the service valve from sealing engagement in the valve housing to open the flow path, and wherein axial movement of the valve housing to the forward position creates a void between an end of the valve housing and the body portion, the void provided in communication with the flow path by the at least one pressure balancing passage such that the refrigerant pressure is substantially balanced on either end of the valve housing.