Patent ID: 6698452
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: F16K,F25B,Y10T

Abstract:
A reversing valve for a heat pump system, comprising:a generally cylindrical housing; a generally cylindrical valve member disposed in said housing for movement therein between first and second positions; first, second, third and fourth fluid conducting tubes connected to said housing; ports in said valve member for controlling the flow of fluid to and from each of said tubes; four of said ports being in fluid communication with four of said tubes, respectively, in each of said first and second positions of said valve; a separate floating seal disposed between said tubes and said valve element in each of said first and second positions to prevent internal leakage, each floating seal comprising an annular elastomeric seal member surrounding each said tube in a sealed relationship and sealingly engaging the surface of said valve member surrounding the port communicating with the tube, each seal member being sealed with regard to its tube by means of an O-ring disposed in a groove in said seal member.