The invention herein pertains to a refrigeration system tool and in particular to a can tap for engagement with the self-sealing valve of a R-1234yf refrigerant can with a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread.
It is common practice to introduce fluid into a refrigeration system, such as an automotive air conditioning system, from a container in which the fluid is commercially packaged. For example, relatively small quantities of refrigerants such as R-134a (a hydrofluorocarbon or “HFC”) are typically packaged in cylindrical cans. A special-purpose tool is commonly utilized to dispense the refrigerant and/or other fluid (e.g., lubricant, leak detector, seal rejuvenator, and the like) into the refrigeration system.
Recently, due to environmental global warming concerns of HFCs, regulatory bodies have approved the use of R-1234yf refrigerant, a hydro-olefin (HFO), for many refrigerant applications. These regulatory agencies have also required that a specific valve thread (a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread) be used on any commercial container that holds R-1234yf. Therefore, the prior art tools that are configured to securely engage R-134a cans will not accommodate the R-1234yf refrigerant cans with a self-sealing valve, as they (1) require a left-handed, compared to a right-handed, thread pattern (i.e. a different thread pattern); (2) have a self-sealing valve on the can compared to regular caps which only have a thin metal seal that is destroyed in liberating the refrigerant.
One disadvantage of can taps currently on the market is that they do not have a backflow preventer. While charging the automotive A/C system, the can should be connected to the low-pressure service port of the A/C system. However, if a technician accidentally connects it to the high-pressure service port, using a can tap without a backflow preventer will be dangerous, as the refrigerant from the system may flow into the can and cause it to explode. This is especially dangerous when technicians are working with R-1234yf since it is a flammable refrigerant. Therefore, a further objective of this invention is to include an integrated backflow preventer in the can tap.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a tool that can safely engage a self-sealing valve, R-1234yf refrigerant can with a corresponding thread pattern to communicate with the R-1234yf refrigerant can and a backflow preventer for safety. In the preferred embodiment of the tool, the thread pattern is defined as a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread pattern and the aforementioned backflow preventer.
In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, a refrigerant can tap is provided which is configured to permit convenient use thereof with self-sealing valve R-1234yf refrigerant cans which have a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread pattern.
The aforesaid and other objectives are realized by providing a refrigerant can tap with a tap body which has an inlet and an outlet, an internal pin, a gasket, and a backflow preventer. The inlet and outlet of the tap body have the one-half inch ACME left-handed thread, and therefore it successfully engages with the R-1234yf can which is required by law to be sold with this thread pattern. The backflow preventer is located at the connection between the outlet and the throat on the tap body. The internal pin has a flow portion in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet of the tap body. The internal pin has a blunt depressor configured for (i.e. suitably sized and shaped) operating the valve on the container. The flow portion of the pin allows fluid to flow between the tap body and the internal pin. The can tap has a gasket comprising a material preventing the refrigerant from leaking while charging.
For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings, Figures (
Referring specifically to
Backflow preventer 21 is preferably positioned in the connection 26 between outlet 22 and main body throat 24. Backflow preventer 21 allows the fluidic communication from main body throat 24 to outlet 22, and it can stop the fluidic communication from outlet 22 to main body throat 24 as desired by a user. Backflow preventer 21 is preferably a spherical shape defining a diameter that is larger than the fluid passageway between body throat 24 and outlet 22 but other shapes and sizes of backflow prevention structures may serve similarly well, and thus should be considered within the scope of backflow preventer 21.
Pin 12 is attached to handle 13 that may be turned to raise or lower pin 12 by a user, which frictionally engages tap body 11 through tap body internal threads 25 and pin internal thread 28. Pin 12 is preferably cylindrical in nature and may include a greater diameter at an upper portion that is located more proximate handle 13 and a lesser diameter at a lower portion positioned at an opposing end, the lesser diameter more desirable for engaging the self-sealing valve 30 (see
Gasket 16 is located proximate to and circumscribing tap body inlet 17, and is positioned and oriented so as to be configured for contacting a can when tap tool 10 is affixed to a can (not shown). Gasket 16 may be used to minimize or prevent deformation of the can when tap tool 10 is placed on the can. Also, gasket 16 may provide a substantially secured seal between the can and tap tool 10 to prevent inadvertent loss of the can's contents. Gasket 16 is preferably formed from an elastic material to prevent the refrigerant from leaking while charging, for example rubber.
The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
This is a continuation of and claims benefits under pending prior application Ser. No. 15/948,341 filed 9 Apr. 2018, which is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/485,135 filed 13 Apr. 2017, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/508,413 filed 19 May 2017, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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6142345 | Laible | Nov 2000 | A |
10724775 | Wang | Jul 2020 | B1 |
20110168277 | Dulac | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20120192576 | Carrubba | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20150203278 | Koban | Jul 2015 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62485135 | Apr 2017 | US | |
62508413 | May 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15948341 | Apr 2018 | US |
Child | 16939458 | US |