Importance

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Abstract

A quick disconnect coupling for unthreaded refrigerant fittings comprising an outer housing, an inner housing over which the outer housing is telescoped and a spring loaded plunger mounted for sliding movement within the inner housing. The inner housing has a circumferential portion at one end that is adapted to telescope over a valve fitting on a refrigeration system which has an annular groove and a one way valve normally closing the fitting. The plunger is normally out of engagement with the one way valve when the coupling is first placed in position on the fitment. Interengaging portions between the outer housing and inner housing operate upon rotation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing to move the outer housing axially relative to the inner housing causing a ramp portion thereon to engage balls on the inner housing and move the balls radially into the groove in the fitting. Further rotation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing causes the outer housing to move axially a further distance to permit the spring loaded plunger to move axially toward the one way valve in the fitting and open the one way valve as well as move the seat in the outer housing away from the plunger and provide communication to the exterior at the other end of the outer housing.

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First Claim