Apparatus and method of preventing fluid escape from a conduit

Abstract

An apparatus and method for preventing an undesirable release of fluid from a conduit upon disconnection of the conduit. In a specific form of the invention, the apparatus includes a hose having a slide valve located therein adjacent an end of the hose for preventing the escape of liquids or gases, especially refrigerants, to the environment. The slide valve includes a substantially cylindrically shaped nipple having first and second bores extending axially therethrough, the first and second bores being divided and bounded by an integral wall of the nipple. The nipple includes a plurality of ports adjacent the integral wall which provide passages through the nipple to provide fluid communication between the first and second bores. A sleeve member is slidable disposed around the nipple and contains seals for providing a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight interface between the sleeve and the nipple. The sleeve member also includes an annular chamber for selectively providing the aforementioned fluid communication between the bores. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a conduit having a threaded screw type valve which includes a substantially cylindrically shaped rear nipple emanating from its first end, having a central bore extending therethrough. The rear nipple is exteriorly threaded to a threaded valve body which, when rotated is capable of sealing and unsealing a valve set with a valve fitting for selectively opening and closing a passageway for the flow of liquid an/or gas from the rear nipple to a front nipple. The front nipple is capable of rotating with respect to the rest of the device without breaking its seal and can be removed and interchanged without a substantial loss of fluid.