US3142287A

US3142287A - Refrigerant moisture-liquid indicator assembly and cap unit therefor

Info

Publication number: US3142287A
Application number: US161570A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jones Evan
Original assignee: Henry Valve Co
Current assignee: Henry Valve Co
Priority date: 1961-12-22
Filing date: 1961-12-22
Publication date: 1964-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 1981-07-28

Description

July 28, 1964 3,142,287

E. JONES REFRIGERANT MOISTURE-LIQUID INDICATOR ASSEMBLY AND CAP UNIT THEREFOR Filed Dec. 22. 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l 1 NVE N TOR. Egan Jane@ July 2s, 1964 E JONES 3,142,287

REFRIGERANT MOISTURE-LIQUID INDICATOR ASSEMBLY AND CAP UNIT THEREFOR Filed Dec. 22, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v y s 2@ /3 L 43 57 United States Patent 3,142,287 REFRIGERANT MOISTURE-LIQUID INDICATOR ASSEMBLY AND CAI UNlT TMREFOR Evan Jones, Evanston, Ill., assignor to Henry Valve Company, Melrose Park, lll., a corporation of Illinois Filed Dec. 22, 1961, Ser. No. 161,570 9 Claims. (Cl. 116-117) The invention is directed to a new and improved moisture .and/or liquid indicator assembly adapted for use in a refrigeration system for observance of liquid llow therein and/or indication of change in moisture content of the refrigerant. More specifically, the invention is related directly to a new and improved cap unit adapted for use as a moisture and/ or liquid indication means and designed for removable application to suitable port means forming a part of a refrigeration system, the cap unit being of unique design and arrangement to include wholly contained moisture-liquid indication means therein for ready removal and application of the unit as a single element.

There are several different forms of moisture and/or liquid indicator assemblies available at the present time for use in refrigeration systems. Generally, these assemblies include a T section body portion having oppositely directed nipple-like port means for connection in a refrigerant flow line and further including a single radial port means which has mounted therein or thereon a moistureliquid indicator unit. Liquid indication is often provided by means of a lensed window member in spaced relation to an indicia carrying member which is inserted in the body section for emersion in liquid iiow therethrough. The presenceof liquid counteracts the lensing effect of the window member and the indicia is clearly observable through the window member. Moisture sensitive paper of known type also forms a part of the assembly and is subject to color change when the moisture content of the refrigerant exceeds a predetermined level. Here again, the moisture sensitive paper is observable through the window member to note the color thereof.

The various elements of the type of moisture-liquid indicator unit described above are loosely assembled in the radial port means and clamped therein by removable vbulls-eye-type closure means. The assembly or disassembly of the unit requires individual handling of each of the various elements forming a part thereof and care must be taken during assembly to place these elements in their proper relative positions to assure the establishment of a liquid-tight seal. Furthermore, various elements of the unit, such as the moisture-senstive paper, rubber gaskets and the like, are often sensitive to heat which is applied to the nipples of the T section as a result of brazing or sweating operations used during attachment of the T section to the refrigerant line. The standard practice is to completely remove all of the single elements of the moisture-liquid indicator unit from the T section during installation of the T section into a refrigerant line, and then reassemble the unit to complete installation thereof. It is often the case that the T section is installed in limited areas by necessity and it is quite difficult to individually handle and properly insert the relatively small separate elements of .the moisture-liquid indication means following permanent attachment of the T section in the refrigerant line. Furthermore, it is often difficult to obtain an adequate liquid-tight seal during the iinal stages of complete installation due to conditions of limited access to the indication means.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved refrigerant moisture and/ or liquid indicator assembly including a unique cap unit therefor, the assembly and cap unit being of such design and arrangement to provide for ease of installation and final assembly thereof under conditions of limited access while additions 3,142,287l Patented `luly 28., 1964 ally providing for ready establishing and maintaining of a liquid-tight seal.

A further object is to provide a new and improved moisture and/or liquid cap unit for ready application to and removal from a cap unit mounting part of a refrigeration system, the unit being of such design and arrangement to eliminate the necessity of complete disassembly and reassembly of the various elements thereof, the unit further being of a design to permit ready application to a refrigeration system with the minimum of effort required t0 establish and maintain a complete liquid-tight seal.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section of one form of complete moisture-liquid indicator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the various elements of the cap unit of the assembly of FIG. 1, these elements being illustrated in vertical section;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section of the cap unit of FIG. 1 illustrating complete assembly of the various elements thereof;

FIG. 4 is an end View of the assembly of FIG. 1 on reduced scale;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cap unit on reduced scale illustrating appearance of the same in the absence of liquid in the refrigeration system;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating appearance of the cap unit when the refrigeration system is filled with liquid;

FIG. 7 is a View similar to FIG. l illustrating a modi- `ied cap unit forming a part of the assembly;

FIG. 8 is a View similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the various elements of the modified cap unit of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating complete assembly of the elements of the modified cap unit;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the cap unit of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary section of a portion of the cap unit illustrating operational functioning of certain of the elements thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly 10 includes a body member 11 in the form of a T section, it being understood that the invention is of a scope to include other means to which the cap unit 12 of the assembly 10 may be removably attached in a refrigeration system. The body member 11 illustrated includes a pair of oppositely directed nipple-

like ports

13 and 14 of known type adapted for brazing, sweating or soldering to refrigerant flow line sections to accommodate refrigerant flow therethrough in the known manner. The internal passages of the

ports

13 and 14 are in communication with a central chamber 15 which in turn is in communication with an enlarged passageway 16 of a right angled, radially directed nipple-like port 17 integrally formed on the body member 1l. The outer surface of the projecting port 17 is formed with threads 18 for removable attachment of the cap unit 12 thereon in end closing relation.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the cap unit 12 comprises a tubular shell 19 formed on the outer surface thereof with an enlarged hex head portion 20 (FIG. 4) to permit ready application of a wrench or the like thereto for application or removal of the cap unit to the port 17 of the body member 11. The shell 19 includes an inner bore 21 of substantial axial length which at the lower end thereof as Viewed is formed with threads 22 for engagement with the threads 1S on the outer surface of the port 17. The upper end of the bore 21 terminates in a radially inwardly directed annular shoulder 23 which defines an upper stepped-in bore 24 of substantially shorter axial length. The bore 24 terminates in Aa radially directed annular ange portion 25, the outer surface of which is ush with the outer top end of the shell 19 and the inner edge 26 of which defines an opening for use in observing the enlarged passageway 16 in a manner to be described.

An annular gasket 27 formed from any suitable material, such as nylon, is dimensioned to be received in the reduced bore 24 in engagement with the inner surface of the iiange 25 as shown in FIG. 3. A disc-like window member 28 formed from any suitable transparent material is dimensioned to be received in the reduced bore 24 with the peripheral portion of the upper face thereof in engagement with the gasket 27. By reason of the provision of the shoulder 23 in the shell 19 and the enlarged bore 21 in association therewith, a substantial peripheral clearance is provided between the window member 2S and the bore 21. In this space a suitable O-ring seal 29 of known type is adapted to be received as best shown in FIG. 3, this seal performing the primary function of proper spacing and positioning of the window member 28 within the shell 19.

A second annular gasket 30 of the same type and dimensions as the gasket 27 is received in the shell 19 in engagement with the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the window member 2S in substantially spaced relation to the bore 21. A flat ring of moisture sensitive paper 31 is received in engagement with the bottom surface of the gasket 30 and is provided with the same outer diameter as the gasket 30 while having a smaller inner diameter to project substantially radially inwardly from the inner diameter of the gasket 30 and thus be readily viewed through the window member 28. A backup flat paper ring 32 of filter-type paper is combined with the moisture sensitive paper ring 31 and is of the same dimensions. The type of moisture sensitive paper suitable for use is well known and is subject to color change in response to variation in refrigerant moisture content below or above a predetermined level. By way of example, the paper 31 may be of a blue color when the moisture content is below a predetermined level and may change to a pink color when the moisture content of the refrigerant exceeds the predetermined level.

A perforated support ring 33 formed from any suitable relatively rigid material such as brass is of the same dimensions as the

paper rings

31 and 32 and is placed in supporting engagement therewith. The perforations provided in the ring 33 permit the ow of refrigerant therethrough into contact with the adjacent surfaces of the

paper rings

31 and 32 to completely wet the same. Furthermore, as previously described the

paper rings

31 and 32 project radially inwardly beyond the gasket 30 into the passage 16 to an extent that refrigerant ow readily contacts the same. The gasket 30 functions to space the moisture sensitive paper ring 31 from the adjacent surface of the window member 28 as illustrated in FIG. 3 to provide for complete liquid contact therewith for accurate moisture content indication.

The perforated support ring 33 has integrally formed therewith a depending leg portion 34 which extends downwardly away from the window member 28 into the passage 16 to a substantial extent. The lower portion of the leg portion 34 has suitably attached thereto a generally L-shaped indicia carrying plate member 35 which extends transversely across the passage 16 for ready viewing of the top surface thereof through the window member 28. The top surface is provided with suitable indicia such as the word FULL as illustrated. The bottom surface of the window member 28 has formed centrally thereof a projecting convex lens portion 36 of known type which provides for magnification to an extent that the indicia on the member 35 is not observable through the window member 28 when the passage 16 is empty of liquid as shown in FIG. 5. When liquid lls the passage 16 to an extent that the liquid actually surrounds the lens portion 36, the liquid eliminates the magnifica- '4 tion properties of the lens portion and the indicia on the member 35 is observable through the window member 28 as shown in FIG. 6.

The cap unit 12 is completed by the provision of a special annular packing 37 of generally L-shape in cross section and formed with an axially extending portion 38 and a radially inwardly extending portion 39. The packing 37 is dimensioned to be snugly received in the bore 21 of the shell 19 and the inner diameter 0f the axially extending portion 3S is such that the same may become wedged between the periphery of the window member 28 and the adjacent surface of the bore 21 as shown in FIG. 3 to define a complete liquid tight seal about the window member 2S. The top surface 40 of the radially directed portion 39 is in a horizontal plane for engagement with the bottom surface of the perforated support ring 33 to clamp this ring and the

rings

31 and 32 and gasket 30 in assembled relation directly below the window member 28. The bottom surface 41 of the packing 37 including the bottom surface portion of the radially directed portion 39 is of frustoconical shape for a purpose to be described.

The various elements described in FIG. 2 may be readily assembled in the shell 19 with the packing 37 functioning to frictionally hold the same in assembled relation therein. In this manner a complete and fully assembled cap unit 12 is provided which may be readily applied to or removed from the body member 11 without accompanying assembling or disassembling of the individ ual elements forming a part of the moisture-liquid indication means. FIG. 3 illustrates the completely assembled cap unit 12 when the same lis separated from the body member 11. The packing 37 is dimensioned to be snuggly received in the shell 19 to hold all of the various elements in their operative position. This packing may be formed from any suitable material, such as polytetrauoroethylene which is inert to refrigerant and which is at least partially self-lubricating to an extent that the same may be readily inserted in the manner illustrated and yet establish sufficient frictional engagement to maintain all of the various elements in their operative positions upon cap unit removal. The liquid indication means including the member 35 actually forms an integral part of the cap unit and is not retained in the body member 11 upon cap unit removal. This complete assembly readily accommodates body member installation in a refrigerant line under elevated temperature `brazing or soldering conditions without attendant damage to moisture sensitive material or heat sensitive gaskets and the like.

The arrangement described is especially adapted for use in close coupling situations where the area of access to the assembly 10 is limited. The installer merely removes the complete cap unit 12 from the assembly and installs the body member 11 in the easiest possible manner Without being concerned about heat damage to the sensitive elements of the cap unit. Upon completed installation of the body member 11, the cap unit as a separate member can be readily applied to the port 17 without handling of the individual small elements thereof and without danger of improper assembly of these elements. This arrangement eliminates the necessity of imposing limitations on the installer regarding temperature levels to be applied to the assembly such as in the case where the heat sensitive materials must be retained as a part of the assembly by reason of the limited area available of access thereto. This arrangement further eliminates any need for the use of enlarged body members to permit heat application at distances sufficiently spaced from the heat sensitive elements to prevent damage thereto. Furthermore, the arrangement eliminates the individual handling of each of the various elements of the moistureliquid indication means either prior to or subsequent to installation of the assembly.

FIGS. l and 4 illustrate the use of the hex head outer surface portion 20 of the cap unit 12 in retaining a pro tective cover cap 42 thereon. This cover cap is preferably formed from flexible plastic material which is readily expanded over the hex head surface portions to cover the top of the cap unit 12 and protect the window member 2S from damage or the accumulation of dirt on the top surface thereof.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the top edge of the port 17 is preferably formed with a frusto-conical surface 43 which corresponds with the bottom surface 41 of the packing 37. Upon application of the cap unit 12 to the port 17 and threaded advancement thereof, the frustoconical surface 43 engages the similar surface of the packing 37 and moves the same in the bore 21 of the shell 19 in such a manner that the axially extending portion 38 thereof moves upwardly into tight sealing relation between the Window member 28 and the bore 21 and the other Various elements are pressed into tight engagement with the window member. Furthermore, the top peripheral edge portion of the window member 28 is pressed into tight engagement with the gasket 27 thus providing a completely liquid-tight seal. In this respect, it will be noted that the axially extending portion 3S of the packing 37 extends substantially upwardly in overlapping relation with the periphery of the window member 28 to provide a complete seal about the bottom edge thereof. The O-ring seal 29 functions primarily to maintain proper centering of the window member 28 in the shell 19. The gaskets 27 and 3@ not only provide for the establishing and maintaining of a liquid-tight seal, but also function to prevent damage to the window member 28 during tightening of the cap unit 12 on the body member 11. Furthermore, the gasket 30 maintains the moisture sensitive paper ring 31 in spaced relation to the bottom surface of the window unit for proper liquid contact therewith during use of the assembly. With the arrangement described involving the particular design and arrangement of the packing 37, during tightening of the cap unit 12 on the body member 11 no excessive torque is exerted on any single seal or element of the cap unit. It has been found that by reason of this particular arrangement, the cap unit 12 may be readily tightened on the port 17 for liquid-tight sealing relation merely by a 1/2 turn or the like and that such tightening can be obtained readily by hand. It will be appreciated that this advantage is of substantial use in close coupling stiuations involving areas of limited access.

FIGS. 7-ll illustrate a slightly modified form of the cap unit 12 described above. The modified cap unit in these views is identified by the numeral 44 but certain elements forming a part thereof, which are basically the same as the elements previously described, are identified by the same reference numerals. The cap unit 44 is intended basically for use as a moisture indication means 4and does not include the additional liquid indication means previously described. In this respect the cap unit includes a plain glass window member 45 not provided with the lens portion previously described and the perforated support ring 46 thereof is a plain fiat ring not including the depending leg portion for liquid indication means attachment thereto as previously described. In all other respects the cap unit 44 is identical with the cap unit 12 and the relatively minor differences are indicative of additional advantageous aspects of the basic concept of the invention. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the unique combination of elements in the basic cap unit design of the invention involves the use of a number of similar parts for both moisture and liquid indication. Thus, the supplier need merely stock these basic parts with the same being useful for either moisture or liquid indication or the combination of the two as required by customers. It is necessary merely to substitute in the cap unit either the window members 28 or 4S and the perforated support means 33 or 46 as required. In all other respects, the elements are identical and the substitution may be readily accomplished.

FIGS. 7 and 1l illustrate another important aspect of the cap unit design which has been briefly mentioned above. As previously described, the moisture sensitive and back-up paper rings 31 and 32 extend substantially radially inwardly beyond the inner diameters of the associated gasket 30 and radially extending portion 39 of the packing 37. The perforated support ring also extends radially inwardly to the same extent to adequately support the inner peripheral portions of the paper rings. However, by reason of the perforations in the support ring liquid is permitted to flow therethrough into contact with the paper rings and these rings may actually be lifted to the extent illustrated in FIGS. 7 and l1. Freedom of movement of the inner peripheral portions of the paper rings to the extent illustrated further accommodates complete liquid contact therewith for efiicient moisture content indication. There is no danger of displacement of the paper rings by reason of the cooperating clamping action provided by the gasket Sil and packing 37. For ready moisture content determination, the top flat surface of the shell 1.9 may have applied thereto a ring label 47 which as best shown in FIG. l0 may on one-half thereof include the pink color with an adequate reminder to indicate that this color indicates excessive moisture content, and the other half thereof including a blue color to indicate that this color appearing in the moisture sensitive paper ring 3l assures proper moisture content level.

Obviously certain modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A moisture indicator cap unit for removable application to a T section of a refrigerant flow line, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell having received therein a window member of a diameter less than the inner diameter of said shell, an annular packing of generally L-shaped cross section in said shell and including an axially directed portion compressibly fixed between the periphery of said window member and said shell and retaining said window member in said shell, said packing further including a radially inwardly directed portion overlying the marginal area of the inner face of said window member and arranged for outer radial surface sealing engagement with a T section surface upon application of said cap unit, and moisture sensitive means resiliently held between the radially directed portion of said packing and the marginal area of said inner face of said window member for observance through said window member.

2. A moisture-liquid indicator cap unit for removable application to a T section of a refrigerant flow line, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell having received therein a window member of a diameter less than the inner diameter of said shell, an annular packing of generally L-shaped cross section in said shell and including an axially directed portion compressibly fixed between the periphery of said window member and said shell and retaining said window member in said shell, said packing further including a radially inwardly directed portion overlying the marginal area of the inner face of said window member, moisture sensitive means resiliently held between the radially directed portion of said packing and the marginal area of said inner face of said window member for observance through said window member, and liquid indication means resiliently held between the radially directed portion of said packing and the marginal area of said inner face of said window member and projecting from said window member through said packing axially of said shell, said liquid indication means terminating in a transversely extending indicia carrying portion in spaced relation from said window member, said window member including a lens portion centrally thereof adapted to pro- Vide for observance of the indicia of said liquid indica- J tion means through said window member when said T section is filled with liquid.

3. A moisture indicator assembly for use in a refrigeration system, said indicator assembly comprising a body member including first and second port means, said first port means being adapted for connection with a refrigerant flow line in communication therewith, said second port means including a removable moisture indicator cap unit received thereon, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell having received therein a window member of a diameter less than the inner diameter of said shell, an annular packing of generally L-shaped cross section in said shell and including an axially directed portion compressibly fixed between the periphery of said window member and said shell and retaining said window member in said shell, said packing further including a radially inwardly directed portion overlying the marginal area of the inner face of said window member, and moisture sensitive means resiliently held between the radially directed portion of said packing and the marginal area of said inner face of said window member for observance through said window member, said second port means including a top annular edge portion of frusto-conical shape engaged with the outer surface of the radially directed portion of said packing, said outer packing surface being of corresponding frusto-conical shape to provide for wedging of said packing in said shell about said window member to establish a liquid-tight seal.

4. A moisture-liquid indicator assembly for use in a refrigeration system, said indicator assembly comprising a body member including first and second port means, said first port means being adapted for connection with a refrigerant fiow line in communication therewith, said second port means including a removable moisture indicator cap unit received thereon, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell having received therein a window member of a diameter less than the inner diameter of said shell, an annular packing of generally L-shaped cross section in said shell and including an axially directed portion compressibly fixed between the periphery of said window member and said shell and retaining said window member in said shell, said packing further including a radially inwardly directed portion overlying the marginal area of the inner face of said window member, moisture sensitive means resiliently held between the radially directed portion of said packing and the marginal area of said inner face of said window member for observance through said window member, and liquid indication means resiliently held between the radially directed portion of said packing and the marginal area of said inner face of said window member and projecting from said window member through said packing axially of said shell, said liquid indication means terminating in a transversely extending indicia carrying portion in spaced relation from said window member, said window member including a lens portion centrally thereof adapted to provide for observance of the indicia of said liquid indication means through said window member when said assembly is filled with liquid, said second port means including a top annular edge portion of frusto-conical shape engaged with the outer surface of the radially directed portion of said packing, said outer packing surface being of corresponding frusto-conical shape to provide for wedging of said packing in said shell about said window member to establish a liquid-tight seal.

5. A moisture indicator assembly for use in a refrigeration system, said indicator assembly comprising a body member including first and second port means, said first port means being adapted for connection with a refrigerant flow line in communication therewith, said second port means including a removable moisture indicator cap unit received thereon, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell which at the outer end thereof is formed with an annular radially inwardly directed flange, a first gasket in said shell in engagement with said fiange, a Window member in said shell with the marginal area of the outer surface thereof in engagement with said first gasket, said window member being of a diameter which is less than the inner diameter of said shell, an O-ring seal about the periphery of said window member to center the same in said shell, a second gasket in said shell in engagement with the inner surface of said window member, annular moisture sensitive means in engagement with said second gasket, perforated support means in engagement with said moisture sensitive means, and a generally L-shaped annular packing in said shell, said packing comprising an axially extending portion received about said support means, moisture sensitive means, second gasket and a portion of the outer periphery of said window member, and a radially inwardly extending portion overlapping and in engagement with said support means, said packing being compressibly fixed in said shell and cooperating with said flange of said shell to retain the aforesaid elements therebetween upon removal of said cap unit from said assembly.

6. A moisture indicator assembly for use in a refrigeration system, said indicator assembly comprising a body member including first and second port means, said first port means being adapted for connection with a refrigerant flow line in communication therewith, said second port means including a removable moisture indicator cap unit received thereon, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell which at the outer end thereof is formed with an annular radially inwardly directed frange, a first gasket in Said shell in engagement with said fiange, a window member in said shell with the marginal area of the outer surface thereof in engagement with said first gasket, said window member being of a diameter which is less than the inner diameter of said shell, an O-ring seal about the periphery of said window member to center the same in said shell, a second gasket in said shell in engagement with the inner surface of said window member, annular moisture sensitive means in engagement with said second gasket, perforated support means in engagement with said moisture sensitive means, and a generally L-shaped annular packing in said shell, said packing comprising an axially extending portion received about said support means, moisture sensitive means, second gasket and a portion of the outer periphery of said window member, and a radially inwardly extending portion overlapping and in engagement with said support means, said packing being compressibly fixed in said shell and cooperating with said fiange of said shell to retain the aforesaid elements therebetween upon removal of said cap unit from said assembly, said moisture sensitive means projecting inwardly beyond said second gasket for ready observance thereof through said window member.

7. A moisture indicator assembly for use in a refrigeration system, said indicator assembly comprising a body member including first and second port means, said first port means being adapted for connection with a refrigerant flow line in communication therewith, said second port means including a removable moisture indicator cap unit received thereon, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell which at the outer end thereof is formed with an annular radially inwardly directed flange, a first gasket in said shell in engagement with said flange, a window member in said shell with the marginal area of the outer surface thereof in engagement with said first gasket, said window member being of a diameter which is less than the inner diameter of said shell, an O-ring seal about the periphery of said Window member to center the same in said shell, a second gasket in said shell in engagement with the inner surface of said window member, annular moisture sensitive means in engagement with said second gasket, perforated support means in engagement with said moisture sensitive means, and a generally L-shaped annular packing in said shell, said packing comprising an axially extending portion received about said support means, moisture sensitive means, second gasket and a portion of the outer periphery of said window member, and a radially inwardly extending portion overlapping and in engagement with said support means, said packing being compressibly ixed in said shell and cooperating with said ilange of said shell to retain the aforesaid elements therebetween upon removal of said cap unit from said assembly, said second port means including a top annular edge portion of frusto-conical shape engaged with the outer surface of the radially inwardly extending portion of said packing, said outer packing surface being of corresponding frusto-conical shape to provide for wedging of said packing in said shell about the aforesaid elements therein to establish a liquid-tight seal.

8. A moisture-liquid indicator assembly for use in a refrigeration system, said indicator assembly comprising a body member including iirst and second port means, said rst port means being adapted for connection with a refrigerant flow line in communication therewith, said second port means including a removable moisture indicator cap unit received thereon, said cap unit comprising a tubular shell which at the outer end thereof is formed with an annular radially inwardly directed tlange, a first gasket in said shell and in engagement with said flange, a window member in said shell with the marginal area of the outer surface thereof in engagement with said first gasket, said Window member being of a diameter which is less than the inner diameter of said shell, an O- ring seal about the periphery of said window member to center the same in said shell, a second gasket in said shell in engagement with the inner surface of said window member, an annular moisture sensitive means in engagement with said second gasket, perforated support means in engagement with said moisture sensitive means, and a generally L-shaped annular packing in said shell,

said packing comprising an axially extending portion received about said support means, moisture sensitive means, second gasket and a portion of the outer periphery of said window member, and a radially inwardly extending portion overlapping and in engagement with said support means, said packing being compressibly ixed in said shell and cooperating with said flange of said shell to retain the aforesaid elements therebetween upon removal of said cap unit from said assembly, said support means including a leg portion projecting axially of said shell through said packing away from said Window member and terminating in a transversely extending indicia carrying portion, said window member including a lens portion centrally thereof adapted to provide for observance of the indicia through said window member when said assembly in filled with liquid.

9. The moisture-liquid indicator assembly of claim 8 wherein said second port means includes a top annular edge portion of frusto-conical shape engaged with the outer surface of the radially inwardly extending portion of said packing, said outer packing surface being of corresponding frusto-conical shape to provide for wedging of said packing in said shell about the aforesaid elements therein to establish a liquid-proof seal.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,716,338 Blinn Aug. 30, 1955 2,787,238 Luce Apr. 2, 1957 2,844,026 Wischmeyer July 22, 1958 2,933,060 Yocum Apr. 19, 1960 3,000,345 Gray Sept. 19, 1961 3,088,811 Jones May 7, 1963

Claims

1. A MOISTURE INDICATOR CAP UNIT FOR REMOVABLE APPLICATION TO A T SECTION OF A REFRIGERANT FLOW LINE, SAID CAP UNIT COMPRISING A TUBULAR SHELL HAVING RECEIVED THEREIN A WINDOW MEMBER OF A DIAMETER LESS THAN THE INNER DIAMETER OF SAID SHELL, AN ANNULAR PACKING OF GENERALLY L-SHAPED CROSS SECTION IN SAID SHELL AND INCLUDING AN AXIALLY DIRECTED PORTION COMPRESSIBLY FIXED BETWEEN THE PERIPHERY OF SAID WINDOW MEMBER AND SAID SHELL AND RETAINING SAID WINDOW MEMBER IN SAID SHELL, SAID PACKING FURTHER INCLUDING A RADIALLY INWARDLY DIRECTED PORTION OVERLYING THE MARGINAL AREA OF THE INNER FACE OF SAID WINDOW MEMBER AND ARRANGED FOR OUTER RADIAL SURFACE SEALING ENGAGEMENT WITH A T SECTION SURFACE UPON APPLICATION OF SAID CAP UNIT, AND MOISTURE SENSITIVE MEANS RESILIENTLY HELD BETWEEN THE RADIALLY DIRECTED PORTION OF SAID PACKING AND THE MARGINAL AREA OF SAID INNER FACE OF SAID WINDOW MEMBER FOR OBSERVANCE THROUGH SAID WINDOW MEMBER.