Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
  • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
  • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
  • B65D47/10—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having frangible closures
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
  • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
  • B65D83/16—Actuating means
  • B65D83/20—Actuator caps
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
  • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
  • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
  • B65D51/22—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure
  • B65D51/221—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening
  • B65D51/222—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure
  • B65D51/225—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure and further comprising a device first inhibiting displacement of the outer closure
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
  • F25B2345/001—Charging refrigerant to a cycle
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
  • F25B2345/006—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor characterised by charging or discharging valves
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant

Definitions

• This invention relates to can taps for use with containers for dispensing materials. More specifically, this invention relates to can taps for dispensing refrigerants from pressurized containers.
• Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) compounds have been used extensively as refrigerants, as well as propellants and cleaning solvents.
• CFC Chlorofluorocarbon
• HCFC hydrochlorofluorocarbon
• HFC hydrofluorocarbon
• HFO hydrofluoroolefin
• pressurized refrigerant containers typically 12 oz. or 1 kg
• pressurized refrigerant containers typically 12 oz. or 1 kg
• Small pressurized containers are often used in the mobile aftermarket because of their portability and ability to be taken to the vehicle and re-charge the vehicle, even by do-it-yourself mechanics.
• Small aftermarket refrigerant containers are typically provided as single use type containers. These containers normally have a thin metal seal that is destroyed in liberating the refrigerant.
• a can tap having a needle- shaped pin (which may be referred to as a "piercing tap") pierces the thin metal seal and allows the contents to be dispensed.
• FIG. 6 An example of such a piercing tap for use with such a can is shown in FIG. 6.
• Piercing tap 600 has pin 620 having needle-shaped tip 626 that pierces the metal seal of a can.
• An example of a can with a thin metal seal that can be pierced with a piercing tap is shown in FIG. 7.
• the cans and can taps presently on the market have several disadvantages.
• the cans Due to the thin metal seal on the can which must be pierced and ultimately destroyed to dispense the contents, the can cannot be resealed. Therefore, the cans can only be used once before they are discarded. If all of the contents are not used, the excess refrigerant is wasted. Not only does the excess refrigerant represent lost money, but the excess refrigerant is generally released into the atmosphere, which may have environmental implications.
• piercing taps Another issue often encountered with the piercing-type can taps (piercing taps) is inconsistent and/or stopped flow. If the needle-shaped pin is inserted too far into the can, the needle pin will block the flow of the contents out of the can. If the pin is not inserted far enough, the hole in the metal seal may be small and restrict the flow of material out of the can. In typical use, the pin must be inserted and then drawn completely out to achieve optimum flow. However, when technicians actuate the can tap, for example by turning a handle, and begin to remove the pin out of the can, the refrigerant normally starts to flow, so the technician may not fully dis-engage the pin.
• the internal spring-actuated plug type self-sealing can is a newer design.
• An example of an internal plug can is shown in FIG. 9. At this time, there are no can taps that are specifically designed to work with the new internal plug cans. The seal on these cans have a spring-actuated plug that remains in a sealed position until the plug is depressed.
• the internal plug can has several advantages over the external plug can. The internal plug design is more robust and may be less prone to damage as the plug portion is contained within can and not external to can. The internal plug can design may also have generally higher flow rate versus the external plug can.
• piercing can taps can be used to release the contents of an internal plug can, but have several drawbacks.
• the needle-shaped pin may damage the plug and/or the seal and may destroy the can's ability to release refrigerant.
• piercing can taps also provide an inconsistent flow rate similar to the previous can designs.
• a can tap comprises: a housing having a body, a lower end having an inlet, an upper end having an outlet, a throat between the lower end and the upper end a pin located within the housing having an upper end secured to the housing body, a lower end having a blunt depressor suitable for contact with a can having a top in which is positioned a valve, wherein the blunt depressor is capable of operating the valve of the can, and a flow portion between the upper end and the lower end of the pin located within the housing throat wherein the flow portion is in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the housing outlet; and a tap outlet in fluid communication with housing outlet at the upper end of the housing.
• a can tap comprises: a housing having a body, a lower end having an inlet, an upper end having an outlet, a throat between the lower end and the upper end; a pin located within the housing having an upper end secured to the housing body, a lower end having a blunt depressor suitable for contact with a can having a top in which is positioned a valve, wherein the blunt depressor is capable of operating the valve of the can, and a flow portion between the upper end and the lower end of the pin located within the housing throat wherein the flow portion is in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the housing outlet; a tap outlet in fluid communication with housing outlet at the upper end of the housing; and a gasket positioned adjacent to the housing at or near the housing inlet, wherein the gasket comprises a material having a hardness ranging from about 70 durometers to about 100 durometers.
• FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway view of a can tap as disclosed herein.
• FIG. 2 shows a partial cutaway view of a can tap in a closed state affixed to a can in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway view of a can tap in an open state affixed to a can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of a can tap pin according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of a can tap pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 6 shows a partial cutaway view of an existing can tap of the prior art.
• FIG. 7 shows a can having a metal seal of the prior art.
• FIG. 8 shows an external spring-actuated plug self-sealing can of the prior art.
• FIG. 9 shows an internal spring-actuated plug self-sealing can of the prior art.
• the terms “can,” “container,” “vessel,” “bottle,” and variations thereof, are used interchangeably to describe an item used to hold a fluid.
• the fluid contents may be pressurized.
• the can tap disclosed herein the can has a top in which a valve is positioned, with the can capable of being affixed to a suitable can tap.
• the valve may be a self-sealing valve and capable of having a closed or sealed position and an open position.
• the terms “tap” or “can tap” refers to a mechanical device capable of opening a container and dispensing the contents therein therefrom.
• the term "pin” refers to the portion of the tap that creates the opening in the container through which the contents may flow from the container through the tap.
• the term “depressor” refers to the portion of the pin that presses against the seal of the can when the tap is in use.
• the phrase "capable of operating a valve of a can” means that when the tap is affixed to a can, the depressor, when actuated, is capable of opening and closing a valve by actuating (moving) the pin, for example, turning a handle, so that upon sufficient descent of the pin, the valve changes from a closed position to an open position.
• the closed position is the position where fluid is not being dispensed
• the open position is the position where fluids may be dispensed.
• blunt refers to a surface that is devoid of a sharp point, wherein a sharp point is one defined as having an angle less than 90 degrees.
• a can tap comprises a housing, a pin having a depressor, and a gasket, wherein the gasket comprises an elastic material having a hardness that minimizes deformation of a can.
• the pin has a flow portion that allows fluid to flow between the housing and the pin.
• the pin shaft and the flow portion are both cylindrical.
• the diameter of the flow portion may be smaller than the diameter of the pin shaft.
• a can tap may comprise a housing and a pin, wherein the pin comprises a flow portion and a blunt depressor at the end of the pin.
• the housing has a lower end having an inlet and an upper end having an outlet.
• the flow portion of the pin is in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the housing outlet when in an open position.
• the depressor may be capable of operating a valve of a can.
• the can tap can be affixed to and detached from a can at least about 5 times without deforming the can. In certain embodiments, the can tap can be attached and detached from a can more than about 5 times without deforming the can, for example, more than about 10 times.
• the can tap is used with a can containing a fluid and the can tap is capable of delivering a constant flow rate of fluid of at least about 2.0 g/sec when the can has a starting pressure of 662 kPa (96 psia).
• the can tap can deliver a constant flow rate of fluid of at least about 3.0 g/sec or at least about 5.0 g/sec when the can has a starting pressure of 662 kPa (96 psia).
• the flow portion of the pin is or has a hollow shaft having one or more openings, for example, openings along a side of the pin at the lower end of the pin adjacent to or near the
• depressor in fluid communication with the housing inlet and housing outlet, to allow fluid to pass into and out of the hollow shaft.
• the hollow shaft may have one or more openings along the shaft at a location remote from the depressor which may, for example, be proximal to a housing outlet, to allow fluid flow into and out of the pin hollow shaft to the housing and housing outlet and subsequently through the tap outlet.
• the pin may have or terminate in a solid depressor that may contact a plug of a can seal.
• the seal/plug may seal a valve positioned in the can to prevent fluid from escaping a sealed can.
• the pin may terminate in an open depressor such that the depressor is ring-shaped and fluid flows through the center of the depressor into the hollow shaft, which is in fluid communication with the housing inlet.
• the pin that is, for this embodiment, the hollow pin shaft of the pin, terminates in an open depressor, having a ring-shaped cross-section that forms the opening of the pin in fluid communication with the housing inlet and wherein an opening remote from the depressor is in fluid
• the can tap has a pin which terminates in a solid depressor and the pin is in fluid communication with the housing inlet through one or more openings in the pin located in the hollow shaft adjacent to the depressor positioned on a side of the pin, and wherein an opening in the flow portion remote from the depressor is in fluid
• the flow portion of the pin may have any geometry that allows fluid to flow between the can and the tap outlet.
• the geometry may be designed to provide a desired flow rate. For example, when the flow portion of the pin is a hollow shaft, a larger flow portion may provide for a greater flow rate, or a smaller flow portion may be desirable to result in a lower flow rate, while dependent on other factors, such as, for example, the relative dimensions of the housing throat.
• the geometry of the flow portion may be designed such that it promotes a particular fluid behavior, such as through the use of baffles or projections that cause greater mixing of the fluid through more turbulent flow.
• the depressor has a shape such that it may open a can (e.g., open a self-sealing valve on a can to thereby open a can).
• the depressor may be designed to minimize and/or prevent damage to the can or valve.
• the depressor may have a relatively flat portion that contacts the valve to evenly distribute pressure.
• the depressor should be designed such that it opens the can, that is opens the valve, such as a self-sealing valve, while also allowing fluid to exit from the can.
• the depressor of the present disclosure may have a blunt surface that contacts the valve of the can.
• the blunt surface may be flat, curved, faceted, or dully pointed (i.e., having an angle at the tip of greater than 90 degrees).
• the depressor may have curved or straight sides.
• the depressor may also have chamfered or rounded edges.
• the depressor may have a bulbous shape.
• the pin may further have a structure positioned along the flow portion of the pin to limit the distance the pin may descend when the pin is engaged, that is, a pin limiter.
• the tap housing may have a stop that is engaged by the pin limiter.
• the pin limiter may have shoulders that engage the stop.
• the stop may be positioned along the housing throat at or near the housing inlet.
• the stop may be, for example, an annular protrusion that projects outward from the housing at or near the housing inlet.
• a pin limiter having at least one shoulder and the stop may be sized such that at least one shoulder contacts the stop to limit the distance the pin can descend.
• the pin limiter may be positioned to provide an optimum opening between the pin and the housing.
• the tap of the present disclosure may also comprise a gasket wherein the gasket is positioned adjacent to the housing or at or near the housing inlet, and is further positioned so as to be capable of contacting a can when the tap is affixed to a can.
• the gasket may provide a seal between the can and the tap. Additionally, the gasket may be used to minimize or prevent deformation of the can when the tap is placed on the can.
• the gasket may comprise an elastic material (e.g., elastomer) that may cushion the top of the can. A material that is too soft may compress too easily and offer little protection to the can. A material that is too hard will not compress enough and will similar afford little protection to the can.
• the gasket may comprise a material that at least partially but not completely compresses when the can tap is placed on the can.
• Compression may be, for example, at least about 1 %, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50%, or more, but is less than 100%, for example, compression may be less than about 90%, 75%, 60%.
• gasket examples include ABS, acetal, epoxy, fluorocarbons, PTFE, ETFE, PVDF, ionomer,
• Polyamide 6/6 Nylon polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyester, PBT, PET, polyetherimide, polyethylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyvinyl chloride, Buna N, Hypalon 48, and Thiokol FA.
• the gasket may comprise a material having a hardness ranging from about 70 durometers to about 100 durometers. In at least one
• the gasket comprises a material having a hardness ranging from about 80 durometers to about 90 durometers.
• the gasket may be selected from a material having a hardness that at least partially
• the size of the gasket may also be adjusted based on the material used so that the tap does not deform the can when the tap is attached to the can.
• the tap may comprise any known material that is able to withstand the pressure of the can and that is resistant to the fluid contained within the can.
• Materials may include, for example, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, plastic, etc.
• Pressures within the cans may be at least 662 kPa (96 psia), such as at least 689 kPa (100 psia), at least 758 kPa (1 10 psia), at least 827 kPa (120 psia), or higher.
• the material comprising the tap should be strong enough to withstand such pressures up to at least 1 .38 MPa (200 psia).
• FIG. 1 An exemplary can tap is shown in FIG. 1 .
• the housing is shown in a cutaway view to expose the pin contained within the housing.
• Can tap 100 comprises housing 110, gasket 114, pin 120, and tap outlet 130.
• Housing 100 has a housing body 111 and a nut 112 that secures pin 120 to housing body 111.
• Housing 110 further has a throat 113, which is in fluid communication with housing outlet 116.
• Threads 115 are capable of matingly engaging a can (not shown), which can has threads that conform to threads of gasket 114.
• Pin 120 has handle 121 that can be turned to raise or lower pin shaft 122, which engages housing 110 through threads 123. A fluid-tight engagement between housing 110 and pin 120 is maintained through two washers 128 and o-ring 127 mounted on shaft 122. Pin 120 further has flow portion 125 which is a hollow portion of shaft 122. Pin 120 terminates in depressor 126.
• Openings 131 are located in shaft 122 adjacent to depressor 126 to allow fluid to enter into shaft 122. Fluid can then exit through opening 132 of shaft 122, which is remote from depressor 126 and in fluid
• Can tap 100 comprises tap outlet 130 that can accommodate a hose or other connector through threaded portion 134 to carry fluid from a can.
• FIG. 2 shows can tap 100 of FIG. 1 affixed to can 240 and engaged with self-sealing valve 250 of can 240.
• Self-sealing valve 250 is shown in the closed or sealed position, i.e., valve 250 has not been actuated by tap 100.
• Can top 241 has threaded portion 242 that engages threads 115 of housing 110.
• Top 243 of can 240 has upraised crown 244 that has an opening through which depressor 126 of pin 120 can pass.
• O-ring 251 seals the top of valve 250 and plug 254 presses against o-ring 251 with the aid of spring 256 to prevent fluid from escaping can 240 when not engaged by can tap 100.
• plug 254 has stop 255 that is a raised annular projection that contacts o-ring 251.
• Valve body 252 has openings 253 through which fluid can pass when plug 254 is depressed.
• Handle 121 pin shaft 122, tap outlet 130, openings 131 and opening 132 are the same as discussed for FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 shows can tap 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, but in contrast to FIG. 2, self-sealing valve 250 is shown in the open position wherein handle 121 of pin 120 has been turned to cause pin 120 to descend.
• Depressor 126 has engaged and depressed plug 254 by compressing spring 256. Depression of plug 254 disengages stop 255 from o-ring 251 , allowing fluid to pass from can 240 through valve 250 and into tap 100.
• Flow portion 125 of pin 120 allows fluid to enter throat 113 of housing 110, and fluid then exits through tap outlet 130.
• Housing outlet 116, openings 131 of pin shaft 122, opening 132 of pin shaft 122, valve body 252, openings 253 in valve body 252, and spring 256 are the same as discussed for FIGS. 1 and/or 2.
• FIGS. 4 and 5 show alternative embodiments of the pin in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of pin 420 having hollow flow portion 425 in shaft 422 that terminates in solid depressor 426. Openings 431 are located in hollow shaft 422 adjacent to depressor 426 to allow fluid to enter hollow flow portion 425. Fluid exits through opening 432, which is remote from depressor 426 and in fluid communication with the housing outlet (not shown).
• FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of pin 520 having hollow flow portion 525 in shaft 522 that terminates in an open depressor 526, which has a ring- shaped cross-section. Fluid enters the hollow flow portion 525 through depressor 526 and exit through opening 532, which is remote from depressor 526 and in fluid communication with the housing outlet (not shown).
• the geometry of the flow portion may comprise any known geometry and is not limited to cylindrical shapes, as depicted in the drawings. Other shapes may be used depending on the desired flow rate of the fluid, the geometry of the tap housing and/or the valve, the machinery and/or method used to fabricate the pin, etc.
• the depressor may have any number of shapes.
• the depressor may be shaped such that it avoids damaging the top of the can or the valve.
• a depressor may be shaped such that it does not contact an upraised crown on a can top, such as, for example, as shown in FIG. 2.
• the depressor may be shaped such that it clears an o-ring that seals the top of a valve without damaging the o-ring when the depressor descends through the valve or when the depressor ascends through the valve on removal. Damage to the top of a can or valve (e.g., the o-ring) may lead to premature failure of the valve and cause the can to leak or to prevent the tap from opening the valve.
• FIGS. 6-9 are illustrative of prior art and are described hereinabove.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
• Lift Valve (AREA)
• Mechanically-Actuated Valves (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

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Citations (5)

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• 2013
  • 2013-04-12 CN CN201380030944.7A patent/CN104350311A/zh active Pending
  • 2013-04-12 JP JP2015505948A patent/JP6250633B2/ja active Active
  • 2013-04-12 US US14/391,888 patent/US20150108176A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2013-04-12 WO PCT/US2013/036401 patent/WO2013155434A1/en not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (5)

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