Automatic actuator assembly for aerosol containers

Abstract

An automatic actuator is provided for conveying the pressurized fluid from an aerosol container into an automotive system such as an air conditioner or a pneumatic tire. The preferred actuator comprises a selectively rotatable first subassembly equipped with a coupling device to be rapidly engaged and locked onto a conventional fitting of the automotive system and a first force transmitting member disposed inside a generally cylindrical channel and the transmitting member is movable along the channel to operate the valve of a charging port of an automotive system. Another end of the core depressor is in an interlinked relation with a second force transmitting element disposed inside the base portion of the adapter. An assembled adapter provides an uninterruptible link between two force transmitting elements such that, when the assembly is fitted onto an aerosol can and a coupling device is locked onto the charging fitting of an automotive system, the first transmitting element opens the charging valve. The reacting force from this action is transferred to the second force transmitting element which in turn opens a valve of an aerosol can, allowing fluid to escape from the can through the internal channel formed using the assembled adapter, into the system to be charged. The pressure proof joint of the two sub assemblies is provided by a rubber o-ring and snap-on assembly elements that allow the selective rotation of the coupling portion of the adapter around the base and at the same time prevent the escape of fluids. The coupling portion of the adapter can be positioned at any angle from 90 degrees to 180 degrees relative to the can. A rubber seal fitted inside the base portion of the adapter and resting upon the top face of the can provides a leakage proof fitting between the adapter and an aerosol can.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] The invention relates to apparatus for dispensing pressurized fluids from aerosol containers into automotive systems. [0003] More particularly the invention relates to self-actuating adaptors for convening fluid from pressurized aerosol containers into automotive systems equipped with conventional fittings. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] There are prior art devices known to connect an aerosol container to a receiver. These types of devices are used, for example, to recharge or retrofit an air conditioning system of a car with an approved refrigerant and oil or to convey chemical additives into the system to boost the performance or to provide required maintenance. The majority of aerosol containers available commercially to the consumer to perform such system recharging or maintenance are equipped with an aerosol valve, which must be depressed to become open and to allow the dispensing of fluid from it. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the coupling portion of the actuator can be selectively rotated around the base portion and can be positioned at any angle from 90 degrees to 180 degrees relative to the can. This feature allows adapting the actuator to a variety of port orientations and also to positioning an aerosol container in the most suitable way as to avoid interference with the automotive system's surroundings and also to provide the complete emptying of the can.

Problems solved by technology

During the charging process, the can becomes very cold and uncomfortable to hold in one's hands.

Thus, there are plenty of hazardous chemicals which will be lawfully introduced into the atmosphere with every can used.

Because of the temperature drop during the release of the can's contents into the system, the charging hose, which is generally cumbersome as it is, becomes even less flexible making the process additionally difficult.

It is not adequately easy to access the port with the dispensing devices currently available due to various port orientations.

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