Pressure-temperature port connections for heat transfer devices

Description

1 / 40 “PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE PORT CONNECTIONS FOR HEAT TRANSFER DEVICES” CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,838, filed May 8, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to heat transfer systems and, more particularly, to heat transfer systems comprising a plurality of heat transfer devices. The heat transfer devices can be used to supply or remove heat from a space by transferring heat to or from an atmosphere in the space by means of heated or cooled liquid or other fluid. An example of such a heat transfer device is shown in Fig. 1 of the present application and will be described further below.

[0003] A heat transfer system may commonly include two or more heat transfer devices fed by a common heat transfer fluid source in the form of heated or cooled fluid—most commonly, by a heated or cooled fluid source containing liquid water. Such heat transfer systems may be balanced to regulate the flow rate of heat transfer fluid supplied to each heat transfer device in the system. The balancing process, known as hydronic balancing, employs one or more balancing valves to regulate the relative flow resistance between the different heat transfer devices in the system, thereby regulating the relative flow rates of heat transfer fluid through the different heat transfer devices in the system. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 6 / 78 2 / 40

[0004] To monitor the balancing process and facilitate various functions in the operation of such heat transfer devices, one or more ports are provided for access to the heat transfer fluid within the system or to a fluid path thereof. The ports are sometimes known as pressure-temperature ports or PT ports because one or more pressure or temperature probes are commonly inserted into the ports to measure the pressure or temperature of the heat transfer fluid during balancing or other maintenance of the heat transfer device. The ports also have other uses, including use for purging air from the system. The ports are commonly installed near a heat transfer device, adjacent to a connecting hose or pipe that leads to the heat transfer device from a heat transfer fluid source or to a return for the heat transfer fluid.The return line can be a reservoir, piping system, piping circuit connected to a heating and / or cooling system for the heat transfer fluid, or another downstream configuration capable of receiving the fluid flow.

[0005] During the installation of a hose and one or more ports in a building or other facility, the heat transfer device is connected at one inlet to a heat transfer fluid source and at one outlet to a return. This installation usually occurs after other building structures or systems have been installed in the same building or facility space, and a hose-based connection is desirable to allow flexibility in the positioning and routing of the connection, avoiding structures or systems already present in the space.

[0006] For example, to form the necessary connection on the upstream side of the heat transfer device, a hose po Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 7 / 78 3 / 40 of the length can be connected to extend between the heat transfer fluid source and the heat transfer device inlet. In the contemplated use, the heat transfer device inlet may be connected to a downstream end of the hose. To connect the inlet to the downstream end of the hose, the heat transfer device inlet may have a first tailpiece attached to it. The first tailpiece may fit into a fitting at the downstream end of the hose, such as a fixed male fitting secured by crimping, a spigot, or otherwise to the downstream end of the hose and compatible with the first tailpiece, either directly or through one or more adapters or other fittings. (Here, a fixed fitting is a fitting that is not independently rotatable with respect to the item to which the fitting is attached.)The opposite, upstream end of the hose also carries a fitting, which may include a fixed male fitting, requiring an intermediate fitting to engage a port body providing a fixed male thread for connection. The port body may be a standalone item or may be formed integrally as part of a valve body; in either case, the upstream end of the hose is connected to a fixed fitting of the port body, typically a fixed male thread of the port body. An upstream end of the port body (or valve body integral to the port body) typically engages a second tailpiece with a fixed connector attached to the source. The upstream end of the port body or valve body is connected to an adapter, and the adapter, in turn, connects to the second tailpiece. The first tailpiece and the second tailpiece generally differ in the type of fixed male or female connector available for connection.

[0007] Field installation often involves some experimentation by the installer to determine the appropriate location. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 8 / 78 4 / 40 square for the hose end that carries the port body, which is suitably located at a higher elevation than the opposite end of the hose to serve, for example, as an effective vent to purge air from the system. If the field installer needs to reverse the hose orientation in order to (for example) relocate the port body and a port thereof, the reversal process is complicated because the installer must use fittings and adapters to form a compatible connection between the first terminal and the port body or valve body at the second end of the hose, and to form a compatible connection between the second terminal and the first end of the hose. The reversal process is generally complicated because the first terminal and the second terminal are typically different and are compatible with different male and female connectors.As a result, the installer either removes and replaces the first end piece and the second end piece, or the installer must build a compatible connection between the first end piece and the port body or valve body at the second hose end, as well as between the second end piece and the first hose end, using adapters to form a transition between connectors that would otherwise be incompatible. The adapters that form the transition between connectors that would otherwise be incompatible take up additional space, which can cause installation problems in a crowded space. Furthermore, reversing the installation orientation requires additional parts that must be kept in stock at a higher cost or sourced, potentially leading to delays in receiving ordered parts.Even if the necessary parts are available, the inversion requires considerable effort and time from the installer to remove and replace the end pieces or to build a compatible connection at each end. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 9 / 78 5 / 40 hose length. The use of additional fittings and adapters increases flow resistance and therefore reduces efficiency. Furthermore, incorporating additional fittings and adapters increases the number of joints and consequently the number of potential leak points.

[0008] The present invention relates to kits, systems and methods for connecting a hose and one or more PT ports to an upstream fluid conduit and a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The present invention also relates to kits, systems and methods for connecting a balancing valve in a fluid-based heat transfer system. SUMMARY

[0009] In short, in some embodiments, a system is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The system comprises a hose, and the hose comprises a first hose end, a second hose end, and a hose bore.The system also includes a door body with an outer wall, a door body end with a door body opening, a door body connector end with a door body opening, a door body hole extending between the door body and hose opening and the door body and connector opening, and a door opening passing through the outer wall and in fluid communication with the door body hole, with the door body and hose opening being joined in a sealed, non-rotating, and non-removable manner to the first hose end, with the door body hole in fluid communication with the hose hole. The system also includes a first nut. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 10 / 78 A 6 / 40 connector is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body opening and connector; a second connector nut is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end; an upstream tailpiece has a conduit end tightly connected to the upstream fluid conduit and a removable connector end connectable to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece has a conduit end tightly connected to the downstream fluid conduit and a removable connector end that can be connected to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut.

[0010] In another example, a system is configured to connect to an upstream fluid conduit and a downstream fluid conduit in fluidic communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The system comprises a hose comprising a first hose end, a second hose end, and a hose bore.The system also includes a first port body with a first outer wall, an opening for the hose of the first port body, an opening for the connector of the first port body, a hole in the first port body extending between the opening for the hose of the first port body and the opening for the connector of the first port body, and an opening in the first port that passes through the first outer wall and is in fluidic communication with the hole in the first port body, with the opening of the first port body and hose being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the first hose end, with the hole in the first port body in fluidic communication with the hole in the hose; and. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 11 / 78 7 / 40 a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the door body. The system also includes a second door body with a second outer wall, a second door body hose opening, a second door body connector opening, a door body hole extending between the second door body hose opening and the second door body connector opening, and a second opening passing through the second outer wall in fluid communication with the hole in the second door body, with the second door body hose opening being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable to the second end of the hose, with the hole in the second door body in fluid communication with the hose hole.The system also includes a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second connector opening on the port body; an upstream tailpiece with one conduit end tightly connected to the upstream fluid conduit and with one removable connector end connectable to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece with one conduit end tightly connected to the downstream fluid conduit and with one removable connector end connectable to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut.

[0011] In another example, a kit is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluidic communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The kit comprises a hose comprising a first hose end and a second end. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 12 / 78 The kit also comprises a port body with an outer wall, a hose-port body end with a hose-port body opening, a connector-port body end with a connector-port body opening, a port body hole extending between the hose-port body opening and the connector-port body opening, and a port opening passing through the outer wall and in fluid communication with the port body hole, with the hose-port body opening being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable to the first hose end, with the port body hole in fluid communication with the hose hole.The kit also comprises a first connector nut that is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector body opening; a second connector nut that is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end; an upstream tailpiece with a conduit end configured to be tightly connectable to the upstream fluid conduit and with a connector end that is removablely connectable to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece with a conduit end configured to be tightly connectable to the downstream fluid conduit and with a connector end that is removablely connectable to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removablely connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removablely connectable to the first connector nut.

[0012] In another example, a kit is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit and a downstream fluid conduit in fluidic communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The kit comprises a hose comprising Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 13 / 78 9 / 40 a first hose end and a second hose end and a hose hole. The kit also includes a first port body with a first outer wall, a hose opening in the first port body, a connector opening in the first port body, a hole in the first port body extending between the hose opening in the first port body and the connector opening in the first port body, and a first port opening passing through the first outer wall and in fluid communication with the hole in the first port body, with the first port body and hose opening being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the first hose end, with the hole in the first port body in fluid communication with the hose hole. The kit also includes: a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening in the port body;a second door body having a second outer wall, a second door body hose opening, a second door body connector opening, a door body hole extending between the second door body hose opening and the second door body connector opening, and a second door opening passing through the second outer wall in fluid communication with the hole in the second door body, with the second door body opening and hose being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the second end of the hose, with the hole in the second door body in fluid communication with the hose hole; a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second door body opening;an upstream tailpiece having one conduit end configured to be tightly connectable to the upstream fluid conduit and having one connector end removablely connectable to the former; Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 14 / 78 10 / 40 connector nut; and a downstream tail piece having a conduit end configured to be tightly connectable to the downstream fluid conduit and having a connector end removablely connectable to the second connector nut. The upstream tail piece is configured to be removablely connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream tail piece is configured to be removablely connectable to the first connector nut.

[0013] An example of a method is provided for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The method comprises: tightly connecting an upstream tailpiece at one end of the conduit to the upstream fluid conduit, the upstream tailpiece having a connector end that is removablely connectable to a first connector nut; and tightly connecting a downstream endpiece at one end of the conduit to the downstream fluid conduit, the downstream conduit having a connector end that is removable and connectable to a second connector nut; engaging a connecting device with the connector end of the upstream endpiece and the connector end of the downstream endpiece.The connection device comprises: a hose comprising a first hose end and a second hose end and a hose bore. The connection device also comprises a port body with an outer wall, a hose-port body end with a hose-port body opening, a connector-port body end with a connector-port body opening, a port body bore extending between the hose-port body opening and the connector-port body opening, and an opening. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 15 / 78 11 / 40 A port opening that passes through the outer wall and is in fluid communication with the port body hole, with the hose-port body opening being joined in a sealed, non-rotating, and non-removable manner to the first hose end, with the port body hole in fluid communication with the hose hole. The connection device also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector-port body opening, and a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end. The upstream end piece is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream end piece is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut.The engagement of the connecting device with the connector end of the upstream end piece and with the connector end of the downstream end piece includes: tightening the first connector nut relative to the upstream end piece; and tightening the second connector nut relative to the downstream end piece.

[0014] An example is provided of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The method comprises: sealing an upstream end piece at one end of the conduit to the upstream fluid conduit, the upstream end piece having one end of the connector removable from a first connector nut; sealing a downstream end piece at one end of the conduit to the downstream fluid conduit, the downstream end piece having one end of the connector removable from a second connector nut; and engaging a connecting device with the connector end of the upstream end piece and the connector end of the downstream end piece. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 16 / 78 12 / 40 downstream. The connection device comprises a hose comprising a first hose end and a second hose end and a hose bore. The connection device also comprises a first port body with a first outer wall, a hose opening of the first port body, a connector opening of the first port body, a bore for the first port body extending between the hose opening of the first port body and the connector opening of the first port body, and an opening for the first port body passing through the first outer wall and being in fluid communication with the bore of the first port body, with the hose opening of the first port body being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the first hose end, with the bore of the first port body in fluid communication with the bore of the hose.The connection device also includes a first connector that is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the first port body. The connection device also comprises a second port body with a second outer wall, a hose opening for the second port body, a connector opening for the second port body, a hole for the second port body extending between the hose opening of the second port body and the connector opening of the second port body, and an opening for the second port body passing through the second outer wall in fluid communication with the hole in the second port body, with the hose opening of the second port body being tightly, non-rotatingly, and non-removably joined to the second end of the hose, with the hole in the second port body in fluid communication with the hole in the hose.The connection device also comprises a second rotatably coupled connector nut. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 17 / 78 13 / 40 non-removable to the second end of the hose. The coupling of the connection device to the connector end of the upstream end piece and to the connection end of the downstream end piece includes: tightening the first connector nut in relation to the upstream end piece; and tightening the second connector nut in relation to the downstream tail piece.

[0015] In any system, kit, or device described herein, the first connector nut may have a first state in which the first connector nut is rotatable relative to the door body, and a second state in which the first connector nut is fixed relative to the door body, the second state allowing for the fixing of an orientation of the door body. In any system, kit, or device described herein, the outer wall, the first outer wall, or the second outer wall (or any element containing a connector nut) may have a projection extending externally from it and encircling the door-body-connector opening, and the projection may be configured to capture the first connector nut or the second connector nut (or another connector nut) to limit its axial movement.In any system, kit, or device described herein, the connector nut or the first connector nut and the port body or the first port body may be configured to engage the connector end of the upstream tailpiece or the downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the port body or the first port body, and the second connector nut and the second port body may be configured to engage the connector end of the upstream tailpiece or the downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the second port body. In any system, kit, or device described herein, any connector nut and any port body may be configured to engage the connector end of the upstream tailpiece or the downstream tailpiece. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 18 / 78 14 / 40 downstream tail to prevent rotation of the door body. In any system, kit or device described herein, any door opening may be surrounded by a door opening wall, and the door opening wall may project from the outer wall of the corresponding door body. Any system, kit or device described herein may further comprise a valve with a valve body having a first end of the valve body with a first valve body opening and a second end of the valve body with a second valve body opening; a third connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first end of the valve body; and wherein at least one of the upstream or downstream tail pieces is removable and connectable to the third connector nut, so that the valve may be joined by means of the third connector nut to at least one of the upstream 142 or downstream 182 tail pieces.Any system, kit or device described herein may further comprise: a valve with a valve inlet and a valve outlet; a third connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the valve inlet; and a fourth connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the valve outlet; wherein at least one of the upstream tailpieces or the downstream tailpiece is connected in fluid communication with a third tailpiece, and the third tailpiece has a removable connector end connectable to the third connector nut and the fourth connector nut, such that one of the valve inlets or the valve outlet can be selectively connected to the third tailpiece.

[0016] In any method described herein, the connecting device may include elements of any system, kit, or device described herein, including mandatory and optional elements in any combination. Any method described herein may further comprise, after the Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 19 / 78 15 / 40 Upon completion of the method steps described herein, the following additional steps are performed: disengage the first connector nut from the upstream end piece; disengage the second connector nut from the downstream end piece; reorient the connection device and re-engage the connection device with the connector end of the upstream end piece and the connector end of the downstream end piece. Reorienting the connection device and re-engaging the connection device with the connector end of the upstream end piece and the connector end of the downstream end piece may include: tightening the first connector nut relative to the downstream end piece; and tightening the second connector nut relative to the upstream end piece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following description of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instruments shown. In the drawings:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a heat transfer device of the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic top plan view of an outlet assembly of the heat transfer device in Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the outlet assembly of Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig. 4 is a schematic side elevation view, in cross section, of the outlet assembly of Fig. 1;

[0022] Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial view of a more left-handed part of the view in Fig. 4;

[0023] Fig. 6 is a schematic top plan view, in cross-section, in detail, of the leftmost part of the outlet assembly of Fig. 1; Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 20 / 78 16 / 40

[0024] Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the rightmost portion of the view in Fig. 4;

[0025] Fig. 8 is a schematic top plan view of an inlet assembly of the heat transfer device of Fig. 1;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic side elevation view of the entrance assembly in Fig. 8;

[0027] Fig. 10 is a schematic side elevation view, in cross section, of the entrance assembly of Fig. 8;

[0028] Fig. 11 is a detailed view of the leftmost portion of the view in Fig. 10;

[0029] Fig. 12 is a schematic top plan view, in cross section, in detail, of the leftmost portion of the entrance assembly of Fig. 8;

[0030] Fig. 13 is a detailed view of the rightmost portion of the view in Fig. 10; and

[0031] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a pressure-temperature probe for use with the heat transfer device of Figs. 1 to 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words right, left, bottom, and top designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words inside and outside refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of an object and its designated parts. Unless specifically stated otherwise herein, the terms a, an, and the do not limit to one element but should be read as meaning at least one. At least one may occasionally be used for clarity or readability, but such usage does not alter the interpretation of a, an, and the. Furthermore, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, the Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 21 / 78 17 / 40 unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Including, as used herein, means including but not limited to. The word "or" is inclusive, so that A or B covers A and B, only A, and only B. The terms about, approximately, generally, substantially, and similar terms used herein, when referring to a dimension or feature of a component, indicate that the dimension / feature described is not a strict limit or parameter and does not exclude small functionally similar variations. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement errors or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary by the smallest significant digit.As discussed in more detail below, the upstream and downstream references refer to the position of an upstream fluid conduit or a downstream fluid conduit relative to a hose with one or more port bodies or port connectors attached; upstream and downstream do not refer to the location of the elements relative to the heat transfer device 101. A tailpiece is used here to refer to a fluid connector connectable to a connector nut; a tailpiece is most commonly adapted to be attached to a conduit (by a threaded or compression connection) at a first end, and at a second end includes straight or tapered male threads, a compression connector, or a grooved connector. The terminology presented in this paragraph includes the words mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0033] Referring to the drawings in detail, as similar numbers indicate similar elements throughout the drawing, Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 22 / 78 18 / 40 heat transfer system 100, including a fluid-based heat transfer device 101 (generally referred to as heat transfer device 101). The heat transfer device 101 includes a housing 104 with a fluid tube 106 forming a plurality of heat transfer coils 108 passing through it. The housing 104 is operatively connected to a fan 110. The fan 110 propels air (or other atmosphere) to an air inlet or atmosphere inlet (not shown) of the housing 104. The propelled air or other fluid exits the housing 104 through an air outlet 114, which in the example is covered by a grille 116. The heat transfer device 101 of Fig. 1 is one example of many known possibilities in the art; other examples include fan coils, variable air ventilation boxes, radiant ceilings, radiant walls, radiant floors, and chilled beams.

[0034] The heat transfer device 101 receives heat transfer fluid (as described above) to supply or receive heat through an inlet conduit 119 in the form of an inlet tube 120. The heat transfer fluid passes through the plurality of heat transfer coils 108 and exits the housing 104 of the heat transfer device 101 through an outlet conduit 117 in the form of an outlet tube 118.

[0035] An electronic control valve 126 with a control cable 127 can be provided to control the flow of heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer device 101. The electronic control valve 126 can receive signals through the control cable 127 to control the flow of heat transfer fluid in the manner of a thermostat and / or based on other factors. The electronic control valve 126 is connected to neighboring components by a fitting—for example, by the valve body 128 of the control valve 126. The electronic control valve 126 is a Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 23 / 78 19 / 40 standard component in the technique.

[0036] In certain heat transfer systems, it is common for more than one heat transfer device 101 and / or other heat transfer devices to be installed in combination. For example, a plurality of heat transfer devices 101 may be installed in parallel, receiving heat transfer fluid from a common source, which may take the form of a fluid flow device. Referring to Figures 1-14, in a system employing a plurality of heat transfer devices 101, each heat transfer device 101 may be fitted with a balancing valve 500. An isolating valve 600 may be operatively disposed in a fluid path, such as a pipe or tube, between a source (not shown) of heat transfer fluid and the heat transfer device 101 or other heat transfer device. The valve 600 may incorporate a return 603 and a port 800.A balancing valve 500 can be used to control the relative resistance to flow through operatively connected heat transfer devices, thereby controlling the relative flow of the heat transfer fluid and therefore the relative heat transfer through each of these heat transfer devices. A balancing valve can take the form of any known type of valve for controlling fluid flow, including but not limited to the balancing valve 500. Regardless of the type of balancing valve used, embodiments of a device for connecting the balancing valve to the heat transfer device 101, or to another fluid-based heat transfer device, are described herein.

[0037] The heat transfer device 101 has two main fluid connections: a device 300 that connects a conduit Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 24 / 78 20 / 40 of upstream fluid 102 (Fig. 1) of heat transfer fluid in fluidic communication with an inlet conduit 119 (inlet tube 120), as in Figs. 1 and 8-13; and a device 200 connecting a sink in the form of a conduit 103 (Fig. 1), which may be a return, outlet, reservoir or similar, for heat transfer fluid in fluidic communication with an outlet conduit, such as the outlet conduit 117 (outlet tube 118), as in Figs. 2-7.

[0038] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 8-14, in one embodiment, a kit including a device 300 is described for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluidic communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device 101. With respect to device 300, the upstream fluid conduit 102 may comprise the heat transfer fluid source and may comprise an upstream tailpiece, such as a tailpiece 142 connected to the heat transfer device 101. The downstream fluid conduit may comprise a downstream tailpiece, such as a tailpiece 122 and / or the inlet conduit 119 in the form of the inlet tube 120.As noted above, “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the position of an upstream or downstream fluid conduit relative to device 300; “upstream” and “downstream” do not refer to the location of the elements relative to the heat transfer device 101. As a result, device 300 includes a hose 302, as shown on the inlet (lower) side of the heat transfer device 101, and connects to an upstream fluid conduit, including a valve 600 and a tailpiece tube 142, and to a downstream fluid conduit, including a port body 220 and an inlet conduit 119 in the form of an inlet tube 120. Similarly, a device 200 includes a hose 202, shown on the outlet (upper) side of the heat transfer device. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 25 / 78 21 / 40 heat transfer 101, and connects to an upstream fluid conduit, including an outlet conduit 117 in the form of an outlet pipe 18, and to a downstream fluid conduit, including a downstream tailpiece pipe 162 in fluid communication with the conduit 103 or return, with intermediate elements (a fitting, such as a valve body 128, a valve 500, a downstream tailpiece 172) connected between the tailpiece 162 and the conduit 103.

[0039] The kit can be assembled to form a system 100 or part thereof containing components described herein and connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluidic communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The kit or its elements can also be used to practice a method of connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluidic communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device by assembling the kit elements described below and / or performing other steps as described below.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 and 14, an example of such a kit or system includes device 200, including a hose 202, which may be made of any suitable material—for example, corrugated rubber coated with braided stainless steel or other braided material. It is generally desirable that the hose 202 be flexible to allow some relative moment of the system elements and to help reduce the transmission of vibrations from one system element to another. The hose 202 may alternatively be made of another metal or other material suitable for the application, as known in the art. The hose 202 includes a first hose end 204, a second hose end 206, and a hose bore 208 (Figures 4 to 7). Device 200 further includes a first port body 220 having a first outer wall. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 26 / 78 22 / 40 222 with a projection 260 extending externally from it, a first port body hose end 224 with a first port body hose opening 228, a first port body connector end 226 with a first port body connector opening 230, a first port body hole 232 extending between the first port body hose opening 228 and the first port body connector opening 230, and a first port opening 238 passing through the first outer wall 222 and in fluid communication with the first port body hole 232, with the first port body hose opening 228 being tightly, non-rotatingly, and non-removably joined to the first hose end 204, with the first port body hole 232 in fluid communication with the hose hole 208. The illustrated embodiment includes a projection 260 encircling the opening. 230 from the first port body connector.The protrusion 260 is configured to capture the first connector hole 250 (discussed below), so that the first connector hole is held in position around the hose hole 208, but is free to rotate around it.

[0041] The end 224 of the first port body and hose is fixed to the first hose end 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the end 224 of the first port body and hose and the hose 202 are fixed using a collar 205 which is welded and therefore integrated both to the end 224 of the first port body and hose of the first port body 220 and to the first hose end 204. A collar of the same general type as collar 205 can be used for any non-rotating and / or non-removable sealing connection in any embodiment described herein. Alternatively, the connection can be made by mutually connected intervening elements in order to establish a connection. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 27 / 78 23 / 40 which is not intended to be removed in common use.

[0042] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first connector port 250 is fixed to the first end of the port-body-connector 226. The first port connector 250 has a rotating body 252 with a central rotating body opening 254 passing through it. The rotating body 252 has a first end of the rotating body 256 and a second end of the rotating body 258. The first end of the rotating body 256 is captured at the end of the first port-body connector 226 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first end of the rotating body 256, the central rotating body opening 254, and the end of the first port-body connector 226.

[0043] An upstream tailpiece 182 has a conduit end 183 configured to be sealed connectable to the upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or outlet pipe 118. The upstream tailpiece 182 has a connector end 184; the connector end 184 may be removable and directly connectable to the first connector nut 250.

[0044] The first connector nut 250 may include or be used with sealing elements to assist in forming the sealing connection. For example, a sealing ring 251 may be disposed at the end of the port body connector 226, located radially inside the rotating body 252 to form a seal between the end of the port body connector 226 and the upstream tail piece 182 in use. Optionally, an insulating collar 253, which may have a stepped outer surface or an L-shaped cross-section (Fig. 12), may be disposed between the protrusion 260 and the first end of the rotating body 256 for galvanic isolation.

[0045] As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 7, the kit, Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 28 / 78 The 24 / 40 system or method may further include, in device 200, a second port body 1220, which may be joined in a sealed, non-rotating and / or non-removable manner to the second end of hose 206 in fluid communication with the hose bore 208. Thus, device 200 may have a port body disposed at each end, each fixed in a comparable manner. The body of the first port 220 (which may be referred to simply as a “port body” when the body of the second port is not mentioned) and the body of the second port 1220 may be substantially identical, forming (together with hose 202) a version of device 200 with a port body and a connector nut at each end.

[0046] In the kit, device and method described, the body of the second 1220 port may have the same or similar elements to the body of the first 220 port and may be connected in the same manner as the body of the first 220 port.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body of the second door 1220 has a second outer wall 1222, an opening 1230 for the hose of the second door body, an opening 1232 for the connector of the second door body, a hole 1234 for the second door body extending between the opening 1230 for the hose of the second door body and the opening 1232 for the connector of the second door body, and an opening 1238 for the second door passing through the second outer wall 1222 in fluid communication with the hole 1234 for the second door body, with the opening 1230 for the hose of the second door body being sealed and non-rotatingly and non-removably joined to the second end of the hose 206, with the hole of the second door body 1234 in fluid communication with the hole of the hose 208.

[0047] A second 1250 port connector is attached and can be directly attached to the body of the second 1220 port on the second end. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 29 / 78 25 / 40 mity of the second port body 1228. The second port connector 1250 has a second rotating body 1252 with a second central opening of the rotating body 1254 passing through it. The second rotating body 1252 has a first end of the second rotating body 1256 and a second end of the second rotating body 1258. The first end of the second rotating body 1256 of the second rotating body 1252 is rotatably coupled to the second end of the second port body 1228 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first end of the second rotating body 1256, the second central opening of the rotating body 1254, and the second end of the second rotating body 1258. The second end of the second rotating body 1258 of the second rotating body 1252 is configured to engage a second fluid connector, such as a downstream tailpiece 162.

[0048] In a kit according to the illustrated embodiment, the downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 163 connected in a sealed manner to the downstream fluid conduit 103 by means of intermediate elements — the valve body 128, the downstream tailpiece 162, the balancing valve 500 and the downstream tailpiece 172, as noted above; alternatively, the connection to the downstream fluid conduit may be direct, as in device 300 (discussed below). The downstream tailpiece 162 has a removable connector end 163 that is directly connectable to the second connector nut 1250. The second connector nut 1250 is connectable to a downstream tailpiece 162. The downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 164 configured to be connected in a sealing and direct manner to the downstream fluid conduit, which in the illustrated embodiment includes the valve 500, the tailpieces 162, and the conduit 103 connected to it.The sealing connection can be facilitated by a sealing ring 251 and / or a sealing collar 253. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 30 / 78 26 / 40 as described above in relation to the first 250 connector port.

[0049] Each second door opening 1238 and / or each wall of the second door opening 1240 may include threads or other mechanisms for sealing a pressure-temperature door, such as the pressure-temperature door 800 (shown in detail in Fig. 14), a bleed valve 900 or other device requiring access to the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system or to a flow path thereof.

[0050] In any embodiment of the kit, device or method described, the second rotating body 1252 may have a first state in which the second rotating body 1252 is rotating with respect to the second outer wall 1222, and a second state in which the second rotating body 1252 is fixed with respect to the second outer wall 1222.

[0051] In any embodiment of the kit, device or method described, the second outer wall 1222 may have a second projection 1260 projecting externally from it, and the second projection 1260 may be configured to engage the second rotating body 1252 to limit its axial movement.

[0052] In any embodiment of the kit, device or method described, the second protrusion 1260 and the second rotating body 1252 can be configured to engage, so as to lock the second rotating body 1252 counter-rotating with respect to the second outer wall 1222.

[0053] In any embodiment of the kit, device or method described, the opening of the second door 1238 may be surrounded by a wall of the opening of the second door 1240, and the wall of the opening of the second door 1240 may project from the second outer wall 1222.

[0054] Referring to Figures 4 and 7, a downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 163 configured to be co Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 31 / 78 27 / 40 connectable in a sealed manner to the downstream fluid conduit in the form of conduit 103 and having a removable connector end 164 that is directly connectable to the second connector nut 5250.

[0055] In the kit, system and method described herein, the upstream tail piece 182 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the second connector nut 1250 as well as to the first connector nut 250, and the downstream tail piece 162 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the first connector nut 250 as well as to the second connector nut 1250. As a result, after the device 200 is assembled in the configuration described above, the first connector nut 250 and the second connector nut 1250 can be loosened, and the orientation of the upstream and downstream ends of the device 200 can be reversed.Reversing the orientation can be done by disengaging the first connector nut 250 from the upstream tailpiece 182 and disengaging the second connector nut 5250 from the downstream tailpiece 162; reorienting the connection device 200; and re-engaging the connection device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tailpiece 182 and the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162, tightening the first connector nut 250 in relation to the downstream tailpiece 162 (as opposed to the original connection with the upstream tailpiece 182) and tightening the second connector nut 5250 in relation to the upstream tailpiece 182 (as opposed to the downstream tailpiece 162).

[0056] In any embodiment of the kit, system or method described, the rotating body 252 (and therefore the first connector nut 250) may have two states corresponding to a loose state and a tight / locked state. For example, the rotating body 252 may have a first state in which the rotating body 252 is rotatable relative to the outer wall 222 of the door body 220, and a second state in Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 32 / 78 28 / 40 where the rotating body 252 is fixed relative to the outer wall 222 of the door body 220. The second state may provide for fixing an orientation of the outer wall 222 relative to a tailpiece (such as the downstream tailpiece 122) for connection to the fluid-based heat transfer device 101. The first and second states may result from loosening and tightening, respectively, of a threaded connection 259 (illustrated as overlapping between adjacent elements) directly between the rotating body 252 and the tailpiece 122, pulling the rotating body 252 axially, resulting in a friction locking effect between the rotating body 252 and the outer wall 222. In use, the door body 220 may be rotated to a desired orientation before being locked in place by tightening the first connector nut 250 relative to the fitting piece 122.The procedure for locking the door body 220 in the desired orientation is simpler and more convenient than orienting an opening for a door using a plurality of conventional connections. The door body 220 can offer the advantage that a door can be located immediately adjacent to the heat transfer device 101, instead of at the end of a hose valve 202 or 302, with convenient control of the door orientation.

[0057] In any embodiment of the kit, device, or method described, the friction locking effect between the rotating body 252 of the first connector nut 250 and the tail piece 122 can be facilitated by the outer wall 222 having the protrusion 260 projecting externally from it. The protrusion 260 can be configured to capture the rotating body 252. In some embodiments, a tail piece, such as the tail piece 122, may have an external fitting, such as a hexagonal fitting that can be engaged with a wrench or other drive mechanism, and a connector nut, such as Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 33 / 78 29 / 40 the first connector nut 250, and in particular its rotating body 252, may also have an external fitting, such as a hexagonal fitting that can be engaged with a wrench or other drive or retaining mechanism, so that the tail piece and the connector nut can be mutually tightened using a wrench, electric wrench or other suitable tool to engage the external fitting of each.

[0058] In any embodiment of the kit, device or method described, the protrusion 260 and the rotating body 252 can be configured (as by the threaded connection 259 or other known connections) to engage, causing the rotating body 252 of the connector nut to be locked against rotation relative to the outer wall 222. The rotating body 252 can be forced into contact with the protrusion 260 by tightening the threaded connection 259, so that the friction between the rotating body 252 and the protrusion 260 prevents the relative movement of the latter.

[0059] In any embodiment of the kit, device, or method described, the first door opening 238 may be surrounded by a door opening wall 240, and the door opening wall 240 may project from the outer wall 222. In some embodiments, including the embodiments illustrated, the outer wall 222 may include one, two, three, or more door openings 238. Each door opening 238 may be surrounded by a door opening wall 240 extending radially from the outer wall 222. The door opening(s) and / or door opening wall(s) 240 may include threads or other mechanisms for sealing (including in conjunction with sealing tape, sealant, or other elements) a pressure-temperature door, such as a pressure-temperature door 800 (shown in detail in Fig. 14), a bleed valve 900, or other device requiring access to the fluid Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 34 / 78 30 / 40 of heat transfer flowing through the system or a fluid path within it.

[0060] In any embodiment of the kit, device or method described, with particular reference to Fig. 7, a valve, such as a balancing valve 500, may be provided for connection to a fluid connector, such as a terminal 162 or a terminal 142 on device 200, or to one of the other terminals described herein. In the referenced figures, the balancing valve 500 includes a valve body 502 having a first valve body end 504, a second valve body end 506, a first valve body opening 508 and a second valve body opening 510 in fluid communication with the first valve body opening 508.A flow control element 520, which can be any valve element for regulating fluid flow, such as a ball, a gate, or other closing mechanism known in valve art, is configured to selectively control the flow between the first opening of the valve body 508 and the second opening of the valve body 510. A flow control selector 522 in the form of a handle is operatively connected to the flow control element 520. A third connector nut 5250 is attached and can be directly attached to the first end of the valve body 504, the connector nut 5250 having a rotating body 5252 with a central rotating body opening 5254 passing through it. The rotating body 5252 has a first rotating body end 5256 and a second rotating body end 5258.The first end of the rotating body 5256 is rotatably coupled to the first end of the valve body 504 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first end of the rotating body 5256, the center opening of the rotating body 5254, and the second end of the rotating body 5258. The second end of the rotating body. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 35 / 78 31 / 40 5258 is configured to engage a fluid connector, such as the downstream tailpiece 172; in the embodiment illustrated, the tailpiece 172 is a downstream tailpiece when the valve 500 is considered as part of the device 200 under discussion.

[0061] In any embodiment of a valve as described herein, such as valve 500, the valve may include a fourth connector nut 5250 rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second end of the valve body 506.

[0062] In any embodiment of a valve as described herein, any rotating body 5252 may have a first state in which the rotating body 5252 is rotatable relative to the valve body 502, and a second state in which the rotating body 5252 is fixed relative to the valve body 502.

[0063] In any embodiment of a valve as described herein, the valve body 502 may have a projection 512 (or a second projection) projecting outward from it, and the projection 512 may be configured to engage the rotating body 5252 to limit its axial movement.

[0064] In any embodiment of a valve, as described herein, the protrusion 512 and the rotating body 5252 can be configured to engage, so as to lock the rotating body 5252 against rotation relative to the valve body 502.

[0065] The balancing valve 500 can therefore be provided with a connector nut 5250 coupled to it and / or directly to it for connection to the conduit 103 by means of the downstream tailpiece 172. The downstream tailpiece 172 may include an external fitting, such as a hexagonal fitting compatible with a wrench, such as an electric wrench or an impact wrench. The downstream tailpiece 172 can therefore allow tightening by means of an impact wrench or other electric tool. The downstream tailpiece 172 Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 36 / 78 32 / 40 can assist in the quick installation of the balancing valve 500, reducing or eliminating the need for additional connections to connect the balancing valve 500 to the conduit 103 of the heat transfer system 100.

[0066] The first door opening 238 and the second door opening 1238, and the associated door opening wall 240 and the second door opening wall 1240, provide a mechanism for connecting devices for accessing the heat transfer fluid and its fluid path, such as the pressure-temperature door 800 (shown in detail in Fig. 14), the bleed valve 900, a plug 920, or other device requiring access to the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system. Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 14, the pressure-temperature door 800 (“PT door”) includes a PT body 802 configured to connect in a sealed manner to the first door opening 238 and the second door opening 1238. The PT body 802 has an external fitting 804, which may be a hexagon or other fitting compatible with one or more wrenches, sockets, or the like.The PT 802 body has an opening 806 that extends axially through the PT 802 body, from a proximal end 803 to a distal end 805. The distal end 805 includes a threaded portion 818 (the threads are not shown individually) for sealing the first port opening 238, the second port opening 1238, the wall of the port opening 240, or the wall of the second port opening 1240. A PT 808 cap seals the opening 806 and may include an O-ring seal 810. A PT 812 tether is attached to the PT 808 cap to prevent the PT 808 cap from falling off or being lost when removed from the PT 802 body. The PT 802 body contains a PT 814 seal, which is usually cylindrical and includes a PT 816 probe opening to admit a probe—for example, a probe of pressure or temperature — to extend. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 37 / 78 33 / 40 through it to access the heat transfer fluid or its path through the body PT 802. A retaining ring 820 is fitted under compression, as in a forced fit, into the opening 806 to hold the seal PT 814 in place.

[0067] Alternatively, with reference to Figures 1, 4 and 7, a bleed valve 900 may be provided to release fluid (typically gaseous fluid, such as air) from the heat transfer device 101 and may be configured to connect in a sealed manner to the first port opening 238 and the second port opening 1238. The bleed valve 900 has a bleed body 902 and an external fitting 904, which may be a hexagon or other fitting compatible with one or more wrenches, sockets or the like. The bleed valve 900 has an opening 906 that extends axially through the bleed body 902, from a proximal end 903 to a distal end 905. A threaded stem 908 seals and unseals the opening and may include additional sealing elements (not shown).

[0068] In use, the device 200 allows each door body (the first door body 220 or the second door body 1220) to be oriented as desired, without restrictions imposed by the use of fixed threads or other fixed orientation connectors. Orientation selection can be advantageous to provide convenient access to a pressure-temperature door 800 that may need to be tilted to avoid clutter in a surrounding building space, or to provide an upward position or orientation for a purge valve 900 so that trapped air or other gases can be released from the heat transfer system 100. If a door body 220 includes one or more door openings 238 that are not occupied by a pressure-temperature door 800 or a purge valve 900, then each unoccupied door opening 238 can be sealed with a plug 920, as shown, for example. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 38 / 78 34 / 40 plo, in Fig. 1 and in Figs. 3-5.

[0069] Referring now to Figs. 8-13, in contrast to device 200, which includes both the door body 220 and the door body 1220, device 300 includes a single door body 220 connected to a hose 302 by a collar 205. The components of the door body 220 of Fig. 12 and related connections may be substantially identical to those of Fig. 5 (discussed above).

[0070] Referring particularly to Fig. 12, hose 302 can be formed substantially in the same way as hose 202 described above. Hose 302 includes a first hose end 304, a second hose end 306, and a hose bore 308 (Figs. 10-13). Device 300 further includes a port body 220, as discussed above and referred to as the first port body 220 in the discussion above.

[0071] The first connector nut 250 attached to the port body 220 is configured as described above. The first connector nut 250 has a rotating body 252 with a central rotating body opening 254 passing through it. The rotating body 252 has a first rotating body end 256 and a second rotating body end 258. The first rotating body end 256 is rotatably coupled to the end of the first port body connector 226 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotating body end 256, the central rotating body opening 254, and the end of the first port body connector 226.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 13, at the right end of the hose 302, as shown, instead of a second port housing, device 300 includes a second port connector 250 rotatably and non-removably coupled to hose 302, instead of to a port body, by means of a collar fitting 305 that can Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 39 / 78 35 / 40 comprise one or more components that are securely fastened to hose 302 by welding or other means known in the art. The second connector nut 250 shares the configuration of the other connector nuts 250 described herein, but is engaged with the collar fitting 305 instead of with a port body or valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar fitting 305 includes a protrusion 360 encircling the first end of hose 306. The protrusion 360 is configured to capture the second connector nut 250.

[0073] In a kit, system or method as described here and as shown in Figs. 8-13, a downstream tailpiece 122 has a conduit end 123 configured to be tightly connectable to the upstream fluid conduit in the form of the inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120. The tailpiece 122 has a removable connector end 124 that is directly connectable to the first connector nut 250 of the port body 220. An upstream tailpiece 142 may have a connector end 144 and a conduit end 143 configured to engage directly with the upstream fluid conduit 102 (Fig. 1) in an embodiment where the valve 600 is omitted, with the second connector nut 250 of the hose 302 engaging directly with the upstream tailpiece 142. Alternatively, a valve 600 may be included and may have a valve body 602 with a first end of valve body 604 and a second end of valve body 606.The first end of the valve body 604 has a first opening of the valve body 608, and the second end of the valve body 606 has a second opening of the valve body 610. A flow control element (not shown), which may be any valve element for regulating fluid flow, such as a ball, a valve, or other known shut-off mechanism. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 40 / 78 In valve technology, the 36 / 40 valve is configured to selectively control the flow between the first opening of the valve body 608 and the second opening of the valve body 610. A flow control selector 522 in the form of a handle is operatively connected to the flow control element. The connector nut 250 of the hose 302 is attached and can be directly connected to the first end of the valve body 604 by means of an upstream tailpiece in the form of a fixed fitting 622 of the valve 600 or an upstream tailpiece 142, which can fit directly onto the connector nut 250 where the valve 600 is omitted. The upstream tailpiece has a conduit end 143 configured to fit into the upstream fluid conduit 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed connection 622 is an upstream tailpiece when the valve 500 is considered part of the device 300 under discussion.

[0074] An example is provided of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit 102 to a downstream fluid conduit in the form of an inlet conduit 119 or an inlet pipe 120 in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device 101. The method comprises sealing an upstream tailpiece 142 or fixed fitting 622 at one end of a conduit 143 to the upstream fluid conduit 102, the upstream tailpiece 142 or fixed fitting 622 having a connector end 143 removable and directly connectable to a first connector port 250. The method also includes sealing a downstream tailpiece 122 at a conduit end 123 to the downstream fluid conduit in the form of the inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120. The tailpiece 122 also has a removable connector end 124 that is directly connectable to a second connector port 250.The method involves attaching a 300 connection device to the end of the connector. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 41 / 78 37 / 40 connector 143 of the upstream tailpiece 142 and the connector end 124 of the downstream tailpiece 122. The connection device 300 comprises: a hose 302 comprising a first hose end 304 and a second hose end 306 and a hose bore 308.The connection device 300 also comprises a port body 220 having an outer wall 222, a hose-port body end 224 with a hose-port body opening 228, a connector-port body end 226 with a connector-port body opening 230, a port body hole 232 extending between the hose-port body opening 228 and the connector-port body opening 230, and a port opening 238 passing through the outer wall 222 in fluid communication with the port body hole 232, with the hose-port body opening 228 being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable joined to the first hose end 304, with the port body hole 232 in fluid communication with the hose hole 308.The connection device 300 also includes a first connector port 250 rotatably coupled and non-removable to the opening of the connector port body 230, and a second connector port 250 rotatably coupled and non-removable to the second end of the hose 306. The upstream tailpiece 142 or the fixed fitting 622 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the second connector port 250, and the downstream tailpiece 122 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the first connector nut 250. Engagement of the connection device with the connector end 144 of the upstream tailpiece 142 or the fixed fitting 622 and with the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 includes: tightening the first connector nut 250 relative to the upstream tailpiece 142 or the fixed fitting 622; and tightening the second connector nut 250. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 42 / 78 38 / 40 in relation to the downstream tailpiece 162. The method may comprise, after completion of the steps of the preceding method, disengaging the first connector nut 250 from the upstream tailpiece 142 or from the fixed fitting 622; disengaging the second connector nut 250 from the downstream tailpiece 122; reorienting the connection device 300 and re-engaging the connection device 300 with the connector end 144 of the upstream tailpiece 142 or the downstream tailpiece 162, and re-engaging the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 by the following steps: tightening the first connector nut 250 in relation to the downstream tailpiece 162; and tightening the second connector nut 250 in relation to the upstream tailpiece 142 or the fixed fitting 622.

[0075] A further example of a method is provided for connecting an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or an outlet pipe 118 to a downstream fluid conduit 103 in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device 101. The method comprises: sealing an upstream tailpiece 182 at one end of conduit 183 to the upstream fluid conduit in the form of the outlet conduit 117 or outlet pipe 118, the upstream tailpiece 182 having a removable connector end 184 directly connectable to a first connector port 250. The method also includes sealing a downstream tailpiece 162 at one end of conduit 163 to the downstream fluid conduit 103, the downstream tailpiece 162 having One end of connector 164 is removable and directly connectable to a second connector port 250 of connector 5250.The method includes engaging a connection device 200 with the end of connector 184 of the upstream tailpiece 182 and engaging the connection device 200 with the end of connector 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 or the extremi. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 43 / 78 39 / 40 connection of connector 174 of downstream tailpiece 172 (where valve body 128 and valve 500 are omitted). The connection device 200 comprises a hose 202 comprising a first hose end 204 and a second hose end 206 and a hose bore 208.The connection device 200 also comprises a first port body 220 having a first outer wall 222, a first port body hose opening 228, a first port body connector opening 230, a first port body hole 232 extending between the first port body hose opening 228 and the first port body connector opening 230, and a first port opening 238 passing through the first outer wall 222 and in fluid communication with the first port body hole 232, with the first port body hose opening 228 being tightly, non-rotatingly, and non-removably joined to the first hose end 204, and with the first port body hole 232 in fluid communication with the hose hole 208. The connection device 200 also includes a first connector port 250 rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first port body opening 230. door.The connection device 200 also comprises a second port body 1220 having a second outer wall 1222, an opening 1230 for the second port body and hose, an opening 1232 for the second port body and connector, a second hole 1234 for the second port body extending between the opening 1230 for the second port body and hose and the opening 1232 for the second port body and connector, and a second opening 1238 passing through the second outer wall 1222 in fluid communication with the hole 1234 for the second port body, with the opening 1230 for the second port body and hose being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the second outer wall 1222. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 44 / 78 40 / 40 hose 206, with the hole of the second port body 1234 in fluid communication with the hose hole 208. The connection device 200 also comprises a second rotating and non-removable connector nut 1250 coupled to the second end of the hose 206. The engagement of the connection device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tailpiece 182 and with the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 or the connector end 174 of the downstream tailpiece 172 includes tightening the first connector nut 250 in relation to the upstream tailpiece 182; and tightening the second connector nut 1250 in relation to the downstream tailpiece 162 or the downstream tailpiece 172.

[0076] Although specific and distinct embodiments have been shown in the drawings, various individual elements or combinations of elements from different embodiments may be combined with each other, provided that the spirit and scope of the present invention are respected. Thus, an individual feature described here only in relation to one embodiment should not be interpreted as incompatible with other embodiments described herein.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above invention without departing from its broad inventive concepts. Some of these have been discussed above, and others will be evident to those skilled in the art. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, but is intended to encompass modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 45 / 78

Claims

1 / 11 CLAIMS 1. System for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (102) to a downstream fluid conduit (119) in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), characterized in that it comprises: a hose (302) comprising a first hose end (304) and a second hose end (306) and a hose bore (308);and a door body (220) having an outer wall (222), a hose-holder body end (224) with a hose-holder body opening (228), a connector-holder body end (226) with a connector-holder body opening (230), a door body hole (232) extending between the hose-holder body opening (228) and the connector-holder body opening (230), and a door opening (238) passing through the outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the door body hole (232), with the hose-holder body opening (228) being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable joined to the first hose end (304), with the door body hole (232) in fluid communication with the hose hole (308); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the door body (230);a second connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second end of the hose (306); an upstream tailpiece (142) having a conduit end (143) configured to be sealedly connected to the upstream fluid conduit (102) and having a connector end (144) removablely connectable to the first connector nut (250); a downstream tailpiece (122) having a conduit end (123) configured to be sealedly connected to the downstream fluid conduit (119) and having a connector end (124) removablely connectable to the second connector nut (250); wherein the upstream tail piece (142) is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut (250), and the downstream tail piece (122) is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut (250).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connector nut (250) has a first state in which the first connector nut (250) is rotatable relative to the door body (220), and a second state in which the first connector nut (250) is fixed relative to the door body (220), the second state providing the fixing of an orientation of the door body (220).

3. System, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer wall (222) has a projection (260) projecting externally from it and encircling the opening of the door body connector (230), and the projection (260) is configured to capture the first nut of the connector (250) to limit an axial movement thereof.

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the first connector nut (250) and the door body (220) are configured to engage the end of the connector (144) (124) of the upstream tail piece (142) or the downstream tail piece (122) to prevent rotation of the door body (220).

5. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the door opening (238) is surrounded by a door opening wall (240), and the door opening wall (240) projects from the outer wall (222) of the door body (220).

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a valve (600) having a valve body (602) with a first end of the valve body (604) having a first opening of the valve body, and a second end of the valve body (606) having a second opening of the valve body; a third connector nut (5250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first end of the valve body (604); wherein at least one of the upstream tail pieces (142) or the downstream tail piece (122) is removable and connectable to the third connector nut (5250), such that the valve (600) can be joined by means of the third connector nut (5250) to at least one of the upstream tail pieces (142) or the downstream tail piece (122).

7. System for connection to an upstream fluid conduit (117) and a downstream fluid conduit (103) in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), characterized in that it comprises: a hose (202) comprising a first hose end (204) and a second hose end (206) and a hose bore (208);and a first door body (220) having a first outer wall (222), a first door body hose opening (228), a first door body connector opening (230), a first door body hole (232) extending between the first door body hose opening (228) and the first door body connector opening (230), and a pri Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page. 48 / 78 4 / 11 first door (238) passing through the first outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the first door body hole (232), with the first door body hose opening (228) being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the first end of the hose (204), with the first door body hole (232) in fluid communication with the hose hole (208); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first door body connector opening (230);a second door body (1220) having a second outer wall (1222), a second door body hose opening (1230), a second door body connector opening (1232), a second door body hole (1234) extending between the second door body hose opening (1230) and the second door body connector opening (1232), and a second door opening (1238) passing through the second outer wall (1222) in fluid communication with the second door body hole (1234), with the second door body hose opening (1230) being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable joined to the second end of the hose (206), with the second door body hole (1234) in fluid communication with the hose hole (208); a second connector nut (1250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the second port body (1232);an upstream tail piece (182) having a conduit end (183) tightly connected to the upstream fluid conduit (117) and having a connector end (184) removablely connectable to the first connector nut (250); a downstream tail piece (172) having a conduit end (173) tightly connected to the downstream fluid conduit (103) and having a connector end (174) removablely connectable to the second connector nut (1250); wherein the upstream tail piece (182) is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut (1250), and the downstream tail piece (172) is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut (250).

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the first connector nut (250) has a first state in which the first connector nut (250) is rotatable relative to the body of the first port (220), and a second state in which the first connector nut (250) is fixed relative to the body of the first port (220), the second state providing the fixing of an orientation of the body of the first port (220).

9. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the first outer wall (222) has a projection (260) projecting externally from it and encircling the opening of the first connector of the door body (230), and the projection (260) is configured to capture the first nut of the connector (250) to limit an axial movement thereof; and in that the second outer wall (1222) has a projection (1260) projecting externally from it and encircling the opening of the second connector of the door body (1232), and the projection (1260) is configured to capture the second nut of the connector (1250) to limit an axial movement thereof.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the first connector nut (250) and the body of the first port (220) are configured to engage the end of the connector (184) (174) of the upstream tail piece (182) or the downstream tail piece (172) to prevent rotation of the body of the first port (220), and the second connector nut (1250) and the body of the second port (1220) are configured to engage the end of the connector (184) (124) of the upstream tail piece (182) or the downstream tail piece (172) to prevent rotation of the body of the second port (1220).

11. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening of the first door (238) is surrounded by a door opening wall (240), and the door opening wall (240) projects from the second outer wall (1222) of the body of the second door (1220).

12. System according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a valve (600) having a first end of the valve body (604) with a first opening of the valve body and a second end of the valve body (606) with a second opening of the valve body; a third connector nut (5250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first end of the valve body (604); and such that at least one of the upstream tail pieces (182) or the downstream tail piece (172) is removable and connectable to the third connector nut (5250), so that the valve (600) can be joined by means of the third connector nut (5250) to at least one of the upstream tail pieces (182) or the downstream tail piece (172).

13. Method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (102) to a downstream fluid conduit (119) in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), characterized in that it comprises: connecting in a sealed manner an upstream end piece (142) at one end of the conduit (143) to the upstream fluid conduit (102), the upstream end piece (142) having one end of the connector (144) removable and connectable to a first connector nut (250); to connect in a sealed manner a downstream tail piece (122) at one end of the conduit (123) to the downstream fluid conduit (119), the downstream tail piece (122) having one end of the connector (124) removable and connectable to a second connector nut (250);to engage a connection device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122), the connection device (300) comprising: a hose (302) comprising a first hose end (304) and a second hose end (306) and a hose hole (308);and a door body (220) having an outer wall (222), a hose-holder body end (224) with a hose-holder body opening (228), a connector-holder body end (226) with a connector-holder body opening (230), a door body hole (232) extending between the hose-holder body opening (228) and the connector-holder body opening (230), and a door opening (238) passing through the outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the door body hole (232), with the hose-holder body opening (228) being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable joined to the first hose end (304), with the door body hole (232) in fluid communication with the hose hole (308); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the Petition 870250088764 body, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 52 / 78 8 / 11 door (230);a second connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second end of the hose (306); and wherein the upstream tailpiece (142) is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut (250), and the downstream tailpiece (122) is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut (250); wherein the engagement of the connection device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and with the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122) includes: tightening the first connector nut (250) in relation to the upstream tailpiece (142); and tightening the second connector nut (250) in relation to the downstream tailpiece (122).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises, after completion of the method as defined in claim 13: disengaging the first connector nut (250) from the upstream tailpipe (142); disengaging the second connector nut (250) from the downstream tailpipe (122); reorienting the connection device (300) and re-engaging the connection device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpipe (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpipe (122) by means of: tightening the first connector nut (250) in relation to the downstream tailpipe (122); and tightening the second connector nut (250) in relation to Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page. 53 / 78 9 / 11 upstream tail pipe (142).

15. Method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (117) to a downstream fluid conduit (103) in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), characterized in that it comprises: sealing an upstream end piece (182) at one end of the conduit (183) to the upstream fluid conduit (117), the upstream end piece (182) having one end of the connector (184) removable and connectable to a first connector nut (250); sealing a downstream end piece (172) at one end of the conduit (173) to the downstream fluid conduit (103), the downstream end piece (172) having one end of the connector (174) removable and connectable to a second connector nut (1250);to engage a connection device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172), the connection device (200) comprising: a hose (202) comprising a first hose end (204) and a second hose end (206) and a hose hole (208);and a first door body (220) having a first outer wall (222), a hose opening for the first door body (228), a connector opening for the first door body (230), a hole for the first door body (232) extending between the hose opening for the first door body (228) and the connector opening for the first door body (230), and a first door opening (238) passing through the first outer wall (222) and in fluid communication Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page. 54 / 78 10 / 11 with the hole for first port body (232), with the hose opening of the first port body (228) being joined in a sealed, non-rotating and non-removable manner to the first end of the hose (204), with the hole for first port body (232) in fluid communication with the hose hole (208);a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the first port body (230); a second door body (1220) having a second outer wall (1222), a second door body hose opening (1230), a second door body connector opening (1232), a second door body hole (1234) extending between the second door body hose opening (1230) and the second door body connector opening (1232), and a second door opening (1238) passing through the second outer wall (1222) in fluid communication with the second door body hole (1234), with the second door body hose opening (1230) being sealed, non-rotating and non-removable joined to the second end of the hose (206), with the second door body hole (1234) in fluid communication with the hose hole (208);a second connector nut (1250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the connector opening of the second port body (1232); wherein the upstream tail piece (182) is configured to be removable and connectable to the second connector nut (1250), and the downstream tail piece (172) is configured to be removable and connectable to the first connector nut (250); wherein the engagement of the connecting device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tail piece (182) and with the connector end (174) of the downstream tail piece (172) includes: Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 55 / 78 11 / 11 tightening the first connector nut (250) in relation to the upstream tail piece (182); and tighten the second nut of the connector (1250) in relation to the downstream tail piece (172).; 16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises, after completion of the method as defined in claim 15: disengaging the first connector nut (250) from the upstream tailpipe (182); disengaging the second connector nut (1250) from the downstream tailpipe (172); reorienting the connection device (200) and re-engaging the connection device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpipe (182) and the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpipe (172) by means of: tightening the first connection nut (250) in relation to the downstream tailpipe (172); and tightening the second connection nut (1250) in relation to the upstream tailpipe (182). Petition 870250088764, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 56 / 78

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