Pressure-temperature port connection for heat transfer devices

Abstract

A kit for connecting a fluid conduit to a fluid heat transfer device includes a hose and a port body having a port body hose end with a port body hose opening, a port body connector end with a port body connector opening, and a port body bore extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening. The port opening penetrates the outer wall and flows through to the port body bore. The port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end. A first connector nut is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening. A second connector nut is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end. Each of the upstream and downstream tailpieces has a conduit end that can be sealed and connected to the upstream and downstream fluid conduits, respectively, and each has a connector end that can be selectively and removablely connected to the first and second connector nuts. Systems and methods are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,838, filed on May 8, 2023, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to heat transfer systems, and more particularly to heat transfer systems that may include a plurality of heat transfer devices. The heat transfer devices can be used to add heat to or remove heat from a space by conducting heat to the atmosphere within the space through a liquid or other fluid that is heated or cooled. An example of such a heat transfer device is shown in FIG. 1 of this application and is further described below.

Background Art

[0003] A heat transfer system can generally include two or more heat transfer devices that are served by a common heat transfer fluid source in the form of a heated or cooled fluid, most commonly a heated or cooled fluid source that includes liquid water. Such a heat transfer system can be balanced to regulate the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid supplied to each heat transfer device within the system. The balancing process, known as hot - water circulation balancing, employs one or more balance valves to adjust the relative flow resistance between different heat transfer devices within the system, and as a result, to adjust the relative flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through different heat transfer devices within the system.

[0004] To monitor the equilibrium process and to facilitate various functions in the operation of the heat transfer device, one or more ports are provided for access to the heat transfer fluid in the system or its flow path. Generally, one or more pressure or temperature probes are inserted into the port to measure the pressure or temperature of the heat transfer fluid during equilibriumization or other operations of the heat transfer device; therefore, the port is known as a pressure-temperature port, or "PT port." The port also has other uses, such as for extracting air from the system. The port is generally located near the heat transfer device, adjacent to connecting hoses or piping that lead from the heat transfer fluid source to the heat transfer device or to a return section for the heat transfer fluid. The return section may be a reservoir, a piping system, a piping loop connected to a system that heats and / or cools the heat transfer fluid, or other downstream configurations capable of receiving fluid flow.

[0005] When installing hoses and one or more ports in a building or other facility, the heat transfer device is connected to a heat transfer fluid source at the inlet and to a return at the outlet. Such installations are generally carried out after other building structures or systems have been installed in the same space within the building or facility. To avoid structures or systems already present in that space, it is desirable that the hose connection system provides flexibility in positioning and routing the connection points.

[0006] For example, to configure the necessary connection upstream of the heat transfer device, the hose may be connected so as to extend between the heat transfer fluid source and the inlet of the heat transfer device. In the use under consideration, the inlet of the heat transfer device may be connected to the downstream end of the hose. To connect the inlet to the downstream end of the hose, the inlet of the heat transfer device may have a first tailpiece fixed thereto. The first tailpiece may engage directly or via one or more intervening adapters or other fittings with fittings at the downstream end of the hose, such as a fixed male fitting corresponding to the first tailpiece, which is fixed to the downstream end of the hose by crimping, a return or otherwise. (Here, a “fixed” fitting is a fitting that is not independently rotatable with respect to the article to which the fitting is attached.) The opposite upstream end of the hose also holds a fitting which may include a fixed male fitting, which requires an intervening fitting to engage with the port body to provide a fixed male thread for connection. The port body may be a separate article or may be integrally formed as part of the body of a valve. In either case, the upstream end of the hose connects to a fixing fixture on the port body, usually to a fixing male thread on the port body. The upstream end of the port body (or valve body integrated with the port body) engages with a second tailpiece, which usually has a fixing connector connected to the supply source. The upstream end of the port body or valve body connects to an adapter, which in turn connects to the second tailpiece. The first and second tailpieces generally differ in the type of male or female fixing connector available for connection.

[0007] On-site installation often involves some trial and error by the installer to determine the correct position of the hose end holding the port body, which is positioned at a higher elevation than the opposing end of the hose that acts as an effective vent for extracting air from the system. If the on-site installer needs to reverse the orientation of the hose to reposition the port body and its port, the reversal process is cumbersome because the installer must use fittings and adapters to configure the corresponding connection between the first tailpiece and the port body or valve body at the second end of the hose, and the corresponding connection between the second tailpiece and the first end of the hose. The reversal process is generally cumbersome because the first and second tailpieces are usually different and correspond to different male and female connectors. As a result, the installer must remove and replace the first and second tailpieces, or use adapters to create transitions between connectors when they do not match, to construct the corresponding connections between the first tailpiece and the port body or valve body at the second end of the hose, and between the second tailpiece and the first end of the hose. Adapters that form the transition between connectors when not compatible occupy additional space, which poses installation problems in confined spaces. Furthermore, reversing the installation orientation requires additional parts, which must be kept in stock or acquired at a high cost, potentially leading to delays in receiving ordered parts. Even when the necessary parts are available, reversing the orientation requires considerable effort from the installer, such as removing and replacing the tailpiece or constructing corresponding connections to each end of the hose. The use of additional fittings and adapters increases resistance to flow, thereby reducing efficiency. Additionally, incorporating additional fittings and adapters increases the number of joints and, consequently, the number of potential leak locations.

[0008] This disclosure relates to a kit, system, and method for connecting a hose and one or more PT ports to an upstream and downstream fluid conduit to a fluid heat transfer device. This disclosure also relates to a kit, system, and method for connecting a balance valve in a fluid heat transfer system. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] In short, in some embodiments, the system is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device. The system comprises a hose, which includes a first hose end and a second hose end, as well as a hose bore. The system also includes a port body having an outer wall, a port body hose end with a port body hose opening, a port body connector end with a port body connector opening, a port body bore extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening, and a port opening penetrating the outer wall and flowing with the port body bore, wherein the port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end, and the port body bore flows with the hose bore. The system also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a port body connector opening; a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a second hose end; an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end that is sealed to an upstream fluid conduit and a connector end that is removablely connectable to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end that is sealed to a downstream fluid conduit and 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.

[0010] In other examples, the system is configured to connect to an upstream fluid conduit and a downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device. The system includes a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end and a hose bore. The system also includes a first port body having a first outer wall, a first port body hose opening, a first port body connector opening, a first port body bore extending between the first port body hose opening and the first port body connector opening, and a first port opening penetrating the first outer wall and creating a flow with the first port body bore, wherein the first port body hose opening is rotatably and irremovably sealed to the first hose end, and the first port body bore is creating a flow with the hose bore; and a first connector nut rotatably and irremovably coupled to the port body connector opening. The system also includes a second port body having a second outer wall, a second port body hose opening, a second port body connector opening, a second port body bore extending between the second port body hose opening and the second port body connector opening, and a second port opening penetrating the second outer wall and flowing with the second port body bore, wherein the second port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to a second hose end, and the second port body bore flows with the hose bore. The system also includes a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second port body connector opening, an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end sealed to an upstream fluid conduit and a connector end removablely connectable to a first connector nut, and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end sealed to a downstream fluid conduit and a connector end removablely connectable to a second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be detachably connected to a second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be detachably connected to a first connector nut.

[0011] In another example, the kit is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device. The kit includes a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose bore. The kit also includes a port body having an outer wall, a port body hose end having a port body hose opening, a port body connector end having a port body connector opening, a port body bore extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening, and a port opening penetrating the outer wall to create a flow with the port body bore, wherein the port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end, and the port body bore is in flow with the hose bore. The kit also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening, a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end, an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end configured to be sealed and connectable to an upstream fluid conduit and a connector end detachably connectable to the first connector nut, and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end configured to be sealed and connectable to a downstream fluid conduit and a connector end detachably connectable to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be detachably connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be detachably connectable to the first connector nut.

[0012] In other examples, the kit is configured to connect to an upstream and downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device. The kit includes a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose bore. The kit also includes a first port body having a first outer wall, a first port body hose opening, a first port body connector opening, a first port body bore extending between the first port body hose opening and the first port body connector opening, and a first port opening penetrating the first outer wall and creating a flow with the first port body bore, wherein the first port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end, and the first port body bore is creating a flow with the hose bore. The kit also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a first port body connector opening, and a second port body having a second outer wall, a second port body hose opening, a second port body connector opening, a second port body bore extending between the second port body hose opening and the second port body connector opening, and a second port opening penetrating the second outer wall and flowing with the second port body bore, wherein the second port body hose opening is rotatably and non-removably sealed to the second hose end, The device includes a second port body whose port body bore is in a flow state with the hose bore, a second connector nut rotatably and irremovably coupled to the connector opening of the second port body, an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end configured to be sealed and connected to an upstream fluid conduit and a connector end that can be removably connected to the first connector nut, and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end configured to be sealed and connected to a downstream fluid conduit and a connector end that can be removably connected to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut.

[0013] An example of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to establish a flow state with a fluid system heat transfer device is provided. The method comprises the steps of: sealing an upstream tailpiece to the upstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, the upstream tailpiece having a connector end that can be detachably connected to a first connector nut; sealing a downstream tailpiece to the downstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, the downstream fluid conduit having a connector end that can be detachably connected to a second connector nut; and engaging a connecting device with the connector ends of the upstream tailpiece and the connector ends of the downstream tailpiece. The connecting device comprises a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end and a hose bore. The connecting device also comprises a port body having an outer wall, a port body hose end having a port body hose opening, a port body connector end having a port body connector opening, a port body bore extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening, and a port opening penetrating the outer wall and flowing with the port body bore, wherein the port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end, and the port body bore flows with the hose bore. The connecting device also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening, and a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end. 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. The step of engaging the connecting device with the connector end of the upstream tailpiece and the connector end of the downstream tailpiece includes the steps of tightening a first connector nut with respect to the upstream tailpiece and tightening a second connector nut with respect to the downstream tailpiece.

[0014] An example of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to establish a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device is provided. The method comprises the steps of: sealing an upstream tailpiece to the upstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, wherein the upstream tailpiece has a connector end that is detachably connectable to a first connector nut; sealing a downstream tailpiece to the downstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, wherein the downstream tailpiece has a connector end that is detachably connectable to a second connector nut; and engaging a connecting device with the connector ends of the upstream tailpiece and the connector ends of the downstream tailpiece. The connecting device comprises a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end and a hose bore. The connecting device also comprises a first port body having a first outer wall, a first port body hose opening, a first port body connector opening, a first port body bore extending between the first port body hose opening and the first port body connector opening, and a first port opening penetrating the first outer wall and flowing with the first port body bore, wherein the first port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end, and the first port body bore flows with the hose bore. The connecting device also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening. The connecting device also comprises a second port body having a second outer wall, a second port body hose opening, a second port body connector opening, a second port body bore extending between the second port body hose opening and the second port body connector opening, and a second port opening penetrating the second outer wall and flowing with the second port body bore, wherein the second port body hose opening is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the second hose end, and the second port body bore flows with the hose bore. The connecting device also comprises a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end.The step of engaging the connecting device with the connector end of the upstream tailpiece and the connector end of the downstream tailpiece includes the steps of tightening a first connector nut with respect to the upstream tailpiece and tightening a second connector nut with respect to the downstream tailpiece.

[0015] In any of the systems, kits, or devices disclosed herein, the first connector nut may have a first state in which the first connector nut is rotatable relative to the port body, and a second state in which the first connector nut is fixed relative to the port body, the second state providing a fixed orientation of the port body. In any of the systems, kits, or devices disclosed herein, the outer wall, the first outer wall, or the second outer wall (or any element holding the connector nut) may have projections that project outward from there and surround the port body connector opening, the projections may be configured to capture the first connector nut or the second connector nut (or other connector nut) and restrict its axial movement. In any of the systems, kits, or devices disclosed herein, a connector nut or a first connector nut and port body or a first port body may be configured to engage with the connector end of an upstream tailpiece or a downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the port body or the first port body, and a second connector nut and a second port body may be configured to engage with the connector end of an upstream tailpiece or a downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the second port body. In any of the systems, kits, or devices disclosed herein, any connector nut and any port body may be configured to engage with the connector end of an upstream tailpiece or a downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the port body. In any of the systems, kits, or devices disclosed herein, any port opening may be surrounded by a port opening wall, the port opening wall may protrude from the outer wall of the corresponding port body.Any system, kit, or device disclosed herein may further comprise a valve having a valve body having a first valve body end having a first valve body opening, a second valve body end having a second valve body opening, and a third connector nut rotatably and irremovably coupled to the first valve body end, wherein at least one of the upstream tailpiece or the downstream tailpiece is removably connectable to a third connector nut such that the valve can be joined to at least one of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (182) by the third connector nut. Any system, kit, or device disclosed herein further comprises a valve having 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 or downstream tailpiece is flow-connected to the third tailpiece, and the third tailpiece has connector ends that are removably connectable to both the third connector nut and the fourth connector nut, such that either the valve inlet or the valve outlet can be selectively connected to the third tailpiece.

[0016] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the connecting device may include elements of any of the systems, kits, or devices disclosed herein, including both required and optional elements in any combination. Any of the methods disclosed herein may further comprise the following additional steps after completion of the method steps disclosed herein: disengaging a first connector nut from the upstream tailpiece; disengaging a second connector nut from the downstream tailpiece; and reorienting the connecting device to re-engage it with the connector ends of the upstream tailpiece and the downstream tailpiece. The step of reorienting the connecting device to re-engage it with the connector ends of the upstream tailpiece and the downstream tailpiece may include tightening the first connector nut against the downstream tailpiece and tightening the second connector nut against the upstream tailpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the heat transfer device disclosed herein. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic upper-plan view of the outlet assembly of the heat transfer device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of the exit assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation cross-sectional view of the exit assembly. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of the leftmost part of the drawing in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows the upper plan, cross-sectional, and schematic detail views of the leftmost part of the exit assembly. [Figure 7] This is a detailed view of the rightmost part of the drawing in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic upper-plan view of the inlet assembly of the heat transfer device. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic side elevation view of the entrance assembly. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a schematic side elevation cross-sectional view of the entrance assembly. [Figure 11] It is a detailed view of the leftmost part of the drawing in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a top view, cross-sectional view, and schematic detailed view of the leftmost part of the inlet assembly in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] It is a detailed view of the rightmost part of the drawing in FIG. 10. [Figure 14] It is an exploded view of the pressure-temperature probe used in the heat transfer device of FIGS. 1 to 13.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The following description of the present disclosure should be understood more deeply when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exact arrangements and device configurations shown in the drawings.

[0019] In the following explanation, certain technical terms are used for convenience only and are not limiting. The terms “right,” “left,” “bottom,” and “top” specify the direction in the drawing being referenced. The terms “inside” and “outside” refer to the direction toward and away from the geometric center of an object and its designated part, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” should be read as meaning “at least one,” rather than being limited to a single element. “At least one” may be used in some cases for clarity or readability, but this use does not change the interpretation of “a,” “an,” and “the.” Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular includes the plural, and vice versa. As used here, “includes” means “includes but not limited to.” The term “or” is inclusive, so “A or B” includes A and B, A only, and B only. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially,” as used herein, indicate that when referring to the dimensions or characteristics of components, the dimensions / characteristics described are not strict boundaries or parameters and do not exclude functionally similar minor variations from them. At a minimum, such references, including numerical parameters, may include variations that do not change their lowest digit using the mathematical and industrial principles permissible in this art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.). As described in more detail below, “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the location of the upstream or downstream fluid conduit relative to one or more port bodies or hoses with attached connector nuts. “Upstream” and “downstream” do not refer to the location of elements relative to the heat transfer device 101. “Tailpiece” is used here to refer to a fluid connector that can be connected to a connector nut. The tailpiece is most commonly fitted to be secured to the conduit (by soldering or screw connection) at its first and second ends, and includes a male straight or tapered threaded section, a compression connector, or a grooved connector.The technical terms described in this paragraph include the above-mentioned words, their derivatives, and synonyms.

[0020] Referring in detail to the drawings, like reference numerals throughout indicate like elements, and FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an example of a heat transfer system 100 including a fluid heat transfer device 101 (generally referred to as "heat transfer device 101"). The heat transfer device 101 includes a housing 104 having a fluid pipe 106 that constitutes a plurality of heat transfer coils 108 extending therethrough. The housing 104 is operably attached to a fan 110. The fan 110 feeds air (or other atmosphere) into an air inlet or atmosphere inlet (not shown) of the housing 104. The fed air or other fluid flows out of the housing 104 through an air outlet 114 covered by a grid 116 in this example. The heat transfer device 101 of FIG. 1 is an example of one of many possibilities well-known in the art. Other examples include fan coils, variable air volume ventilation boxes, radiant ceilings, radiant walls, radiant floors, and chilled beams.

[0021] The heat transfer device 101 receives a heat transfer fluid (as described above) to provide or receive heat through an inlet conduit 119 in the form of an inlet pipe 120. The heat transfer fluid passes through the plurality of heat transfer coils 108 and flows out of the housing 104 of the heat transfer device 101 through an outlet conduit 117 in the form of an outlet pipe 118.

[0022] An electronic control valve 126 having a control cable 127 may be provided to control the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer device 101. The electronic control valve 126 can receive a signal through the control cable 127 and control the flow of the heat transfer fluid in the manner of a thermostat and / or based on other factors. The electronic control valve 126 is connected to nearby components by a fixture, for example, by the valve body 128 of the control valve 126. The electronic control valve 126 is a standard component in the art.

[0023] In certain heat transfer systems, it is common for two or more heat transfer devices 101 and / or other heat transfer devices to be installed in combination. For example, multiple heat transfer devices 101 may be installed in parallel and receive heat transfer fluid from a common supply source which may take the form of a fluid flow device. Referring to Figures 1-14, in a system employing multiple heat transfer devices 101, each heat transfer device 101 may be equipped with a balance valve 500. A shut-off valve 600 may be operably positioned in a flow path such as piping or tubes between the heat transfer fluid supply source (not shown) and the heat transfer device 101 or other heat transfer devices. The valve 600 may incorporate a return section 603 and a port 800. The balance valve 500 is used to control the relative resistance flowing through the operably connected heat transfer devices, thereby controlling the relative flow of heat transfer fluid and, therefore, the relative heat transfer through each of these heat transfer devices. The balance valve may take the form of any well-known type of valve, including but not limited to the balance valve 500, for controlling the fluid flow. Regardless of the type of balance valve used, embodiments of a device for connecting a balance valve to a heat transfer device 101 or other fluid-based heat transfer device are disclosed herein.

[0024] The heat transfer device 101 has two main fluid connection parts: a device 300 (Figure 1) that connects an inlet conduit 119 (inlet pipe 120) to an upstream fluid conduit 102 for the heat transfer fluid in flow, as shown in Figures 1 and 8-13; and a device 200 (Figure 1) that connects an outlet conduit such as an outlet conduit 117 (outlet pipe 118) to a sink in the form of a conduit 103, which may be a return section, outlet, reservoir, etc. for the heat transfer fluid in flow, as shown in Figures 2-7.

[0025] Referring here to Figures 1 and 8-14, in one embodiment, a kit is disclosed that includes a device 300 that connects an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device 101. With respect to device 300, the upstream fluid conduit 102 may be equipped with a heat transfer fluid source and may be equipped with an upstream tailpiece such as a tailpiece 142 connected to the heat transfer device 101. The downstream fluid conduit may be equipped with an inlet conduit 119 in the form of a downstream tailpiece such as a tailpiece 122 and / or an inlet pipe 120. As described above, "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the position of the upstream fluid conduit or downstream fluid conduit relative to device 300, and do not refer to the position of the elements relative to the heat transfer device 101. As a result, device 300 includes a hose 302 as shown on the inlet side (lower side) of heat transfer device 101 and connects to both an upstream fluid conduit including a valve 600 and a tailpiece 142 and a downstream fluid conduit including an inlet conduit 119 in the form of a port body 220 and an inlet pipe 120. Similarly, device 200 includes a hose 202 as shown on the outlet side (upper side) of heat transfer device 101 and connects to both an upstream fluid conduit including an outlet conduit 117 in the form of an outlet pipe 118 and a downstream fluid conduit including a downstream tailpiece 162 that flows with conduit 103 or a return section, by intervening elements (valve body 128, valve 500, further downstream tailpiece 172) connected between the tailpiece 162 and conduit 103.

[0026] When assembled, the kit may constitute a system 100 or a part thereof, comprising the components disclosed herein, connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device. The kit or its components may also be used to carry out a method of connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device by assembling the kit components described below and / or performing the further steps described below.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1-7 and 14, an example of such a kit or system includes a device 200 comprising a hose 202 which can be formed of any suitable material, for example, braided stainless steel or corrugated rubber covered with other braided material. The hose 202 is generally desirable to be flexible in order to allow some relative moments between system elements and to help reduce the transmission of vibrations from one system element to the other. The hose 202 may alternatively be formed of other metals or other materials suitable for applications known in the art. The hose 202 comprises a first hose end 204, a second hose end 206 and a hose bore 208 (Figures 4-7). The device 200 further includes a first port body 220 having a first outer wall 222 having a projection 260 projecting outward therefrom, a first port body hose end 224 having a first port body hose opening 228, a first port body connector end 226 having a first port body connector opening 230, a first port body bore 232 extending between the first port body hose opening 228 and the first port body connector opening 230, and a first port opening 238 penetrating the first outer wall 222 and flowing with the first port body bore 232, wherein the first port body hose opening 228 is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end 204, and the first port body bore 232 flows with the hose bore 208. The illustrated embodiment includes a projection 260 surrounding the first port body connector opening 230. The projection 260 is configured to capture the first connector nut 250 such that the first connector nut is held in a position centered on the hose bore 208 but can rotate freely around it (as described below).

[0028] The first port body hose end 224 is fixed to the first hose end 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first port body hose end 224 and the hose 202 are fixed using a collar 205, which is welded to the first hose end 204 and thus integrally formed with both the first port body hose end 224 and the first hose end 204 of the first port body 220. In any embodiment disclosed herein, a general-purpose collar of the same type as the collar 205 may be used for a non-rotatable and / or non-removable sealing connection. Alternatively, the connection may be achieved by interconnected intervening elements to constitute a connection that is not intended to be removed under normal use.

[0029] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first connector nut 250 is captured on the first port body connector end 226. The first connector nut 250 has a rotatable body 252 through which a central opening 254 passes. The rotatable body 252 has a first rotating body end 256 and a second rotating body end 258. The first rotating body end 256 is captured on the first port body connector end 226 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotating body end 256, the central opening 254, and the first port body connector end 226.

[0030] The upstream tailpiece 182 has a conduit end 183 configured to be sealed and connected to an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or outlet pipe 118. The upstream tailpiece 182 also has a connector end 184 which may be removably and directly connected to a first connector nut 250.

[0031] The first connector nut 250 may include or be used with sealing elements that help constitute a sealed connection. For example, a sealing ring 251 may be positioned radially inward from the rotatable body 252 when in use, on the port body connector end 226, forming a seal between the first port body connector end 226 and the upstream tailpiece 182. Optionally, an insulating collar 253 having a stepped outer surface or an L-shaped cross section (Figure 12) may be positioned between the projection 260 and the first rotatable body end 256 for galvanic insulation.

[0032] As shown in the embodiments of Figures 1-7, the kit, system, or method may further include a second port body 1220 in the device 200 that can be rotatably and / or irremovably sealed to a second hose end 206 that is in a flowing state with respect to the hose bore 208. Thus, the device 200 may have port bodies positioned at each of its ends, each fixed in a corresponding manner. The first port body 220 (sometimes simply referred to as the "port body" when the second port body is not mentioned) and the second port body 1220 may be substantially identical and constitute one form of the device 200 (together with the hose 202) having port bodies and connector nuts at each of its ends.

[0033] In the disclosed kits, devices, and methods, the second port body 1220 may have the same or similar elements as the first port body 220 and may be connected in the same way as the first port body 220. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second port body 1220 has a second outer wall 1222, a second port body hose opening 1230, a second port body connector opening 1232, a second port body bore 1234 extending between the second port body hose opening 1230 and the second port body connector opening 1232, and a second port opening 1238 passing through the second outer wall 1222 in a flowing state with the second port body bore 1234, the second port body hose opening 1230 being non-rotatably and irremovably sealed to the second hose end 206, and the second port body bore 1234 being in a flowing state with the hose bore 208.

[0034] The second connector nut 1250 is joined to the second port body 1220 at the second second port body end 1228, or may be directly joined. The second connector nut 1250 has a second rotatable body 1252 through which a second rotatable body central opening 1254 passes. The second rotatable body 1252 has a first second rotatable body end 1256 and a second second rotatable body end 1258. The first second rotatable body end 1256 of the second rotatable body 1252 is rotatably coupled to the second second port body end 1228 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first second rotatable body end 1256, the second rotatable body central opening 1254, and the second second rotatable body end 1258. The second rotatable end 1258 of the second rotatable body 1252 is configured to engage with a second fluid connector, such as a downstream tailpiece 162.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment of the kit, the downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 163 that is sealed to the downstream fluid conduit 103 through intervening elements, i.e., the valve body 128, the downstream tailpiece 162, the balance valve 500, and a further downstream tailpiece 172. Alternatively, the connection to the downstream fluid conduit may be direct, as in device 300 (described later). The downstream tailpiece 162 has a connector end 164 that is removable and directly connectable to a second connector nut 1250. The second connector nut 1250 is connectable to the downstream tailpiece 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 163 configured to be directly sealed to the downstream fluid conduit, which includes the valve 500, the tailpiece 162, and the conduit 103 connected thereto. The sealed connection may be facilitated by a sealing ring 251 and / or sealing collar 253 as described above with respect to the first connector nut 250.

[0036] Each second port opening 1238 and / or each second port opening wall 1240 may include a threaded portion or other mechanism for sealing and engaging the pressure-temperature port, such as the pressure-temperature port 800 (shown in detail in Figure 14), the extraction valve 900, or other devices requiring access to the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system or its passage.

[0037] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second rotatable body 1252 may have a first state in which the second rotatable body 1252 is rotatable relative to the second outer wall 1222, and a second state in which the second rotatable body 1252 is fixed relative to the second outer wall 1222.

[0038] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second outer wall 1222 may have a second projection 1260 projecting outward from there, the second projection 1260 may be configured to engage with the second rotatable body 1252 to restrict its axial movement.

[0039] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second projection 1260 and the second rotatable body 1252 may be configured to engage so that the second rotatable body 1252 is locked against rotation relative to the second outer wall 1222.

[0040] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second port opening 1238 may be surrounded by a second port opening wall 1240, or the second port opening wall 1240 may protrude from the second outer wall 1222.

[0041] Referring to Figures 4 and 7, the downstream tailpiece 162 is a conduit end 163 configured to be able to seal and connect to the downstream fluid conduit in the form of a conduit 103, and has a conduit end 163 having a connector end 164 that can be detachably and directly connected to a second connector nut 5250.

[0042] In the kit, system, and method disclosed herein, the upstream tailpiece 182 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the second connector nut 1250 and the first connector nut 250, and the downstream tailpiece 162 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the first connector nut 250 and the second connector nut 1250. As a result, after the device 200 is assembled to the configuration disclosed above, the first connector nut 250 and the second connector nut 1250 may be loosened, and the orientation of the upstream and downstream ends of the device 200 may be reversed. Reversal of orientation can be achieved by disengaging the first connector nut 250 from the upstream tailpiece 182 and the second connector nut 5250 from the downstream tailpiece 162, reorienting the connecting device 200, and re-engaging the connecting device 200 to the connector end 184 of the upstream tailpiece 182 and the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 by tightening the first connector nut 250 to the downstream tailpiece 162 (in the opposite direction to the initial connection to the upstream tailpiece 182) and tightening the second connector nut 5250 to the upstream tailpiece 182 (in the opposite direction to the downstream tailpiece 162).

[0043] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, system, or method, the rotatable body 252 (and therefore the first connector nut 250) may have two states corresponding to a loosened state and a tightened / locked state. For example, the rotatable body 252 may have a first state in which the rotatable body 252 is rotatable relative to the outer wall 222 of the port body 220, and a second state in which the rotatable body 252 is fixed relative to the outer wall 222 of the port body 220. The second state may be used to fix the orientation of the outer wall 222 relative to a tailpiece (such as the downstream tailpiece 122) for connection to a fluid heat transfer device 101. The first and second states are the result of loosening and unloosening, respectively, of the threaded connection portion 259 directly (shown as an overlap between adjacent elements) between the rotatable body 252 and the tailpiece 122, which may pull the rotatable body 252 axially and result in a frictional locking effect between the rotatable body 252 and the outer wall 222. During use, the port body 220 can be rotated to a desired orientation before being locked in place by tightening the first connector nut 250 against the tailpiece 122. The procedure for locking the port body 220 to a desired orientation is simpler and more convenient than oriented the opening relative to the port using multiple conventional mounting fixtures. The port body 220, through easy control of the port orientation, can provide the advantageous effect that the port may be positioned closer to the heat transfer device 101 rather than the valve end of the hose 202 or hose 302.

[0044] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the friction locking effect between the rotatable body 252 of the first connector nut 250 and the tailpiece 122 may be enhanced by an outer wall 222 having a projection 260 projecting outward from there. The projection 260 may be configured to capture the rotatable body 252. In some embodiments, the tailpiece, such as the tailpiece 122, may have an external mounting fixture, such as a hexagonal mounting fixture, which can be engaged using a wrench or other drive mechanism, and the connector nuts, such as the first connector nut 250 and in particular its rotatable body 252, may also have an external mounting fixture, such as a hexagonal mounting fixture, which can be engaged using a wrench or other drive or holding mechanism, thereby enabling the tailpiece and connector nut to engage with each other's external mounting fixtures and be tightened together using a wrench, electric wrench, or other appropriate tool.

[0045] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the projection 260 and the rotatable body 252 may be configured to engage and lock the rotatable body 252 of the connector nut against rotation relative to the outer wall 222 (for example, by a threaded connector 259 or other well-known connector). The rotatable body 252 may be brought into contact with the projection 260 by tightening the threaded connector 259 such that friction between the rotatable body 252 and the projection 260 prevents its relative movement.

[0046] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the first port opening 238 may be surrounded by a port opening wall 240, and the port opening wall 240 may protrude from the outer wall 222. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 222 may include one, two, three, or more port openings 238. Each port opening 238 may be surrounded by a port opening wall 240 extending radially from the outer wall 222. The port opening and / or port opening wall 240 may include threaded portions or other mechanisms for sealing and engaging (in conjunction with sealing tape, sealant, or other elements) a pressure-temperature port such as a pressure-temperature port 800 (shown in detail in Figure 14), an extraction valve 900, or other devices requiring access to the system or a heat transfer fluid flowing through its flow path.

[0047] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, particularly with reference to Figure 7, a valve such as a balance valve 500 may be provided for coupling to a fluid connector such as a tailpiece 162 or tailpiece 142 in device 200, or to one of the other tailpieces disclosed herein. In the referenced figure, the balance valve 500 includes 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 which is in a flow state with the first valve body opening 508. A flow control element 520, which may be any valve element for regulating fluid flow, such as a ball, clapper, or other occlusion mechanism known in valve technology, is configured to selectively control the flow between the first valve body opening 508 and the second valve body opening 510. A flow control selector 522 in the form of a handle is operably connected to the flow control element 520. A third connector nut 5250 is joined to the first valve body end 504, or may be joined directly, and the connector nut 5250 has a rotatable body 5252 through which a central opening 5254 passes. The rotatable body 5252 has a first rotatable body end 5256 and a second rotatable body end 5258. The first rotatable body end 5256 is rotatably coupled to the first valve body end 504 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotatable body end 5256, the central opening 5254 and the second rotatable body end 5258. The second rotatable body end 5258 is configured to engage with a fluid connector such as a downstream tailpiece 172. In the illustrated embodiment, the tailpiece 172 is the downstream tailpiece when the valve 500 is considered to be part of the device 200 in this description.

[0048] In any embodiment of the valves disclosed herein, such as valve 500, the valve may include a fourth connector nut 5250 that is rotatably and irremovably coupled to a second valve body end 506.

[0049] In any embodiment of the valve disclosed herein, each rotatable body 5252 may have a first state in which the rotatable body 5252 is rotatable relative to the valve body 502, and a second state in which the rotatable body 5252 is fixed relative to the valve body 502.

[0050] In any embodiment of the valve disclosed herein, the valve body 502 may have a projection 512 (or a second such projection) projecting outward from there, the projection 512 may be configured to engage with a rotatable body 5252 to restrict its axial movement.

[0051] In any embodiment of the valve disclosed herein, the projection 512 and the rotatable body 5252 may be configured to engage so that the rotatable body 2252 is locked against rotation relative to the valve body 502.

[0052] Therefore, the balance valve 500 may be provided with a connector nut 5250 coupled to and / or directly coupled thereto for connection to the conduit 103 by the downstream tailpiece 172. The downstream tailpiece 172 may include external mounting fixtures such as hexagonal fittings that can be used with a wrench such as an electric wrench or impact wrench. Thus, the downstream tailpiece 172 may be able to be tightened with an impact wrench or other power tool. The downstream tailpiece 172 facilitates the rapid installation of the balance valve 500 and may reduce or eliminate the need for additional mounting fixtures to connect the balance valve 500 to the conduit 103 of the heat transfer system 100.

[0053] The first port opening 238 and the second port opening 1238, and the associated port opening walls 240 and 1240, provide a mechanism for mounting devices to access the heat transfer fluid and its flow path, such as a pressure-temperature port 800 (shown in detail in Figure 14), an air extraction valve 900, a plug 920, or other devices requiring access to the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system. Referring to Figures 6 and 14, the pressure-temperature port 800 ("PT port") includes a PT body 802 configured to seal and connect to the first port opening 238 and the second port opening 1238. The PT body 802 has an external fitting 804, which may be a hexagonal or other fitting corresponding to one or more wrenches, sockets, etc. The PT body 802 has an opening 806 that extends axially through the PT body 802 from its proximal end 803 to its distal end 805. The distal end 805 includes a threaded portion 818 (threaded portion not shown individually) for sealing engagement with the first port opening 238, the second port opening 1238, the port opening wall 240, or the second port opening wall 1240. The PT cap 808 seals the opening 806 and may include an O-ring sealing portion 810. A PT tether 812 is attached to the PT cap 808 to prevent it from falling off or being lost when it is removed from the PT body 802. The PT body 802 includes a PT sealing portion 814, which is substantially cylindrical and includes a PT probe opening 816 for allowing a probe, such as a pressure or temperature probe, to extend through it and access a heat transfer fluid or its path through the PT body 802. A retaining ring 820 is fitted into the opening 80 under compression, such as pressure fitting, to hold the PT sealing portion 814 in place.

[0054] Alternatively, referring to Figures 1, 4, and 7, the extraction valve 900 may be provided for releasing a fluid (usually a gaseous fluid such as air) from the heat transfer device 101 and may be configured to seal to a first port opening 238 and a second port opening 1238. The extraction valve 900 has an extraction body 902 and an external mounting fixture 904 which may be a hexagonal or other fitting corresponding to one or more wrenches, sockets, etc. The extraction valve 900 has an opening 906 that extends axially through the extraction body 902 from its proximal end 903 to its distal end 905. A threaded stem 908 seals and unseals the opening and may include additional sealing elements (not shown).

[0055] During use, the device 200 allows each port body (first port body 220 and second port body 1220) to be oriented as desired without constraints imposed by the use of fixed screw portions or other fixed orientation connectors. Selecting an orientation may be advantageous in providing convenient access to a pressure-temperature port 800, which may need to be tilted to avoid rattling in the surrounding building space so that air or other captured gas can be released from the heat transfer system 100, or in providing an upward position or orientation relative to the extraction valve 900. If the port body 220 includes one or more port openings 238 that are not occupied by the pressure-temperature port 800 or the extraction valve 900, each unoccupied port opening 238 may be sealed with a plug 920, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3-5.

[0056] Referring here to Figures 8-13, in contrast to device 200 which includes both port body 220 and port body 1220, device 300 includes a single port body 220 connected to hose 302 by collar 205. The components of port body 220 and its associated connections in Figure 12 may be substantially identical to those in Figure 5 (described above).

[0057] Referring particularly to Figure 12, hose 302 may be configured substantially the same as hose 202 described above. Hose 302 includes a first hose end 304, a second hose end 306, and a hose bore 308 (Figures 10-13). Device 300 further includes a port body 220 described above and referred to above as "first port body 220".

[0058] The first connector nut 250 attached to the port body 220 is configured as described above. The first connector nut 250 has a rotatable body 252 through which a central opening 254 passes. The rotatable 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 first port body connector end 226 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotating body end 256, the central opening 254, and the first port body connector end 226.

[0059] Referring to Figure 13, at the right end of the illustrated hose 302, rather than the second port housing, the device 300 includes a second connector nut 250 rotatably and irremovably coupled to the hose 302 rather than the port body, via a collar fitting 305 which may have one or more components fixed to the hose 302 in a liquid-tight manner by welding or other means known in the art. The second connector nut 250 shares components with the other connector nuts 250 described herein, but engages with the collar fitting 305 rather than the port body or valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar fitting 305 includes a projection 360 surrounding the first hose end 306. The projection 360 is configured to capture the second connector nut 250.

[0060] In the kits, systems, or methods disclosed herein and shown in Figures 8-13, the downstream tailpiece 122 has a conduit end 123 configured to be sealably connected to an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120. The tailpiece 122 has a connector end 124 that is detachably and directly connectable to a first connector nut 250 of a port body 220. The upstream tailpiece 142 may have a connector end 144 and a conduit end 143 configured to directly engage with an upstream fluid conduit 102 in embodiments in which the valve 600 is omitted (Figure 1), and a second connector nut 250 of hose 302 directly engages with the upstream tailpiece 142. Alternatively, a valve 600 may be included, which may have a valve body 602 having a first valve body end 604 and a second valve body end 606. The first valve body end 604 has a first valve body opening 608, and the second valve body end 606 has a second valve body opening 610. A flow control element (not shown), which may be any valve element for regulating fluid flow, such as a ball, clapper, or other occlusion mechanism known in valve technology, is configured to selectively control the flow between the first valve body opening 608 and the second valve body opening 610. A flow control selector 522 in the form of a handle is operably connected to the flow control element. The connector nut 250 of the hose 302 is joined to and can be directly joined to the first valve body end 604 by an upstream tailpiece 142, which may be either a fixing fixture 622 for the valve 600, or an upstream tailpiece that can directly engage with the connector nut 250 if the valve 600 is omitted. The upstream tailpiece has a conduit end 143 configured to engage with an upstream fluid conduit 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing fixture 622 becomes the upstream tailpiece when the valve 500 is considered to be part of the device 300 in this description.

[0061] An example of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit 102 to a downstream fluid conduit in the form of an inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120 to bring it into flow with a fluid system heat transfer device 101 is provided. The method comprises the step of sealing an upstream tailpiece 142 or fixing fixture 622 to the upstream fluid conduit 102 at its conduit end 143, the upstream tailpiece 142 or fixing fixture 622 having a connector end 144 that can be detachably and directly connected to a first connector nut 250. The method also includes the step of sealing a downstream tailpiece 122 to the downstream fluid conduit in the form of an inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120 at its conduit end 123. The downstream tailpiece 122 also has a connector end 124 that can be detachably and directly connected to a second connector nut 250. The method includes the step of engaging the connecting device 300 with the connector end 144 of the upstream tailpiece 142 and the connector end 124 of the downstream tailpiece 122. The connecting device 300 comprises a hose 302 having a first hose end 304 and a second hose end 306 and a hose bore 308. The connecting device 300 also comprises a port body 220 having an outer wall 222, a port body hose end 224 having a port body hose opening 228, a port body connector end 226 having a port body connector opening 230, a port body bore 232 extending between the port body hose opening 228 and the port body connector opening 230, and a port opening 238 that penetrates the outer wall 222 and flows with the port body bore 232, the port body hose opening 228 being rotatably and irremovably sealed to the first hose end 304, and the port body bore 232 flowing with the hose bore 308. The connection device 300 also includes a first connector nut 250 rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening 230, and a second connector nut 250 rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end 306. The upstream tailpiece 142 or mounting fixture 622 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the second connector nut 250, and the downstream tailpiece 122 is configured to be removable and directly connectable to the first connector nut 250.The step of engaging the connecting device with the connector end 144 of the upstream tailpiece 142 or fixing fixture 622 and the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 includes the steps of tightening a first connector nut 250 to the upstream tailpiece 142 or fixture 622 and tightening a second connector nut 250 to the downstream tailpiece 162. The method may, after completing the method steps described above, include the steps of: disengaging the first connector nut 250 from the upstream tailpiece 142 or the fixing fixture 622; disengaging the second connector nut 250 from the downstream tailpiece 122; reorienting the connecting device 300 to re-engage the connecting 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, which may be performed by: tightening the first connector nut 250 against the downstream tailpiece 162; and tightening the second connector nut 250 against the upstream tailpiece 142 or the fixing fixture 622.

[0062] Further examples of methods for connecting an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or outlet pipe 118 to a downstream fluid conduit 103 to create a flow with a fluid system heat transfer device 101 are provided. The method comprises the step of sealing an upstream tailpiece 182 to the upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or outlet pipe 118 at its conduit end 183, the upstream tailpiece 182 having a connector end 184 that is removable and connectable to a first connector nut 250. The method also includes the step of sealing a downstream tailpiece 162 to the downstream fluid conduit 103 at its conduit end 163, the downstream tailpiece 162 having a connector end 164 that is removable and directly connectable to a second connector nut 5250. The method includes the steps of engaging the connecting device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tailpiece 182, and engaging the connecting device 200 with the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 or (if the valve body 128 and valve 500 are omitted) with the connector end 174 of the downstream tailpiece 172. The connecting device 200 comprises a hose 202 having a first hose end 204 and a second hose end 206 and a hose bore 208. The connection device 200 also includes 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 bore 232 extending between the first port body hose opening 228 and the first port body connector opening 230, and a first port opening 238 that penetrates the first outer wall 222 and flows with the first port body bore 232, the first port body hose opening 228 being rotatably and irremovably sealed to a first hose end 204, and the first port body bore 232 flowing with the hose bore 208. The connection device 200 also includes a first connector nut 250 rotatably and irremovably coupled to the first port body connector opening 230.The connecting device 200 also comprises a second port body 1220 having a second outer wall 1222, a second port body hose opening 1230, a second port body connector opening 1232, a second port body bore 1234 extending between the second port body hose opening 1230 and the second port body connector opening 1232, and a second port opening 1238 penetrating the second outer wall 1222 and flowing with the second port body bore 1234, the second port body hose opening 1230 being rotatably and irremovably sealed to the second hose end 206, and the second port body bore 1234 flowing with the hose bore 208. The connecting device 200 also comprises a second connector nut 1250 rotatably and irremovably coupled to the second hose end 206. The step of engaging the connecting device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tailpiece 182 and the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 or the connector end 174 of the downstream tailpiece 172 includes the steps of tightening the first connector nut 250 with respect to the upstream tailpiece 182 and tightening the second connector nut 1250 with respect to the downstream tailpiece 162 or the downstream tailpiece 172.

[0063] While specific, independent embodiments have been shown in the drawings, various individual elements or combinations of elements of different embodiments may be combined with each other in accordance with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, individual features described herein in relation to only one embodiment should not be construed as being incompatible with other embodiments described herein.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will see that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the broad progressive concept of the above disclosure. Some of these are described above, and others will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to encompass modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system in which an upstream fluid conduit (102) is connected to a downstream fluid conduit (119) to create a fluid flow with a fluid system heat transfer device (101), A hose (302) having a first hose end (304), a second hose end (306), and a hose bore (308), A port body (220) having an outer wall (222), a port body hose end (224) having a port body hose opening (228), a port body connector end (226) having a port body connector opening (230), a port body bore (232) extending between the port body hose opening (228) and the port body connector opening (230), and a port opening (238) penetrating the outer wall (222) and flowing with the port body bore (232), wherein the port body hose opening (228) is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed and joined to the first hose end (304), and the port body bore (232) flows with the hose bore (308), A first connector nut (250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening (230), A second connector nut (250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end (306), An upstream tailpiece (142) having a conduit end (143) configured to be sealed and connected to the upstream fluid conduit (102) and a connector end (144) that can be detachably connected to the first connector nut (250), A downstream tailpiece (122) having a conduit end (123) configured to be sealed and connected to the downstream fluid conduit (119) and a connector end (124) that can be detachably connected to the second connector nut (250), Equipped with, A system in which the upstream tailpiece (142) is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut (250), and the downstream tailpiece (122) is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut (250).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first connector nut (250) has a first state in which the first connector nut (250) is rotatable with respect to the port body (220), and a second state in which the first connector nut (250) is fixed with respect to the port body (220), the second state being provided for fixing the orientation of the port body (220).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer wall (222) has a projection (260) that protrudes outward from there and surrounds the port body connector opening (230), and the projection (260) is configured to capture the first connector nut (250) and restrict its axial movement.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first connector nut (250) and the port body (220) are configured to engage with the connector ends (144) (124) of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (122) to prevent rotation of the port body (220).

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the port opening (238) is surrounded by a port opening wall (240), and the port opening wall (240) protrudes from the outer wall (222) of the port body (220).

6. A valve (600) having a valve body (602) having a first valve body end (604) having a first valve body opening and a second valve body end (606) having a second valve body opening, A third connector nut (5250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first valve body end (604), Furthermore, The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (122) is removably connectable to the third connector nut (5250) so that the valve (600) can be joined to at least one of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (122) by the third connector nut (5250).

7. A system that connects to an upstream fluid conduit (117) and a downstream fluid conduit (103) to create a fluid flow with a fluid system heat transfer device (101), A hose (202) having a first hose end (204), a second hose end (206), and a hose bore (208), 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 bore (232) extending between the first port body hose opening (228) and the first port body connector opening (230), and a first port opening (238) penetrating the first outer wall (222) and flowing with the first port body bore (232), wherein the first port body hose opening (228) is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end (204), and the first port body bore (232) flows with the hose bore (208), A first connector nut (250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first port body connector opening (230), A second port body (1220) having a second outer wall (1222), a second port body hose opening (1230), a second port body connector opening (1232), a second port body bore (1234) extending between the second port body hose opening (1230) and the second port body connector opening (1232), and a second port opening (1238) penetrating the second outer wall (1222) and in a flow state with the second port body bore (1234), wherein the second port body hose opening (1230) is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the second hose end (206), and the second port body bore (1234) is in a flow state with the hose bore (208), A second connector nut (1250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second port body connector opening (1232), An upstream tailpiece (182) having a conduit end (183) that is sealed and connected to the upstream fluid conduit (117) and a connector end (184) that can be detachably connected to the first connector nut (250), A downstream tailpiece (172) having a conduit end (173) that is sealed and connected to the downstream fluid conduit (103) and a connector end (174) that can be detachably connected to the second connector nut (1250), Equipped with, A system in which the upstream tailpiece (182) is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut (1250), and the downstream tailpiece (172) is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut (250).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the first connector nut (250) has a first state in which the first connector nut (250) is rotatable with respect to the first port body (220), and a second state in which the first connector nut (250) is fixed with respect to the first port body (220), the second state being provided for fixing the orientation of the first port body (220).

9. The first outer wall (222) has a projection (260) that protrudes outward from there and surrounds the first port body connector opening (230), and the projection (260) is configured to capture the first connector nut (250) and restrict its axial movement. The system according to claim 7, wherein the second outer wall (1222) has a projection (1260) that protrudes outward therefrom and surrounds the second port body connector opening (1232), and the projection (1260) is configured to capture the second connector nut (1250) and restrict its axial movement.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first connector nut (250) and the first port body (220) are configured to engage with the connector ends (184) (174) of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the downstream tailpiece (172) to prevent rotation of the first port body (220), and the second connector nut (1250) and the second port body (1220) are configured to engage with the connector ends (184) (174) of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the downstream tailpiece (172) to prevent rotation of the second port body (1220).

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the first port opening (238) is surrounded by a port opening wall (240), and the port opening wall (240) protrudes from the second outer wall (1222) of the second port body (1220).

12. A valve (600) having a first valve body end (604) having a first valve body opening and a second valve body end (606) having a second valve body opening, A third connector nut (5250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first valve body end (604), Furthermore, The system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the downstream tailpiece (172) is removably connectable to the third connector nut (5250) so that the valve (600) can be joined to at least one of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the downstream tailpiece (172) by the third connector nut (5250).

13. A method of connecting the upstream fluid conduit (102) to the downstream fluid conduit (119) to create a fluid flow state with the fluid system heat transfer device (101), A step of sealing and connecting an upstream tailpiece (142) to the upstream fluid conduit (102) at its conduit end (143), wherein the upstream tailpiece (142) has a connector end (144) that can be detachably connected to a first connector nut (250), A step of sealing and connecting a downstream tailpiece (122) to the downstream fluid conduit (119) at its conduit end (123), wherein the downstream tailpiece (122) has a connector end (124) that can be detachably connected to a second connector nut (250), The step of engaging the connecting device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122), wherein the connecting device (300) is A hose (302) having a first hose end (304), a second hose end (306), and a hose bore (308), A port body (220) having an outer wall (222), a port body hose end (224) having a port body hose opening (228), a port body connector end (226) having a port body connector opening (230), a port body bore (232) extending between the port body hose opening (228) and the port body connector opening (230), and a port opening (238) penetrating the outer wall (222) and flowing with the port body bore (232), wherein the port body hose opening (228) is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed and joined to the first hose end (304), and the port body bore (232) flows with the hose bore (308), A first connector nut (250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening (230), A second connector nut (250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end (306), A step comprising, wherein the upstream tailpiece (142) is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut (250), and the downstream tailpiece (122) is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut (250), Equipped with, The step of engaging the connecting device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122) is: The steps include tightening the first connector nut (250) to the upstream tailpiece (142), The steps include tightening the second connector nut (250) to the downstream tailpiece (122), Methods that include...

14. After completing the method according to claim 13, The steps include disengaging the first connector nut (250) from the upstream tailpiece (142), The steps include disengaging the second connector nut (250) from the downstream tailpiece (122), The steps of tightening the first connector nut (250) to the downstream tailpiece (122), Steps to tighten the second connector nut (250) to the upstream tailpiece (142): The steps include: reorienting the connecting device (300) and re-engaging the connecting device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122); The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. A method of connecting the upstream fluid conduit (117) to the downstream fluid conduit (103) to create a fluid flow state with the fluid system heat transfer device (101), A step of sealing and connecting an upstream tailpiece (182) to the upstream fluid conduit (117) at its conduit end (183), wherein the upstream tailpiece (182) has a connector end (184) that can be detachably connected to a first connector nut (250), A step of sealing and connecting a downstream tailpiece (172) to the downstream fluid conduit (103) at its conduit end (173), wherein the downstream tailpiece (172) has a connector end (174) that can be detachably connected to a second connector nut (1250), The step of engaging the connecting device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172), wherein the connecting device (200) is A hose (202) having a first hose end (204), a second hose end (206), and a hose bore (208), 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 bore (232) extending between the first port body hose opening (228) and the first port body connector opening (230), and a first port opening (238) penetrating the first outer wall (222) and flowing with the first port body bore (232), wherein the first port body hose opening (228) is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the first hose end (204), and the first port body bore (232) flows with the hose bore (208), A first connector nut (250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first port body connector opening (230), A second port body (1220) having a second outer wall (1222), a second port body hose opening (1230), a second port body connector opening (1232), a second port body bore (1234) extending between the second port body hose opening (1230) and the second port body connector opening (1232), and a second port opening (1238) penetrating the second outer wall (1222) and in a flow state with the second port body bore (1234), wherein the second port body hose opening (1230) is non-rotatably and non-removably sealed to the second hose end (206), and the second port body bore (1234) is in a flow state with the hose bore (208), A second connector nut (1250) is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second port body connector opening (1232), A step comprising, wherein the upstream tailpiece (182) is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut (1250), and the downstream tailpiece (172) is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut (250), Equipped with, The step of engaging the connecting device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172) is as follows: The steps include tightening the first connector nut (250) to the upstream tailpiece (182), The steps include tightening the second connector nut (1250) to the downstream tailpiece (172), Methods that include...

16. After completing the method according to claim 15, The steps include disengaging the first connector nut (250) from the upstream tailpiece (182), The steps include disengaging the second connector nut (1250) from the downstream tailpiece (172), The steps of tightening the first connector nut (250) to the downstream tailpiece (172), Steps to tighten the second connector nut (1250) to the upstream tailpiece (182): The steps include: reorienting the connecting device (200) and re-engaging the connecting device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172); The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

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