Abstract: A unique fluid connector is disclosed that quickly connects a tube within a housing bore, while providing a strong, fluid tight seal. The tube has axially spaced radially greater diameter upset portions with a sleeve and a locking member trapped between the upset portions. The locking member includes resilient arms which secure it within the housing bore. The sleeve has a notch at an inner axial end which abuts the inner upset portion to retain the tube within the bore. An O-ring is positioned axially inwardly of the upset portion. The sleeve and the inner upset portion both abut the O-ring to provide a fluid tight seal between the tube and the housing. In a unique method, a tube unit is assembled by forming the outer upset portion on the tube. The locking member and sleeve are then moved onto the tube. The inner upset portion is then formed on the tube to secure the locking member and the sleeve on the tube. An O-ring retaining portion is then formed on the tube, and the O-ring is positioned onto the tube.

Abstract: A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.

Abstract: A connector assembly has a metallic female housing socket. The female housing socket has a pair of flanges substantially perpendicular to the axis of the socket to retain sealing rings and a conduit retainer within the socket. The socket also has one or more barb corners on its stem to enhance retention of a conduit onto the stem.

Abstract: A release sleeve used with quick connect tube connectors includes a plurality of planar surfaces at an outer peripheral surface which bias retainer legs radially outwardly to allow removal of a tube. The use of planar surfaces provides a greater contact area than prior art release sleeves, thus reducing the amount of force necessary to allow tube removal. In a further feature of the present invention, the release sleeve has grooves at an outer peripheral surface which allow passage of indicator legs such that the release sleeve may be used in combination with an indicator used to give an indication that a tube is fully connected.

Abstract: A unique quick connect fluid coupling is disclosed in which a tube inner end does not contact a seal if the tube is not fully connected. Preferably, a retainer retains the tube within the bore. The retainer is of the avalanche type such that a high force is required to insert the tube, and once this high force is overcome the momentum of the tube carries it to its fully inserted position. No seal is formed between the tube and seals within the housing unless the tube has moved beyond the point where the high force begins. Once the tube has moved beyond that point, it will be fully connected. The invention ensures that there would be no seal between a tube and a housing unless the tube is fully connected.

Abstract: A unique plastic retainer is disclosed having a pair of axially spaced cylindrical rings. Retainer arms for retaining an upset portion of a tube within a housing bore extend from a rear ring, and a plurality of webs connect the front and rear cylindrical rings of the retainer. When a tube is initially inserted into the housing bore, it contacts an inner periphery of the arms. The retainer then moves axially forwardly within the bore for a small distance until the forward ring abuts a seal package within the housing. Further movement of the retainer is then prevented, and the upset portion of the tube causes the arm to flex radially outwardly at a flex point in the rear ring. The upset portion may then move axially beyond the arms into a fully connected position within the housing.

Abstract: A ball check valve has a body member, a conical spring, a ball and valve seat. The valve seat includes a coined seating surface to reduce leakage.