Abstract: A connecting yoke apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a valve of a compressed gas cylinder. The apparatus includes a yoke member having a first and a second end, the yoke member defining an opening for the reception therein of the valve. A connection extends through the first end of the yoke member for selective connection with the valve. The connection selectively cooperates in fluid tight communication with the valve when the valve is disposed within the opening. A piston is slidably disposed within the yoke member for selectively urging the valve and the connection towards each other such that when the piston is in an operative disposition thereof, the fluid tight communication between the connection and the valve is generated and when the piston is in an inoperative disposition thereof, disengagement of the yoke member from the valve is permitted.