Abstract: A fluid flow connector with a structure for preventing over-torquing of the coupler and the nipple during engagement and furthermore, preventing inadvertent disengagement of the coupler from the nipple which might otherwise occur upon oppositely directed rotation of an outer shell of the coupler. The nipple is provided with a shoulder which, upon full engagement between the coupler and the nipple to a desired level of torque between the threads thereof, abuts the end of the outer shell. Subsequent further rotation of the shell causes relative travel between the outer shell and the coupler threads until the dowel disengages the first set of teeth whereby any further rotation of the outer shell will not impart a rotational force or torque to the coupler threads.

Abstract: A novel quick disconnect ball joint coupling which utilizes as a misalignment ball locking mechanism, a combination of a plurality of locking balls and a locking sleeve. The locking sleeve provides an annular race or groove for receiving the locking balls, thereby obviating the high stress point-to-point contact problem associated with prior art locking ball techniques, but still provides the advantage of high speed, low torque rotation available with the use of such locking balls. More specifically, in the present invention, the locking balls do not come in direct contact with the misalignment ball, but are instead positioned in an annular groove on the exterior surface of the locking sleeve between the locking sleeve and the quick disconnect releasing sleeve. The locking sleeve is preferably spring loaded so that upon rotation, the locking sleeve remains stable with respect to the misalignment ball, thereby gaining the benefits of the low friction of a ball and race configuration during rotation.

Abstract: A novel quick disconnect, the nipple portion of which is provided with a unique spring seal comprising an elastomeric retainer and a multiple-turn wave-type spring contained within an annular pocket within the retainer. The nipple is provided with a body having a flanged portion which floats on the spring seal relative to an annular chamber within the wrench portion of the threaded member of the nipple. In addition, the wrench portion of the corresponding coupler is chamfered in order to automatically adjust the nipple body despite misalignment of radial, angular and axial type, thereby permitting secure leak proof interconnection of the quick disconnect members. Such capability is especially useful in accommodating coolant fluid flow through a plurality of serially interconnected electrical chasses wherein misalignment of quick disconnect flow connectors cannot be readily accommodated by manual adjustment means and must be accommodated by automatic adjustment of the quick disconnect components.

Abstract: A novel quick disconnect, the nipple portion of which is provided with a unique spring seal comprising a retainer and a plurality of Belleville springs contained within an annular pocket within the retainer. The nipple is provided with a body having a flanged portion which floats on the spring seal relative to an annular chamber within the wrench portion of the threaded member of the nipple. In addition, the wrench portion of the corresponding coupler is chamfered in order to automatically adjust the nipple body despite misalignment of radial, angular and axial type, thereby permitting secure leak-proof interconnection of the quick disconnect members. Such capability is especially useful in accommodating coolant fluid flow through a plurality of serially interconnected electrical chasses wherein misalignment of quick disconnect flow connectors cannot be readily accommodated by manual adjustment means and must be accommodated by automatic adjustment of the quick disconnect components.

Abstract: An improved quick disconnect apparatus comprising a nipple and coupler and having significantly improved Cv or flow characteristics resulting surprisingly from certain specified design ranges of flow path areas in relation to the flow path area at the interior of the input to the quick disconnect, the interconnecting angles, and a high degree of dimensional match between components. The principal structural changes relative to the prior art are provided in the coupler stem and its relation with the components enveloping it. The invention provides a reduction in flow pressure drop of as much as 30 percent or more over the prior art for comparable size quick disconnects.