Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly is provided for fluid transfer with relatively small pressure loss between a pair of fluid flow conduits and with little or no fluid spillage upon subsequent conduit separation. The coupling assembly comprises male and female valve units mounted respectively on the flow conduits and matingly engageable to align valve unit flow paths for fluid transfer between the flow conduits. The flow path of each valve unit is normally closed by an externally finned, motor-driven poppet valve having a valve head contoured for seated reception onto a valve seat and for substantially flush surface abutting engagement with the valve head of the other poppet valve to define a substantially minimum residual volume between the valve heads when the two valve units are matingly engaged.