Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member has an exterior surface with a first projection extending radially outwardly. The second member has a cavity with an interior surface to receive the first projection on the first member and a second projection extending radially inwardly from the interior surface. The coupling assembly further includes a retaining ring disposed about the first member between the first projection and the second projection to retain the first member and second member together.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is disclosed having a female element with a conically shaped transition segment integrally formed between a mating segment and a central segment. As the mating segment of the male element is inserted into the female element, the conical transition segment serves to guide to the mating segment into an engaged position with the central segment of the female element.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for a liquid handling system is disclosed. When disconnected the first and second coupling members are valved closed. The second coupling member includes an adjustable pressure relief feature. By moving an adjustment member, the operating pressure for the pressure relief can be varied and set at a desired level.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in the coupling of two members. The first member has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines a coupling sleeve and a valve sleeve. A fluid passageway is in communication between the coupling sleeve and the valve sleeve. A valve is positioned in the valve sleeve. The valve is biased toward the fluid passageway by a coiled spring. A valve pusher having a first end and a second end is positioned in the coupling sleeve and the fluid passageway. The assembly has a second member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a terminal portion. When the second member is inserted in the coupling sleeve, the terminal portion engages the first end of the valve pusher causing the second end of the pusher to engage the valve to unseat the valve to allow unrestricted fluid flow between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A connector and ball joint assembly including a connector, a receiving means, such as a conduit of a component of an air conditioning system, and a ball. The connector includes a flange and a cylindrical inner surface. A portion of the inner surface includes threads. The component conduit has an exterior surface and an interior surface. A portion of the exterior surface includes threads for receiving the threads on the inner surface of the connector. The interior surface of the component conduit defines an open end. The ball includes a wall having a spherically-shaped outer surface defining an open end. The wall is positioned adjacent the flange of the connector and the interior surface of the component conduit. Annular gaskets can be positioned between the wall, the connector and the component conduit to seal the joint.

Abstract: A flexible connector to be used individually or in an assembly of connectors. The connector includes a collar comprised of a wall having a cylindrical inner surface. The collar wall defines two opposed openings. Two flanges extend radially inwardly covering a portion of each opposed opening. The connector further includes a link comprised of a link wall having at least one spherically-shaped outer surface. The link wall defines at least one open end to allow for the passage of a fluid. The link wall is positioned within one of the opposed openings in spaced relationship to the cylindrical inner surface of the collar wall. Bearing means and gasket means are positioned in the space defined by the spaced relationship to allow the link to articulate with respect to the collar and also to seal the space between the outer surface of the link and the inner wall of the collar.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having a flange, at least one tube and a tube connection. The flange has an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one tube receiving opening. The inner surface also defines a flange groove. A tube connection hole extends through the flange from the outer surface to the inner surface. The hole is in communication with the flange groove: The tube has an exterior surface. A groove is defined by the exterior surface. The tube is inserted in the tube receiving opening of the flange. The tube groove is aligned with the flange groove. A tube connection means, such as wire, is inserted in the tube connection hole. The tube connection means mates the flange groove and the tube groove. This engagement retains the tube in the flange and also allows it to move within the flange.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an improved automotive air-conditioning system wherein the refrigerant transport system connecting the compressor to the evaporator and condenser comprises rigid tubing therby minimizing the loss of refrigerant otherwise experienced by use of flexible hose connections.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an improved automotive air-conditioning system wherein the refrigerant transport system connecting the compressor to the evaporator and condenser comprises rigid tubing thereby minimizing the loss of refrigerant otherwise experienced by use of flexible hose connections.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for interconnecting rigid conduits or ducts including spherical ball and socket elements in turn mounted in a housing for universal adjustment. The housing includes spherical segment support surfaces for engaging exterior spherical surfaces defined on the socket element to insure the range of adjustment. A spring member provides electrical continuity between the ball and socket elements comprising a bowed wire of an oblong configuration having an end attached to the ball element and resilient bows engaging the socket and ball elements such that as the elements are angularly displaced, the spring maintains a relatively constant spring load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-aligning couling for connecting laboratory animal cages to a drinking water supply. A male coupling is attached to a grommet assembly at the back of the cage and a female coupling is assembled to a fluid supply manifold at the back of a shelf located so that when the cage is placed on the shelf and translated to the rear the male coupling will automatically conect to the female coupling and water supply. The grommet assembly allows the male coupling to be self-aligning in angular and radial directions to facilitate coupling.

Abstract: A fueling nozzle for pressurized fuel systems having a body connectable to a tank inlet. The body includes an axially displaceable valve movable between a closed retracted position and an extended open position. Connection of the body to the tank inlet occurs upon rotation of the connection sleeve and positioning of the valve is achieved by a rotatable cam sleeve having a cam slot in which a valve-mounted follower is located. An interlock senses mounting of the body on the tank inlet permitting rotation of the connection sleeve in a locking direction and upon the connection sleeve being fully rotated to a locked condition a second interlock permits rotation of the cam sleeve and valve movement from the closed to the open position. The nozzle is characterized by reduced flow resistance characteristics and safe operation.

Abstract: A coupling fitting utilizing radially moving detents operated by an axially displaceable locking sleeve employs a safety lock lever pivotally mounted upon the locking sleeve engagable with a reference surface on the fitting when the locking sleeve is in the locked condition to lock the sleeve and give both a visual and physically discernible indication of the condition of the locking sleeve. The safety lever includes a handle which conforms to the configuration of the locking sleeve when the sleeve is in the release position, and the lever handle extends from the configuration of the locking sleeve in the sleeve lock position. Preferably, two locking safety levers are mounted upon the locking sleeve at diametrically opposed locations.

Abstract: A coupling for pressurized fluid medium circuits such as hydraulic or air wherein the coupling parts may be easily manually interconnected even though the fluid systems communicating with the parts are under high pressure. The coupling parts include self-sealing valves axially displaceable between open and closed positions and the valves include faces exposed to the pressurized medium, the faces being of substantially equal area and disposed in opposite directions such that the axial forces imposed on the valves by the pressurized medium are substantially counterbalanced. Such pressurized faces including elastomeric seals and valve seat shoulders.

Abstract: A ball valve connector of the frangible crashworthy type wherein two fluid flow connector body halves are interconnected by fracturable elements. Each body half includes a ball valve within a flow passage pivotally mounted on diametrically located pins. The pivot pins and valves are capable of displacement in the axial direction of fluid flow to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and provide maximum sealing characteristics. Each valve is rotatable 90.degree. between open and closed positions, and a stop projection defined on each valve cooperates with a spring biased stop ring providing positive retention of the valve in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a self-sealing conduit fitting of the ball valve type. A spherical ball valve having a diametrical bore is pivotally supported within a fitting passage and operated by a pivot axis eccentrically related to the valve center. The pivot is restrained against axial movement, but is radially displaceable, and biasing means within the fitting body bias the ball valve axially into engagement with an annular valve seat also capable of axial displacement within the fitting. The ball valve pivot causes the ball valve to rotate between opened and closed positions upon axial displacement of the ball valve by its valve seat, or under the influence of the biasing means. Stop means determining the axial position of the valve seat maintains the ball valve in a closed condition when the fitting is disconnected.

Abstract: The invention pertains to fluid couplings of high capacity, low resistance flow characteristics utilizing ball valves. Identical fitting bodies each include a ball valve rotatable 90.degree. between open and closed positions by an exteriorly accessible handle. Locking means of one coupling half associated with the ball valve actuator through cam structure cooperates with locking means defined upon the other coupling half wherein rotation of the ball valves to the open position is prevented until the coupling halves have been fully connected. Further, the locking means prevent the coupling halves from being disconnected until both ball valves have been closed.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for use with plural conduit system manifolds wherein a plurality of couplings are mounted upon common support structure. Each opening incorporates alignment structure permitting a limited degree of self-alignment to insure efficient sealing between the coupling parts. The alignment structure includes biasing means for maintaining axial alignment and sealing pressures, and radial clearances and elastomer members are employed to permit radial alignment.

Abstract: A breakaway fluid coupling characterized by its ability to incorporate automatic uncoupling release mechanism actuated by tension forces within a fitting having unrestricted high flow rate capacities. The coupling parts are interconnected by ball detents positionable by an axially displaceable latching sleeve, and the detents are mounted within an axially displaceable collar biased against movement by tension forces wherein such biasing action, when overcome by tension forces, shifts the collar locating the detents in a release position relative to the latching sleeve to permit automatic uncoupling.

Abstract: A valve device having a tubular body adapted to be connected in a fluid conduit system. A self-closing valve member is pivotally mounted in the passage of the tubular body, the pivotal valve member being in a position closing the passage when the device is in a disconnected state and in an open, interlocked position when the device is in a connected state. The valve member is adapted to be pivoted from a closed position to an open position and when in the open position, moved axially with respect to the passage of the tubular body to a position whereat it is supported on a retaining lip provided in the tubular body.