Abstract: A female coupling member for a low-spill, quick-disconnect coupling where a male coupling member has a valve with a conical head projecting axially forward of a forward end of a body of the male coupling member. The female coupling member includes a body having an axially-extending internal cavity with a forward end dimensioned to receive the body of the male coupling member. An annular piston sleeve is spring-biased forwardly within the internal cavity of the female body. A radially-inward projecting annular valve seat in the female body separates a rear cavity portion of the internal cavity from a forward cavity portion. A valve stem assembly is slideably received within the internal cavity of the female body. The valve stem assembly includes i) a poppet valve dimensioned to be sealingly seated forwardly against the valve seat in the female body when the female coupling member is in an uncoupled condition; and ii) a valve stem portion connected to the poppet valve and extending forward of the poppet valve.

Abstract: A fluid coupler connectable with a fitting of a variety which extends from an externally-threaded forward coupling end to a rearward port end. The coupler includes a body having an internal fluid passageway and valve stem. A distal end of the valve stem has a forward surface defining a seating portion, and a rearward surface engageable with a poppet valve of the fitting. A valve sleeve is received coaxially over the valve stem to define a fluid flow path therebetween. A rearward second end of the valve sleeve defines an outer periphery and an inner periphery configured to be received within the seating portion of the valve stem, and has a rearward confrontation surface with a seal member rotatably received within a mounting groove thereof. The valve sleeve is biased in a rearward first position wherein the second end thereof is received within the seating portion of the valve stem closing the fluid flow path, and is movable to a forward second position opening the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A push-to-connect coupler including an interlocking three-way valve that enables coupling and uncoupling with respect to a mating nipple only when the coupler is in a vent mode. The coupler is characterized by a unique integration of a manually operated three-way ball valve that vents the coupler down to atmospheric or reduced pressure prior to coupling or uncoupling and preferably to a recovery line, a push-to-connect sleeve locking mechanism which interlocks with the manually operated handle of the three-way valve and whose operation is visibly obvious to the user, and an internal valve mechanism that prevents the free flow of media should the coupler become miscocked.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for dispensing liquids that includes a main body having a mechanism for attaching to and sealing a liquid container, a vent on the main body for transferring air into the liquid container, and a mechanism for restricting air transferred through the vent to a threshold volume effective to substantially equalize pressure within the liquid container while preventing a transfer of vapor from the container.

Abstract: A nipple characterized by an integral crossbar actuator and check valve. When a mating coupler at atmospheric pressure is connected to the nipple, the crossbar actuator functions to open a poppet valve in the mating coupler independently of the check valve. With the coupler fully connected to the nipple, pressurized media is supplied to the coupler to commence media transfer. When the pressure in the coupler exceeds the pressure behind the nipple's check valve, the check valve will open and the transfer of media will occur. Conversely, the check valve will close and prevent any further transfer of media when the supply to the coupler is ceased and the coupler is vented. The coupler can then be disconnected from the pressurized nipple. The nipple and coupler form a coupling system, and the nipple may be used to retrofit existing systems wherein valved nipples and check valves are used on a pressure side of the system.

Abstract: The combination of a quick connect fluid coupling having a nipple assembly axially connectable with a coupler assembly, and an integral valve and seal member made of an elastomeric material. The integral valve and seal member closes the nipple assembly when the quick coupling is disconnected and opens the nipple assembly to fluid flow when the quick coupling is made up. The nipple assembly has axially interfitted male and female parts that capture the integral valve and seal member between two shoulders when the male and female parts are mated. The nipple assembly also has a hollow nipple probe that inserts into a portion of the coupler assembly. The integral valve and seal member has an annular body seal portion that seals the interfitted nipple male and female parts, and a smaller diameter valve disk concentrically connected to the annular seal portion by a flexible hinge portion. The valve disk seals against a flange in the nipple assembly.