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: A rigid mount coupler in which all movement required for connecting and disconnecting the nipple occurs within the coupler housing. A body member which receives the valved nipple slides within the housing to actuate a locking mechanism to retain the nipple. The body member supports the coupler valve in a spring loaded retainer so that coupler and nipple valves engage and are balanced in valve open positions. A second spring loaded device supports the coupler valve at the open position and resists further opening movement, thereby preventing flow checking at the nipple. Seals between the body member and housing isolate a stepped chamber therebetween in fluid communication with an inner chamber closed by the coupler valve. The volume of the stepped chamber changes upon movement of the body member and is dimensioned to correspond inversely to changes in volume of the inner chamber to prevent a fluid lock condition.

Abstract: A push-pull type fluid coupling having interfitting male and female bodies. The female body carries radially movable ball detents to lock the male body in position, the detents being held inwardly by a rigidly mounted sleeve which supports the female body for relative axial movement. Both bodies have spring biased fluid retaining valves which are opened when the bodies interfit but close when they are disconnected. Two axially disposed springs surround the female body member and coact with the sleeve to resist movement of the body members in one direction, thus providing one level of required uncoupling force while only one of the springs is operative to resist movement of the body members in the other direction, thus providing a reduced force requirement for coupling.

Abstract: A manually actuated coupler hydraulically connects large diameter high pressure conduits while the conduits are pressurized. One of the conduits is provided with a body 11, a sleeve 12, and a lever 13 for effecting relative movement between the body and the sleeve. The other conduit is provided with a nipple 14. When the nipple and body are initially connected, they cooperatively define a chamber 43 which is hydraulically isolated from both conduits. The lever is then rotated to advance the sleeve toward the nipple and to open poppet valves 33, 34 in the sleeve and nipple to hydraulically connect the conduits through the chamber 43. The sleeve includes a pressure balancing area 48 which is in open fluid pressure communication with the chamber 43 under conditions, so that high fluid pressure from either conduit will pressure balance the sleeve.