Abstract: An enhanced quick coupling configuration has a push-to-connect locking mechanism in which holding the outer sleeve does not affect the ability to connect the coupling, and the outer sleeve otherwise does not need to be restrained by additional components. The coupling includes a single sleeve spring in the locking mechanism, and the use of smaller restriction slots to house axially offset locking balls in a manner that axially constrains movement of the locking balls. When a male component is inserted into the female component during a connection operation, a shoulder on the male component sequentially contacts the axially offset rows of locking balls, which drive the inner sleeve axially in an inward direction. In the fully connected state, the inner sleeve is biased axially outward so as to push back against the inward locking balls, thereby preventing further movement of the inward locking balls.

Abstract: A multi-coupling component (20) includes a plurality of fluid couplers (22, 24, 26, 28) that are fluidly connected to a plurality of corresponding fluid flow pathways (80, 84), and a case drain fluid coupler (32) that is fluidly connected to a low pressure drain fluid pathway (88); and a pressure relief mechanism (40) that is configured to be moved between a disconnected state, a partially connected state, and a fully connected state. The pressure relief mechanism is configured such that in the partially connected state the fluid flow pathways and drain fluid pathway are fluidly connected to perform a pressure relief function, and in the disconnected state and the connected state the drain fluid pathway is isolated from the fluid flow pathways. The pressure relief mechanism includes a pressure relief button, wherein the pressure relief button is depressed to move the pressure relief mechanism from the disconnected state to the partially connected state and to the connected state.

Abstract: A quick coupling assembly includes a first coupling element (10) and a second coupling element (50) that is inserted into the first coupling element. The first coupling element has a coupling body (12) and a valve (20), which define a volume displacement passage. When the second coupling element (50) is inserted, the second coupling element mechanically acts on the valve (20) to expel contaminants from the quick coupling assembly via the volume displacement passage. The valve includes a poppet (22) and a biasing spring (24), and the volume displacement passage includes a leak path (66) defined between the coupling body and the poppet. The poppet has an inward contour (68) that is spaced apart from the coupling body to define the leak path. The poppet has a widened portion (70) that provides a sealing surface when the assembly is fully coupled. The second coupling element (50) mechanically acts on the poppet (22) during insertion to expel the contaminants via the volume displacement passage.

Abstract: A multi-coupling system includes first and second multi-coupling components that can be connected and disconnected. When connected, opposing fluid couplers on the components are connected. The second multi-coupling component has a handle assembly including a hook retainer, and the first coupling component has a roller, and the handle assembly is rotatable to connect and disconnect the components. As the handle assembly rotates for connection, the hook retainer interacts as a single cam with the roller to pull the components together. A locking pin assembly has a locking pin that is moveable between extended and retracted positions, and when extended locks in a housing of the second component to prevent rotation of the handle assembly. A user manipulates the locking pin assembly to retract the locking pin, which is automatically retained in the retracted position. The locking pin automatically resets when the handle assembly is rotated to disconnect the multi-coupling components.

Abstract: An enhanced quick coupling configuration having a push-to-connect locking mechanism is provided in which holding the outer sleeve does not affect the ability to connect the coupling, and the outer sleeve otherwise does not need to be restrained by additional components. The locking mechanism also does not require the coupling components to overtravel during connection. Such advantages are accomplished using a reduction of design complexity over conventional configurations in the use of a single sleeve spring in the locking mechanism, and the use of smaller restriction slots to house axially offset locking balls in a manner that axially constrains movement of the locking balls. When a male component is inserted into the female component during a connection operation, a shoulder on the male component sequentially contacts the axially offset rows of locking balls, which drive the inner sleeve axially in an inward direction.

Abstract: A multi-coupling system includes first and second multi-coupling components that can be connected and disconnected. When connected, opposing fluid couplers on the components are connected. The second multi-coupling component has a handle assembly including a hook retainer, and the first coupling component has a roller, and the handle assembly is rotatable to connect and disconnect the components. As the handle assembly rotates for connection, the hook retainer interacts as a single cam with the roller to pull the components together. A locking pin assembly has a locking pin that is moveable between extended and retracted positions, and when extended locks in a housing of the second component to prevent rotation of the handle assembly. A user manipulates the locking pin assembly to retract the locking pin, which is automatically retained in the retracted position. The locking pin automatically resets when the handle assembly is rotated to disconnect the multi-coupling components.

Abstract: A quick coupling assembly includes a first coupling element (10) and a second coupling element (50) that is inserted into the first coupling element. The first coupling element has a coupling body (12) and a valve (20), which define a volume displacement passage. When the second coupling element (50) is inserted, the second coupling element mechanically acts on the valve (20) to expel contaminants from the quick coupling assembly via the volume displacement passage. The valve includes a poppet (22) and a biasing spring (24), and the volume displacement passage includes a leak path (66) defined between the coupling body and the poppet. The poppet has an inward contour (68) that is spaced apart from the coupling body to define the leak path. The poppet has a widened portion (70) that provides a sealing surface when the assembly is fully coupled. The second coupling element (50) mechanically acts on the poppet (22) during insertion to expel the contaminants via the volume displacement passage.

Abstract: A fluid coupling 10 includes a first coupling member 11 and a second coupling member 12. The coupling members 11 and 12 are longitudinally movable relative to one another between first through fifth configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 during a connection and disconnection sequence. The coupling 10 uses a locking sleeve 68 and locking balls 67 to facilitate connection and disconnection without tools. The coupling member 11 includes O-ring seals 26 and 27 carried on a sealing portion 24, and the locking balls 67 are radially spaced from the seals 26 and 27 during the connection and disconnection sequence to eliminate seal damage during the sequence. The first coupling member 11 includes a valve mechanism 41, 42, 43 and a fluid filter 46, and the valve mechanism is retained in place by the fluid filter 46. Cooperating valve mechanism 41, 42, 43, 63, 64, 65 includes a self-aligning valve poppet 64.

Abstract: A diversion valve fluid coupling, permitting alternate flows in first and second operating positions, including a valve housing with inlet, first and second outlet ports; a quick disconnect coupling attached to the second outlet port and a seal interposed therebetween; a movable diverter valve assembly, having interconnected actuating and opposing valves; the actuating valve, in the first operating position, having a first sealing engagement with the seal; the opposing valve, in the second operating position, having a second sealing engagement with a first outlet port; a biasing member, biasing the diverter valve into the first sealing engagement, blocking the second outlet port while permitting flow to the first outlet port; and, for the second operating position, a nipple member, removably mating with the quick disconnect coupling and translating the diverter valve into the second sealing engagement, blocking the first outlet port while permitting flow into the second outlet port.

Abstract: This invention concerns an autonomus media termination centric signaling architecture that takes advantage of both a peer-to-peer signaling protocol such as the SIP and Master/Slave protocols such as MGCP/Megaco/NCS. More specifically, the present invention describes an Internet telephony agent comprising a user agent call manager including a user agent stack for communication with a peer, a master stack, and a multi-protocol call manager for communication between the user agent stack and the master stack; and a media termination coupled to the user agent call manager including a hardware manager, and a slave stack for communication between the master stack and the hardware manager. The user call manager and the media termination of Internet telephony agent may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled, allowing the inter-operation of the Internet telephony agent with both SIP and MGCP/Megaco/NCS media terminations.