Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, these and other problems in the prior art are addressed by providing a valve which comprises a valve body which includes an passage that extends at least partially therethrough, a valve seat which is formed in the passage, a valve member which is movably positioned in the passage proximate the valve seat, a first sealing element which is supported on the valve member and which in a closed position of the valve engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the passage, and a protective member which is movable relative to the valve member between a first position in which the protective member substantially covers the first sealing element when the valve is in the open position and a second position in which the protective member is retracted from the first sealing element when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pressure bleed device for a hydraulic coupling which includes a male component that comprises a body, a flow passage which extends generally axially through the body, a valve seat which is formed proximate one end of the flow passage, and a valve element which is biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to thereby close the flow passage. The pressure bleed device includes a bleed passage which extends through the body and communicates with the flow passage, and a valve for selectively opening the bleed passage when an internal pressure within the flow passage is greater than an external pressure outside the body. Thus, when the flow passage is closed, excess internal pressure within the flow passage is vented outside the body through the bleed passage.