Abstract: A coupling for use in connecting a pair of conduits in fluid communication includes a plug assembly having a fluid flow passage therethrough and adapted to be connected with one of the conduits and a socket assembly having a fluid flow passage therethrough and adapted to be connected with another of the conduits. The coupling includes a vent valve assembly for venting of fluid pressure in the plug and socket assemblies and the conduits. The vent valve assembly includes an outlet port having a seat and a valve member biased into abutting engagement with the seat to block fluid flow through the outlet port. The vent valve assembly further includes a manually actuatable member for moving the valve member out of engagement with the seat to enable fluid to flow through the outlet port.

Abstract: The socket of a plug and socket type coupling is mounted with an assembly tool which makes sure that a threaded connection between the socket and a mounting member is properly tightened. When the socket is to be mounted, the socket is operated to a disengaged condition and the assembly tool is inserted into the socket. The socket is then operated to an engaged condition. This causes locking elements in the socket to engage the assembly tool to hold the assembly tool in the socket. Torque is then applied to the assembly tool. When the threaded connection has been tightened to a desired extent, a breakaway section of the assembly tool fractures to interrupt the transmission of force to the socket. The socket is then operated to the released condition and the end portion of the broken assembly tool is removed from the socket. A plug is then inserted in the socket to enable fluid under pressure to be conducted through the coupling.

Abstract: The socket of a plug and socket type coupling is mounted with an assembly tool which makes sure that a threaded connection between the socket and a mounting member is properly tightened. When the socket is to be mounted, the socket is operated to a disengaged condition and the assembly tool is inserted into the socket. The socket is then operated to an engaged condition. This causes locking elements in the socket to engage the assembly tool to hold the assembly tool in the socket. Torque is then applied to the assembly tool. When the threaded connection has been tightened to a desired extent, a breakway section of the assembly tool fractures to interrupt the transmission of force to the socket. The socket is then operated to the released condition and the end portion of the broken assembly tool is removed from the socket. A plug is then inserted in the socket to enable fluid under pressure to be conducted through the coupling.

Abstract: An improved air conditioning charging apparatus includes a plug which is connected with the air conditioning system. The plug is provided with a valve of the automotive tire or Dill type to prevent leakage of refrigerant fluid from the air conditioning system. To further prevent leakage of refrigerant fluid from the air conditioning system, the threaded outer end portion of the plug is capped. When the air conditioning system is to be charged with refrigerant fluid, the cap is removed and a socket assembly which is connected to a source of refrigerant fluid under pressure is connected with the plug. To provide a secure connection between the socket assembly and the plug, an external groove is formed in the plug and is engaged by locking balls on the socket assembly. This external groove is disposed inwardly of the threaded outer end portion of the plug.

Abstract: There is provided a quick connect-disconnect coupling for simultaneous connection and disconnection of fluid conduits and an electrical conductor. The coupling is characterized by an electrical socket structure carried by a wall across the fluid socket. The electrical socket is constructed and dimensioned for telescopic receipt of a fluid plug member adapted to be lockingly engaged in said fluid socket. The fluid plug member includes a cooperating electrical plug structure recessed within the leading end portion thereof. The fluid plug and the fluid socket members protect the electrical conductor elements in the disconnected condition against damage in handling. A sleeve valve is provided in the coupling to control fluid flow between on and off conditions while the coupling is connected.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly includes a plurality of resilient spring fingers which engage a plug to hold it against both axial and sidewise movement relative to a socket body. Each of the spring fingers has an axially inner end portion with a pair of mounting tabs which engage openings in an outer side surface of the socket body to hold the spring fingers against axial movement relative to the socket body. When the coupling assembly is in a disengaged condition, axially outer end portions of the spring fingers are disposed in a circular array having a relatively large diameter to enable the plug to be readily inserted in a socket chamber. Once the plug has been inserted into the socket chamber, a slide is moved axially relative to the socket body to resiliently deflect the spring fingers inwardly. As this occurs, radially extending retaining surfaces on the spring fingers are moved into engagement with an annular rim formed on the plug to hold the plug against axial movement relative to the socket body.

Abstract: A tuyere and tuyere punch assembly on a converter for processing metals includes a quick disconnect coupling connection for a variable length conduit assembly through which blowing gas is supplied to the tuyere from a blowing gas supply manifold having a connection spaced a fixed distance from the quick disconnect coupling connection. The variable length conduit assembly includes a corrugated tube having one end portion slidably received in fluid sealing engagement with a sleeve portion of a plug member having a locking nose cooperable with a socket on the quick disconnect coupling connection. The variable length conduit assembly provides easy insertion and removal thereof between the two connections and special easily replaceable elastomeric coupling seals minimize malfunction of movable parts on the quick disconnect coupling.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly includes a plug and socket which are connectable to interconnect a pair of fluid conduits. When the coupling is disconnected, resiliently deflectable spring fingers on a plug body are disposed in a retracted position. When the coupling assembly is to be connected, the retracted spring fingers are inserted through an opening into a socket chamber. A slide is then moved axially toward the socket to resiliently deflect the spring fingers outwardly away from the plug body to an extended position in which outer end surfaces on the spring fingers are engageable with an annular stop surface in the socket chamber. When the coupling is to be disconnected, the sleeve or slide is moved axially away from the spring fingers and their natural resilience causes them to move inwardly toward the plug body so that the outer ends of the spring fingers can pass through the opening as the plug is withdrawn from the socket chamber.