Abstract: A coupling assembly having male and female coupling members that are connectable and separable from each other. The coupling assembly utilizes a resiliently expandable locking element, which is provided on the male coupling member, to connect the male and female coupling members together by trapping the locking element, in its expanded position, between respective locking surfaces of the male and female coupling members. A locking sleeve, which is movable between unlocked and locked positions, is employed to move the locking element to its expanded position. In this position, the locking element prevents the withdrawal of the male coupling member from the female coupling member by creating a positive lock therebetween. To maintain the locking sleeve in its locked position, a retainer can be used.

Abstract: A coupling assembly including first and second members arrangeable between uncoupled and coupled positions. The first member has a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the second member and internal threads provided therein. The second member has an exterior surface. A ratcheting locking member is disposed about the exterior surface of the second member and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The ratcheting locking member is also biased to the locking position and has a retaining formation configured to mesh with and engage the internal threads of the first member. Upon insertion of the second member into the first member, the retaining formation of the ratcheting locking member progressively engages the internal threads of the first member, thereby locking the first and second members together.

Abstract: A wheel valve assembly for adjusting the air pressure within a pneumatic tire is provided that includes a body that extends from a first end in communication with a pressure source to a second end in communication with the tire. A low pressure differential operable valve member is received within the body. The valve member is moveable between open and closed positions for respectively allowing and preventing air communication between the internal segment and the external segment of the body. The check valve of the present invention is virtually unaffected by the centrifugal force of a rotating tire to substantially prevent back flow of the tire air when the tire is rotating at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: A wheel valve assembly for adjusting the air pressure within a pneumatic tire is provided that includes a body that extends from a first end in communication with a pressure source to a second end in communication with the tire. A low pressure differential operable valve member is received within the body. The valve member is moveable between open and closed positions for respectively allowing and preventing air communication between the internal segment and the external segment of the body. The check valve of the present invention is virtually unaffected by the centrifugal force of a rotating tire to substantially prevent back flow of the tire air when the tire is rotating at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pre-assembled, high-pressure coupling interface adapter for use with a non-threaded port of a female member. The adapter comprises a generally cylindrically shaped metal body including a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface. The body includes an external segment having an external end and an internal segment having an internal end, the internal segment configured for receipt within the port of the female member. The inner surface of the body is configured to engage and secure one or more external features of a separate male coupling member. The present invention also includes a coupling assembly including a coupling adapter and a method for forming a female coupling assembly including an adapter.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member is integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and includes a duct therethrough for receiving the first member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a recessed seat portion of the second member to substantially inhibit the ingression of contaminates into the duct when the first and second members are connected. The foregoing coupling assembly is advantageous because it allows the second member to be formed directly into an apparatus. In other embodiments, the coupling assembly provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both a conventional female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member is integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and includes a duct therethrough for receiving the first member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a recessed seat portion of the second member to substantially inhibit the ingression of contaminates into the duct when the first and second members are connected. The foregoing coupling assembly is advantageous because it allows the second member to be formed directly into an apparatus. In other embodiments, the coupling assembly provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both a conventional female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pre-assembled, high-pressure coupling interface adapter for use with a non-threaded port of a female member. The adapter comprises a generally cylindrically shaped metal body including a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface. The body includes an external segment having an external end and an internal segment having an internal end, the internal segment configured for receipt within the port of the female member. The inner surface of the body is configured to engage and secure one or more external features of a separate male coupling member. The present invention also includes a coupling assembly including a coupling adapter and a method for forming a female coupling assembly including an adapter.

Abstract: A pressure relief adapter includes a body and a slideable sleeve positioned in a passageway thereof and cooperating therewith and with O-rings to define a sealed chamber containing ambient air or other gas. The slideable sleeve has an enlarged head at one end. A compression spring in the chamber urges the sleeve toward the end having the enlarged head. Upon introduction of hydraulic fluid under pressure into the passageway and sleeve, the hydraulic fluid acting on the enlarged head urges the sleeve in a direction compressing the spring and reducing the size of the chamber thereby relieving pressure in the fluid flow system in which the adapter is positioned.

Abstract: A female coupling member includes a body portion, a slideable sleeve positioned in the body portion and an axially extending stem valve sealingly engageable with the sleeve. Axial movement of the sleeve relative to the stem valve opens the female coupling member to the flow of fluid. The stem valve is provided with a cavity sized to receive a protruding nose of a male member to be attached thereto. The slideable sleeve and the stem valve are designed to receive the male coupling member including its flat insertion end and protruding nose with minimal air inclusion and minimal fluid loss upon disengagement.