Abstract: A hydraulic fast fitting for hydraulic pipes, including a first fitting element (1) in fluid communication with a first pipe (2), provided with a first valve (3) for opening and closing the fluid communication with the first pipe (2), and a second fitting element (5), provided with a second valve (6) for opening or closing a fluid communication with a second pipe (7), and further including a removable fast-coupling device (19) for connecting said first and second fitting elements (1, 5) and establishing a fluid communication between said first and second pipes (2, 7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for high-pressure fluid delivery systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a breakaway device which prevents uncontrolled “whipping” of the conduit ends upon a rupture. A heat dissipating coupling, permitting operation of the conduit system at desired temperatures, is also included, as is a breakaway device provided with such a heat dissipation feature.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises male and female coupling members that are connectable by inserting a probe of the male member into a socket of the female member. A fluid passageway within the female member has an aperture within the socket that is open and closed by a first closing member that moves within the socket. A fluid passageway within the male member has an aperture on the probe that is open and closed by a second closing member. When mated fluid flows between the two fluid passageways. The female member includes a first cage. During insertion of the probe into the socket, the first cage releasably locks the first closing member to the probe such that the cage carries any separation forces created due to the pressure of the fluid within the passageways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact cartridge coupling of the type adapted to connect a pressurized fluid line between a vehicle or apparatus and a user, the coupling comprising a female semi-coupling adapted to receive a male semi-coupling and a decompression element adapted to moderate the pressure inside the female semi-coupling thus allowing a male under pressure to be coupled and allowing the male to be disconnected while leaving pressure in the user line, the cartridge coupling being further characterized by a 3:1 hydraulic unbalancing system between the pressure force acting on the female valve assembly and that acting on the male valve assembly.

Abstract: A dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member protects an opposing undersea hydraulic coupling member when the hydraulic lines are not operating. The dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member has a water displacement expansion chamber with a piston in the chamber that allows trapped water and/or air to move from the receiving chamber into the water displacement expansion chamber during connection of the dummy coupling member to the opposing coupling member. The piston has both a primary seal and a secondary, hydrostatic seal for preventing seawater from entering the portion of the water displacement expansion chamber that is contacted by the primary seal.

Abstract: A coaxial quick coupling suitable for being employed in very high pressure applications in the field of emergency tools, such as shears, retractors, cylinder lifters and the like, and/or in the construction field. The coupling according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a high standardization of the internal components, different components being used both in the male coupling and in the female coupling, and in that it has a greater structural and constructional simplicity, also having few points of elastomeric sealing, which results in longer duration and greater reliability of the coupling itself.

Abstract: A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art.

Abstract: An instrument for filling a substance supply container of a device for personal care treatment has a filling needle having a proximal end connected or connectable to a storage reservoir and a distal end, a substance transport conduit extending from the proximal end to at least one outlet provided in a radially facing surface portion closely adjacent the distal end of the filling needle. A sleeve is arranged around the filling needle and is movable between a first position closing off the at least one outlet and a second position proximally away from the first position and the at least one outlet. A system including such an instrument, a container for cooperation with such an instrument and for provisioning a device for personal care treatment as well as a device for personal care treatment including such a container are described.

Abstract: An aseptic fluid connector having a first connector including a first fluid passageway for receiving a fluid therein; a first port in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway for passage of the fluid therethrough; and a first deflecting member. The first deflecting member includes a first engaging portion radially spaced relative to the first port, and a first valve movable between a closed position and an open position with movement of the first engaging portion between a non-deflected position and a deflected position, respectively. In the non-deflected position, the first valve is located in the closed position forming a fluid-tight seal between the first valve and first port and preventing the passage of fluid therethrough, and in the deflected position, the first valve is located in the open position allowing the aseptic passage of fluid through the first port.

Abstract: A housing at each end of a conduit defines a valve seat. A connector is connected to a valve body in each housing and holds the bodies away from the seats until the conduit fails, after which each body moves into contact with the corresponding seat. A compression zone between each body and the corresponding seat is sufficiently large to reduce heat generated thereat from adiabatic compression of the fluid flowing therethrough. In a variation, two heat-dissipating ribs are externally positioned on each housing adjacent the compression zone. In another variation, the connector is a generally helical spring within the conduit and sized to be in contact with an interior wall of the conduit so that the spring provides structural strength thereto. In another variation, a third housing is employed as a one-way check valve.

Abstract: A male and female set of hydraulic coupler cartridges mate such that one part of the coupler can be left in place, e.g. the female coupler, with the other portion of the coupler, e.g. the male coupler, being removably connected or disconnected. Valves within each cartridge comprise an actuator and springs within each cartridge urge the valves into a closed, sealing position. When the cartridges mate, spring and/or fluid pressure within the cartridges operates to either allow or disallow fluid flow. Once the cartridges are mated, their respective springs are partially compressed and movement of one of the valves operates to compress one spring and correspondingly decompress the other. The cartridges can therefore be mated and unmated, e.g. subsea, while fluid flow is prevented through them during the mating and unmating.

Abstract: A chemical injection line connector includes first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. A method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines includes securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic fluid control line connector including first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. There is further provided a method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of hydraulic fluid control lines by securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a hydraulic line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes and houses, in a plug and a socket: valves; springs that bias the valves so as to bring the valves into pressure contact with valve seats; and spring holders which position and hold the springs. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the valves abut against each other and are retracted, and flow paths in the plug and the socket are connected to each other. Each of the valves includes: a largest diameter portion that abuts against an inner circumferential surface of the plug or the socket and positions the valve in an axial direction thereof; and inclined surfaces reduced in diameter from the largest diameter portion toward both sides in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling closure for a docking device used for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner. The coupling closure has a closure side and a container side and comprises a nozzle stub and a cap which is mounted in the nozzle stub so as to be pivotable about an axis and has an external side that faces the closure side in the closed position. The invention further relates to a docking device for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner. The docking device comprises first and second disclosed coupling closures which can be placed flush against each other by the respective closure sides thereof. The invention also relates to a working platform, a locking unit for a docking device, and a method for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner.

Abstract: A safety breakaway connector begins with a body that receives a cooperating insert providing a coaxial flow path. The body has threads, a collar leading to an extension, and a hollow interior. The insert also has threads, a collar that leads to an inner wall, and a hollow interior. The inner wall fits snugly within the extension of the body. Generally, the insert simply slides into and interconnects with the body for quick installation. Two spaced apart biased check valves remain slightly outwardly from the narrow portions of the body and insert. A guard covers the body. Upon the application of the minimum force, the insert separates from the body, and the check valves abruptly close preventing further leakage of fuel. Alternatively, a strategically located O-ring or gasket seals the various components and withstands pressure variations.

Abstract: A quick coupling includes a first element and a second element which may be separably coupled. The first element includes a connector for connecting to a user interface, an external sleeve having helicoidal grooves and seats, and a first valved coupling for a first pressure line. The second element includes a hooking ring nut, a plurality of internal pins, a compression spring, a second valved coupling for a second pressure line, and a connector. The second element further comprises a safety ring nut and a plurality of safety pins provided along a circumference of the safety ring nut, the safety pins being configured to axially slide with the safety ring nut. The safety pins are configured to be pushed by the hooking ring nut and the compression spring into the seats of the external sleeve.

Abstract: Coupling locks, attachment modules, and docking devices allow for re-filling, filling and/or emptying of containers in a manner that is insulated against the environment. An attachment module includes a coupling lock and a locking clamp, where the coupling lock includes a pipe nozzle and a closing flap. A first clamping element is located on an outer side of the pipe nozzle to engage with a second clamping element by means of the locking clamp to create a temporary connection. A docking device includes the first coupling lock or the attachment module, and a second coupling lock, complementary to the first coupling lock. When the closing flaps of the first and second coupling locks are brought into contact with each other, they can be pivoted from a closed position, where they lock the transfer channel formed by the pipe nozzles, around a shared axis into an open position.

Abstract: A docking device for transferring the contents of, filling, and/or emptying containers comprises first and second coupling latches positioned flush to one another along respective closing sides thereof. A locking unit is configured for locking together pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latches. The locking unit includes at least one movable first arresting element that is present in a passage that has an opening to an exterior of the second coupling latch, and is configured to interact with a corresponding second arresting element present on an exterior of the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch. The docking device further comprises a bolt that is movable in a cylinder. The bolt has a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a third transfer section between the first and second section with a tapering diameter.

Abstract: A coupler having a socket with a valve and an element for energizing the valve in a closing direction, and a plug having a valve and an element for energizing the valve of the plug in a closing direction, where the plug is detachably fitted and coupled with the socket and is capable of communicating with the socket by opening the valve of the plug and the valve of the socket in the fitted and coupled state, A key groove or a key is provided in either the socket or the plug, and a ring member having a key or a key groove which can be fitted with the key groove or the key is provided in the other of the socket and the plug and the ring member is rotatable about a central axis of connection of the socket and the plug.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as an anesthetic, from the outlet port of a reservoir to a machine while effectively and conveniently minimizing the release of anesthetic. In one embodiment, the apparatus and system can include a first valve movable between a first position and a second position; a first housing surrounding the first valve; a second valve slidably connected to the first valve and movable between a third position and a fourth position; and a second housing which surrounds the second valve; wherein the apparatus defines a first opening, a second opening, and a receiver passage between the first and second openings. In another embodiment, a movable plunger can be slidably connected to the second valve.

Abstract: Provided herein are couplings useful in the transfer of liquid fuels from a remote storage reservoir to an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle's fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A coupling device which contributes to a further reduction in the space required to transport a die etc., in which first and second joints are simplified in structure and downsized, and that is advantageous when multiple sets of such first and second joints are installed. The coupling device comprises a female joint and a male joint. The female joint is fitted on a mold and comprises a first valve casing, a first valve body, and a first open/close valve having a first valve seat and a first valve portion. The male joint is fitted on a clamping plate of an injection molding machine and comprises a second valve casing, a second valve body, and a second open/close valve having a second valve seat and a second valve portion. The coupling device further comprises a valve body drive unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupler for providing fluid communication between adjacent members that includes a two way check valve formed from a double headed poppet set in a hollow cylinder with corrugated bellows like walls. Contoured bores are provided in the cylinder ends and the poppet heads are profiled to match the contour of the bores. When the heads are seated in the bores they form a sealing surface to block fluid from flowing through the coupler. Compressively preloading the cylinder before assembly provides a sealing force between the heads and the bores. Axially compressing the cylinder with respect to the poppet unseats the heads from the bores to form a flow path through the coupler.

Abstract: The invention concerns the female or male member (3) of a connection (1) that can be connected with a corresponding male or female connection member (5) and includes a pusher (33) and a stop valve (35) capable of sliding axially relative to the pusher (33) for coupling to the member (3). The member (3) further includes at least one seal (34) mounted on a first part (35) selected from the pusher and the valve and capable of sealing interaction with a first portion (331) of the second part (33) selected from the pusher and the valve in an uncoupled configuration of the member (3). In the coupled configuration of the member (3), a second portion (333) of the second part (33), defining a seal (34) protection portion (333), is radially provided between the seal (34) and a main fluid flow line (V) in the member (3).

Abstract: A coupler having a stop valve, in which one of the connectors comprises a cylindrical wall, and a fixed shaft arranged along an axis of the cylindrical wall. A valve seat is arranged around the fixed shaft, and the valve seat is tapered to widen a diameter thereof. A cylindrical valve element is fitted onto the fixed shaft to slide in its axial direction while being pushed by an elastic member, and an inner circumferential face of the valve element is tapered to be congruent with the taper of the valve seat. An engagement portion which is diametrically larger than the leading end portion of the valve element is formed on the outer circumferential face of the valve element at an intermediate portion. Another connector comprises a cylindrical portion. A pushing portion is formed at an end of the cylindrical portion for pushing the valve element at the engagement portion.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic fluid control line connector including first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. There is further provided a method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of hydraulic fluid control lines by securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a hydraulic line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.

Abstract: A chemical injection line connector includes first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. A method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines includes securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.

Abstract: A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature is activated by the fracture of an annular ring that is positioned at either end of the high-pressure fluid conduit and is calibrated to fracture when exposed to the predetermined force. Fracture of the annular ring closes valves at each end of the high-pressure fluid conduit, thereby stopping the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source as well as the escape of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid container.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have a angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal.

Abstract: An instrument (23) for filling a substance supply container (1) of a device (21) for personal care treatment has a filling needle (4) having a proximal end connected or connectable to a storage reservoir (22) and a distal end, a substance transport conduit (9) extending from the proximal end to at least one outlet (10, 11) provided in a radially facing surface portion closely adjacent the distal end of the filling needle (4). A sleeve (14, 15) is arranged around the filling needle (4) and is movable between a first position closing off the at least one outlet (10, 11) and a second position proximally away from the first position and the at least one outlet (10, 11). A system (20) including such an instrument (23), a container (1) for cooperation with such an instrument (23) and for provisioning a device (21) for personal care treatment as well as a device (21) for personal care treatment including such a container (1) are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coaxial quick coupling suitable for being employed in very high pressure applications in the field of emergency tools, such as shears, retractors, cylinder lifters and the like, and/or in the construction field. The coupling according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a high standardization of the internal components, different components being used both in the male coupling and in the female coupling, and in that it has a greater structural and constructional simplicity, also having few points of elastomeric sealing, which results in longer duration and greater reliability of the coupling itself.

Abstract: A safety breakaway connector has a male fitting and a female fitting inserted into one another. The female fitting includes a swivel that rotates about an angle to a breakaway portion of the invention. The swivel has a female portion connected to the breakaway portion and a male portion that pivotally connects to a nozzle. The male portion has an axis spaced apart from the axis of the breakaway portion. The male portion rotates or pivots about the female portion subject to a biased cam. The biased cam has a ball bearing that travels within a race formed in the male swivel. The biased cam provides an offset to the connector so that a fuel line in communication therewith avoids an orientation perpendicular to the direction of travel of a vehicle. The breakaway portion then detaches the fuel line cleanly from the swivel that remains with the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A pipe coupling including a female pipe coupling member (3) and a male pipe coupling member (5). The female pipe coupling member (3) includes a female member body (11), a locking element hole (13), a locking element (15), and an outer cylindrical member (17) for preventing the locking element from being dislodged from the locking element hole (13). The male pipe coupling member (5) includes a male member body (21), a displacement preventing portion (23), an engaging groove (25), and a sleeve (27). A sleeve receiving portion (19) is formed between an outer peripheral surface (12) of the female member body (11) and the outer cylindrical member (17). The sleeve receiving portion (19) has a jam preventing portion (20) on the radially outer side of an opening edge (13b) of the locking element hole opening at the outer peripheral surface (12) of the female member body (11), whereby the locking element pushed by the sleeve (27) is prevented from being jammed between the opening edge (13b) and the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact cartridge coupling of the type adapted to connect a pressurized fluid line between a vehicle or apparatus and a utility, which coupling is of the type comprising a female half-coupling adapted to accommodate a male half-coupling. The cartridge coupling according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises decompression means adapted to reduce the pressure within the line and is further characterized in that it comprises mechanical blocking means adapted to avoid the two half-couplings from involuntarily closing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting piping assembly with limiter, including a first connecting piping and a second connecting piping. The first connecting piping contains a first coupling end, a first assembly portion and a first flow channel. The second connecting piping contains a second coupling end, a second assembly portion and a second flow channel. The first and second assembly portions can be mated and positioned so that the first and second flow channels are interconnected. A locating part is provided with a polygonal through-hole, which can be slidably sleeved on the perimeter of the first and second assembly portions, such that the polygonal through-hole is mated with the perimeter of the first and second assembly portions. The locating part is positioned via a locator.

Abstract: A socket for a fluid-transfer coupling device (5) that communicates a flow path in the socket with a flow path in a plug (70) since the socket (10) and the plug are connected to each other, includes a mount panel attachment (17) arranged in the vicinity of an entry (19) of the socket allowing the plug to be inserted, and attaching the socket to a mount panel (18) and a support (35) arranged in a different position from the entry and supporting the socket. Consequently, the socket can be stably supported on the mount panel even if the flow rate of fluid is large. It is preferable that at least one part of the socket is constructed in a spigot-and-socket manner.

Abstract: A subsea coupling comprises a male coupler having a probe and a female coupler comprising a socket for the reception of the probe. The couplers each include a valve which is openable on mating of the couplers to provide communication with the socket. The socket includes a recess accommodating an annular seal for providing a radial seal between the probe and the socket. In one embodiment the leading edge of the probe includes at least one relief channel for allowing the escape of hydraulic fluid entrapped between the probe, the seal and the recess when the couplers are made up. There may be a stand-off ring disposed between one end of the recess and the inner side of the seal. In another embodiment the relief channel is provided in the socket.

Abstract: A coupling member is disclosed which includes a valve device that is axially movable between an open position and a closed position where the valve device closes an annular valve opening defined an outer valve seat portion and an inner valve seat portion. The valve device includes an outer annular sealing member and an inner annular sealing member. The inner annular sealing member includes an annular extending portion configured such that, when the valve device approaches the closed position, the annular extending portion sealingly engages the inner valve seat portion and is elastically bent to allow the valve device advance further to the closed position so that the outer annular sealing member positively engages the outer valve seat portion.

Abstract: A nurse vehicle carries a supply of liquid chemicals or fertilizer for being applied by a sprayer vehicle. A fluid transfer conduit of the nurse vehicle has an end defined by a receptacle that is selectively connected to a complementary dimensioned insert defining an end of a fluid intake conduit of the sprayer vehicle. The receptacle and insert define a coupler assembly that includes an inflatable seal that surrounds the insert and locks the insert and receptacle together when inflated. Flow through the coupler assembly is controlled by first and second poppet valves, which are normally closed preventing flow through valve bodies of the receptacle and insert. Selective inflation of the seal and opening and closing of the poppet valves is automatically controlled in accordance with sequencing logic of an electronic controller so the seal is inflated before the valves are opened and remains inflated until the valves are closed.

Abstract: A first coupling member 10 has a body 11 and an internal poppet 16. The exterior of the body 11 includes flats 30. A lug 31 is formed on one of the flats 30 during machining of the flats 30. A dust cover attached to the first coupling member 11 includes a cover portion 40 and a tether portion 41. The cover portion 40 protects an exterior surface 19 of the body, and the cover portion 40 to and tether portion 41 each protects one lateral side of the lug 31. The tether portion 41 includes an annular ring portion 43 disposed in an annular groove 25. A second embodiment 110 of the first coupling member is also disclosed. A second coupling member 210 may be coupled to or uncoupled from either of the first coupling members 10 or 110.

Abstract: A hydraulic fast fitting for hydraulic pipes, including a first fitting element (1) in fluid communication with a first pipe (2), provided with a first valve (3) for opening and closing the fluid communication with the first pipe (2), and a second fitting element (5), provided with a second valve (6) for opening or closing a fluid communication with a second pipe (7), and further including a removable fast-coupling device (19) for connecting said first and second fitting elements (1, 5) and establishing a fluid communication between said first and second pipes (2, 7).

Abstract: A subsea female coupler has a body defining a socket for the reception of a probe of a male coupler. The socket includes an annular shoulder and, outwardly of the shoulder, a part-conical seat which tapers towards the interior of the socket. An annular seal is disposed to provide radial sealing between the socket and the probe and is positioned in the annular shoulder. A metal retainer in the form of a securing ring, which has a bevelled rim for abutment with the seat, provides sealing between the region of the seal and the exterior of the body of the coupler. The retainer has a screw-threaded periphery for engagement with a complementary thread on the interior of the socket. An inner ring liner fits within the retainer and has a flange for abutting the seal.

Abstract: A pipeline breakaway coupling (10) comprising a pair of valve housing members (12,14) fixedly attached to each other by means of one or more breakaway coupling members (16). The valve housing members (12,14) define a hollow bore (18) along which flowable material may flow and the breakaway coupling members (16) permit the valve housing members (12,14) to separate from each other when exposed to a tensile load exceeding a predetermined limit. An end cap (26) releasably connected to each valve housing member (12,14) to allow connection of the valve housing members (12,14) to respective inlet and outlet pipelines. A valve cassette (20) is releasably retained between each valve housing member (12,14) and the respective end cap (26). Each valve cassette (20) includes a valve member (22) movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position.

Abstract: A pipe joint is equipped with a socket and a plug, which are attachable and detachable from each other, wherein a pressure fluid introduced from the plug flows toward the socket through second holes formed in a plug valve. In addition, the pressure fluid flows smoothly along outer circumferential surfaces of the plug valve and a socket valve, and along inner circumferential surfaces of a plug body and a socket body. Further, the pressure fluid flows from the socket body to a back body, through first holes formed in the socket valve.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member includes a bidirectional, pressure-energized probe seal for sealing between the body of the female coupling member and the cylindrical probe section of a male coupling member seated in the receiving chamber of the female member. In one embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a first curved section which is oriented towards the external end of the receiving chamber in which it is installed and a second curved section oriented towards the interior end of the receiving chamber. The two curved sections are joined by a substantially straight back section. When the pressure of fluid within the coupling member is above the ambient fluid pressure, the first curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. When external pressure (e.g., the hydrostatic head) exceeds the pressure of fluid within the coupling member, the second curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.

Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening and exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.

Abstract: A shut-off valve or connecting valve capable of connecting a fuel supply to a fuel cell is disclosed. The valve comprises a first valve component and a second valve component. Each valve component has an outer housing and a biased slidable member disposed inside the housing forming an internal seal. During the connection process, the two valve components establish an inter-component seal. Afterward, in one suitable embodiment the slidable member moves inward and opens the internal seal in the valve component to establish a flow path. In another embodiment, the slidable member moves inward and exposes a first filler and the first filler abuts a second filler in the other valve component to establish a flow path. In other embodiments, at least one valve component is sized and dimensioned to limit access to the internal seal.

Abstract: A container insert having at least two primary pieces, wherein one of the pieces includes keying features that may be replaceable with other pieces having different keying features. A related single piece container insert includes multiple keying features formed on the interior and exterior surfaces of the container insert. A related coupling assembly includes a venting system that vents a fluid into the container after a valve in the coupling assembly, which is positioned in the container contents flow path, has been opened.