Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling is disclosed having a male member with a tapered, frusta-conical surface and a female member with a tapered, frusta-conical bore. Before radial seals engage the frusta-conical surfaces, trapped seawater is expelled or displaced from the bore through the space between the coupling members, thereby preventing seawater from entering hydraulic lines.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having an extended probe section is disclosed. The male member of the coupling houses a valve spring having a larger diameter than the diameter of the valve body. The valve spring is configured to close the valve to prevent ingress of sea water or leakage of hydraulic fluid from the system. One or more seals engage the extended probe section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for connecting vacuum-insulated line ends (12, 13) via a coupling socket (11) and a coupling plug (10) which are provided for conveying a cryogenic medium and which have closing elements (28, 29) at the outer line ends that close the line ends. In order to ensure a simple replacement of the gaskets and improved safety during operation and in case of operating errors, the closing elements (28, 29) of both line ends (12, 13) are directly adjacent to the separation plane (27) of the coupling socket (11) and of the coupling plug (10).

Abstract: A low spill anti-check fluid coupling for pressurized fluid systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a female part and a male part. The female part has a body member and a sleeve mounted for axial movement within said body member. A spring biased female valve is positioned within the body member. A handle mounted for rotation on said body member is operatively connected to the sleeve for opening said female valve to initiate fluid flow through the coupling. An anti-check spring is operatively connected to the female valve for retaining said female valve is an open position when the fluid coupling is in an open fluid flow condition.

Abstract: An additional isolation valve is incorporated into a vacuum processing system to increase the life of the system's mechanical pump, reduce maintenance costs and downtime, prevent particle back streaming and reduce safety risks to maintenance technicians. The system has a process chamber with at least one port, a foreline valve connected to the port, and a vacuum manifold in fluid communication with the foreline valve. The mechanical pump is connected to the vacuum manifold for evacuating the contents of the process chamber. The isolation valve is connected between the foreline valve and the vacuum manifold and is operated in unison, or primarily in unison, with the foreline valve.

Abstract: A valve fitting comprises a female element and a male element. The elements are composed of fixed parts and axially sliding parts that, when at rest, arrange themselves in a closing position of a passage opening for fluid and in occurrence of the coupling between the two elements are displaced by their engagement with corresponding parts of the other element to an opening position of the passage opening. The male element includes a safety valve to intercept a fluid feed substantially at the end of the coupling manoeuvre of the two fitting elements. The male coupling member includes also a pressure relief valve interposed between the fluid feed and a pressure relief chamber.

Abstract: A female coupler includes a housing adapted to receive a male coupler. A port is provided in the housing for supplying pressurized fluid to the bore. A cylindrical valve body is disposed in the bore and is axially movable in the housing. The valve body includes an interior annular valve seat. A cylindrical poppet valve is normally spring biased against the valve seat and includes a projection adapted to engage a valve member in the male coupler. A cylindrical piston is closely received about the poppet valve and disposed between the poppet valve and the valve body. The piston includes an axial passage which fluidly interconnects an inlet passage of the valve body to the rear surface of the piston. When the piston moves forwardly, the piston engages an enlarged head on the poppet valve. The fluid passage through the piston facilitates moving the piston, and hence the poppet valve forwardly against the valve member and the male coupler when there are excessive pressures contained in the male coupler.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve (2) for receiving a coupling plug (20, 20'), which two parts, together, form a hydraulic coupling and serve to connect two hydraulic pipes. The coupling sleeve (2) has a housing (1) and a receiving chamber (4) to receive and secure a coupling plug (20, 20'). The housing (1) is associated with a valve (5). The valve (5) is operated from the outside and can be transferred into an open position to establish a connection with the receiving chamber (4). The receiving chamber (4) is associated with a sealing member to achieve a sealing effect relative to the coupling plug. The receiving chamber is designed to receive, alternatively, at least two different coupling plugs. For this purpose, the receiving chamber is provided with separate sealing elements (13, 14). Each sealing element (13, 14) serves to seal only one of the different coupling plugs. Thus, depending on the design of the coupling plug, a different sealing member becomes effective. This achieves an easy coupling operation.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve (1) for a hydraulic coupling has a member to receive and arrest a coupling plug. To open the plug valve of the coupling plug, a switching pin (16) is provided which passes through the valve body (9) of the coupling sleeve (1). In the open position, the pin (16) projects beyond the end face (12) into the receiving means (6). If the switching member (30) is opened by mistake, and it is to be returned to its closed position, the switching pin (16) must move into the starting position against the pressure in the sleeve chamber (37). To accomplish this movement, the switching pin (16) has an opening valve. The opening valve has an opening valve body (21) arranged in a through-channel (17) in the switching pin (16). The through-channel effects a connection between the receiving means (6) and the sleeve chamber (37) when the switching member (30) is returned into a closed position. Thus, the switching member (30) is able to return against the pressure building up in the sleeve chamber (37).

Abstract: Improved breakaway coupling 10, 10B includes an upstream housing 24, 24B and a downstream housing 26, 26B. A poppet 40, 40A, 40B, 40C is positioned within each respective upstream and downstream housing, and is biased by a spring 44, 44A, 44B, 44C for sealing engagement with a seating surface fixed to the respective housing. A push rod 58 maintains the upstream housing 40, 40B open when the coupling is mated. A spiral ring 72, 72B fits within a groove in both the upstream housing and the downstream housing when the coupling is mated, and is radially modified by sliding up a respective ramp surface 86, 86B when an axial pull is exerted on one of the flow lines connected to the coupling. The coupling may be easily reconnected by pressing the male housing into the female housing while the spiral ring is maintained in the groove in the female housing.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a male portion and a female portion wherein the female portion comprises: a housing, an inner body member positioned within the housing and slidable relative thereto, a relief valve positioning member, a piston residing intermediate the relief valve positioning member and the inner body member and slidable relative to the positioning member and the inner body member, and a valve. The housing includes a first port and a second port. The inner body member includes a port communicating with the first port of the housing. The relief valve positioning member includes a relief valve. The piston includes an interior, an exterior, and a passageway interconnecting the interior of the piston and the exterior of the piston. The valve slidably engages the piston and seats against the inner body member. The male portion of the coupling engages the inner body of the female portion.

Abstract: A fluid fitting coupling system which retains two assemblies axially through the use of a flange and lip arrangement and simultaneously retains those assemblies rotationally through either a radial detent or a snap spring are shown in variations. The designs are especially configured for molding so that each might utilize the material properties available and yet be economically manufactured. Further, user features including both visual and potentially audible indications of full assembly are incorporated into the designs and automatically achieved. Shut-off valve designs are shown which are automatically delayed in opening until some axial retention occurs to minimize any blow-off or other undesirable operational events. Swivel features may be incorporated when the application requires.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a male portion and a female portion wherein the female portion comprises: a housing, an inner body member positioned within the housing and slidable relative thereto, a relief valve positioning member, a piston residing intermediate the relief valve positioning member and the inner body member and slidable relative to the positioning member and the inner body member, and a valve. The housing includes a first port and a second port. The inner body member includes a port communicating with the first port of the housing. The relief valve positioning member includes a relief valve. The piston includes an interior, an exterior, and a passageway interconnecting the interior of the piston and the exterior of the piston. The valve slidably engages the piston and seats against the inner body member. The male portion of the coupling engages the inner body of the female portion.

Abstract: A system for the filling, transport and emptying of liquid containers which include a novel coupler mechanism for interconnection with a coupler operated extractor valve provided on the liquid container. The coupler includes a novel coupler flow control assembly for preventing liquid trapped within the coupler body from leaking back into the container to which the coupler is connected. More particularly, the coupler includes a novel one-way valve mechanism which permits liquid to be pumped from the container to which the coupler is interconnected, but positively blocks the flow of liquid in the opposite direction toward the container reservoir.

Abstract: A quick-set hydraulic coupler for use with the standard telescoping-type fluid or gas connectors on equipment within the agricultural, trucking, or tractor-trailer fields. The quick-set coupler includes a female half and a male half whereby the female half is mounted and includes a ring for engaging a lever. Depressing the lever will extend a spring biased inner member of the female half and expose a ring of retractable ball bearings that engage the male half. The lever is then released and the inner member retracts along with the coupled male member to form a tight seal.

Abstract: A coupling utilizes a male member having an internal poppet valve yieldingly urged to a closed position and an external ball retention sleeve yieldingly urged toward its connector end engageable with a female member. The female member has an internal poppet valve yieldingly urged to a closed position and a forward connector end wall section having a plurality of apertures in which are positioned balls for engaging an annular groove of the male member. The female member includes a retainer for preventing the balls from falling outwardly from the apertures.

Abstract: A vented quick disconnect coupling includes male and female coupling members, each including a valve which is situated and constructed to automatically open upon coupling of the members together and automatically close upon uncoupling of the members to eliminate spilling or leakage from either coupling member. The valves are constructed to afford a fluid tight seal without any O-ring seals. Likewise, the valves are situated at the joining ends of the coupling members to eliminate fluid loss when the coupling members are separated. At least one of the coupling members enables venting of gas from a fluid container on which it is mounted to dispel positive or negative pressure differentials relative to the atmosphere while precluding liquid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking together male and female coupling members for use in undersea production and drilling applications is disclosed. A lock pin engages a circumferential groove around the body of the female coupling member. The lock pin may be released to allow partial separation of the male and female coupling members while the valves of each coupling member are closed, allowing the coupling members to remain connected subsea while the flow of hydraulic fluid is shut off.

Abstract: The invention is a coupling which includes male and female portions thereof. The male portion usually has pressure applied to it due to heat build up from the environment. The male portion can be and usually is attached to a farm implement. Left in a field in the sun, pressure builds in the male portion while it is disconnected from the female portion. The female portion of the coupling enables the connection of the male portion without spilling any fluid from either the male or the female portions. This is accomplished by the simultaneous engagement of the body of the male and the male valve with an intermediate member of the female portion and the female valve of the female portion such that the female valve and the intermediate member move together into a sealed relationship with the male components. When the supply side female portion is pressurized by a pump the female valve forces the female and male valves to their open positions and allows flow between the female and male portions of the coupling.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect system for selectively connecting a slurry tank to a fluid supply line includes a first valve on the slurry tank and a second valve in the supply line fitting. Each of such valves includes a piston having a tapered neck extending from such valves. Each such piston slides within a cylinder having fluid passages extending through the walls of such cylinder, and each cylinder is received within a valve body. A biasing spring ordinarily advances such pistons to cause enlarged side wall portions of such pistons to seal the fluid passages that extend through the cylinders. Each piston has a tapered neck portion that extends outwardly from the valve, and upon connection of quick-disconnect system, the tapered neck portions of the pistons engage each other to simultaneously overcome the biasing springs. As each piston retracts, the enlarged side wall portions of the pistons slide past the fluid passages that extend through the cylinders, and are removed from the abrasive fluid flow path.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling includes a pair of interconnectable male and female members where each of the members includes a body portion and a fluid valve disposed within the body portion. The male and female members cooperate with the fluid valves to actuate the valves such that the valves are placed in either an open position or a closed position to control fluid flow therebetween. The female member has a receiving chamber for receiving the male member, and a longitudinal axis defining a direction of engagement and disengagement between the male and female members. The undersea connector includes at least one annular seal in the receiving chamber for engaging the male member in sealed cooperation with the female member when the male member is received within the receiving chamber.

Abstract: A sealed hydraulic coupling comprises two coupling elements, each of which has an outer body, a rigid sleeve, and one part of a deformable duct which is fitted and gripped between the outer body and sleeve of the coupling element associated with it. The interior of each sleeve communicates with the interior of the associated duct part. An obturator is associated with each sleeve, which is closed by a closure member. Each sleeve is rigid and has a fluid flow port in its side wall, the end of each sleeve being closed by an end plug. The obturator of each coupling element comprises a sealing element interposed between the outer body and the corresponding end plug. One of these end plugs is fixed and carries a seating for a movable sealing ring, while the other one is movable and carries a further sealing ring. The invention is especially suitable for use with hydraulic clutch control systems for motor vehicles.

Abstract: In a fluid coupling a bellows holder (21) and a shower ring (25) are axially movably mounted in a housing (15, 16, 17, and 18); the holder (21) supports a bellows (22); the shower ring (25) is fixedly mounted in the holder (21); the bellows (22) has a valve (39) in its front end; the valve (39) is disposed in the shower ring (25); the shower ring (25) has a cleaning chamber (25a) which is round in cross section to receive therein a plug (6) being coupled; the plug (6) has a valve (31) corresponding to that of valve (39) of the bellows holder (22); an O-ring 47 is disposed in an intermediate portion of the chamber (25a) which has an injection spout (46) in its side wall; a nozzle (43) is disposed in wall portion of the housing (15, 16, 17, and 18) and the housing (15, 16, 17, and 18) having a drain (50) disposed therein; the nozzle (43) supplies wash water to a spout (46) in shower ring (25); whereby, a strong current of wash water is introduced into the cleaning chamber (25a) and about an outer peripheral sur

Abstract: A fluid coupler connectable with a fitting of a variety which extends from an externally-threaded forward coupling end to a rearward port end. The coupler includes a body having an internal fluid passageway and valve stem. A distal end of the valve stem has a forward surface defining a seating portion, and a rearward surface engageable with a poppet valve of the fitting. A valve sleeve is received coaxially over the valve stem to define a fluid flow path therebetween. A rearward second end of the valve sleeve defines an outer periphery and an inner periphery configured to be received within the seating portion of the valve stem, and has a rearward confrontation surface with a seal member rotatably received within a mounting groove thereof. The valve sleeve is biased in a rearward first position wherein the second end thereof is received within the seating portion of the valve stem closing the fluid flow path, and is movable to a forward second position opening the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A plug-type coupler consisting of male part (P) and female part (M), particularly for the connecting of conduits (2, 3) conducting fluids (4), which coupling has, within the region of the abutment place (1) between male part (P) and female part (M), a metallic ring packing (D) which is expandable in its cross section as a result of its arrangement and of a surface slot (18) by fluid (4) which is under pressure and, in this connection, rests in part on the male part (P) and in part on the female part (M), and, in order to obtain a solution which is simple in manufacture and reliable in use, the ring packing (D) which is arranged on the male part (P), with its slot (17) facing radially inward is gripped over, on the other side of the slot edge lying in the insertion direction (arrow x) by an annular shoulder (24) from which there extends a frustoconical surface (25) which tapers down towards the axis (y--y) of the plug-type coupler and opposite which there is a mating surface (27) of the female part (M) which e

Abstract: A trouble-shooting shut-off valve includes an inlet-tail-tube mountable directly into a compression-fitting outlet socket of a defective shut-off valve, thus positioning the trouble-shooting valve immediately downstream from the defective valve in line in series with the defective valve. An inlet-tail-tube fitting is mounted onto an upstream end of the valve housing as a component of the valve. This fitting has an axial bore forming an upstream extension of an inlet passage in the valve housing. The inlet-tail-tube projects axially from this fitting adapted for insertion directly into such a socket in the defective valve. The inlet-tail-tube has a diameter equal to the outside diameter of flexible plumbing tubing, referred to as flex tube, and is formed of material suitable for making a compression connection thereto. An inlet end termination of the inlet-tail-tube is flat for seating down squarely into the outlet socket of the defective valve.

Abstract: A dry disconnect coupling connects the transfer hose from a fuel oil storage tank and the fill pipe of a tanker truck to form a continuous flow path between the storage tank and the tanker truck. The coupling includes an adapter, a coupler, and means for returning fuel residue to the flow path or to an external reservoir. The adapter is attached to the fill pipe of the tanker truck on one end and to the coupler on the other end. The free end of the coupler is attached to the transfer hose from the storage tank. The adapter and the coupler each define a flow passageway therethrough which is sealed by a poppet valve having an end face. The fuel returning means includes a reservoir for collecting fuel residue that accumulates on the end faces of the adapter and the coupler during transfer operations. In a preferred embodiment, the returning means includes a venturi vacuum for suctioning the fuel residue out of the reservoir and into the flow passageway defined by the coupler.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure relief tool including a quick coupler component, either male or female, which has been modified by removing the valve and substituting a screw threaded member threaded in the quick coupler component oriented in the same position as the removed valve. This enables the screw threaded member to engage and open the valve in the quick coupler component connected with the hose when the tool is connected thereto to relieve hydraulic pressure in the hose. The screw threaded member is provided with a T-handle for ease of rotation thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides an expansion valve combined with a solenoid valve which prevents a water hammer phenomenon from occurring when a refrigerant passage is opened and closed by the solenoid valve. Refrigerant passages (P1, P2) are formed in a valve body (1) between a primary port (1a) and a secondary port (1b). The solenoid valve (V) attached to the valve body (1) opens and closes the refrigerant passages (P1, P2) in their intermediate portion. An expansion valve disk (6)--which is moved by the action of a diaphragm (8) that defines an outer pressure chamber (R2) communicating to a temperature sensing cylinder (E) and an inner pressure chamber (R1)--is brought into and out of engagement with a valve seat (S1) formed on the primary port (1a) side of the refrigerant passage (P1). The secondary port (1b) side and the inner pressure chamber (R1) are communicated via an inner pressure equalizing hole (15) formed in the valve body (1).

Abstract: A hydraulic coupler has two halves connected together and identical bores in the halves which together promote laminar flow through the coupler. After entering the poppet in one half, flow through the coupler is directed to an enlarged flow section, through the central portion of the coupler to the enlarged flow section in the other half and then through crossbores in the poppet in the other half and out through that poppet. The flow section of each half is between a seating section and an outward section, and the seating section has a cylindrical portion with a diameter which is equal to the diameter of the outward section.

Abstract: A quick disconnect male fitting joins to a female fitting that includes an outlet housing, an outlet opening, and a spring loaded plug that is biased against the outlet opening to seal the outlet opening. The male fitting comprises an inlet housing and a plunger having an expanded tip. A support fixedly mounts the plunger to the inlet housing. A bellows concentrically surrounds the plunger and extends from the inlet housing to the expanded tip of the plunger. The bellows has an engagement end which bears against the expanded tip, thereby sealing the interior of the bellows from the external environment. The bellows further is provided with a shoulder which, upon insertion of the plunger into the outlet opening, is compressed by engagement with the outlet housing, thereby causing compression of the bellows and separation of the engagement end from the expanded tip. This enables creation of a pathway from the outlet opening to the inlet housing and, to a connected printer.

Abstract: A condensate trap installation comprises a condensate trap 6 and one or more further components such as a strainer 8 and a check valve 10. The condensate trap 6 and the further components 8, 10 are placed in face-to-face engagement at end faces 30 and clamped together by a clamping device, comprising bolts 22 or comprising a carrier 60, which applies a compressive force by means of a clamping body 18 and a flange 20 provided respectively on pipe ends 2 and 4. An isolating valve 14 is provided to isolate the condensate trap 6 and the components 8, 10 so that they can be removed.

Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprises connecting branches having essentially circular cross section with each of the connecting branches having a closing member at one end which is essentially circular in cross section for closing the end facing away from the container. When the two connecting branches are brought together, the two closing members are combined into a single member moved by a single actuator so that no clearance is required in each of the branches between the end of the branch and the member. Thus, problems with dirt and atmospheric impurities in a space between the closing member and the end of the connecting member are greatly reduced to prevent contamination of the contents of the container.

Abstract: The in-line fluid connector serves to separate the upstream and downstream portions of flexible or semi-flexible conduit to allow maintenance on the flow system. The connector includes a female valve and sleeve attached to one portion of the conduit and a male housing attached to the other portion of the conduit. An installation tool that is either hand operated or motor driven consists of a pushout rod whose outer diameter fits into the sleeve for pushing the valve out of the female housing and into the sleeve and for positioning seals to straddle the passageways formed in the female portion and seals in the pushout rod to prevent leakage from the upstream and downstream portions. A locking ring secures the female and male portions and a ball screw motor driven actuator may be used to stroke the installation tool.

Abstract: A trouble-shooting shut-off valve includes an inlet-tail-tube mountable directly into a compression-fitting outlet socket of a defective shut-off valve, thus positioning the trouble-shooting valve immediately downstream from the defective valve in line in series with the defective valve. An inlet-tail-tube fitting is mounted onto an upstream end of the valve housing as a component of the valve. This fitting has an axial bore forming an upstream extension of an inlet passage in the valve housing. The inlet-tail-tube projects axially from this fitting adapted for insertion directly into such a socket in the defective valve. The inlet-tail-tube has a diameter equal to the outside diameter of flexible plumbing tubing, referred to as flex tube, and is formed of material suitable for making a compression connection thereto. An inlet end termination of the inlet-tail-tube is flat for seating down squarely into the outlet socket of the defective valve.

Abstract: This invention describes a ventless transfer valve and the method of use to transfer of liquid chlorine from a supply cylinder mounted in a wheeled vehicle or at a yard location to smaller easily transportable cylinders without the discharge of a significant amount of chlorine into the atmosphere when filling and removing the small cylinder from the supply cylinder.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a poppet valve movable between an open and a closed position is disclosed. The poppet valve operates without substantial fluid pressure exerted axially against the face of the poppet valve. When the poppet valve is opened, radial passages are interconnected through an annular cavity between the poppet valve body and the valve bore.

Abstract: A system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system includes a dispensing device (10, 150) containing a removable proportioning means such as an aspirator assembly (40, 154). A concentrate pickup tube (114) attaches to the dispensing device and is in fluid communication with the aspirator assembly. The dispensing device can utilize a rigid outlet tube (20, 159) which is removably attached to nozzle tip (18, 158) for dispensing to large containers. Also disclosed is a method for diluting and dispensing chemical solutions using the dispensing device of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly in which a valve is actuated by a flexible high pressure hose in cooperation with a commonly attached linkage. The valve assembly is attachable between a fire hose and a source of high pressure fluid. The assembly allows a user to open the valve to the high pressure fluid source from a remote location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating the apparatus is disclosed for transferring reclaimed refrigerant from multiple recovery cylinders to a larger shipping cylinder using a vapor compressor and four-way valve to first transfer liquid refrigerant and then vapor to the shipping cylinder. This system includes flexible hoses for liquid and vapor transfer and employs valves near the couplings for connections of the hoses to the cylinders. Operating methods then permit transfer from successive cylinders to the shipping cylinders and change-outs in the shipping cylinders without loss of significant refrigerant to the atmosphere, and without inclusion of air into the refrigerant in the shipping cylinder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for connecting hydraulic lines having a first coupling part 1 with a first valve 6, which is received into a housing 3, and including means for receiving a second coupling part 2, which includes a second valve 64. The truncated conical valve body 30 of first valve 6 is urged in the closing direction by a separate closing spring 33. Valve body 30 of first valve 6 is then penetrated by an actuator, which is adjustable in the direction of second valve 64, and which actsacross an actuating surface cooperatively with an actuating shaft 7 disposed diagonally to the valve axis and penetrates housing 3 of first coupling part 1, which actuating surface, on the one hand, acts on valve body 30 of first valve 6 and, on the other hand, on an actuator 35. The actuator 35 is urged toward actuating surface 22 by means of an opening spring 37 supported by valve body 30.

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: A trouble-shooting, one-quarter-turn quick shut-off valve is mountable directly to a compression-type fitting outlet of a defective shut-off valve in series with the defective valve so that the quick shut-off valve becomes located immediately downstream from the defective valve. Projecting from an inlet end of a housing of the quick shut-off valve is an inlet-tail-tube having an inlet passage extending axially through the inlet-tail-tube. This inlet-tail-tube is adapted for insertion directly into a socket in a compression-type fitting outlet of a shut-off valve. The inlet-tail-tube is made of suitable material for making a compression connection thereto, and the outside diameter of this inlet-tail-tube is equal to an outside diameter often used for flexible plumbing tubing of the type adapted for insertion into a socket of a compression-type fitting for enabling a compression connection to be made between the inlet-tail-tube and the compression-type socket into which the inlet-tail-tube has been inserted.

Abstract: A coupler for a refrigeration system easily snaps and locks in position over a service port and securely seals the coupler with respect thereto. A tubular outer body includes a first set of cavities which captures a first set of rotatable spherical balls A tubular inner body is located within the outer body and includes a second set of cavities for capturing second set of rotatable, spherical balls. The inner body includes a recess therein for selectively receiving the first set of balls from said outer body. The inner surface of the inner body defines an interior which includes a spring-loaded plunger. When the coupler is placed over a service port, the barrel of the service port enters the interior of the inner body and the plunger means contacts a spring-loaded ball valve causing it to open. At the same time, the first set of balls drops into a recess in the service port and the inner body moves forward with the service port against the biasing of an inner body spring.

Abstract: A breakaway unit which is adapted to be mounted in series flow relation with a fuel nozzle. The breakaway unit comprises a flex section which assures an axial transmission of forces to a valve section which is separated when a vehicle drives away from a dispensing unit with the nozzle lodged in its fuel tank. The valve section comprises inlet and outlet couplers and means for releasable locking the couplers in an assembled relation. These means comprise fingers which are flexed outwardly when a separating force exceeds a predetermined value. Garter springs embrace the fingers to accurately control at which the couplers will separate. The fingers engage angularly spaced lugs which permit the fingers to be telescoped therebetween and then rotated to a locking position to facilitate reassembly of the couplers with a minimum of effort. Alternate embodiments of the invention disclose other forms of spring means for accurately controlling the force at which the couplers will separate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve system which upon disconnection essentially eliminates the release of liquids and vapors to the atmosphere. The invention includes a precision machined poppet and valve seat such that the leading end of the poppet and the end of the valve housing are flush when the valve is closed and such that the sides of the poppet are flush with the surface of the valve seat. Fluids and vapors are eliminated as the valve closes. The valve is not sealed until after closing. The invention is normally used with two flushly abutting valves which close sequentially for the elimination of liquids and vapors.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for a liquid line, the coupling having male and female coupling elements each of which is closed to flow in an uncoupled state and opened to flow when coupled. The male coupling element is made up of an outer annular member and an annular body which is positioned within the annular member and which is slidable with respect thereto, an annular retainer being positioned concentrically between the annular member and the annular body and being affixed to the annular member to be non-slidable with respect thereto. The annular body is resiliently biased against an internal shoulder of the annular member by a wave spring which is trapped between an external shoulder of the annular body and an inturned flange of the annular retainer, A valve member is positioned within the annular body and is slidable with respect thereto.

Abstract: A redundant fluid coupling with two coupling assemblies adapted to engage each other and permit fluid flow between the coupling assemblies when they are connected. Each coupling assembly has two functionally independent valves for closing off the fluid flow from the coupling assembly when the coupling assemblies are disconnected. The independent valves are reciprocally operated by coil springs and since they are functionally independent, the failure of one valve of the coupling assembly to operate will not affect the operation of the other valve. The interior portions of each coupling assembly are pivotally mounted which permits the coupling assemblies to be connected together even though they may be offset from each other and/or form an angle with each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid passage provide at least one sliding gate movable transversely to that fluid passage. The fluid passage or the gate is maintained open in a first position of the gate, and is closed in a second position of that gate. A detent detains the gate in one of its first and second positions against a bias acting continuously on that gate. Upon release from that detent, the gate slides by virtue of its bias to the other of its first and second positions. The gate and fluid passage may be incorporated in a frangible connection and the gate may be released from its detent for automatic closure by its bias upon breakage of that frangible connection. Alternatively, the gate may be provided with a slanted surface which abuts another slanted surface around the fluid passage in the first position of the gate.

Abstract: A tubular body supports a fluid actuated tubular piston connected to operate a coupling mechanism for releasably securing the body to a valve fitting on a refrigerant receiving system. The body encloses components which define a center passage connected to the fitting for first evacuating air from the system and then for directing liquid refrigerant into the system. The passage receives an elongated valve opening member which is fluid actuated to a position opening the valve fitting, and a movable valve member closes the passage to the flow of refrigerant. The fluid actuated coupling mechanism provides for convenient and simple insertion of the tool assembly onto the fitting with no insertion force and also for automatic release of the tool assembly from the fitting after charging is completed. A fluid actuated valve member minimizes the volume of residue refrigerant which vaporizes when the tool assembly is removed from the fitting.