Abstract: An improved coupling device (e.g., 134) has a first section (e.g., 135), a second section (e.g., 136), and a sleeve member (e.g., 138) mounted on one of the coupling sections and arranged to selectively engage the other coupling section. The sleeve member is provided with a weakened portion (e.g., 156). The weakened portion is formed of a suitable material and is so configured and arranged as to permit the two coupling sections to be physically separated from one another through thermally-induced flexural deformation of the weakened portion, without rotation of the sleeve member relative to either section, when the temperature of the weakened portion is greater than about 200.degree. F. but less than about 300.degree. F., and preferably about 266.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a L.P.G. hose breakaway coupling which is adapted to separate at a pre-determined force. The coupling comprises two internal valves located on each side of the coupling which automatically seal each half of the coupling upon disconnection. The coupling is lightweight in construction when compared to existing devices and is simple in operation as well as being robust in construction. The two halves of the coupling are connected by releasing a bias member and directly coupling the two halves of the coupling together and then resetting the bias member to load the release mechanism.

Abstract: A breakaway hose coupling for application within a fuel line, that prevents untimely decoupling, and avoids unnecessary leakage. The coupling includes a pair of fittings, for connecting to the fuel line, a sleeve provided for limited sliding movement upon one of the fittings, with each fitting incorporating a poppet valve, to provide for closure when decoupling occurs, or other unseating, from within the respect fittings, during normal coupling assembly and usage. Detents are provided within one of the fittings for interconnecting within a seating groove provided interiorly of the sleeve, to normally retain the coupling assembled, but various fastening rings, arranged within the sleeve and one of the fittings, provides for limited shiftable movement, occuring when tensioning force is exerted, to provide clearance for disconnection, while at the same time, said fastening rings capable of shifting, to provide for recoupling of the device together upon assembly.

Abstract: A coupling includes a socket assembly having a locking or retaining assembly which holds a plug in the socket assembly. When the socket assembly is exposed to excessive heat, an element of the retaining assembly starts to fuse and loses its rigidity. The heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is then deformed to release the plug for movement from the socket assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is spherical locking or retaining balls which engage the plug to hold it in the socket assembly. In another embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is cylindrical locking or retaining pins which engage the plug to hold it in the socket assembly. In still another embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is a cylindrical locking sleeve which engages the retaining elements to hold them in engagement with the plug.

Abstract: A combination spherical swivel joint and quick disconnect coupling device for a fuel supply line or the like permits universal swiveling of a spherical member within a socket member while the members are connected together in flow communication, and has interconnectable means for uncoupling when an external tensile force above a predetermined limit is applied to the fuel line. Valving is disposed within the spherical member and within the socket member so that when the members uncouple the passageway within each member is closed. A retaining member positioned within the socket member maintains the coupling relationship during normal operation.

Abstract: A fluid swivel joint coupling has a body member, a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The body member includes an inlet portal, and outlet portal and a diverted fluid passageway connecting them. The first connecting member is pivotably mounted in flow communication with one of the portals for rotation about a first swivel axis, and the second connecting member is pivotably connected in flow communication with the other portal for rotation about a second swivel axis. The second connecting member has a diverted fluid passageway opening onto a third portal, a longitudinal axis extending through the third portal and a portion of the passageway. The first connecting member is operatively connected to a rigid conduit while the second connecting member is operatively connected at the third portal to a flexible conduit.

Abstract: A communication arrangement between a sub-sea structure and a surface vessel is by a flexible control umbilical deployed from the vessel in such a way as to accommodate relative movement between the structure and vessel. Unpredictably excessive movements can risk breakage of the umbilical, causing damage to equipment controlled by it and `down-time` while the equipment is repaired and the umbilical replaced. In the present invention (FIG. 2) the umbilical 13 is suspended from a reel 20 of deployment means 14, which is braked to resist motion below a predetermined level of umbilical tension but above that level the braking is overcome enabling the deployed umbilical to draw off, and deploy, a further length 13' while the communication channels of the umbilical are shut-down, including powering-down any sub-sea equipment in controlled manner.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe system for an articulated motor vehicle comprising at least a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being pivotable relative to one another, the exhaust pipe system comprising a first rigid portion securable to the first part of the vehicle; a second rigid portion securable to the second part of the vehicle; and an intermediate flexible portion connected at its ends to the rigid portions, the flexible portion comprising a coupling comprising two parts which are releasably secured together by fastening means to provide a substantially gas-tight seal between the two parts of the coupling, the fastening means being such that, when the two parts of the coupling are subjected to a force, relative to one another, above a predetermined level, the fastening means is released allowing the two parts of the coupling to separate from one another without damaging any of the exhaust pipe system.

Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed checkvalves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads. The uncoupler is structured so as to substanially eliminate the effects of fluid (e.g., gasoline) delivery pressure on the tension load required for uncoupling.

Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed check valves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads. The uncoupler is structured so as to substantially eliminate the effects of fluid (e.g., gasoline) delivery pressure on the tension load required for uncoupling.

Abstract: A safety joint for a control umbilical which separates the umbilical and severs internal control hoses when a predetermined tension is exceeded. The control hoses are severed by opposing cutting edges on mating slots formed by an inner cutting tube and an outer cutting tube which separate when the sfety joint separates. The safety joint can be installed at any point along the control umbilical without cutting the control hoses during installation.

Abstract: A natural gas fueling system is set forth for filling one or more vehicle tanks from a supply such as a storage tank or a main gas line. The system includes at least one hose assembly having one end adapted to connect to a tank and the other end having a female coupling. Also included is a dispensing assembly having a manually operated valve to control the flow of gas from supply. Connected to the valve is at least one male coupling adapted to be releasably received by the female coupling. The male and female couplings permit the hose assembly to be pulled and disconnected from the dispensing assembly to prevent damage to the hose or dispensing assembly. Additionally, the couplings are provided with check valves to stop the flow of gas when disconnected. A vent is provided to vent any leaking gas as is a locking structure to lock each hose assembly to prevent unauthorized use.

Abstract: A rigid mount, breakaway, quick coupler for fluid interconnection includes a spring-activated mechanical stop therein to prevent flow-checking. The flow check stop is supported in a cross bore in a movable inner body member of the coupler and cooperates with a ramp surface for positioning thereof in aligned or laterally displaced positions from the axially movable, flow-checking valve pin, thereby respectively to prevent or allow valve pin movement.

Abstract: The fitting comprises a tubular outer casing provided with a fixed inlet portion and an axially movable outlet portion. Inside the casing there is provided a releasable connection system, which in response to a strong stress of mutual removal of said casing portions causes the axial removal of said outlet portion, eventually in combination with the moving of a shutter to a closing position of said inlet portion.

Abstract: An improved high pressure coupler disconnecting device providing increased force necessary for uncoupling high pressure lines under high pressure at a predetermined point of separation. A flexible high pressure hose attached to the female portion of the coupler is placed through a tower device which surroundably restrains movement of the flexible hose. The tower base, supported by a ring, is positioned in such a manner as to apply lifting force to the female coupler lock sleeve when the tower is moved from the neutral position. The annular construction permits the invention to function in any position around a full 360.degree. sweep from the centrally located release mechanism.

Abstract: A quickly and safely releasable pipe coupling for connecting two adjacent pipe flanges, the coupling including a mechanical interlock system that prevents release of the flange connection when one or more valves in the pipe is not fully closed, and to effect valve closure and then coupling release by means of a coupling release jack when the valve closure control system is inoperative.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting sections of flexible hose so that quick and safe emergency disconnection can be automatically effected. The coupling includes a female section carrying peripheral cam lever pins adjacent radial openings through the wall of the female section, and a male section sealingly engageable with the female section. The male section carries a peripheral cam groove positioned for alignment with the cam pins when the sections are joined. Each of the sections carries a valve subassembly which normally closes the open end of the respective section, but which is automatically repositioned to open the respective section when the sections are coupled.

Abstract: In order to connect a stationary pipe to a movable pipe, a flexible connecting system includes a pipe section of rigid material fixed to one of said pipes, a pipe section of flexible material fixed to the other of said pipes and an interposed connecting pipe section of rigid material connected to said rigid section so as to be movable in one direction in reply to a tensile stress exerted onto said flexible section. Said connecting pipe section is divided into two parts releasably connected to one another by a quick-release connecting device, which, in case of tensile stress, collides with a stationary structure, which causes release of said device.

Abstract: A high pressure coupling for releasably coupling high pressure tubular elements in sealed relationship, the coupling comprising a first tubular member having a socket formation, a second tubular member having a spigot formation sealingly engaged with the socket formation in mating relationship therewith, one member having an annular recess and the other member having a radially directed annular bearing surface to cooperate with a locking sleeve, and a radially deformable locking sleeve positioned in the annular recess, the locking sleeve being located against radial deformation out of the recess by the bearing surface engaging with the bearing surface of the locking sleeve. The coupling further includes bias means operative between the tubular members to provide a predetermined bias force to restrain axial separation of the mated formations.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for fluid systems wherein interconnected coupling parts will separate upon predetermined bending or tension forces being applied to the respective parts. A bending or tension force appllied to one part axially misaligned with respect to the other part produces a pivotal movement which automatically releases the coupling connection means permitting the parts to separate without damage. Additionally, the coupling incorporates automatic release structure sensing coaxial tension forces permitting uncoupling without relative pivoting.

Abstract: A dust-sealing assembly for a coupling for use in a fluid circuit in which a body member is movably mounted on a mounting plate, and a nipple-releasing mechanism is fixed to the mounting plate and embraces a sleeve member that is mounted on and extends from one end of the body member, the nipple-releasing mechanism being spaced from the one end of the body member. A compression spring is disposed about the sleeve member in the space between the body member and nipple-releasing mechanism for holding the body member relatively away from the nipple-releasing mechanism. A dust cover is disposed about the sleeve member and spring, and is disposed in the space between the body member and the nipple-releasing mechanism for deterring entry of foreign material into the space. The compression spring engages the dust cover and retains the dust cover in place.

Abstract: A fluid coupling of the type which couples automatically on the engagement of two coupling members and which uncouples automatically on the application of a predetermined minimum axial separation force, as is useful in refueling operations between moving vehicles. One coupling member has an annular groove about its outer surface, and the other carries at least one locking ball which may be held in engagement with the groove by a lock ring having graduations in internal diameter. Applying a tensile force between the coupling members compresses a spring and simultaneously displaces the lock ring with respect to the ball until an unlocked position is reached, allowing uncoupling by release of the ball from the groove. Uncoupling may also be effected manually and independently of the tensile force applied, and there is a convenient adjustment of the threshold force necessary for uncoupling.

Abstract: A quick operating connector for pipe or the like including a pair of coupling members, each adapted to be connected at one end thereof to one of said pipes. The first coupling member has an annular radially outward extending flange having a forward side and a rearward side with a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion. Both of the portions define the shape of a frustrum having a forwardly facing base, and the slope of the radially inner portion relative to the central axis of first coupling member is greater than that of the radially outer portion. The second coupling member has a housing for receiving the flange in mating engagement therewith. Disposed circumferentially about the housing is a plurality of self-locking cams which are radially inwardly and outwardly movable between a retracted position in which flange is receivable within the housing and an extended position in which the self-locking cams engage the radially inner portion of the flange in self-locking fashion.

Abstract: A detachable fluid coupling for fluid hoses or conduits used in pneumatic or hydraulic systems, such as between tractors and towed equipment, such as implements or trailers, includes a retaining mechanism with one portion having a connector releasably engageable with a member or device holding or connected to a pair of such fluid conduits from the towed equipment for retaining coupling portions thereof in position respectively received and coupled to a pair of members or coupling parts operatively connected to a respective pair of fluid conduits of a fluid pressure system, such as from a tractor. The fluid coupling includes a ramp positioned to be engaged by one end of a trip member pivotable about a pin to thereby move another end of the trip member into engagement with said one portion and move the connector portion thereof out of engagement with the holding device in response to separation of the towing connection and relative separation of the tractor and towed equipment.

Abstract: An automatic coupling device having a body member movably mounted on a mounting plate fixed to the implement, and a sleeve member movably mounted on the body member. A releasable device between the mounting plate and the sleeve member releasably retains a coupler nipple on the sleeve member, the nipple including a first valve element urged toward a closed position and being movable to an open position. A valve body is slidably mounted in a bore of the sleeve member, the valve body having a passage with an inlet end for connection to a fluid line, and being movable to a first position to preclude substantially relative movement of the sleeve member and body member for locking of the nipple in the releasable device, and being movable to a second position to allow relative movement of the sleeve member and body member for insertion of the nipple into the releasable device.

Abstract: An automatic nozzle having a spout which is releasably connected to the body of the nozzle in a manner so that it may be forceably removed therefrom without damage to the connecting means as well as the spout.