Abstract A fluid coupling apparatus is disclosed, as to include mating male and female members. The male member includes an annular seal as disclosed herein, for closure with the female member to afford a flow passage. A valve is affixed within the annular seal to prevent the escape of fluid when the members are disengaged. A sequence mechanism in the male member is actuated upon forceful engagement with the female member and is thereby variously displaced to control the valve so that it may not be opened until the seal is engaged. Other structural components of the described embodiments include spring means for actuating the sequence mechanism, a venting passage as to allow the escape of air from a tank being filled through the coupling and an automatic disengaging structure controlled by a pressure sensor.
A fluid coupling member, as for use on a hose for passing a fluid stream through said hose to a port in a receptacle, comprising: a central cylinder adapted to be connected to a terminal end of a hose; an end closure means affixed in axially-aligned, spaced-apart relationship to said central cylinder, defining radial open space therebetween; a sealing member of cylindrical configuration disposed concentrically with said central cylinder for movement between one position to close said open space and another position telescoped over said central cylinder; bias means for urging said sealing member to said one position to close said open space; a sequence ring telescopically positioned over said sealing member; and an engaging mechanism controlled by the position of said sequence ring including a locking means for locking said sealing member in said one position until said sequence ring is displaced by engagement with a port in a receptacle, and thereupon for locking said sealing member for movement with said sequence ring in relation to said central cylinder whereby said radial open spaced is opened.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
A fluid coupling member, as for use on a hose for passing a fluid stream through said hose to a port in a receptacle, comprising: a central cylinder adapted to be connected to a terminal end of a hose; an end closure means affixed in axially-aligned, spaced-apart relationship to said central cylinder, defining radial open space therebetween; a sealing member of cylindrical configuration disposed concentrically with said central cylinder for movement between one position to close said open space and another position telescoped over said central cylinder; bias means for urging said sealing member to said one position to close said open space; a sequence ring telescopically positioned over said sealing member; and an engaging mechanism controlled by the position of said sequence ring including a locking means for locking said sealing member in said one position until said sequence ring is displaced by engagement with a port in a receptacle, and thereupon for locking said sealing member for movement with said sequence ring in relation to said central cylinder whereby said radial open spaced is opened.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A fluid coupling member according to claim 1 wherein said bias means comprises a coil spring concentrically disposed over said central cylinder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A fluid coupling member according to claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a garter spring positioned for contact with said central cylinder, said sealing member and said sequence ring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A fluid coupling member according to claim 1 wherein said end closure means and said central cylinder define therebetween a plurality of passages to comprise said open space.