Patent ID: 6009901
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A coupling for connecting a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit to form a continuous, fluid-tight flow path, said coupling comprising:an adapter comprisinga hollow, generally cylindrical adapter body defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed ends, one of said opposed ends of said adapter body attached to the first fluid conduit, said adapter body comprising a flange adjacent the other of said opposed ends of said adapter body; andadapter valve means centrally disposed within said adapter body for controlling the flow of fluid through said adapter body, said adapter valve means comprising a face adjacent said flange of said adapter body, said face of said adapter valve means generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by said adapter body; anda coupler comprisinga hollow, generally cylindrical coupler body defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed ends, one of the opposed ends of said coupler body attached to the second fluid conduit;coupler valve means centrally disposed within said coupler body for controlling the flow of fluid through said coupler body, said coupler valve means comprising a face adjacent the other opposed end of said coupler body, said face of said coupler valve means generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by said coupler body; andconnecting means for providing a rigid, fluid-tight connection between said adapter and said coupler, said connecting means comprisinga generally cylindrical connecting sleeve disposed radially outwardly of said coupler body and concentrically about the longitudinal axis defined by said coupler body;a plurality of latching lugs circumferentially spaced on said coupler body for engaging said flange of said adapter body;sleeve biasing means for biasing said connecting sleeve in the direction of said adapter; andsleeve override means for further biasing said connecting sleeve in the direction of said adapter, said sleeve override means comprisingan annular sleeve override plate disposed radially outwardly of said coupler body and radially inwardly of said connecting sleeve; andan annular sleeve wave spring positioned longitudinally between said sleeve override plate and said connecting sleeve.