Patent ID: 6776187
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A female coupler, comprising:a generally tubular exterior portion, having an internal bore with an open forward end adapted to receive a male coupler, a flow port for supplying pressurized fluid to the internal bore, an internal surface with at least one groove section, and at least one outlet passage through said exterior portion fluidly communicating with said at least one groove section; a generally tubular interior portion, disposed within said internal bore and axially movable within said exterior portion from a first position, in which fluid is sealed between said exterior portion and said interior portion, and a second position, in which fluid can pass between said exterior portion and said interior portion as well as through said at least one outlet passage, said interior portion including a main cavity, opening towards said exterior portion forward end, and an internal valve seat; a tubular sleeve disposed within said interior portion and being axially movable, relative to said interior portion, from a locked position to an unlocked position with said interior portion, said sleeve having an internal bore with an open forward end; and a generally tubular poppet valve slidably guided within said sleeve internal bore and spring-biased forwardly against said valve seat to normally prevent fluid flow through said interior portion, said poppet valve including a valve seal portion, a forward projection, adapted to engage a check valve in said male coupler when said male coupler is received in said housing, and a rearward tubular portion, encapsulated within said sleeve, having an external diameter slightly less than said sleeve internal diameter.