Patent ID: 8075024
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupling assembly and a sleeve, the coupling assembly being configured for releasably interconnecting a fluid joint that includes confronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members, each of which has a ferrule fixedly attached thereto, and the sleeve circumferentially surrounding the ferrules, the coupling assembly comprising: a pair of coupling members, including a first coupling member and a second coupling member each of which has a first end and a second end and each having a hole disposed therein; a hinge assembly configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position where the coupling members surround the sleeve, a redundant support pin structure, including a third hinge pin secured to the first coupling member adjacent and parallel to the first hinge pin, a fourth hinge pin secured to the second coupling member adjacent and parallel to the second hinge pin, a first truss member coupled between the first and third hinge pins and a second truss member coupled between the second and fourth hinge pins; a pair of bonding wires, each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members; a releasable latching assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position; and a pair of bonding members, including a first bonding member and a second bonding member, each of which is externally mounted to a respective coupling member and makes direct contact with an outer surface of the sleeve,