Abstract:
Connectors for use with a fluid storage device are disclosed. The connectors may be female connectors or male connectors. An adapter to connect connectors of differing sizes is also disclosed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/520,448, filed Nov. 14, 2003, Attorney Docket No. 11765-0008, titled “Quick Connect Apparatus for Liquid Oxygen Systems”, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to connectors and in particular to connectors for liquid oxygen systems.  
         [0003]     People who require additional oxygen for proper breathing rely on portable oxygen tanks or units to permit greater mobility. The portable oxygen tank provides a flow of oxygen to the user, either steady or intermittent, as is well known in the art. An exemplary portable oxygen tank is the HELiOS H300 Portable Unit available from Puritan Bennett located at 4280 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, Calif. 94588 and on the Internet at http://www.puritanbennett.com.  
         [0004]     The portable oxygen tank must be filled with or otherwise includes oxygen to permit proper operation. The HELiOS H300 unit described above is filled with liquid oxygen from a reservoir containing liquid oxygen. An exemplary liquid oxygen reservoir is the HELiOS H36/H46 Liquid Oxygen Reservoir also available from Puritan Bennett. Literature related to the operation of both the HELiOS H300 Portable Unit and the HELiOS H36/H46 Liquid Oxygen Reservoir is provided as an attachment to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/520,448, filed Nov. 14, 2003, Attorney Docket No. 11765-0008, titled “Quick Connect Apparatus for Liquid Oxygen Systems”, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art liquid oxygen system  10 , the Puritan Bennett HELiOS system. Liquid oxygen system  10  includes a HELiOS H300 Portable Unit  12  and a HELiOS H36/H46 Liquid Oxygen Reservoir  14 . Portable Unit  12  includes a female connector  16 . Reservoir  14  includes a male connector  18 . When portable unit  12  is to be filled with oxygen, male connector  18  is received by female connector  16  to permit oxygen to pass from reservoir  14  to portable unit  12  through male connector  18  and female connector  16 .  
         [0006]     Male connector  18  includes a body member  20  including a cylindrical portion  22 , a tool engaging portion  24  (illustratively being a hex shape), and a threaded portion  26 . Threaded portion  26  is configured to be received in a threaded aperture (not shown) of reservoir  14 . Male connector  18  further includes an internal channel  28  which when male connector  18  is connected to reservoir  14  is in fluid communication with the oxygen supply stored in reservoir  14 . Disposed within channel  28  is a valve  30  including a valve shaft  32  and a seal  34 . Valve shaft  32  is received by a shaft guide  36  which is retained within internal channel  28  by a retaining ring  38 . Shaft guide  36  includes multiple openings such that a first portion  27  of internal channel  28  is in constant fluid communication with a second position  29  of internal channel  28 .  
         [0007]     Valve  30  is moveable along a longitudinal axis  19  of connector  18  generally in directions  40 ,  41 . However, valve  30  is biased in direction  40  by a spring  42 . Spring  42  is compressed between a flange  33  of valve shaft  32  and shaft guide  36 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , seal  34  of valve  30  contacts an end portion  44  of internal channel  28  when valve  30  is biased in direction  40 . When seal  34  is properly seated against end portion  44 , seal  34  prevents oxygen from internal channel  28  from passing into the atmosphere, generally denoted as  46 . As such, when seal  34  is properly seated against end portion  44 , fluid from reservoir  14  may pass into second portion  29  of internal channel  28 , but is prevented from passing into atmosphere  46 .  
         [0008]     An end portion  31  of valve  30  extends beyond body portion  20  when seal  34  is sealed against end portion  44 . By pressing end portion  31  in direction  41 , spring  42  is further compressed and seal  34  is spaced apart from end portion  44  such that valve  30  is open.  
         [0009]     Female connector  16  includes a body portion  50 , a sleeve  52 , a hex nut  54 , and a jam nut  56 . Hex nut  54  is threadably coupled to body portion  50 . Sleeve  52  is threadably coupled to body portion  50 . Hex nut  54  and jam nut  56  cooperate to couple female connector  16  to portable unit  12 . When connected to portable unit  12 , an internal channel  55  of hex nut  54  is in fluid communication with the oxygen supply stored in portable unit  12 .  
         [0010]     Body portion  50  includes an internal channel  58  which is in fluid communication with the oxygen supply stored in portable unit  12  through internal channel  55  of hex nut  54 . Disposed within channel  58  is a valve  60  including a valve shaft  62  and a seal  64 . Valve shaft  62  is received by a shaft guide  66  which is retained within internal channel  58  by a retaining ring  68 . Shaft guide  66  includes multiple openings such that a first portion  57  of internal channel  58  is in constant fluid communication with a second portion  59  of internal channel  58 .  
         [0011]     Valve  60  is moveable along a longitudinal axis of female connector  16  generally in directions  70 ,  71 . However, valve  60  is biased in direction  71  by a spring  72 . Spring  72  is compressed between a flange  63  of valve shaft  62  and shaft guide  66 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , seal  64  of valve  60  contacts an end portion  74  of internal channel  58  when valve  60  is biased in direction  71 . When seal  64  is properly seated against end portion  74 , seal  64  prevents oxygen from internal channel  58  from passing into the atmosphere, generally denoted as  46 . As such, when seal  64  is properly seated against end portion  74 , fluid from portable unit  12  may pass into second portion  59  of internal channel  58 , but is prevented from passing into atmosphere  46 .  
         [0012]     Female connector  16  further includes a recess  80  sized to receive cylindrical portion  22  of male connector  18 . Recess  80  is comprised of an internal channel  82  of sleeve  52  and a recess  84  of body portion  50 . An end portion  61  of valve  60  extends into recess  80  when seal  64  is seated against end portion  74 . By pressing end portion  61  in direction  70 , spring  72  is further compressed and seal  64  is spaced apart from end portion  74  such that valve  60  is open.  
         [0013]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , when male connector  18  is inserted into recess  80  end portion  31  of valve  30  of male connector  18  and end portion  61  of valve  60  of female connector  16  are brought into contact. Further movement of cylindrical portion  22  into recess  80  results in valve  30  of male connector  18  being moved in direction  41  and valve  60  of female connector  16  being moved in direction  70 . Due to such movement, seal  34  is spaced apart from end portion  44  (valve  30  is opened) and seal  64  is spaced apart from end portion  74  (valve  60  is opened) resulting in internal channel  28  of male connector  18  being in fluid communication with internal channel  58  of female connector  16  such that oxygen flows from reservoir  14  to portable unit  12 , as represented by flow path  90 .  
         [0014]     Female connector  16  further includes a spring energized lip seal  92  which is positioned in recess  80  such that it is contactable by cylindrical portion  22  of male connector  18 . Lip seal  92  is received in a enlarged portion  94  of recess  84  and is held in place by sleeve  52 . Spring energized lip seal  92  provides a seal between cylindrical member  22  and the walls of recess  80 . 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art liquid oxygen system wherein a portable unit is to be connected to a reservoir through a connector, the connector being shown in a sectional view and including a male connector and a female connector;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates the prior art liquid oxygen system of  FIG. 1  wherein the portable unit is connected to the reservoir through the connector, a portion of the male connector being received into a recess of the female connector;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a first female connector including multiple seals positioned in a recess configured to receive a male connector;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a connector configured to connect a reservoir containing fluid to a portable unit such that fluid is communicated from the reservoir to the portable unit, the connector shown in sectional view including a female connector and a male connector;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the female connector of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the male connector of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  illustrates the connector of  FIG. 4  wherein the female connector and male connector are connected together to permit fluid communication between the reservoir and the portable unit;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates in sectional view a female connector of a first sized connected to a male connector of a second size through an adapter, the second size being larger than the first size;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the adapter of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  illustrates in sectional view a female connector of a first sized connected to a male connector of a second size through an adapter, the second size being smaller than the first size;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the adapter of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of a cover for the male connector  18  of  FIG. 4 ; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  illustrates the female connector and the male connector of  FIG. 1  along with some dimensions of the female connector and the male connector. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0029]     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail.  
         [0030]     When a transverse load in direction  96  or  97  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is exerted on at least one of portable unit  12  and reservoir  14 , such a transverse load may result in an incomplete seal between cylindrical portion  22  of male connector  18  and spring energized lip seal  92  of female connector  16 . For example, if a transverse load is exerted on male connector  18  in direction  96 , male connector  16  may pivot about lip seal  92  and/or further compress a portion  98  of lip seal  92  between recess  94  and cylindrical portion  22  such that a gap between lip seal  92  and cylindrical portion  22  is created near portion  99  of lip seal  92 .  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a female connector  100  is shown. Female connector  100  includes a body portion  102  and a coupler  104 . Coupler  104  couples female connector  100  to a portable liquid oxygen unit  106 . In one example, portable liquid oxygen unit  106  is the HELiOS H300 Portable Unit described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, coupler  104  includes a hex nut  108  and a jam nut  110 . Hex nut  108  is threadably coupled to body portion  102 . A seal  107  is positioned between body portion  102  and hex nut  108 . Hex nut  108  and jam nut  110  cooperate to couple body portion  102  to portable liquid oxygen unit  106 . In alternative embodiments, body portion  102  is threadably received in a threaded aperture of portable unit  106 , body portion  102  is welded to portable unit  106 , or coupler  104  is one of a snap fitting, a latch, or other suitable couplers.  
         [0032]     Body portion  102  includes an internal channel  112  which is in fluid communication with the oxygen supply stored in portable unit  106  through an internal channel  114  of hex nut  108 . Disposed within channel  112  is a valve  116  including a valve shaft  118  and a seal  120 . Valve shaft  118  is received by a shaft guide  122  which is retained within internal channel  112  by a retaining ring  124 . Shaft guide  122  includes one or more openings such that a first portion  111  of internal channel  112  is in constant fluid communication with a second portion  113  of internal channel  112 .  
         [0033]     Valve  116  is moveable along a longitudinal axis  101  of connector  100  generally in directions  126 ,  128 . However, valve  116  is biased in direction  128  by a spring  130 . Spring  130  is compressed between a flange  119  of valve shaft  118  and shaft guide  122 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , seal  120  of valve  116  contacts an end portion  132  of internal channel  112  when valve  116  is biased in direction  128 . When seal  120  is seated against end portion  132 , seal  120  prevents oxygen from internal channel  112  from passing into the atmosphere generally denoted as  46 .  
         [0034]     Female connector  100  further includes a recess  140  sized to receive a portion of a male connector, such as cylindrical portion  22  of male connector  18 . An end portion  117  of valve  116  extends into recess  140  when seal  120  is sealed against end portion  132 . By pressing end portion  117  in direction  126 , spring  130  is further compressed and seal  120  is spaced apart from end portion  132  such that valve  30  is open.  
         [0035]     Recess  140  includes spaced apart enlarged portions  142 ,  144 . Enlarged portions  142 ,  144  are sized to receive seals  146 ,  148 , respectively. In one example, seals  146 ,  148  are O-rings, such as Teflon O-rings. In another example, the O-rings are made of KEL F. In yet another example, seals  146 ,  148  are spring energized seals, similar to seal  34 .  
         [0036]     Enlarged portions  142 ,  144  and hence seals  146 ,  148  are spaced apart along longitudinal axis  101  of female connector  100 . As such, seals  146 ,  148  provide two spaced apart sealing points for cylindrical portion  22  of male connector  18 . By providing two sealing points along longitudinal axis  101  of female connector  100 , seals  146 ,  148  reduce the likelihood that longitudinal axis  19  of male connector  18  becomes non-parallel to longitudinal axis  101  of female coupler  100  due to a transverse load on one of male connector  18  or female connector  100 . In alternative embodiments, three or more seals, similar to seals  146 ,  148  are provided along with a corresponding number of enlarged portions, similar to enlarged portions  142 ,  144  resulting in three or more spaced apart sealing points between female connector  100  and a corresponding male connector  18 .  
         [0037]     An incomplete seal between seal  34  and end portion  44  of male connector  18  or between seal  64  and end portion  74  of female connector  18  could result in a loss of fluid to atmosphere  46  from the respective portable unit  12  or reservoir  14 . Incomplete sealing between seal  34  and end portion  44  may result from valve shaft  32  not remaining parallel with longitudinal axis  19  of male connector  18  due to shaft guide  36  being distal to seal  34 . This cantilevered arrangement can result in seal  34  not properly sealing against end portion  44 . A similar incomplete sealing may occur between seal  64  and end portion  74  of female connector  16 .  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIGS. 4-7 , a liquid oxygen system  200  is shown wherein a portable unit  202  is connected to a reservoir  204  by a connector  206 . Connector  206  includes a female connector  208  and a male connector  210 . In one example, portable liquid oxygen unit  202  is the HELiOS H300 Portable Unit described herein and reservoir  204  is the HELiOS H36/H46 Liquid Oxygen Reservoir.  
         [0039]     As explained in more detail below, female connector  208  and male connector  210  each include a valve which is sealed in multiple locations and/or which includes multiple guide members to minimize any deviation of the respective valve shaft from longitudinal axis  209 ,  211  of respective connector  208 ,  210 . Although, female connector  208  and male connector  210  are described as having valves with multiple seals and with multiple guide members, it should be understood that either or both of female connector  208  and male connector  210  may have valves with multiple seals and a single guide member or valves with a single seal and multiple guide members.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , female connector  208  includes a body portion  212  and a coupler  214 . Coupler  214  couples body portion  212  to portable unit  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, coupler  214  includes a hex nut  216  threadably coupled to body portion  212  and a jam nut  218 . A seal  215  is provided between hex nut  216  and jam nut  218 . Jam nut  218  and hex nut  216  cooperate to couple portable unit  202 . In alternative embodiments, body portion  212  is threadably received in a threaded aperture of portable unit  202 , body portion  212  is welded to portable unit  202 , or coupler  214  is one of a snap fitting, a latch, or other suitable couplers.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , body member  212  includes an internal channel  220 , a first recess  222 , and a second recess  224 . Disposed within internal channel  220  is a valve  226  which includes a valve shaft  228 , a first seal  230 , a second seal  232 , a first guide member  234 , and a second guide member  236 . Valve  226  is moveable parallel to longitudinal axis  209  of connector  208  generally in directions  238 ,  240 . However, valve  226  is biased in direction  238  by a biasing member, such as spring  242 . Spring  242  is positioned between first guide member  234  and second guide member  236  and is biased to increase the separation between first guide member  234  and second guide member  236 .  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , first guide member  234  is a flange portion of valve shaft  228 . The diameter of first guide member  234  is chosen to generally approximate the diameter of internal channel  220 . In another example, first guide member  234  is a separate component and is positioned against a flange of valve shaft  228  and is held in place by spring  242 . Further, first guide member  234  is positioned generally proximate to a first end  250  of valve shaft  228 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , second guide member  236  is positioned generally proximate to a second end  252  of valve shaft  228  and is retained by a retaining ring  254 . As such, valve shaft  228  is guided proximate to first end  250  by first guide member  234  and is guided proximate to second end  252  by second guide member  236 . By guiding valve shaft  228  at two spaced apart locations, the likelihood that valve shaft  228  will become non-parallel with longitudinal axis  219  of female connector  208  is reduced.  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , valve  220  is shown in an open position. As shown in  FIG. 7 , first guide member  234  is fixably coupled to valve shaft  228  and hence moves generally in direction  240  along with valve shaft  228 . In contrast, second guide member  236  generally remains in the same position between the closed position ( FIG. 4 ) of valve  220  and the open position ( FIG. 7 ) of valve  220 . In one example, second guide member  236  is coupled to body portion  212 . In another example, second guide member  236  is moveable relative to body portion  212 , but is retained in approximately the same position due to the presence of retaining ring  254  and the force exerted by spring  242 .  
         [0044]     First guide member  234  and second guide member  236  each include one or more openings that permit fluid to flow from one side of the respective guide member to the other side of the respective guide member. In one example, first guide member  234  and second guide member  236  each have a cross-shaped cross section such that each of first guide member  234  and second guide member  236  includes four opening that permit the flow of fluid. Further, in some examples first guide member  234  and/or second guide member  236  include a central passage sized to receive valve shaft  228 .  
         [0045]     For instance, in the illustrated embodiment second guide member  236  includes a central passage (not shown) whose diameter is generally approximate to the diameter of valve shaft  228 . It should be noted that connectors  208 ,  210  are generally exposed to temperature swings from approximately room temperature to approximately −300° F. (the temperature of the O 2  fluid passing through connectors  208 ,  210 ). As such, the rates of expansion for the materials of valve shaft  228 , first guide member  234 , second guide member  236 , and body member  212  must be chosen such that valve shaft  228  is both moveable and properly guided throughout the temperature range. In an exemplary embodiment, valve shaft  228  is made of stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, first guide member  234  is made of stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, second guide member  236  is made of stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, body member  212  is made of aluminum.  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , first seal  230  is positioned between first guide member  234  and first end  250  of valve shaft  228 . In one example, first seal  230  is a O-ring seal and is press fit onto valve shaft  228 , coupled to valve shaft  228 , and/or coupled to first guide member  234 . In one example, the O-ring of first seal  230  is a round O-ring. In the illustrated example, the O-ring of first seal  230  is a square O-ring. Suitable materials for the O-ring of first seal  230  include KEL F and a glass-filled Teflon.  
         [0047]     Second seal  232  is positioned between second guide member  236  and second recess  224 . In one example, second seal  232  is a disk shaped seal and is press fit onto valve shaft  228 , coupled to valve shaft  228 , and/or retained on valve shaft  228  by a retainer  260 , such as the retaining clip shown in  FIG. 5 . Suitable materials for the O-ring of first seal  230  include KEL F and a glass-filled Teflon.  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , first seal  230  prevents fluid from traveling between internal channel  220  and first recess  222  when valve  226  is biased in direction  238 . First seal  230  seals against angled surface  262  of body member  212 . Further, second seal  232  prevents fluid from traveling between internal channel  220  and second recess  224  when valve  226  is biased in direction  238 . Second seal  232  seals against angled surface  264  of body member  212 . First seal  230  and second seal  232  provide two seal locations between the atmosphere, generally denoted as  46 , and portable unit  202  when valve  226  is biased in direction  238 . Further, first seal  230  and second seal  232  permit fluid flow between first recess  222  and second recess  224  when valve  226  is moved in direction  240 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , first seal  230  and second seal  232  each move with valve shaft  228  as valve shaft  228  moves in directions  238 ,  240 .  
         [0049]     Female connector  208 , as discussed above, includes at least a double seal (first seal  230  and second seal  232 ) between portable unit  202  and atmosphere  46  and a valve shaft which is guided in at least two locations along its length (first guide member  234  and second guide member  236 ). It is further contemplated, in one embodiment, that valve shaft  62  be used in place of valve shaft  228 , resulting in a connector that includes at least a double seal (first seal  230  and second seal  232 ) and a single guide (second guide member  236 ). It is yet further contemplated, in one embodiment, to provide only a single seal (first seal  230 ) and a valve shaft which is guided in at least two locations along its length (first guide member  234  and second guide member  236 ).  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , male connector  210  includes a body portion  280  including a cylindrical portion  282 , a tool engaging portion  284  (illustratively shown to be hex shaped), and a threaded portion  286 . Threaded portion  286  is received in a threaded aperture (not shown) of reservoir  204 . In alternative embodiments, body portion  280  is welded to reservoir  204 , or coupled to reservoir  204  with a hex nut and jam nut similar to female connector  208 .  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , body member  280  includes an internal channel  288  having a first portion  290  and a second portion  292 . Disposed within internal channel  288  is a valve  294  which operates identical to valve  226  of female connector  208 . As such like components have been identified with like numerals. Valve  294  is moveable parallel to longitudinal axis  211  of connector  210  generally in directions  296 ,  298 . However, valve  294  is biased in direction  296  by a biasing member, such as spring  242 .  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , first seal  230  of male connector  210  prevents fluid from traveling between internal channel  288  and the atmosphere  46  when valve  294  is biased in direction  296 . First seal  230  seals against angled surface  297  of body member  280 . Further, second seal  232  of male connector  210  prevents fluid from traveling between first portion  290  of internal channel  288  and second portion  292  of internal channel  288  when valve  294  is biased in direction  296 . Second seal  232  seals against angled surface  299  of body member  280 . First seal  230  and second seal  232  provide two seal locations between the atmosphere, generally denoted as  46 , and reservoir  204  when valve  294  is biased in direction  296 . Further, first seal  230  and second seal  232  permit fluid flow between reservoir  204  and the atmosphere  46  when valve  294  is moved in direction  240 .  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a cover  500  is shown which is to placed over male connector  210  when the corresponding female connector is spaced apart to block inadvertent depression of end portion  250 . Cover  500  includes a cylindrical sleeve  502  sized to fit over cylindrical member  282  of male connector  210 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , an end surface  504  of cover  500  rests against a flange  506  of male connector  210 . It should be appreciated that cover  500  may be sized to rest against other portions of male connector  210  such as flange  508 . Further, cover  500  may be sized to block inadvertent depression of end portion  31  of male connector  18 .  
         [0054]     Cover  500  includes an end wall  510  which is spaced apart from end portion  250  of valve  288  when cover  500  rests on male connector  210 . End wall  510  blocks inadvertent movement of valve  288  in direction  296 . Cover  500  includes a vent opening  512  in end wall  510 . In another example, end wall  510  is solid.  
         [0055]     In alternative embodiments, to prevent inadvertent movement of valve  288  in direction  296 , end portion  250  is flush with or recessed within body portion  280  of male connector  210  or male connector  210  is recessed within a recess of the reservoir. In such an example, end portion  250  of female connector  208  will be at least partially received by the opening in body portion  280  and as such must be tapered, include vanes, or otherwise provide a pathway for fluid to travel from male connector  210  into internal channel  220 .  
         [0056]     Male connector  210 , as discussed above, includes at least a double seal (first seal  230  and second seal  232 ) between reservoir  204  and atmosphere  46  and a valve shaft which is guided in at least two locations along its length (first guide member  234  and second guide member  236 ). It is further contemplated, in one embodiment, that valve shaft  62  be used in place of valve shaft  228 , resulting in a male connector  210  that includes at least a double seal (first seal  230  and second seal  232 ) and a single guide (second guide member  236 ). It is yet further contemplated, in one embodiment, to provide only a single seal (first seal  230 ) and a valve shaft which is guided in at least two locations along its length (first guide member  234  and second guide member  236 ).  
         [0057]     Returning to female connector  208 , a sleeve  266  is coupled to body member  212 . Sleeve  266  includes an internal channel  268  which along with first recess  222  forms a recess  270  configured to receive cylindrical portion  282  of male connector  210 . Female connector  208  further includes a seal  272 , such as a spring energized lip seal, which is positioned in recess  270  such that it is contactable by cylindrical portion  282  of male connector  210 . Lip seal  272  is received in a enlarged portion  274  of recess  270  and is held in place by sleeve  266 . Spring energized lip seal  272  seals against cylindrical member  282  to prevent oxygen flowing from internal channel  288  into recess  270  and then to atmosphere  46  and to prevent oxygen flowing from internal channel  220  into recess  270  and then to atmosphere  46 .  
         [0058]     In another embodiment, female connector  208  includes an elongated body portion  212  including multiple enlarged recesses similar to female connector  100  shown in  FIG. 3 , instead of sleeve  266  and lip seal  272 . As such, female  208  will include multiple spaced apart seals between recess  270  and cylindrical portion  282  of male connector  210 .  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , when male connector  210  is fully inserted into recess  270  valve  294  of male connector  210  and valve  226  of female connector  208  are in contact and valve  294  of male connector  210  is moved in direction  296  and valve  226  is moved in direction  240 . Due to such movement, first seal  230  of female connector  208  is spaced apart from angled surface  262  and second seal  232  of female connector  208  is spaced apart from angled surface  264 . Further, first seal  230  of male connector  210  is spaced apart from angled surface  297  and second seal  232  of male connector  210  is spaced apart from angled surface  299  resulting in interior channel  288  of male connector  210  being in fluid communication with internal channel  220  of female connector  208  such that oxygen flows from reservoir  204  to portable unit  202 , as represented by flow path  301 .  
         [0060]     Various portable units and reservoir may have different size requirements for the connectors that are to be used therewith. For instance, turning to  FIG. 13 , the prior art HELiOS H300 portable unit  12  utilizes female connector  16  having a length A of 2.94 inches, a recess depth B of 0.803 inches, and a recess diameter C of 0.630 inches. The HELiOS H36/H46 reservoir  14  utilizes a male connector  18  having a length D of 1.91 inches, a cylindrical portion length E of 0.800 inches, and a cylindrical diameter F of 0.624 inches. As such, a novel male connector for use with female connector  16  must have a cylindrical portion length approximately equal to or greater than cylindrical portion length E and a cylindrical portion diameter approximately equal to the cylindrical portion diameter F of male connector  18 . Further, a novel female connector for use with male connector  18  must have a recess depth approximately equal to or less than recess depth B and a recess diameter approximately equal to or greater than recess diameter C of female connector  16 .  
         [0061]     When a given male connector and a given female connector are a different size an adapter is contemplated to permit the coupling of the different size male connectors and female connectors. An adapter  300  is shown in  FIGS. 8 . and  9  for use in coupling a larger male connector, such as male connector  18 , with a smaller female connector, such as female connector  208 . An adapter  400  is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  for use in coupling a smaller male connector, such as male connector  210 , with a larger female connector, such as female connector  16 .  
         [0062]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a portable unit  302  includes a female connector  208  and a reservoir  304  includes a male connector  18 . Illustratively, female connector  208  is shown as being generally smaller than male connector  18  and not able to properly receive male connector  18  without the aid of adapter  300 . However, it should be appreciated that female connector  208  may be the correct size to couple male connector  18  or may be larger than male connector  18  such that an adapter  400  is required.  
         [0063]     Adapter  300  includes a body portion  306 , a first valve  308 , a second valve  310 , a first sleeve  312 , and a second sleeve  314 . Seals  316  and  318  are provided between body portion  306  and first sleeve  312  and second sleeve  314 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 8 , first sleeve  312  is adapted to be received by recess  270  of female connector  208  and body portion  306  and second sleeve  314  cooperate to receive cylindrical portion  22  of male connector  18 .  
         [0064]     First valve  308  is illustratively shown as having a valve shaft  336  and associated retaining clip  321 , a first seal  320 , a first guide  322 , and a second guide  324 . In alternative embodiments, first valve  308  only includes a single guide, similar to female connector  16 . Valve  308  is biased in direction  326  by a biasing member, spring  328 . Spring  328  is compressed between first guide  322  and second guide  324 .  
         [0065]     Second valve  330  is illustratively shown as having a first seal  332  and a single guide  334 . Single guide  334  is a portion of valve shaft  336  which is apart of first valve  308 . Single guide  334  is received into a recess  338  of valve shaft  340  of second valve  330 . Valve  330  is biased in direction  327  by a biasing member, spring  342 . Spring  342  is compressed between guide  324  and flange  344  of valve shaft  340 . It should be noted that an end  346  of valve shaft  340  is spaced apart from second guide  324  when valve  330  is in the closed position such that second guide member  324  does not block valve  330  from moving to the open position in direction  326 . In alternative embodiments, second valve  330  includes multiple guides, such as guide  334  and flange  344  having an increased diameter, similar to connector  208 .  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a portable unit  402  includes a female connector  16  and a reservoir  404  includes a male connector  210 . Illustratively, male connector  210  is shown as being generally smaller than female connector  16  and not able to properly couple to female connector  16  without the aid of adapter  400 . However, it should be appreciated that male connector may be the correct size to couple female connector  16  or may be larger than female connector  16  such that an adapter  300  is required.  
         [0067]     Adapter  400  includes a body portion  406 , a valve shaft  436  and associated retaining clip  421 , a first valve  408 , a second valve  410 , a first sleeve  412 , and a second sleeve  414 . Seals  416  and  418  are provided between body portion  406  and first sleeve  412  and second sleeve  414 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 10 , first sleeve  412  is adapted to be received by recess  80  of female connector  16  and body portion  406  and second sleeve  414  cooperate to receive cylindrical portion  282  of male connector  210 .  
         [0068]     Second valve  410  is illustratively shown as having a first seal  420 , a first guide  422 , and a second guide  424 . In alternative embodiments, second valve  418  only includes a single guide, similar to male connector  18 . Valve  410  is biased in direction  427  by a biasing member, spring  428 . Spring  428  is compressed between first guide  422  and second guide  424 .  
         [0069]     First valve  408  is illustratively shown as having a first seal  432  and a single guide  434 . Single guide  434  is a portion of valve shaft  436  which is a part of second valve  410 . Single guide  434  is received into a recess  438  of valve shaft  440  of first valve  410 . Valve  408  is biased in direction  426  by a biasing member, spring  442 . Spring  442  is compressed between guide  424  and flange  444  of valve shaft  440 . It should be noted that an end  446  of valve shaft  440  is spaced apart from second guide  424  when valve  430  is in the closed position such that second guide member  424  does not block valve  430  from moving to the open position in direction  427 . In alternative embodiments, second valve  430  includes multiple guides, such as guide  434  and flange  444  having an increased diameter, similar to connector  210 .