Abstract:
Improved latching connectors that can be used to connect a fluid system, such as manufacturing, test, or processing equipment, to an external system, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing equipment. In one embodiment, the connector includes elements by which to protect connector seals from being exposed to fluid being transferred, thereby lengthening the lifetime and reliability of the connector. In another embodiment, the male connector portion and the female connector portion are both valved in a normally closed position. The connector is designed to achieve connection of the male portion to the female portion, and sealing between the male portion and the female portion, prior to the valves in each connector portion being opened and fluid flowing through the connector. The latching connector includes a pressure locking sleeve that, once the connector is under pressure, locks the connector to prevent accidental disconnection.

Description:
FIELD  
       [0001]     This application describes improved latching connectors that are used to connect a fluid system to an external system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the fluid system.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Quick connect latching connectors are often used to connect a fluid system such as manufacturing, test, or processing equipment to an external system, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing equipment. Once the connection is made and any valves are opened, fluid can flow through the connector either into the fluid system or from the fluid system depending on the processing operation being performed.  
         [0003]     In order to maximize efficiency and safety, it is important that the connector provide fast and reliable connection and reliable seals to prevent fluid leakage. In certain implementations, it is important that the seals of the connector be protected from exposure to the fluid flowing therethrough. For example, in a medical oxygen environment, exposure of the seals to oxygen can lead to deterioration of the seals and contamination of the oxygen.  
         [0004]     In addition, in certain implementations, it is generally desirable to achieve connection of the systems and sealing of the connector prior to any fluid being allowed to flow in order to prevent fluid leakage from the connector.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     Improved latching connectors are described that can be used to connect a fluid system, such as manufacturing, test, or processing equipment, to an external system, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing equipment. The connectors are two-piece connectors, including a male connector portion and a female connector portion.  
         [0006]     In one embodiment, the connector includes elements by which to protect connector seals from being exposed to fluid being transferred, thereby lengthening the lifetime and reliability of the connector. In this embodiment, the connector provides a fluid tight connection to a fluid source, for example a gas such as oxygen, and the connector includes a male connector portion and a female connector portion. The female connector portion is connected to a fluid delivery means such as a flexible tube connected to a piece of equipment or machinery. The male connector portion is connected to a fluid filler attachment, which attaches to a container, such as an oxygen tank.  
         [0007]     In another embodiment, the male connector portion and the female connector portion are both valved in a normally closed position. The connector is designed to achieve connection of the male portion to the female portion, and sealing between the male portion and the female portion, prior to the valves in each connector portion being opened and fluid flowing through the connector. The male portion can be connected to a fluid system, for example a refrigerant loop of an air conditioning system. The female portion can be connected to an external system, for example a source of refrigerant for charging the air conditioning system, a source of low pressure for evacuating the system, or testing equipment for testing the system.  
         [0008]     The latching connectors can include a pressure locking sleeve that, once the connector is under pressure, locks the connector to prevent accidental disconnection. The pressure must then be removed or vented from the connector before the female portion can be disconnected from the male portion. The female portion can also include a deflector that forces vented fluid away from the user during venting.  
         [0009]     The latching connectors can also include a colored indicator that is provided on the female portion to provide visual feedback to the user to indicate whether or not proper connection has been achieved with the male portion.  
         [0010]     In addition, the male portion and the female portion can each include colored portions. The colored portions are used to indicate, by a matching of colors, that a correct female portion is being connected to a correct male portion.  
         [0011]     The male portion can also include a seal held within a groove created by two threaded components connected together for sealing with a poppet valve that control fluid flow through the male portion. Such a construction stably holds the seal, and facilitates replacement of the seal by disconnecting the threaded components. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     Further details are explained below with the help of the examples illustrated in the attached drawings in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a latching connector, in a disconnected position.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an axonometric projection of the connector of  FIG. 1 , in a connected position.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the connector, in a disconnected position, illustrating a fluid flow path.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connector in a partially connected position, where the external sleeve is fully retracted and the ball latching mechanism is not engaged.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the connector in a partially connected position, where the external sleeve is partially retracted and the ball latching mechanism is partially engaged.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the connector in a connected position, where the ball latching mechanism is locking the male connector portion to the female connector portion.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the connector in a connected position, where the ball latching mechanism is locking the male connector portion to the female connector portion, and fluid is flowing through the connector.  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a latching connector with the male portion and the female portion shown in cross-section and with the connector in a disconnected position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 9  with the female and male portions in a connected stage, not sealed, and with the valves closed.  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 9  in an intermediate stage with the tip of the male portion sealed against the female portion, and with the valves closed.  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 9  in a fully connected stage with the valves opened and with arrows illustrating the fluid flow path.  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 9  at the start of disconnection.  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 9  with the male portion and female portion losing their seal in order to vent the pressure.  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view similar to  FIG. 15  with a deflector added to deflect vented fluid away from the user. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0029]     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding elements through out the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is determined only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments incorporating the inventive concepts.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an embodiment of a connector  20  that is configured to provide fast, leak free connection to a fluid source, such as an oxygen tank.  
         [0031]     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connector  20  includes a male connector portion  22  and a female connector portion  28 . The female connector portion  28  is generally cylindrical and includes a proximal end  30  and a distal end  32 . The female connector portion  28  defines a longitudinal channel  34  extending between the proximal and distal ends  30  and  32 .  
         [0032]     The male connector portion  22  includes a first end  24  and a second end  26 . The male connector portion  22  defines a channel  36  extending between the first and second ends  24  and  26 . The first end  24  of the male connector portion  22  is sized to be slideably inserted into the longitudinal channel  34  at the proximal end of the female connector portion  28  until obtaining a locked position  800 , which will later be described in detail. The second end  26  is configured to be connected to a filler attachment or similar gas delivery means, thereby providing a channel for a gas  204 , such as oxygen, to flow from the gas source connected to the distal end  32  of the female connector portion  28  and through the female connector portion  28  connected with the male connector portion  22 .  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the female connector portion  28  includes an exterior sleeve  38 . The exterior sleeve  38  functions to lock the male connector portion  22  to the female connector portion  28  by use of a widely known ball latching mechanism  64  embedded in the proximal end (i.e. the proximal end  30  of the female connector portion  28 ) of a mounting member  40  of the female connector portion  28 . The exterior sleeve  38  is generally cylindrical and includes a proximal end  42  and a distal end  44 . The exterior sleeve  38  is slideably mounted to an exterior surface of the mounting member  40  and an exterior surface of a housing  52  of the female connector portion  28 .  
         [0034]     A first interior annular shoulder  48  is located towards the proximal end  42  of the exterior sleeve  38 . A sleeve spring  50  is captured between the first interior annular shoulder  48  of the exterior sleeve  38  and an exterior annular shoulder  54  formed by an indicator ring  110  (to be later described), located towards a proximal end  56  thereof. The sleeve spring  50  biases or urges the exterior sleeve  38  towards the proximal end  30  of the female connector portion  28 . The exterior sleeve  38  is captured towards the proximal end  30  of the female connector portion  28  by abutment of a second interior annular shoulder  49  of the exterior sleeve  38  to an exterior annular shoulder  41  of the mounting member  40  of the female connector portion  28 .  
         [0035]     The mounting member  40  is mounted to the proximal end  56  of the housing  52 , and the proximal end  56  of the housing  52  is disposed in the distal end  44  of the inner cavity of the exterior sleeve  38 . The distal end  32  of the housing  52  is configured to be connected to the gas source. The exterior diameter of the exterior sleeve  38  is preferably larger towards the proximal end  42  so as to form an enlarged gripping portion  58 . The exterior surface of the exterior sleeve  38  can also be textured so as to facilitate gripping.  
         [0036]     The mounting member  40  is generally cylindrical and defines an outer groove  70  for receiving a sealing member  72 . The sealing member  72  is preferably an annular elastomeric seal that forms a stationary, gas tight seal between the mounting member  40  and the interior surface of the housing  52 .  
         [0037]     A separate shroud  76  is held within the housing  52  by being captured between a distal end  45  of the mounting member  40  and a shoulder  77  formed on the interior of the housing  52 . The distal end of the shroud  76  includes a shroud opening  80  through which gas  204  is able to flow while the connector is not in a fully connected state  600 . The connected state  600  will be later described in detail. A proximal end  82  of the shroud  76  includes vents  84  through which gas  204  can flow to the interior of the mounting member  40 .  
         [0038]     A poppet valve  74  is slideably disposed within the interior cavity of the mounting member  40 . A blocking element  78  on the distal end of the poppet valve  74  is fully enclosed by the shroud  76  when the female connector portion  28  is in a disconnected state, as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 .  
         [0039]     An exterior surface of the poppet valve  74  includes first and second lips  86 ,  88  which capture an O-ring  90  therebetween. The O-ring  90  provides a seal between the outer surface of the poppet valve  74  and an inner surface of the mounting member  40 . The second lip  88  abuts against an annular interior shoulder  92  of the mounting member  40 , thereby capturing the poppet valve  74  and preventing the valve  74  from sliding out of the proximal end  30  of the mounting member  40 .  
         [0040]     A bias spring  94  is provided between the inner surface of the shroud  76  and the outer surface of the blocking element  78  of the poppet valve  74 . The bias spring  94  acts between the first lip  86  of the poppet valve  74  and an interior shoulder  96  of the shroud adjacent to the opening  80  thereof, biasing the poppet valve  74  toward a closed position  202 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . When the connector  20  is in the connected state  600  (and the poppet valve  74  is in a opened position  802 ), the blocking element  78  of the poppet valve  74  fits into the shroud opening  80  to limit gas flow, thereby protecting the bias spring  94  from rapid exposure to the gas  204  flowing through the connector  20 .  
         [0041]     A proximal end  79  of the poppet valve  74  includes cutout portions  75  in the generally cylindrical valve body that, upon connection of the female connector portion  28  to the male connector portion  22 , provide a means by which the gas  204  is able to flow from the exterior of the poppet valve  74  on the blocking element  78  side, into the interior of the poppet valve  74  on the proximal end  79 . Thus the poppet valve provides a means for the gas  204  to flow from the gas source connected to the housing  52 , around the shroud  76  through the longitudinal channel  34 , through the shroud vents  84 , through the poppet valve  74  cutout portions  75 , through the interior of the poppet valve  74 , through the channel  36 , and out of the second end  26  of the male connector portion  22 .  
         [0042]     In the illustrated embodiment, the male connector portion  22  is generally cylindrical and the channel  36  provided therethrough includes a wider diameter toward the second end  26 . An exterior retaining shoulder  106  is provided towards the second end  26  of the male connector portion  22 , and an exterior sealing member  98  is provided on the first end  24 . Upon connection of the male connector portion  22  to the female connector portion  28 , the sealing member  98  provides a seal between an exterior surface of the male connector portion  22  and an interior surface of the mounting member  40 .  
         [0043]     Circumferential first and second stage notches  100 ,  102  are provided on an outer surface of the male connector portion  22 . The second stage notch  102  has a larger radius from a center axis  104  than the radius of the first notch  100 . The significance of the double stage notches will be described in further detail below.  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIGS. 3-7 , connection of the male connector portion  22  to the female connector portion  28  is now described in detail.  
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows the disconnected state  200 . In the disconnected state  200 , the poppet valve  74  is in the closed position  202 , whereby any gas  204  coming from the gas source connected to the distal end  32  of the female connector portion  28  is prevented from flowing past the lip  88  and O-ring  90  of the poppet valve  74 . As illustrated by arrows, the gas  204  can enter through the shroud opening  80  and into the longitudinal channel  34  surrounding the shroud  76 . The longitudinal channel  34  is defined between the outer surface of the shroud  76  and the inner surface of the housing  52 . The gas  204  is prevented from flowing through the female connector portion  28  by the seal provided by the lips  86 ,  88  and the O-ring  90  of the poppet valve  74 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 4  illustrates the beginning of the connection process. The exterior sleeve  38  is pulled back (i.e. slid axially towards the distal end  32  of the female connector portion  28 ) until the first interior annular shoulder  48  of the exterior sleeve  38  abuts the proximal end  56  of the housing  52 . At this position, the balls of the ball latching mechanism  64  can move radially outward toward a second interior annular shoulder  49  provided towards the proximal end  42  of the exterior sleeve  38 . Outward movement of the latching balls is caused by inserting the end of the male connector portion  22  into the female connector portion  28 .  
         [0047]     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the male connector portion  22  continues to be inserted into the proximal end  30  of the female connector portion  28  until the exterior retaining shoulder  106  of the male connector portion  22  abuts the proximal end  30  of the mounting member  40 . To achieve this abutment, the end of the male connector portion  22  engages the end  79  of the poppet valve  74  during insertion, which forces the poppet valve  74  to the right in  FIG. 5  from its position shown in  FIG. 4 . Upon abutment, the balls of the ball latching mechanism  64  are aligned with the first stage notch  100  of the male connector portion  22  and can drop into the notch  100 , thereby allowing the exterior sleeve  38  to be urged axially by the sleeve spring  50  back towards the proximal end  30  of the mounting member  40 . In this position, the blocking element  78  of the poppet valve  74  enters into and limits the shroud opening and an opening  108  of the housing  52 , thereby restricting flow of gas  204  into the shroud opening  80  and into the longitudinal channel  34 .  
         [0048]     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the exterior sleeve  38  continues to be biased by the sleeve spring  50  toward the proximal end  30  until the second interior annular shoulder  49  of the exterior sleeve  38  abuts an exterior shoulder  41  of the mounting member  40 . At the same time, the bias spring  94  in the shroud  76  biases the poppet  74  and the male connector portion  22  back toward the left in  FIGS. 6 and 7  as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 6 . The movement of the male connector portion  22  back toward the left forces the balls of the ball latching mechanism  64  to move radially outward eventually becoming lodged between the second stage notch  102  of the adapter  22  and the exterior sleeve  38 . This provides the connected position  800  of the coupler  28  and the adapter  22 .  
         [0049]     The sleeve  38  has a slight recess  95  defined on the interior surface thereof to accommodate the balls and therefore restrict the sleeve from movement to prevent disconnection while the connector is under pressure. When gas flows through the connector, the gas tends to force the male connector portion and the female connector portion apart, which forces the balls to ramp upward on the detent groove defining the notches  100 ,  102  and into the recess  95  on the sleeve. Since the latch balls are forced by the pressure of the gas into the recess, the sleeve  38  is prevented from being pulled backward while under pressure. The gas must be turned off, thereby releasing the pressure, to allow the male connector to be moved to the right so the balls  64  can move into the groove  100  and the sleeve can be pulled back to release the connection.  
         [0050]     In the locked position  800 , the end of the blocking element  78  of the poppet valve  74  is disposed in and limits the shroud opening  80  so that gas flow is restricted through the opening  80 . Instead, gas flows primarily through the channel  34  around the shroud  76 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in the connected position, the O-ring  90  and lips  86 ,  88  are disposed completely inside the shroud  76 . The diameter of the lips  86 ,  88  and O-ring  90  are just slightly less than the internal diameter of the inner surface of the shroud  76  so that the O-ring and lips seal with the inner surface of the shroud. As a result, the O-ring  90  of the poppet valve  74  is protected from contact with the gas  204  by the shroud  76 , and the lips  86 ,  88 .  
         [0051]     The connected position  800  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  provides a channel through which the gas  204  flows through the female connector portion and through the male connector portion. As shown by the arrows in  FIG. 7 , the gas flows through the longitudinal channel  34  around the shroud  76 , through the shroud vents  84 , through the cutout portions  75  to the interior of the poppet valve  74 , and then through the channel  36  of the male connector portion  22 .  
         [0052]     In order to disconnect the male connector portion  22  from the female connector  28 , the gas flow is first turned off. A user then simultaneously pulls back the exterior sleeve  38  towards the distal end  32  of the housing  52  and pushes the male connector portion  22  back fully into the female connector portion  28  (in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 5 ). The balls of the ball latching mechanism  64  can thus drop into the first stage notch  100  of the male connector portion  22 , which permits the sleeve  38  to be pulled all the way back, thereby unlocking the male connector portion  22  from the mounting member  40  of the female connector portion  28 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The male connector portion  22  is then fully removed from the female connector portion  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the housing  52  can include an indicator ring  110  on the external surface thereof. The indicator ring  110 , which has a color that is different from adjacent portions of the female connector portion  28 , is disposed partially within the sleeve  38 , and defines the shoulder  54 . The indicator ring  110  provides visual feedback to the user to indicate whether proper connection has been achieved or not. At both the disconnected and connected positions shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7  respectively, a portion of the ring is visible. However, when the sleeve  38  is pulled back as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the ring is covered up. If the connector fails to properly connect, the sleeve  38  will not return to the positions shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , and will instead remain in position covering the ring  110 . Therefore, if the indicator ring  110  is visible, that would indicate that proper connection has been achieved.  
         [0054]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connector  115  that is similar to the connector  20 , including a male connector portion  116  and a female connector portion  117 . The male connector portion  116  and female connector portion  117  are similar to the male connector  22  and the female connector portion  28 . One difference is that the female connector portion  117  is provided with means to limit extrusion of the poppet valve  118  o-ring  119 , particularly under high gas pressures, for example at pressures greater than 750 psig.  
         [0055]     In this embodiment, the poppet valve  118  is a two-piece construction, including a primary portion  120  and a secondary portion  121  that is secured to the primary portion, for example by swaging. The primary portion  120  defines a lip  122  and the secondary portion  121  defines a lip  123 . A back-up ring  124 , for example a ring made of Teflon®, is disposed around the primary portion  120  between the o-ring  119  and the lip  123 . The ring  124  helps to limit the gap between the poppet  118  and the interior surface of the shroud  125  when the connector  115  is under pressure to limit any extrusion of the o-ring  119  from the gap between the lip  123  and the shroud  125 .  
         [0056]     The secondary portion  121  is necessary to allow introduction and placement of the ring  124  around the primary portion  120 . The secondary portion  121  is then placed around the primary portion  120  and secured to the primary portion, for example by swaging.  
         [0057]     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a connector  310  is shown that can be used to connect an external system to a fluid system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the fluid system. The connector  310  includes a male connector portion  312  configured for connection to the fluid system (not shown) and a female connector portion  314  configured for connection to the external system (not shown).  
         [0058]     The fluid system can be, for example, a refrigerant loop of an air conditioning system. The external system can be, for example, a source of refrigerant for charging the air conditioning system, a source of low pressure for evacuating the air conditioning system, or testing equipment for testing the air conditioning system. However, the connector  310  can be used with other fluid systems and other external systems.  
         [0059]     The male connector portion  312  includes a first end  320  or tip that is insertable into the female connector portion  314 , and a second end  322  that is connectable to the fluid system. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the second end  322  includes threads  324  on the exterior surface of the male portion  312  that can be used to connect the male portion to the fluid system.  
         [0060]     The male portion  312  is formed by a first threaded piece  326  and a second threaded piece  328  connected to the first threaded piece  326 . The first threaded piece  326  includes the first end  320 , while the second threaded piece  328  includes the second end  322 . The end of the first threaded piece  326  that is opposite the first end  320  is exteriorly threaded and is engaged within an interiorly threaded end of the second threaded piece  328  opposite the second end  322 . A shoulder  330  on the exterior surface of the first threaded piece  326  abuts against the end of the second threaded piece  328  to limit how far the first threaded piece  326  travels into the second threaded piece  328 . In addition, a shoulder  332  projects inwardly from the interior surface of the second threaded piece  328  and is spaced slightly to the left (when viewing  FIG. 10 ) of the end of the first threaded piece  326  to define a groove  334  therebetween. A seal  336 , for example an o-ring seal, is disposed within the groove  334 .  
         [0061]     When the first and second threaded pieces  326 ,  328  are connected, they define a fluid flow path  338  therethrough. A valve  340  is disposed in the male portion  312  for controlling flow through the fluid flow path  338 . The valve  340  comprises a poppet valve and includes a valve head  342  that seals with the seal  336 . An actuating pin  344  extends from the valve head  342  toward the first end  320 , with the pin  344  terminating short of the first end  320 . In addition, a post  346  extends from the valve head  342  toward the second end  322 . A bias spring  348  is disposed between the end of the post  346  and a shoulder  350  within the second threaded piece  328  to bias the valve  340  toward the right in  FIG. 10  to a closed position so that the valve head  342  is normally sealed with the seal  336  to prevent fluid flow through the flow path  338 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the valve  340  is actuatable to the left against the bias of the spring  348  to an open position, where the valve head  342  unseats from the seal  336 , to permit fluid flow through the flow path  338 .  
         [0062]     Returning to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a circumferential channel  351  is defined in the outer surface of the first threaded piece  326 . The channel  351  provides a location for engagement by a latch connector (to be later described) of the female connector portion  314 . In addition, a colored ring  352  having a color different than the color of the first and second threaded pieces  326 ,  328 , is disposed on the male portion  312  between the shoulder  330  and a hexagonal flat  354  formed on the second threaded piece  328 .  
         [0063]     The first and second threaded pieces  326 ,  328  are preferably formed from metal, for example brass.  
         [0064]     The female connector portion  314  is configured to receive the end of the male connector portion  312  and connect to the male portion  312 . The female connector portion  314  includes a latch body  360  with a latch connector  362  for connecting the female connector portion  314  to the male connector portion  312 , a piston  364  slideably disposed in the latch body  360 , an actuating sleeve  366  surrounding the latch body  360  and configured to actuate the latch connector  362  to control connection of the female connector portion  314  to the male connector portion  312 , a main seal  368  on the piston  364  positioned for sealing engagement with the male connector portion, and a second valve  370  disposed in the piston  364 .  
         [0065]     The latch body  360  includes a first end  380  disposed toward the male connector portion  312  and a second end  382  toward a right end (as viewed in  FIG. 10 ) of the female connector portion  314 . Adjacent the first end  380 , the latch connector  362  is formed and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes  384  defined in the latch body  360  in which latch balls  386  are disposed. The latch body  360  extends to the right in  FIG. 10  to the second end  382  and surrounds the piston  364 .  
         [0066]     The actuating sleeve  366  surrounds the latch body  360  and controls radial outward movement of the latch balls  386 . The actuating sleeve  366  is retained on the latch body  360  via a retaining ring  388  disposed on the first end  380  of the latch body  360 . A bias spring  390  is disposed between the actuating sleeve  366  and a colored ring  398  for biasing the actuating sleeve  366  to the left in  FIG. 10  to a connected position. The spring  390  engages a shoulder  392  formed on the interior of the actuating sleeve  366 . The front end of the actuating sleeve  366  includes a recess  396  into which the latch balls  386  can temporarily travel during connection to the male connector portion  312 .  
         [0067]     The colored ring  398  has a color different than the color of the actuating sleeve  366  and latch body  360  and is disposed on the latch body  360  so as to project beyond the right end of the actuating sleeve  366  when the actuating sleeve  366  is at the connect position. The colored ring  398  provides a visual indication that proper connection has been achieved with the male connector portion  312 . When there is a proper connection, the actuating sleeve  366  is able to return to the connected position and the ring  398  will be visible. If proper connection has not been achieved, the actuating sleeve  366  is not able to return to the connected position and the actuating sleeve  366  will cover the ring  398  so that the ring  398  will not be visible.  
         [0068]     In addition, the ring  398  preferably has the same color as the color of the ring  352  on the male connector portion  312 . The ring  352  and ring  398  provide color code matching of the male connector portion  312  and the female connector portion  314  to indicate that the correct female connector portion is being connected to the correct male connector portion.  
         [0069]     The piston  364  is slideably disposed in the latch body  360 , and includes a forward end  400  and a rear end  402 . The piston  364  defines a fluid flow path  404  therethrough extending from the forward end  400  to adjacent the rear end  402 . As shown by the arrow in  FIG. 13 , fluid can exit or enter the flow path  404  through a port  406  adjacent the rear end  402  that is disposed generally radially to the axis of the flow path  404 . The port  406  is internally threaded for being secured to a fluid flow line connected to the processing equipment.  
         [0070]     A circumferential groove  408  is formed on the interior of the piston  364  adjacent the forward end  400  and the main seal  368  is disposed in the groove  408 . The main seal  368  provides sealing engagement with the male connector portion  312  when the male connector portion is connected to the female connector portion.  
         [0071]     The piston  364  is formed by first and second primary pieces  410 ,  412 , with the pieces  410 ,  412  being secured to each other by threads  414  on an end of the second piece  412  and on the first piece  410 . In addition, a shoulder  418  is formed on the interior surface of the second piece  412 , and a washer  420  is slip fit into the interior of the second piece  412  and captured by the first piece  410  so as to face the shoulder  418  and define therewith a groove  422  for receiving a seal  424 , for example an o-ring seal.  
         [0072]     The valve  370  is slideably disposed in the piston  364 . The valve  370  comprises a poppet valve and includes a valve head  426  that seals with the seal  424 . An extension  428  extends forward from the valve head  426 , with the extension  428  having a diameter that is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end  320  of the male connector portion  312 . An actuating pin  430  is disposed within the extension  428  and attached to the washer  420  for engaging with the actuating pin  344  of the valve  340 . A cylindrical extension  432  also extends rearwardly from the valve head  426 . A bias spring  434  is disposed in the extension  432  to bias the valve  370  toward the left in  FIG. 10  to a closed position so that the valve head  426  is normally sealed with the seal  424  to prevent fluid flow through the flow path  404 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the valve  370  is actuatable to the right against the bias of the spring  434  to an open position, where the valve head  426  unseats from the seal  424 , to permit fluid flow through the flow path  404 .  
         [0073]     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the latch body  360  in the area of the port  406  is cut-out to allow passage of the port. On both sides of the female portion  314 , the latch body  360  extends slightly beyond the rear end  402  of the piston  364 . An actuating lever  440  is pivotally connected to the second end  382  of the latch body  360 . The lever  440  includes a first surface  442  that, in the disconnected state shown in  FIG. 10 , is engaged with the rear end  402  of the piston  364 . The lever  440  also includes a cam surface  444  that includes a corner  446  of the lever  440  and a second surface  448 . As the lever  440  is pivoted clockwise, the cam surface  444  engages the rear end  402  of the piston  364  and actuates the piston  364  to the left in  FIG. 10 . A similar cam surface can be defined on the lever  440  opposite the cam surface  444  to allow the lever  440  to be pivoted either clockwise or counterclockwise.  
         [0074]     The operation of the connector  310  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1O-15 . At the position shown in  FIG. 10 , the valve of the male connector portion and the valve of the female connector portion are closed, preventing fluid flow through either connector portion.  
         [0075]     To achieve connection between the male connector portion  312  and the female connector portion  314 , the actuating sleeve  366  is pulled backward against the bias of the spring  390 . The sleeve  366  is pulled back a sufficient distance so that the recess  396  is positioned radially outward of the balls  386 , thereby permitting the balls  386  to travel radially outward into the recess  396 . The end of the male portion  312  is then inserted into the female portion  314  and the actuating sleeve  366  is released. The spring  390  forces the actuating sleeve  366  back to the connect position, forcing the balls back down so that the latch balls reside in the channel  351  in the male connector portion  312 .  
         [0076]      FIG. 11  illustrates the connected stage of the connector  310 , where the female connector portion and the male connector portion are connected by the latch connector  362 , the valves  340 ,  370  remain closed, and the main seal  368  of the female connector portion  314  is not sealed against the end  320  of the male connector portion  312 .  
         [0077]     Turning to  FIG. 12 , the actuating lever  440  is used to achieve sealing and opening of the valves  340 ,  370 . As the actuating lever  440  is being pivoted clockwise, the piston  364  is forced to the left, drawing the male connector portion and the female connector portion together so that the main seal  368  seals against the end  320  of the male connector portion  312 . This will prevent any fluid from escaping from the connector  310  when the valves ultimately open. The configuration shown in  FIG. 12  can be termed an intermediate stage, where the female connector portion and the male connector portion are connected by the latch connector, the first and second valves remain closed, and the male connector portion is sealed with the seal on the piston  
         [0078]     Turning to  FIG. 13 , further actuation of the lever  440  in a clockwise direction causes the male actuating pin  344  to engage the actuating pin  430  and the male end  320  to engage the female poppet extension  432 , opening the valves  340 ,  370 . When the lever  440  is fully pivoted to the position shown in  FIG. 13 , the valves  340 ,  370  are fully opened allowing fluid flow through the connector as illustrated by the arrows. This is termed the fully connected stage of the connector, where the female connector portion and the male connector portion are connected by the latch connector, the first and second valves are open, and the male connector portion is sealed with the seal on the piston.  
         [0079]     When fluid flows through the connector  310 , the pressure of the fluid creates a force tending to force the male connector portion  312  and the female connector  314  away from each other. This causes the latch balls  386  to be forced radially outward due to the sloped sides of the channel  351 . The actuating sleeve  366  includes a circumferential detent groove  450  into which the balls are forced. The balls within the detent groove  450  prevent the actuating sleeve  366  from being pulled backward while the connector  310  is under pressure to prevent accidental disconnection under pressure.  
         [0080]      FIG. 14  illustrates the beginning of disconnection. The lever  440  is rotated back in a counterclockwise direction to achieve closure of the valves  340 ,  370 . Once the valves close, pressurized fluid is trapped in the region between the two valves  340 ,  370 . That pressurized fluid must be vented before the actuating sleeve can be pulled back to disconnect the male and female portions.  
         [0081]     As shown in  FIG. 15 , as the lever  440  rotates back to its home position, the seal between the main seal  368  and the male connector end  320  is lost, allowing the trapped fluid to vent as shown by the arrows. The sleeve  366  can then be pulled back to release the latch connector and disconnect the male and female connector portions. This can be termed a vent stage.  
         [0082]      FIG. 16  illustrates a deflector  452 , for example a ring, positioned between the two primary pieces  410 ,  412  of the piston  364  and the latch body  360 . The deflector  452  creates a restriction to limit venting from occurring in the direction toward the lever  440 , and deflect fluid toward the end of the female connector portion that includes the latch connector. This limits venting toward the operator of the connector.