Abstract:
The male coupling half includes a body, an adaptor, a main valve, a secondary valve, and a secondary valve stop. The secondary valve stop is affixed to the secondary valve. The secondary valve stop resides intermediate the main valve and the adaptor. The main valve in combination with the secondary valve stop limit movement of the secondary valve preventing over travel of the secondary valve.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention is in the field of couplings. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Known devices employ secondary valves that experience over travel and extend into the flow stream too far thus reducing the flow capacity of the coupling. Additionally, there are problems with springs which are compressed and fatigued thus losing their ability to return the components of the coupling to their original positions which are necessary to prevent leakage and other undesirable characteristics. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The male coupling half is generally coupled with a female coupling half. The male coupling half includes structure to reduce the pressure behind a secondary valve. 
         [0004]    The male coupling half includes a body, an adaptor, a main valve, a secondary valve, and a secondary valve stop. The secondary valve stop is affixed to the secondary valve. The secondary valve stop resides intermediate the main valve and the adaptor. The main valve in combination with the secondary valve stop limit movement of the secondary valve preventing over travel of the secondary valve. 
         [0005]    Referring to the male coupling half, the secondary valve stop is generally cylindrically shaped. The generally cylindrically shaped secondary valve stop includes an end portion having a yoke. The secondary valve includes a shoulder thereon and a circumferential groove therein which enable securement of the secondary valve to the secondary valve stop member. The yoke portion abuts the shoulder of the secondary valve and the yoke portion of the secondary valve stop includes the first and second pin holes therein. First and second pins extend through first and second pin holes in the yoke portion and interengage the circumferential groove of the secondary valve to prevent axial movement of the secondary valve with respect to the secondary valve support. The secondary valve stop further includes a snap ring groove, and, the snap ring groove traverses the first and second pin holes and secures the pins in place and against outward radial movement. 
         [0006]    Referring to the male coupling half, a snap ring or other retaining member resides in the snap ring groove retaining the first and second pins. The secondary valve stop is capable or rotation about the secondary valve. A secondary valve stop engagement surface abuts the male adaptor and prevents over travel of the secondary valve. 
         [0007]    Referring to the male half of the coupling, in a first example or embodiment the secondary valve stop does not extend past the main valve when fully coupled with no flow in the coupling. Put another way, when the secondary valve stop engages the main valve with the coupling halves fully connected and no flow is in the coupling, the secondary valve stop does not extend past the main valve. The first example or embodiment is subject to flow conditions within the coupling when fully connected. The first flow condition is when there is no flow through the male and female coupling halves. The second flow condition is from the male coupling half to the female coupling half. The flow conditions within the coupling affect the position of the main valve, the secondary valve and secondary valve stop. The main valve resides within the body and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body; and a second, open position wherein the main valve is spaced apart from the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve stop is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve and a second position engaging the main valve and spaced apart from the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position; and, a second, open position when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. 
         [0008]    Still referring to the male coupling half and the first example/embodiment of the invention. In the first example the secondary valve stop does not extend past the main valve when fully coupled with no flow in the coupling as stated above. When flow is from the female coupling half to the male coupling half the positions of the main valve, the secondary valve and secondary valve stop are impacted. The main valve resides within the body and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body; and, a third, open position wherein the main valve engages the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve stop is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve and a third position spaced apart from the main valve and engaging the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position; and, a third, open position when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. 
         [0009]    Still referring to the male coupling half, in a second example/embodiment of the invention, the secondary valve stop extends past the main valve when fully coupled and with no flow in the coupling. Put another way, when the secondary valve stop engages the main valve with the coupling halves fully connected and no flow in the coupling, the secondary valve stop extends past the main valve. The second example or embodiment is subject to flow conditions within the coupling when fully connected. The first flow condition is when there is no flow in the coupling when the coupling is fully coupled. The second flow condition is flow from the male half of the coupling to the female half of the coupling when the coupling is fully coupled. The flow condition within the coupling affects the position of the main valve, the secondary valve and secondary valve stop. Under these flow conditions, the main valve resides within the body and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body; and a second, open position wherein the main valve is spaced apart from the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve stop is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve and a second position engaging the main valve and spaced apart from the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position; and, a second, open position when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. 
         [0010]    Still referring to the male coupling half and the second example/embodiment of the invention, the secondary valve stop extends past the main valve when fully coupled and with no flow in the coupling. When there is flow in the coupling from the female half of the coupling to the male half of the coupling when the coupling is fully coupled, the main valve resides within the body and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body; and a second, open position wherein the main valve is spaced apart from the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve stop is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve and a third position spaced apart from the main valve and engaging the adaptor when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position; and, a third open position when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions. 
         [0011]    A coupling stem support member in combination with a stem is disclosed and claimed which includes a generally cylindrical housing. The generally cylindrical housing includes a cylindrical wall portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion. The generally cylindrical housing includes an end portion thereof. In turn, the end portion of the generally cylindrical housing includes a yoke portion. The yoke portion of the end portion of the generally cylindrical housing includes a web having a cross-member and a thicker portion integral with the generally cylindrical wall of the housing. The yoke portion of the generally cylindrical housing includes an axial bore therethrough for receiving the stem, the axial bore includes an inner diameter. The cross-member of the yoke includes first and second bores therein extending from the exterior portion of the wall portion of the housing to the axial bore of the yoke portion of the generally cylindrical housing. The stem being generally cylindrically shaped, the stem includes an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the axial bore of the yoke portion of the generally cylindrical housing. First and second pins for axially securing the stem with respect to the generally cylindrical housing are provided. The stem includes a circumferential groove therein for receiving the first and second pins extending through the first and second bores of the cross-member of the yoke. A retaining member for retaining the first and second pins, respectively, in the first and second bores of the cross-member of the yoke and also for retaining the first and second pins in the circumferential groove of the stem. The retaining member is a snap ring and it may take any form. The snap-ring shown herein is oriented vertically but there can be other orientations. 
         [0012]    The yoke portion of the generally cylindrical housing includes flow ports therein enabling fluid communication through the support member. The generally cylindrical housing includes a second end portion thereof terminating in a surface, the surface designed to engage another portion of the coupling. The stem includes a shoulder thereon which abuts the web portion of the yoke portion of the generally cylindrical housing. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment a single pin may be used for axially securing the stem with respect to the generally cylindrical housing. In this embodiment the stem includes a bore therethrough for receiving the pin extending through the first and second bores of the cross-member of the yoke. A retaining member for retaining the pin in the first and second bores of the cross-member of the yoke is also used in this embodiment. 
         [0014]    It is an object of the invention to provide a coupling which prevents over travel of the secondary valve in the male coupling half. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the invention to ensure that the secondary valve does not over travel and block the flow of fluid through the male coupling half. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the invention to provide a secondary valve stop which acts cooperatively with a main valve (nipple valve) to prevent over travel of the secondary valve in the male coupling half. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the invention to provide a coupling whose male half includes a secondary valve stop pinned to the secondary valve to prevent axial over travel of the secondary valve stop. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the invention to protect springs used in the coupling half from being compressed thus losing their ability to function and to function properly. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the invention to provide a robust coupling that maintains flow capacity under various operating flow conditions. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the invention to provide a robust coupling stem support member which also acts to prevent over travel of the stem. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the invention to provide a robust coupling stem support member which employs a cylindrically shaped housing member, pins and a snap ring to affix the housing member to the stem. 
         [0022]    These and other objects of the invention will be best understood when reference is made to the drawings and the description of the invention which is set forth hereinbelow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the female coupling half. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the female coupling half taken along the lines  1 A- 1 A of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the male coupling half. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the male coupling half taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein initial contact of the coupler and nipple half is occurring and the nipple valve is closed. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the male and female halves of the coupling taken along the lines  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 3  illustrating initial contact of the coupler and nipple half while the nipple valve is closed. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the nipple valve  31  initially contacts the bleeder valve with the bleeder valve closed. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled taken along the lines  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 4  illustrating the nipple valve initially contacting the bleeder valve with the bleeder valve closed. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the bleeder valve is open and the nipple valve and the secondary valve stop are making initial contact. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled taken along the lines  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 5  wherein the bleeder valve is open and the nipple valve initially engages the secondary valve stop. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the coupling of the first example fully connected with no flow between the coupling halves or with flow from the male half to the female half and wherein the nipple valve (main valve) and the secondary valve stop are spaced apart from the nipple adaptor. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the coupling of the first example fully connected taken along the lines  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 6  with no flow between the coupling halves or with flow from the male half to the female half and wherein the nipple valve (main valve) and the secondary valve stop are spaced apart from the nipple adaptor. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6B  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0037]      FIG. 6C  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6B   
           [0038]      FIG. 6D  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  6 D- 6 D of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 6E  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6D . 
           [0040]      FIG. 6F  is a cross-sectional view of the example of  FIG. 6A  with the coupler fully connected under different flow conditions with flow from the female half to the male half and with the nipple valve (main valve) and the secondary valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6G  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6F . 
           [0042]      FIG. 6H  is a perspective view of the secondary valve stop. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6I  is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the coupling fully connected with no flow between the coupling halves or with flow from the male half to the female half and wherein the nipple valve (main valve) and the secondary valve stop are spaced apart from the nipple adaptor. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6J  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 6I . 
           [0045]      FIG. 6K  is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the coupling fully connected with flow from the female half to the male half and with the nipple valve (main valve) spaced apart from the nipple adaptor and the secondary valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor. 
           [0046]      FIG. 6L  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6K . 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of the secondary valve stop, the secondary valve and the bleeder stem. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of the secondary valve stop, the secondary valve, the bleeder stem, the bleeder and the valve arrangement. 
           [0049]      FIG. 7B  is another example of the secondary valve illustrating slots in the secondary valve instead of a circumferential groove therein. 
           [0050]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a valve stop without a snap ring. 
           [0051]      FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  8 A- 8 A of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a valve stop without a snap ring and with a pin extending through the valve stop and through the secondary valve. 
           [0053]      FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the liens  9 A- 9 A of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a valve stop with a snap ring and a pin that extends through the valve stop and the secondary valve. 
           [0055]      FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view  100  of the female coupling half and  FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view  100 A of the female coupling half taken along the lines  1 A- 1 A of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  is a front elevation view  200  of the male coupling half and  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view  200 A of the male coupling half taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  illustrates the female adaptor  1  and the female body  3  threaded to the female adaptor  1 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the sleeve  8  which includes internal threads  8 T (not shown in this view) for connection with the male half of the coupling and the external threads  17 T of male body  17  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , male body  17 , eternal threads  17 T and adaptor  13  are illustrated. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , all of the components of the female coupling half are illustrated, including, the female adaptor  1 , the female body  3 , sliding sleeve  9 , retainer  7 , and sleeve  8  with threaded interior  8 T. Various seals and seal components  2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 , are illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Flow ports  1 P pass hydraulic fluid (or other fluid) therethrough when the female and male halves are coupled together. Snap ring  10  restrains sleeve  8  in one direction and does an unnumbered shoulder on body  3  in the other direction. Spring  12  is operable between a shoulder on adaptor  1  and sliding sleeve  9 . Spring  11  is operable between sliding sleeve  9  and retainer  7 . Retainer  7  has face  7 F which correspondingly engages face  17 S of male body  17  of the male coupling half. Adaptor  1  has face IF which correspondingly engages face  31 F of main valve  31  of the male coupling half. Body  3  has face  3 F which correspondingly engages face  17 F of the male coupling half. See  FIGS. 2A and 3A .  FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view  300  of the male and female halves of the coupling illustrating initial contact of the coupler (female) and nipple (male) half while the nipple valve (main valve)  31  is closed. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , a cross-sectional view  200 A of the male coupling half taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 1 , the components of the coupling are shown, namely, the main valve  31  (sometimes referred to herein as the nipple valve), the body  17 , the adaptor  13 , the secondary valve  29 , and the valve stop  28 . Reference numeral  17 T is used to denote external threads on body  17  which interengage internal threads  8 T on sleeve  8  of the female coupling half. Spring  26  is operable between adaptor  13  and an unnumbered interior shoulder of main valve  31 . Spring  27  is operable between inner surface  28 I and adaptor  13 . Spring groove  13 A in adaptor  13  supports spring  26  and spring groove  13 I supports spring  27 . Main valve  31  includes flow ports  31 P, and inner surface  31 I for engaging face  30 F of bleeder valve  30 , an interior shoulder  31 X for engaging face  28 F of the secondary valve stop  28 , and an engaging surface  31 S for engaging adaptor  13 . Adaptor  13  includes lands  13 L for engaging the engaging surface  31 S of the main valve and the engaging surface  28 S of the secondary valve stop  28 . Reference numeral  13 F indicates a threaded interconnection of the adaptor. Adaptor  13  is threaded  13 T to body  17 . 
         [0060]    Secondary valve support  28  serves to protect springs  26  and  27  from being compressed beyond desired limits. For instance, if a spring is compressed to a solid stack it loses resiliency and therefore it loses its ability to function properly. A spring must maintain its resiliency to return the components of the coupling to their original or initial position in the uncoupled state. Additionally, the springs must maintain their spring rate for proper functioning of the coupling in the coupled and uncoupled condition. 
         [0061]    Secondary valve  29  includes engagement valve surface  29 E which interengages with adaptor valve surface  13 E to prohibit fluid communication between adaptor  13  and the interior portion of body  17  of the male coupling half. Bleeder valve assembly  30 V includes the bleeder valve  30 , seal  18 , brass eyelet  16 , spring  15 , retainer  23  and snap ring  24 . 
         [0062]    Secondary valve  29  further includes a bulbous portion having engagement valve surface  29 E, a generally cylindrical bore therethrough for partially housing bleeder valve  30 , and a generally cylindrical exterior having a shoulder  29 S thereon. A notch or groove  29 A extends circumferentially around the secondary valve. Notch or groove  29 A interengages pins  22 A,  22 B which are used to affix secondary valve stop to secondary valve  29  against axial movement along the axis of secondary valve  29 . Shoulder  29 S also serves to restrict axial movement of secondary valve stop  28  with respect to secondary valve  29 . Secondary valve stop  28  is affixed to secondary valve  29  and restricts its motion rightwardly when viewing  FIGS. 2A ,  3 A,  4 A,  5 A,  6 A,  6 F,  6 I, and  6 K. 
         [0063]    It is specifically contemplated herein that two slots in the exterior of secondary valve  29  may be used instead of a circumferentially extending notch or groove  29 A. The slots would cut across arcs of the exterior of the secondary valve. If the arc is larger then each of the slots would be longer and deeper. See,  FIG. 7B  which is an illustration  700 B of slots  29 N and  29 Z in another example of the secondary valve. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 6H , secondary valve stop  28  includes a generally cylindrically shaped housing.  FIG. 6H  is a perspective view  600 H of the secondary valve stop  28 . The generally cylindrical housing  28  includes a cylindrical wall portion having an interior portion  28 C and an exterior portion  28 W. The generally cylindrical housing includes an end portion  28 E thereof and a face  28 F. In turn, the end portion  28 E of the generally cylindrical housing includes a yoke portion  28 Y. The yoke portion  28 Y of the end portion  28 E of the generally cylindrical housing includes a web having a cross-member  28 M and a thicker portion integral with the generally cylindrical wall  28 W of the housing. The yoke portion of the generally cylindrical housing includes an axial bore therethrough for receiving the cylindrical portion or stem of the secondary valve  29 . The axial bore of the secondary valve stop  28  includes an inner diameter. The cross-member of the yoke includes first  28 A and second  28 B bores therein extending from the exterior portion  28 W of the wall portion of the housing to the axial bore of the yoke portion  28 Y of the generally cylindrical housing  28 . The stem  29 X of secondary valve is generally cylindrically shaped. The stem includes an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the axial bore  28 X of the yoke portion  28 Y of the generally cylindrical housing. First  22 A and second  22 B pins for axially securing the stem  29 X with respect to the generally cylindrical housing are provided. The stem  29 X includes a circumferential groove  29 A therein for receiving the first  22 A and second  22 B pins extending through the first  28 A and second  28 B bores of the cross-member  28 M of the yoke  28 Y. A retaining member  25  for retaining the first and second pins  22 A,  22 B, respectively, in the first  28 A and second  28 B bores of the cross-member  28 M of the yoke  28 Y and also for retaining the first and second pins in the circumferential groove  29 A of the stem  29 X. The retaining member is a snap ring  25  and it may take any form. The snap-ring  25  shown herein is oriented vertically but there can be other orientations such as horizontal as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . Still referring to  FIG. 2A , reference numerals  14 ,  19 ,  20 , and  21  all refer to seal members. 
         [0065]    Still referring to  FIG. 2A , main valve  31  is in its first, closed position and secondary valve  29  is illustrated in its first, closed position and secondary valve stop  28  is illustrated in its first position spaced apart from the main valve  31 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view  300  of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein initial contact of the coupler and nipple half is occurring and the nipple valve is closed.  FIG. 4  is an elevation view  400  of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the nipple valve  31  initially contacts the bleeder valve with the bleeder valve closed. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , a cross-sectional view  300 A of the male and female halves of the coupling illustrating initial contact of the coupler (female) and nipple (male) half while the nipple valve (main valve)  31  is closed, face IF of the female adaptor  1  is illustrated as just beginning engagement with the face  31 F of the male coupling half. At this point in the coupling process, the main valve  31  of the male coupling half is not open and it is shown engaging body  17  of the male coupling half.  FIG. 3A  also illustrate sleeve  8  and internal threads  8 T engaging male body  17  and external threads  17 T. Still referring to  FIG. 3A , the face  7 F of retainer  7  is engaging face  17 S of body  17  and sliding sleeve  9  is also engaging face  31 F of main valve  31 . Shoulders or faces  3 F and  17 F are illustrated as approaching each other as the coupling is in the process of being threaded together. 
         [0068]    Still referring to  FIG. 3A , the main valve  31  is in its first, closed position and the secondary valve  29  is illustrated in its first, closed position and the secondary valve stop  28  is indicated in its first position spaced apart from the main valve  31 . Engagement surface  29 E is illustrated engaging surface  13 E of the adaptor. 
         [0069]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view  400 A of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled illustrating an interior surface  31 I of the nipple valve (main valve)  31  initially contacting the face  30 F of bleeder valve  30  with the bleeder valve closed. Bleeder valve  30  has not yet moved rightwardly as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . The bleeder valve assembly  30 V is not, at this point of the coupling process, opened the bleeder valve to relieve pressure behind the secondary valve (to the right of the secondary valve when viewing  FIG. 4A ). As shown in  FIG. 4A , the main valve  31  is not yet engaging the face  28 F of the secondary valve stop  28 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , sleeve  8  has been threaded further onto male body  17  and faces  3 F and  17 F are getting closer to each other. In  FIG. 4A , the main valve  31  has opened and is moving toward the secondary valve stop  28  and spring  26  operable between main valve  31  and adaptor  13  is in the process of being compressed. Referring to  FIG. 4A , the secondary valve  29  is in its first, closed position and the secondary valve stop  28  is still in its first position. 
         [0070]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view  500  of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the bleeder valve  30  is open and the nipple valve (main valve)  31  and the secondary valve stop  28  are making initial contact.  FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view  500 A of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the bleeder valve  30  is open and the nipple valve (main valve)  31  initially engages the secondary valve stop  28 .  FIG. 5B  is enlargement  500 B of a portion of  FIG. 5A . Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , interior shoulder  31 X of main valve  31  has just engaged face  28 F of the secondary valve stop  28  and is not yet compressing spring  27  operable between interior surface  28 I and adaptor  13  as the contact has just been made.  FIG. 5B  illustrates interior shoulder  31 X of main valve  31 , face  28 F of the secondary valve stop  28 , and interior surface  28 I of the secondary valve stop very well. Interior surface  28 I of secondary valve stop  28  is also illustrated in  FIG. 6H . 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view  600  of the coupler fully connected (coupled) with flow from the male half to the female half and wherein the nipple valve and the secondary valve stop are spaced apart from the nipple adaptor.  FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the first example of the coupler fully connected with no flow between the coupling halves or with flow from the male half to the female half and wherein the nipple valve (main valve)  31  and the secondary valve stop  28  are spaced apart from the nipple adaptor  13 ,  13 L. Flow arrow  698  indicates fluid flow from the male coupling half to the female coupling half. Flow ports  1 P of the female coupler and flow ports  31 P of the male coupler are in fluidic communication as viewed in  FIG. 6A . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  represent a first example or embodiment where, when fully coupled, and without flow through the coupling, the secondary valve stop  28  does not extend rightwardly past the rightmost extent of the main valve  31 . The examples or embodiments of the secondary stop valve  28  position with respect to the main valve  31  are defined without flow through the coupling. Therefore  FIGS. 6A and 6B  define the first example or embodiment wherein the secondary stop valve  28  does not extend rightwardly past the main valve  31  when fully coupled without flow through the coupling.  FIGS. 6I and 6J  represent a second example or embodiment where, when fully coupled, and without flow through the coupling, the secondary valve stop  28  extends rightwardly past the rightmost extent of the main valve  31 . 
         [0073]    In regard to the first example, the secondary valve stop  28  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  wherein face  28 F of stop  28  abuts shoulder  31 X of the main valve  31  and, engaging surface  28 S is leftward of engaging surface  31 S of the main valve. Engagement surface  28 S does not extend past engaging surface  31 S of main valve  31 .  FIG. 6B  is an enlargement  600 B of a portion of  FIG. 6A  and illustrates the main valve surface  31 S and the secondary valve stop surface  28 S well. 
         [0074]    Still referring to  FIGS. 6A  and B, the secondary valve stop  28  does not extend past the main valve  31  rightwardly when fully coupled with no flow in the coupling. In this first example or embodiment, the positions of the respective components of the invention are dependent on the flow conditions within the coupling when fully coupled as will be discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6A and 6F . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the first flow condition is when there is no flow through the male and female coupling halves. Still referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the second flow condition is from the male coupling half to the female coupling half as indicated by flow arrow  698 . Main valve  31  resides within the body  17  and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and a second, open position wherein the main valve  31  is spaced apart from the adaptor  13  when fully coupled as illustrated in  FIG. 6A  under the aforestated flow conditions (namely, no flow or flow from right to left). The secondary valve stop  28  is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A  and a second position engaging the main valve  31  and spaced apart from the adaptor  13  when fully coupled as illustrated in  FIG. 6A  under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve  29  is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and, a second, open position when fully coupled as illustrated in  FIG. 6A  under the aforestated flow conditions. In the second, open position the secondary valve is open and there is a large flow path between surfaces  13 E of the adaptor and surfaces  29 E of the secondary valve. 
         [0076]    Secondary valve stop  28  protects spring  27  should the flow condition change to that depicted in  FIG. 6F , namely from left to right. Similarly, main valve  31  protects spring  26  should the flow condition change to that of  FIG. 6F . 
         [0077]      FIG. 6C  is an enlargement  600 C of a portion of  FIG. 6B  illustrating a shoulder  501  on secondary valve  29  which engages shoulder  502  on bleeder valve  30  and limits the travel of the bleeder valve  30 . A space/gap  30  for releasing pressure along the shaft of the bleeder valve from behind secondary valve  29  is illustrated in  FIG. 6C . Reference numeral  23 W represents a well in which spring  15  resides such that it is operable between retainer  23  and eyelet  16 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 6D  is a cross-sectional view  600 D taken along the lines  6 D- 6 D of  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6E  is an enlargement  600 E of a portion of  FIG. 6D .  FIG. 6D  illustrates the circumferential groove  29 A in secondary valve  29 . Pins  22 A,  22 B are illustrated in groove  29 A.  FIG. 6H  is a perspective view  600 H of the secondary valve stop. Referring to  FIGS. 6D , E and  6 H, the yoke portion  28 Y, the cross member  28 M, and the axial bore  28 X are illustrated along with the snap ring  25  in snap ring groove  28 G. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6F and 6G  represent the first example or embodiment under different flow conditions. The first example or embodiment is defined in connection with  FIG. 6A  where, when fully coupled, and without flow through the coupling, the secondary valve stop  28  does not extend rightwardly past the rightmost extent of the main valve  31 .  FIG. 6F  has the same structure as  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6F  is a cross-sectional view  600 F of the example of  FIG. 6A  with the coupling fully connected with flow from the female half to the male half as indicated by flow arrow  699  and with the nipple valve (main valve)  31  and the secondary valve stop  28  engaging the nipple adaptor.  FIG. 6G  is an enlargement  600 G of a portion of  FIG. 6F . In particular surface  31 S of main valve  31  engages the adaptor  13 ,  13 L as does surface  28 S of secondary valve stop  28  under the flow as defined by flow arrow  699  from left to right (female to male). It will be noticed that a slight gap (unnumbered) is formed between the female adaptor face  1 F and the face  31 F of the main valve  31  by fluid flow  699  pushing against main valve  31 . Further, it will be noticed that a slight gap (unnumbered) is also formed between shoulder  31 X of the main valve  31  and face  28 F of the secondary valve stop  28  by fluid flow  699  pushing against the secondary valve stop  28 .  FIG. 6G  illustrates flow arrow  699  which results in pushing the secondary valve stop rightwardly into engagement with land  13 L of the adaptor. 
         [0080]    Still referring to  FIGS. 6F and 6G , the secondary valve stop does not extend past the main valve when fully coupled with no flow in the coupling as stated above in connection with  FIG. 6A . In this first embodiment, the positions of the respective components of the invention are dependent on the flow conditions within the coupling when fully coupled.  FIGS. 6F and 6G  illustrate the first example/embodiment when flow is from the female coupling half to the male coupling half. The flow condition within the coupling affects the position of the main valve  31 , the secondary valve  29  and secondary valve stop  28 . Main valve  31  resides within the body and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and, a third, open position wherein the main valve  31 S engages the adaptor  13 L when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions as illustrated in  FIG. 6F . Secondary valve  29  as illustrated in  FIG. 6F  extends slightly further rightwardly and this position of the secondary valve is in the third, open position. Even though secondary valve  29  extends slightly further rightwardly as compared to its position illustrated in  FIG. 6A , a wide, unimpeded flow path between the bulbous portion of secondary valve  29  and adaptor surface  13 E is exhibited. As depicted in  FIG. 6F , secondary valve stop  28  is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A  and a third position spaced apart from the main valve  31 X and engaging the adaptor land  13 L when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions from the female coupler to the male coupler. Secondary valve  29  is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and, a third, open position when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions as illustrated in  FIGS. 6F and 6G . 
         [0081]      FIG. 6I  is a cross-sectional view  600 I of a second example of the coupler fully connected with no flow between the coupling halves or with flow from the male half to the female half and without the nipple valve (main valve)  31  and the secondary valve stop  28  engaging the nipple adaptor.  FIG. 6J  is a cross-sectional view  600 J of a portion of  FIG. 6I . 
         [0082]    In the flow condition from the female coupling half to the male coupling half illustrated in  FIGS. 6F and 6G , the secondary valve stop  28  protects spring  27  from compression and main valve  31  protects spring  26  from compression. Neither spring  27  nor spring  26  is compressed in  FIGS. 6F  or  6 G as they are protected by secondary valve stop  28  and the main valve  31 , respectively. Spring  27  operates between adaptor land  13 L and surface  28 I and is not compressed as the distance between the land  13 L and the surface  28 I as illustrated in  FIG. 6G  is large enough to prevent compression of spring  27 . Spring  26  operates between land  13 L and an unnumbered interior shoulder of main valve  31  and is not compressed as the distance between land  13 L and the unnumbered surface as illustrated in  FIG. 6G  is large enough to prevent compression of spring  26 . In the second example illustrated in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 F and  6 G, secondary valve stop member  28  and main valve  31  ensure that springs  27  and  26 , respectively, are not compressed and can function properly and repetitively. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 6I and 6J  represent a second example or embodiment where, when fully coupled, and without flow through the coupling, the secondary valve stop  28  extends rightwardly past the rightmost extent of the main valve  31 . The examples or embodiments of the secondary stop valve  28  position with respect to the main valve  31  are defined without flow through the coupling. Therefore  FIGS. 6I and 6J  define the second example or embodiment wherein the secondary stop valve  28  extends rightwardly past the main valve when fully coupled without flow through the coupling.  FIGS. 6I and 6J  represent a second example or embodiment where, when fully coupled, and without flow through the coupling, the secondary valve stop  28  extends rightwardly past the rightmost extent of the main valve  31 . 
         [0084]    In regard to the second example, the secondary valve stop  28  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6I and 6J  wherein face  28 F of stop  28  abuts shoulder  31 X of the main valve  31  and, engaging surface  28 S is rightward of engaging surface  31 S of the main valve. Engagement surface  28 S extends past engaging surface  31 S of main valve  31 .  FIG. 6J  is an enlargement  600 J of a portion of  FIG. 6I  and illustrates the main valve surface  31 S and the secondary valve stop surface  28 S well. 
         [0085]    Still referring to  FIGS. 6I and 6J , the secondary valve stop  28  extends past main valve  31  rightwardly when fully coupled with no flow in the coupling. In this second example or embodiment, the positions of the respective components of the invention are dependent on the flow conditions within the coupling when fully coupled as will be discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6I and 6K . Referring to  FIGS. 6I and 6J , the first flow condition is when there is no flow through the male and female coupling halves. Still referring to  FIGS. 6I and 6J , the second flow condition is from the male coupling half to the female coupling half as indicated by flow arrow  698 A. Main valve  31  resides within the body  17  and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and a second, open position wherein the main valve  31  is spaced apart from the adaptor  13  when fully coupled as illustrated in  FIG. 6I  under the aforestated flow conditions (namely, no flow or flow from right to left). The secondary valve stop  28  is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A  and a second position engaging the main valve  31  and spaced apart from the adaptor  13  when fully coupled as illustrated in  FIGS. 6I and 6J  under the aforestated flow conditions. The secondary valve  29  is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and, a second, open position when fully coupled as illustrated in  FIGS. 6I and 6J  under the aforestated flow conditions. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 6K and 6L  represent the second example or embodiment under different flow conditions. The second example or embodiment is defined in connection with  FIG. 6I  where, when fully coupled, and without flow through the coupling, the secondary valve stop  28  extends rightwardly past the rightmost extent of the main valve  31 .  FIG. 6K  has the same structure as  FIG. 6I .  FIG. 6K  is a cross-sectional view  600 K of the example of  FIG. 6I  with the coupling fully connected with flow from the female half to the male half as indicated by flow arrow  699 A and with the nipple valve (main valve)  31  spaced apart from the adaptor and the secondary valve stop  28  engaging the nipple adaptor.  FIG. 6L  is an enlargement  600 L of a portion of  FIG. 6K . In particular surface  31 S of main valve  31  is spaced apart from adaptor  13 ,  13 L and surface  28 S of secondary valve stop  28  engages adaptor land  13 L under the flow as defined by flow arrow  699 A from left to right (female to male). It will be noticed that a slight gap (unnumbered) is formed between shoulder  31 X of the main valve  31  and face  28 F of the secondary valve stop  28  by fluid flow  699 A pushing against the secondary valve stop  28 .  FIG. 6L  illustrates flow arrow  699 A which results in pushing the secondary valve stop  28  rightwardly into engagement with land  13 L of the adaptor. 
         [0087]    Still referring to  FIGS. 6K and 6L , the secondary valve stop  28  extends past main valve  31  when fully coupled with no flow in the coupling as stated above in connection with  FIG. 6I . In this second example or embodiment, the positions of the respective components of the male coupling half are dependent on the flow conditions within the coupling when fully coupled.  FIGS. 6K and 6L  illustrate the second example/embodiment when flow is from the female coupling half to the male coupling half. The flow condition within the coupling affects the position of the main valve  31 , the secondary valve  29  and secondary valve stop  28 . Main valve  31  resides within the body and is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position wherein the main valve engages the body as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and, a second, open position wherein the main valve  31 S is spaced apart from the adaptor  13 L when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions as illustrated in  FIG. 6K . Secondary valve  29  as illustrated in  FIG. 6K  extends slightly further rightwardly and this position of the secondary valve is in the third, open position. Even though secondary valve  29  extends slightly further rightwardly as compared to its position illustrated in  FIG. 6I , a wide, unimpeded flow path between the bulbous portion of secondary valve  29  and adaptor surface  13 E is exhibited. As depicted in  FIG. 6K , secondary valve stop  28  is movable during coupling between a first position spaced apart from the main valve as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A  and a third position spaced apart from the main valve  31 X and engaging the adaptor land  13 L when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions from the female coupler to the male coupler. Secondary valve  29  is movable during coupling between: a first, closed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ; and, a third, open position when fully coupled under the aforestated flow conditions as illustrated in  FIGS. 6K and 6L . 
         [0088]    In the flow condition from the female coupling half to the male coupling half illustrated in  FIGS. 6K and 6L , the secondary valve stop  28  protects spring  27  from compression. In  FIG. 6K , main valve  31  is illustrated as being separated from adaptor  13  with spring  26  not compressed. Main valve  31  does not engage the adaptor  13  and will not engage the adaptor even if large flow is present in the coupler. Neither spring  27  nor spring  26  is compressed in  FIG. 6K  or  6 L. Spring  27  operates between adaptor land  13 L and surface  28 I and is not compressed as the distance between the land  13 L and the surface  28 I as illustrated in  FIG. 6L  is large enough to prevent compression of spring  27 . Spring  26  operates between land  13 L and an unnumbered interior shoulder of main valve  31  and is not compressed. In the second example illustrated in  FIGS. 6I ,  6 J,  6 K and  6 L, secondary valve stop member  28  prevents main valve from engaging adaptor  13  which ensures that spring  26  is not compressed and can function properly and repetitively. 
         [0089]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view  700  of the secondary valve stop  28 , the secondary valve  29  and the bleeder stem. Snap ring  25  resides in snap ring groove  28 G. Snap ring  25  resides in groove  28 G and maintains pins  22 A,  22 B in bores  28 A,  28 B of the secondary valve stop  28 . Bleeder valve  30  and face  30 F of bleeder valve  30  are illustrated in  FIG. 7  as is the secondary valve  29 . Surface  29 E is depicted in  FIG. 7  and engages adaptor  13  as illustrated in, for example,  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 7  is a good illustration of the bulbous part of the secondary valve. 
         [0090]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view  700 A of the secondary valve stop  28 , the secondary valve  29 , the bleeder stem  30 , the bleeder and the valve arrangement comprised of seal  18 , eyelet  16 , spring  15 , retainer  23  and snap ring  24  which retains the valve arrangement in secondary valve  29 . Circumferential groove  29 A and shoulder  29 S are illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The secondary valve stop  28  is sometimes referred to herein as a coupling stem support member. 
         [0091]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view  800  of a second embodiment of a valve stop  828  without a snap ring.  FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view  800 A taken along the lines  8 A- 8 A of  FIG. 8 . Stem or secondary valve  829  includes a shoulder  829 S which interengages valve stop  828 . A circumferential groove  829 A receives pins  804 ,  805  and in this example, the pins are restrained by the inner surface  801 I of body  801 . Body part  802  serves to support stem  829 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view  900  of a third embodiment of a valve stop  928  without a snap ring and with a pin  904  extending through valve stop  928  and through secondary valve or stem  929 . Secondary valve or stem  929  includes a shoulder  929 S thereon which interengages and supports valve stop  928 . Bore  928 B extends through valve stop  928  and bore  910  extends through stem  929 . Body  901  supports valve stop  928  and inner surface  901 I restrains pin  904  within valve stop  928 . Stem  929  or secondary valve  929  includes a bulbous portion viewed in  FIGS. 9 and 9A .  FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view  900 A taken along the liens  9 A- 9 A of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view  1000  of a fourth embodiment of a valve stop  1028  with a snap ring  1025  and a pin  1022  that extends through valve stop  1028  and the secondary valve  1029 .  FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view  1000 A taken along the lines  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 10 . Bore  1028 B extends through valve stop  1028  and bore  1010  extends through stem or secondary valve  1029 . Bulbous portion  1029 A of the stem or secondary valve is illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 10A . Snap ring  1025  resides in snap ring groove  1028 G. Shoulder  1029 S also restrains valve stop  1028  from axial movement. 
       REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           100 —front elevation view female coupling half 
           100 A—cross-sectional view of the female coupling half taken along the lines  1 A- 1 A of  FIG. 1   
           1 —female adaptor 
           1 F—face of adaptor  1   
           1 P—ports in adaptor of female 
           2 —back up ring 
           3 —female body threaded to female adaptor  1   
           3 F—face of body  3   
           4 —O-ring 
           5 —O-ring 
           6 —seal 
           7 —retainer 
           7 F—face of retainer 
           8 —sleeve with threaded interior 
           8 T—threaded interior of sleeve  8   
           9 —sliding sleeve 
           10 —snap ring 
           11 —spring operable between sliding sleeve and retainer 
           12 —spring operable between adaptor and sliding sleeve 
           13 —adaptor  13  of male coupling half 
           13 A—outer spring groove for seating spring  26   
           13 I—inner spring groove for seating spring  27   
           13 E—adaptor surface 
           13 F—interior threads on male adaptor  13   
           13 L—land on adaptor  13   
           13 T—threads on adaptor  13   
           14 —seal 
           15 —bleeder valve spring  15   
           16 —brass eyelet 
           17 —body 
           17 F—shoulder which engages face  3 F of coupler body  3   
           17 S—front surface of nipple valve 
           17 T—external threads 
           18 ,  19 —seal 
           20 —back up seal 
           21 —seal 
           22 A,  22 B—pins securing valve stop  28  from lateral movement with respect to secondary valve  29   
           23 —retainer 
           23 W—retainer well 
           24 —snap ring 
           25 —snap-ring 
           26 —nipple valve spring 
           27 —valve stop spring 
           28 —secondary valve stop with cylindrically extending portion 
           28 A—bore in secondary valve stop  28   
           28 B—bore in secondary valve stop  28   
           28 C—interior cylindrically extending portion of secondary valve stop  28   
           28 E—end portion of secondary valve stop  28   
           28 F—face of secondary valve stop  28   
           28 I—interior portion of secondary valve stop  28   
           28 M—cross member of yoke 
           28 P—flow ports in secondary valve stop  28   
           28 S—engaging surface of secondary valve stop which interengages land  13 L on adaptor  13  under certain conditions 
           28 W—exterior cylindrically extending wall portion of secondary valve stop 
           28 X—axial bore for receiving stem/cylindrical portion of secondary valve  29   
           28 Y—yoke portion of secondary valve stop 
           29 —secondary valve 
           29 A—circumferential groove in secondary valve  29   
           29 E—secondary valve surface which engages adaptor surface  13 E 
           29 N,  29 Z—slots in another example of secondary valve  29  for interengagement with pins  22 A,  22 B 
           29 S—shoulder on secondary valve  29   
           29 X—cylindrical stem portion of secondary valve  29   
           30 —bleeder valve 
           30 E—face of bleeder valve whish engages interior  31 I of nipple valve  31   
           30 V—bleeder valve assembly 
           31 —nipple valve (main valve) 
           31 I—interior of nipple valve which engages bleeder valve face  30   
           31 F—nipple valve face 
           31 P—ports in nipple valve  31   
           31 S—surface of nipple valve  31  which may engage adaptor  13   
           31 X—shoulder on nipple valve  31  which engages  28 F 
           200 —elevation view male coupling half 
           200 A—cross-sectional view of the male coupling half taken along the lines  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 1   
           300 —elevation view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein initial contact of the coupler and nipple half is occurring and the nipple valve is closed 
           300 A—cross-sectional view of the male and female halves of the coupling illustrating initial contact of the coupler and nipple half while the nipple valve is closed 
           400 —elevation view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the nipple valve  31  initially contacts the bleeder valve with the bleeder valve closed 
           400 A—cross-sectional view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled illustrating the nipple valve  31  initially contacting the bleeder valve  30  with the bleeder valve closed 
           500 —elevational view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the bleeder valve is open and the nipple valve and the valve stop are making initial contact 
           500 A—cross-sectional view of the male and female halves of the coupling partially coupled wherein the bleeder valve is open and the nipple valve initially engages the valve stop 
           500 B—enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 5A   
           501 —shoulder on secondary valve  29  which engages shoulder  502  on bleeder valve  30   
           502 —shoulder on bleeder valve  30   
           503 —space/gap for releasing pressure behind secondary valve  29   
           600 —elevation view of the coupler fully connected with flow from the male half to the female half and without the nipple view and the valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor; 
           600 A—cross-sectional view of the coupler fully connected with flow from the male half to the female half and without the nipple valve and the valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor 
           600 B—an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6A   
           600 C—an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6B   
           600 D—a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  6 D- 6 D of  FIG. 6A   
           600 E—an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6D   
           600 F—a perspective view of the valve stop 
           600 G—cross-sectional view of the coupler fully connected with flow from the female half to the male half and with the nipple valve and the valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor 
           600 H—a perspective view of the secondary valve stop 
           600 I—a cross-sectional view of a second example of the coupler fully connected with no flow between the coupling halves or with flow from the male half to the female half and without the nipple valve (main valve) and the secondary valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor. 
           600 J—a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 6I   
           600 K—a cross-sectional view of a second example of the coupler fully connected with flow from the female half to the male half and with the nipple valve (main valve) and the secondary valve stop engaging the nipple adaptor 
           600 L—an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6K   
           698 —flow arrow indicating flow from the male coupling half to the female coupling half in  FIG. 6A   
           698 A—flow arrow indicating flow from the male coupling half to the female coupling half in  FIG. 6I   
           699 —flow arrow indicating flow from the female coupling half to the male coupling half in  FIG. 6F   
           699 A—flow arrow indicating from the female coupling half to the male coupling half in  FIG. 6K   
           700 —an elevation view of the valve stop, the secondary valve and the bleeder stem 
           700 A—an exploded view of the valve stop, the secondary valve, the bleeder stem, the bleeder and the valve arrangement 
           700 B—illustration of slots  29 N and  29 Z in another example of the secondary valve. 
           701 —snap ring groove in valve stop  28   
           800 —a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a valve stop without a snap ring 
           800 A—a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  8 A- 8 A of  FIG. 8   
           801 —body of second embodiment 
           801 I—interior of body 
           802 —second body portion 
           804 ,  805 —pins 
           828 —valve stop of second embodiment 
           829 —secondary valve 
           829 A—circumferential groove in secondary valve  803   
           829 S—shoulder on secondary valve  829   
           900 —a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a valve stop without a snap ring and with a pin extending through the valve stop and through the secondary valve 
           900 A—a cross-sectional view taken along the liens  9 A- 9 A of  FIG. 9   
           901 —body of third embodiment 
           901 I—interior of body  901   
           902 —second body portion 
           904 —pin 
           906 —valve stop 
           910  bore through secondary valve  929   
           928 —valve stop of third embodiment 
           928 B—bore through valve stop  928  for receiving pin  904   
           929 —secondary valve 
           929 A—sloped surface on secondary valve  929   
           929 S—shoulder on secondary valve  929   
           1000 —a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a valve stop with a snap ring and a pin that extends through the valve stop and the secondary valve  1003   
           1000 A—a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 10   
           1022 —pin 
           1025 —snap ring 
           1028 —valve stop fourth embodiment 
           1028 B—bore through valve stop  1028  for receiving pin  1022   
           1029 —secondary valve 
           1029 A—sloped surface on secondary valve  1029   
           1028 G—snap ring groove 
           1029 S—shoulder 
       
     
         [0231]    The invention has been set forth by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that changes may be made to the invention as set forth without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claims as set forth hereinbelow.