Abstract:
Fluid coupling devices are disclosed for use in receptacles such as receptacles on surgical aspiration equipment for selectively connecting a fluid conduit in the receptacle with a flow passage formed through a coupling device. The coupling devices in accordance with the invention comprise a spindle member which is non-rotatably held in the receptacle and a body member rotatably mounted on the spindle member for movement between an open position in which communication is established between the flow conduit in the receptacle and the flow passage in the coupling device, and a closed position disconnecting the conduit from the flow passage. The body member has a cam insert member with a through bore for connecting the flow conduit with the flow passage. The spindle member is formed with a cam surface for urging the cam insert member outwardly when it is moved into registration with the flow conduit in the receptacle so that an annular sealing lip on the outer surface of the cam insert member is compressed around the flow conduit to form an effective seal. In one embodiment of the invention the flow passage through the coupling device is formed through the body member and in another embodiment of the invention the flow passage through the coupling device is formed axially through the spindle member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 607,453 filed May 7, 1984, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to selectively actuable fluid coupling devices and, more particularly, to an improved T-coupling which can be fabricated as a disposable unit and which provides reliable pressure sealing at all interfaces between moving parts. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Selectively actuable fluid couplings, and particularly selectively actuable T-couplings, have numerous practical and commercial applications. One such application is surgical aspiration. A prior art fluid coupling device which has been designed for surgical aspiration applications is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.  4,418,944 (Haines, et al). The disclosure in that patent is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference for purposes of background information. 
     The fluid coupling device in the Haines, et al., patent includes a male member which is received in an open-sided generally cylindrical receptacle of a female member. The male member has a transversely extending flow passage adapted to be provided with tubes at either end to establish an aspiration path from the surgical site to an aspirator mechanism. The male member is selectively rotatable in the female member so that a longitudinal bore in the male member, which intersects the transverse flow path, can be selectively aligned with an opening in the receptacle for a bleed supply passage defined in the female member. In order to achieve a tight pressure seal about the bleed passage opening when the bleed supply passage and the bore are aligned, the cylindrical surface of the receptacle, opposite the bleed supply passage opening, is configured with a raised cam and an adjacent detent which cooperate with a cam surface on the male member to force the male and female members together about the bleed passage and bore interface. The absence of cam interaction for other mutual rotational positions of the male and female members minimizes frictional resistance to selective  rotation of the male member in use. While this arrangement provides a tight seal and easily controlled rotation between the members, the configured portion of the receptacle surface is subject to wear from repeated use. Thus, while the male member may be disposable, the cam on the permanent female member may eventually wear down and reduce the effectiveness of the seal. 
     The Haines, et al., patent expresses concern about the occurrence of twisting in the tubes which are attached to the transverse flow passage, particularly as the male member is rotated in the receptacle. In order to prevent such twisting and the resultant working loose of the tubes, Haines, et al., slightly displace the axis of the transverse flow path from the axis of rotation for the male member within the receptacle. This has the effect of imparting somewhat of an arcuate movement (rather than a completely twisting movement) about the flow axis to the attached tubes as the male member rotates in the receptacle. While this improves reliability by reducing the likelihood of the tubes twisting off the male member fittings, the problem is not completely avoided. Specifically, although the transverse flow path axis is not coincident with the rotation axis, the rotation axis still  passes through the flow path. A certain degree of twisting is, therefore, still produced, leaving the possibility, although somewhat lessened, that the tubes can twist off their fittings. 
     For surgical aspiration applications the bleed supply passage provides pressure relief, thereby controlling the degree of aspiration and releasing the aspirator from the surgical site without pulling on tissue which the working tip of the unit may contact. Haines, et al., describe the need for a check valve in the bleed supply passage to control the amount of bleed fluid delivered to the aspirator as a function of pressure in the aspirator line. Haines, et al., note that the use of such check valves in the small diameter surgical tubing is unreliable because the necessarily small valves tend to fail. A solution to this problem is not expressly discussed by Haines, et al., and one is left to assume that the check valve is to remain in the small diameter tube or is disposed in the bleed supply passage upstream of the interface between the bore and the bleed passage opening. In the latter case the check valve becomes part of the permanent or non-disposable equipment and is therefore subject to failure due to extended use. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improved fluid coupling devices of the type described. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide fluid coupling devices in which the camming arrangement for effecting a positive seal in one rotation position between two mutually rotative members is produced entirely within one of the members which may be disposable. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable fluid coupling device having a transverse flow passage which is adapted for connection at its ends to flow tubes, wherein the flow passage is completely displaced from the axis of rotation of the coupling device in order to substantially eliminate twisting of the flow tubes about the coupling device fittings. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fluid coupling device suitable for use in surgical aspiration applications wherein a reliable check valve is employed for the bleed supply passage and is located in a disposable portion of the coupling device. 
     In accordance with the present invention, at least in a first embodiment thereof, a fluid coupling device includes a body member having a transverse flow passage  defined therethrough. A longitudinal bore, open at one end, is defined in the body member and intersects the transverse flow passage. Flow through the bore is selectively controlled by a spindle member rotatably disposed in a spindle-receiving hole defined transversely through the body member in spaced relation to the transverse flow passage and in perpendicular intersecting relation to the bore. A flow channel or conduit is defined transversely through the spindle so as to be selectively aligned with the two sections of the bore on opposite sides of the spindle member. Thus, the spindle member serves as a rotary valve assembled to the body member in order to control flow through the bore. 
     The open end of the bore is widened and receives an apertured resilient sealing insert having a rim which projects out from the bore opening and is adapted to seal an opening in a receptacle wall of the type described above in relation to the Haines, et al., patent. The spindle member has a cammed or flattened section of reduced radius against which the inner end of the sealing insert abuts in the closed mutual rotation position of the spindle and body members, in which position the flow conduit in the spindle is substantially perpendicular to the bore in the body member. When the spindle and body members are aligned, the unflattened large radius portion of the spindle member resiliently stresses the sealing insert to urge it outward toward the bore opening so as to provide a positive seal against the surface of a receptacle wall. Likewise, there is an absence of such outward stress on the sealing member as it is rotated in the receptacle toward the open flow position. 
     The spindle member is provided with radial extensions at its opposite ends which are adapted to engage transversely spaced arms in a receptacle with which the fluid coupling device is used. The spaced receptacle arms prevent rotation of the spindle member within the receptacle but permit the body member to be rotated between the arms. The spindle flow conduit may thereby be permanently aligned with the receptacle bleed passage to serve as a conduit therefrom through the bore when the body member is rotated to align the bore with the aligned bleed passage and spindle conduit. A suitable stop and a tactile position indicator are provided to assure proper positioning of the body member for the open or aligned position. 
     A duckbill check valve is disposed in the body member bore between the spindle and the transverse flow passage to permit flow only toward the transverse flow passage as a function of the pressure in that passage. The resilient duckbill valve also provides a seal at its upstream end against the spindle member. The required check valve function in the bleed path is thus served by an inexpensive yet reliable duckbill valve which is included as part of the disposable body member/spindle member assembly. 
     In a fluid coupling device constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the camming action for pressing the sealing rim of the cam seat insert member into engagement around the receptacle opening when the coupling device is rotated between the closed and open positions is accordingly effected entirely within the device itself by movement of the cam seat insert around cam surfaces formed on the spindle member. Further, since the flow passage through the body member for the attachment of tubes at either end thereof, is spaced substantially from the axis of rotation of the body member, the tendency for the tubes to twist when the device is rotated, is also reduced. 
     For certain applications, it may not be necessary to have a check valve between the bleed passage the transverse flow passage through the coupling device. Accordingly, in a second embodiment of the invention, a fluid coupling device comprises a body member, spindle member, and cam seat insert member of generally similar character to the equivalent elements of the first embodiment, with a camming action for the cam seat insert member again being effected internally of the device by  rotation of the cam seat insert member around cam surfaces on the spindle member, but in the second embodiment, the transverse flow passage is formed substantially axially through the spindle member rather than through the body member, with a port being provided in the wall of the spindle member for connecting the transverse flow passage to the receptacle opening via the cam insert member when the device is in open position, and with the ends of the spindle member being extended to provide tube fittings. This arrangement provides a simplified construction of body member absent the duck-bill check valve, receiving bore, and transverse flow passage, and has the added advantage of substantially eliminating any tendency for the associated tubes to twist or otherwise move when the device is opened and closed, since the spindle member, to which the tubes are attached, is held in a fixed, non-rotatable condition in the associated receptacle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects, features and many of the advantages of the present invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like parts in each of the several figures are identified by the same reference numerals, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a view in perspective, and partially in phantom and exploded, of a first embodiment fluid coupling device constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view in elevation of the fluid coupling device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a left side view in elevation of the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a right side view in elevation of the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view in plan of the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6 is a rear view in elevation of the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 7 is a view in section taken along lines 7--7 of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view in plan of one part of the cam valve spindle portion of the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 9 is an end view in elevation of the part in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view in elevation of the part in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 11 is a front view in elevation of another part of the cam coupling valve spindle; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation of the part of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a front view in elevation of the duckbill check valve employed in the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view in elevation of the duckbill check valve employed in the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 15 is a bottom view in plan of the duckbill check valve employed in the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 16 is a top view in plan of the duckbill check valve employed in the device of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 17 is a view in perspective of the device of FIG. 1 inserted in a cooperative receptacle and shown in the open position. 
     FIG. 18 is a view in vertical section of the device and receptacle of FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 19 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 17 but showing the device in a closed position; 
     FIG. 20 is a view in section similar to FIG. 18 but showing the device in closed position; 
     FIG. 21 is a view in perspective of a second embodiment fluid coupling device in accordance with the invention inserted in a cooperative receptacle and shown in the closed position; 
     FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 with the coupling device shown in the open position; 
     FIG. 23 is an enlarged view in perspective and part broken away of the second embodiment fluid coupling device; 
     FIG. 24 is an exploded plan view of a cam valve spindle member portion of the device shown in FIG. 23; 
     FIG. 25 is an enlarged sectional elevational view of the second embodiment coupling device and receptacle with the coupling device in the closed position; 
     FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 with the coupling device shown in the open position; and 
     FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment coupling device. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to FIGS. 1-20 of the accompanying drawings, a first embodiment fluid coupling device of the present invention includes a body member 10 and a cam valve spindle member 30. The body member includes a handle portion 11 at one end, a valving portion 12 at its opposite end and an intermediate portion 13. A transverse flow passage 14, in the form of a generally cylindrical through bore, extends transversely through intermediate portion 13 proximate handle portion 11. The intermediate portion 13 is transversely extended at both of its sides about passage 14 to define extension fittings 15 adapted for connection to respective plastic tubes or similar flow conduits. Substantially centrally of the length of flow passage 14 is a T-intersection 16 of that passage and a bore 17 extending generally perpendicular thereto. Bore 17 is defined through an opening 18 at the valving portion end of the body member, and terminates at T-intersection 16. The end of bore 17 near open end 18 is enlarged, in a generally oval-like configuration, relative to the major portion of the bore length which is generally cylindrical. A transversely extending spindle-receiving through hole 19 is defined through the valving portion 12 of the body member. Through hole 19 intersects and passes entirely through bore 17 in perpendicular relation. An annular shoulder 20 is defined in the wall of bore 17 in valving portion 12 between the through hole 19 and the T-intersection 16. Shoulder 20 faces open end 18 and thereby defines a cylindrical bore section of slightly increased diameter between the shoulder and the through hole 19. 
     A duckbill check valve 21 is inserted into bore 17 through open end 18 and includes a diametrically enlarged flange portion 22 which abuts shoulder 20. The shoulder thereby serves as a stop to limit insertion of the duckbill check valve 21 into bore 17 and thereby fix the axial position of the valve in the bore. Flow through the bore 17 must pass through the duckbill check valve which is made of a resilient sealing material and is of sufficient diameter to fill the bore section in which it resides. The duckbill or valving end 23 of the duckbill valve is at the opposite end from flange 22 and is oriented to permit flow only in a direction toward T-intersection 16. In the preferred embodiment, duckbill check valve 21 is made of medical grade silicon rubber having a durometer in the range of 40-50. 
     A resilient cam seat insert sealing member 24 is tightly secured in the enlarged open end of valving portion 12 of body member 10. Sealing member 24 has a transverse cross-sectional configuration which substantially matches the generally oval configuration at open end 18 of bore 17, so that member 24 may be wedged into the open end in sealing relation. The length of sealing member 24 is greater than the length of the widened open end 18 of bore 17 so that the sealing member extends a short distance into the transverse through hole 19. A passage or aperture 25 is substantially centrally defined through sealing member 24 in its length dimension, and is aligned with the section of bore 17 subsisting across through hole 19 from the sealing member. The exposed end of sealing member 24 includes a raised annular rim 26 which surrounds the opening for aperture 25. Rim 26 extends beyond the end profile of body member 10. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, resilient sealing member 24 is made of a relatively soft thermoplastic rubber having a durometer of 50-60, such as the material sold under the name Kraton by the Shell Oil Company. 
     The cam valve spindle member 30 includes an elongated generally cylindrical intermediate section 31 and two end members 32, 33 which project radially a substantial distance beyond the radius of the profile of intermediate section 31. Intermediate cylindrical section 31 is configured and sized to permit it to fit and slidably rotate in through hole 19 of body member 10. For purposes of fabrication, intermediate section 31 is preferably formed integrally with an end member (e.g., end member 32), and the other end member (e.g., end member 33) is secured by means of adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc., to the opposite end of the intermediate section after the latter has been inserted through the spindle-receiving hole 19 in the body member. In order to facilitate securing the end member 33 to the intermediate section, the inserted end member 34 of the intermediate section is keyed to fit into a suitably provided slot or recess 35 in the presented surface of end member 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the keyed end 34 has a cross-section configuration (taken longitudinally of the body member 10) of an hour glass, and the slot 35 is similarly configured. The keyed end 34 projects out through hole 19 when the spindle member is fully inserted therein, and the facing surfaces 36 and 37 of end members 32 and 33, respectively, abut respective sides of valving portion 12 in rotatably slidable relation. Through hole 19 and spindle member 30 have central axes which coincide, as indicated at A, when the body and spindle members are thusly assembled, and determine the axis of rotation for the mutual rotation between the two members. It is to be noted that the axis of rotation does not pass through flow passage 14. 
     A flow conduit or hole 38 is defined through intermediate section 31 of the spindle member, perpendicularly intersecting axis A. Hole 38 is positioned to be aligned with aperture 25 and bore 17 for certain mutual rotational positions of the spindle and body members. The periphery of intermediate spindle section 31 is provided with a flattened cam portion 39 of reduced radius. Cam portion 39 is circumferentially spaced by 90&#39; from flow hole 38 and presents a flat surface which is sufficiently large to abut the entire flat interiorly facing surface 27 of the cam seat insert sealing member 24. In other words, when the body and spindle members are mutually rotated to a closed or blocking position, with flow hole 38 oriented perpendicular to bore 17, the mutually presented surfaces 27 and 39 are flush with one another, and the sealing member is relatively unstressed longitudinally (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to rotation axis A). When the spindle and body members are in their open or free flow position, the full radial dimension of the spindle intermediate section 31 bears against the presented sealing member surface 27, thereby longitudinally stressing the sealing member and forcing sealing rim 26 outward. When the members are in rotational positions which are intermediate the open and closed positions, the longitudinal stress on sealing member 24 varies with the rotational position but is never as great as it is in the open position. 
     The fluid coupling device described above is particularly suited for operation in conjunction with a receptacle member 40 having a generally cylindrical wall 41 partially surrounding a receptacle space. The receptacle space has a central axis B at its radial center, and has an opening 44 extending along the front of the receptacle. A flow opening 42 for a bleed supply passage 43 opens into the receptacle space, typically from the top of the space at a circumferential position displaced 90&#39; from the center of opening 44. The receptacle wall 41 may be specially configured with a cam and detent (as described in the Haines, et al.) or not; the operation of the fluid coupling of the present invention is not affected. Beneath opening 44 is an open space defined between two transversely spaced and forwarding projecting arms 45 and 46. The space is wide enough to receive the full transverse dimension of intermediate portion 13 of body member 10 (not including, of course, the fittings 15). On the other hand, the members 32 and 33 of the spindle member are transversely spaced to generally correspond to the spacing between projecting receptacle arms 45 and 46. 
     In order to insert the fluid coupling device into receptacle 40, the body and spindle members are mutually rotated to the closed position wherein cam surface 39 abuts interior surface 27 of sealing member 24. In this position the elongated portions of end members 32 and 33 extend toward handle portion 11. Also in this position the valving section 12 of the body member, and the contained spindle member 30, may be inserted through opening 44 into the receptacle space bounded by wall 41. In addition, aperture 25 and bore 17 are misaligned by 90&#39; with flow opening 42 for bleed supply passage 43. Flow hole 38, on the other hand, is aligned with opening 42 but is blocked from flow communication therewith by the body member in the closed position. The extended portion of the end members 32 and 33 are restrained against rotational motion in the receptacle by the top wall of opening 44 on one side and by the projecting arms 45 and 46 on the other side. Body member 10 is not so restrained, however, and can be selectively rotated downward between arms 45 and 46 through an angle of at least 90&#39;. As the body member is thusly rotated, aperture 25 and bore 17 are rotated relative to flow hole 38 and bleed path opening 42. During this rotation relatively little longitudinal compressive stress is placed on sealing member 24 because of the reduced diameter of the cam surface 39; therefore, there is minimal frictional resistance to rotation of the coupling device in the receptacle. After a complete 90&#39; rotation, aperture 25 and bore 17 are in complete alignment with flow 38 and bleed path opening 42 to permit bleed fluid to flow freely from passage 43 to the aspiration flow passage 14. In addition, the maximum radial dimension of the spindle intermediate section 31 bears against the sealing member 24, biasing that member outward to effect a positive seal about opening 42 by the sealing member rim 26. 
     A thin resiliently pivotable vane-like member 28 is provided as part of the forward surface of the valving portion 12 of body member 10. The portion of vane-like member 28 disposed proximate the end of the body member is spaced from the main part of the body member to provide the resiliently pivotable capability. The distal edge of vane-like member 28 is configured and positioned to resiliently snap as it passes the upper edge of the receptacle opening 44, thereby providing the user with a tactile indication that the aperture 25 and bore 17 are properly aligned with opening 42 and flow hole 38. In addition, rear stop projections 48 on body member 10 abut a portion 49 of the receptacle structure to prevent rotation of the body member beyond the desired open flow position. 
     The spindle member 30 is preferably made of a plastic material of high lubricity to minimize frictional resistance to rotation between the spindle member and each of body member 10, sealing member 24 and duckbill check valve 21. A polyoxymethylene copolymer, such as Celcon, manufactured by the Celanese Corporation, is a typically suitable material for this purpose. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 21-27 of the drawings, there is illustrated a second embodiment fluid coupling device of the invention generally indicated at 50, comprising a body member 52, a cam valve spindle member 54, and a cam seat insert sealing member 56, the coupling device being shown in FIGS. 21, 22, 25 and 26 in conjunction with a receptacle 60, which may be the same as receptacle 40 referred to in connection with the previous embodiment. 
     Body member 52, spindle member 54 and insert sealing member 56 are generally similar in character to the equivalent members in the first embodiment, and may be made of like materials. Body member 52, however, is of somewhat simpler construction than body member 10, by exclusion of the duck-bill check valve, its receiving bore, and the transverse flow passage which, as will be described, is in the second embodiment provided through the spindle member 54. Thus, body member 52 comprises a handle portion 58 at on end, a solid body portion 62 intermediate its ends, and a pocket-like valving or receiving portion 64 at its other end for receiving the spindle member and insert sealing member. Receiving portion 64 is defined between a pair of bearing sections 66, 68 integrally formed on the body member for rotatably mounting the body member on the spindle member, the bearing sections having circular internal bearing surfaces 70, 72, (FIG. 27) a front wall 74 connecting the bearing sections, and a back wall 76 separated from the bearing sections by slits 78, 80 which allow the back wall to flex somewhat as indicated in FIG. 26. Further, back wall 76 has a longitudinal shoulder 82 between a thicker base portion of the wall and a thinner top portion of the wall. 
     Spindle member 54 has an intermediate portion 84 for rotatably receiving the body member, and extended end portions with tapering fittings 86, 88 forming tube connections. An axial bore 90 extends throughout the length of the spindle member to provide a transverse flow passage through the coupling device equivalent to flow passage 14 of the previous embodiment. A central opening or port 92 is provided in the spindle member for selectively connecting bore 90 with a bleed supply passage 94 in receptacle 60 via insert member 56, when the coupling device is in the open position, in similar manner to the previous embodiment. Intermediate portion 84 of the spindle member is of generally circular cross-section for rotatably receiving the bearing surfaces 70, 72 of the body member, but has a flattened cam portion 96 conforming to cam portion 39 of the first embodiment and which terminates short of the ends of the intermediate portion, and a further full-length flattened portion 98. As best seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, cam portion 96 is substantially parallel to the axis of port 92, while flattened portion 98 is disposed diametrically opposite the port. A first radially projecting end member 100 is integrally formed on one end of intermediate portion 84 of the spindle member, and a second like, but separate member 102 is provided for attachment, as by welding or adhesive, on the opposite end of the intermediate portion, after the spindle member and body member are assembled. End member 102 has a bore 104 with a flat 106 (FIG. 27) conforming to flattened portion 98 of the spindle member, ensuring connection of the end member to the spindle member at the proper angle. It is understood that end members 100 and 102 serve the same purpose as end members 32, 33 of the previous embodiment, in holding the spindle member against rotation when the coupling device is fitted in receptacle 60 by engaging between top wall 106 of the receptacle and projecting arms 108, 110. 
     The mutual configurations of body member 52 and spindle member 54, moreover, are such that the spindle member can only be inserted fully into the body member for assembly with the full-length flattened portion 98 aligned with back wall 76 of the body member, otherwise the full-diameter part of the end wall of the intermediate portion of the spindle member would foul against the thicker base portion of wall 76 and prevent full insertion of the spindle member. The mutual configuration of the body and spindle members requiring a unique assembly orientation ensures that when assembled in the respective members are in the relative configuration shown in FIGS. 23 and 25 which, when the coupling device is in use, is the closed position. 
     After insertion of the spindle member in the body member as described above, end member 102 is suitably attached by adhesive or welding, and will be aligned with end member 100 due to the configuration of its flattened bore 104. The cam seat insert member 56 is then inserted in the top of receiving pocket 64 so that its base wall 112 rests on the flattened cam portion 96 of the spindle member. The cam seat insert member is a snug fit in pocket 64 and is provided with a through passage 114 and an annular sealing rim 116 as in the previous embodiment. 
     The coupling device is inserted in receptacle 60 in the manner previously described, in the closed condition shown in FIGS. 21 and 25, so that the end members 100, 102 are received between top wall 106 and arms 108, 110 of the receptacle, thereby holding spindle member 54 against rotation, while body member 52 can be rotated around the spindle member to open and close the coupling device. 
     As in the previous embodiment, in the closed position, (FIG. 25) base wall 112 of the cam seat member is pressed against cam portion 96 of the spindle member. When the coupling device is to be opened, however, by pressing down on handle portion 58, moving the body member around the spindle member, cam seat member 56 rides onto the full diameter portion of the spindle member, thereby camming the cam seat member radially outwardly, so that in the open position (FIG. 26) in which the passage 114 is aligned with passage 94 in the receptacle and port 92 in the spindle member, thereby providing a flow path between passage 114 and the spindle bore 90, rim 116 is compressed around passage 94 to form an effective seal. During movement from the closed to the open position, back wall 76 of the body member flexes somewhat outwardly as indicated in FIG. 26, and then snaps into engagement against cam portion 96 of the spindle member to positively locate the body member in the open position and provide a tactile indication thereof. Likewise when the device is returned to the closed position and the cam insert member 56 is relaxed, wall 76 again flexes outwardly and snaps back into engagement with flattened portion 98 of the spindle member. 
     It will be understood that since bore 90 through the spindle member forms the flow passage through the coupling device, and since there is no rotation of the spindle member between the opened and closed positions of the device, there will be effectively no tendency for tubes attached to the opposite ends of the spindle member to twist or otherwise move when the device is opened and closed. 
     Having described several embodiments of a new and improved fluid coupling device constructed in accordance with the present invention, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure herein. It will be understood that all such variations, modifications, and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.