Abstract:
A rotational two valve disconnect apparatus including a first rotational valve, a second rotational valve, and a rotational disconnect structure connected to the valves. The valves on the disconnect structure are constructed so that the disconnect can be engaged to flowably connect the first and second valve and disconnected to separably disconnect the first and second valves. The structure is further designed so that a single rotational movement will engage the disconnect structure and open the first and second valves or an opposite rotational movement may close the first and second valves and then disengage the disconnect structure. The preferred embodiment utilizes a single rotational axis for both the first and second valves and the disconnect structure. A further design advantage includes radial ports to allow for reduced operating requirement for the valve in high pressure environments.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to shutoff valves and disconnects. More particularly, this invention pertains to a quick connect coupling providing rotatable shut off valves on either side of a rotatable quick disconnect. 
     Several U.S. Patents have been directed to valve structures. An exemplary overview of these patents includes: U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,168, issued to Timmermans on Jul. 16, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,744, issued to Rutter et al. on Oct. 20, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,901, issued to Vescovini on Jul. 24, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,621, issued to Maiville et al. on Jul. 14, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,309, issued to Giesler on May 9, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,972, issued to McCracken et al. on Feb. 6, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,313, issued to LeDevehat on Apr. 16, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,987, issued to Sampson on Sep. 1, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,319, issued to Schumacher on Aug. 10, 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,011, issued to Borvioli on May 2, 2000. 
     One patent of interest in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,901, issued to Vescovini which discloses a fluid cut off valve having first and second shutter valves which are normally biased closed, but which move to an open position when the two coupling components are forced together. 
     Another patent of some interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,987, issued to Sampson. This patent discloses a fluid fitting coupling system which utilizes some rotational motion to accomplish the coupling. 
     Previous valve designs fail to provide a rotational valve system in combination with a rotational quick disconnect. Therefore, what is needed is a rotational valve and quick disconnect system to perform a flow controlled connect and disconnect operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for a rotational two valve disconnect apparatus. The two valve disconnect apparatus includes a first rotational valve, a second rotational valve, and a rotational disconnect structure connected to the valves. The valves and the disconnect structure are arranged so that the disconnect can be engaged to flowably connect the first and second valves, and disengaged to disconnect the first and second valves. The structure is further designed so that a rotational movement will engage the disconnect structure and open the first and second valves. Alternatively, an opposite rotational movement may close the first and second valves and disengage the disconnect structure. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention the rotational axis of the valves and the disconnect structure are aligned along a single axis. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the valve designs utilize rotating nested cylindrical bodies with mating walls at an interface. Each cylindrical body includes passages within each cylindrical body for fluid flow through the bodies. The mating walls each have openings connected to the passages to allow for fluid flow through the valve. The nested cylinders may be sealably rotated in relation to each other to an open or aligned position of the openings at the interface so that fluid will flow through the valve. The nested cylinders may also be sealably rotated to a closed or blocked position where the openings are misaligned at the interface and thus, each opening faces the opposing cylinder wall. When the openings are not aligned, the valve is in a closed position and fluid flow is blocked by the valve structure. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the disconnect structure also utilizes rotating nested cylindrical bodies in a similar manner to the valves previously described. This disconnect structure differs from the valve structure because the cylindrical bodies may be removably nested and rotated between a connect-flow position and a disconnect-block position. In the connect-flow position, the cylinders are sealably locked together and the openings are aligned for fluid flow through the disconnect. In the disconnect-block position, the cylinders may be separated from each other to allow for the disconnect feature. 
     Another aspect of the present invention utilizes a pin and slot structure between the nested cylindrical elements to control the rotational positioning of the elements. A J-slot arrangement is described for a preferred embodiment to lock the cylindrical bodies together. 
     One advantage of the present invention radially locates the openings or ports of the valve designs to the direction of motion to reduce the effect of the flow pressure on the operational force of the valve. 
     A method is also described for the present invention which includes the steps of providing rotational valves connected to separate and opposite sides of a rotational disconnect, aligning the sides of the rotational disconnect, and repositioning the sides of the rotational disconnect in relation to each other to engage the disconnect and flowably connect the valves, and then opening the valves to allow fluid to flow through the valves. One advantage of this structure is that the repositioning and rotating may occur as a continuing rotational movement. 
     A further method is also described for the present invention which includes the steps of providing rotational valves connected to opposite sides of a rotational disconnect, closing the valves to block fluid flow through the valves, repositioning the sides of the rotational disconnect in relation to each other to disengage the disconnect, and then separating the sides of the rotational disconnect. One advantage of this structure is that the closing and repositioning may occur as a continuing rotational movement. 
     A further advantage of the present invention controls the valve and disconnect positions so that the rotational valves are only in an open position when the rotational disconnect is in an engaged position. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention controls the valve and disconnect positions so that the rotational valves are in the closed position when the rotational disconnect is in a disengaged position. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a quick disconnect coupling including four nested rotatable elements providing a shutoff valve on either side of a disconnect. The on/off operation of the valves and the connect/disconnect operation of the disconnect occurs as a rotational movement between these four nested rotatable elements. Fluid ports are radially positioned on these nested elements so that the ports are oriented at 90 degrees to the direction of motion to allow for relatively little force to be used to move the valves between the open and close positions and engage or disengage the disconnect structure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus rotated to a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus rotated to a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus rotated to a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus rotated to a connect/disconnect position. 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus rotated to a connect/disconnect position. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus rotated to a connect/disconnect position. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the second valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the second valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the second valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of the fourth cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of the fourth cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the fourth cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 13 is a solid top view of the third cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 14 is a top view of the third cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 15 is a front view of the third cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the third cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 17 is a side view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the first valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 18 is a front view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the first valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 19 is a top view of the combined structure of a first embodiment of the first valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 20 is a solid top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 21 is a top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 22 is a side view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 23 is a front view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 25 is a front view of the fourth cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 26 is a side view of the fourth cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 27 is a top view of the fourth cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 28 is a top view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus with the first valve in a closed position and the second valve in a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 29 is a front view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus. 
     FIG. 30 is a side view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the fluid coupling apparatus. 
     FIG. 31 is a top view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the second valve rotated to a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 32 is a front view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the second valve rotated to a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 33 is a side view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the second valve rotated to a fluid flow position. 
     FIG. 34 is a solid top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 35 is a top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 36 is a front view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 37 is a side view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 38 is a solid top view of the first cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 39 is a top view of the first cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 40 is a front view of the first cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 41 is a side view of the first cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 42 is a side view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the first valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 43 is a front view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the first valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 44 is a top view of the combined structure of a second embodiment of the first valve rotated to a closed position. 
     FIG. 45 is a solid top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 46 is a top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 47 is a side view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 48 is a front view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 49 is a front view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 50 is a side view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 51 is a top view of the second cylindrical body. 
     FIG. 52 is shaded cutaway view of FIG. 2 showing the four inter-nested cylinders in an aligned opening fluid flow arrangement with fluid flowing through the valve passages perpendicular to the drawing plane. 
     FIG. 53 is shaded cutaway view of FIG. 3 showing the four inter-nested cylinders in a fluid flow arrangement with the fluid flowing through the valve passages parallel to the drawing plane. 
     FIG. 54 is shaded cutaway view of FIG. 5 showing the four inter-nested cylinders rotated to a fluid blocking arrangement. 
     FIG. 55 is shaded cutaway view of FIG. 6 showing the four inter-nested cylinders in a fluid blocking arrangement. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-55 of the drawings, the present invention is directed to a rotational two valve disconnect apparatus  10  also known as a fluid coupling apparatus  10 . FIGS. 1 through 27 show the spring-loaded embodiment and FIGS. 28 through 51 show a frictional engagement embodiment. The general aspects of both of these embodiments will be described in the following discussion with the additional features of the spring-loaded embodiment being descried as appropriate. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-55, the rotational two valve disconnect apparatus  10  utilizes a four inter-nested cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  approach to form a first rotational valve  20 , a second rotational valve  24 , and a rotational disconnect structure  22 . The valves  20  and  24  allow for the fluid flow to be started and stopped by opening and closing the valves  20  and  24 . The rotational disconnect  22  utilizes a first side structure  64  and second side structure  76  which are adapted to engage each other to flowably connect the first and second valves  20  and  24 . The rotational disconnect  22  is also adapted to be disengaged and disconnect or separate the first valve  20  from the second valve  24 . The first valve  20 , second valve  24 , and rotational disconnect  22  are aligned to allow for a rotational movement to either engage the sides of the disconnect structure  22  and open the first and second valves  20  and  24 , or close the first and second valve  20  and disengage the sides of the disconnect structure  22 . As shown in FIGS. 1-6 and  29 - 30  of the drawings, the first rotational valve  20  has a first valve rotation axis  26  which is lined up with the disconnect rotation axis  28  of the rotational disconnect structure  22 . Furthermore, the second valve rotation axis  30  of the second rotational valve  24  is also aligned with the disconnect rotation axis  28 . This axial alignment allows for a very simple rotational movement to both connect the sides of the disconnect structure  22  and open the valves  20 ,  24  or close the valves  20 ,  24  and disengage the sides  64 ,  76  of the disconnect structure  22 . 
     FIGS. 1-9,  17 - 19 ,  28 - 33 ,  42 - 44 , and  52 - 55  of the drawings show the nested arrangement of the cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  of the rotational two valve disconnect apparatus  10 . As shown in FIGS. 17-19 and  42 - 44  of the drawings, a first rotational valve  20  includes a first cylindrical body  12  nested inside a second cylindrical body  14 . As shown in FIGS. 7-9 and  31 - 33 , the second rotational valve  24  is constructed from a third cylindrical body  16  nested within the fourth cylindrical body  18 . FIGS. 1-6 and  28 - 30  show how the rotational disconnect structure  22  is formed from the outer portion of the second cylindrical body  14  connected into the interior portion of the third cylindrical body  16 . Each of these cylindrical bodies  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  will now be described in detail. 
     As shown in FIGS. 17-27 and  42 - 51  of the drawings, the first rotational valve  20  and the first part  64  of the disconnect structure  22  are constructed from a first cylindrical body  12  and second cylindrical body  14 . FIGS. 25-27 and  49 - 51  of the drawings show the first cylindrical body  14  which has a first cylinder outer wall  34  and a first fluid passage  36 . The first cylinder outer wall  34  defines a first passage outer opening  40  which is fluidly connected to the first fluid passage  36 . The first fluid passage  36  includes a first axial passage  38  and a first radial passage  39  which are interconnected to provide fluid flow from the first passage inner opening  41  to the first passage outer opening  40 . The first cylindrical body  12  also includes a knurled portion  41  to allow for gripping of the first cylindrical body  12 . 
     FIGS. 22-24 and  45 - 48  show the second cylindrical body  14  with a second cylinder inner wall  46  and a second fluid passage  52 . The second cylinder inner wall  46  defines a second passage inner opening  54  which is fluidly connected to the second fluid passage  52 . The second cylinder inner wall  46  also defines a first body nesting cavity  50  for receiving the first cylindrical body  12 . The first cylindrical body  12  is nested within the first body nesting cavity  50  and adapted to be sealably rotated within the first body nesting cavity  50 . This seal may be made by a friction fit, gaskets, or other methods known in the art. A friction fit for the seal is shown to limit the number of parts for the invention. The rotation moves between a first valve flow position for flowably aligning the first passage outer opening  40  and second passage inner opening  54  and a first valve block position for blockably aligning the first passage outer opening  40  and the second passage inner opening  54 . The first pin  44  is adapted to be received in the first pin slot  60 . The first pin slot  60  controls the rotational movement of the first pin  44  between a first position and a second position to control the opening and closing of the first valve  20 . Thus, the first cylindrical body  12  and second cylindrical body  14  form a valve structure which may be rotationally adjusted to an open position and a closed position. Retention ears  45  are used with ear slots  47  in each of the valves to retain one cylinder inside another. A material of appropriate resiliency should be used to allow for the pieces to expand and compress for assembling the inner cylinder by insertion into the outer cylinder. 
     FIGS. 7-16 and  31 - 41  show the construction of the second rotational valve  24 . Rotational valve  24  is similar in construction to the first rotational valve  20 . The second rotational valve  24  also uses two cylindrical bodies  16 ,  18  including the third cylindrical body  16  and the fourth cylindrical body  18 . The third cylindrical body  16  includes a third cylinder inner wall  62  and a third cylinder outer wall  65  with a third fluid passage  68  allowing fluid flow through the third cylindrical body  15 . The third cylinder outer wall  65  defines a third passage outer opening  70  that is fluidly connected to the third fluid passage  68 . The fourth cylindrical body  18  includes a fourth cylinder inner wall  77  and a fourth fluid passage  82 . The fourth cylinder inner wall  77  also defines a third body nesting cavity  80  for receiving the third cylindrical body  16 . The fourth cylinder inner wall  77  further defines a fourth passage inner opening  87  which is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid passage  82 . As previously described for the first valve  20 , the second valve  24  includes the third cylindrical body  16  mounted within the third body nesting cavity  80  where the third cylindrical body  16  may be sealably rotated within the third body nesting cavity  80 . The third cylindrical body  16  may be rotated to both a second valve flow position for flowably aligning the third passage outer opening  70  with the fourth passage inner opening  87  and a second valve block position for blockably aligning the third passage outer opening  70  and a the fourth passage inner opening  87 . The third cylindrical body  16  includes a third pin  72  which is adapted to be received in a third pin slot  88  on the fourth cylindrical body  18 . The third pin  72  allows for the positioning of the second valve  24  between open position and closed position. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-9 and  28 - 33 , the rotational disconnect structure  22  utilizes the second cylindrical body  14  and third cylindrical body  16 . The second cylindrical body  14  includes a second passage outer opening  56  defined by the second cylinder outer wall  48 . The second passage outer opening  56  is flowably connected to the second fluid passage  52 . A second body nesting cavity  66  is defined by the third cylinder inner wall  62 . The second body nesting cavity  66  is adapted to receive the second cylindrical body  14 . A third passage inner opening  69  is defined by the third cylinder inner wall  62 . The third passage inner opening  69  is flowably connected to the third fluid passage  68 . As shown in FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings, the second cylindrical body  14  is adapted to be removably positioned within the second body nesting cavity  62 . The second cylindrical body  14  adapted to be rotated within the second body nesting cavity  62  between a connect-flow position for flowably aligning the second passage outer opening  56  and the third passage inner opening  69 , and a disconnect-block position which allows for separation of the second cylindrical body  14  from the second body nesting cavity  62 . A second pin  58  is found on the second cylindrical body  14  which is adapted to be received in the second pin slot  74  of the third cylindrical body  16 . The second pin allows for the disconnect structure  22  to be rotated between the engaged position which allows fluid flow from the first valve  20  to second valve  24 , and a disengaged position which allows the second cylindrical body  14  to be separately removed from the second body nesting cavity  62  in the third cylindrical body  16 . 
     As shown by the described structure, the preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a fluid coupling apparatus  10  that is constructed using a first cylindrical element  12 , a second cylindrical element  14 , a third cylindrical element  16  and a fourth cylindrical element  18 . The first cylindrical element  12  is sealably nested in the second cylindrical element  14  to form a first shut off valve  20 . The second cylindrical element  14  is removably nested in the third cylindrical element  16  to provide a disconnect structure  22 . The third cylindrical element  16  is sealably nested in the fourth cylindrical element  18  to form a second shut off valve  24 . In this manner, the operation of the valve  20  and  24  and the disconnect  22  are provided by a continuous rotational motion. 
     As noted by the positioning of the cylindrical bodies  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  within the valve structures  20  and  24 , each valve  20  and  24  includes fluid ports defined by the openings  40 ,  54 ,  70 ,  87  which are located at an interface between the cylindrical bodies  12 ,  14  and  16 ,  18  in order to form the valves  20  and  24 . The fluid ports are radially or perpendicularly located at 90 degrees to the direction of motion of the bodies  12 ,  14  and  16 ,  18  to allow for the easiest opening and closing of the radial valves  20 ,  24  without regard to the pressure of the fluid being controlled. Thus, even in high pressure environments, relatively little force is required to move the on/off valves between the open and closed positions. Each fluid port includes the radial openings  40 ,  54 ,  70 ,  87  in the first and second sides of the interface. These radial openings are adapted to be rotated relative to each other to a first flowing alignment of the radial openings  40 ,  54 ,  70 ,  87  and a second blocking alignment of the radial openings  40 ,  54 ,  70 ,  87 . 
     Also noted by the position of the cylindrical bodies  14 ,  16  within the disconnect structure  22 , the disconnect structure  22  includes fluid ports defined by the openings  56 ,  69  which are located at an interface between the cylindrical bodies  14  and  16  in order to form the disconnect  22 . The fluid ports are radially located at 90 degrees to the direction of motion of the bodies  14  and  16  to allow for the easiest opening and closing of the disconnect without regard to the pressure of the fluid being controlled. Thus, even in high pressure environments, relatively little force is required to move the disconnect between the engaged and disengaged positions. Each fluid port includes the radial openings  54  and  69  in the first and second sides of the interface. These radial openings are adapted to be rotated relative to each other to a first flowing alignment of the radial openings  54  and  69  and a second disengaging alignment of the radial opening  54  and  69  for disconnection of the cylindrical bodies  14  and  16 . 
     The disconnect structure  22  also includes a pin  58  on the first side of the interface between the cylindrical elements  14 ,  16  forming the disconnect and a slot  74  adapted to receive the pin  58  on opposing side of the interface. This pin  58  and slot  74  arrangement is adapted to rotationally engage the cylindrical elements  14 ,  16  for connection of the first and second valve  20 ,  24 . This pin  58  and slot  74  arrangement is further adapted to allow for disengagement of the cylindrical elements  14 ,  16  for separation of the valves  20 ,  24 . The slot can include a J-slot arrangement for lockably engaging the first and second valves  20 ,  24  with the disconnect structure  22 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-6 and  17 - 24 , a spring  90  and cover  92  can be attached and retained in the second cylinder  14  or the first part  64  of the disconnect  22  to provide spring pressure to the disconnect  22 . The spring  90  applies pressure to the cover  92  which retains the spring  90  in the second cylinder  14 . The pressure is passed through the cover  92  and is applied to the second body nesting cavity  74  to bias the disconnect  22 . This pressure increases the frictional forces holding the disconnect  22  together, and helps to minimize any accidental connections or disconnections of the first and second valves  20 ,  24 . Alternatively, other biasing means may be used or the cover  92  may be modified to be flexible or resilient to directly provide the pressure. 
     As can be seen by FIGS. 1-51 and the teaching of the structure of the invention, a method for connecting a first and second flow may be found which includes providing a first rotational valve  20  connected to the first flow. The first valve  20  having a first inner portion  12  and a first outer portion  14 . Additionally, providing a second rotational valve  24  connected to the second flow with the second valve having a second inner portion  16  and a second outer portion  18 . Furthermore, the method includes providing a disconnect  22  adapted to flowably connect the first and second valves  20 ,  24  and the disconnect having a first side  64  connected to the first valve  20  and a second side  76  connected to the second valve  24 . The method includes aligning the first and second sides  64 ,  76  of the disconnect  22 , repositioning the first side  64  in relation to the second side  76  to engage the disconnect  22  and flowably connect the first and second valves  20 ,  24  and changing the position of the first inner portion  12  in relation to the first outer portion  14  to open the fluid flow through the first valve  20  along with rotating the position at the second inner portion  16  in relation to the second outer portion  18  to open the fluid flow through the second valve  24 . In this manner, the performing of the repositioning, changing, and rotating may be done as a continuing rotational movement. 
     Also shown by this structure and teaching is a method for separating a first and second flow which comprises providing a first rotational valve  20  connected to the first flow with the first valve having a first inner portion  12  and a first outer portion  14 , providing a second rotational valve  24  connected to the second flow with the second valve  24  having a second inner portion  16  and a second outer portion  18  and providing a separable disconnect  22  flowably connecting the first and second valves  20 ,  24  with the disconnect  22  having a first side  64  connected to the first valve  20  and a second side  76  connected to the second valve  24 . The present method involves changing the relation of the first inner portion  12  to the first outer portion  14  to block the fluid flow through the first valve  20 , rotating the position of the second inner portion  16  in relation to the second outer portion  18  to block the fluid flow through the second valve  24 , and repositioning the first side  64  in relation to the second side  76  to disengage the disconnect  22  after blocking the first and second flows, and furthermore separating the first and second sides  64 ,  76  of the disconnect  22  after the repositioning. This method may perform this change of rotating and repositioning as a continuing rotational movement. 
     Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment shows a fluid coupling apparatus  10  which comprises a first rotational valve  20  connected to a first side  64  of a rotational disconnect and a second rotational valve  24  connected to a second side  76  of the rotational disconnect  22  with the first rotational valve  20 , second rotational valve  24 , and rotational disconnect  22  adapted to allow for a rotational movement to engage the sides of the disconnect structure  22  and open the first and second valves  20 ,  24 . This apparatus  10  is then further defined by allowing the first and second rotational valves  20 ,  24  to be in the open position only when the rotational disconnect  22  is in an engaged position. Another aspect of the present invention is shown in the fluid coupling apparatus  10  which includes a first rotational valve  20  connected to a first side  64  of a rotational disconnect  22  and a second rotational valve  24  connected to a second side  76  of the rotational disconnect  22 , with the first valve  20 , second valve  24 , and disconnect  22  adapted to allow for a rotational movement to close the first and second valves  20 ,  24  and disengage in the sides  64 ,  76  of the disconnect structure  22 . This apparatus  10  is further improved when the rotational disconnect  22  is only in the disengaged position when the first and second rotational valves  20 ,  24  are in the closed position. 
     A further improvement provides that the slots  60 ,  74 ,  88  are shaped as J-slots to lock the cylindrical bodies  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  together. 
     The present invention can be manufactured from stainless steel or injection molding of plastic and utilized in vacuum, air, or liquid systems where a low volume quick connect that can be made up or disconnected under pressure is desirable. The operation of the present invention allows fluid to flow through the flow connections  41 ,  86  at the top and bottom of the fitting  10  and through an annular area  82  formed by inner and outer sides of the fourth cylinder  18 . As the fluid ports are aligned by turning the respective nested fittings  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  fluid will flow through the aligned ports and through the two valves  20 ,  24  and disconnect structure  22 . 
     Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Rotational Connecting Valve with Quick Disconnect, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.