Patent Publication Number: US-2023143344-A1

Title: Self-centering blind mate fluid coupling

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/061,863 filed Aug. 6, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/196,454 filed Jun. 3, 2021, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to couplings, and more particularly to a self-centering blind mate fluid coupling. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fluid couplings are commonly used to connect fluid lines in a variety of applications. Often these couplings include a male member and a female member that are mated together for fluid connection between fluid lines of a system. The male member generally includes a projecting portion at one end for insertion into a receiving end of the female member. When the projecting portion of the male member is inserted into the receiving end of the female member, fluid flow may be established through flow passages in each of the coupling members. Typically, one or both of the coupling members include a valve member that is opened to permit fluid flow when the coupling members are fully-mated together, and that is closed to terminate fluid flow when the coupling members are disconnected. 
     One type of fluid coupling that is often used in the electronics industry for thermal management applications, for example, is a blind mate fluid coupling. Conventionally, each coupling member of a blind mate coupling is mounted on a plate or manifold, such as with one coupling member mounted in an electrical cabinet and the other coupling member mounted on a modularly removable rack or blade carrying electronics. The mating action between the coupling members of the blind mate coupling occurs via a sliding motion between the plate and manifold (e.g., cabinet and rack/blade) which can be accomplished without tools and without visually seeing the connection sequence. Typically, such blind mate couplings have minor self-aligning features which allows a small amount of misalignment between the coupling members when mating them together. 
     SUMMARY 
     One issue with conventional blind mate coupling designs is that the amount of misalignment allowed when mating the coupling members together may be insufficient for many applications. For example, a conventional blind mate coupling may allow up to only 1 mm of maximum radial misalignment and essentially zero angular misalignment between the coupling members. When trying to expand the use of such blind mate couplings into more broadly accepted applications, such as electronic data centers, the tolerances of the enclosures for these applications may not be as tightly controlled as more conventional or sophisticated applications. Therefore, more misalignment tolerance is needed in the mating between coupling members to maintain the current proven and economical manufacturing processes for such applications. 
     An aspect of the present disclosure provides a blind mate coupling or coupling member that enhances the self-centering and/or misalignment compensating capabilities of the design. 
     More particularly, according to an aspect, the exemplary blind mate coupling includes an alignment mechanism having one or more of an axially forward part, an intermediate part, and/or an axially rearward part that cooperate with the valve body of the coupling to provide alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to an aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a movable engagement part that is radially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the engagement part cooperates with the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a movable engagement part that is axially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the engagement part is a forward engagement part configured to engage a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a rearward engagement part that forms a fixed stop having a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including an engagement part that cooperates with a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body; wherein the forwardly facing shoulder surface includes an inclined portion that extends radially outwardly and axially rearwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve body. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the forwardly facing shoulder surface further includes a vertical portion that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve body, the vertical portion being radially outward of the inclined portion. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a biasing member that is configured to urge the valve body rearwardly. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the biasing member is part of a forward alignment assembly that biases a forward movable part in a rearward direction to engage a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary blind mate fluid coupling including an exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the blind mate coupling is shown in an exemplary initial mating and closed state. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member in  FIG.  1    shown in an exemplary decoupled state. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional side view of the blind mate coupling in  FIG.  1    shown in an exemplary partially-mated, unlocked and closed state. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional side view of the blind mate coupling in  FIG.  1    in an exemplary partially-mated, unlocked and closed state with the male member angularly misaligned. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional side view of the blind mate coupling in  FIG.  1    in an exemplary partially-mated, unlocked and closed state with the male member radially misaligned. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional side view of the blind mate coupling in  FIG.  1    in an exemplary fully-mated and open state. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary blind mate fluid coupling including another exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is shown in an exemplary initial mating and closed state. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary blind mate fluid coupling including another exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is shown in an exemplary initial mating and closed state. 
         FIG.  9    shows an exemplary male coupling member according to another embodiment in a centered (aligned) and decoupled state. 
         FIG.  10    shows the male coupling member in  FIG.  9    in coupled state at full offset angle. 
         FIG.  11    shows the male coupling member in  FIG.  9    during a disconnecting state at an angle. 
         FIG.  12    shows the male coupling member in  FIG.  9    in a connected state at full radial offset. 
         FIG.  13    shows disconnection of the male coupling member in  FIG.  9    at full radial offset. 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the male member in  FIG.  9    illustrating centering functionality. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates centering of the male member in  FIG.  9    in a disconnected state. 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 D  illustrate a disconnecting sequence of the male member in  FIG.  9   . 
         FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  illustrate additional centering functionality of the male member in  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  18    shows another exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    shows another exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  20 - 22    show another exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  23    shows another exemplary male coupling member according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  24 - 37    show another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate fluid coupling including another exemplary male coupling member. 
         FIG.  24    is a front perspective view of the blind mate coupling, and  FIG.  25    is a rear perspective view thereof. 
         FIG.  26    is a cross-sectional side view showing the male coupling member in an exemplary centered and uncoupled state. 
         FIG.  27    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member in a connecting state at full radial offset. 
         FIG.  28    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member in a disconnecting state at full radial offset. 
         FIG.  29    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member in a connecting state at full radial offset and at a full offset angle. 
         FIG.  30    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member in a disconnecting state at full radial offset and at a full offset angle. 
         FIG.  31    is cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member illustrating exemplary radial offset limits for centering. 
         FIG.  32    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member illustrating a maximum amount the valve body can be pulled off-center. 
         FIG.  33    is a rear view illustrating the state in  FIG.  32   . 
         FIG.  34    is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary shoulder portion of the valve body of the male coupling member. 
         FIG.  35    is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary rear engagement part of the male coupling member. 
         FIG.  36    is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an exemplary centering mechanism of the male coupling member in a connecting state, and  FIG.  37    is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the centering mechanism in a disconnecting state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The principles and aspects according to the present disclosure have particular application to blind mate fluid couplings, also referred to as blind mate quick couplings, such as for fluid flow control and thermal management in electronics applications, and thus will be described below chiefly in this context. It is understood, however, that the principles and aspects according to the present disclosure may be applicable to other types of couplings for other applications, including non-fluid applications where desirable, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the exemplary blind mate couplings may be used for electrical, acoustic, or optical applications, which may be applicable to the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, or energy industry, or any other suitable industry for any suitable application. 
     The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain exemplary embodiments that illustrate one or more aspects according to the present disclosure. As shown and described below, a general aspect of the present disclosure provides a blind mate coupling or coupling member that enhances the self-centering and/or misalignment compensating capabilities of the design. More particularly according to an aspect, the exemplary blind mate coupling provides an alignment mechanism including one or more of an axially forward part, an intermediate part, and/or an axially rearward part that cooperate with the valve body of the coupling to provide alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     In exemplary embodiments, as described in further detail below, the forward part may include a movable engagement part that is axially movable relative to a housing of the coupling and which interfaces against a shoulder surface of the valve body to enhance alignment and/or centering. Such a movable forward engagement part (or member) generally may be referred to as a movable stop. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the forward part may be a fixed engagement part that serves as a fixed stop and which interfaces against a corresponding shoulder surface of the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering. The forward part may be a single part or may be a combination of cooperating parts such as an assembly. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the intermediate part may include a movable engagement part that is radially movable relative to the housing and which cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering. The intermediate part may include a concave interface, such as a spherical interface, which provides such cooperation with the valve body. For example, a shoulder surface of the valve body may be interface against the intermediate part and form a complimentary surface to the concave interface with the intermediate part. In alternative embodiments, the intermediate part may have a spring seat part and a radially movable part that interface with each other via the concave interface to provide centering and/or alignment. Such a movable intermediate engagement part (or member) generally may be referred to as a movable stop. In alternative embodiments, the intermediate part may be a fixed part that serves as a fixed stop that cooperates with the valve body. The intermediate part may be a single part or may be a combination of cooperating parts such as an assembly. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the rearward part may include an engagement part that is fixed relative to the housing and which forms a fixed stop that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering. In exemplary embodiments, the rearward part includes an inclined surface that interfaces against a shoulder surface of the valve body to provide such alignment and/or centering. For example, the inclined surface of the rearward part may be a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface which may form a part of the housing or which may be coupled to the housing. In alternative embodiments, the rearward part may be a movable engagement part (or movable stop). The rearward part may be a single part or may be a combination of cooperating parts such as an assembly. 
     Other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary blind mate fluid coupling  10  is shown. As shown, the blind mate coupling  10  generally includes two coupling members, including a male coupling member  12  (also referred to as a male member or male nipple) and a female coupling member  14  (also referred to as a female member or female coupler). As is well-understood in the art, such quick connect coupling members  12 ,  14  may be mated together for fluid connection between fluid lines of a system to establish fluid flow through the system, or may be disconnected from each other to terminate flow through the coupling members. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the blind mate fluid coupling  10  is used for thermal management applications to establish fluid flow between a heat exchanger (e.g., cold plate) and a fixed manifold to allow for quick removal and replacement of the components of the thermal management system. The fluid in such applications may be a liquid, such as water or a water-based liquid, or may include glycol, or may be a gas, or may be a two-phase liquid-gas such as a refrigerant, or may be any other suitable fluid (e.g., liquid and/or gas) for the thermal management application, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the male member  12  may be mounted to a plate  16 , drawer, rack, blade, or other suitable removable platform or substrate carrying electronic components to be cooled via fluid flow established via connection of the male member. Such removable modular components may be used for PCIe expansion or other expansion interfaces carrying electronics (e.g., processors, memory storage devices, communications interfaces, etc.) that may be added to or removed from a computer environment, for example. Such fluid flow may be established via suitable conduits and/or heat exchanger equipment (e.g., cold plates) in thermal communication with the electronics. The conduits and/or heat exchanger equipment may be connected at a rearward connector  18  of the male member  12 , for example. As shown, the rearward connector may be barbed connector that is configured to connect with a flexible hose. 
     As shown, the female member  14  may be mounted on a manifold  20 , such as on an electrical cabinet or other enclosure within which the expansion unit (e.g., drawer, rack, blades, etc.) carrying the modular expansion electronics are inserted or removed. The female member  14  generally includes a valve body  22  having a forward inlet portion  24 , a rearward outlet portion  26 , and an internal fluid flow passage  28  fluidly connecting the inlet and outlet portions  24 ,  26 . As shown, the inlet portion  24  includes a receptacle  25  for receiving a corresponding forward projecting portion, or nose  30 , of the male member. 
     A valve member  32  is disposed within the internal fluid passage  28  of the female member  14 , and is configured to move relative to the female valve body  22  for opening and closing the internal fluid passage  28  when the male member  12  is fully coupled or decoupled, respectively, from the female member  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member  32  is formed as a valve sleeve that surrounds a fixed valve stem portion  34 . A biasing member  36  surrounds the stem portion  34  and biases the valve member  32  toward closed where the valve member  32  sealingly engages against one or more sealing surfaces, such as one or more seals  37 ,  38 . The outlet portion  26  includes a connector  39 , such as suitable threads, barbs, or the like, which enable connection to the manifold  20 , or a suitable fluid conduit, which may be coupled to a source of the fluid (e.g., liquid), or to other thermal management equipment in the system fluid circuit, for example. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the female member  14  may be rigidly mounted to the manifold  20 . To provide suitable connection with the male member  12  when the plate or other structure carrying the male member is inserted relative to the female member  14 , the male member may have self-centering and misalignment compensating functionality to account for misalignments between the coupling members  12 ,  14 . Such misalignment between the coupling members  12 ,  14  may be caused by misalignments and/or tolerance issues (e.g., stack-up) between the structures  16 ,  20  holding the coupling members  12 ,  14 , for example. 
     As discussed above, one issue with conventional blind mate coupling designs is that the amount of misalignment allowed when mating the coupling members may be insufficient for many applications. For example, a conventional blind mate coupling may allow up to only 1 mm of maximum radial misalignment and essentially zero angular misalignment between the coupling members. When trying to expand the use of such blind mate couplings into more broadly accepted applications, such as electronic data centers, the tolerances of the enclosures for these applications may not be as tightly controlled as more conventional or sophisticated applications. Therefore, more misalignment tolerance is needed in the mating between coupling members to maintain the current proven and economical manufacturing processes for such applications. 
     An aspect of the present disclosure provides the exemplary blind mate coupling  12 , and more particularly one or more of the exemplary coupling members  12  and/or  14  with one or more features that enhance the self-centering and/or misalignment compensating capabilities of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, such self-centering and misalignment compensating features are embodied in the male member  12 . It is understood, however, that the features described herein could also be applied to the female member  14 , as will become apparent in view of the following description. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  2   , with reference still to  FIG.  1   , the exemplary male coupling member  12  is shown alone. The male member  12  generally includes a housing  40 , a valve body  42  at least partially extending through the housing  40 , and a valve member  44  within an internal fluid passage  45  of the valve body  42  for opening and closing the fluid passage  45 . 
     The housing  40  may be any suitable structure for operatively mounting the valve body  42  on the mounting plate  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  40  has a generally cylindrical outer body with one or more fastening receivers  46 , such as recesses or grooves, for receiving one or more fasteners  47 , such as retaining ring(s), threads, coupling nuts, screws, or the like that mount the male member  12  to the mounting plate  16 . The housing also may have any suitable configuration for enabling one or more of the self-centering and misalignment compensating features of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the housing  40  forms an internal chamber  48  that contains at least a portion of the valve body  42  as well as other component(s) that enable such self-centering and misalignment compensating functionality, as described in further detail below. 
     The valve body  42  includes a main body portion  50  extending along a longitudinal axis  51  and which forms the internal fluid passage  45 . The valve body  42  may have any suitable shape or form as may be desired for the particular application. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion  50  has forward nose portion  30  with a generally cylindrical outer surface that extends along the longitudinal axis  51  and projects forwardly of a forward face  52  of the housing  40  for insertion into the receptacle  25  of the female member  14 . As shown, the valve body  42  extends through a forward opening  53  in the housing  40  and into the internal chamber  48 . The valve body  42  also may extend through a rearward opening  54  in the housing  40  to project rearwardly of the housing  40 . The rearward portion of the valve body  42  includes connector  18 , such as threads, barbs, or the like, for connecting to a suitable fluid conduit, for example. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the valve body  40  includes one or more radially protruding shoulder portions  56 ,  58 , or abutments, having corresponding shoulder surfaces that extend radially outwardly from the main body portion  50  for providing self-centering and misalignment compensating functionality by interacting with portions of the housing  40 , as will be described in further detail below. The one or more shoulder portions  56 ,  58  may be contained within the internal chamber  48  of the housing  40  to interact with respective internal housing surfaces (described below). In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body  42  includes first (e.g., forward) shoulder portion  56  and second (e.g., rearward) shoulder portion  58  that is axially spaced from the first shoulder portion  56 . As shown, one or more of the shoulder portions  56 ,  58  may be unitary with the main body portion  50 ; however, it is understood that one or more or all of the shoulder portions  56 ,  58  may be attached to the main body portion  50  in any suitable manner. 
     The male valve member  44  may have any suitable shape or form for opening or closing the internal fluid passage  45  of the valve body  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member  44  is slidably disposed within the valve body  42  to move between open and closed positions. As shown, a biasing member  60  is disposed within the valve body  42  (e.g., within the fluid passage  45 ) and biases the valve member  44  forward toward the closed position where the valve member  44  sealingly engages against a sealing surface  61 , such as a valve seat, with a suitable seal  62  (e.g., O-ring seal). The biasing member  60  may be any suitable member for biasing the valve member  44 , such as a spring, for example a coil spring. The biasing member  60  may engage an internal spring seat, or internal abutment, inside the fluid passage  45  that is formed by a rearward portion  63  of the valve body  42 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rearward portion  63  of the valve body  42  may be a separate piece that is connected (e.g., threaded) to an intermediate portion or the forward nose portion  30  of the valve body  42 . 
       FIG.  2    shows the exemplary male member  12  is in its decoupled and self-centered state. In the illustrated state, the male member  12  also is in a closed state in which the valve member  44  is in its closed position sealingly engaged against the valve seat  61 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the alignment mechanism of the coupling includes a forward engagement part and a rearward engagement part in the form of respective first and second radially inwardly extending abutments  64 ,  66  of the housing  40 . The abutments  64 ,  66  serve as centering engagement structures that interface with the respective first and second radially outwardly protruding shoulder portions  56 ,  58  of the valve body  42 . As shown, a biasing member  68 , such as a centering spring  68 , is configured to urge the valve body shoulder portions  56  and  58  against the respective housing abutments  64  and  66 . In exemplary embodiments, the centering spring  68  is a conical spring, which also urges the valve body  42  toward the center line of the spring along the longitudinal axis  51 . The conical centering spring  68  surrounds the longitudinal axis  51  and engages a rearward internal surface  67  (e.g., retaining ring) at one end of the spring  68 , and exerts forward biasing force against a rearward and inward surface of the second shoulder portion  58  to urge the valve body  42  forward and toward center. 
     In the illustrated decoupled state, the first valve body shoulder portion  56  engages the first housing abutment  64 , and the second valve body shoulder portion  58  engages the second housing abutment  66  to provide centering of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  40  (e.g., along longitudinal axis  51 ). The biasing member  68  provides sufficient biasing force to lock the valve body  42  in the centered position relative to the housing  40  until sufficient force is applied to overcome the biasing force. Because the respective first and second housing abutments  64 ,  66  restrict further forward movement of the valve body  42 , the first and second housing abutments  64 ,  55  also serve as respective stop members of the housing  40 . 
     To further facilitate centering of the valve body  42  with respect to the housing  40 , one or more respective engagement surfaces of the housing abutments  64 ,  66  and/or one or more respective engagement surfaces of the valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58  may include radially inwardly tapered surfaces in the forward direction. Such radially inward tapering of the engagement surfaces urges the engagement between the respective valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58  and housing abutments  64 ,  66  toward the center position along the longitudinal axis  51 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, for example, both of the rearward surfaces of the first and second housing abutments  64 ,  66  include respective tapered engagement surfaces  70 ,  71  that taper radially inwardly in the forward direction. By virtue of the cylindrical shape of the housing  40 , the respective tapered engagement surfaces  70 ,  71  form respective progressive conical surfaces in the illustrated embodiment. 
     Also as shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the respective forward surfaces of the valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58  may include radially inwardly tapered engagement surfaces in the forward direction which may be configured to provide a complementary interface against the tapered engagement surfaces  70 ,  71  of the housing abutments  64 ,  66 . In the illustrated embodiment, only the first (e.g., forward) shoulder portion  56  has a tapered engagement surface  72 . The second (e.g., rearward) shoulder portion  58  has a perpendicular surface relative to the axis  51 , and includes a curved radially outer end portion  73  for engaging the second housing abutment  66 , as described in further detail below. 
     The first (e.g., forward) housing abutment  64  may have any suitable form for serving as a stop and/or facilitating centering of the valve body  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing abutment  64  is unitary with the outer housing body and extends radially inwardly to form a portion of the through opening  53  in the front face  52  of the housing  40 . It is understood, however, that the first housing abutment  64  may be attached to the housing body in any suitable fashion. As shown, the tapered engagement surface  70  of the first housing abutment  64  may be at an angle in the range from about 30-degrees to about 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis  51 , such as about 60-degrees, for example. To provide a complementary interfacial engagement, the tapered engagement surface  72  of the first valve body shoulder portion  56  may have the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis  51 . 
     The second (e.g., rearward) housing abutment  66  may have any suitable form for serving as a stop and/or facilitating centering of the valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing abutment  66  is formed as a circular plate, or ring, that is attached to the outer housing body inside the chamber  48  via a suitable fastener  74 , such as a retaining ring. It is understood, however, that the second housing abutment  66  may be formed integrally and or be unitary with the housing body in any suitable fashion. As shown, the tapered engagement surface  71  of the second housing abutment  66  may be at an angle in the range from about 30-degrees to about 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis  51 , such as about 60-degrees, for example. The conical spring  68  may help push the rear of the valve body  42  toward center such that the taper on the second housing abutment  68  can be smaller. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the second (e.g., rearward) shoulder portion  58  of the valve body  42  may be configured to provide point engagement with the second (e.g., rearward) housing abutment  66  to facilitate the self-centering functionality. As discussed above, in the illustrated embodiment, the radially outer surface  73  of the second shoulder portion  58  may be a continuously curved surface to facilitate such point engagement. It is understood, however, that the interface between the second shoulder portion  58  and the second housing abutment  66  could be two diameters that guide each other, or could be two conical surfaces that guide each other together. Generally, this second contact interface (e.g., shoulder portion  58  and abutment  66 ) that is rearward of the forward interface (e.g., shoulder portion  56  and abutment  64 ), alternatively or additionally in combination with the conical spring  68 , helps to better center the male valve body  42  with the female member  14 . Such feature(s) also help to prevent the male valve body  42  from being moved off center by a force that is radial to the male nose portion  30 . 
     Also as shown, an internal size of opening  75  through the second housing abutment  66  may be about the same as, or essentially the same as, the outer size of the valve body shoulder portion  58 . For example, the radially inner diameter provided by the opening  75  in the second housing abutment  66  may be the same size as (or only slightly larger than) the radially outer diameter provided by the curved surface  73  of the second valve body shoulder portion  58 . In this manner, the second valve body shoulder portion  58  is too large to pass through the opening  75  formed by the second housing abutment  66 , but is small enough such that the second valve body shoulder portion  58  may engage a radially inner edge forming the opening  75 . Such engagement of the second valve body shoulder portion  58  may provide point-to-point contact between the second valve body shoulder portion  58  and the second housing abutment  66  to further facilitate centering of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  40 . Although shown in this manner, it understood that the features of the first (forward) interface (e.g., shoulder portion  56  and abutment  64 ) and the second (rearward) interface (e.g., shoulder portion  58  and abutment  66 ) could be reversed, with the conical stop feature integrated into the second shoulder portion  58  and the first (forward) interface with a clearance diameter. Alternatively, both first (forward) interface (e.g., shoulder portion  56  and abutment  64 ) and the second (rearward) interface (e.g., shoulder portion  58  and abutment  66 ) could have conical interfaces with complementary interfacing surfaces and stop at the same time as well 
     The respective first and second housing abutments  64 ,  66  and the respective first and second valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58  are configured to cooperate with each other to provide suitable operation and self-centering of the male coupling member  12 . For example, the axial spacing between the engagement surfaces  70 ,  71  of the first and second housing abutments  64 ,  66  is the same as the axial spacing between the engagement surfaces  72 ,  73  of the first and second valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58 . In this manner, the respective shoulder portions  56 ,  58  will engage the respective abutments  64 ,  66  at the same time when centered in the illustrated decoupled state. The angle of the respective tapered surfaces  70 ,  71  of the housing abutments  64 ,  66  also are the same in the illustrated embodiment to help guide the forward and rearward portions of the valve body  42  toward center. As shown, the radially inner extent (e.g., inner diameter) of the openings  53 ,  75  formed by the respective housing abutments  64 ,  66  also may be the same. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the radially outer extent (e.g., outer diameter) of the first (forward) shoulder portion  56  is larger than that of the second (rearward) shoulder portion  58  to better ensure a stop of the valve body  42  forwardly; however it is understood that these features could be reverse or could be the same as discussed above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  3 - 6   , an exemplary connection sequence of the blind mate coupling  10  will now be described in further detail. Reference still may be had to  FIG.  2    for showing certain features of the male member  12  in further detail. 
     Turning back to  FIG.  1   , the blind mate coupling  10  is shown in an initial mating state in which the nose portion  30  of the male member  12  has been inserted into the receptacle  25  of the female member  14 , however sufficient mating engagement has not yet been made to transition the male member  12  from its decoupled state (as shown in  FIG.  2   ). In the illustrated state, each of the coupling members  12 ,  14  still are still in their respective closed states and fluid communication is not established between the coupling members  12 ,  14 . 
     As shown, the female member may have a relatively large cone-shaped receptacle  25  that tapers radially inwardly in the rearward direction to guide the male member  12  toward center. The radially outer surface of the nose portion  30  may sealingly engage a forward seal  79  in the female member  14 . The male valve member  44  may abut the stem portion  34  of the female member  14 , and the female valve member  32  may abut the nose portion  30  of the male member  12 . At this stage during mating, however, insufficient axial closing force has been applied to the coupling members  12 ,  14  to cause the biasing member  68  (e.g., centering spring) to compress, and insufficient axial closing force has been applied to open the respective valve members  32 ,  44  via compression of the respective biasing members  36 ,  60 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  3   , the male member  12  is shown in a partially mated state with the female member  14 , in which the biasing member  68  (e.g., centering spring) has been compressed to unlock the self-centering features provided by engagement of the housing abutments  64 ,  66  with the valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58  discussed above. The illustrated state also is referred to as an unlocked state of the male member  12 , which corresponds to activation of the misalignment compensating features of male member  12 . In the state illustrated in  FIG.  1   , however, there is no misalignment of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  40 ; nor misalignment of the male member  12  relative to the female member  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , two possible misalignment orientations of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  40  are shown. In  FIG.  4   , the valve body  42  is angularly misaligned relative to the housing  40 , which may be caused by angular misalignment between the male member  12  and female member  14 . In  FIG.  5   , the valve body  42  is radially misaligned relative to the housing  40 , which may be caused by radial misalignment between the male member  12  and female member  14 . The illustrated misalignments are not intended to be limiting, and other possible misalignments are possible between the male member  12  and female member  14 , as would understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Reference still may be had to  FIG.  2    for showing certain features of the male member  12  described below in further detail. 
     As shown, in exemplary embodiments, the male member  12  includes an intermediate part of the alignment mechanism in the form of a compensator  80  that is configured to help compensate for misalignment between the coupling members  12 ,  14  during mating engagement with each other. The compensator  80  may include any suitable structure or device for achieving such function, including, for example, a biasing device (such as a spring) that cooperates with one or more parts having suitable structures and which may be movable relative to the housing and/or valve body. Generally, the compensator  80  may be configured to avoid the angular misalignment of the two coupling halves from creating an axial displacement of the nose portion  30  that would otherwise add to the amount of axial misalignment tolerance that is needed. 
     For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the compensator  80  (intermediate part) includes an engagement member  81  that is axially rearward of the first (e.g., forward) shoulder portion  56  of the valve body  42  and which is adapted to engage a rearward engagement surface  82  of the first shoulder portion  56 . As shown, the engagement member  81  may be located within the internal chamber  48  between the first (e.g., forward) housing abutment  64  and the second (e.g., rearward) housing abutment  66 . The engagement member  81  generally may be a movable member relative to the housing  40  and/or the valve body  42 ; and/or the engagement member  81  may have other features that compensate for angular and/or radial misalignment when the valve body  42  is engaged with the engagement member  81 . As shown, the engagement member  81  cooperates with the housing or other part to generally serve as an axial stop to movement of the valve body  42 , and more particularly a stop to axially rearward movement of the valve body. Generally, the engagement member  81  may have any suitable structure for engaging the valve body  42  and compensating for misalignment between the coupling members  12 ,  14 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the engagement member  81  is configured to engage with the rearward surface  82  of the first shoulder portion  56  via a concave interface  84 . The concave interface  84  may have any suitable concave shape, including an angled, curved or spherical shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the concave interface  84  curves radially inwardly and may have an apex of curvature at the centerline of the engagement member  81 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , for example, the concave interface  84  between the first shoulder portion  56  and the engagement member  81  provides the ability to compensate for angular misalignment of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  40 . In exemplary embodiments, the concave interface  84  is a partially spherical interface formed by respective surfaces between the engagement member  81  and first valve body shoulder portion  56 . This permits rotation of the valve body  42  relative to the engagement member  81  at the partially spherical interface without changing the distance to the forward end of the valve body  42 . In other words, such a concave, curved or spherical surface enables the valve body to move angularly without moving axially, which enables avoidance of the angular misalignment of the two coupling halves from creating an axial displacement of the nose portion  30  that would otherwise add to the amount of axial misalignment tolerance that is needed. The configuration also enables the alignment mechanism to have a more even force distribution that may contribute to the smoothness of the alignment functionality. It is of course understood, however, that the concave interface  84  may take other suitable shapes or forms, such as an elliptical interface formed by respective surfaces, for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  81  has a concave surface  86  which opens forwardly toward the first valve body shoulder portion  56 . Accordingly, the rearward engagement surface  82  of the first shoulder portion  56  is a complementary convex surface  82  that interfaces with the concave surface  86  of the engagement member  81 . In this manner, the engagement member  81  serves as a socket having the concave surface  86  (e.g., cup-like depression) which receives and enables pivoting and/or rotation of the ball-like convex surface  82  of the first shoulder portion  56 , thereby providing a ball-and-socket-like joint. As shown, the concave surface  86  (also referred to as a bearing surface) extends continuously from the radially outer edge of the engagement member  81  to an opening  87  in a center thereof. The convex surface  82  (also referred to as a mating surface) extends continuously from the radially outer edge of the first shoulder portion  56  to the main body portion  50  of the valve body  42  which extends through the opening  87  in the engagement member  81 . In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate lengths of the concave surface  86  and the convex surface  82  are essentially the same to provide fuller contact between the valve body  42  and engagement member  81 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the engagement member  81  is movable relative to the housing  40  and the valve body  42  to facilitate the misalignment compensating functionality. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  81  (e.g., socket) is free to move or float radially relative to the housing  40  to enhance the radial and/or angular misalignment capability, as shown with exemplary reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the floating engagement member  81  (e.g., floating socket) is formed as disc, block, plate, or other bearing member that is discrete with respect to the valve body  42  and the housing  40 . As shown, the engagement member  81  may be formed as a ring, such as a washer with a cupped spherical surface having central opening  87  through which the valve body  42  extends. 
     The engagement member  81  may be configured to enable radial floating to an extent of the outer diameter of the engagement member  81  relative to the inner diameter of the housing  40  and/or to an extent of the inner diameter of the engagement member opening  87  relative to the valve body  42 . The engagement member  81  may be operatively coupled to a structure in the housing  40  to enable radial floating, or the engagement member  81  may be loosely arranged in the housing  40  to enable the radial floating. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  81  is loosely arranged in the housing. In exemplary embodiments, the engagement member  81  may be axially constrained or may be restricted from tipping while permitting such radial floating, as described in further detail below with exemplary reference to  FIG.  7   . 
     As is apparent in the illustrated embodiment(s), other structures of the housing  40  and valve body  42  also are configured to enable the radial and/or angular misalignment functionality of the coupling member  12 . For example, the opening  53  through the first housing abutment  64 , the opening  75  through the second housing abutment  66 , and the opening  54  through the rear of the housing  40  may be sized to permit a desired amount of radial and angular misalignment relative to the radially outer surface of the main body portion  50  of the valve body  42 . The outer diameter of the engagement member  81  and the inner diameter of the opening  87  through the engagement member  81  also may be sized to provide the desired amount of radial and angular misalignment. In addition, the outer diameter of the respective first and second valve body shoulder portions  56 ,  58  may be sized to permit the desired amount of radial and angular misalignment. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the amount of angular misalignment of the longitudinal axis  51   a  of the valve body relative  42  to a longitudinal axis  51   b  of the housing  40  may be about 1-degree or greater, more particularly about 5-degrees or greater, such as in the range from about 1-degree to about 15-degrees (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or 15-degrees, including all ranges and subranges between the stated values), for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum angular misalignment is 5-degrees. In exemplary embodiments, the amount of radial misalignment of the longitudinal axis  51   a  of the valve body  42  relative to the longitudinal axis  51   b  of the housing  40  may be about 1 mm or greater, more particularly about 5 mm or greater, such as in the range from about 1 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm, including all ranges and subranges between the stated values), for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum radial misalignment is 5 mm. This amount of angular and/or radial misalignment of the valve body  42  relative to the housing  40  may greatly expand the available applications for the coupling member  12  and blind mate coupling  10 . 
     Referring briefly to  FIG.  7   , another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  110 , including another exemplary embodiment of a male member  112  and the female member  14  is shown. The blind mate coupling  110  is substantially the same as the above-referenced blind mate coupling  10 , and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by  100  are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10 ,  110 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate coupling  10 , and in particular the male member  12 , is equally applicable to the coupling  110  and male member  112 , except as noted below. It is also understood that aspects of the coupling members  12 ,  112  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     The coupling member  112  is essentially the same as the coupling member  12 , except that the intermediate part of the alignment mechanism is an assembly that includes an additional support member  189 , or ring (e.g., washer or disc), in addition to the engagement member  181  (e.g., socket), which the support member  189  enables better support of the engagement member  181  during its radial travel. For example, with exemplary reference again to  FIG.  2   , to accommodate enough radial float in the coupling member  12 , the opening  75  or hole through the second housing abutment  66  should be fairly large. Therefore, if the engagement member  81  (e.g., floating socket) is moved radially too far, it may not be supported enough around the full perimeter and may tend to tip into the opening  75 . 
     The intermediate part of the coupling member  112  includes the additional support member  189  (e.g., plate, ring, disc or washer) between the engagement member  181  (e.g., floating socket) and the second housing abutment  166  to accommodate more radial travel while still keeping the edges of the engagement member  181  and the support member  189  fully supported around the perimeter. In exemplary embodiments, the support member  189  has an opening  189   a  that is smaller in diameter than the opening  175  of the second housing abutment  166  to assist in such additional support. In the illustrated embodiment, both the support member  189  and the engagement member  181  are loosely arranged in the housing  140  (e.g., not attached to another structure), although it is understood that one or more of these members  181 ,  189  may be operatively coupled to each other or to other structure(s) in the housing  140 , as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Turning back to  FIG.  6   , the blind mate coupling  10  is shown in an exemplary fully-mated state in which both coupling members  12 ,  14  are in their open state to permit fluid communication between the coupling members  12 ,  14 . As shown, in the open position, an axial closing force between the coupling members  12 ,  14  is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the male biasing member  60  and the biasing force of the female biasing member  36 . As such, the female valve member  32  (e.g., sleeve) is unseated from the sealing surface(s) (e.g., seals  37  and  38 ) via force applied by the nose portion  30 . Likewise, the male valve member  44  is unseated from its sealing surface (e.g., seat  61 ) via force applied by the female stem portion  34  to open the respective internal flow passages  28  and  45 . The radially outer surface of the nose portion  30  seals against the radially outer seals  37 ,  79  in the female valve body  22 . 
     Comparing  FIG.  6    to  FIG.  4  or  5   , when the nose portion  30  of the male member  12  is guided into the conical receptacle  25  of the female member  14 , the valve body  42  of the male member  12  is urged toward an aligned position with the female member  14 . In addition, the centering spring  68  will tend to urge the valve body  42  toward its centerline position. It is understood that because the female member  14  may be fixed in position relative to the manifold  20 , the male member  12  (e.g., valve body  42  and/or housing  40 ) may be radially and/or angularly misaligned (offset) relative to the female member  14  in the fully-mated state. 
     When the female coupling member  14  and male coupling member  12  are decoupled from each other, each coupling member  12 ,  14  returns to its decoupled (closed) state with the respective valve members  32 ,  44  moved to closed. As discussed above, the centering spring  68  and/or other self-centering features of the male member  12  enable the male member to automatically move back and lock into its centered position in the decoupled state (as shown in  FIG.  2   ). 
     Turning to  FIG.  8   , another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  210 , including an exemplary male member  212  and female member  214  is shown. The blind mate coupling  210  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate coupling  10  and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by  200  are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10 ,  210 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10 ,  110 , in particular the male member  12 ,  112 , is equally applicable to the coupling  210  and male member  212 , except as noted below. It is also understood that aspects of the coupling members  12 ,  112 ,  212  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     Similarly to the male coupling member  12 , the male coupling member  212  generally includes a housing  240 , a valve body  242  at least partially extending through the housing  240 , and a valve member  244  within an internal fluid passage  245  of the valve body  242  for opening and closing the fluid passage  245 . As shown, the valve body  242  includes at least one radially outward shoulder portion  256  with a tapered forward shoulder surface  272  that cooperates with a forward part of the alignment mechanism which is in the form of at least one radially inward abutment  264  of the housing  240 , which has a tapered rearward surface  270  for engaging the tapered surface  272 . 
     As shown, the alignment mechanism of the coupling member  212  includes an intermediate part within the housing  240  in the form of a compensator  280  that is configured to compensate for misalignment of the valve body  242  relative to the housing  240  and/or to provide self-centering functionality. As described above, the compensator  280  generally may be configured to avoid the angular misalignment of the two coupling halves from creating an axial displacement of the nose portion that would otherwise add to the amount of axial misalignment tolerance that is needed. The configuration of the compensator  280  also may enable the coupling to have a more even force distribution that may contribute to the smoothness of its alignment functionality. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the compensator  280  serves as a mover, such as a pusher or puller, that interfaces with the valve body  242  to provide such function(s). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the intermediate part of the alignment mechanism (e.g., compensator  280 ) includes a biasing member  290  and an engagement member  281  that is configured to interface with the radial shoulder portion  256  of the valve body  242 . As shown, the biasing member  290  is configured to operatively push the engagement member  281  against a rearward surface  282  of the shoulder portion  256  to provide misalignment compensation and/or self-centering, as described in further detail below. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the engagement member  281  is configured to engage with the rearward surface  282  of the shoulder portion  256  via a concave interface  284 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  281  is configured the same as the engagement member  81  shown and described with exemplary reference to the coupling member  12 . As such, the engagement member  281  has a concave surface  286  in the illustrated embodiment, which may serve as a socket for receiving and guiding the valve body shoulder portion  256 . Likewise, in the illustrated embodiment, the rearward engagement surface  282  of the shoulder portion  256  is configured the same as, or substantially the same as, the first valve body shoulder portion  56  described above. As such, the rearward engagement surface  282  of the shoulder portion  256  has a complementary convex surface  282  that interfaces with the concave surface  286  of the engagement member  281 . As discussed above, the concave interface  284  between the valve body shoulder portion  256  and the engagement member  281  provides the ability to compensate for misalignment of the valve body  242  relative to the housing  240 . 
     Also as discussed above with respect to the engagement member  81 , the engagement member  281  (e.g., socket) is free to float radially relative to the housing  240  to enhance the radial and/or angular misalignment capability of the coupling member  212 . Although not shown with respect to the coupling member  212 , it is understood that the coupling member  212  may have the same misalignment compensating functionality described above with respect to the coupling member  12  and shown with exemplary reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   . As such, the floating engagement member  281  (e.g., floating socket) may be formed as a disc, block, plate or other bearing member that is discrete with respect to the valve body  242  and the housing  240 , such as a ring or washer with a cupped spherical surface through which the valve body  242  extends. 
     To facilitate radial floating and/or support of the engagement member  281 , the compensator  280  (intermediate part or intermediate assembly) also may include a push plate  292 , or piston, between the biasing member  290  and the engagement member  281 . As shown, the push plate  292  and engagement member  281  are discrete with respect to each other such that the engagement member  281  (e.g., socket) is radially movable relative to the push plate  292 . By virtue of the pushing by the biasing member  290 , the push plate  292  and the engagement member  281  may move axially together. 
     The push plate  292  may have any suitable form and does not necessarily need to be a thin, flat piece. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the push plate  292  includes a flat front side with a central opening  294  through which the valve body  242  extends, and includes an axially extending cylindrical portion  295  that forms a recess for receiving a front portion of the biasing member  290 . Similarly to the second housing abutment  66  described above, the push plate  292  may serve as a stop to axial movement of the valve body  242 , but in the illustrated embodiment the push plate  292  is axially moveable relative to the housing  240  and is operative to apply force to the shoulder portion  256  of the valve body  242  via the biasing member  290  and engagement member  281 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the push plate  292  may be slidably disposed in the internal chamber  248  of the housing  240 . 
     Although not shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that the coupling member  212  may have additional components such as those described above. For example, the coupling member  212  may include the support member  189  (e.g., plate, ring, disc or washer) between the engagement member  281  (e.g., floating socket) and the push plate  292  to accommodate more radial travel while still keeping the edges of the engagement member  281  and the support member  189  fully supported around the perimeter. 
     The biasing member  290  may be any suitable device that biases the engagement member  281  against the valve body  242 . In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  290  is a coil spring that encompasses the longitudinal axis  251 . As shown, the spring  281  may be received in the recess formed by the axial portion  295  of the push plate  292  and may abut a rearward surface or retaining ring  267  of the housing  240 . 
     As is apparent in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  290  is operative to maintain engagement of the engagement member  281  (e.g., socket) with the radial shoulder portion  256  of the valve body  242  via pushing with the push plate  292  irrespective of the mating state of the blind mate coupling  210 . 
     For example, in the illustrated state, the blind mate coupling  210  is in an exemplary initial mating state in which the biasing member  290  is uncompressed. The illustrated state thus also corresponds with the exemplary decoupled state of the male member  212 . The biasing member  290  pushes the push plate  292  against the engagement member  281  which engages and pushes the valve body shoulder portion  256  to urge the valve body  242  forwardly. In the illustrated state, the valve body  242  is stopped by the forward housing abutment  264 . By virtue of the tapered surface  270  of the forward housing abutment  264  and the tapered surface  272  of the shoulder portion  256 , the compensator  280  is operative to self-center the valve body  242  along the longitudinal axis  251  of the housing  240 . The concave interface  284  between the engagement member  281  and the rearward side of shoulder portion  256  also may facilitate such self-centering. When the axial closing force between the coupling members  14 ,  212  is sufficient to compress the biasing spring  290  of the compensator  280 , the male coupling member  212  is able to compensate for misalignments between the valve body  242  and housing  240 , which may be caused by misalignments between the male member  212  and female member  14 , as described above. Such misalignments may be in the partially mated state as would be apparent with exemplary reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5    described above, for example. 
     When the coupling members  14 ,  212  are fully-mated, the biasing member  290  may further compress until the rearward end of the push plate  292  abuts the rearward end or retaining ring  267  of the housing  240 . The conical receptacle  25  of the female member  14  may guide the valve body  242  toward center, and fluid communication is established between the coupling members  14 ,  212 , as is apparent with exemplary reference to  FIG.  6    described above, for example. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  9 - 17 B , another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  310 , including an exemplary male member  312  and female member  314  is shown. The blind mate coupling  310  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate couplings  10 ,  110 ,  210  and consequently the same reference numerals but in the 300-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10 ,  110 ,  210 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10 ,  110 ,  210  in particular the male member  12 ,  112 ,  212 , is equally applicable to the coupling  310  and male member  312 , except as noted below. It is also understood that aspects of the coupling members  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
       FIG.  9    shows the exemplary male coupling member  312  in a centered (aligned) and decoupled state.  FIG.  10    shows the male coupling member  312  in coupled state (with the female member, unshown in the illustration) at full offset angle.  FIG.  11    shows the male coupling member  312  during a disconnecting state at an angle.  FIG.  12    shows the male coupling member  312  in a connected state at full radial offset.  FIG.  13    shows disconnection at full radial offset.  FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the male member  312  illustrating centering functionality.  FIG.  15    illustrates centering of the male member  312  in a disconnected state.  FIGS.  16 A- 16 D  illustrate a disconnecting sequence of the male member  312 .  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  illustrate additional centering functionality of the male member  312 . 
     Similarly to the foregoing male coupling members  12 ,  112 ,  212  the male coupling member  312  generally includes a housing  340 , a valve body  342  at least partially extending through the housing  340 , and a valve member  344  within an internal fluid passage  345  of the valve body  342  for opening and closing the fluid passage  345 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the alignment mechanism of coupling  312  includes a forward engagement part that cooperates with the valve body  342  to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward engagement part is a fixed stop in the form of a radially extending abutment  364  of the housing  340  that is configured to interface against a radially extending shoulder portion  356  (or abutment) of the valve body  342 . As shown, the valve body shoulder portion  356  has a tapered or rounded forward surface  372  that is configured to engage a tapered or rounded rearward surface  370  of the housing abutment  364  to facilitate centering and/or alignment. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the alignment mechanism of coupling  312  also includes a rearward engagement part that cooperates with the valve body  342  to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the rearward engagement part is a fixed stop in the form of a radially protruding second shoulder portion  366  (or abutment) of the housing  340 . The second abutment  366  is axially spaced apart from the first abutment  364  and is configured to interface against a radially protruding second shoulder portion  358  (or abutment) of the valve body  342  which is axially spaced apart from the first shoulder portion  356 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  9   , the second housing abutment  366  is located at an axially rearward end of the housing  340 . As shown, a second engagement surface  371  of the second abutment  366  of the housing is a tapered surface, but also could be rounded or the like. The second shoulder portion  358  of the valve body may be a corresponding rounded or tapered surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the second shoulder portion  358  of the valve body is a rounded surface that provides point contact when engaging the second engagement surface  371 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the alignment mechanism of coupling  312  further includes an intermediate part that is radially movable relative to the housing  340  and which cooperates with the valve body  342  to facilitate alignment and/or centering. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the intermediate part is disposed within the housing  340  and includes a movable engagement member  381  that is adapted to engage a shoulder surface (of the valve body (e.g., shoulder portion  356 ) to facilitate alignment and/or centering. Similarly to the engagement member(s) described above, the engagement member  381  may be any suitable structure in any suitable form, such as a disc, block, plate, or other bearing member that is discrete with respect to the valve body  342  and the housing  340 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  381  is formed as a ring, such as a washer, through which the valve body  342  extends. 
     As shown, the intermediate part of the alignment mechanism is an assembly that further includes a biasing member  390  configured to operatively urge the valve body  342  toward an aligned and/or centered position. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  381  and biasing member  390  form parts of a compensator  380  that is configured to compensate for misalignment of the valve body  342  relative to the housing  340  and/or to provide self-centering functionality. As described above, the compensator  380  generally may be configured to avoid the angular misalignment of the two coupling halves from creating an axial displacement of the nose portion that would otherwise add to the amount of axial misalignment tolerance that is needed. The configuration of the compensator  380  also may enable the coupling to have a more even force distribution that may contribute to the smoothness of its alignment functionality. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the compensator  380  serves as a mover, such as a pusher or puller, that compensates for misalignment. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  390  is between the engagement member  381  and the shoulder portion  356  of the valve body, thereby urging the valve body  342  forwardly and the engagement member  381  rearwardly. The biasing member  390  may be any suitable device that biases the engagement member  381  against the valve body  342 . In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  390  is a coil spring that encompasses the longitudinal axis. 
     Similarly to the other radially movable engagement members described in the foregoing embodiments, the engagement member  381  shown in  FIG.  9    is configured to cooperate with the valve body  342  via a concave interface  384  to facilitate centering and/or alignment. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  381  is configured to engage with a rearward surface  382  of the shoulder portion  356  via concave interface  384 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  381  has a concave surface  386  (e.g., spherical surface), which may serve as a socket for receiving and guiding the valve body shoulder portion  356 . The rearward engagement surface  382  of the shoulder portion  356  has a complementary convex surface  382  that interfaces with the concave surface  386  of the engagement member  381 . As discussed above, the concave interface  384  between the valve body shoulder portion  356  and the engagement member  381  provides the ability to compensate for misalignment of the valve body  342  relative to the housing  340 . As noted above, it is understood that the convex and concave surfaces of the shoulder portion  356  and engagement member  381  could be reversed and still provide a concave interface  384 , though the cupped form of the engagement member  381  may be preferred. 
     The engagement member  381  (e.g., socket) is radially movable in a floating manner relative to the housing  340  to enhance the radial and/or angular misalignment capability of the coupling member  312 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  9   , the engagement member  381  is pushed against a rearward surface to serve as an axial stop and which improves centering of the engagement member  381 . In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  390  is axially forward of the engagement member  381  between the engagement member  381  and shoulder portion  356 . As shown, one end of the biasing member  381  is supported by engagement member  381 , such as within a groove  307  of the engagement member  381 , such that the engagement member serves as a radially movable spring seat. The biasing member  390  may directly engage against the shoulder portion  356  on its opposite end. As shown, the shoulder portion  356  may have a radial extension  304 , groove, or the like for capturing the end of the biasing member  390 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the intermediate part of the alignment mechanism also may include a stop  301  fixed relative to the housing  340 , such as between the first and second abutments  364 ,  366  of the housing. The intermediate part of the alignment mechanism also may include one or more floating supports  302 ,  303  that cooperate with the radially movable engagement member  381  and fixed stop  301 . As shown, first floating support  302  (e.g., plate or washer) is located between the stop  301  and the engagement member  381 , and second floating support  303  (e.g., plate or washer) may be located between the stop  301  and the second abutment  366  of the housing. These floating supports  302 ,  303  are radially movable relative to the housing  340  and the valve body  342 , and cooperate with the engagement member  381  to facilitate alignment capabilities of the valve body  342  and/or help to reduce the size of the coupling  312 . For example, the floating supports  302 ,  303  help to cover a gap in travel distance of the valve body  342 . Thus, it is understood that the coupling  312  could be devoid of one or more of the supports  302 ,  303 , but this may result in a coupling  312  that would be larger in diameter. 
     Although not shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that the coupling member  312  may have additional components such as those described above. For example, the coupling member  312  may include push plates, etc., as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Although the exemplary operation of the coupling member  312  is apparent from the foregoing descriptions of other embodiments, such operation is described in further detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , the coupling member  312  is shown in coupled state (with the female member, unshown in the illustration) at full offset angle. The biasing member  390  is compressed and the rearward surface  382  of the shoulder portion  356  interfaces with the concave surface  386  of the engagement member  381 . As shown, a radially outer surface  305  of the shoulder portion  356  may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve body to facilitate movement of the biasing member  390 . At the full angle, the floating supports  302 ,  303  and the engagement member  381  are moved radially (e.g., upward in the illustration). The forward opening  353  has an inclined surface to engage the radially outer surface of the valve body  342  at the inclined angle. 
       FIG.  11    shows the male coupling member  312  during a disconnecting state at an angle. The second shoulder portion  358  of the valve body  342  engages the second abutment  366  (e.g., rearward surface) of the housing  340 . In the illustrated state, the first shoulder portion  356  of the valve body  342  does not engage the engagement surface  371  of the first abutment  364  of the housing  340 . The biasing member  390  has relaxed and the rearward surface  382  of the shoulder portion  356  is disengaged from the concave surface  386  of the engagement member  381 . 
       FIG.  12    shows the male coupling member  312  in a connected state at full radial offset. The biasing member  390  is compressed such that the rearward surface  382  of the shoulder portion  356  interfaces with the concave surface  386  of the engagement member  381 . The floating supports  302 ,  303  and the engagement member  381  are moved radially (e.g., upward in the illustration). 
       FIG.  13    shows disconnection at full radial offset. The second shoulder portion  358  of the valve body  342  engages the second abutment  366  (e.g., rearward surface) of the housing  340 . In the illustrated state, the first shoulder portion  356  of the valve body  342  does not engage the surface  370  of the first abutment  364  of the housing  340 . The biasing member  390  has relaxed and the rearward surface  382  of the shoulder portion  356  is disengaged from the concave surface  386  of the engagement member  381 . 
       FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the male member  312  illustrating centering functionality. As shown, the angled (tapered) surface of the second abutment  366  of the housing (rear surface) is just steep enough to urge the floating valve body  342  back to center when fully disconnected. The angle also is just steep enough to keep the floating valve body  342  from shifting to center as the nose of the male Is exiting from the female bore, thereby reducing a binding condition that would otherwise make the parts more difficult to disconnect. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates centering of the male member  312  in a disconnected state. As shown, axial force from the biasing member  390  and moment from shoulder  358  (e.g., flange) act to rotate the floating valve body  342  to a position perpendicular to the face of the housing  340 . 
       FIGS.  16 A- 16 D  illustrate a disconnecting sequence of the male member  312 . Generally, when disconnecting, the interaction of the second housing abutment  366  (e.g., rear surface of housing) and valve body second shoulder  358  (e.g., flange) keeps the inner nose piece from driving back to center and binding in the female half.  FIG.  16 A  shows full radial offset, in which the valve body second (rear) shoulder  358  engages the housing second (rear) abutment  366 , but no contact is made between the valve body (forward) shoulder  356  and the first (forward) housing abutment  364 .  FIG.  16 C  shows contact between the valve body (forward) shoulder  356  and the first (forward) housing abutment, but the valve body second (rear) shoulder  358  does not engage the tapered surface of the housing second (rear) abutment  366 ; rather the valve body second (rear) shoulder  358  is within the opening formed by the second (rear) abutment  366 .  FIG.  16 D  shows a centered condition, in which the combination of the valve body second (rear) shoulder  358  and the axial force of biasing member  390  make the assembly resistant to having the floating parts rest at an angled position. 
       FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  illustrate additional centering functionality of the male member  312 . As shown, the inner angle of the housing first (forward) abutment  364  and the angle on the first (forward) shoulder portion of the valve body  342  (e.g., floating nose piece) act to limit the amount the floating valve body  342  can stray from the centerline of the housing. Here again, the coupling member  312  has the right balance of an angle that is of the appropriate steepness to urge to center but not bind the coupler if it is being disconnected with only the amount of radial offset shown. As shown in the illustration, the valve body  342  comes forward to rest with the second (rear) shoulder portion  358  in the opening of the housing  340  and with primary contact on the second floating support  303  (e.g., washer or plate). The opening formed in the rear of the housing  340  by the second (rear) abutment  366  along with the engagement with the first (forward) abutment  364  limits how much the floating valve body  342  can move radially in the disconnected state. 
       FIG.  18    shows another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  410 , and specifically an exemplary male member  412  with the female member not shown. The blind mate coupling  410  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate couplings  10  through  310 , and consequently the same reference numerals but in the 400-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10  through  310 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10  through  310 , in particular the male member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312  is equally applicable to the coupling  410  and male member  412 , except that the second (rear) abutment  466  is formed as a discrete plate held within the housing  340  via a retaining ring. The angle of the first (forward) abutment  464  also is greater in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  18   . It is of course understood that aspects of the coupling members  12  through  412  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
       FIG.  19    shows another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  510 , and specifically an exemplary male member  512  with the female member not shown. The blind mate coupling  510  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate couplings  10  through  410 , and consequently the same reference numerals but in the 500-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10  through  410 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10  through  410 , in particular the male member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412  is equally applicable to the coupling  510  and male member  512 , except that the engagement member  581  includes a first part  581   a  that is movable relative to a second part  581   b , and in which the concave interface  584  is formed between first and second movable engagement parts  581   a ,  581   b . The spring  590  in this embodiment is a compression spring instead of a conical spring. It is of course understood that aspects of the coupling members  12  through  512  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
       FIGS.  20 - 22    show another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  610 , and specifically an exemplary male member  612  with the female member not shown. The blind mate coupling  610  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate couplings  10  through  510 , and consequently the same reference numerals but in the 600-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10  through  510 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10  through  510 , in particular the male member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512  is equally applicable to the coupling  610  and male member  612 , except generally the configuration of the forward engagement surfaces is different. More particularly, the valve body  642  includes a forward radially extending shoulder portion  656  (or abutment) that includes an angled shoulder portion  656   a  (e.g., tapered or rounded) and a vertical shoulder portion  656   b  that is radially outward of the angled shoulder portion  656   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the forward shoulder portion  656  of the valve body is configured to interact with a forward movable engagement member  665  (e.g., plate or washer) that is axially rearward of a radially extending abutment  664  portion of the housing  640  (e.g., within the space of the housing  640 ). The forward movable engagement member  665  can move radially and facilitates alignment and/or centering of the valve body relative to the housing. For example, as shown in  FIG.  22   , at a full offset angle, the forward movable engagement member  665  keeps the engagement member  681  (including first and second parts  681   a ,  681   b ) from misaligning, and acts as perpendicular surface for the shoulder  656  to push against and to straighten out. The biasing member  690  in this embodiment is a conical spring. As shown in  FIG.  23   , at a full radial offset this is still in the acceptable centered zone to allow for reconnection with the female half. It is of course understood that aspects of the coupling members  12  through  612  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
       FIG.  23    shows another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  710 , and specifically an exemplary male member  712  with the female member not shown. The blind mate coupling  710  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate couplings  10  through  610 , and consequently the same reference numerals but in the 700-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10  through  610 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10  through  610 , in particular the male member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512 ,  612  is equally applicable to the coupling  710  and male member  712 ; more particularly the male member  712  is essentially a combination of the forward portion of male member  612  and rearward portion of male member  412 . It is of course understood that aspects of the coupling members  12  through  712  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  24 - 36   , another exemplary embodiment of a blind mate coupling  810 , including an exemplary male member  812  and female member  814  is shown. The blind mate coupling  810  is substantially similar to the above-referenced blind mate couplings  10  through  710 , and consequently the same reference numerals but in the 800-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the couplings  10  through  710 . In addition, the foregoing description of the blind mate couplings  10  through  710 , in particular the male member  12  through  712 , is equally applicable to the coupling  810  and male member  812 , except as noted below. It is also understood that aspects of the coupling members  12  through  712  and  812  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
       FIG.  24    is a front perspective view of the blind mate coupling  810  including female member  814  and male member  812 .  FIG.  25    is a rear perspective view thereof. In this embodiment, the self-centering and misalignment compensating features are embodied in the male member  812 . It is understood, however, that the features described herein could also be applied to the female member  814 , as will become apparent in view of the following description. 
     Referring generally to the cross-sectional view of  FIG.  26   , and similarly to the foregoing male coupling members  12  through  712 , the male coupling member  812  generally includes a housing  840 , a valve body  842  at least partially extending through the housing  840 , and a valve member  844  within an internal fluid passage  845  of the valve body  842  for opening and closing the fluid passage  845 . The embodiment in  FIGS.  24 - 36    also includes an alignment mechanism which includes a forward alignment part, an intermediate alignment part, and a rearward alignment part that cooperate with the valve body  842  to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the forward alignment part of the alignment mechanism includes an axially movable alignment part  864  that is axially movable relative to the housing  840  to operatively interact with the valve body  842 . As shown, a biasing member  890 , such as a compression spring, is disposed between a forward end of the housing  840  and a radially inwardly protruding shoulder portion (or abutment)  864   a  of the forward alignment part  864  to operatively urge the abutment  864   a  rearwardly toward a radially extending shoulder portion  856  (or abutment) of the valve body  842 . Such rearward bias of the valve body  842  may assist in overcoming binding forces between the male and female members  812 ,  814 , as described in further detail below. In exemplary embodiments, the forward alignment part  864  also includes a radially and axially movable engagement part  864   b  that is disposed between the abutment  864   a  and the shoulder portion  856  of the valve body  842 . As is apparent, the forward alignment part  864  (also referred to a forward alignment assembly) serves as an axially movable stop that restricts forward axial movement of the valve body  842 . In addition, the movable engagement part  864   b  is configured to cooperate with the abutment  864   a , and also engages the shoulder portion  856  of the valve body, to at least partially facilitate alignment and/or centering, and which may enable reduction in the size of the coupling  812 . For example, as described above, such an engagement part  864   b  (e.g., in the form of a floating support) may be used to cover a gap in the travel distance of the valve body  842 . Thus, it is understood that the coupling  812  could be devoid of such engagement part  864   b , but this may result in a coupling  812  with a larger diameter. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the valve body shoulder portion  856  has a tapered or rounded forward surface  872   a  and a flat vertical forward surface  872   b  that is radially outward of the tapered or rounded surface  872   a . In exemplary embodiments, the radially movable engagement part  864   b  has a rearward flat vertical surface  865   a  that interfaces against the surfaces  872   a ,  872   b  based on the location of the valve body  842  and radial location of the engagement part  864   b . As shown, an opposite surface of the radially moving engagement part  864   b  also may be a flat vertical surface  865   b  that interfaces against a corresponding flat vertical surface  870  of the abutment  864   a . The radially movable engagement part  864   b  may be any suitable structure in any suitable form, such as a disc, block, plate, or other bearing member, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed as a flat ring, or washer, through which the valve body  842  extends. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the axially movable forward alignment part  864  may be slidable within a chamber formed by radially inner surfaces of the housing  840 . In exemplary embodiments, the forward alignment part  864  includes an axially rearwardly extending sleeve portion  864   c  that forms at least a portion of a chamber for containing the biasing member  890  and which slides against an internal surface of the housing  840  which is radially narrowed in the illustrated embodiment. As shown, a further retaining member  864   f  may be provided as part of the forward alignment assembly  864  to surround a forward end of the biasing member  890 . In exemplary embodiments, the axially movable forward alignment part  864  also includes an axially rearward extension  864   d  that engages and slides against an internal surface of the housing  840  which is radially enlarged in the illustrated embodiment. The extension  864   d  also helps to contain the radially movable engagement part  864   b  and sets the radial movement limits thereof. As shown, between the radially enlarged and radially narrowed portions of the housing  840  is a step (or shoulder)  840   a  that may serve as an axial stop to movement of the axially moving part  864  via a corresponding stop surface. 
     Similarly to other embodiments described herein, the intermediate alignment part of coupling  812  is disposed within the housing  840  and includes a radially movable engagement member  881  that is adapted to engage a shoulder surface of the valve body (e.g., of shoulder portion  856 ) to facilitate alignment and/or centering. Similarly to the engagement member(s) described above, the engagement member  881  may be any suitable structure in any suitable form, such as a disc, block, plate, or other bearing member that is discrete with respect to the valve body  842  and the housing  840 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  881  is formed as a ring, such as a washer, through which the valve body  842  extends. 
     The intermediate part of the alignment mechanism cooperates with the biasing member  890  of the forward alignment part to operatively urge the valve body  842  toward an aligned and/or centered position. As such, the forward alignment part and intermediate alignment part together form parts of a compensator (not referenced) that is configured to compensate for misalignment of the valve body  842  relative to the housing  840  and/or to provide self-centering functionality. As described above, the compensator generally may be configured to avoid angular misalignment of the two coupling halves from creating an axial displacement of the nose portion that would otherwise add to the amount of axial misalignment tolerance that is needed. The configuration of the compensator also may enable the coupling to have a more even force distribution that may contribute to the smoothness of its alignment functionality. In exemplary embodiments, the compensator serves as a mover, such as a pusher or puller, that compensates for misalignment. As discussed above, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  890  urges the valve body  842  rearwardly against the engagement member  881 . 
     Similarly to the other radially movable engagement members described in the foregoing embodiments, the engagement member  881  shown in  FIG.  26    is configured to cooperate with the valve body  842  via a concave interface  884  to facilitate centering and/or alignment. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  881  is configured to engage with a rearward surface  882  of the shoulder portion  856  via concave interface  884 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  881  has a concave surface  886  (e.g., spherical surface), which may serve as a socket for receiving and guiding the valve body shoulder portion  856 . The rearward engagement surface  882  of the shoulder portion  856  has a complementary convex surface  882  that interfaces with the concave surface  886  of the engagement member  881 . As discussed above, the concave interface  884  between the valve body shoulder portion  856  and the engagement member  881  provides the ability to compensate for misalignment of the valve body  842  relative to the housing  840 . As noted above, it is understood that the convex and concave surfaces of the shoulder portion  856  and engagement member  881  could be reversed and still provide a concave interface  884 , though the cupped form of the engagement member  881  may be preferred. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the radially movable engagement member  881  is pushed against a rearward surface to serve as an axial stop to movement of the valve body  842 . In the illustrated embodiment, this rearward surface is an end of the housing  840 , although could be a stop coupled to the housing  840 . As shown, the intermediate part of the alignment mechanism also may include at least one floating support  802  that cooperates with the radially movable engagement member  881  and stop formed by the rearward end of the housing  840 . The floating support  802  is radially movable relative to the housing  840  and the valve body  842 , and cooperates with the engagement member  881  to facilitate alignment capabilities of the valve body  842 . Similarly to the radially movable engagement part  864   b , the floating support  802  may be a bearing plate, such as a ring, washer or the like. 
     Also similarly to other embodiments described above, the rearward engagement part of coupling  812  is a fixed stop in the form of a radially protruding second shoulder portion  866  (or abutment) of the housing  840 . The second abutment  866  is configured to interface against a radially protruding second shoulder portion  858  (or abutment) of the valve body  842  which is axially spaced apart from the first shoulder portion  856 . As shown, a second engagement surface  871  of the second abutment  866  of the housing is an inclined surface, but also could be rounded or the like. Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIG.  9   , however, the engagement surface  871  is inclined to extend radially inwardly and axially rearwardly which facilitates centering and alleviates binding during connecting or disconnecting with the female member  814  by providing a lever-like action that pulls the valve body  842  away from the female half  814 , as described in further detail below. As shown, the second shoulder portion  858  of the valve body includes a flat portion and rounded portion that interact with the engagement surface  871 . As depicted with further reference to  FIG.  25   , the inclined engagement surface  871  encircles the longitudinal axis to provide a domed-like surface that provides such alignment functionality around 360-degrees of the axis. 
     Although not shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that the coupling member  812  may have additional components such as those described above. For example, the coupling member  812  may include push plates, etc., as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Although the exemplary operation of the coupling member  812  is apparent from the foregoing description, such operation will now be described in further detail. 
     Generally, the alignment mechanism is configured to bring the radially floating engagement member  881  back to center (or at least an allowable centering zone) to center the valve body  842 . In exemplary embodiments, the biasing member  890  is configured with a relatively light biasing force (spring force) such that the centering feature has limited influence on the force to move the valve body  842  relative to the engagement member  881  into an “offset” or “angled and offset” condition when connecting the male member  812  to the female member  814 . When disconnecting, the contact of the rear shoulder  858  against the rear inclined surface  871  of abutment  866  helps to keep the valve body  842  from binding in the female member  814  by providing a lever-like action that pulls the valve body  842  away from the female coupling  814 . In addition, the centering feature may be engaged in a limited way due to a low force provided by the biasing member  890 . For example, the force of the biasing member  890  (e.g., spring force) may be set low enough to push the valve body  842  away from the female coupling  814  to overcome mechanical binding forces between the male  812  and female  814  coupling members when disconnecting, which such binding may be caused by friction forces between the nose and socket, seals, etc. When fully disconnected, the biasing force is just high enough to move the alignment parts (e.g., engagement member  881 ) into the allowable centered zone. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the force of the biasing member  890  is in a range from about 0.5 lbs. to about 2.0 lbs, such as about 1.0 lbs. It is noted that this embodiment is different than the embodiment in  FIG.  9   , in that the valve body  842  does not get pushed back as far because it already is fully back, but can get pulled forward (e.g., by about 1.5 mm) when disconnecting (as described below). Such a configuration of the embodiment in  FIG.  26    may thus has a better ability to get back to the centered condition (preferably without binding) than embodiment in  FIG.  9   . Referring to  FIG.  27   , the coupling member  812  is shown in a connecting state at full radial offset. In this state, the biasing member  890  is extended to push the abutment  864   a  and engagement part  864   b  rearwardly toward the shoulder portion  856  (or abutment) of the valve body  842 , such that the rearwardly facing surface  882  of the shoulder portion  856  interfaces with the concave surface  886  of the engagement member  881 . The floating support  802  and the engagement member  881  are moved radially (e.g., upward in the illustration). The rearward shoulder portion  858  of the valve body is spaced rearwardly from the abutment  866  of the housing  840 . 
       FIG.  28    shows the coupling  812  in a disconnecting state at full radial offset. As shown, during the disconnecting with the female member  814 , the coupling force with the female member  814  is greater than the biasing (spring) force of the biasing member  890  such that valve body  842  (via shoulder portion  856 ) pulls the engagement member  864   b  and the abutment  864   a  of the forward alignment part  864  forwardly (e.g., to the left in the illustration). This causes the rearwardly facing surface  882  of the shoulder portion  856  to disengage from the concave surface  886  of the engagement member  881 . In the illustration, the parts are shown at their positions immediately upon disconnection, but it is understood that the engagement member  881  and floating support  802  could drop from their original position temporarily (due to gravity). They will move back into position when the biasing member  890  pushes the parts of the alignment mechanism back into position. 
     Referring to  FIG.  29   , the coupling member  812  is shown in a connecting state at full radial offset and at a full offset angle. As shown, the biasing member  890  is extended and the rearward surface  882  of the shoulder portion  856  interfaces with the concave surface  886  of the engagement member  881 . At the full angle, the floating support  802  and the engagement member  881  are moved radially (e.g., upward in the illustration). 
       FIG.  30    shows the coupling member  812  in a disconnecting state at full radial offset and at a full offset angle. The second shoulder portion  858  of the valve body  842  engages the second abutment  866  (e.g., rearward inclined surface  871 ) of the housing  840 . Because the rearward inclined surface  871  angles away from the female coupling  814  toward center (e.g., is a domed or dome-like surface and not cupped), the inclined angle allows for the force to finish the disengagement of the coupling halves  812 ,  814  to be in the axial direction. In other embodiments that do not use such a rearward inclined surface  871 , there may be axial motion that can cause a force to be induced on sliding surfaces of the two coupling halves. It is of course understood that the inclined surface  871  could be used with other embodiments described herein. Also shown in the illustrated state of  FIG.  30   , the coupling force with the female member  814  is greater than the biasing (spring) force of the biasing member  890  such that valve body  842  (via shoulder portion  856 ) pulls the engagement member  864   b  and the abutment  864   a  of the forward alignment part  864  forwardly (e.g., to the left in the illustration). This causes the rearwardly facing surface  882  of the shoulder portion  856  to disengage from the concave surface  886  of the engagement member  881  and compress the biasing member  890  which further urges the valve body  842  away from the female member  814 . 
       FIG.  31    illustrates the allowable centering zone of the male coupling member  812  for reconnection with the female member  814 . The flat vertical interface between the forwardly facing flat vertical forward surface  872   b  of the shoulder portion  856  and the rearwardly facing flat vertical surface  865   a  of the engagement part  864   b  keep the valve body  842  from sitting at an angle when disconnected and returns it to this allowable centering zone if it should get bumped off center or at an angle. 
       FIG.  32    is a cross-sectional side view of the male coupling member illustrating a maximum amount the valve body  842  can be pulled off-center. As shown, the engagement part  864   b  and vertical portion of shoulder  856  are proportioned in a way that will not allow the top portion of the shoulder  856  to end up inside the inside diameter of the engagement part  864   b , which otherwise could keep the device from returning to center automatically when an outside force is removed.  FIG.  33    is a rear view illustrating the state in  FIG.  32   . As shown, the second (rearward) shoulder portion  858  of the valve body  842  engages the edges of the radially inwardly and axially rearwardly inclined surface  871  of the abutment  866 , and keeps the floating parts of the alignment mechanism from pulling any further into the cavity inside the housing area. 
       FIG.  34    is an enlarged view illustrating additional details of the shoulder portion  856  of the valve body  842 . As shown, the curved or inclined surface  872   a  of the shoulder portion  856  is shown as a compound angle, with a radially outer portion being less steep and the radially inner portion of surface  872   a  being steeper. This steeper angle on the radially inner portion of surface  872   a  provides less radial centering force for the radially offset and angled condition as it is more difficult to get to this condition from a connection force standpoint partially because of the connected hose&#39;s resistance to movement to the radially offset and angled position. The steeper angle in this condition also will reduce binding effect with the female coupling  814  on the disconnect. More axial force from the less steep (radially outer) portion of surface  872   a  is used to get from the offset condition back to the allowable centered zone. It is understood, however, that this surface  872   a  could be one continuous angle or even an arc form. 
       FIG.  35    is an enlarged view showing additional detail of the rearwardly facing inclined surface  871  of the second (rearward) abutment  866 . As noted above, the inclined surface  871  (e.g., domed or dome-like surface) is oriented oppositely to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  9   , such that inclined surface  871  extends radially inwardly and axially rearwardly. This angle (e.g., about 7-degrees in this embodiment) helps to keep parts of the alignment mechanism from getting tipped back to center and driving back to centering position when disconnecting at an angle. This is helpful to reduce binding effect of the male valve body  842  with the female coupling  814  as described above. As shown, a radially inner portion of rearward surface  871  may be vertical (or have less of an incline) (as shown to the right of arrow  866 ) which may enable the valve body shoulder  858  to engage and lay flatter against surface  871  so as to bring the coupling to a better centered position. 
       FIG.  36    is an enlarged view showing additional detail of the biasing member  890  within the chamber formed by the sleeve portion  864   c  of forward alignment part  864 . As shown, the guiding of sleeve portion  864   c  allows it to move axially and not get pulled to an angle. This helps in keeping the push going axially when recentering the radially floating engagement member  881 . As shown in  FIG.  37   , the retaining member  864   f  keeps the coils of the biasing member  890  from getting between the sleeve portion  864   c  and the housing  840  when the biasing member (spring) is compressed. 
     It is understood that the descriptions of any of the embodiments may be equally applicable to each other, and features and aspects of these various embodiments may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     Exemplary blind mate fluid coupling(s)  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 , etc. and exemplary coupling member(s)  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , etc. have been described herein. The exemplary coupling member includes a housing and a valve body that is self-centering and misalignable relative to the housing. The valve body may include at least two radial shoulder portions that are configured to engage at least two corresponding radial abutments of the housing to improve self-centering when in a decoupled state. An engagement member, such as a socket, may be provided in the housing to engage a radial shoulder of the valve body with a concave interface to enhance the misalignment compensating and/or self-centering functionality. The engagement member may be free to float radially relative to the housing to further enhance such effects. A compensator that urges an engagement member against a shoulder of the valve body may be provided to compensate for misalignment and/or provide self-centering in both a decoupled and mated state. 
     While exemplary form(s) of the blind mate coupling  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 , etc. and coupling member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , etc. have been described above, it should be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that alternative configurations of the blind mate coupling  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 , etc. and coupling member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , etc. also could be employed. 
     For example, although the self-centering and/or misalignment compensating features were described above in connection with the male member  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 , etc. it is understood that these features also could be employed with the female member (e.g.,  14 , etc.) by providing the housing (e.g.,  40 , etc.) around the female valve body (e.g.,  22 , etc.) and by applying the features described above for the male member (e.g.,  12 , etc.) to the female member (e.g., shoulders  56 ,  58 , etc.), as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     In addition, although the engagement member (e.g.  81 , etc.) is described above as being the socket having the concave surface of the concave interface (e.g.,  84 , etc.), it is understood that the shoulder portion (e.g.,  56 , etc.) could instead have the concave surface and the engagement member (e.g.,  81 , etc.) the convex interface to provide the ball-and-socket like joint. Because the engagement member (e.g.,  81 , etc.) is radially movable in exemplary embodiments, however, it may be more advantageous in some embodiments to have the engagement member with the concave surface. This applies to all embodiments. 
     Furthermore, although the engagement member is described as being contained within the internal chamber (e.g.,  48 , etc.) of the housing, it is possible that the engagement member and concave interface could be at a front or rear of the housing to engage a corresponding shoulder of the valve body forwardly or rearwardly of the housing, for example. This applies to all embodiments. 
     In addition, although the cross-sectional views show the inclined or vertical surfaces in two-dimensions, it is understood that these surfaces may completely encircle the longitudinal axis of the coupling. As such, it is understood that an inclined, curved, or other such surface that deviates from vertical in the two-dimensional views may be a concave, convex, coned, domed, dome-like, cupped, or cup-like surface, etc. when viewed in three-dimensions. 
     Also, although described above in connection with fluid couplings, the exemplary blind mate coupling and coupling member could be used for other applications, such as electrical or optical applications for example. In this context, instead of a valve body with valve member in a fluid passage, the valve body could instead be formed as a main body with a communications passage through which electrical or optical communications lines pass. The forward end of the main body could have a pin connector for engaging a corresponding socket on the female side, for example. The remaining features of the housing and outer portions of the valve body could be the same as those described above to provide the self-centering and misalignment compensating functionality. 
     According to an aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a movable engagement part that is radially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following additional features, alone or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement part cooperates with the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement part is adapted to engage a rearwardly facing surface of the valve body via the concave interface at least when the coupling member is in a connecting state with a corresponding other coupling member of the blind mate coupling. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement part has a concave bearing surface that is configured to engage a complementary convex mating surface of a portion of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the bearing surface of the engagement part and the mating surface of the valve body are each configured as spherical surfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement part is a ring having an opening through which the valve body extends, the ring having a cupped surface that is adapted to engage a corresponding cupped shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further including a second radially floating ring, wherein the engagement part and floating ring are each radially movable and configured to cooperate with the housing and each other to serve as a radially movable stop. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism includes a compensator having a biasing member that urges the valve body and the engagement part together to compensate for misalignment of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member has a biasing force that is configured such that the engagement part disengages from a shoulder of the valve body when the coupling member is being disconnected from a corresponding other coupling member of the blind mate coupling. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement part is an intermediate engagement part of an intermediate alignment assembly of the alignment mechanism, the alignment mechanism further including a forward alignment assembly including a forward part that is axially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the forward alignment assembly includes a biasing spring that biases the forward part in a rearward direction toward a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the forward alignment assembly further includes a forward engagement part that is radially movable relative to the housing and is configured to engage the forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the axially movable forward part includes a sleeve portion that is slidably movable in the housing and forms a spring chamber that at least partially contains the biasing spring. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism is configured such that the forward engagement part always engages the forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the forward engagement part engages a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body, the forwardly facing shoulder surface including an inclined portion that is extends radially outwardly and axially rearwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the forwardly facing shoulder surface further includes a vertical portion that is radially outward of the inclined portion. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further includes a rearward engagement part that forms a fixed stop having a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering. 
     In some embodiments, the valve body includes a radially protruding first abutment and a radially protruding second abutment axially spaced apart from the first abutment; wherein the first abutment is configured to engage the forward engagement part and the intermediate engagement part, and wherein the second abutment is configured to engage the rearward engagement part. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a movable engagement part that is axially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the foregoing or following additional features, alone or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement part is a forward engagement part configured to engage a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further includes: a biasing member that biases the forward engagement part in a rearward direction to thereby bias the valve body rearwardly, an intermediate part that is radially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering, and/or a rearward part having a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to an aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a rearward engagement part that forms a fixed stop having a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the foregoing or following additional features, alone or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further includes: a forward part that is axially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body, a biasing member that biases the forward part in a rearward direction to thereby bias the valve body rearwardly, and/or an intermediate part that is radially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering. 
     In some embodiments, the rearward surface of the rearward engagement part creates an axial pull force away from a corresponding other coupling member to reduce binding between the coupling members. 
     In some embodiments, the radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface forms a dome or conical surface, and wherein the rearward engagement part further includes a vertical surface radially inwardly of the inclined surface which enables the valve body to lay flatter against the rearward surface. 
     According to an aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including an engagement part that cooperates with a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body; wherein the forwardly facing shoulder surface includes an inclined portion that extends radially outwardly and axially rearwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve body. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the foregoing or following additional features, alone or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the forwardly facing shoulder surface further includes a vertical portion that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve body, the vertical portion being radially outward of the inclined portion. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further includes: a forward part that is axially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body, a biasing member that biases the forward part in a rearward direction to thereby bias the valve body rearwardly, an intermediate part that is radially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering, and/or a rearward part having a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an alignment mechanism including a biasing member that is configured to urge the valve body rearwardly. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the foregoing or following additional features, alone or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member is part of a forward alignment assembly that biases a forward movable part in a rearward direction to engage a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further includes: a forward part that is axially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body, wherein the biasing member biases the forward part in a rearward direction to thereby bias the valve body rearwardly, an intermediate part that is radially movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering, and/or a rearward part having a radially inwardly and axially rearwardly extending surface that cooperates with the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to an aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having a radially extending shoulder portion and an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an engagement member movable relative to the housing and the valve body; wherein the engagement member is adapted to engage the shoulder portion of the valve body to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having a radially protruding shoulder portion and an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; an engagement member axially rearward of the shoulder portion of the valve body; and a biasing member configured to operatively move the valve body; wherein the engagement member is radially movable relative to the housing and the valve body; and wherein the engagement member is adapted to engage the shoulder portion of the valve body via a concave interface to facilitate alignment and/or centering of the valve body. 
     According to an aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a valve body having an axially extending internal fluid passage, a radially protruding first abutment, and a radially protruding second abutment axially spaced apart from the first abutment; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the valve body including the first and second abutments, the housing including a radially extending first engagement surface and a radially extending second engagement surface; wherein, the coupling member is configured such that, when in a decoupled state, the first abutment of the valve body engages the first engagement surface of the housing, and the second abutment of the valve body engages the second engagement surface of the housing, thereby enhancing the alignment and/or centering of the valve body relative to the housing in the decoupled state. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following additional features, separately or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member further includes a biasing member. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member being configured to urge and lock the first and second abutments of the valve body against the respective first and second engagement surfaces of the housing to self-center the valve body relative to the housing when the coupling member is in the decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member being configured to release the first and second abutments of the valve body from the respective first and second engagement surfaces of the housing to enable misalignment compensation of the valve body relative to the housing when the biasing member is compressed in a mating state with a corresponding other coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, the first engagement surface of the housing is a radially inwardly tapered surface that is configured to interface against a complementary radially inward tapered surface of the first abutment of the valve body when in the decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the second engagement surface of the housing is a radially inwardly tapered surface, and the second abutment of the valve body has a radially outer curved surface is that provides point contact with the second engagement surface of the housing when in the decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member further including an engagement member axially rearward of the first abutment of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is adapted to engage a rearward portion of the first abutment of the valve body via a concave interface at least when the coupling member is in a mating state with a corresponding other coupling member of the blind mate coupling. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is formed as a socket having a concave bearing surface that is configured to engage a complementary convex mating surface of the first abutment of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the bearing surface of the socket and the mating surface of the first abutment are each configured as spherical surfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is free to float radially relative to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is located between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member further includes a support member between the engagement member and the second engagement surface of the housing, the engagement member being movable relative to the support member. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is a part of a compensator configured to compensate for misalignment of the valve body relative to the housing, the compensator further comprising a biasing member, the biasing member being configured to operatively push the engagement member against the rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the valve body irrespective of the mating state of the coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, valve body is radially misalignable relative to the housing in a range from greater than 1 mm to 15 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the valve body is angularly misalignable relative to the housing in a range from 1-degree to 15-degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member is a male member having a forward nose portion. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member is a female member having a forward receptacle. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having a radially protruding shoulder portion and an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and an engagement member axially rearward of the shoulder portion of the valve body; wherein the engagement member is adapted to engage a rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the valve body via a concave interface at least when the coupling member is in a mating state with a corresponding other coupling member of the blind mate coupling. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following additional features, separately or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is formed as a socket having a concave bearing surface that is configured to engage a complementary convex mating surface of the shoulder portion of the valve body. 
     In some embodiments, the bearing surface of the socket and the mating surface of the shoulder portion are each configured as spherical surfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is free to float radially relative to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the shoulder portion has radially inward tapered surface that is configured to interface against a complementary radially inward tapered surface of a first radial abutment of the housing when the coupling member is in a decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the housing includes a second radial abutment, and the valve body includes a second radially protruding shoulder portion that is configured to engage the second radial abutment of the housing when the coupling member is in a decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the second shoulder portion of the valve body has a radially outer curved surface that provides point contact with the second radial abutment of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is located between the first radial abutment and the second radial abutment of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, further comprising a support member between the engagement member and the second radial abutment, the engagement member being movable relative to the support member. 
     In some embodiments, the shoulder portion of the valve body is a first shoulder portion, the valve body having a second shoulder portion axially spaced from the first shoulder portion. 
     In some embodiments, the housing includes a first radial abutment and a second radial abutment axially spaced from the first radial abutment. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member further comprising a biasing member. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member being configured to urge and lock the first and second shoulder portions of the valve body against the respective first and second radial abutments of the housing to self-center the valve body relative to the housing when the coupling member is in a decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member being configured to release the first and second shoulder portions of the valve body from the respective first and second radial abutments of the housing to enable misalignment compensation of the valve body relative to the housing when the biasing member is compressed in the mating state with the corresponding other coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is a part of a compensator configured to compensate for misalignment of the valve body relative to the housing, the compensator further comprising a biasing member, the biasing member being configured to operatively push the engagement member against the rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the valve body irrespective of the mating state of the coupling member. 
     In some embodiments, valve body is radially misalignable relative to the housing in a range from greater than 1 mm to 15 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the valve body is angularly misalignable relative to the housing in a range from 1-degree to 15-degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member is a male member having a forward nose portion. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling member is a female member having a forward receptacle. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a valve body at least partially extending through the housing, the valve body having a radially protruding shoulder portion and an axially extending internal fluid passage; a valve member at least partially disposed in the internal fluid passage, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body to open and close the internal fluid passage; and a compensator configured to compensate for misalignment of the valve body relative to the housing, the compensator comprising a biasing member and an engagement member, the biasing member being configured to operatively urge the engagement member against a rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the valve body to thereby compensate for misalignments. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following additional features, separately or in any combination. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member is adapted to engage the rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the valve body via a concave interface. 
     In some embodiments, the compensator further includes a push plate between the biasing member and the engagement member, the engagement member being radially movable relative to the push plate. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member operatively pushes the engagement member against a rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the valve body when the coupling member is in both a mated state and a decoupled state. 
     In some embodiments, the compensator compensates for radial misalignment and/or angular misalignment, and/or provides self-centering of the misalignment. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate coupling, includes: a main body having an axially extending internal passage, a radially protruding first abutment, and a radially protruding second abutment axially spaced apart from the first abutment; and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the main body including the first and second abutments, the housing including a radially extending first engagement surface and a radially extending second engagement surface; wherein, the coupling member is configured such that, when in a decoupled state, the first abutment of the main body engages the first engagement surface of the housing, and the second abutment of the main body engages the second engagement surface of the housing, thereby enhancing the alignment and/or centering of the main body relative to the housing in the decoupled state. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate coupling, includes: a housing; a main body at least partially extending through the housing, the main body having a radially protruding shoulder portion and an axially extending internal passage; and an engagement member axially rearward of the shoulder portion of the main body; wherein the engagement member is adapted to engage a rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the main body via a concave interface at least when the coupling member is in a mating state with a corresponding other coupling member of the blind mate coupling. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member for a blind mate fluid coupling, includes: a housing; a main body at least partially extending through the housing, the main body having a radially protruding shoulder portion and an axially extending internal fluid passage; and a compensator configured to compensate for misalignment of the main body relative to the housing, the compensator comprising a biasing member and an engagement member, the biasing member being configured to operatively urge the engagement member against a rearward portion of the shoulder portion of the main body to thereby compensate for misalignments. 
     Embodiments may include one or more features of the foregoing aspects in combination with one or more of any of the foregoing features, separately or in any combination. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling member is an optical or electrical coupling member instead of a fluid coupling member. 
     As used herein, an “operative connection,” or a connection by which entities are “operatively connected,” is one in which the entities are connected in such a way that the entities may perform as intended. An operative connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection in which an intermediate entity or entities cooperate or otherwise are part of the connection or are in between the operatively connected entities. An operative connection or coupling may include the entities being integral and unitary with each other. 
     It is to be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” and the like as used herein may refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. 
     The term “about” as used herein refers to any value which lies within the range defined by a variation of up to ±10% of the stated value, for example, ±10%, ±9%, ±8%, ±7%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.01%, or ±0.0% of the stated value, as well as values intervening such stated values 
     The phrase “and/or” should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.