Patent Publication Number: US-2020300397-A1

Title: Quick connect fluid connector, swivel, and combination thereof

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to quick connect fluid connectors that are used to, for example, connect a first fluid system with a second fluid system for transferring gases, liquids and other fluids between the first and second fluid systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gas cylinders are common in a wide variety of industries. For instance, in the medical industry, gas cylinders are typically filled with oxygen, carbon dioxide and the like, for a variety of medical uses. Gas cylinders are also used in various industrial fields. The gas cylinders are provided with a standardized valve assembly generally at the top thereof to allow discharge of the gas from the cylinder during use, as well as to permit filling of the cylinder with additional gas. 
     To process gas into or from the gas cylinders, a quick connect fluid connector is detachably affixed to the valve assembly of the cylinder. An example of a quick connect fluid connector for processing gas into or from a gas cylinder is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,909. In use of the type of quick connect fluid connector described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,909, the quick connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to a fluid port of a fluid manifold via a fluid hose (which is sometimes referred to in the industry as a “pig tail”). The quick connect fluid connector is then attached to the valve assembly of the gas cylinder to perform the gas processing. The repeated flexing and movements of the fluid hose can lead to wearing of the fluid hose and ultimately lead to gas leaks from the fluid hose. 
     SUMMARY 
     A technique is described herein for processing a fluid into or from a fluid container without the use of a fluid hose between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid manifold. The quick connect fluid connector is directly connected to a fluid port of the fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel that is configured to permit rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port. The relative axial and/or rotational movements provided by the swivel eliminates the need for a fluid hose to be used in the fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port. However, in some embodiments, a fluid hose could be used between the quick connect fluid connector swivel and the fluid port. 
     The quick connect fluid connector swivel can have any configuration that permits the rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port. The quick connect fluid connector swivel forms part of the flow path of the gas, liquid or other fluid between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid manifold. 
     Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the term fluid is intended to encompass gas, liquid, and mixtures of gas and liquids. The fluid container can be a gas cylinder, a container for liquid, or other container. 
     The quick connect fluid connector can have any configuration that is suitable for mechanically connecting to and fluidly interfacing with the fluid container. In one embodiment, the quick connect fluid connector can have a configuration like that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,909, or like the MediMate™ quick connect fluid connector available from FasTest Inc. of Roseville, Minn., which are manually actuated quick connect fluid connectors. In another embodiment, the quick connect fluid connector can be configured to employ pneumatics to achieve connection with the valve assembly of the fluid container as described in further detail below. 
     In one embodiment, a quick connect fluid connector swivel can include a first portion that is mechanically and fluidly connectable to a first fluid system, a second portion that is mechanically and fluidly connectable to a quick connect fluid connector that is connectable to a second fluid system, a fluid passageway that fluidly connects the first portion and the second portion to permit fluid communication between the first fluid system and the second fluid system via the quick connect fluid connector, and the first portion and the second portion are rotatable relative to one another about a longitudinal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may also be longitudinally displaceable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis. 
     The first portion may be a first housing portion, and the second portion may be a second housing portion, where the first housing portion and the second housing portion are disposed around a shaft that includes at least a portion of the fluid passageway, with the longitudinal axis extending through the shaft. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are each rotatable relative to the shaft. In another embodiment, the first portion may be a housing with a port that is mechanically and fluidly connectable to the first fluid system, and the second portion may be a shaft that is disposed within the housing, with an end of the shaft being mechanically connectable to the quick connect fluid connector, and the shaft including at least a portion of the fluid passageway. 
     In an embodiment, the port may be rotatable relative to the housing, for example rotatable relative to the housing about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     In another embodiment, a quick connect fluid connector swivel can include a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end to the housing second end. A housing passageway is formed in the housing along the longitudinal axis, with the housing passageway extending through the housing first end. A fluid port is formed in the housing, with the fluid port is in fluid communication with the housing passageway. A shaft is disposed in the housing passageway and has a shaft first end, a shaft second end, and a shaft axis that is coaxial to the longitudinal axis. The shaft first end is connectable to a quick connect fluid connector, the shaft is rotatable relative to the housing about the shaft axis, and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. A first stop is provided that limits longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop is provided that limits longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a second longitudinal direction. In addition, the shaft includes a shaft fluid passageway formed therein along the shaft axis and extends from the shaft first end in a direction toward the shaft second end, with the shaft fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the fluid port. With this construction, when the shaft first end is connected to the quick connect fluid connector, the shaft fluid passageway is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through the quick connect fluid connector. 
     In another embodiment, a combination includes the quick connect fluid connector swivel and a quick connect fluid connector connected to the shaft first end. The quick connect fluid connector includes a fluid passageway that is in fluid communication with the shaft fluid passageway so that a fluid can be processed into or from a fluid system, such as a gas cylinder, via the quick connect fluid connector and the quick connect fluid connector swivel. 
     In still another embodiment, a combination includes a quick connect fluid connector that is detachably mechanically connectable to a fluid system to process a fluid into or from the fluid system through the quick connect fluid connector, and a quick connect fluid connector swivel connected to the quick connect fluid connector. The quick connect fluid connector can include a connector housing with a housing fluid passageway through which the fluid can flow, and a connection mechanism that is actuatable between a connected position where the quick connect fluid connector is mechanically connected to the fluid system and permits fluid to flow into or from the fluid system through the housing fluid passageway and a disconnected position where the quick connect fluid connector is not mechanically connected to the fluid system. The quick connect fluid connector swivel can include a swivel housing, and a shaft extending from the swivel housing and connected to the quick connect fluid connector. The shaft includes a shaft fluid passageway that is in fluid communication with the housing fluid passageway. The shaft is rotatable relative to the swivel housing about the shaft axis, and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the swivel housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis, whereby the connector housing can rotate relative to the swivel housing and the connector housing can move longitudinally relative to the swivel housing. 
     In yet another embodiment, a system includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid ports, a plurality of quick connect fluid connector swivels where each one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels is connected to a corresponding one of the fluid ports, and a plurality of quick connect fluid connectors. Each one of the quick connect fluid connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels, and each one of the quick connect fluid connectors is detachably mechanically connectable to a fluid system to process a fluid into or from the fluid system through the quick connect fluid connector. Each one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels is configured to permit rotational and longitudinal movement of the corresponding quick connect fluid connector relative to the corresponding fluid port of the fluid manifold, and each quick connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold without using a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port. 
     In another embodiment, a method of facilitating processing of a fluid into or from a fluid container, such as but not limited to a gas cylinder, includes connecting a quick connect fluid connector to a fluid port of a fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel that is configured to permit rotational and longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port and without using a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port. In addition, the quick connect fluid connector is connected to the fluid container, followed by processing fluid into or from the fluid container through the quick connect fluid connector and the quick connect fluid connector swivel. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a system that uses one embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel and one embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the combination of the quick connect fluid connector swivel and the quick connect fluid connector in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 2 , but with the shaft of the quick connect fluid connector swivel in a retracted condition. 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 2 , but sectioned on a plane 90 degrees to the plane of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel with the shaft in a retracted condition. 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel of  FIG. 5  with the shaft in an extended condition. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a pneumatic quick connect fluid connector that can be detachably affixed to one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels described herein. 
         FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pneumatic quick connect fluid connector of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pneumatic quick connect fluid connector of  FIG. 7  that is integrated with a quick connect fluid connector swivel by using a common shaft. 
         FIG. 10  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a leak indicator. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a leak indicator. 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel of  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view along line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel. 
         FIG. 17  is a partial sectional view taken along line  17 - 17  in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel of  FIG. 16  with the inlet and outlet ports rotated ninety degrees. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates the quick connect fluid connector swivel of  FIGS. 16-18  with the housing portions reversed from  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference initially to  FIG. 1 , a fluid processing system  10  is illustrated. The system  10  is used to process a fluid, which can be a gas or a liquid or a mixture thereof, between a fluid manifold  12  forming a first fluid system (or part of a first fluid system) and one or more fluid cylinders or containers, such as gas cylinders  14 , each of which forms a second fluid system. For sake of convenience in describing the concepts herein, the fluid cylinders/container will be described as being gas cylinders  14 . However, the fluid cylinders/containers can contain fluids other than gas. 
     The illustrated system  10  includes the fluid manifold  12 , a plurality of the gas cylinders  14 , a plurality of quick connect fluid connectors  16 , and a plurality of quick connect fluid connector swivels  18 . Each one of the swivels  18  is mechanically connected to a fluid port  20  of the manifold  12 . In addition, each one of the quick connect fluid connectors  16  is mechanically connected to a corresponding one of the swivels  18  as well as to a valve assembly  22  of a corresponding one of the gas cylinders  14 . In use, a fluid (such as a gas) can be processed into each one of the gas cylinders  14  from the manifold  12  through the corresponding swivel  18  and the corresponding quick connect fluid connector  16 . Alternatively, a fluid (such as a gas) can be processed from each one of the gas cylinders  14  and into the manifold  12  through the corresponding quick connect fluid connector  16  and the corresponding swivel  18 . In some embodiments, the fluid being processed may be a liquid instead of a gas. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the fluid manifold  12  is of standard construction. The fluid manifold  12  can be used as a filling station that permits connection of a number of the gas cylinders  14  to permit simultaneous filling of the gas cylinders  14  via the fluid manifold  12 , the swivels  18  and the fluid connector  16 . Alternatively, the fluid manifold  12  can be used as an evacuation station to permit simultaneous evacuation of the gas cylinders  14 . Or the fluid manifold  12  can be used as both a filling station and an evacuation station. The fluid manifold  12  includes a plurality of the fluid ports  20  spaced from one another along the fluid manifold  12  to provide sufficient space to permit connection of each gas cylinder  14 . The fluid ports  20  are in fluid communication with a manifold fluid passage  24  which is fluidly connected to a fluid supply (not shown) that supplies gas for filling the gas cylinders  14  and/or connected to a fluid discharge to collect gas evacuated from the gas cylinders  14 . 
     The gas cylinders  14  are also of standard construction. Each gas cylinder  14  includes the valve assembly  22  that the quick connect fluid connectors  16  are designed to mechanically and fluidly interface with, and through which gas enters or leaves the gas cylinder  14  during operation and servicing. The details of the valve assembly  22  and how it operates are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The fluid connectors  16  can have any construction that renders them suitable for detachably mechanically connecting with the valve assemblies  22  of the gas cylinders  14 , and for allowing fluid to flow from the gas cylinders  14  via the valve assemblies  22  and through the fluid connectors  16  during an evacuation procedure, or to flow through the fluid connectors  16  and into the gas cylinders  14  via the valve assemblies  22  during a filling procedure. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the fluid connectors  16  have a construction that is similar to the fluid connector described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,909, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, the fluid connectors  16  can have a construction as described below with reference to  FIGS. 7-9 . In still another embodiment, the fluid connectors  16  can have a construction similar to the fluid connectors described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,979 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Many other fluid connector designs are possible as long as the fluid connector  16  can mechanically connect to the valve assembly  22 , and fluid can be processed through the fluid connector. 
     The swivels  18  are configured to mechanically and fluidly connect to the fluid ports  20 , and are configured to mechanically connect to the fluid connectors  16  in a manner to permit rotational and longitudinal movement of the fluid connectors  16  relative to the fluid port  20  of the fluid manifold  12 . In one embodiment, the swivels  18  can be integrally connected to (i.e. non-detachably connected to) the fluid connectors  16  whereby at least one part of the swivel  18  also forms a part of the fluid connector  16 . In another embodiment, the swivels  18  are detachably connected to the fluid connectors  16 . The swivels  18  are also configured to fluidly connect the fluid connectors  16  to the fluid manifold  12 . In the illustrated embodiments, the fluid connection between the fluid manifold  12  and the swivels  18  is achieved without using a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the fluid connector  16  and the fluid port  20 . However, in some embodiments, a fluid hose may be used. The swivels  18  can have any configuration that is suitable for achieving the functions of the swivels described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 and 13 , one embodiment of the fluid connector  16  and the swivel  18  will now be described. The fluid connector  16  includes an elongated housing  30  having a bifurcated end  32 , a central section  34  and a swivel connection end  36 . Two spaced arms  38   a,    38   b  define the bifurcated end  32 , and an actuating lever  40  is pivotally mounted between the arms  38   a, b  on a pivot pin  42  extending between the arms. 
     A recess  44  is formed through one side of the housing  30  at the central section  34 , with the recess  44  being sized so as to receive the valve assembly  22  therein. The recess  44  is oversized relative to the size of the valve assembly  22 , in order to allow the valve assembly  22  to be shifted within the recess  44  in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing  30 . Angled walls  46  are preferably provided between the side of the housing  30  and the walls forming the recess  44  in order to guide the valve assembly  22  into the recess  44 . Since the recess  44  is formed through the side of the housing  30 , the valve assembly  22  can be fitted within the recess  44  through a simple sideways movement of the fluid connector  16 , with the angled walls  46  guiding the valve assembly  22  into the recess. 
     A passage  48  extends between the recess  44  and the area between the arms  38   a, b , and an actuating pin  50  is slideably disposed within the passage  48 . The actuating pin  50  includes an enlarged end  52  that is engaged with the actuating lever  40 , and the opposite end of the actuating pin  50  is engaged with the valve assembly  22 . A coil spring  54  is engaged between the enlarged end  52  and a shoulder formed in the passage  48 , and biases the enlarged end  52  into continuous engagement with the actuating lever  40 . The actuating lever  40  includes a first surface  57  that is engaged with the enlarged end  52  in an open position of the connector  16  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), and a second surface  58  that is engaged with the enlarged end  52  in a connected position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). As the actuating lever  40  is rotated about the pin  42 , the surface  58  is brought into contact with the enlarged end  52  of the actuating pin  50 , thereby forcing the pin  50  inward toward the recess  44 . Since the actuating pin  50  is engaged with the valve assembly  22 , the valve assembly  22  is forced toward the swivel connection end  36  by the actuating pin  50 . Rotation of the actuating lever  40  back in the opposite direction brings the surface  57  back into contact with the enlarged end  52 , which allows the actuating pin  50  to retract back to the open or disconnected position due to the biasing force of the spring  54 . 
     A bore  60  extends completely through the swivel connection end  36 , with the bore  60  extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing  30 . A shaft  62  that extends from the swivel  18  is screwed into the swivel connection end  36  within the bore  60 , with a space being defined between the outer surface of the shaft  62  and the surface defining the bore  60 . The shaft  62  includes a shaft first end  64  within the fluid connector  16 , a shaft second end  66  within the swivel  18 , a shaft axis that is coaxial to the longitudinal axis, a shaft fluid passageway  68  formed therein along the shaft axis and extending from the shaft first end  64  in a direction toward the shaft second end  66 . The shaft fluid passageway  68  allows fluid to flow from the fluid connector  16  to the swivel  18  via the shaft  62 . 
     A cylindrical piston  70  is slideably disposed within the bore  60  and extends into the recess  44  for sealing engagement with the valve assembly  22 . The piston  70  includes a skirt portion  72  extending from a head portion  74 , with the skirt portion  72  being slideably engaged on the outer surface of the shaft  62  and the interior surface of the housing that defines the bore  60 , within the space therebetween. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a neck  76  extends from the head portion  74  into the recess  44 , with an o-ring seal  78  disposed in the end of the head portion  74  surrounding the neck  76 . The neck  76  and the o-ring seal  78  permit the piston  70  to sealingly engage with the valve assembly as shown in  FIG. 4 , such that gas leaks are prevented. A central fluid passageway  80  extends through the head portion  74  parallel to the passageway  68 , with an o-ring seal  82  disposed in a circumferential channel in the outer surface of the shaft  62  preventing fluid leakage between the skirt portion  72  and the shaft  62 . 
     In order to bias the piston  70  toward the valve assembly  22 , a coil spring  84  is disposed within the space between the shaft  62  and the housing  30 , with one end of the spring  84  engaged with the shaft  62  and the other end of the spring  84  engaged with a washer  86  slideably disposed within the space. Movement of the washer  86  is limited by a shoulder formed on the surface defining the bore  60 , with the washer  86  engaging against a shoulder formed on the skirt portion  72  to bias the piston  70  to toward the end  32  until the washer  86  engages the shoulder. 
     A further coil spring  92  surrounds the skirt portion  72  and is engaged between the housing  30  and the shoulder to bias the piston  70  toward the end  36 , away from the recess  44  and against the bias of the spring  84 . The biasing force of the spring  84  is greater than the biasing force of the spring  92 , such that the piston  70  is biased to the initial position shown in  FIG. 3 . Since the spring  92  is disposed around the skirt portion  72 , the gas flowing through the fluid connector  16  does not come into contact spring  92  thereby providing smooth gas flow as well as preventing contamination build-up by the spring  92 . 
     The piston  70  further includes an interior pressure surface  94  thereon which is engaged by the gas flowing through the passageway  68  in order to force the piston  70  toward the recess  44  to enhance the sealing effect between the piston  70  and the valve assembly  22 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , a slight gap exists between the pressure surface  94  and the end of the shaft  62  to permit the gas to engage the pressure surface  94  and thereby force the piston  70  toward the recess  44 . 
     Further details on the construction of the fluid connector  16  can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,909. The lever  40 , the actuating pin  50 , and the piston  70  together form a connection mechanism that releasably mechanically connect the fluid connector  16  to the valve assembly  22 . However, other forms of connection mechanisms that releasably mechanically connect the fluid connector  16  to the valve assembly  22  can be used. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 and 13 , the swivel  18  includes a housing  100  having a housing first end  102 , a housing second end  104 , and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end  102  to the housing second end  104 . A housing passageway  106  is formed in the housing  100  along the longitudinal axis, with the housing passageway  106  extending through the housing first end  102 . A first end cap  108  is removably threaded onto the housing  100  to define the housing first end  102  and a second end cap  110  is removably threaded onto the housing  100  to define the housing second end  104 . The housing passageway  106  extends through the first end cap  108  which is open to allow passage of the shaft  62 . The second end cap  110  defines a closed end of the swivel  18  although the second end cap  110  can have one or more passages. 
     The housing  100  further includes a fluid port  112  formed therein that is in fluid communication with the housing passageway  106 . In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the fluid port  112  is formed in a side of the housing  100  between the housing first end  102  and the housing second end  104 . The fluid port  112  can extend perpendicularly from the housing  100  or at a non-ninety degree angle from the housing  100 . Alternatively, as discussed further below with respect to  FIG. 10 , the fluid port  112  can extend axially through the housing second end  104 . The fluid port  112  is configured to be attached to the port  20  on the fluid manifold  12  in order to attach the swivel  18  to the fluid manifold. The attachment of the fluid port  112  to the port  20  can be achieved using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the fluid port  112  can have threads  113  which are engageable with matching threads (not shown) of the port  20  so that the swivel  18  can be attached to the fluid manifold  12  via the threads  113 . The threads  113  would also permit the swivel  18  to be detached from the fluid manifold  12 . A permanent form of attachment could also be used, such as the fluid port  112  being welded to the port  20 . 
     The shaft  62  is disposed in the housing passageway  106  so that the shaft  62  is rotatable relative to the housing  100  about the shaft axis, and the shaft  62  is also longitudinally or axially displaceable relative to the housing  100  in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. A first stop is provided that limits longitudinal/axial displacement of the shaft  62  relative to the housing  100  in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop is provided that limits longitudinal/axial displacement of the shaft  62  relative to the housing  100  in a second longitudinal direction. 
     For example, as best seen in  FIG. 13 , the first stop can comprise a washer  114  that is disposed around and fixed to the shaft  62  near the second end  66 . The washer  114  projects radially from the outer diameter of the shaft  62  and is configured to abut against a shoulder  116  defined within the housing  100  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) to define a maximum extended position of the shaft  62 . In this example, the washer  114  and the shoulder  116  together form the first stop. The second stop can comprise a ring  118 , which can be circumferentially continuous, formed on the shaft  62  and projecting radially therefrom where the shaft  62  extends from the fluid connector  16 . The ring  118  is designed to abut against the first end cap  108  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 13  to define a maximum retracted position of the shaft  62 . In this example, the ring  118  and the first end cap  108  together form the second stop. 
     In one embodiment, the shaft  62  can be biased to return to a home position in a disconnected state so that the swivel  18  is ready for the next connection. For example, the shaft  62  can be biased to a longitudinal home position to return to a longitudinal home position. In another example, the shaft  62  can be biased circumferentially or rotationally to return to a circumferential or rotational home position. In another example, the shaft  62  can be biased both longitudinally and circumferentially to return to the longitudinal home position and the circumferential home position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 and 13 , a first circumferential seal  120  seals between the exterior surface of the shaft  62  and the interior surface of the housing  100  at a location that is between the fluid port  112  and the housing first end  102 . In addition, a second circumferential seal  122  is spaced from the first seal  120  and seals between the exterior surface of the shaft  62  and the interior surface of the housing  100  at a location that is between the fluid port  112  and the housing second end  104 . Between the two seals  120 ,  122  the shaft  62  is provided with a reduced diameter section  124 . The reduced diameter section  124  remains located between the two seals  120 ,  122  at both the maximum retracted position ( FIG. 3 ) and the maximum extended position ( FIG. 4 ). In addition, the housing passageway  106  includes an increased diameter section  126  between the two seals  120 ,  122  and located at the fluid port  112 . Further, the shaft fluid passageway  68  includes a transverse portion  128  that exits through the shaft  62  at the reduced diameter section  124  and between the first seal  120  and the second seal  122 . As a result, fluid can flow through the fluid port  112 , into the transverse portion  128 , and then through the fluid passageway  68  to the fluid connector  16 , and vice versa. In addition, the transverse portion  128 , the reduced diameter section  124  and the increased diameter section  126  form a pressure balance zone between the seals  120 ,  122  that pressure balance the swivel  18 . The seals  120 ,  122  prevent leaks of the fluid from the pressure balance zone. 
     Wipers  130   a,    130   b,    130   c  can also be provided around the circumference of the shaft  62  at select locations thereon to help keep contaminants out of the interior of the housing  100 . In addition, bushings  132   a,    132   b  or other types of bearings can be provided between the housing  100  and the circumference of the shaft  62  to facilitate rotation and axial/longitudinal sliding of the shaft  62  relative to the housing  100 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 and 13 , the second end  66  of the shaft  62  is formed with a generally hollow section  134  with a surrounding circumferential lip  136 . The hollow section  134  and lip  136  form a crumple zone on the shaft  62  which will help absorb kinetic energy in the event that the swivel  18  is over-pressurized such that the shaft  62  factures and comes into contact with the second end cap  110 . In an alternative embodiment, a crumple zone similar in construction to the crumple zone (e.g. the hollow section  134  and the lip  136 ) on the shaft  62  could be formed on the second end cap  110 . The crumple zone on the second end cap  110  could be used by itself or together with the crumple zone on the shaft  62 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel  18  is also provided with one or more leak indicators to indicate fluid leaks past either one of, or both of, the seals  120 ,  122 . The leak indicators can have any construction that is suitable for indicating, visually or electronically, fluid leaks past the seals  120 ,  122 . For example, referring to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 13 , a first leak indicator passageway  138  is provided through the housing  100  that intersects the housing passageway  106  at a location between the first seal  120  and the housing first end  102 . A second leak indicator passageway  140  is provided through the housing  100  that intersects the housing passageway  106  at a location between the second seal  122  and the housing second end  104 . The leak indicator passageways  138 ,  140  extend to respective leak ports  142 ,  144  formed in the housing  100 . The leak ports  142 ,  144  are closed by caps  146 ,  148 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the caps  146 ,  148  can pop open in the event that there is a leak past one of the seals  120 ,  122 , where the leaking fluid would flow through the indicator passageway(s)  138 ,  140  and if the pressure caused by the leak is significant enough, cause the cap(s)  146 ,  148  to pop open. 
     Other leak indicators are possible. For example, referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , instead of using the caps  146 ,  148 , the leak indicators can be formed by a poppet  246 . In particular, a poppet housing  250  can be secured within each leak port. The poppet housing  250  has a passage  252  that receives the poppet  246 . The poppet  246  includes a seal  254  that seals with the passage  252 . The poppet  246  initially has a retracted position shown in  FIG. 11A . If a leak occurs and sufficient pressure is generated, the poppet  246  is pushed upward above the poppet housing  250  as shown in  FIG. 11B  which will indicate a leak. The travel of the poppet  246  is limited by a shoulder  256  formed on the poppet  246  that engages with a shoulder  258  formed on the poppet housing  250 . 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate another embodiment of a leak indicator. This embodiment also uses a poppet  260  that is received within a passage of a poppet housing  262  secured to the leak port. The poppet  260  includes a seal  264  that seals with the passage when the poppet  260  is initially in its retracted position shown in  FIG. 12A . If a leak occurs and sufficient pressure is generated, the poppet  260  is pushed upward above the poppet housing  262  as shown in  FIG. 12B  which will indicate a leak. The travel of the poppet  260  is limited by a shoulder  265  formed on the poppet  260  that engages with a shoulder  266  formed on the poppet housing  262 . The poppet  260  can also include vent passages  268  that permit venting of any fluid that leaks. 
     The operation of the fluid connector  16  and the swivel  18  should be apparent from the above description. With the fluid connector  16  initially disposed in the unconnected position shown in  FIG. 3 , the fluid connector  16  is disposed around the valve assembly  22  with the shaft  62  of the swivel  18  accommodating axial and rotational adjustments of the fluid connector  16  to permit placement of the fluid connector  16  in proper positon around the valve assembly  22 . The actuating lever  40  is then rotated to bring the surface  58  into engagement with the enlarged end  52  of the actuating pin  50 , thereby forcing the actuating pin  50  toward the valve assembly  22  which forces the valve assembly  22  into sealed engagement with the piston  70 . The piston  70  is thereby forced toward the swivel  18 , against the bias of the spring  84 , leaving the gap between the pressure surface  94  of the piston  70  and the end of the shaft  62 . The valve on the valve assembly  22  is then opened, thereby permitting gas to flow through the fluid connector  16 , the swivel  18  and through the valve assembly whether during a fill operation on the gas container  14  or during evacuation of the gas container  14 . Due to the gap, the piston  70  is forced toward the valve assembly  22  by the pressure of the fluid acting on the surface  94 , thereby increasing the sealing effect between the valve assembly  22  and the piston  70 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the shaft  62  is a single, unitary piece shared by the fluid connector  16  and the swivel  18 . However, other embodiments are possible. For example,  FIGS. 5-6  illustrate another version of the swivel  18  where elements similar to elements in the swivel in  FIGS. 2-4  are referenced using the same reference numbers. In  FIGS. 5-6 , the shaft  62  of the swivel  18  is not unitary with the fluid connector  16 . Instead, the shaft first end  64  is threaded  150  so as to be detachably affixed to a threaded part  153  (seen in  FIGS. 7-8 ) of the fluid connector. The fluid connector can have a configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , a configuration as shown in  FIGS. 7-8  and discussed further below, or any other configuration, such as the configurations disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,073,909 and 8,844,979. 
     The swivel  18  in  FIGS. 5-6  also differs from the swivel  18  in  FIGS. 2-4  in that the swivel  18  in  FIGS. 5-6  uses a different configuration of first and second stops to limit axial travel of the shaft  62 . In particular, in  FIGS. 5-6 , the shaft  62  includes a ring  152  which can be circumferentially continuous, formed on the shaft  62  within the housing  100  and projecting radially from the shaft  62 . The ring  152  is designed to abut against the first end cap  108  as shown in  FIG. 6  to define a maximum extended position of the shaft  62 , and to abut against an interior shoulder  154  defined within the housing passageway  106  of the housing  100  as shown in  FIG. 5  to define a maximum retracted position of the shaft  62 . Therefore, in this example, the ring  152  and the first end cap  108  together form the first stop, and the ring  152  and the shoulder  154  together form the second stop. 
     In  FIGS. 5-6 , once the threaded part  153  of the fluid connector  16  is threaded onto the threaded  150  end of the shaft  62 , the combined fluid connector  16  and swivel  18  will function identically to the fluid connector  16  and the swivel  18  described in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
       FIGS. 7-8  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the fluid connector  16 . In this embodiment, the fluid connector  16  is not manually actuated using the actuating lever  40 . Instead, the fluid connector  16  in this embodiment uses pneumatics to help achieve connection to the valve assembly  22 . 
     The fluid connector  16  includes an elongated housing  160  having an indicator end  162 , a central section  164  and a swivel connection end  166 . A recess  168  is formed through one side of the housing  160  at the central section  164 , with the recess  168  being sized so as to receive the valve assembly  22  therein. 
     The indicator end  162  includes a spring loaded slide clip  170  that facilitates connection to the valve assembly  22 . As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the clip  170  has a generally planar section  172  where the clip  170  engages with the valve assembly  22 , and a raised shoulder  174  along one side of the planar section  172  away from the recess  168 . An indicator pin  176  extends through an opening  178  in the indicator end  162 . The opening  178  includes a recessed end  180  into which an enlarged head  182  of the pin  176  can be recessed as shown in  FIG. 7 . The end of the pin  176  is threaded  184  and is threaded into a threaded opening of a retainer  186  that extends upwardly into the opening  178  and is fixed to the clip  170 . A coil spring  188  abuts against the retainer  186  and biases the retainer  186  which is fixed to the clip  170  so as to bias the clip  170  toward the recess  168  and the valve assembly  22 . The retainer  186  can be fixed to the clip  170  in any suitable manner, for example by welding or press fit. 
     In an unconnected condition of the fluid connector  16 , the spring  188  biases the pin  176  and the clip  170  toward the recess  168  and the valve assembly  22  so that the head  182  of the pin  176  is retracted into the recessed end  180 , for example entirely below the outer surface of the fluid connector as shown in  FIG. 7 . However, in a connected condition of the fluid connector  16 , the clip  170  is forced away from the swivel connection end  166  which also forces the pin  176  in a direction away from the swivel connection end  166 . This forces the head  182  of the pin  176  to project from the recessed end  180  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  to indicate that the fluid connector is connected to the valve assembly  22 . 
     A bore  190  extends completely through the swivel connection end  166 , with the bore  190  extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing  160 . A shaft  192  is screwed into the swivel connection end  166  within the bore  190 , with a space being defined between the outer surface of the shaft  192  and the surface defining the bore  190 . The shaft  192  includes an end disposed within the fluid connector, and an end disposed outside the fluid connector that includes the threaded part  153 . The shaft  192  further includes a shaft axis that is coaxial to the longitudinal axis, and a shaft fluid passageway  194  formed therein along the shaft axis. The shaft fluid passageway  194  allows fluid to flow from the fluid connector  16  to the swivel  18  via the shaft  192 . 
     A cylindrical piston  196  is slideably disposed within the bore  190  and extends into the recess  168  for sealing engagement with the valve assembly  22 . The piston  196  includes a skirt portion  200  extending from a head portion  202 , with the skirt portion  200  being slideably engaged on the outer surface of the shaft  192  and the interior surface of the housing that defines the bore  190 , within the space therebetween. A neck  204  extends from the head portion  202  into the recess  168 , with an o-ring seal  206  disposed in the end of the head portion  202  surrounding the neck  204 . The neck  204  and the o-ring seal  206  permit the piston  196  to sealingly engage with the valve assembly  22  to prevent gas leaks. A fluid passageway  208  extends through the head portion  202  parallel to the passageway  194 , with an o-ring seal  210  disposed in a circumferential channel in the outer surface of the shaft  192  preventing fluid leakage between the skirt portion  200  and the shaft  192 . 
     A coil spring  212  is disposed between the shaft  192  and the end of the piston  196  in order to bias the piston  196  toward the valve assembly  22 . The piston  196  further includes a pressure surface  214  that is between two seals  215   a,    215   b  creating a pressure chamber which is in fluid communication with a fluid input  216 . When a fluid such as air is introduced through the fluid input  216 , the fluid acts against the pressure surface  214 , retracting the piston  196  against the bias of the spring  212 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a pin plate  218  is also provided on the fluid connector  16 . The pin plate  218  has an L-shaped configuration with a first portion  220  within the recess  168  and a second portion  222  along the side of the housing  160 . The first portion  220  of the pin plate  218  is provided with a pair of pins  224  for engaging with pin recesses on the valve assembly  22 . The first portion  220  of the pin plate  218  also includes a recess  226  that surrounds the neck  204  and the seal  206  of the piston  196 . 
     The pin plate  218  is removable to allow use of different configurations of the pins  224  without requiring changing the housing  160 . In addition, as depicted in  FIG. 7 , in the unconnected position of the fluid connector  16  and with fluid applied through the fluid input  216 , the piston  196  is retracted, which retracts the neck  204  and the seal  206  within the recess  226 . The seal  206  will retract below the surface of the first portion  220  of the pin plate  218  to protect the seal  206 . The neck  204  will also retract but the tip thereof may remain above the surface of the first portion  220  of the pin plate  218 . Although the pin plate  218  will also retract when the piston  196  retracts, the amount of retraction of the pin plate  218  is less than the amount of retraction of the piston  196 . This retraction of the neck  204  and the seal  206  helps to minimize damage to the neck  204  and the seal  206  by minimizing contact with the valve assembly  22  during installation and removal of the fluid connector  16 . The pin plate  218  is secured by a ring  221  around the head portion  202  to locate the pin plate  218  and still allow movement of the piston  196 . 
     The slide clip  170 , the pin  176 , the piston  196  and the pin plate  218  together form a connection mechanism that releasably mechanically connect the fluid connector  16  to the valve assembly  22 . However, other forms of connection mechanisms that releasably mechanically connect the fluid connector  16  to the valve assembly  22  can be used. 
     In operation of the fluid connector  16  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , to connect to the valve assembly  22 , the fluid connector  16  is initially in the configuration shown in  FIG. 7 . Fluid is applied through the fluid input  216  to retract the piston  196  thereby retracting the neck  204  and the seal  206 . The valve assembly  22  is then installed into the recess  168  of the fluid connector  16 , with the valve assembly  22  initially held in place by the spring load of the clip  170  biased by the coil spring  188  against the valve assembly  22  which aligns onto the pin plate  218  over the alignment pins  224 . The fluid through the input  216  is then removed so that the spring  212  biases the piston  196  into engagement with the valve assembly  22  and forces the valve assembly  22  toward the indicator end  162 . The valve assembly  22  is therefore clamped between the piston  196  and the planar section  172  of the clip  170 , with the head  182  of the pin  176  projecting from the recessed end  180  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  to indicate that the fluid connector is connected to the valve assembly  22 . 
     A connection indicator other than the head  182  of the pin  176  can be provided. For example, sensors can be integrated into the fluid connector  16  to sense movements of elements such as the piston  196  and/or the pin plate  218  and/or sense the presence/absence of the valve assembly  22 , where the sensed movement of elements and/or the sensed presence/absence of the valve assembly  22  can indicate proper or improper connection, or no valve assembly present. The sensor readings can be sent to a controller that prevents the flow of fluid from the fluid manifold  12  to the fluid connector  16  in the event of an improper connection or no valve assembly  22  present. The sensors can be magnetic sensors that sense magnets on the element(s) to be sensed. An example of a magnetic sensing system in a fluid connector for sensing the connection state of the fluid connector is described in U.S. Published Application No. 2017/0037991 (application Ser. No. 15/228,587) titled Fluid Connectors With Connection State Sensing, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. With reference to  FIG. 7 , in one non-limiting example, a sensor  230  can be provided on the fluid connector  16  to sense the head  182 . During connection, as the clip  170  pushes the pin  176  and the head  182  projects beyond the recessed end  180 , the sensor  230  can sense the head  182 . If the head  182  is not sensed, that can indicate that a proper connection has not been achieved and fluid flow can be prevented. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment is illustrated where the fluid connector  16  of  FIGS. 2-4  is replaced with the fluid connector illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 . The threaded part  153  in  FIGS. 7-8  is not used. Instead, the shaft  62  is similar to the shaft in  FIGS. 2-4  and extends from the swivel  18  to the fluid connector  16  so that the shaft  62  is shared between the swivel  18  and the fluid connector  16 . The construction and operation of the fluid connector  16  and the swivel  18  in  FIG. 9  can be otherwise identical to the construction and operation of the fluid connector  16  described and illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8  and the swivel  18  in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector swivel  18  having an axial fluid port  270  rather than the radial fluid port  112  as in  FIGS. 2-4 and 5-6 . In  FIG. 10 , elements that are similar to elements in the swivel in  FIGS. 2-4  or  FIGS. 5-6  are referenced using the same reference numbers. The swivel  18  in this embodiment can be used with any type of fluid connector, such as the fluid connector  16  of  FIGS. 2-4  or the fluid connector of  FIGS. 7-8 . In  FIG. 10 , the shaft  62  of the swivel  18  can be configured to be unitary with the fluid connector  16  as in  FIGS. 2-4 , or the end of the shaft  62  can be threaded so as to be detachably affixed to a threaded part of the fluid connector like in  FIGS. 7-8 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , the housing  100  has the housing first end  102 , the housing second end  104 , and the longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end  102  to the housing second end  104 . The housing passageway  106  is formed in the housing  100  along the longitudinal axis, with the housing passageway  106  extending through the housing first end  102 . The first end cap  108  is removably threaded onto the housing  100  to define the housing first end  102 . The housing passageway  106  extends through the first end cap  108  which is open to allow passage of the shaft  62 . 
     The fluid port  270  is formed at the second end  104  and extends substantially axially through the second end  104  along the longitudinal axis. The fluid port  270  can have internal threads which are engageable with matching external threads (not shown) of the port  20  on the fluid manifold  12  so that the swivel  18  can be attached to the fluid manifold  12  via the threads. A bypass fluid passageway  272  is formed in the housing  100  and extends between the fluid port  270  and the housing passageway  106  between the two seals  120 ,  122  to place the fluid port  270  in fluid communication with the fluid passageway  68  through the shaft  62 , and creating the pressure balance zone between the seals  120 ,  122 . 
     The stops used to limit the axial travel of the shaft  62  in  FIG. 10  are also different than in  FIGS. 2-4  and  FIGS. 5-6 . In particular, in  FIG. 10 , the shaft  62  includes a radial shoulder  274  formed thereon which can be circumferentially continuous, and formed on the shaft  62  within the housing  100  and projecting radially from the shaft  62 . The shoulder  274  is designed to abut against a pair of washers  276  disposed within the housing  100  as shown in  FIG. 10  or abut directly against the end cap  108  to define a maximum extended position of the shaft  62 . In addition, the end of the shaft  62  is designed to abut against a surface  278  of the housing  100  defining the end of the housing passageway  106  to define a maximum retracted position of the shaft  62 . Therefore, in this example, the shoulder  274  and the washers  276  (or the first end cap  108 ) together form the first stop, and the end of the shaft  62  and the surface  278  together form the second stop. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate another embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector swivel  18 . In this embodiment, the swivel  18  can have a construction like that in  FIGS. 5-6  (or like in  FIGS. 2-4, 9-10 and 13 ), and elements that are similar to elements in  FIGS. 5-6  are referenced using the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the swivel  18 , the fluid port  112  is mounted so that the fluid port  112  and the remainder of the swivel  18  can swivel relative to one another about the axis X-X which may or may not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft  62 . The relative swiveling between the fluid port  112  and the remainder of the swivel  18  can be in addition to the rotation of the shaft  62  about the shaft axis, and the longitudinal displacement of the shaft  62  relative to the housing  100  in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. However, the relative swiveling between the fluid port  112  and the remainder of the swivel  18  can be the only relative movement in the swivel  18 , or it can be used with only one of the rotation of the shaft  62  or the longitudinal displacement of the shaft  62 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an end of the fluid port  112  can be configured as a sleeve  300  that receives a protruding male portion  302  of the housing  100 . The sleeve  300  includes an end thereof that rests on and is supported by a shoulder  304  formed on the male portion  302 . Bushings  306   a ,  306   b  or other types of bearings can be provided between the male portion  302  and the interior of the sleeve  300 , and one or more seals  308  can be provided to seal between the sleeve  300  and the male portion  302 . A clamp ring  310  fits at one end in a circumferential channel  312  formed in the sleeve  300  and at a second end in a circumferential channel  314  formed in the housing  100  to retain the fluid port  112  in position on the housing  100 . In addition, a collar  316  surrounds the clamp ring  310  and a snap ring  318  fits around the sleeve  300  to secure the collar  316  in place. 
     With the described construction, the fluid port  112  and the remainder of the swivel  18  can swivel relative to one another about the axis X-X. In use of the swivel  18  in  FIGS. 14-15 , the fluid port  112  can be secured to the fluid port  20  of the manifold  12  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the swivel  18  is connected to the quick connect fluid connector as described above. Because of the swivel mounting between the fluid port  112  and the rest of the swivel  18 , the swivel  18  and the quick connect fluid connector connected thereof are able to rotate about the axis X-X, allowing the swivel  18  and/or the quick connect fluid connector to be rotated out of the way. 
       FIGS. 16-18  illustrate another embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector swivel  18 . In this embodiment, the swivel  18  is configured as a “knuckle” that provides relative swiveling or rotation but does not include relative longitudinal displacement. The “knuckle” can provide 90 to 180 degree range of swiveling motion. However, a stop can be provided that limits the range of swiveling motion. In another embodiment, the “knuckle” can provide 360 degrees of swiveling motion if the housing portions discussed below are reversed in position. In  FIGS. 16-18 , elements that are similar to elements in  FIGS. 1-6, 9-10 and 13  are referenced using the same reference numerals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , the swivel  18  includes a shaft  350  and a housing  352  surrounding the shaft  350 . The housing  352  includes two housing portions including a first housing portion  354  and a second housing portion  356  that are rotatable relative to one another about the shaft  350  and rotatable relative to the shaft  350 . The shaft  350  includes a first end  358  and a second end  360 . The shaft fluid passageway  68  includes a pair of the transverse portions  128 . One of the transverse portions  128  is in fluid communication with a circumferential housing fluid passageway  107   a  formed in the first housing portion  354  that connects to a fluid passage  107   b  formed in the first housing portion  354  that extends to an internally threaded port  362 . The other transverse portion  128  is in fluid communication with a circumferential housing passageway  109   a  formed in the second housing portion  356  that connects to a fluid passage  109   b  formed in the second housing portion  356  extends to an internally threaded port  364 . 
     Seals  370 ,  372  are provided on each side of each transverse portion  128  to seal between the shaft  350  and the housing portions  354 ,  356 . In addition, bushings  374 ,  376  or other types of bearings can be provided between the first housing portion  354  and the shaft  350  to permit relative rotation therebetween about the axis of the shaft  350 , while bushings  378 ,  380  or other types of bearings can be provided between the second housing portion  356  and the shaft  350  to permit relative rotation therebetween about the axis of the shaft  350 . 
     With this construction, the first and second housing portions  354 ,  356  are rotatable relative to one another, and are also rotatable relative to the  350  about the axis of the shaft. For example,  FIGS. 16 and 17  depict the first housing portion  354  and the second housing portion  354  rotated to a position 90 degrees relative to each other whereby the port  362  is 90 degrees relative to the port  364 .  FIG. 18  shows the first housing portion  354  rotated 90 degrees from its position in  FIGS. 16-17 , so that the port  362  of the first housing portion  354  and the port  364  of the second housing portion  354  are diametrically opposite one another and extend in opposite directions. In some embodiments, an optional stop  382  with stops  384  (best seen in  FIGS. 17-19 ) can be provided to limit the extent of rotation of the first housing portion  354  and the second housing portion  356 . 
     In use of the swivel  18 , the first housing portion  354  can be connected to the quick connect fluid connector  16  via the port  362 , while the second housing portion  356  can be connected to the fluid manifold  12 , for example to the fluid port  20  or to a fluid line (not shown), for example a rigid pipe or a flexible hose, extending from the manifold  12 . As a result, in operation, the quick connect fluid connector  16  can be rotated downward from a first position where the fluid connector  16  is generally vertical (for example when the first housing portion  354  and the second housing portion  356  are oriented as in  FIGS. 16-17 ) to an out of the way position, for example 90 degrees where the fluid connector  16  is generally horizontal (for example when the first housing portion  354  and the second housing portion  356  are oriented as in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the “knuckle” design of  FIGS. 16-18  with the two housing portions  354 ,  356  reversed in position from their position in  FIGS. 16-18 . This permits the housing portions  354 ,  356  to rotate 360 degrees because the stops  384  no longer interfere with rotation of the housing portions  354 ,  356 . 
     Many additional configurations are possible. For example, two or more of the swivels  18  can be coupled together in order to provide relative rotation and/or longitudinal sliding in different directions. For example, the fluid port  112  of a second swivel  18  can be secured to the threads  150  of the shaft  62  of a first swivel  18 . This would provide relative rotation and/or longitudinal sliding about axes that are generally perpendicular to one another. 
     The following additional embodiments are possible. 
     EMBODIMENT 1 
     A quick connect fluid connector swivel that can include: 
     a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end to the housing second end; 
     a housing passageway formed in the housing along the longitudinal axis, the housing passageway extending through the housing first end; 
     a fluid port formed in the housing, the fluid port is in fluid communication with the housing passageway; 
     a shaft disposed in the housing passageway, the shaft having a shaft first end, a shaft second end, and a shaft axis that is coaxial to the longitudinal axis; 
     the shaft first end is connectable to a quick connect fluid connector; 
     the shaft is rotatable relative to the housing about the shaft axis, and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis; 
     a first stop that limits longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop that limits longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a second longitudinal direction; and 
     the shaft includes a shaft fluid passageway formed therein along the shaft axis and extending from the shaft first end in a direction toward the shaft second end, the shaft fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the fluid port, 
     whereby the shaft fluid passageway is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through the quick connect fluid connector when the shaft first end is connected to the quick connect fluid connector. 
     EMBODIMENT 2 
     The quick connect fluid connector swivel of embodiment 1, where the fluid port is formed in a side of the housing between the housing first end and the housing second end; and further including: 
     a first seal that seals between the shaft and the housing, the first seal is located between the fluid port and the housing first end; 
     a second seal that seals between the shaft and the housing, the second seal is located between the fluid port and the housing second end; and 
     the shaft fluid passageway of the shaft includes a transverse portion that exits through the shaft between the first seal and the second seal thereby creating a pressure balance zone between the first seal and the second seal. 
     EMBODIMENT 3 
     The quick connect fluid connector swivel of embodiment 1 or 2, where the shaft second end includes a crumple zone. 
     EMBODIMENT  4   
     The quick connect fluid connector swivel of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, where the housing first end includes a first removable cap threaded thereon, and the housing second end includes a second removable cap threaded thereon; and the shaft first end extends beyond the first removable cap. 
     EMBODIMENT 5 
     The quick connect fluid connector swivel of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, further including a leak indicator on the housing, the leak indicator includes a leak indicator passageway that intersects the housing passageway at a location between the first seal and the housing first end or between the second seal and the housing second end. 
     EMBODIMENT 6 
     A combination that includes the quick connect fluid connector swivel of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, and a quick connect fluid connector connected to the shaft first end, the quick connect fluid connector includes a fluid passageway that is in fluid communication with the shaft fluid passageway. 
     EMBODIMENT 7 
     The combination of embodiment 6, where the shaft first end and the quick connect fluid connector are integrally connected, or the shaft first end and the quick connect fluid connector are detachably mechanically connected to one another. 
     EMBODIMENT 8 
     A combination that includes: 
     a quick connect fluid connector that is detachably mechanically connectable to a fluid system to process a fluid into or from the fluid system through the quick connect fluid connector; 
     a quick connect fluid connector swivel connected to the quick connect fluid connector; 
     the quick connect fluid connector includes: 
     a connector housing with a housing fluid passageway through which the fluid can flow; 
     a connection mechanism that is actuatable between a connected position where the quick connect fluid connector is mechanically connected to the fluid system and permits fluid to flow into or from the fluid system through the housing fluid passageway and a disconnected position where the quick connect fluid connector is not mechanically connected to the fluid system; 
     the quick connect fluid connector swivel includes: 
     a swivel housing; 
     a shaft extending from the swivel housing and connected to the quick connect fluid connector, the shaft includes a shaft fluid passageway that is in fluid communication with the housing fluid passageway; and 
     the shaft is rotatable relative to the swivel housing about the shaft axis, and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the swivel housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis, whereby the connector housing can rotate relative to the swivel housing and the connector housing can move longitudinally relative to the swivel housing. 
     EMBODIMENT 9 
     The combination of embodiment 8, where the connection mechanism includes a piston, a spring engaged with the piston and biasing the piston toward the connected position, and the piston is pneumatically actuatable toward the disconnected position. 
     EMBODIMENT 10 
     A system that can include: 
     a fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid ports; 
     a plurality of quick connect fluid connector swivels, each one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels is connected to a corresponding one of the fluid ports; 
     a plurality of quick connect fluid connectors, each one of the quick connect fluid connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels, and each one of the quick connect fluid connectors is detachably mechanically connectable to a fluid system to process a fluid into or from the fluid system through the quick connect fluid connector; 
     where each one of the quick connect fluid connector swivels is configured to permit rotational and longitudinal movement of the corresponding quick connect fluid connector relative to the corresponding fluid port of the fluid manifold, and wherein each quick connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold without using a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port. 
     EMBODIMENT 11 
     A method of facilitating processing of a fluid into or from a fluid cylinder, including: 
     connecting a quick connect fluid connector to a fluid port of a fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel that is configured to permit rotational and longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port and without using a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port; 
     connecting the quick connect fluid connector to the fluid cylinder; and 
     processing fluid into or from the fluid cylinder through the quick connect fluid connector and the quick connect fluid connector swivel. 
     EMBODIMENT 12 
     A method of connecting a quick connect fluid connector to a valve assembly of a fluid cylinder, the quick connect fluid connector having a recess that is configured to receive the valve assembly, the method including: 
     applying pneumatic pressure to retract a piston of the quick connect fluid connector in a direction away from the recess; 
     thereafter installing the valve assembly into the recess between a clip located on one side of the recess and a pin plate located on an opposite side of the recess, the clip is biased in a direction toward the valve assembly to thereby temporarily hold the valve assembly in the recess between the clip and the pin plate; 
     thereafter releasing the pneumatic pressure so that a biasing force acting on the piston biases the piston toward the valve assembly so that the piston seals with the valve assembly and the valve assembly is secured in position between the clip and the pin plate. 
     EMBODIMENT 13 
     The method of embodiment 12, including reapplying pneumatic pressure to retract the piston, and thereafter removing the valve assembly from the recess. 
     The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.