Patent Description:
Hazardous chemicals are frequently used in various applications, such as agriculture. While the hazardous chemicals may be effective when applied properly (e.g., pesticides applied to crops), overexposure may be undesirable. Therefore, regulations often govern the types of vessels and containers that can be used to store and transfer chemicals.

Hazardous chemicals are removed or transferred from their containers in the course of being used for their ultimate application. Because the chemicals may have undesirable impacts if improperly used or applied, spills and leaks during chemical transfer is preferably avoided. A closed transfer system can be used to efficiently transport chemicals from within their chemical containers toward other receptacles or dispensing mechanisms. Chemical containers can be coupled to a closed transfer system, which can use a pressure differential to motivate chemicals out of the container.

<CIT> discloses a system for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system includes a container cover having a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, at least one wall surrounding a buffer chamber configured to separate the interior volume of the container from the exterior environment, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container, and at least one check valve coupled to either conduit. The second vent conduit does not disclose valves which are configured in parallel.

<CIT> discloses a beverage dispenser for use in combination with a container with a neck, having a dispenser body with a stabilizing base and a hub. The hub has an upwardly facing socket to accept the container's neck. A spigot assembly is mounted to the dispenser body and has a valve body and a spigot cap. A liquid passageway and an air relief passageway each separately connect the socket to the spigot assembly. A vent tube extends from the air relief passageway into the container, and an air valve is connected to the vent tube. Actuation of the spigot cap to an on position opens the liquid passageway as well as the air relief passageway to ambient air, permitting air within the container to equilibrate with ambient air via the interconnection of the vent tube, air relief passageway, and an air channel within the valve body, and permits beverage to exit the container and travel through the liquid passageway to be dispensed from the beverage dispenser at a dispensing port portion of the spigot assembly.

<CIT> discloses a dispenser capable of using conventional containers of the closed type as a reservoir. After insertion into the container of the valve subassembly (composed of a membrane, a top lid provided with holes as air passages, a body and an inferior lid provided with a nozzle for connection to the atmospheric environment), via a tube and of a nozzle, a container on which a support was mounted, is turned upside down. At the opening of a tap, under the vacuum created in the container, the membrane allows the replacement with air of the displaced liquid volume, the flow of liquid still being possible.

The invention provides a probe assembly for a closed transfer system as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional or preferable features are defined in the dependent claims. In embodiments, the probe assembly includes a base having a base air inlet, a probe having a first end and a second end, a probe tip being located at the first end, at least one primary valve positioned at the probe tip, and a plurality of secondary valves. The probe defines a hollow air channel extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being coupled to the base such that the hollow air channel is in fluid communication with the base air inlet and the probe tip. The secondary valves are positioned at the base air inlet and configured to selectively allow air into the hollow air channel.

In some forms, the base air inlet is provided in the form of a plurality of openings positioned in a radial array along an outer surface of the base. Each of the plurality of openings can be circular in shape. In some forms, each of the plurality of openings is configured to receive a corresponding secondary valve. The secondary valves can be configured with a differential opening pressure that is less than or substantially equal to a differential opening pressure of the at least one primary valve. The secondary valves can provide a volume of air flow substantially equal to or greater than a volume of air flow provided by the at least one primary valve.

In some forms, the probe comprises an outer tube having threads provided on the base end, the threads being sized and shaped to provide a fluid tight connection with threads provided on the base when the probe is releasably secured to the base. In some forms, the probe includes an outer tube having an inner wall and an inner tube positioned inside of the outer tube. An inside of the inner tube forms the hollow air channel and the inner tube includes an outer wall. An interstitial space is provided between the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube and defines a hollow liquid channel. The base can further include a base rinse inlet in fluid communication with the hollow liquid channel.

In some forms, the at least one primary one-way valve comprises an umbrella valve configured to allow air to flow from the hollow air channel out of the probe tip. In some forms, the at least one primary one-way valve is provided as a pair of umbrella valves configured to allow fluid to flow in parallel from the hollow air channel out of the probe tip. In some forms, the secondary one-way valves comprise umbrella valves. In some forms, the secondary one-way valves comprise poppet valves.

Some embodiments provide a probe assembly for a closed transfer system coupler, the coupler including a housing and a handle, and the coupler being configured to couple a fluid filled container into a fluid tight configuration with the coupler and selectively actuate the probe assembly to protrude at least partially into the container by actuation of the handle. The probe assembly includes a base having a base air inlet, a probe defining a hollow air channel extending from the base to a probe tip, at least one primary one-way valve positioned at the probe tip, and a plurality of secondary valves. The hollow air channel is in fluid communication with the base air inlet and the probe tip. The secondary one-way valves are positioned at the base air inlet and configured to selectively allow air into the hollow air channel.

In some forms, the base includes an air chamber in fluid communication with the base air inlet and the hollow air channel. The air chamber can include a bottom surface that is positioned below the base air inlet to form a reservoir. The probe can be arranged along a longitudinal axis and the base air inlet can be tilted at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In some forms, the at least one primary valve and the at least one secondary valve are configured as one-way valves. In some forms, the at least one primary valve is configured to selectively allow air to flow into the base air inlet and into an air chamber formed within the base, the air chamber being in fluid communication with the hollow air channel.

According to the invention a probe assembly for a closed transfer system coupler is configured to selectively engage a container coupled to the coupler in a fluid tight configuration. The probe assembly includes a base including a base air inlet, a probe defining a hollow air channel in fluid communication with the base air inlet, and a plurality of secondary valves configured to selectively allow air into the hollow air channel. The probe includes at least one primary valve.

A probe assembly for a closed transfer system coupler is configured to selectively engage a container coupled to the coupler in a fluid tight configuration. The probe assembly includes a base having a base air inlet, a probe having a base end and a probe end, a probe tip being located at the probe end, at least one primary one-way valve positioned at the probe tip, and a plurality of secondary one-way valve. The probe defines a hollow air channel extending from the base end to the probe end, the base end being coupled to the base such that the hollow air channel is in fluid communication with the base air inlet and the probe tip. The secondary one-way valves are located proximal to the at least one primary one-way valve and configured to selectively allow air to flow toward the probe tip.

These and other features of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

The appended drawings illustrate, and the following text describes, typical embodiments which are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the invention, but only as much as they fall within the scope of the claims.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the embodiments of the disclosure.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways, as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims. The above applies within the scope of the appended claims.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention within the scope of the claims. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the claims.

Closed transfer systems are useful in chemical transfer applications to protect users from exposure to a chemical being transferred. Conventional closed transfer systems typically include at least a locking mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a cleaning mechanism. The locking mechanism is designed to securely lock a container full of chemicals into a fluid tight configuration with a closed transfer system coupler. The closed transfer system allows air to be introduced into the container through a one-way valve to allow the chemical to empty from the container by gravity feed or vacuum suction. The cleaning mechanism provides a rinse solution to rinse out the container and to rinse off parts of the coupling mechanism that have been exposed to the chemical during transfer. All of these functions are performed in a fluid tight environment to prevent users from exposure.

In some conventional closed transfer systems, the one-way valve that introduces air into the chemical container cannot create a perfect fluid tight seal over many cycles of closed transfer system use or during the cleaning cycle. Thus, the one-way valve can leak small quantities of fluid over time. Thus, it can be useful to provide a backup valve that keeps any leaked fluid from exiting the system.

<FIG> illustrate a coupler <NUM> for a closed transfer system. The coupler <NUM> has a housing <NUM> that can be substantially cylindrical. The housing <NUM> includes a base rinse inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> that each extend outwardly from the housing <NUM> to partially define a fluid flow path through the coupler <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base rinse inlet <NUM> is provided on a bottom end of the housing <NUM> and is designed to be coupled to a water source, while the outlet <NUM> protrudes outwardly from an upper end of the housing <NUM> adjacent a container <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is designed to be coupled to a vacuum or pump to pull fluid (e.g., water or chemicals) from the housing <NUM> out of the outlet <NUM> and away from the coupler <NUM>. The vacuum or pump can be omitted, as the outlet <NUM> can also remove fluid from the container <NUM> using gravity. In some embodiments, the base rinse inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> each extend outwardly from the housing <NUM>, and can be coupled to fluid sources and fluid receptacles, respectively. A probe assembly <NUM>, which includes the base rinse inlet <NUM>, is at least partially received within the housing <NUM> and can extend completely through the housing <NUM>. The probe assembly <NUM> can selectively restrict fluid flow between the base rinse inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the probe assembly <NUM> may be disposed entirely within the housing <NUM>.

The probe assembly <NUM> includes a probe <NUM> that is provided in the form of an elongate tube with a longitudinal axis that aligns with the axis X-X. The probe <NUM> has a base end <NUM> and a probe end <NUM> that includes a probe tip <NUM>. The probe <NUM> further includes an outer tube <NUM> and an inner tube <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> forms a hollow air channel <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> is positioned inside of the outer tube <NUM>, forming a hollow liquid channel <NUM> in the interstitial space between the outer wall of the inner tube <NUM> and the inner wall of the outer tube <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> is open to atmosphere at the base end <NUM>.

The probe assembly <NUM> can be moved relative to the housing <NUM> between a first position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and a second position (shown in <FIG>) along a longitudinal axis X-X. When the probe assembly <NUM> is in the first position, the probe tip <NUM> can be entirely received within the housing <NUM>, and the coupler <NUM> is "closed. " The probe assembly <NUM> is positioned within the fluid flow path between the container <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> to restrict the flow of water or chemicals out of the container <NUM>.

To "open" the coupler <NUM>, the probe assembly <NUM> can be moved to the second position. In the second position, the probe assembly <NUM> extends upwardly from the housing <NUM> further than in the first position, and can extend at least partially into the container <NUM> positioned above the coupler <NUM>. When the probe assembly <NUM> is moved upwardly to the second position, the probe assembly <NUM> opens the flow path between the container <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>, and the contents of the container <NUM> can flow to the outlet <NUM>.

The probe assembly <NUM> can be moved between the first position and the second position using a handle <NUM> (see <FIG>). The handle <NUM> can be coupled to the probe assembly <NUM>, and can extend outwardly from the housing <NUM> to be manipulated by a user. In some embodiments, the handle <NUM> is coupled to a disk <NUM> that is received around the probe assembly <NUM> and positioned within the housing <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can be rotated or raised, which in turn causes the disk <NUM> and probe assembly <NUM> to rotate or raise. In some embodiments, a slot <NUM> is formed in the housing <NUM> to restrict the allowable motion of the handle <NUM> (and probe assembly <NUM>) relative to the housing <NUM>.

After the contents of the container <NUM> are accessed by the coupler <NUM> and a desired amount of fluid can be emptied from the container <NUM>, the container <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> can be rinsed. To perform the rinsing process, the coupler <NUM> is placed in communication with a water source (not shown). In some embodiments, the water source is coupled to the base rinse inlet <NUM>, which can be formed as a hole extending through the outer tube <NUM> of the probe assembly <NUM>. Rinse water is received through the base rinse inlet <NUM>, which then fills and flows upwardly through a hollow liquid channel <NUM> formed within the probe assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner tube <NUM> and outer tube <NUM> are positioned concentrically about the longitudinal axis X-X. Rinse water continues to travel upward in the hollow liquid channel <NUM> until it reaches a probe liquid outlet <NUM>. The probe liquid outlet <NUM> can be provided as a slot extending through the outer tube <NUM> of the probe assembly <NUM>, which allows water to exit the hollow liquid channel <NUM> and the probe assembly <NUM> to an external environment. In addition to providing rinse water, the probe assembly <NUM> provides air into the container <NUM>, which aids the flow of liquid out of the container <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, an inlet <NUM> is formed at the bottom of the inner tube <NUM> to supply ambient air from the environment.

Referring more particularly to the probe tip <NUM>, the probe tip <NUM> includes a probe air outlet <NUM> and a probe liquid outlet <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. The probe air outlet <NUM> includes at least one primary one-way valve <NUM>, such as an elastomer umbrella valve, to prevent the back flow of liquid into the probe tip <NUM>. In some forms, the probe air outlet <NUM> is configured to provide a single fluid path or a plurality of fluid paths in parallel, each having a respective one-way valve to prevent the back flow of liquid into the probe tip <NUM>.

In some instances, the primary valve <NUM> is provided in the form of a one-way umbrella valve. The primary valve <NUM> is coupled to a perforated plate <NUM> and selectively covers and uncovers through-holes <NUM> during use. When the pressure differential between the air within the inner tube <NUM> (which is approximately atmospheric) and the fluid within the container <NUM> crosses a threshold value, air is sucked into the inlet <NUM> and upward through the inner tube <NUM>. The pressure differential causes the resilient elastomeric material of the primary valve <NUM> to flex upward, uncovering the through-holes <NUM> in the perforated plate <NUM>.

Referring further to <FIG>, in some forms, in addition to the at least one primary one-way valve <NUM>, the probe assembly <NUM> includes at least one secondary one-way valve <NUM>. The primary valve <NUM> is designed to interface directly with the fluid inside of the container <NUM>, releasing ambient air into the container <NUM> while preventing the backflow of fluid chemicals into the probe <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more one-way valves can function as primary valves <NUM> that interface directly with the container fluid. The size, shape, and number of primary valves <NUM> is selected to provide for a sufficient volume of air flow into the container <NUM>.

The secondary one-way valve <NUM> acts as a second backup barrier to prevent fluid from the container <NUM> from leaking into the probe <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> can also temporarily take over for the function of the primary valve <NUM> in the instance of complete primary valve <NUM> failure. The secondary valve <NUM> is positioned upstream of the primary valve <NUM> such that air flows in through the inlet <NUM> and past the secondary valve <NUM> toward the primary valve <NUM> when fluid is emptying from the container <NUM>, and the secondary valve <NUM> can be located at any number of positions between the base end <NUM> and the probe tip <NUM> substantially proximal to the primary valve <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> interfaces with the container fluid only indirectly, when fluid leaks through the primary valve <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more one-way valves can function as secondary valves <NUM> that do not interface directly with the container fluid. In some instances, the secondary valve <NUM> is provided in the form of a duck bill valve. The size, shape, and number of secondary valves <NUM> is selected to ensure that backflow past the secondary valve <NUM> is prevented. The opening pressure of the secondary valve <NUM> is designed with a differential opening pressure that is substantially equal to or lower than the differential opening pressure of the primary valve <NUM> so that the secondary valve <NUM> has little to no impact on the performance of the primary valve <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> is also designed to provide a volume of air flow at a substantially equal to or greater flow rate than the primary valve <NUM> so as not to throttle the primary valve <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative probe assembly <NUM> that can be integrated into a coupler for a closed transfer system such as the coupler <NUM> of <FIG> or a coupler <NUM> of <FIG> described below. The probe assembly <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a probe <NUM>, a rotatable nozzle <NUM>, one or more primary one-way valves <NUM>, and a secondary one-way valve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the probe <NUM> is provided in the form of an elongate tube with a longitudinal axis that aligns with the axis L. The probe <NUM> has a base end <NUM> and a probe end <NUM> that includes a probe tip <NUM> (see <FIG>). The probe <NUM> further includes an outer tube <NUM> and an inner tube <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> forms a hollow air channel <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> is positioned inside of the outer tube <NUM>, forming a hollow liquid channel <NUM> in the interstitial space between the outer wall of the inner tube <NUM> and the inner wall of the outer tube <NUM>. The outer tube <NUM> of the probe <NUM> is sized and shaped to be received within a bore <NUM> and provide a fluid tight connection with the base <NUM>. In one instance, the outer tube <NUM> can include threads provided on the base end <NUM> to screw into threads provided in the bore <NUM>. The outer tube <NUM> can also be sized and shaped to press fit into the bore <NUM>, or a fluid tight junction between the outer tube <NUM> and the bore <NUM> can otherwise be provided by conventionally known structures and methods.

The base <NUM> includes a base air inlet <NUM>, a base rinse inlet <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the bore <NUM> designed to receive the probe assembly <NUM>. The base <NUM> defines a cylindrical outer surface <NUM> with a center point that aligns with the longitudinal axis L. Two posts <NUM> protrude outwardly and away from the outer surface <NUM> along an axis that is perpendicular to axis L. The center point of the bore <NUM> aligns with the axis L.

The base <NUM> further includes a liquid chamber <NUM> (see <FIG>) in fluid communication with the base rinse inlet <NUM> and an air chamber <NUM> in fluid communication with the base air inlet <NUM>. The base air inlet <NUM> is provided in the form of a circular opening that is positioned on the outer surface <NUM>. The base air inlet <NUM> is titled at an angle from axis L with the top of the base air inlet <NUM> angled toward the center of the base <NUM>, extending inwardly from the outer surface <NUM>. The bottom surface of the air chamber <NUM> is partially sloped downwardly and away from the base air inlet <NUM> and is positioned slightly below the bottom of the base air inlet <NUM>, forming a shallow reservoir. Thus, if a small amount of liquid falls into the air chamber <NUM> from the probe <NUM>, the fluid will reside at the bottom surface of the air chamber <NUM> away from the base air inlet <NUM> when the coupler <NUM> is upright. In some forms, the bottom surface of the air chamber <NUM> is perpendicular to the axis L and the base air inlet <NUM> is parallel to the axis L when the coupler <NUM> is upright. In some forms, the air chamber <NUM> includes a reservoir that extends downward from the bottom surface of the air chamber <NUM> to catch any liquid that falls from the probe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the probe tip <NUM> includes a probe air outlet <NUM> and a probe liquid outlet <NUM>. The probe air outlet <NUM> provides two parallel fluid paths leading out of the probe tip <NUM>. Each fluid path includes a corresponding primary valve <NUM>, such as an elastomer umbrella valve, to prevent the back flow of liquid into the probe tip <NUM>. In some forms, the probe air outlet <NUM> is configured to provide a single fluid path or a plurality of fluid paths in parallel, each having a respective primary valve <NUM> to prevent the back flow of liquid into the probe tip <NUM>. The size, shape, and number of primary valves <NUM> is selected to provide for a sufficient volume of air flow into the container <NUM>. When the probe <NUM> is coupled to the bore <NUM>, the hollow air channel <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> is in fluid communication with the base air inlet <NUM> and the air chamber <NUM>. Also, when the probe <NUM> is coupled to the bore <NUM>, the hollow liquid channel <NUM> is in fluid communication with the base rinse inlet <NUM> and the liquid chamber <NUM>.

The primary valves <NUM> are designed to interface directly with the fluid inside of the container <NUM>, releasing ambient air into the container <NUM> while preventing the backflow of fluid chemicals into the probe <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> is a second backup barrier designed to prevent fluid from the container <NUM> leaking into the probe <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> is positioned upstream of the primary valve <NUM> such that air flows past the secondary valve <NUM> toward the primary valve <NUM> when fluid is emptying from the container <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> interfaces with the container fluid only indirectly, when fluid leaks through the primary valve <NUM>. The size, shape, and number of secondary valves <NUM> is selected to ensure that backflow past the secondary valve <NUM> is prevented. The opening pressure of the secondary valve <NUM> is designed with a differential opening pressure that is substantially equal to or lower than the differential opening pressure of the primary valve <NUM> so that the secondary valve <NUM> has little to no impact on the performance of the primary valve <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> is also designed to provide a volume of air flow at a substantially equal to or greater flow rate than the primary valve <NUM> so as not to throttle the primary valve <NUM>.

The secondary valve <NUM> is fitted into the base air inlet <NUM> to selectively allow air into the air chamber <NUM> of the base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, which disclose an example not covered by the claims, a recessed ledge <NUM> is formed around the rim of the base air inlet <NUM>. The recessed ledge <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive a perforated plate <NUM>. The perforated plate <NUM> is seated into and coupled to the recessed ledge <NUM> forming a fluid tight seal. An elastomer umbrella valve <NUM> is coupled to the perforated plate <NUM> and positioned so the canopy of the umbrella valve <NUM> selectively covers and uncovers through-holes <NUM> provided in the perforated plate <NUM>. The umbrella valve <NUM> is oriented to extend into the air chamber <NUM>, thus acting as a one-way valve at the base air inlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the secondary valve <NUM> is provided in the form of another type of one-way valve such as a poppet valve, ball valve, or other check valve that opens under a low pressure differential and provides a sufficient volume of air flow for evacuation of fluid from the container <NUM>. In some forms, one or more parts of the secondary valve <NUM> are molded or machined integrally into the base <NUM>. In some forms, the secondary valve <NUM> is located in any number of positions along the air pathway between the base air inlet <NUM> to the primary valves <NUM> to act as a backup for primary valves <NUM>. In some forms, the secondary valve <NUM> is in fluid communication with the hollow air channel <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>, but is positioned within the housing <NUM> at a location offset from the probe assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a base <NUM> for the probe assembly <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a plurality of base air inlets <NUM>, a base rinse inlet (not shown), and a bore <NUM> designed to receive the probe assembly <NUM>. Two posts <NUM> extend outwardly on opposing sides of the base <NUM> and away from an outer surface <NUM> along an axis that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis M. The posts <NUM> are designed to interface with the housing <NUM>. Similar to the base <NUM>, the base <NUM> includes a liquid chamber (not shown) in fluid communication with the base rinse inlet (not shown) and an air chamber (not shown) in fluid communication with the base air inlets <NUM>. The base air inlets <NUM> are provided in the form of circular openings that are positioned in a radial array along the outer surface <NUM>. One-way secondary valves <NUM> are sized to correspond to the base air inlets <NUM> and are fitted into the base air inlets <NUM> to selectively allow air into the air chamber (not shown) of the base <NUM>. The secondary valves <NUM> are provided in the form of poppet valves. In some embodiments, the secondary valves <NUM> are provided in the form of another type of one-way valve such as an elastomer umbrella valve or other check valve that opens under a low pressure differential and provides a sufficient volume of air flow for evacuation of fluid from the container <NUM>. In some forms, one or more parts of the secondary valves <NUM> are molded or machined integrally into the base <NUM>. If, during use, any small amount of fluid leaks through the primary valves <NUM>, the secondary valves <NUM> act as backup valves to prevents the fluid from exiting the coupler <NUM>, thus providing additional user protection. In some forms, providing multiple secondary valves <NUM> in lieu of a single, larger secondary valve, like the secondary valve <NUM> of the base <NUM>, can save space within the housing <NUM>, which provides a more compact arrangement for the base <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an alternative probe assembly <NUM> that can be integrated into a coupler for a closed transfer system such as the coupler <NUM> of <FIG> or the coupler <NUM> of <FIG>. The probe assembly <NUM> includes a base (not shown), a probe <NUM>, and a rotatable nozzle <NUM>. The probe <NUM> has a base end (not shown) and a probe end <NUM> that includes a probe tip <NUM>. The probe <NUM> further comprises an outer tube <NUM> and an inner tube <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> forms a hollow air channel <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> is positioned inside of the outer tube <NUM>, forming a hollow liquid channel <NUM> in the interstitial space between the outer wall of the inner tube <NUM> and the inner wall of the outer tube <NUM>. The probe tip <NUM> includes a probe air outlet <NUM> and a probe liquid outlet <NUM>. The probe air outlet <NUM> includes a one-way primary valve <NUM>, such as an elastomer umbrella valve covering a perforated disc, to prevent back flow of fluid into the probe tip <NUM>. In some forms, the probe air outlet <NUM> is configured to provide a plurality of air paths in parallel, each having a respective one-way primary valve <NUM> to prevent back flow through the probe tip <NUM> and into the hollow air channel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a one-way secondary valve <NUM> is disposed within the hollow air channel <NUM> at the probe end <NUM> of the probe <NUM>, upstream of, and beneath, the primary valve <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> can be located proximal to the primary valve <NUM> and can be provided in the form of a poppet valve having a piston <NUM> and a spring <NUM>. The location of the secondary valve <NUM> can be optimized by varying the distance between the secondary valve <NUM> and the primary valve <NUM>. In some forms, the secondary valve <NUM> is positioned directly adjacent to the primary valve <NUM>. In some forms, the secondary valve <NUM> is located in any number of positions along the hollow air channel <NUM> to act as a backup for the primary valve <NUM>. The opening pressure of the secondary valve <NUM> is designed with a differential opening pressure that is substantially equal to or lower than the differential opening pressure of the primary valve <NUM> so that the secondary valve <NUM> has little to no impact on the performance of the primary valve <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM> is also designed to provide a volume of air flow at a substantially equal to or greater flow rate than the primary valve <NUM> so as not to throttle the primary valve <NUM>.

The secondary valve <NUM> selectively controls the flow of air out of the probe air outlet <NUM> when it is urged open by differential pressure. If, during use, any small amount of fluid leaks through the primary valve <NUM>, the secondary valve <NUM> prevents the fluid from exiting the coupler <NUM>, thus providing additional user protection. In some embodiments, the secondary valve <NUM> is provided in the form of another type of one-way valve such as an umbrella valve or other check valve that opens under a low pressure differential and provides a sufficient volume of air flow for evacuation of fluid from the container <NUM>. In some forms, one or more parts of the secondary valve <NUM> are molded or machined integrally into the inner tube <NUM> or the probe tip <NUM>.

The embodiments described herein should not be construed as limiting with respect to the specific parts described for said embodiment. For example, the base <NUM>, <NUM>, can be configured for use with any of the probe assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described herein, or with other probe assemblies in other closed transfer systems where appropriate. Further, any of the probe assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured with the features of any of the probe tips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes more than one of the disclosed secondary valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative coupler <NUM> within which any of the aforementioned probe assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and embodiments can be integrated. The coupler <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> with a mounting bracket <NUM> designed to physically secure the coupler <NUM> to a structure such as a chemical sprayer. The housing <NUM> is defined by a substantially cylindrical sidewall and provided with a longitudinal axis N. A locking mechanism <NUM> is provided on the distal end of the housing <NUM> to receive and secure a container <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> includes a handle <NUM>, and an opening <NUM> to receive a cap of the container <NUM>. Once the cap of the container <NUM> is fitted to the coupler <NUM>, the handle <NUM> is rotated radially about the coupler <NUM>, and the locking mechanism <NUM> firmly secures the cap of the container <NUM> into a fluid tight configuration with the coupler <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> further includes an outlet <NUM> protruding outwardly from the outer wall of the housing <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> can be coupled to a pump to provide vacuum suction at the outlet <NUM>, which allows the fluid that has drained from the container <NUM> into the coupler <NUM> to be transferred to a sprayer or other chemical application mechanism (not shown). Once the locking mechanism <NUM> has been actuated, the handle <NUM> can be further rotated, which selectively actuates the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to initiate the chemical transfer mechanism. Actuation of the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allows fluid chemicals to flow out of the container <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> without exposing the user to the chemical, as described in further detail below.

The coupler <NUM> further includes an integrated cleaning mechanism <NUM> extending from the outer wall of the housing <NUM>. The cleaning mechanism <NUM> includes a rinse water line <NUM> and a control valve <NUM>. A pressurized source of rinse water can be coupled to the rinse water line <NUM> so that when the control valve <NUM> is actuated, rinse water is provided to the probe assembly (e.g., one of probe assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) through the rinse water line <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> also includes a cap rinse lock <NUM>, which prevents the container <NUM> from decoupling from the coupler <NUM> while the container cap is being rinsed.

When outfitted with the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> the coupler <NUM>, <NUM> is designed to function as follows. In use, the container <NUM>, <NUM> is placed upside down so that the cap of the container <NUM>, <NUM> is received into the coupler <NUM>, <NUM>. A locking mechanism is activated to secure the cap of the container <NUM>, <NUM> and fluidly couple the container <NUM>, <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>, <NUM>. Once the container <NUM>, <NUM> is securely coupled to the coupler <NUM>, <NUM> the handle <NUM>, <NUM> can be further rotated and/or axially raised (coupler <NUM>). Upon rotating and/or raising the handle <NUM>, <NUM> the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> moves upwardly within the housing <NUM>, <NUM> so that the probe tip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> selectively engages and penetrates into the container <NUM>, <NUM>. After the probe tip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is inside of the container <NUM>, <NUM>, the chemical within the container <NUM>, <NUM> begins to flow out of the outlet <NUM>, <NUM> and differential pressure causes ambient air to flow into the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through the base air inlet <NUM>, <NUM> (or inlet <NUM>) past the secondary valve <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through the hollow air channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, out of the probe air outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> past the primary valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and into the container <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some instances, fluid from the container <NUM>, <NUM>, the pressurized rinse water, or a mixture of both can leak small amounts past the primary valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> back through the probe tip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and into the hollow air channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The secondary valve <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> acts as a backup valve to prevent any traces of fluid from exiting the coupler <NUM>, <NUM> thus providing additional user protection from chemical exposure.

After the contents of the container <NUM>, <NUM> are accessed by the coupler <NUM>, <NUM> and a desired amount of fluid can be emptied from the container <NUM>, <NUM> the container <NUM>, <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>, <NUM> can be rinsed. To perform the rinsing process, the coupler <NUM>, <NUM> is placed in communication with a water source (not shown). In some embodiments, the water source is coupled to the base rinse inlet <NUM>, <NUM>. Rinse water is received through the base rinse inlet <NUM>, <NUM>, which then fills and flows upwardly through the hollow liquid channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> formed within the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner tube <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer tube <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned concentrically about the longitudinal axis X-X, L, M, N. Rinse water continues to travel upward in the hollow liquid channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> until it reaches the probe liquid outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The probe liquid outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided as a slot extending through the outer tube <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, which allows water to exit the hollow liquid channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to an external environment. In addition to providing rinse water, the probe assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides air into the container <NUM>, <NUM> which aids the flow of liquid out of the container <NUM>, <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thus, an improved coupler for a closed transfer system is provided. The coupler can include a probe assembly with one or more one-way primary valves for allowing air to flow into a container to be emptied of a fluid. A plurality of secondary one-way valves are located upstream of the one or more one-way valves. Accordingly, if, during use, any fluid leaks past the primary valve into the probe assembly, the secondary valves can prevent fluid from exiting the coupler. These benefits among other benefits are provided by this disclosure.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claim 1:
A probe assembly (<NUM>) for a closed transfer system coupler configured to selectively engage a container coupled to the coupler in a fluid tight configuration, the probe assembly comprising:
a base (<NUM>) including a base air inlet (<NUM>);
a probe (<NUM>) defining a hollow air channel (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the base air inlet, the probe including at least one primary valve (<NUM>); and
a plurality of secondary valves (<NUM>) configured to selectively allow air into the hollow air channel in parallel.