Patent Description:
This disclosure generally relates to a rapid-connect coupler configured to deliver cold fluid to a receptacle (e.g., a fuel tank).

Cold fluids at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., less than -<NUM> degrees Celsius) pose special handling problems, principally because the temperature of such fluids may quickly cool any valve or coupler through which they flow. When such a coupler is used to transfer a cryogenic fluid, freeze-up problems may occur if the transfer takes place in a moist or high-humidity environment. Water within or immediately outside of the coupler may freeze, thereby impeding subsequent movement of mechanical parts within the coupler. Successive transfers from a single coupler to multiple receptacles may compound the problem.

Additionally, when de-coupling a coupler and receptacle, some amount of fluid venting to ambient is necessary. If the vented fluid is at high pressure, the venting may cause the coupler to forcefully eject from the receptacle.

The invention is a coupler for connecting a tank to a receptacle according to the technical features of independent claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. The description summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance with the techniques described herein, as will be apparent upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description, and such implementations are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rapid-connect coupler for connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a manner that prevents rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle during the entire time of engagement of the two components. Rotation of the coupler when it is engaged to the receptacle may cause damage to the internal valve components of either side. The coupler in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly can be movable between a first position corresponding to a decoupled position where the fluid holding tank is disconnected from the receptacle, a second position corresponding to a coupled position where the fluid holding tank is connected to the receptacle, a third position corresponding to a venting position where the fluid holding tank is connected to the receptacle and venting of fluid is enabled. The coupler further comprises a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the second and third positions, thereby preventing rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle.

A rapid-connect coupler for use with the present disclosure is taught in commonly owned <CIT>. Such a rapid connect coupler may include, for example, a vent stop assembly that includes a release lever, release spring, latch pawl, latch spring, catch, and reset cam. The latch pawl may be configured to engage with a probe flange of a probe to implement a hard stop of the probe translating within the rapid-connect coupler. The catch may be configured to hold the latch pawl in an "up" position.

Such a rapid connect coupler may also include, for example, a housing body, a probe, a handle assembly, and a stop vent assembly is disclosed. The probe may be configured to translate within the housing body. The handle assembly may be coupled to the housing body and the probe, and the handle assembly may be configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing body. The stop vent assembly may be configured to enable the rapid-connect coupler to transition from a decoupled configuration to a coupled configuration without a hard stop, and configured to enable the rapid-connect coupler to transition to a venting configuration between transitioning from the decoupled configuration to the coupled configuration. The rapid-connect coupler may further include a vent stop apparatus configured to allow a coupling head of the rapid-connect coupler to transition from a decoupled configuration to a coupled configuration without obstruction. The vent stop apparatus may further be configured to provide a hard-stop at a venting position as the coupling head transitions from the coupled configuration to the decoupled configuration. The reader is referred to <CIT> for further benefits of such a coupler.

For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference may be made to embodiments shown in the drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted so as to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, system components can be variously arranged, as known in the art. In the figures, like referenced numerals may refer to like parts throughout the different figures unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that for clarity in certain cross-sectional views, certain elements are not shown in cross-section, as doing so would not assist in the understanding of the invention.

While the features, methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims as set forth herein. As stated above, it should be understood that for clarity in certain cross-sectional views, certain elements are not shown in cross-section, as doing so would not assist in the understanding of the invention.

<FIG> is a top view of a prior art rapid-connect coupler <NUM> having a coupler head section <NUM> and a coupler body section <NUM>. The components of rapid-connect coupler <NUM> may be considered to be part of a first structure and/or a second structure, wherein component(s) of the first structure and the second structure are configured to move relative to each other as further described herein. The first structure may include a sleeve <NUM>, one or more drive pins <NUM>, and a probe assembly <NUM>, which includes a coupling end <NUM>. The one or more drive pins <NUM> extend through a respective drive slot <NUM> defined in a ball cage <NUM>. The drive pins <NUM> link the sleeve <NUM> to the probe assembly <NUM>. Drive pins <NUM> are fixed to the probe assembly <NUM> via opposing retaining rings 655a and 655b. As shown in <FIG>, the retaining rings 655a and 655b compress against an outer circumference of the probe assembly <NUM>. The second structure includes the ball cage <NUM> defining a coupling orifice <NUM> and including one or more balls <NUM>. The balls <NUM> are retaining objects that are configured to bind the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> to a receptacle (e.g., a fueling receptacle <NUM>).

A first poppet assembly <NUM> resides within coupling orifice <NUM> and may be biased by a poppet assembly spring <NUM>. The first poppet assembly <NUM> further comprises a retainer <NUM> and a seal assembly <NUM>. The second structure may further include one or more guide pins <NUM>, and a housing barrel <NUM>. The one or more guide pins <NUM> center the probe assembly <NUM> along the longitudinal central axis of housing barrel <NUM>. Additionally, the second structure, or portions thereof, may be removable and configured for easy and swift removal and replacement, which may be required due to damage or maintenance needs. Certain portions of the design described herein are similar to that disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>.

Rapid-connect coupler <NUM> further includes a first handle 130A and a second handle 130B of a handle assembly. <FIG> illustrates the positions of the first handle 130A and the second handle 130B in three different configurations of rapid-connect coupler <NUM>: (<NUM>) configuration A corresponds to a decoupled state of rapid-connect coupler <NUM>; (<NUM>) configuration B corresponds to a coupled state of rapid-connect coupler <NUM>; and (<NUM>) configuration C corresponds to a semi-coupled state of rapid-connect coupler <NUM> that enables venting. As discussed below, a vent stop assembly is configured to provide a hard stop in configuration C.

<FIG> is a top cross-sectional view of the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> in configuration A when handles 130A and 130B are pulled all or substantially all the way back away from coupler head section <NUM>. Handles 130A and 130B are rotatably coupled to housing barrel <NUM> via a first barrel flange 270A and a second barrel flange 270B. Additionally, a first link assembly 275A and a second link assembly 275B of the handle assembly are rotatably attached to first handle 130A and second handle 130B, respectively. The first link assembly 275A and second link assembly 275B are also rotatably attached to probe assembly <NUM>. More specifically, one end of each link assembly <NUM> may be fixed to a handle <NUM>. The other end of each link assembly <NUM> may be fixed to the probe assembly <NUM> via a base <NUM>. Base <NUM> is directly attached to the probe assembly <NUM>, and base <NUM> may be fixed to the probe assembly <NUM> via a compressive force delivered by a ring <NUM>.

As handles 130A and 130B rotate, enabling the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> to transition between the A and B configurations, the first structure longitudinally translates relative to the second structure along the central axis X. More specifically, rotation of handles 130A and 130B from their positions in configuration A to their positions in configuration B delivers longitudinal force to probe assembly <NUM>, via link assemblies <NUM>. This longitudinal force opposes a counter-biasing force of probe spring <NUM>, enabling longitudinal translation of probe assembly <NUM> in housing barrel <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> longitudinally translates with probe assembly <NUM> by virtue of drive pins <NUM>. In <FIG>, sleeve <NUM> is longitudinally retracted with respect to ball cage <NUM>. In <FIG>, sleeve <NUM> is longitudinally extended with respect to ball cage <NUM>. One end of probe spring <NUM> may rest on spring seat <NUM>, which is fixed to flange <NUM>. Flange <NUM> is described in detail below. The other end of probe spring <NUM> may rest against spring stop <NUM>, which is fixed to housing barrel <NUM> via pins, screws, or bolts <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of a rapid-connect coupler <NUM> and a fueling receptacle <NUM> aligned along a central axis X. The fueling receptacle <NUM> comprises a coupling body <NUM>, which includes a lip <NUM>, and a recess <NUM> behind lip <NUM>. The coupling body <NUM> defines a second poppet orifice <NUM>. A second poppet assembly <NUM> is disposed within second poppet orifice <NUM> and is biased closed by spring <NUM>.

Rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is configured to couple with fueling receptacle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, coupling body <NUM> slides into first coupling orifice <NUM>, enabling retainer <NUM> to slide into second poppet orifice <NUM>. As retainer <NUM> slides into second poppet orifice <NUM>, spring seal <NUM> seals against an inner diameter of coupling body <NUM>. Additionally, first poppet assembly <NUM> bears against second poppet assembly <NUM>. Force from second poppet assembly <NUM> opposes counter-biasing force of spring <NUM>, enabling first poppet assembly <NUM> to longitudinally translate until reaching a hard stop <NUM> (labeled in <FIG>). When first poppet assembly <NUM> longitudinally translates, sealing surface <NUM> of poppet assembly <NUM> retreats from valve seat <NUM> of retainer <NUM>. Fluid may now flow from coupling end <NUM>, through probe assembly <NUM>, and into second poppet orifice <NUM>.

Once first poppet assembly <NUM> bears against hard stop <NUM> (labeled in <FIG>), first poppet assembly <NUM> transfers enhanced longitudinal force to second poppet assembly <NUM>. The enhanced force opposes a counter-biasing force of spring <NUM> and enables second poppet assembly <NUM> to longitudinally retreat from a valve seat (not shown). It should be appreciated that second poppet assembly <NUM> may operate according to the same general principles as first poppet assembly <NUM>.

In configuration A, when coupling body <NUM> is received within first coupling orifice <NUM>, the lip <NUM> pushes the one or more balls <NUM> radially outward in their slots <NUM> (see <FIG>) until lip <NUM> longitudinally translates past the balls <NUM>. A user then engages configuration B, as shown in <FIG>. In configuration B, sleeve <NUM> covers the slots <NUM>, which locks balls <NUM> into a recess <NUM> behind lip <NUM>. Coupling body <NUM> is now locked within first coupling orifice <NUM>.

In configuration B, the second poppet assembly <NUM> and the first poppet assembly <NUM> may be operable to enable fluid flow from the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> into coupling body <NUM>. As discussed above, seal <NUM> seals against the interior circumference of the coupling body <NUM> within the second poppet orifice <NUM>. Seal assembly <NUM> is a two piece seal including an energizing spring.

When the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is released from fueling receptacle <NUM>, the contents thereof such as a fluid (e.g. liquid natural gas), may vent from rapid-connect coupler <NUM> as the connection with fueling receptacle <NUM> is broken. The fluid vents through slots <NUM> in receptacle <NUM> and slots <NUM> in coupler <NUM>. Venting occurs when seal <NUM> longitudinally retreats past slots <NUM>, thus exposing second poppet orifice <NUM> to ambient atmosphere.

It is desirable to allow rapid-connect coupler <NUM> to vent before rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is fully disengaged from fueling receptacle <NUM> because venting can generate a substantial propulsive force on one or more of the coupler <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM>. Rapid-connect coupler <NUM> applies a positive stop in configuration C, which enables the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> to vent before it is fully disengaged from fueling receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows configuration C of rapid-connect coupler <NUM>. In general terms, probe assembly <NUM> hard stops against edge <NUM>. In this position, sleeve <NUM> covers the balls <NUM> (and more specifically, the ball slots <NUM>). As a result, sleeve <NUM> presses balls <NUM> into groove <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> cannot detach from coupler <NUM> in this position. The poppet assemblies no longer touch and therefore close. Further, seal <NUM> has longitudinally retreated behind venting slots <NUM>, enabling venting of fluid from orifice <NUM> to ambient via venting slots <NUM> and <NUM>.

After venting has been completed, a user may actuate the vent stop assembly to fully retract probe assembly <NUM> (and therefore sleeve <NUM>). Now lip <NUM> exerts a radial force on balls <NUM>, causing balls <NUM> to radially translate and disengage from groove <NUM>. Once this has occurred, the user may retract coupler <NUM> from receptacle <NUM>. Balls <NUM> are spherical, made of a metal, and sized for an interference fit within slots <NUM>. The spherical shape of balls <NUM> advantageously release from grooves <NUM> more efficiently than other shapes. Also, spherical balls <NUM> tend to release ice efficiently.

As discussed above, rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is configured to generate a positive stop at configuration C via a vent stop assembly. <FIG> depicts the vent stop assembly and also shows the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> in the decoupled state corresponding to configuration A. The vent stop assembly (also referred to as a stop assembly) includes a release lever <NUM>, a lever spring <NUM>, a lever spring connector <NUM>, a latch pawl <NUM>, a catch <NUM>, a latch pin <NUM>, and reset cam <NUM>. Release lever <NUM>, lever spring connector <NUM>, catch <NUM>, and latch pawl <NUM>, may be attached, either directly or indirectly, to housing barrel <NUM>, while reset cam <NUM> may be attached to probe assembly <NUM>. One end of the lever spring <NUM> directly attaches to release lever <NUM> and another end of lever spring <NUM> directly attaches to lever spring connector <NUM>, which is fixed to housing barrel <NUM>.

Latch pawl <NUM> is rotatably mounted on rod <NUM> and is rotatable between a "down" position where its front edge <NUM> engages with probe flange <NUM> to provide the hard stop that arrests translation of probe assembly <NUM> at configuration C, as shown in <FIG>, and an "up" position where latch pawl <NUM> is clear of probe flange <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As described below, reset cam <NUM> acts to reset latch pawl <NUM> from its "up" position to the "down" position when handles 130A, 130B are moved from configuration A to configuration B. As depicted, latch pawl <NUM> is biased down towards probe assembly <NUM> due to the downward biasing force of release lever <NUM> and/or lever spring <NUM>.

When rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is in configuration A, as illustrated in <FIG>, latch pawl <NUM> is retained in the "up" position by frictional forces between latch pawl <NUM> and catch <NUM>. Such frictional forces provide an upward holding force that may be greater than, or equal to, the downward biasing forces being exerted on the latch pawl <NUM> by one or more of the rod <NUM> and release lever <NUM>. Latch pawl <NUM> does not engage with probe flange <NUM> while latch pawl <NUM> is being held in this "up" position by catch <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, latch pin <NUM> is fixed to latch pawl <NUM> and may be integrally formed with latch pawl <NUM>. Latch pin <NUM> transversely extends beyond the outer sides of latch pawl <NUM>. In <FIG>, for example, latch pin <NUM> extends into and out of the page. This enables latch pin <NUM> to engage both sides of catch <NUM> (<FIG> shows the two sides of catch <NUM>) without contacting latch pawl <NUM> directly. This advantageously reduces wear on latch pawl <NUM> and clears room for lever <NUM> to engage latch pawl.

Alternatively, latch pawl <NUM> may be configured to include a top opening (not illustrated) having latch pin <NUM> extending across it such that latch pawl <NUM> may be configured to engage latch pin <NUM> through the top opening without contacting latch pawl <NUM> directly.

By configuring catch <NUM> to hold latch pawl <NUM> in the "up" position, the front edge <NUM> of latch pawl <NUM> does not contact probe flange <NUM> as probe assembly <NUM> translates forward towards coupler head section <NUM> as rapid-connect coupler <NUM> transitions from configuration A (i.e., the decoupled state) to configuration B (i.e., coupled state). The angled shape of latch pawl <NUM> also aids in preventing a hard stop of probe assembly <NUM> during such movement.

Reset cam <NUM> translates with probe assembly <NUM> and begins engagement with latch pawl <NUM> as rapid-connect coupler <NUM> transitions to configuration B, as shown in <FIG>. In configuration B, rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is coupled to, for example, fueling receptacle <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As discussed above, coupler <NUM> is configured to flow fluid to receptacle <NUM> in configuration B.

As rapid-connect coupler <NUM> transitions from configuration A to configuration B, handles 130A and 130B rotate toward coupler head section <NUM>. The forward rotation of handles 130A and 130B rotates links <NUM>, thus longitudinally translating probe assembly <NUM> from within housing barrel <NUM> into a coupled engagement with fueling receptacle <NUM>. The translation of probe assembly <NUM> causes reset cam <NUM> to translate forward to engage latch pawl <NUM>. By engaging latch pawl <NUM>, reset cam <NUM> releases latch pawl <NUM> from its up position and rotates latch pawl <NUM> to its "down" position (shown in <FIG>). After being reset by reset cam <NUM>, latch pawl <NUM> is biased to its down position by one or more of the release lever <NUM> and/or lever spring <NUM>.

When handles 130A and 130B rotate away from coupler head section <NUM>, rapid-connect coupler <NUM> transitions from configuration B to configuration C, which is shown in <FIG>. The transition of handles 130A and 130B further causes the translation of probe assembly <NUM> back into second housing barrel <NUM> until probe flange <NUM> contacts latch pawl <NUM>. Following the release of the latch pawl <NUM> from the "up" position to the "down" position in configuration B, latch pawl <NUM> is now in place to contact probe flange <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As described above, latch pawl <NUM> provides a hard stop that prevents probe assembly <NUM> from further retreating within housing barrel <NUM>. As described above, this keeps coupler <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> locked together by virtue of balls <NUM> and sleeve <NUM>.

Latch pawl <NUM> may be released from its hard stop engagement with probe flange <NUM> via release lever <NUM>. The user may release latch pawl <NUM> after proper venting has been accomplished. <FIG> illustrates rapid-connect coupler <NUM> following the release of the hard stop provided by latch pawl <NUM> engaging with probe flange <NUM>. Handles 130A and 130B may continue to occupy their configuration C positions. A downward force on the opposing end of release lever <NUM> releases latch pawl <NUM> from the hard stop. More specifically, the downward force on the opposing end of release lever <NUM> causes the other end of release lever <NUM> to lift or rotate latch pawl <NUM> toward the catch <NUM>. As described above, the spring <NUM> may bias release lever <NUM> to the position shown in <FIG>. Release lever <NUM> pivots about the attachment point between the spring <NUM> and the release lever <NUM>.

If a part in the coupler <NUM> becomes stuck due to freezing, it may be necessary to longitudinally agitate (i.e., push and pull) rapid-connect coupler <NUM> to fully de-couple from fueling receptacle <NUM>. More specifically, a user may need to apply force to handles <NUM> until the ice breaks and the probe assembly <NUM> is free to move. In these cases, it may be advantageous or necessary to eliminate the hard stop provided by pawl <NUM>. Catch <NUM> is configured to provide sufficient upward holding force (e.g., frictional force) on latch pawl <NUM> in order to keep latch pawl <NUM> in the "up" position while the rapid-connect coupler is being agitated. By using catch <NUM> to help maintain the latch pawl <NUM> in the "up" position, the risk of latch pawl <NUM> falling down and re-engaging with probe flange <NUM> to provide the hard stop as rapid-connect coupler <NUM> is being agitated back and forth may be reduced, or even eliminated.

Typically a user will understand the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> needs to be longitudinally agitated following the completion of a venting process when coupler <NUM> is in configuration C of <FIG>. The user may now apply release lever <NUM> to release the latch pawl <NUM> from the hard stop position into the "up" position shown in <FIG>. More specifically, after realizing a need for the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> to be longitudinally agitated, the user may longitudinally agitate the rapid-connect coupler <NUM> while catch <NUM> holds latch pawl <NUM> in the "up" position. During longitudinally agitation of rapid-connect coupler <NUM>, catch <NUM> is configured to keep latch pawl <NUM> in the "up" position.

Additionally, as depicted in <FIG>, it may be desirable for the balls <NUM> to be disposed within tapered slot 910A and tapered slot 910B, which are defined by tapered wall 920A and tapered wall 920B, respectively. For example, tapered slots 910A, 910B may be concave toward the external and internal portions of the ball cage <NUM>. Tapered slots 910A, 910B may be desirable because the tapered slots 910A, 910B tend to release ice more efficiently, which may form within the tapered slots 910A, 910B when cold temperatures are present (e.g., when using a cooled gas such as liquid natural gas or in cold environmental conditions). The tapered walls 920A, 920B may be of various configurations and types of tapers, including linear tapers or curved tapers, and the entirety of the tapered slots 910A, 910B may or may not include a taper. Balls <NUM> may be made from a metal and sized for a dimensional interference fit inside the tapered slots <NUM>.

The balls <NUM> are further sized to protrude from the slots <NUM> in the radial direction. More specifically, the sleeve <NUM> causes the balls <NUM> to radially protrude from an inner circumference of ball cage <NUM>. When sleeve <NUM> does not cover slots <NUM>, lip <NUM> causes the balls to radially protrude from an outer circumference of ball cage <NUM>. In <FIG>, ball 245B outwardly radially protrudes from outer circumference B of ball cage <NUM> to distance A. The outer most point of ball 245B now radially extends a distance A - B from ball cage <NUM>. In <FIG>, ball 245A inwardly radially protrudes from inner circumference D of ball cage <NUM> to a distance C. The inner most point of ball 245A now radially extends a distance C-D from ball cage <NUM>. Gravity may cause balls <NUM> to occupy the positions shown in <FIG>. In other instances, the dimensional interference fit is too tight for gravity to radially translate balls <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, shown is a rapid-connect coupler <NUM> and a fueling receptacle <NUM> further comprising anti-rotation features to prevent coupler <NUM> from unintentionally rotating relative to receptacle <NUM>, for example, during fluid delivery. Excess rotation in this manner can lead to premature deterioration of the seal (e.g., seal <NUM>) formed between the coupler <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM>, especially in cryogenic applications where the seal may be particularly delicate. To solve these and other problems, coupler <NUM> includes an anti-rotation sleeve <NUM> configured for attachment to an anti-rotation adapter <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. Coupling sleeve <NUM> to adapter <NUM> can prevent rotation or spinning of the coupler <NUM> about a central axis (e.g., axis X shown in <FIG>), thus increasing the life of the seal between the coupler <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM>.

Coupler <NUM> may be substantially similar to coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein, in structure and operation, except for coupler head section <NUM> comprising the anti-rotation sleeve <NUM>. For example, coupler <NUM> includes coupler body section <NUM>, same as coupler <NUM>. Also, coupler head section <NUM> is substantially similar to coupler head section <NUM>, except that sleeve <NUM> is replaced with sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, anti-rotation sleeve <NUM> includes a back portion <NUM> adjacent to coupler body section <NUM> and a collar portion <NUM> adjacent to a coupling end <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>.

Likewise, receptacle <NUM> may be substantially similar to receptacle <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein, in structure and operation, except for the addition of anti-rotation adapter <NUM>. For example, receptacle <NUM> includes coupling body <NUM> with lip <NUM> and recess <NUM>, same as receptacle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, anti-rotation adapter <NUM> is attached to coupling body <NUM> and extends annularly and concentrically around lip <NUM>. Adapter <NUM> extends past lip <NUM> and includes one or more bearings <NUM> adjacent to an outer lip <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. In embodiments, collar <NUM> defines channels <NUM> configured to engage bearings <NUM> and secure adapter <NUM> to sleeve <NUM> when coupler <NUM> is coupled to receptacle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the channels <NUM> are positioned radially around an outer surface of the collar <NUM>. The channels <NUM> extend axially along the outer surface of the collar <NUM> to prevent rotation of the collar <NUM> and, thus, the coupler <NUM> relative to the receptacle <NUM> when the bearings <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> are received by the channels <NUM> of the collar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of coupler head section <NUM> with sleeve <NUM> coupled around or adjacent to ball cage <NUM>. Like sleeve <NUM>, anti-rotation sleeve <NUM> is linked to probe assembly <NUM> through drive pins <NUM> and longitudinally translates with probe assembly <NUM> by virtue of these drive pins <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, which shows coupler <NUM> in a decoupled state (i.e. configuration A), sleeve <NUM> is longitudinally retracted with respect to ball cage <NUM>. In <FIG>, which shows coupler <NUM> in a coupled state (i.e. configuration B), sleeve <NUM> is longitudinally extended with respect to ball cage <NUM>, so that the sleeve <NUM> covers balls <NUM> and ball slots <NUM>. In <FIG>, which shows coupler <NUM> in a venting state (i.e. configuration C), sleeve <NUM> is still longitudinally extended towards front end <NUM> since coupler <NUM> is still coupled to receptacle <NUM> in this position.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of rapid-connect coupler <NUM> and fueling receptacle <NUM> aligned along a central axis X. Coupler <NUM> is configured to couple with fueling receptacle <NUM> by sliding first coupling orifice <NUM> into coupling body <NUM> and around an outside of lip <NUM>, which enables retainer <NUM> to slide into second poppet orifice <NUM>. When coupling body <NUM> is initially received within first coupling orifice <NUM>, lip <NUM> pushes the one or more balls <NUM> radially outward in their respective ball slots <NUM> until lip <NUM> longitudinally translates past balls <NUM>. As sleeve <NUM> longitudinally translates forward, towards receptacle <NUM>, sleeve <NUM> presses balls <NUM> back into slots <NUM>. Once coupler <NUM> is fully coupled to receptacle <NUM> (i.e. configuration B), sleeve <NUM> covers ball slots <NUM>, which locks balls <NUM> into recess <NUM> behind lip <NUM> of the coupling body <NUM>. This locks the fueling receptacle <NUM> to the coupler <NUM>, and secures communication between first coupling orifice <NUM> and second poppet orifice <NUM>.

As the coupler <NUM> is initially inserted into the receptacle <NUM>, i.e. prior to engaging configuration B, the user must position collar <NUM> relative to adapter <NUM> so that each bearing <NUM> is aligned with one of the channels <NUM>. This enables collar <NUM> to slide or translate into adapter <NUM> as sleeve <NUM> longitudinally translates over balls <NUM> and towards receptacle <NUM>, just before reaching configuration B. It should be appreciated that failing to align bearings <NUM> with channels <NUM> will prevent sleeve <NUM> from moving forwards, thus preventing coupler <NUM> from being coupled to receptacle <NUM>. On the other hand, when collar <NUM> and adapter <NUM> are properly aligned, attachment of coupler <NUM> to receptacle <NUM> will continue to completion as described herein with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of coupler <NUM> attached to receptacle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, adapter <NUM> includes three bearings 870a, 870b, 870c placed substantially equidistant from each other along an inner circumference of the adapter <NUM>, adjacent to the outer lip <NUM>. The illustrated collar <NUM> includes six channels <NUM> placed radially around an outer surface of the collar <NUM>, so that they are substantially equidistant from each other along an outer circumference of the collar <NUM>. While <FIG> shows bearings 870a, 870b, and 870c coupled to channels 712a, 712b, and 712c, respectively, it should be appreciated that the bearings <NUM> may be coupled to other combinations of channels <NUM> by rotating the coupler <NUM> until the other channels <NUM> are appropriately aligned with the bearings <NUM>. Other embodiments may have different combinations and/or arrangements for bearings <NUM> and channels <NUM>, such as, for example, only three channels <NUM>, as many as six bearings <NUM>, and others.

As shown, the channels <NUM> may be recesses or notches formed into an outer surface of the collar <NUM>. In some cases, each channel <NUM> may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive any one of the bearings <NUM>. For example, a height and width of each channel <NUM> may be selected to enable any of the bearings <NUM> to slide easily into the channel <NUM>. In addition, a length of each channel <NUM> may be selected to prevent the bearings <NUM> from sliding off of a back end of the collar <NUM> as sleeve <NUM> translates forward during coupling to the receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, collar <NUM> may include a back wall that prevents the bearings <NUM> from sliding out of the channels <NUM> or past the collar <NUM>. In some cases, each channel <NUM> may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to form a tight or close fit around any one of the bearings <NUM>. For example, each channel <NUM> may be formed by two walls that are spaced apart so that little or no gap remains between the channel walls and the bearing <NUM> coupled therein. This snug fit may be preferred to prevent rattling or shaking of the coupler <NUM> as it tries to rotate away from the receptacle <NUM>.

As shown, bearings <NUM> may be circular discs positioned on an inner surface of the adapter <NUM>, just inside outer lip <NUM>. Each bearing <NUM> has a flat, round top and a height that protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the inner surface of the adapter <NUM>, or towards an opposing side of the inner surface. The circular shape and height of the bearings <NUM> may be selected to facilitate insertion of bearings <NUM> into selected channels <NUM> and sliding of bearings <NUM> through those channels <NUM>. In some cases, each bearing <NUM> may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to fit snugly within any one of the channels <NUM>.

An example coupler disclosed herein for connecting a tank to a receptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly is movable between a first position corresponding to a decoupled position where the tank is disconnected from the receptacle, a second position corresponding to a coupled position where the tank is connected to the receptacle, and a third position corresponding to a venting position where the tank is connected to the receptacle and venting of fluid is enabled. The example coupler also includes a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction. The sleeve includes a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting position in a manner such that the collar is prevented from rotating relative to the receptacle in both the coupled position and the venting position.

In some examples, the collar is configured to engage an adapter attached to the receptacle. The collar includes a plurality of channels positioned radially around the collar for engaging the adapter, and each channel is configured to receive any one of a plurality of bearings included on the adapter. In some such examples, the plurality of channels extend axially along an outer surface of the collar to prevent the collar from rotating relative to the receptacle in both the coupled position and the venting position. In some such examples, each channel is configured to prevent a bearing coupled thereto from sliding out from a back end of the channel. Further, in some such examples, each channel is formed by two walls configured to form a close fit around a bearing coupled thereto.

Some such examples include a stop assembly configured to selectively arrest the translation of the probe in a first translation direction when the handle assembly is moved from the second position to the third position. Further, in some such examples, the stop assembly is configured to arrest the translation of the probe by providing a hard stop for the probe in the first translation direction. Moreover, in some such examples, the stop assembly is configured to enable translation of the probe in a second probe translation direction, opposite the first translation direction, when the hard stop is provided. Further, in some such examples, the stop assembly includes a pawl configured to occupy both an active position and an inactive position. The active position arrests the translation of the probe. Moreover, in some such examples, the stop assembly comprises a catch fixed to the housing and configured to hold the pawl in the inactive position, a lever configured to engage the pawl, and a spring fixed to both the housing and the lever and configured to bias the pawl to the active position via the lever. Additionally, in some such examples, the stop assembly comprises a cam configured to disengage the pawl from the catch and cause the pawl to occupy the active position.

Some examples further include a plurality of radially translatable retaining objects configured to bind the coupler to the receptacle. In some such examples, the slidable sleeve is configured to cause radial translation of the retaining objects. Some such examples include a ball cage. The plurality of radially translatable retaining objects include a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage.

In some examples, the handle assembly includes one or more handles rotatably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the probe. Some examples include a poppet and a valve seat located inside of the probe. The poppet is configured to translate with respect to the probe.

Another example coupler disclosed herein for connecting a tank to a receptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle operatively coupled to the probe to translate the probe within the housing. The handle is movable between a decoupled position that corresponds with the tank being disconnected from the receptacle, a coupled position that corresponds with the tank being connected to the receptacle, and a venting position that corresponds with fluid being enabled to vent when the tank is connected to the receptacle. The example coupler also includes a slidable sleeve coupled to and configured to translate with the probe. The sleeve includes a collar configured to engage and prevent rotation relative to the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting position.

In some examples, an outer surface of the collar defines channels that are positioned radially around the collar. Each of the channels is configured to receive a bearing of a receptacle adapter to couple the collar to the receptacle. The channels extend axially along the outer surface of the collar to prevent rotation of the collar relative to the receptacle when coupled together. In some such examples, the channels that extend axially along the outer surface of the collar are equidistantly spaced apart from each along the outer surface of the collar. In some such examples, the collar includes a back wall adjacent the channels to prevent bearings of the receptacle adapter from sliding through and beyond the channels.

An example rapid-connect coupler disclosed herein for connecting a tank to a receptacle includes a housing body, a probe configured to translate within the housing body, a plurality of retaining objects, and a slidable sleeve configured to longitudinally translate with the probe and cause radial translation of the plurality of retaining objects with respect to the housing body. The slidable sleeve includes a collar configured to engage an adapter coupled to the receptacle for preventing rotation of the coupler relative to the receptacle. The example rapid-connect coupler also includes a poppet and a valve seat located inside of the probe. The poppet is configured to translate with respect to the probe. The example rapid-connect coupler also includes a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing body and a stop assembly configured to selectively arrest the translation of the probe. The stop assembly includes a pawl configured to occupy both an active position and an inactive position. The active position arrests the translation of the probe. The stop assembly also includes a catch fixed to the housing body and configured to hold the pawl in the inactive position, a lever configured to engage the pawl, a spring fixed to both the housing body and the lever and configured to bias the pawl to the active position via the lever, and a cam configured to disengage the pawl from the catch and cause the pawl to occupy the active position.

It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers or serial numbers in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. As stated above, this specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the invention as disclosed in the appended claims and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claim 1:
A coupler (<NUM>) for connecting a tank to a receptacle (<NUM>), the coupler comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a probe (<NUM>) configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing (<NUM>);
a handle assembly configured to cause the probe (<NUM>) to translate within the housing (<NUM>), wherein the handle assembly is movable between a first position corresponding to a decoupled position where the tank is disconnected from the receptacle, a second position corresponding to a coupled position where the tank is connected to the receptacle, and a third position corresponding to a venting position where the tank is connected to the receptacle and venting of fluid is enabled;
a ball cage (<NUM>);
a plurality of radially translatable retaining objects including a plurality of balls (<NUM>) disposed in the ball cage (<NUM>); and
a slidable sleeve (<NUM>) coupled to an outer surface of the probe (<NUM>) and configured to translate with the probe (<NUM>) in the longitudinal direction, the slidable sleeve (<NUM>) including a collar (<NUM>) configured to engage an adapter attached to the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting position, the collar (<NUM>) includes a plurality of channels (<NUM>) that are positioned radially around an outer surface of the collar (<NUM>) for engaging the adapter, each of the plurality of channels (<NUM>) is configured to receive any one of a plurality of bearings (<NUM>) included on the adapter, the plurality of channels (<NUM>) extend axially along the outer surface of the collar (<NUM>) in a manner such that the collar (<NUM>) is prevented from rotating relative to the receptacle in both the coupled position and the venting position, wherein the slidable sleeve (<NUM>) is configured to cause radial translation of the radially translatable retaining objects including the plurality of balls (<NUM>) and the radially translatable retaining objects including the plurality of balls (<NUM>) are configured to bind the coupler (<NUM>) to the receptacle.