Pipe joints or couplings – With leakage or drip disposal
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-08
2001-04-17
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3627)
Pipe joints or couplings
With leakage or drip disposal
C285S920000, C285S315000, C137S614060
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217080
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coupling assembly used, for example, in transferring fluid (i.e., gases and/or liquids such as high purity chemicals like an etching liquid used in production of semiconductors) from a storage tank of its production plant to a tank lorry.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a conventional coupling assembly used in the above mentioned field comprises a stationary female or socket member and a movable male or plug member which is axially aligned with the socket member in coupling operation thereof. In this coupling operation, the male or plug member is inserted into the female or socket member so that these members are connected with each other in a fluid-tight or liquid-tight manner, as is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-10557.
In the conventional coupling assembly described above, the female and the male member of the assembly are connected with each other exclusively through a user's manual operation. In case that the coupling assembly is of a small-diameter type, it is possible for the user to manually perform its coupling operation easily. However, in the case where the coupling assembly is of a large-diameter type, it is very difficult for the user to manually perform its coupling operation, since a considerably large effort is required of the user to complete the coupling operation of such large-diameter coupling assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling assembly for fluid transfer use, wherein: a male member, i.e., plug member temporarily inserted into a female member, i.e., socket member with a slight push of the plug member relative to the socket member caused by the hand of a user; and, thereafter, air pressure is applied to the coupling assembly to cause the plug member to reach its innermost position inside the socket member so that the plug member is completely connected with the socket member.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above object of the present invention is accomplished by providing:
A coupling assembly for fluid transfer use, comprising:
a socket member for receiving therein a valve which is opened when pushed;
a cylindrical slider for slidably receiving therein the socket member;
the cylindrical slider being provided with a piston and an engaging means in its rear and its forward end portion, respectively, through which engaging means a plug member is connected with the forward end portion, the cylindrical slider being capable of moving when air is forced in one side of the piston while discharged out of the other side of the piston;
whereby the plug member is permitted to further enter the socket member and reach its innermost position when the cylindrical slider is moved.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above object of the present invention is accomplished by providing:
The coupling assembly for fluid transfer use, as set forth in the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the engaging means comprises:
a ball disposed in the cylindrical slider; and
a concave portion formed in the plug member.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above object of the present invention is accomplished by providing:
The coupling assembly for fluid transfer use, as set forth in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, wherein:
the socket member is provided with a drain which permits the fluid remaining in the socket member to drain off.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2887124 (1959-05-01), Mehl
patent: 4495967 (1985-01-01), Needham
patent: 4496172 (1985-01-01), Walker
patent: 4516795 (1985-05-01), Baugh
patent: 4632432 (1986-12-01), Reneau
patent: 4671539 (1987-06-01), Reneau
patent: 4805417 (1989-02-01), Weaver
patent: 4902044 (1990-02-01), Williams
patent: 5251668 (1993-10-01), Walther
patent: 5441310 (1995-08-01), Barrett
patent: 461741 (1991-12-01), None
Browdy and Neimark
Nicholson Eric K.
Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
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