Fluid handling – Systems – Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
Reexamination Certificate
2001-05-02
2001-10-09
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
C137S614040
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298876
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to couplings, and more particularly to a quick disconnect coupling for quickly connecting or disconnecting two components of a fluid line.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of quick disconnect couplings have been produced to facilitate connecting and disconnecting components of a fluid conduit, such as a hydraulic line. Examples of quick disconnect couplings of this type are illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,333,423; 3,897,091; 4,392,513; and 5,129,621. In each of these coupling designs, a valve element is located in each coupling member for quickly closing the flow passageway when the coupling members are disconnected. However, a significant limitation of these valve designs is that the valve element remains in the flow passageway when the coupling members are coupled, thus partially obstructing the flow. This can result in an undesirable increase in pressure drop at the coupling. Also, these designs are not well-suited for systems which convey solids, such as slurries or pneumatically conveyed solids, since the solids can become lodged in the flow restrictions caused by the valve elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a “dry break” quick disconnect coupling which is designed to minimize or eliminate flow obstruction when the coupling members are connected. Each coupling member includes a valve element which is movable from a closed, sealed position to an open position which is out of flow obstructing relation with the flow passageway. An actuator mechanism is provided for moving the valve elements from the closed position to the open position when the coupling members are coupled together.
More particularly, the quick disconnect coupling comprises a pair of cooperating coupling members, each having an axial bore defining a flow passageway. The coupling members are movable between a disconnected state and a coupled state with the flow passageways interconnected in fluid communication. A swing valve is pivotally mounted within each coupling member and is movable between an open position out of flow obstructing relation with the flow passageway and a closed, sealed position blocking the flow passageway. An actuator mechanism cooperates with each of the swing valves for moving the swing valves from the closed position when the coupling members are in the disconnected state to the open position when the coupling members are in the coupled state. The actuator mechanism is movable between a released position and a locked position, and it serves to hold the coupling members in the coupled state when the actuator mechanism is moved to the locked position. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator mechanism includes a handle which is movable between the released and locked positions, a cam connected to and movable by the handle, and a cam follower associated with each swing valve. The cam follower cooperates with the cam for moving the swing valve from the closed position to the open position. The handle and the cam are mounted to one of the coupling members and a locking member is carried by the other one of the coupling members. A locking surface formed on the cam cooperates with the locking member for locking the pair of coupling members together when the handle is moved to the locked position.
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Bogdonoff Alan Charles
Kathe Arthur Paul
Alston & Bird LLP
Lee Kevin
Ozone Industries, Inc.
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