Rapid-connect coupler and receptacle having anti-rotation feature
US11988315B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2260/032
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A coupler for connecting a tank to a receptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate longitudinally within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly is movable between a decoupled position, a coupled position, and a venting position. The coupler includes a ball cage, a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage, and a slidable sleeve coupled to the probe and configured to translate longitudinally with the probe. The slidable sleeve is configured to slide in a first longitudinal direction to cause the plurality of balls to translate radially to lock the coupler to the receptacle. The slidable sleeve includes a collar defining a plurality of channels that are positioned radially and extending axially along the collar and configured to receive bearings of the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting position to prevent rotation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.