Two-part fluid coupling with guide structure
US5816298A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87957
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A two-part coupling structure includes a male coupling part and a female coupling part which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between a fluid-storage vessel and a conduit, for example. The coupling parts are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between the vessel and the conduit, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the vessel and conduit. The retention volume of fluid which is trapped between the connected male and female coupling parts and which is exposed to or lost to ambient when the coupling parts are disconnected is very small. The male coupling part is carried in a guide structure which is removably engageable with the female coupling part to guide the male coupling part into engagement. Also, the male coupling part and its guide structure define cooperating structural features which effect opening of the male coupling part in response to advancement relative to the guide structure. Consequently, the male coupling part can be opened without being connected to a female coupling part, for example, for cleaning and inspection, as well as for replacement of a sealing member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.