Tuthill Corporation

Charles R Sarson

Thomas D Karcher

John M Weston

A coupling for use in connecting a pair of conduits in fluid communication includes a plug assembly having a fluid flow passage therethrough and adapted to be connected with one of the conduits and a socket assembly having a fluid flow passage therethrough and adapted to be connected with another of the conduits. The coupling includes a vent valve assembly for venting of fluid pressure in the plug and socket assemblies and the conduits. The vent valve assembly includes an outlet port having a seat and a valve member biased into abutting engagement with the seat to block fluid flow through the outlet port. The vent valve assembly further includes a manually actuatable member for moving the valve member out of engagement with the seat to enable fluid to flow through the outlet port.

Fluid coupling having vent valve assembly

A coupling assembly includes plug and socket assemblies which are formed entirely of metal to enable them to be used at relatively high temperatures. The plug assembly includes a plug valve assembly which is operable between a closed condition and an open condition. The socket assembly includes a socket body in which there is a chamber for receiving the plug assembly. A socket valve assembly is disposed in and is movable relative to the socket body. The socket valve assembly includes a valve body which is movable relative to the socket body and a valve member which is disposed in the valve body. A leading end portion of the plug assembly includes a surface which applies force against an inner end of the socket valve body to move the socket valve body relative to the socket body and to form a fluid tight seal between the plug assembly and the socket valve body. The plug and socket valve assemblies are operated to an open condition when the plug assembly is inserted into the socket assembly. A second embodiment of the invention includes a bellows which is resiliently deflected and axially compressed as plug and socket assemblies are interconnected.

Coupling assembly

A socket assembly has a socket body into which a plug assembly is insertable to either a partially engaged position or a fully engaged position. When the plug assembly is in the fully engaged position, a seal engages a leading end of the plug assembly to block the leakage of fluid. When the plug assembly is in a partially engaged position, the leading end of the plug assembly is separate from the seal to enable fluid to be vented from the socket assembly. A plurality of locking elements are movable between a disengaged or release condition in which the locking elements are ineffective to hold the plug assembly in the socket assembly, a partially engaged condition in which the locking elements hold the plug assembly in its partially engaged position in which fluid can be vented from the socket assembly, and a fully engaged condition in which the locking elements hold the leading end of the plug assembly in engagement with the seal. An actuator assembly is operable, when the plug assembly is in the fully engaged position and the locking elements are in a fully engaged condition, to open a check valve in the plug assembly to enable fluid to flow between the plug and socket assemblies.

Growing community of inventors

Willoughby Hills, OH, United States of America

Charles R Sarson