Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corp.

Donald L Morrison

Laurence M Grills

Reuven Stein

Charles Saxton, Jr

An access port cover is fitted with a sealing plug that is adapted to fit inside a conduit to provide an occluding seal. The conduit is also fitted with an inner flap that is automatically closed and latched when the cover is closed and latched. In a preferred embodiment, a ridge in the inner wall of the conduit cooperates with a support plate to compress the plug between the cover and the plate, extruding the plug radially into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the conduit.

Access port sealing device

A coupling device includes male and female telescoping members that are inserted into a fluid carrying hose or conduit. The coupling device includes an O-ring for providing fluid tight seal and a frangible locking ring that will separate when oppositely directed forces exceed a predetermined threshold. The locking ring includes a split so that it can be compressed to a smaller diameter for installation and, in the preferred embodiment, a plurality of frangible radial tabs. In an alternative embodiment, the ring may have a radially extending flange with a parting groove at the juncture of the ring and flange. One of the coupling device members includes a groove that holds the ring and the other member includes a groove that receives the radial tabs or flange.

Breakaway coupling

An improved access port cover latching assembly is provided with an interlock that normally requires the presence of a component within the access port. A first pin encounters the component and, when displaced, releases a second pin to slide, thereby allowing a latching assembly to seat fully, thereby securing the cover. An independent signalling device may be provided to indicate the absence of the component in the event that the interlock is intentionally defeated to enable latching of the cover.

Access port covering device

A fluid coupling of the type which couples automatically on the engagement of two coupling members and which uncouples automatically on the application of a predetermined minimum axial separation force, as is useful in refueling operations between moving vehicles. One coupling member has an annular groove about its outer surface, and the other carries at least one locking ball which may be held in engagement with the groove by a lock ring having graduations in internal diameter. Applying a tensile force between the coupling members compresses a spring and simultaneously displaces the lock ring with respect to the ball until an unlocked position is reached, allowing uncoupling by release of the ball from the groove. Uncoupling may also be effected manually and independently of the tensile force applied, and there is a convenient adjustment of the threshold force necessary for uncoupling. The coupling preferably includes automatically operable valves to prevent loss of fluid on uncoupling, and is almost completely pressure balanced, to provide for consistent and reliable operation and very little change in operating characteristics over a wide range of fluid pressures.

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Anaheim, CA, United States of America

Donald L Morrison