Tuthill Corporation

John M Weston

Thomas D Karcher

Charles R Sarson

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

The socket of a plug and socket type coupling is mounted with an assembly tool which makes sure that a threaded connection between the socket and a mounting member is properly tightened. When the socket is to be mounted, the socket is operated to a disengaged condition and the assembly tool is inserted into the socket. The socket is then operated to an engaged condition. This causes locking elements in the socket to engage the assembly tool to hold the assembly tool in the socket. Torque is then applied to the assembly tool. When the threaded connection has been tightened to a desired extent, a breakaway section of the assembly tool fractures to interrupt the transmission of force to the socket. The socket is then operated to the released condition and the end portion of the broken assembly tool is removed from the socket. A plug is then inserted in the socket to enable fluid under pressure to be conducted through the coupling.

Tool for mounting a socket

The socket of a plug and socket type coupling is mounted with an assembly tool which makes sure that a threaded connection between the socket and a mounting member is properly tightened. When the socket is to be mounted, the socket is operated to a disengaged condition and the assembly tool is inserted into the socket. The socket is then operated to an engaged condition. This causes locking elements in the socket to engage the assembly tool to hold the assembly tool in the socket. Torque is then applied to the assembly tool. When the threaded connection has been tightened to a desired extent, a breakway section of the assembly tool fractures to interrupt the transmission of force to the socket. The socket is then operated to the released condition and the end portion of the broken assembly tool is removed from the socket. A plug is then inserted in the socket to enable fluid under pressure to be conducted through the coupling.

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Columbia Station, OH, United States of America

John M Weston