Parker-hannifin Corporation

Lowell R Hanson

Dennis C Giesler

Gerald G Steele

Charles R Clark

A coupling device 10 includes a nozzle 11 and a receptacle 12. The receptacle 12 includes a poppet assembly 35 that is biased by a spring 41 to a closed position. The receptacle 12 also includes an interface sealing surface 31. The nozzle 11 includes a nozzle valve 75 having a poppet 76 and a valve seat 79. The nozzle 11 also includes an interface seal assembly 85 movable between opened and closed positions relative to the receptacle interface sealing surface 31. The valve seat 79 and the interface seal assembly 85 are both carried on a movable carrier 88, and an actuator assembly 95 is operably connected to effect movement of the poppet 76, the valve seat 79 and the interface seal assembly 85. The actuator assembly 95 holds the interface seal assembly 85 opened during coupling and uncoupling of the nozzle 11 and receptacle 12 and closed during opening and closing of the nozzle valve 75 and receptacle poppet assembly 35. A collar 48 locks the receptacle 12 to the nozzle 11. Frangible fasteners 52 break to permit separation of the receptacle 12 from the nozzle 11 under defined conditions, and the carrier 88 moves the valve seat 79 to engage the poppet 76 and close the nozzle valve 75 under such conditions.

Coupling device

The combination of a quick connect fluid coupling having a nipple assembly axially connectable with a coupler assembly, and an integral valve and seal member made of an elastomeric material. The integral valve and seal member closes the nipple assembly when the quick coupling is disconnected and opens the nipple assembly to fluid flow when the quick coupling is made up. The nipple assembly has axially interfitted male and female parts that capture the integral valve and seal member between two shoulders when the male and female parts are mated. The nipple assembly also has a hollow nipple probe that inserts into a portion of the coupler assembly. The integral valve and seal member has an annular body seal portion that seals the interfitted nipple male and female parts, and a smaller diameter valve disk concentrically connected to the annular seal portion by a flexible hinge portion. The valve disk seals against a flange in the nipple assembly. The coupler assembly includes an interface seal and a coupler probe that opens the valve disk after the nipple probe has sealingly contacted the interface seals as the nipple and coupler assemblies are engaged. Means are provided to releasably lock the nipple and coupler assemblies together, and a second valve mechanism can be provided in the coupler assembly that opens either before or after the integral valve and seal member is displaced.

Integral valve and seal for a quick connect coupling

A device for opening a door on an aircraft to expose a receptacle for receiving a fueling nozzle on another aircraft so that the first mentioned aircraft can be refueled in flight. The device has a hydraulically operated actuator for opening and closing the door and another hydraulically operated actuator for locking and unlocking latches engageable with the nozzle for holding it in the receptacle. The hydraulic system has a single valve for controlling flow of pressurized fluid through a single conduit to the door actuator for both door opening and door closing movement of the actuator piston. When closed, this valve isolates the hydraulic system from the pressure source so that no part of the hydraulic system is pressurized when the device is not in operation.

Growing community of inventors

Cedar, MN, United States of America

Lowell R Hanson