Swiveling fluid connector

Abstract

A swiveling fluid connector includes a flexible fluid conduit connected to a check valve mounted for rotation. The flexible fluid conduit is connected between the check valve and a stationary fluid conduit. The check valve is mounted for rotating considerably with respect to the stationary fluid conduit. The flexible fluid conduit flexes to allow for rotation of the check valve relative to the stationary fluid conduit, and maintains leak-tight communication between the check valve and the stationary fluid conduit. The check valve extends through an aperture in a plate mounted in a gas services unit. Flanges on opposite ends of the check valve cooperate with the opposite surfaces of the plate to retain the check valve in the aperture, yet allow rotation of the check valve. The rotation of the check valve is limited to an acceptable range by the cooperation between protrusions and stops. The protrusions are connected to and travel with the check valve. The stops restrict travel of the protrusions, and therefore rotation of the check valve. The outlet of the check valve is preferably connected to a fluid conduit assembly having a spring-loaded base that expands to fix the fluid conduit assembly between the bottom of the check valve and a bottom shelf of the gas services unit. The expansion also fluidly connects the fluid conduit assembly to the check valve. A gas service device is connected to the fluid conduit assembly. The swiveling fluid connector allows the gas service device to be rotated. The swiveling fluid connector is constructed and arranged in a manner seeks to preclude any leakage from the gas services unit, even after numerous pivoting cycles.