Releasable Valved Coupler

摘要

A releasable valved coupler and a method of producing and using such a coupler including a coupler body having a first valve element and a coupler insert having a second valve element, wherein a first valve tip of the first valve element can engage a second valve tip of the second valve element upon insertion of the coupler insert inside of a tubular chamber of the coupler body, whereby the first valve element disengages a first valve seat and the second valve element disengages a second valve seat to open a flow path through the coupler. By moving the coupler body and the coupler insert in outward opposed axial directions, the first and second valve tips can disengage, correspondingly engaging the first valve element with the first valve seat and engaging the second valve element with the second valve seat to close the flow path through the coupler.

主权项

1. A coupler, comprising:
a coupler body including:
a coupler body tubular internal surface which communicates between a coupler body first open end and a coupler body second open end, said coupler body tubular internal surface proximate said coupler body first open end defines a first valve guide coupled to a first valve seat having a first valve port, said first valve port communicating with a tubular chamber disposed proximate said coupler body second open end;a first valve element having a first valve body coupled to a first valve tip, said first valve element movable in said first valve guide to sealably engage said first valve seat in a closed position with said first valve tip extending through said first valve port a distance into said tubular chamber;a first valve actuator disposed adjacent said first valve element to facilitate movement of said first valve element toward said closed position; anda first tubular member coupled to a first tubular plug, said first tubular plug coupled to said first valve guide adjacent said first valve actuator, said first tubular member having a first tubular member external surface configured to join a first conduit; and a coupler insert including:
a coupler insert external surface configured to insert inside of said tubular chamber;a coupler insert tubular internal surface which communicates between a coupler insert first open end and a coupler insert second open end, said coupler insert tubular internal surface defining a second valve guide coupled to a second valve seat having a second valve port, said second valve port aligned with said first valve port upon insertion of said coupler insert inside of said tubular chamber;a second valve element having a second valve body coupled to a second valve tip, said second valve element movable in said second valve guide to sealably engage said second valve seat in a closed position with said second valve tip extending through said second valve port;a second valve actuator disposed adjacent said second valve element to facilitate movement of said second valve element toward said closed position; anda second tubular member coupled to a second tubular plug, said second tubular plug coupled to said second valve guide adjacent said second valve actuator, said second tubular member having a second tubular member external surface configured to join a second conduit;wherein said first valve tip engages said second valve tip upon insertion of said coupler insert inside of said tubular chamber, whereby said first valve element disengages said first valve seat and said second valve element disengages said second valve seat to open a flow path through said coupler.