TWO STAGE FLUID CONNECTOR FOR A PRESSURIZED FLUID RESERVOIRS

摘要

A connector (100) includes a housing (112) disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel (107) and sprung valve assembly (104) and a stem (110) to be inserted into the housing (112) in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip (127) retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove (130) and an upper groove (132) formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip (119) is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove (129) in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop (115) that contacts an assembly setting mechanism (116)upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.