Undersea conduit coupling with passageway gate

摘要

A coupling for tubular goods having male and female coupling halves adapted to provide a straight-through conduit path when joined together. In a preferred embodiment, the male member has a sliding gate which opens automatically when the coupling halves are mated and closes off the central passageway automatically when the coupling halves are separated. The gate prevents debris from entering the central passageway when the coupling is de-mated. This is a particular advantage in undersea environments. The coupling may include seals for providing a fluid-tight connection between the male and female members.