QUICK-CONNECT VALVE FOR USE IN FILLING GAS CYLINDERS

• US 3,757,836 A
• Filed: 11/01/1971
• Issued: 09/11/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Eiji Masuda
• Original Assignee: Eiji Masuda
• Inventors: Masuda, Eiji
• Primary Examiner(s): Petrakes, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): Schmidt, Frederick R.
• Application Number:
  US05/194,160
• Time in Patent Office: 680 Days
• Field of Search: 141/311,312,319,363,366,346,382-385,391,392,1,2,18,347-362,386-389 285/315,316,318,319,35 81/72 269/47,238 184/15C 251/149.1
• US Class Current: 141/312
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/121 using freely rocking hooks F16L37/1215 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/1215 using hooks provided with a screw-thread adapted to engage and mesh with an appropriate corresponding part
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/46 with a gate valve or sliding valve
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0323 Valves
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/037 Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0382 Constructional details of valves, regulators
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 5/00 Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures adding propellants to aerosol containers B65B31/00

Abstract

The valve comprises a tubular stem adapted to engage the central portion of a threaded socket inlet in a gas cylinder. A longitudinally sectioned sleeve surrounds the stem and has a threaded end that fits the threaded socket when expanded. A sleeve support slidably surrounds the stem and has a ferrule on which the sections of the sleeve are pivoted, and a resilient annular member surrounds the sectioned sleeve adjacent to the threaded end thereof, for pivoting the sections of the sleeve on the ferrule to contract the threaded end of the sleeve around the stem. A collar is axially slidable on the sleeve support and has a flared end for engaging the sections of the sleeve to pivot them in opposition to the resilient annular member in order to expand the threaded end of the sleeve into engagement with the threads of the socket.

Claims

1. A quick-connect valve for use in filling gas cylinders, comprising a tubular stem adapted to engage the central portion of a threaded socket inlet in a gas cylinder, a longitudinally sectioned sleeve which surrounds the stem and has a threaded end that fits such threaded socket when expanded, a sleeve support which slidably surrounds the stem and has a ferrule on which the sections of the sleeve are pivoted, a resilient annular member which surrounds the sectioned sleeve adjacent to the threaded end thereof, for pivoting the sections of the sleeve on the ferrule to contract the threaded end of the sleeve around the stem, and a collar which is axially slidable on the sleeve support and has a flared end for engaging the sections of the sleeve to pivot them in opposition to the resilient annular member in order to expand the threaded end of the sleeve into engagement with the threads of the socket.

2. A quick-connect valve according to claim 1 comprising valve mechanism which is operated by axial movement of the collar and has an inlet for connection to a supply of gas under pressure, in order to supply gas to the tubular stem when the collar is moved into engagement with the sections of the sleeve to expand the end of the sleeve into engagement with the threads of the socket.

3. A quick-connect valve according to claim 2 wherein the tubular stem is mounted on a piston in the sleeve support which is operated by pressure of the supplied gas to force the stem into sealing engagement with the central portion of the threaded socket.

4. A quick-connect valve according to claim 3 wherein the valve mechanism is a three-way valve mechanism which connects the tubular stem to a relief port when the collar is moved out of engagement with the sections of the sleeve.