Rapid fastener, for connecting pipelines for systems for conveying pressurized gas

• US 5,452,736 A
• Filed: 02/23/1994
• Issued: 09/26/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Faster S.p.A.
• Original Assignee: Faster S. R. L.
• Inventors: Arosio, Massimo
• Primary Examiner(s): Fox, John C.
• Application Number:
  US08/200,154
• Time in Patent Office: 580 Days
• Field of Search: 137/614.03, 137/25, 137/75
• US Class Current: 137/75
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/23 by means of balls
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/413 the lift valve being of the sleeve type, i.e. a sleeve being telescoped over an inner cylindrical wall
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1819 Safety cut-off
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87949 Linear motion of flow path sections operates both

Abstract

A rapid fastener for connecting pipelines for conveying pressurized gas and exhibits a structural part which is provided, at its end, with a recess into which there can be introduced a structural part provided with a projection, and wherein the recessed structural part receives, on the inner side, spring means which act upon series-connected displaceable sleeves and are interconnected by means of a valve body and a valve guide plate, a displaceable sleeve and the valve guide plate being actively connected by a structural part consisting of a metal alloy having a low melting point and receiving, on its outer side, a sleeve which is axially displaceable and constitutes a holding device for the structural part.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling arrangement, comprising:

a) a first structural part including

i) a tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis between one end region in fluid communication with a conduit, and an opposite end region,

ii) an abutment sleeve in the housing and axially movable from a remote position spaced from the conduit, to an abutment position engaging the conduit,

iii) an abutment spring for biasing the abutment sleeve to the remote position,

iv) a valve including

a) a valve sleeve having a head that forms a valve seat, and axially movable from a closed position to an open position,

b) a valve body in the sleeve and engaging the valve seat in the closed position, and

c) a valve spring for biasing the valve sleeve to the closed position,

v) means for connecting the valve and the abutment sleeve in a force-transmitting relationship, said connecting means including a plate connected to the abutment sleeve and the valve body, said plate being constituted of a metal having a melting point on the order of 100°

C.,

vi) a locking collar axially movable exteriorly of the housing at said opposite end region, and

vii) a chase of balls mounted in the collar for joint movement therewith;

b) a second structural part including

i) a tubular extension axially insertable through said opposite end region of the housing for mating with the first structural part,

ii) said extension engaging the valve and initially axially moving the valve sleeve, the connecting means and the abutment sleeve until the abutment sleeve reaches the abutment position, and thereupon for axially moving the valve sleeve to the open position, and

iii) said extension having an annular groove into which the balls are received when the valve sleeve is in the open position; and

c) means for sealingly engaging the structural parts to prevent fluid leakage during mating, including a sealing ring interiorly mounted on the first structural part for engaging the extension before the valve sleeve is moved away from the closed position.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the valve spring is located between the head of the valve sleeve and the plate.

3. A fluid coupling arrangement, comprising:

a) a first structural part including

i) a tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis between one end region in fluid communication with a conduit, and an opposite end region,

ii) an abutment sleeve in the housing and axially movable from a remote position spaced from the conduit, to an abutment position engaging the conduit,

iii) an abutment spring for biasing the abutment sleeve to the remote position,

iv) a valve including

a) a valve sleeve having a head that forms a valve seat, and axially movable from a closed position to an open position,

b) a valve body in the sleeve and engaging the valve seat in the closed position, and

c) a valve spring for biasing the valve sleeve to the closed position,

v) means for connecting the valve and the abutment sleeve in a force-transmitting relationship;

b) a second structural part including

i) a tubular extension axially insertable through said opposite end region of the housing for mating with the first structural part, and

ii) said extension engaging the valve and initially axially moving the valve sleeve, the connecting means and the abutment sleeve until the abutment sleeve reaches the abutment position, and thereupon for axially moving the valve sleeve to the open position; and

c) said connecting means being constituted of a heat-sensitive material which, when exposed to heat above a predetermined temperature, releases the connection between the valve and the abutment sleeve.

4. The arrangement of claim 3, wherein the connecting means includes a plate connected to the abutment sleeve and the valve body.

5. The arrangement of claim 4, wherein the plate is constituted of a metal having a melting point on the order of 100°

C.

6. The arrangement of claim 4, wherein the valve spring is located between the head of the valve sleeve and the plate.