Gary J Clancy

US Patent:

6523861, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Sep 22, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/668413

Inventors:

Gary Clancy - Santa Barbara CA 93101
Robert Haake - Santa Barbara CA 93101

International Classification:

F16L 3900

US Classification:

285 93, 285316, 285924, 285914, 285330

Abstract:

A fluid coupling including coded and non-coded embodiments and a method for their use. The coded embodiment allows connection of such lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines in a system where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. Both embodiments of the coupling include axially movable first and second coupling members and a radially operating latch. The coupling members are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their fluid passageways in communication, and the latch moves radially of the passageways to secure the couplings when they are interfitted. In the coded embodiment, key coding elements on the coded coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched. If a match exists, the coding elements interfit by limited rotation of one of the key coding elements but without rotation of the coupling members and without any threading action of the parts. A mechanism latches the couplings together when the key coding elements match and allow the coupling members to interfit but does not latch when the key coding elements do not match and thus do not allow an interfit.

US Patent:

6739577, May 25, 2004

Filed:

Nov 26, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/305663

Inventors:

Gary Clancy - Santa Barbara CA
Robert Haake - Goleta CA

Assignee:

Container Technology, Inc. - Santa Barbara CA

International Classification:

F16L 3723

US Classification:

2511496, 251336

Abstract:

A fluid coupling system is provided including a fluid coupling having a cooperative key coding system and latching mechanism, a valve biasing mechanism with corrosion resistance, and other advantageous features. The key coding system permits interconnection of only matched coupling members while preventing the inadvertent interconnection of mismatched coupling members notwithstanding the presence of many coupling, both matched and mismatched. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. The key coding system includes key coding elements on the coupling members that are axially movable into matched interengagement when the coupling members are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when they are mismatched, all without rotation of the couplings or the key coding elements irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the couplings members or coding elements. The latching mechanism is movable axially and radially of the coupling members between latching and unlatching positions, again without relative rotation of the latching mechanism and coupling members. The key coding system allows the latching mechanism to move into latching position when the key coding elements match but precludes such movement when there is a mismatch.

US Patent:

6499719, Dec 31, 2002

Filed:

Jul 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/611933

Inventors:

Gary Clancy - Santa Barbara CA
Robert Haake - Goleta CA

Assignee:

Container Technology, Inc. - Santa Barbara CA

International Classification:

F16L 3728

US Classification:

2511496, 251336, 285914

Abstract:

A fluid coupling system is provided including a fluid coupling having a cooperative key coding system and latching mechanism, a valve biasing mechanism with corrosion resistance, and other advantageous features. The key coding system permits interconnection of only matched coupling members while preventing the inadvertent interconnection of mismatched coupling members notwithstanding the presence of many coupling, both matched and mismatched. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. The key coding system includes key coding elements on the coupling members that are axially movable into matched interengagement when the coupling members are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when they are mismatched, all without rotation of the couplings or the key coding elements irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the couplings members or coding elements. The latching mechanism is movable axially and radially of the coupling members between latching and unlatching positions, again without relative rotation of the latching mechanism arid coupling members. The key coding system allows the latching mechanism to move into latching position when the key coding elements match but precludes such movement when there is a mismatch.