Coupling adapter

Abstract

The invention pertains to a coupling adapter for use with self-sealing valved coupling parts of the axially movable type for servicing and testing a fluid circuit. The adapter consists of a tubular body having a coupling end for connecting to the associated part and an axial passage wherein a threaded valve actuator is located having a free end adapted to releasably engage and displace the associated part's valve. A torque appling handle operatively associated with the value actuator facilitates manual control of the valve's axial position.

We claim: 
     
       1. A coupling adapter for use with a self-sealing valve coupling part having an axially movable valve normally forced to the closed position by a spring member characterized by its ability to selectively control the axial position of the coupling part's valve when under high pressure, comprising, in combination, a tubular body having a coupling end and an outer end, quick-connect coupling means defined on said body adjacent said coupling end for selectively coupling said body and the coupling part in coaxial communication, said coupling means comprising an axially displacement sleeve defined on said body operatively associated with a plurality of radially displaceable detents defined on said body, an axial passage defined in said body extending from said coupling end intersecting an axially aligned threaded bore formed in said outer end intermediate said ends, said passage including an enlarged cylindrical portion adjacent said coupling end and a concentric reduced diameter cylindrical portion adjacent said enlarged portion, a manually operable valve actuator having a threaded end received in said threaded bore and a head axially displacement between said enlarged and reduced diameter portions adapted to releasably engage and axially displace the coupling part's valve, said head including a cylindrical portion receivable within said passage reduced diameter portion, and annular seal mounted on said head cylindrical portion sealing engaging said passage reduced diameter portion when said head cylindrical portion is received therein, a torque applying handle mounted on said valve actuator for rotating said actuator and manually controlling the axial position of the coupling part valve, first sealing means mounted on said actuator intermediate said head and said threaded end establishing a sealing relationship adjacent the intersection of said threaded bore and said passage, and a tubular extension mounted on said body transversely disposed to said body passage having a fluid port intersecting said body passage. .Iadd. 
     
     
       2.  A quick disconnect coupling for an access valve, comprising: a housing, having a first end, a second end, a central passage having an axis running from said first end of said housing to said second end of said housing, a conduit opening communicating with said central passage, an inlet located in said second end of said housing, and ball bearing cavities spaced about a circumference of said inlet;   a depressor, having a first end and a second end, being mounted for longitudinal movement in said central passage of said housing so that said first end and said second end of said depressor are respectively in coaxial juxtaposition to said first end and said second end of said housing, said depressor being movable between an open position permitting communication through said central passage and a closed position where communication through said central passage is blocked;   a conduit for supplying a fluid in communication with said central passage of said housing; and   quick disconnect means for coupling and uncoupling the quick disconnect coupling to the access valve; and   means for moving said depressor between said open and said closed position, independent of said quick disconnect means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       3.  A quick disconnect coupling according to claim 2, wherein said quick disconnect means comprises: a sliding sleeve, slidably fixed about an outer surface of said second end of said housing, having an inner surface, and a closing surface and a release zone located on said inner surface of said sliding sleeve, said sliding sleeve being slidable between locked and unlocked positions, said closing surface of said sliding sleeve overlying said ball bearing cavities when said sliding sleeve is in said locked position, and said release zone overlying said ball bearing cavities when said sliding sleeve is in said unlocked position; and   ball bearings, retaining in said ball bearing cavities, so that when said sliding sleeve is in said locked position, said closing surface of said sliding sleeve contacts said ball bearings, forcing said ball bearings to extend into said central passage at said second end of said housing to lock the coupling to the access valve, and when said sliding sleeve is in said unlocked position, said ball bearings are free to release the coupling from the access valve. .Iaddend.