Fluid Handling Fittings

Abstract

The fluid couplings described herein are designed to prevent fluid spillage when connecting and disconnecting the coupling. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include an internal valve element. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal valve element has two springs arranged to exert their spring forces parallel to one another to bias the valve element toward a normally closed position. Some embodiments include a single spring. In certain embodiments, the components of the fluid coupling and the fluid flow path of the fluid coupling have an oval cross-sectional shape.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 114,053, filed November 16, 2020. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application (and is incorporated by reference herein). FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to fluid handling couplings. For example, this application relates to fluid couplings designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the coupling. [Background technology]

[0002] Fluid handling elements, such as fluid couplings, allow for fluid communication between two or more components. Some fluid couplings include features that allow male and female components to be quickly connected or disconnected, and may include one or more internal valve elements that selectively block or allow fluid flow through the coupling. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The present application discloses fluid handling couplings. For example, the present application discloses fluid couplings designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the coupling. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include an internal valve element. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal valve element includes two springs arranged to exert their spring forces parallel to one another to bias the valve element in a normally closed position. Some embodiments include a single spring. In certain embodiments, the fluid coupling has an oval cross-sectional shape.

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid coupling system including a male fitting and a female fitting. The male fitting includes: (i) a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; (ii) a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close a flow path through the male fitting; and (iii) first and second male valve springs each biasing the male valve member to close the flow path through the male fitting. The first and second male valve springs are each laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to one another. The female fitting includes (a) a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space, and (b) a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head along the female longitudinal axis to open and close a flow passage through the female fitting. The first and second female valve springs are laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis, respectively.

[0005] Such a fluid coupling system may optionally include one or more of the following features: The male valve member may have a first oval outer profile shape when viewed along the male longitudinal axis. The valve sleeve may have a second oval outer profile shape when viewed along the female longitudinal axis. The front face of the male valve member may abut the front face of the valve stem head when the male and female fittings are mated together. The front face of the male valve member and the front face of the valve stem head may each have the same oval outer profile shape. The fluid coupling system may also include a latch movably coupled to the female fitting body and configured to releasably engage a protrusion of the male fitting body when the male and female fittings are mated together.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a male fluid fitting including a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space, a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, and first and second male valve springs each biasing the male valve member to close a flow path through the male fitting. The male valve member is movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close the flow path through the male fitting. The first and second male valve springs are each laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to one another.

[0007] Such male fluid fittings may optionally include one or more of the following features: The male valve member may have an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the male longitudinal axis. The male fluid coupling interior space may have an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the male valve member.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a female fluid fitting including a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space, a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, and first and second female valve springs each biasing the valve sleeve to close a flow path through the female fitting. The valve sleeve is movable along the female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close the flow path through the female fitting. The first and second female valve springs are each laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis.

[0009] Such a female fluid fitting may optionally include one or more of the following features: The valve sleeve may have an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the female longitudinal axis. The valve stem head may have an oval outer profile shape. The valve sleeve may define an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the valve stem head.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a male fluid fitting comprising: (i) a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; and (ii) a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space. The male valve member is movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close a flow path through the male fitting. The male valve member has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the male longitudinal axis.

[0011] Such male fluid fittings may optionally include one or more of the following features: The male fitting interior space may have an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the male valve member. The male fluid fitting may also include first and second male valve springs that each bias the male valve member to close the flow path through the male fitting. In some embodiments, the first and second male valve springs are each laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to one another.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a female fluid fitting including (a) a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space, and (b) a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve. The valve sleeve is movable along the female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fitting. The valve sleeve has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the female longitudinal axis.

[0013] Such a female fluid fitting may optionally include one or more of the following features: The valve stem head may have an oval outer profile shape. The valve sleeve may define an oval inner profile shape corresponding to the oval outer profile shape of the valve stem head. The female fluid fitting may also include first and second female valve springs each biasing the valve sleeve to close the flow path through the female fitting. The first and second female valve springs may each be laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis. The female fluid fitting may also include a latch movably coupled to the female fitting body and movable transversely to the female longitudinal axis.

[0014] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cartridge for use in a fluid treatment element, the cartridge including: (1) a cartridge housing defining an exterior profile, an interior space, and a central longitudinal axis; (2) a valve stem within the interior space, the valve stem including a valve stem head; (3) a valve sleeve movably disposed within the interior space along the central longitudinal axis between a first position in which a fluid flow path through the interior space is closed and a second position in which the fluid flow path is open, the valve sleeve defining an interior open space to receive the valve stem head when the valve sleeve is in the first position; (4) a first seal disposed between the valve sleeve and the valve stem head when the valve sleeve is in the first position; (5) a second seal disposed between the valve sleeve and the cartridge when the valve sleeve is in the first position; and (6) a third seal disposed within the interior space adjacent an end of the valve sleeve when the valve sleeve is in the first position. The interior open space defined by the valve sleeve has an oval cross-sectional shape when viewed along the central longitudinal axis.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cartridge for use in a fluid treatment element including: (i) a cartridge housing defining an exterior profile, an interior space, and a central longitudinal axis, (ii) a valve assembly disposed within the interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along the central longitudinal axis relative to the cartridge housing and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the cartridge, and (iii) first and second valve springs, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close the flow path through the cartridge, the first and second valve springs being laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis.

[0016] Some embodiments of the devices, systems, and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. First, the fluid couplings described herein are designed to prevent spillage or leakage of fluid when initially connecting the coupling and when disconnecting the coupling after use. By preventing spillage, material loss, dirt, contamination of the environment around the fluid coupling, and costs associated with spillage may be reduced. Second, the fluid couplings described herein are often designed to prevent air from being entrained in the fluid, as may occur during the process of joining the male and female couplings together. By preventing air entrainment, the fluid is maintained in its most desirable state. Third, in some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include an internal shutoff valve to prevent fluid spillage. Fourth, some embodiments of the fluid couplings described herein have an oval cross-section (as opposed to a traditional circular cross-section). The oval cross-section allows for a low-profile coupling, which provides good fluid flow characteristics in terms of low levels of flow resistance and pressure drop. Fifth, the fluid couplings described herein are convenient to separate from one another. For example, the latching element of the female coupling can simply be depressed and then the male and female couplings can be separated from one another.

[0017] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] The present disclosure is further provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like structure is referenced by like numerals throughout the several views. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid coupling system in which the male and female couplings are in an unmated configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1 in a coupled configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the male fitting of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an end view of the male fitting of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the male fitting of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the male hand of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a first longitudinal cross-section of the male fitting of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a second longitudinal section of the male fitting of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of a male valve member of the male fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view of a seal in the sealing groove of the male valve member of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an end view of the female fitting of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the female joint of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the female joint of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a first longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female fitting of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a second longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female fitting of FIG. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge used in the female joint of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an end view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a first longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a second longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 21a] FIG. 21a is a cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another exemplary fluid coupling system, where the male and female couplings are in an unmated configuration. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 22 in a coupled configuration. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an end view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the male fitting of FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a side view of the male fitting of FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is an end view of the male fitting of FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the male fitting of FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a side view of the female fitting of FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a plan view of the female joint of FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is an end view of the female fitting of FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the female joint of FIG. [Diagram 35] 35 is a perspective view of the clip of the female joint of FIG. 22. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] This application discloses fluid handling couplings. For example, this application describes fluid couplings designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the coupling. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include an internal valve element. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal valve element includes two springs arranged to exert their spring forces parallel to one another to bias the valve element to a normally closed position. However, two springs are not required in all cases. Some embodiments include a single spring. In certain embodiments, the components of the fluid coupling and the fluid flow passage of the fluid coupling have an oval cross-sectional shape.

[0020] FIG. 1 provides an illustration of a fluid coupling system 10 in an uncoupled configuration. The fluid coupling system 10 includes a female fitting 100 and a male fitting 200. The female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 may be connected to establish a fluid flow path extending between the female fitting end 104 and the male fitting end 204, and may then be disconnected (as shown) to close the fluid flow path (each of the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200, when separated, closes the fluid flow path therethrough). Thus, the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are releasably coupleable. In some embodiments, an actuatable latch is included to releasably restrain the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 in the coupled configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 22-35). In the illustrated embodiment, no such latch is included.

[0021] The fluid coupling system 10 is a spill-free coupling system, i.e., as described further below, the fluid coupling system 10 is designed such that no fluid (or only a minimal amount of fluid) spills from the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 when they are connected to one another and when they are separated from one another after use. As used herein, the term "fluid" means any substance that can be made to flow, including, but not limited to, liquids, gases, granular or powdered solids, mixtures or emulsions of two or more fluids, suspensions of solids in liquids or gases, water vapor, steam, and the like.

[0022] To connect or couple the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200, they are first each coaxially aligned with the central insertion axis 12. That is, the central longitudinal axes of the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are aligned to coincide with the central insertion axis 12. Also, the long width W of the female fitting 100 (as shown in FIG. 13) and the long width W of the male fitting 200 (as shown in FIG. 6) are aligned with each other. The female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are then brought longitudinally closer together, and the tip of the male fitting 200 is inserted into the open end of the female fitting 100. In the fully coupled configuration, the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are mechanically maintained in forced longitudinal engagement with each other, or locked together.

[0023] 2 illustrates the fluid coupling system 10 in a fully mated configuration, in which fluid can flow between the female fitting termination 104 and the male fitting termination 204 (along the open fluid flow path through the fluid coupling system 10). As will be further explained below, the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 each include an internal valve that is open while the fluid coupling system 10 is in the fully mated configuration and is closed while the fluid coupling system 10 is in the unmated configuration (FIG. 1). The process of connecting the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 causes the internal valve to open. Conversely, the process of disconnecting the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 causes (or allows) the internal valve to close. In the closed state, the internal valve is blocked from allowing fluid to flow out of either / both the female fitting 100 or the male fitting 200.

[0024] Although the fitting terminations 104 and 204 are shown as barb fittings, any type of fluid connection can be used. For example, but not limited to, the fitting terminations 104 and / or 204 can be compression fits, press fits, luer fits, threaded fits (internal or external), sanitary fits, pigtails, T fits, Y fits, and any other suitable type of configuration such that the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are configured to fit and connect to any type of fluid system desired. In some embodiments, the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 can be provided with a removable cap (not shown) or another type of component that releasably couples with the fitting terminations 104 and / or 204. In some embodiments, terminations are not included as part of the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200. In such cases, the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 may be configured to be integrated into another assembly, such as, for example, a cold plate or a manifold. In some embodiments, the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 may be provided as sterile fitting members.

[0025] The material from which one or more of the components of the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 are made includes a thermoplastic. In certain embodiments, the material from which the components of the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 are made is a thermoplastic, such as, but not limited to, acetal, ABS, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyetheretherketone, polysulfide, polyester resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU; e.g., Radel®), polyetherimide (PEI; e.g., Ultem®), polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the components may also include one or more fillers, such as glass fiber, glass beads, carbon fiber, talc, and the like.

[0026] In some embodiments, the material from which one or more of the components of the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 are made includes, but is not limited to, metals such as stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plated steel, zinc, etc. In certain embodiments, the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 do not include metals. In some embodiments, the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 include one or more metallic spring members (e.g., spring steel, stainless steel, etc.). In some embodiments, non-metallic springs, such as thermoplastic or thermoset, can be used in addition to or as an alternative to metallic springs / components.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 include one or more sealants made from materials such as, but not limited to, silicone resins, fluoroelastomers (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), Buna, Buna-N, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), etc. The cross-sectional shape of the sealant can be, but is not limited to, circular, D-shaped, X-shaped, square, rectangular, U-shaped, multi-lobed, L-shaped, V-shaped, etc.

[0028] 3-6 show in more detail the exterior appearance of the male fitting 200. The male fitting 200 includes a male fitting body 210. A male fitting termination 204 is attached to the male fitting body 210 and extends therefrom.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the male fitting body 210 has an oval outer profile shape. For example, the tip of the male fitting body 210 (i.e., the end opposite the male fitting termination 204 that is inserted into the female fitting 100) has a height "H" (FIG. 5) and a width "W" (FIG. 6). The width "W" is greater than the height "H". Thus, the cross-sectional outer shape of the male fitting body 210 is oval. As used herein, the term "oval" can refer to a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, oval, elliptical, racetrack, D-shaped, egg-shaped, ovoid, rectangular, and the like. In some embodiments, the male fitting body 210 can include one or more physical features to "key" the male fitting body 210 to be inserted into the female fitting 100 in a specific, single orientation. In some embodiments, one or more visual markings can be included on the female fitting 100 and / or the male fitting 200 to facilitate such a "keying" function.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ratio of height "H" to width "W" is, but is not limited to, 1:1 to 1:20, or 1:1 to 1:12, or 1:1 to 1:1:4, or 1:1 to 1:2 to 1:12, or 1:2 to 1:1:8, or 1:2 to 1:6, or 1:1:2 to 1:4, or 1:1:4 to 1:12, or 1:4 to 1:8, or 1:4 to 1:6, or 1:6 to 1:12, or 1:6 to 1:8.

[0031] Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 4, male fitting 200 defines a central plane AA along its width "W".

[0032] 7 and 8 show longitudinal cross-sectional views of the male fitting 200. The male fitting body 210 defines a male longitudinal axis 202 that extends centrally through the male fitting 200.

[0033] The male fitting body 210 defines an interior space 212. Disposed within the interior space 212 of the exemplary male fitting 200 are a male valve member 220, a first male valve spring 230a, and a second male valve spring 230b. In some embodiments, the male fitting 200 includes a single spring. In some such embodiments, the single spring can be disposed concentrically about the male longitudinal axis 202. The single spring can have a cylindrical outer shape or an oval outer profile shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the male valve member 220.

[0034] The male valve member 220 is movable within the interior space 212 parallel to and along the male longitudinal axis 202. In the illustrated configuration, the male valve member 220 is positioned to close and seal the fluid flow path through the male fitting 200. In other words, even if the interior space 212 contains pressurized fluid, fluid will not be released from the male fitting 200 because the male valve member 220 fluidly seals the interior space 212 (unless and until the male fitting 200 is mated to the female fitting 100, the male valve member 220 is moved further into the interior space 212 and no longer provides a fluid seal as described elsewhere herein).

[0035] The first and second male valve springs 230a-b are disposed within the interior space 212 to bias the male valve member 220 towards its closed position (as shown). When the male fitting 200 is mated to the female fitting 100, the first and second male valve springs 230a-b are further compressed (shortened) as the male valve member 220 moves further within the interior space 212.

[0036] The first and second male valve springs 230a-b are disposed in parallel within the interior space 212. Each of the first and second male valve springs 230a-b acts individually on the male valve member 220. Both the first and second male valve springs 230a-b shorten by the same amount when the male valve member 220 moves farther within the interior space 212.

[0037] Neither the first nor the second male valve springs 230a-b are coaxially disposed with the male longitudinal axis 202. Instead, each of the first and second male valve springs 230a-b is laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis 202. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second male valve springs 230a-b is laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis 202 on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis 202. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second male valve springs 230a-b is laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis 202 by 180° on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis 202 relative to each other. Neither the first nor the second male valve springs 230a-b intersect the male longitudinal axis 202. Instead, each of the first and second male valve springs 230a-b is laterally spaced from the male longitudinal axis 202.

[0038] 9 shows in isolation the male valve member 220. It can be seen that the outer profile shape of the male valve member 220 (eg, when viewed along the male longitudinal axis 202) is oval.

[0039] The male valve member 220 has a front surface 222 (see also FIG. 3). The front surface 222 is oval (e.g., when viewed along the male longitudinal axis 202). Thus, the front surface has a width and a height (similar to that of the male fitting body 210 described above). In some embodiments, the ratio of height to width (height / width, height:width) of the front surface 222 of the male valve member 220 is between 1:1 and 1:20, or between 1:1 and 1:16, or between 1:1 and 1:12, or between 1:1 and 1:10, or between 1:1 and 1:8, or between 1:1 and 1:6, or between 1:1 and 1:4, or between 1:1 and 1:2, or between 1:2 and 1:16, or between 1:2 and 1:16. and is not particularly limited to, for example, between 1:2 and 1:12, or between 1:2 and 1:10, or between 1:2 and 1:8, or between 1:2 and 1:6, or between 1:2 and 1:4, or between 1:4 and 1:16, or between 1:4 and 1:12, or between 1:4 and 1:10, or between 1:4 and 1:8, or between 1:4 and 1:6, or between 1:6 and 1:16, or between 1:6 and 1:12, or between 1:6 and 1:10, or between 1:6 and 1:8.

[0040] The male valve member 220 defines a seal recess 224. The seal recess 224 is dimensioned to receive an elastomeric seal 240, as shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the elastomeric seal 240 is naturally oval in shape. The elastomeric seal 240 forms a fluid seal between the male valve member 220 and the male fitting body 210 when the male valve member 220 is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0041] The male valve member 220 includes two side members 226. As the male valve member 220 moves within the interior space 212 of the male fitting 200, the side members 226 slide along the inner wall of the male fitting body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, when the male valve member 220 is in its open position, the side members 226 block fluid flow (in other words, fluid flowing through the male valve member 220 flows through the space between the two side members 226). However, alternatively, in some embodiments, the two side members 226 may be configured to allow fluid flow rather than block fluid flow. For example, in some embodiments, one or more longitudinally extending grooves may be defined in the outer surface of the side members 226.

[0042] 11-13 show the exterior appearance of the female fitting 100 in greater detail. The female fitting 100 includes a female fitting body 110. A female fitting termination 104 is attached to and extends from the female fitting body 110. The female fitting 100 is seen to have an oval outer profile shape (see, for example, FIG. 11). Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 11, the female fitting 100 defines a central plane AA along its width "W".

[0043] 14 and 15 show longitudinal cross-sectional views of the female fitting 100. The female fitting body 110 defines a female longitudinal axis 102 that extends centrally through the female fitting 100.

[0044] The female fitting body 110 defines an interior space 112. Within the interior space 112 are the components that make up the valve assembly.

[0045] 16, components constituting a valve assembly within the internal space 112 of the female fitting body 110 include the valve stem 120, the seal 130, the valve sleeve 140, the seal assembly 150, the first female valve spring 160a, and the second female valve spring 160b. The valve springs 160a-b are not shown in FIG 16 (see, for example, FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0046] The valve sleeve 140 is movable within the interior space 112 along and parallel to the female longitudinal axis 102. In the illustrated configuration, the valve sleeve 140 is positioned to close and seal the fluid flow path through the female fitting 100. In other words, even if the interior space 112 contains pressurized fluid, fluid will not be released from the female fitting 100 because the valve sleeve 140 fluidly seals the interior space 112 (unless and until the female fitting 100 is mated to the male fitting 200, in which case the valve sleeve 140 is moved further into the interior space 112 and no longer provides a fluid seal, as described elsewhere herein).

[0047] The first and second female valve springs 160a-b are disposed within the interior space 112 to bias the valve sleeve 140 towards its closed position (as shown). When the female fitting 100 is mated to the male fitting 200, the first and second female valve springs 160a-b are further compressed (shortened) as the valve sleeve 140 moves further within the interior space 112.

[0048] The first and second female valve springs 160a-b are arranged in parallel within the interior space 112. Each of the first and second female valve springs 160a-b acts individually on the valve sleeve 140. Both the first and second female valve springs 160a-b shorten by the same amount when the valve sleeve 140 moves farther within the interior space 112.

[0049] Neither the first nor the second female valve spring 160a-b is coaxially disposed with the female longitudinal axis 102. Instead, each of the first and second female valve springs 160a-b is laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis 102. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second female valve springs 160a-b is laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis 102 on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis 102. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second female valve springs 160a-b is laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis 102 by 180° on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis 102. None of the first nor the second female valve springs 160a-b intersects with the female longitudinal axis 102. Instead, each of the first and second female valve springs 160a-b are laterally spaced from the female longitudinal axis 102.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the components that make up the valve assembly of the female fitting 100 are placed in a cartridge housing 170. The cartridge housing 170 is then placed and sealed within the interior space 112 defined by the female fitting body 110. The combination of the cartridge housing 170 and the internal components that make up the valve assembly (as shown in FIG. 16 ) can be used as a universal platform in various types of fluid treatment devices having different form factors. It should be understood that the cartridge housing 170 is not required in all embodiments. Instead, the components that make up the valve assembly of the female fitting 100 can be placed in the female fitting body 110 without the cartridge housing 170.

[0051] The valve stem 120 includes a valve stem head 122. The valve stem head 122 has a front surface 123 and defines a sealant recess 124. The sealant 130 is received within the sealant recess 124. The sealant 130 provides a fluid seal between the valve stem head 122 and the valve sleeve 140 when the valve sleeve 140 is in a closed position (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 ). In an alternative configuration, the sealant between the valve stem head 122 and the valve sleeve 140 can be disposed within the valve sleeve 140.

[0052] The seal assembly 150 includes a first seal 152, a spacer 153, and a second seal 154. The spacer 153 is disposed between the first seal 152 and the second seal 154. The first seal 152 provides a fluid seal between the valve sleeve 140 and the inner wall of the cartridge housing 170. The second seal 154 provides a fluid seal between the inner wall of the cartridge housing 170 and the male fitting body 210 when the male fitting 200 is inserted into the female fitting 100, preparing the two to be mated together.

[0053] When the male fitting 200 is inserted into the female fitting 100, the fluid seal provided by the second seal 154 between the inner wall of the cartridge housing 170 and the male fitting body 210 is created before any of the valves of the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 open. Furthermore, the front face 222 of the male valve member 220 abuts the front face 123 of the valve stem head 122 without any space for air or other fluids between them. The front face 222 of the male valve member 220 and the front face 123 of the valve stem head 122 are equivalent in shape and size. Thus, air entrapment and fluid spillage are eliminated or minimized during coupling. Also, when the female fitting 100 is removed from the male fitting 200, each valve closes before disabling the fluid seal provided by the second seal 154 between the inner wall of the cartridge housing 170 and the male fitting body 210. Thus, spillage of fluid is eliminated or minimized during removal.

[0054] 14-16, many of the components of the female fitting 100 have an oval shape (with a width greater than its height when viewed along the female longitudinal axis 102). For example, the valve sleeve 140 has an oval outer profile shape and defines an oval inner open space. In some embodiments, the oval outer profile of the valve sleeve 140 matches the oval outer profile of the front end portion (opposite the terminal end 204) of the male fitting body 210. The oval inner open space defined by the valve sleeve 140 matches the oval outer profile of the valve stem head 122 (with the seal 130 therebetween). The cartridge housing 170 also defines an oval interior space and an oval outer profile. For all such components of the female fitting 100 having an oval shape, the ratio of the height to the width (height / width, height:width) of the oval shape is between 1:1 and 1:20, or between 1:1 and 1:16, or between 1:1 and 1:12, or between 1:1 and 1:10, or between 1:1 and 1:8, or between 1:1 and 1:6, or between 1:1 and 1:4, or between 1:1 and 1:2, or between 1:2 and 1:16, or between 1:2 and 1: the ratio is not particularly limited, and may be between 1:12, or between 1:2 and 1:100, or between 1:2 and 1:8, or between 1:2 and 1:6, or between 1:2 and 1:4, or between 1:4 and 1:16, or between 1:4 and 1:12, or between 1:4 and 1:10, or between 1:4 and 1:8, or between 1:4 and 1:6, or between 1:6 and 1:16, or between 1:6 and 1:12, or between 1:6 and 1:10, or between 1:6 and 1:8.

[0055] 17-19 show additional views of the fluid coupling system 10 including the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 in a fully mated operational configuration. In this configuration, an open fluid flow path exists from the female fitting termination 104 to the male fitting termination 204. These views also show how the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are each oval (as a cross section traverses the fluid flow path between the female fitting termination 104 and the male fitting termination 204). For example, the end view of FIG. 17 clearly shows such an oval shape. Again, the term "oval" can refer to a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, oval, elliptical, racetrack, D-shaped, egg-shaped, ovoid, rectangular, and the like.

[0056] 20 and 21 show longitudinal cross-sectional views of the fluid coupling system 10 when the female fitting 100 and the male fitting 200 are fully mated together. The dashed lines indicate the open fluid flow path that is formed between the female fitting termination 104 and the male fitting termination 204.

[0057] When the male fitting 200 is inserted into the female fitting 100 to open the fluid flow path, the following motion occurs: the front face 123 of the valve stem head 122 abuts the front face 222 of the male valve member 220, which forces the male valve member 220 into the interior space 212 of the male fitting body 210. This compresses the first and second male valve springs 230a-b, opening the male fitting 200 for fluid flow. Figure 21a shows the open fluid flow path area taken in a cross section (cut plane 21a-21a in Figure 21) formed between the male fitting body 210 and the male valve member 220. It can be seen that the open fluid flow path area is oval (e.g., like a racetrack in this example).

[0058] Additionally, when the male fitting 200 is inserted into the female fitting 100, the distal face of the male fitting body 210 abuts the valve sleeve 140, thereby forcing the valve sleeve 140 into the interior space 112 of the female fitting body 110 and / or cartridge housing 170. This compresses the first and second female valve springs 160a-b, opening the female fitting 100 for fluid flow. The shape of the open fluid flow path area in the female fitting 100 is oval (e.g., similar to that shown in FIG. 21a).

[0059] 22-26 show a fluid coupling system 20. The fluid coupling system 20 includes a female coupling 100' and a male coupling 200'. The female coupling 100' is a variation of the female coupling 100 described above, and the male coupling 200' is a variation of the male coupling 200 described above. The variation is that the female coupling 100' and the male coupling 200' can be locked together (releasably held or coupled together) in a fully coupled arrangement (as shown). To achieve this, the female coupling 100' includes a latch 180 and the male coupling 200' includes a corresponding latch element 214 (as shown in FIGS. 27, 28, and 30). Other than the locking feature, the female coupling 100' and the male coupling 200' can be the same as the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 as described above.

[0060] 27-30 show the exterior of the male fitting 200' in more detail. The male fitting 200' includes a male fitting body 210'. A male fitting termination 204 is attached to and extends from the male fitting body 210'. Here, the latch element 214 is visible. The latch element 214 is part of the male fitting body 210'. In this example, the latch element 214 is a protrusion that extends laterally outward from the male fitting body 210'. The leading side of the latch element 214 includes a chamfered bevel. The trailing side of the latch element 214 is a surface that extends perpendicularly from the male fitting body 210'. While the latch element 214 in a single embodiment extends from one side of the male fitting body 210', some embodiments also include a second latch element 214 that extends from the opposite side of the male fitting body 210'.

[0061] 31-34 show the exterior of the female fitting 100' in more detail. The female fitting 100' includes a latch 180. The latch 180 is also shown separately in FIG. 35. The latch 180 includes a thumb pad 182 and a latch body 184 extending from the thumb pad 182. A spring 190 is positioned to urge the thumb pad 182 laterally, away from the female fitting body 110', to a locked position. In some embodiments, a spring (as an alternative to the spring 190) can be molded into the latch 180 or the female fitting body 110'.

[0062] The latch body 184 is movably disposed within the female fitting body 110'. The latch body 184 defines an oblong opening 185 (circumscribed by a lead-in area) through which the distal end of the male fitting body 210' passes when the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200' are mated. A physical interaction between the latch element 214 on the distal portion of the male fitting body 210' and the oblong opening 185 causes the latch 180 to move (compressing the spring 190) to allow the latch element 214 to pass through the oblong opening 185 and to be positioned distally of the oblong opening 185. The spring 190 then pushes the latch 180 back so that the latch element 214 is retained distally of the oblong opening 185.

[0063] As shown in Figures 23-26, in a fully mated configuration, the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200' are mechanically locked or constrained together. To separate the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200', first the latch 180 is manually depressed (transversely to the longitudinal axis of the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200'). Depressing the latch 180 releases the mechanical constraint between the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200'. The female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200' can then be removed or separated (uncoupled) from one another. The internal valve springs of the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200' may naturally tend to push the female fitting 100' and the male fitting 200' away from one another.

[0064] Although the present specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination, either partially or in whole, in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described herein as acting in a certain combination and / or may initially be claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0065] Similarly, although operations are depicted in the figures in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or in the sequential order, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desired results. Although several implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logic flow depicted in the figures does not require the particular order shown, or in the sequential order, to achieve desired results. Additionally, other steps may be provided or steps may be removed from the described flow, and other components may be added to or removed from the described system. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. The present invention has the following aspects (configurations). [Aspect 1] 1. A fluid coupling system comprising: A male fitting, a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close a flow passage through the male fitting; a first male valve spring and a second male valve spring biasing the male valve member to close the flow path through the male fitting, the first male valve spring and the second male valve spring being laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to each other; and a male fitting having A female fitting, a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space; a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along a female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fitting; a first female valve spring and a second female valve spring, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close a flow path through the female fitting, the first female valve spring and the second female valve spring being respectively offset laterally from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis relative to each other; A female fitting having a A fluid coupling system comprising: [Aspect 2] 2. The fluid coupling system of claim 1, wherein the male valve member has a first oval outer profile shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the male, and the valve sleeve has a second oval outer profile shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the female. [Aspect 3] 3. The fluid coupling system of claim 2, wherein a front surface of the male valve member abuts a front surface of the valve stem head when the male and female couplings are mated to one another. [Aspect 4] 4. The fluid coupling system of claim 3, wherein the front surface of the male valve member and the front surface of the valve stem head each have the same oval outer profile shape. [Aspect 5] The fluid coupling system of any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a latch, the latch being movably coupled to the female coupling body and configured to releasably engage with a protrusion of the male coupling body when the male coupling and the female coupling are coupled to each other. [Aspect 6] A male fluid coupling, a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member being movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close a flow path through the male fluid fitting; a first male valve spring and a second male valve spring, respectively, biasing the male valve member to close a flow path through the male fluid coupling, the first male valve spring and the second male valve spring being laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to each other; A male fluid coupling comprising: [Aspect 7] 7. The male fluid fitting of embodiment 6, wherein the male valve member has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the male. [Aspect 8] 8. The male fluid fitting of claim 7, wherein the male fitting interior space has an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the male valve member. [Aspect 9] A female fluid coupling, a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space; a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along a female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fluid fitting; a first female valve spring and a second female valve spring, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close a flow path through the female fluid coupling, the first female valve spring and the second female valve spring being laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis relative to each other; A female fluid coupling comprising: [Aspect 10] 10. The female fluid fitting of embodiment 9, wherein the valve sleeve has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the female. [Aspect 11] 11. The female fluid fitting of embodiment 10, wherein the valve stem head has an oval outer profile shape. [Aspect 12] 12. The female fluid fitting of claim 11, wherein the valve sleeve defines an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the valve stem head. [Aspect 13] A male fluid coupling, a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member movable parallel to the male longitudinal axis relative to the male fitting body to open and close a flow path through the male fluid fitting; A male fluid fitting, wherein the male valve member has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the male. [Aspect 14] 14. The male fluid fitting of claim 13, wherein the male fitting interior space has an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to an oval outer profile shape of the male valve member. [Aspect 15] A male fluid fitting as described in aspect 13 or 14, further comprising a first male valve spring and a second male valve spring that respectively bias the male valve member to close the flow path through the male fluid fitting. [Aspect 16] A male fluid fitting as described in aspect 15, wherein the first male valve spring and the second male valve spring are each laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to each other. [Aspect 17] A female fluid coupling, a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space; a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along a female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fluid fitting; A female fluid coupling, wherein the valve sleeve has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the female longitudinal axis. [Aspect 18] 18. The female fluid fitting of claim 17, wherein the valve stem head has an oval outer profile shape and the valve sleeve defines an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the valve stem head. [Aspect 19] A female fluid coupling as described in aspect 17 or 18, further comprising a first female valve spring and a second female valve spring each biasing the valve sleeve to close the flow path through the female fluid coupling, the first female valve spring and the second female valve spring each being laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis relative to each other. [Aspect 20] 20. The female fluid coupling according to any one of aspects 17 to 19, further comprising a latch movably coupled to the female coupling body and movable laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the female coupling. [Aspect 21] 1. A cartridge for use in a fluid treatment element, comprising: a cartridge housing defining an exterior profile, an interior space, and a central longitudinal axis; a valve stem within the interior space, the valve stem including a valve stem head; a valve sleeve movably disposed within the interior space along the central longitudinal axis between a first position in which a flow path through the interior space is closed and a second position in which the flow path is open, the valve sleeve defining an interior open space for receiving the valve stem head when in the first position; a first seal disposed between the valve sleeve and the valve stem head when the valve sleeve is in the first position; a second seal disposed between the valve sleeve and the cartridge when the valve sleeve is in the first position; a third seal disposed within the interior space adjacent an end of the valve sleeve when the valve sleeve is in the first position; The cartridge, wherein the interior space defined by the valve sleeve has an oval cross-sectional shape when viewed along the central longitudinal axis. [Aspect 22] 1. A cartridge for use in a fluid treatment element, comprising: a cartridge housing defining an exterior profile, an interior space, and a central longitudinal axis; a valve assembly disposed within the interior space, the valve assembly having a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve movable along the central longitudinal axis relative to the cartridge housing and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the cartridge; a first valve spring and a second valve spring, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close the flow path through the cartridge, the first valve spring and the second valve spring being offset laterally from the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis relative to one another; A cartridge comprising:

Claims

1. 1. A fluid coupling system comprising: A male fitting, a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close a flow passage through the male fitting; a first male valve spring and a second male valve spring biasing the male valve member to close the flow path through the male fitting, the first male valve spring and the second male valve spring being laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to one another; and a male fitting having A female fitting, a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space; a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along a female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fitting; a first female valve spring and a second female valve spring, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close a flow path through the female fitting, the first female valve spring and the second female valve spring being respectively offset laterally from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis relative to each other; A female fitting having a Equipped with The male valve member has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the male, and the valve sleeve has a second oval outer profile shape when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the female.

2. 2. The fluid coupling system of claim 1, wherein a front surface of said male valve member abuts a front surface of said valve stem head when said male and female couplings are mated together.

3. 3. The fluid coupling system of claim 2, wherein said forward surface of said male valve member and said forward surface of said valve stem head each have the same oval outer profile shape.

4. The fluid coupling system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a latch movably coupled to the female coupling body and configured to releasably engage with a protrusion of the male coupling body when the male coupling and the female coupling are coupled to each other.

5. A male fluid coupling, a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member being movable relative to the male fitting body parallel to the male longitudinal axis to open and close a flow path through the male fluid fitting; a first male valve spring and a second male valve spring, respectively, biasing the male valve member to close a flow path through the male fluid coupling, the first male valve spring and the second male valve spring being laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to each other; Equipped with A male fluid fitting, wherein the male valve member has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the male.

6. 6. The male fluid fitting of claim 5, wherein said male fitting interior space has an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to said oval outer profile shape of said male valve member.

7. A female fluid coupling, a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space; a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along a female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fluid fitting; a first female valve spring and a second female valve spring, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close a flow path through the female fluid coupling, the first female valve spring and the second female valve spring being offset laterally from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis relative to each other; Equipped with A female fluid coupling, wherein the valve sleeve has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the female longitudinal axis.

8. The female fluid coupling of claim 7 , wherein said valve stem head has an oval outer profile shape.

9. The female fluid coupling of claim 8 , wherein the valve sleeve defines an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the valve stem head.

10. A male fluid coupling, a male fitting body defining a male longitudinal axis and a male fitting interior space; a male valve member disposed within the male fitting interior space, the male valve member movable parallel to the male longitudinal axis relative to the male fitting body to open and close a flow path through the male fluid fitting; A male fluid fitting, wherein the male valve member has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the male.

11. 11. The male fluid fitting of claim 10, wherein the male fitting interior space has an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to an oval outer profile shape of the male valve member.

12. 12. A male fluid coupling as claimed in claim 10 or 11, further comprising a first male valve spring and a second male valve spring which respectively bias the male valve member to close the flow path through the male fluid coupling.

13. 13. The male fluid coupling of claim 12, wherein the first male valve spring and the second male valve spring are each laterally offset from the male longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the male longitudinal axis relative to each other.

14. A female fluid coupling, a female fitting body defining a female longitudinal axis and a female fitting interior space; a valve assembly disposed within the female fitting interior space, the valve assembly including a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve being movable along a female longitudinal axis relative to the female fitting body and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the female fluid fitting; A female fluid coupling, wherein the valve sleeve has an oval outer profile shape when viewed along the female longitudinal axis.

15. 15. The female fluid coupling of claim 14, wherein the valve stem head has an oval outer profile shape and the valve sleeve defines an oval inner profile shape that corresponds to the oval outer profile shape of the valve stem head.

16. 16. A female fluid coupling as described in claim 14 or 15, further comprising a first female valve spring and a second female valve spring each biasing the valve sleeve to close the flow path through the female fluid coupling, the first female valve spring and the second female valve spring being each laterally offset from the female longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the female longitudinal axis relative to each other.

17. A female fluid coupling according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising a latch movably coupled to the female coupling body and movable laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the female coupling.

18. 1. A cartridge for use in a fluid treatment element, comprising: a cartridge housing defining an exterior profile, an interior space, and a central longitudinal axis; a valve stem within the interior space, the valve stem including a valve stem head; a valve sleeve movably disposed within the interior space along the central longitudinal axis between a first position in which a flow path through the interior space is closed and a second position in which the flow path is open, the valve sleeve defining an interior open space receiving the valve stem head when in the first position; a first seal disposed between the valve sleeve and the valve stem head when the valve sleeve is in the first position; a second seal disposed between the valve sleeve and the cartridge when the valve sleeve is in the first position; a third seal disposed within the interior space adjacent an end of the valve sleeve when the valve sleeve is in the first position; The cartridge, wherein the interior space defined by the valve sleeve has an oval cross-sectional shape when viewed along the central longitudinal axis.

19. 1. A cartridge for use in a fluid treatment element, comprising: a cartridge housing defining an exterior profile, an interior space, and a central longitudinal axis; a valve assembly disposed within the interior space, the valve assembly having a valve stem head and a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve movable along the central longitudinal axis relative to the cartridge housing and the valve stem head to open and close a flow path through the cartridge; a first valve spring and a second valve spring, respectively, biasing the valve sleeve to close the flow path through the cartridge, the first valve spring and the second valve spring being offset laterally from the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis relative to one another; Equipped with the interior space defined by the valve sleeve has an oval cross-sectional shape when viewed along the central longitudinal axis; cartridge.

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