Aseptic coupling system

Abstract

A fluid coupling system includes first and second fluid couplings having first and second housings defining first and second attachment portions, first and second valve conduits disposed within the first and second housings, and first and second valve elements disposed within the first and second valve conduits. A first valve actuator is assembled with the first housing. When the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit, and to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit and against the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the second valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the first and second valve conduits.

Description

ASEPTIC COUPLING SYSTEMCross-reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 633,969, filed on April 15, 2024 and entitled ASEPTIC COUPLING SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Background

[0001] Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries rely on a processing system that can transfer fluids in a pure or sterile manner. As such, these industries rely on aseptic connectors to prevent unwanted organisms or media from contaminating the system.

[0002] Current aseptic coupling arrangements on the market require multiple steps to connect and disconnect, have a large footprint, require metal or mechanisms in the fluid path that can damage / contaminate cells or media, require gendered connectors, provide for only single use connection, and / or have mechanisms which lend itself to contamination concerns.Summary of the Disclosure

[0003] In accordance with one or more of the implementations presented in this disclosure, a fluid coupling system includes first and second fluid couplings having first and second housings defining first and second attachment portions, first and second valve conduits disposed within the first and second housings, and first and second valve elements disposed within the first and second valve conduits. A first valve actuator is assembled with the first housing. When the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit, and to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit and against the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the second valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the first and second valve conduits.

[0004] In accordance with one or more of the implementations presented in this disclosure, a fluid coupling system includes first and second fluid couplings comprising first and second housings defining first and second attachment portions, first and second valve elements disposed within the first and second housings, and first and second valve actuators assembled with the first and second housings. When the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with a sealing portion of the first fluid coupling andagainst the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with a sealing portion of the second fluid coupling to permit fluid flow through the first and second fluid couplings, and the second valve actuator is operable to axially advance the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the sealing portion of the second fluid coupling and against the first valve element to move the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the sealing portion of the first fluid coupling to permit fluid flow through the first and second fluid couplings.

[0005] In accordance with one or more of the implementations presented in this disclosure, a fluid coupling system includes first and second fluid couplings comprising first and second housings defining first and second attachment portions, first and second valve conduits disposed within the first and second couplings, and first and second valve actuators assembled with the first and second housings. When the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit, and the second valve actuator is operable to axially advance the second valve conduit into sealing engagement with the first valve conduit.

[0006] In accordance with one or more of the implementations presented in this disclosure, a fluid coupling system includes first and second fluid couplings comprising first and second housings having first and second front portions defining first and second attachment portions and first and second fluid openings, and first and second interlock bodies assembled with the first and second housings. When the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion, the second fluid opening sealingly engages the first fluid opening and the first and second interlock bodies are movable from a releasing position permitting detachment of the first and second couplings to an interlock position securing the first and second fluid couplings in an attached condition.

[0007] In accordance with one or more of the implementations presented in this disclosure, a fluid coupling includes a housing defining an attachment portion, a valve conduit disposed within the housing, a valve element disposed within the valve conduit, and a valve actuator assembled with the housing. The valve actuator is operable to axially advance the valve conduit beyond a front end of the housing and to axially advance the valve element from a sealing position in sealing engagement with the valve conduit to a first open condition out of sealing engagement with the valve conduit.

[0008] In accordance with one or more of the implementations presented in this disclosure, a fluid coupling includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and including a front wall that defines a fluid opening aligned with the longitudinal axis, a barrier element disposed in the fluid opening for sealing engagement with the front wall, and a barrier actuator assembled with the housing and connected with the barrier element, the barrier actuator being operable to move the barrier element axially rearward of the front wall and laterally away from the fluid opening into a barrier storage cavity of the housing.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Further advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of detached first and second couplings of a coupling system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. IB is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 1 A, with the first and second couplings attached and remaining in a closed condition;

[0012] FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 1A, with the first coupling actuated for axial advancement of a valve portion of the first coupling against a valve portion of the second coupling;

[0013] FIG. ID is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 1 A, with the second coupling actuated for axial advancement of a valve portion of the second coupling against a valve portion of the first coupling;

[0014] FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of detached first and second couplings of a coupling system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 2A, with the first and second couplings attached and remaining in a closed condition;

[0016] FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 2A, with the first coupling actuated for axial advancement of a valve conduit portion of the first coupling against a valve conduit portion of the second coupling;

[0017] FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 2A, with the second coupling actuated for axial advancement of a valve conduit portion of the second coupling against a valve conduit portion of the first coupling;

[0018] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of detached first and second couplings of a coupling system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 3 A, with the first and second couplings attached and remaining in a closed condition;

[0020] FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 3A, with the first coupling actuated for axial advancement of a valve sealing portion of the first coupling against a valve sealing portion of the second coupling;

[0021] FIG. 3D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 3 A, with the second coupling actuated for axial advancement of a valve sealing portion of the second coupling against a valve sealing portion of the first coupling;

[0022] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of detached first and second couplings of a coupling system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 4A, with the first and second couplings attached and barrier elements remaining seated in external fluid openings of the coupling housings;

[0024] FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIG. 4A, with the barrier elements moved axially and laterally away from the external fluid openings and into barrier storage cavities of the housings;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling for a coupling system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 5, with the barrel and interlock body shown in phantom to illustrate additional features of the coupling;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the housing body of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0029] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the housing body of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interlock body of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the port connector of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the barrier and barrier actuator subassembly of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the valve conduit of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the valve stem of the coupling of FIG. 5;

[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the valve actuating barrel of the coupling ofFIG. 5, shown in phantom to illustrate additional features of the valve actuating barrel;

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a coupling system including attached first and second couplings, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGS. 17, 17 A, and 18 are perspective, enlarged perspective partial and side cross-sectional views of the coupling system of FIG. 16, shown with interlock bodies moved to an interlocking configuration;

[0038] FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective and side cross-sectional views of the coupling system of FIG. 16, shown with the barrier actuators moved to a barrier withdrawn position and the barriers moved into barrier storage cavities in the housings;

[0039] FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective and side cross-sectional views of the coupling system of FIG. 16, shown with the valve of the first coupling advanced into engagement with the valve of the second coupling;

[0040] FIGS. 23 and 24 are perspective and side cross-sectional views of the coupling system of FIG. 16, shown with the valve stem of the first coupling further advanced into an extended open position, and forcing the valve stem of the second coupling into a retracted open position;

[0041] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a coupling for a coupling system, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 25, with the barrel and interlock body shown in phantom to illustrate additional features of the coupling;

[0043] FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0044] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the housing body of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0045] FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the housing body of the coupling ofFIG. 25;

[0046] FIG. 30A is a perspective view of the first release button of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0047] FIG. 30B is a perspective view of the second release button of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0048] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the port connector of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0049] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the barrier and barrier actuator subassembly of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0050] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the valve conduit of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0051] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the valve stem of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0052] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the valve actuating barrel of the coupling of FIG. 25, shown in phantom to illustrate additional features of the valve actuating barrel;

[0053] FIGS. 36 and 37 are perspective and side cross-sectional views of a coupling system including attached first and second couplings, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the barrier actuators in a blocking position;

[0054] FIG 38A is a partial side cross-sectional view of the coupling of FIG. 25;

[0055] FIG. 38B is a partial side cross-sectional view of the coupling system of FIGS.36 and 37;

[0056] FIGS. 39 and 40 are perspective and side cross-sectional views of the coupling system of FIG. 36, shown with the barrier actuators moved to a barrier withdrawn position and the barriers moved into barrier storage cavities in the housings;

[0057] FIGS. 41 and 42 are perspective and side cross-sectional views of the coupling system of FIG. 36, shown with the valve stem of the first coupling further advanced into an extended open position, and forcing the valve stem of the second coupling into a retracted open position.

[0058] FIG. 43 A is a rear perspective view of the barrier, barrier actuator, and release buttons of the coupling of FIG. 25, shown with the barrier actuator in a withdrawn position;

[0059] FIG. 43B is a rear perspective view of the barrier, barrier actuator, and release buttons of the coupling of FIG. 25, shown with the barrier actuator in a blocking position;

[0060] FIG. 43C is a front perspective view of the barrier, barrier actuator, and release buttons of the coupling of FIG. 25, shown with the barrier actuator in a withdrawn position; and

[0061] FIG. 43D is a front perspective view of the barrier, barrier actuator, and release buttons of the coupling of FIG. 25, shown with the barrier actuator in a blocking position.Description of the Exemplary Embodiments

[0062] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions— such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on— may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” a specified value are intended to include the specified value, values within 5% ofthe specified value, and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

[0063] This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than and unlimited by the described embodiments, and the terms used have their full ordinary meaning.

[0064] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid coupling system may include attachable first and second couplings that each include a valve actuator (e.g., knob, button, slider, barrel) that is operable to axially advance at least a portion of a valve of the corresponding coupling against at least a portion of a valve of the other of the first and second couplings, for example, to effect a conduit seal between the first and second couplings and / or to open internal valves of the first and second couplings.

[0065] FIGS. 1A - ID schematically illustrate a fluid coupling system 10 may include first and second couplings 20, 30 each having a flow path defining housing 21, 31 including a front or forward attachment portion 22, 32, a valve 23, 33 disposed within the housing, and a valve actuator 25, 35 (e.g., knob, button, slider, barrel) assembled with the housing. When the forward attachment portion 22 of the first coupling 20 is attached to the forward attachment portion 32 of the second coupling 30 (FIG. IB), the first coupling valve actuator 25 may be selectively operated (e.g., by user manipulation) to axially advance at least a portion of the first coupling valve 23 against at least a portion of the second coupling valve 33 (FIG. 1C), for example, to effect a conduit seal between the first and second couplings and / or to open internal valves of the first and second couplings. Alternatively, the second coupling valve actuator 35 may be selectively operated instead (e.g., by user manipulation) to axially advance at least a portion of the second coupling valve 33 against atleast a portion of the first coupling valve 23 (FIG. ID), for example, to effect a conduit seal between the first and second couplings and / or to open internal valves of the first and second couplings. In some embodiments, the first and second couplings 20, 30 may be identical or substantially identical and configured to provide for a genderless coupling connection.

[0066] Many different valve arrangements may be utilized in a fluid coupling as contemplated herein. For example, a fluid coupling valve may include a conduit portion defining at least a portion of the coupling flow path. FIGS. 2 A - 2D schematically illustrate a fluid coupling system 10-1 similar to the fluid coupling system 10 of FIGS. 1A - ID, with the valves 23-1, 33-1 each including a valve conduit 26-1, 36-1. When the forward attachment portion 22-1 of the first coupling housing 21-1 is attached to the forward attachment portion 32-1 of the second coupling housing 31-1 (FIG. 2B), the first coupling valve actuator 25-1 may be selectively operated (e.g., by user manipulation) to axially advance the first coupling valve conduit 26-1 beyond the first coupling housing attachment portion 22-1 and into engagement with the second coupling valve conduit 36-1 for flow path or conduit sealing engagement (i.e., against shell leakage) between the first and second couplings (FIG. 2C). Alternatively, the second coupling valve actuator 35-1 may be selectively operated instead (e.g., by user manipulation) to axially advance the second coupling valve conduit 36-1 beyond the second coupling housing attachment portion 32-1 and into engagement with the first coupling valve conduit 26-1 for flow path or conduit sealing engagement (i.e., against shell leakage) between the first and second couplings (FIG. 2D). In some embodiments, the first and second couplings 20-1, 30-1 may be identical or substantially identical and configured to provide for a genderless coupling connection.

[0067] As another example, a fluid coupling valve may additionally or alternatively include a shutoff portion (e.g., valve stem or other sealing valve element) that is axially movable between closed and open configurations. FIGS. 3A - 3D schematically illustrate a fluid coupling system 10-2 similar to the fluid coupling system 10 of FIGS. 1A - ID, with the valves 23-2, 33-2 each including a shutoff portion 27-2, 37-2. When the forward attachment portion 22-2 of the first coupling 20-2 is attached to the forward attachment portion 32-2 of the second coupling 30-2 (FIG. 3B), the first valve actuator 25-2 may be selectively operated (e.g., by user manipulation) to axially advance the first coupling valve shutoff portion 27-2 from a closed configuration to an open configuration in which the first coupling valve 23-2 extends beyond the first coupling housing forward attachment portion 22-2 and against the second coupling valve shutoff portion 37-2 to move the second couplingvalve shutoff portion of the other coupling from a closed configuration to an open configuration (i.e., for flow through the connected coupling system), as shown in FIG. 3C. Alternatively, the second coupling valve actuator 35-2 may be selectively operated instead (e.g., by user manipulation) to axially advance the second coupling valve shutoff portion 37-2 from a closed configuration to an open configuration in which the second coupling valve 33-2 extends beyond the second coupling housing forward attachment portion 32-2 and against the first coupling valve shutoff portion 27-2 to move the first coupling valve shutoff portion from a closed configuration to an open configuration (i.e., for flow through the connected coupling system), as shown in FIG. 3D. In some embodiments, the first and second couplings 20-2, 30-2 may be identical or substantially identical and configured to provide for a genderless coupling connection. In some embodiments, the valve shutoff portion may be integrally formed with a valve conduit portion. In other embodiments, a coupling valve may include separate and separately movable conduit and shutoff portions.

[0068] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid coupling system may additionally or alternatively include attachable first and second couplings that each include a barrier element disposed in a fluid opening in an attachment portion (e.g., front portion) of a housing to provide a seal between the barrier element and the front wall portion (e.g., to provide an aseptic external seal for the couplings prior to attachment.) In some embodiments, the couplings may include a mechanism for removing the barrier elements from the fluid openings after mating attachment of the couplings, for example, to maintain a sterile or aseptic condition of the wetted front portions of the couplings. In an exemplary arrangement, each coupling includes a barrier actuator (e.g., button, slide handle, etc.) assembled with the housing and connected with the barrier element and selectively operable (e.g., by user manipulation) to move the barrier axially and laterally away from the fluid opening and into a barrier storage cavity of the housing.

[0069] FIGS. 4 A - 4C schematically illustrate a fluid coupling system 10-3 first and second couplings 20-3, 30-3 each having a flow path defining housing 21-3, 31-3 including a front or forward attachment portion 22-3, 32-3. The couplings 20-3, 30-3 may, but need not, include user actuated valve arrangements as described above. Each coupling 20-3, 30-3 includes a barrier element 28-3, 38-3 disposed in a fluid opening 24-3, 34-3 in the forward attachment portion 22-3, 32-3 for sealing engagement with the attachment portion when the coupling is in the uncoupled condition (FIG. 4A) and when the couplings are initially attached to each other (FIG. 4B), and a barrier actuator 29-3, 39-3 assembled with thehousing 21-3, 31-3. Each barrier actuator 29-3, 39-3 may be selectively operated (e.g., by user manipulation) to move the corresponding barrier element 28-3, 38-3 axially and laterally away from the fluid opening 24-3, 34-3 and into a barrier storage cavity 21a-3, 3 la-3 of the housing 21-3, 31-3 (FIG. 4C). In some embodiments, the barrier actuators 29-3, 39-3 may be joined together when the forward attachment portion 22-3 of the first coupling 20-3 is attached to the forward attachment portion 32-3 of the second coupling 30-3 (FIG. 4C) for simultaneous movement of the barrier elements 28-3, 38-3 into the barrier storage cavities 21a-3, 3 la-3 by a single user manipulation of the joined barrier actuators 29-3, 39-3. In some embodiments, the first and second couplings 20-3, 30-3 may be identical or substantially identical and configured to provide for a genderless coupling connection.

[0070] FIGS. 5 - 24 illustrate various views of an exemplary coupling system 100 and its components, including a variety of features, any one or more of which may be incorporated into the more broadly described and schematically shown exemplary coupling systems of FIGS. 1 A - ID, 2A - 2D, 3A - 3D, and 4A - 4C.

[0071] FIGS. 5 - 7 illustrate a first coupling 200 of the coupling system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second couplings 200, 300 are identical or substantially identical couplings (with components numbered accordingly), configured for genderless connection to each other. In other embodiments, other types of coupling connections may be contemplated, including direct gendered connection or connection through an intermediary union or coupler component.

[0072] The exemplary coupling 200 includes a housing 201 extending from an inboard or attachment portion 202 to an outboard or rear flow path defining end port 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 201 includes a housing body 210 and a port connector 240 installed in a rear portion 210b (FIG. 8) of the housing body. In other embodiments, these components may be integrated into a single housing component.

[0073] The attachment portion of the coupling may be attached to an attachment portion of a mating coupling using a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 210a of the housing body 210 includes axially extending body tabs 213a, 213b that are received in corresponding body notches 315a, 315b of the housing body front portion of a mating coupling 300, and body notches 215a, 215b that receive corresponding body tabs 313a, 313b of the mating coupling. The front portion 210a of the body housing 210 may also include a post 214a receivable in a socket 314b of the front portion 310a of themating coupling housing body 310, and a socket 214b receiving a post 314a of the front portion of the mating coupling housing body, for example, to facilitate alignment of the body housings during attachment. FIG. 16 illustrates first and second couplings 200, 300 in this initial attached condition.

[0074] To retain the attached coupling together in an attached condition, each coupling housing may include an interlock body operable (e.g., selectively movable by the user) to interlock with the housing of the mating coupling, for example, to prevent inadvertent detachment of the couplings. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5 - 7, the coupling 200 includes an interlock body 220 assembled with a front portion 210a of the housing body 210.

[0075] The interlock body 220 (shown more clearly in FIG. 10) includes axially extending interlock prongs 223a, 223b that are received in corresponding interlock notches 316a, 316b of the housing body 310 of the mating coupling 300, and the housing body 210 includes interlock notches 216a, 216b that receive corresponding interlock prongs 323a, 323b of the mating coupling. The interlock bodies 220, 320 may include raised pocket portions 221a-b, 321a-b for receiving the interlocking prongs 323a-b, 223a-b of the other interlock body to join the interlock bodies. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A, when the tabs 213a-b, 223a-b, 313a-b, 323a-b are received in the corresponding notches 315a-b, 316a-b, 215a-b, 216a-b of the mating couplings 200, 300, the joined interlock bodies 220, 320 may be laterally (i.e., vertically, as shown) slid on the corresponding housing bodies 210, 310 for interlocking engagement of the interlock prongs 223a-b, 323a-b with recessed or slotted portions 217a-b, 317a-b in the mating interlock notches 216a-b, 316a-b, for example, to prevent inadvertent detachment of the couplings 200, 300. In this attached condition, fluid opening gasket seals 206, 306 of the coupling front fluid openings 205, 305 are held against each by this interlocked engagement other to maintain a seal between the coupling housings 201, 301.

[0076] The housing bodies 210, 310 and interlock bodies 220, 320 may be provided with detent features (e.g., interlock nubs 229a-b, 329a-b and housing recesses 219a-b, 319a- b) engageable to secure the interlock bodies 220, 320 against inadvertent movement between the interlocking position and the releasing position. The housing recesses 219a-b, 319a-b may include one or more ribs to provide an audible or tactile indication of movement of the interlock body 220, 320 between the interlocking position and the releasing position (e.g., two ribs providing a “double-click” confirmation of interlock body movement).Additionally, the interlock bodies 220, 320 may include inner ribs 222, 322 receive in side grooves 212, 312 of the housing body 210, 310 to guide sliding movement of the interlock bodies.

[0077] As discussed above, the mating attachment portions 202, 302 of the couplings 200, 300 may each be provided with a barrier element 280, 380 seated within the corresponding fluid opening gasket seal 206, 306, for example, to provide an aseptic external seal for the couplings prior to attachment, and a barrier actuator 290, 390 assembled with the housing and connected with the barrier element for user movement of the barrier element axially and laterally away from the fluid opening and into a barrier storage cavity 208, 308 of the housing.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 210a, 310a of each housing body 210, 310 includes a lateral extension 218, 318 defining the barrier storage cavity 208, 308 and bounded by a front wall 203, 303 defining the fluid opening 205, 305. The exemplary barrier actuator 290, 390 is assembled with the housing extension 218, 318 and includes a user graspable handle portion 291, 391 and stem portions 292, 392 that extend from the handle portion into the storage cavity 208, 308, for example, through a sealing arrangement 294, 394 (e.g., apertured plates 294a-b, 394a-b carrying O-ring seals 294c, 394c for receiving the stem portions therethrough), for example, to prevent moisture or other contamination from entering the housing 201, 301. The handle portions 291, 391 may include tab and notch portions 291a-b, 391a-b that interlock with each outer to facilitate user movement of the handle portions as a single graspable handle.

[0079] The ends of the stem portions 292, 392 are connected to the barrier members 280, 380, for example, by pivoting linkage elements 281, 381. When the barrier actuator 290, 390 is moved from the blocking position (FIGS. 17 and 18) to the withdrawn position (FIGS. 19 and 20), for example, by pulling the handle portion 291, 391, the stem portions 292, 392 pull the linkage elements 281, 381 to move the barrier element 280, 380 axially rearward of the fluid openings 205, 305 and laterally away from the fluid openings into the barrier storage cavity 208, 308. In some embodiments, the barrier actuator may include a mechanism (not shown) that prevents movement to the withdrawn position when the coupling is not attached to a mating coupling. In some embodiments, the barrier actuator 290, 390 may be moved from the withdrawn position back to the blocking position (e.g., by pushing the handle portion 291, 391) to laterally move the barrier element 280, 380 back intoalignment with the fluid opening 205, 305 and to axially move the barrier element back into seating engagement with the fluid opening.

[0080] Each coupling 200, 300 includes a valve 230, 330 disposed within the housing 201, 301 and operable between a shutoff condition sealing the flow path between the end port 204, 304 and the fluid opening 205, 305 and an open condition permitting fluid flow through the coupling 200, 300. In the attached, withdrawn barrier condition of the coupling system 100 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the valves 230, 330 are in the shutoff condition. In the illustrated example, each valve 230, 330 includes a valve conduit 260, 360 and a valve stem 270, 370 (or other suitable sealing valve element) assembled with the housing body 210, 310. The valve stem 270, 370 has a front portion 272, 372 that is telescopically received within a rear bore 264, 364 of the valve conduit 260, 360 (with O-ring seals 266, 366 providing sealing engagement therebetween), and a tubular rear portion 274, 374 that telescopically receives a front end portion 242, 342 of the port connector 240, 340, which carries a port connector gasket or O-ring seal 243, 343 to provide a seal between the port connector and the valve stem. In the shutoff condition, a valve gasket or O-ring seal 273, 373 on an end or nose portion 277, 377 of the valve stem 270, 370 seals against a necked down front bore 263, 363 of the valve conduit 260, 360.

[0081] To move the valves 230, 330 from the shutoff condition to an open condition, each coupling 200, 300 includes a valve actuator 233, 333 operable for axial movement of the corresponding valve conduit 260, 360 and valve stem 270, 370 with respect to the housing 201, 301 between a retracted position disposed within the housing body 210, 310 and an extended position extending beyond the attachment portion 202, 302 of the housing. Many different types of valve actuators may be utilized for axial movement of the valve components. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuator 233, 333 includes a rotatable barrel 234, 334 assembled with the housing body 210, 310, for example, by a lock ring 235, 335 attached (e.g., welded) to the housing to rotatably retain a flanged end 236, 336 of the barrel, and an end portion 238, 338 seated against a flanged portion 245, 345 of the port connector 240, 340 and O-ring seal 246, 346. The valve conduit 260, 360 and the valve stem 270, 370 each include outer radial tabs 261, 361, 271, 371 or other suitable driven portions that extend through axial extending slots 211, 311 in the housing body 210, 310 and into one or more corresponding helical inner grooves 237, 337 (or other suitable helical surfaces) in the barrel 234, 334. When the barrel 234, 334 is rotated in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, the inner grooves 237 engage the outer radial tabs 261, 361, 271, 371 to move the tabsforward within the body housing slots 211, 311 for movement of the valve conduit 260, 360 and valve stem 270, 370 towards the extended position.

[0082] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the coupling system 100 with the first coupling barrel 234 rotated to advance the first coupling valve conduit 260 into engagement with the second coupling valve conduit 360, and to advance the first coupling valve stem 270 into engagement with the second coupling valve stem 370. In this position, a front end 262 of the extended valve conduit 260 engages a front end 362 of the valve conduit 360 of the mating coupling 300, with face seal gaskets 265, 365 carried by the valve conduit front ends effecting a sealing engagement. As shown in FIG. 13, the face seal gasket 265, 365 may include outer radial nodules compressed in corresponding cavities in the front end of the valve conduit 260, 360, for example, to more securely retain the face seal gasket.

[0083] When the first coupling barrel 234 is rotated further in the first direction towards an open condition (FIGS. 23 and 24), the first coupling valve conduit tabs 261 disengage from the helical grooves 237 to prevent further extension of the valve conduit 260, while the first coupling valve stem tabs 271 continue to be engaged by the helical grooves, such that the first coupling valve stem 270 extends further with respect to the housing body 210 and first coupling valve conduit 260. In this extended position of the first coupling valve stem 270, the first valve stem nose portion 277 and first coupling valve gasket 273 are displaced from the first coupling valve conduit front bore 263 and a narrow splined portion 276 of the valve stem front portion 272 aligns with the front bore 263 to permit flow from the tubular rear portion 274 of the valve stem 270, through an apertured portion 275 and past the splined portion 277 and the front bore 263.

[0084] The second coupling valve stem 370, with tabs 371 that are disengaged from the corresponding helical grooves 337, is pushed by the actuated valve stem 270 against a valve spring 331 to a retracted position with respect to the second coupling valve conduit 360 for separation of the second coupling valve gasket 373 from the second coupling valve conduit front bore 363. In this open condition, a flow path is provided from the first coupling port connector 240, into the tubular rear portion 274 of the first coupling valve stem 270, through the apertured portion 275, past the first coupling valve stem splined portion 272 and first and second coupling front bores 263, 363, past the second coupling valve stem splined portion 377, through the second coupling valve stem apertured portion 375, into the second coupling valve stem tubular rear portion 374, and to the second coupling port connector 340. The open condition may also provide a corresponding flow path in the reverse direction.

[0085] To return the valves 230, 330 to the shutoff condition, the first coupling barrel 234 is rotated in the opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), with the helical groove 237 first engaging the first coupling valve stem tabs 271 for retraction of the first coupling valve stem 270, and upon reaching the transition position of FIGS. 21 and 22, reengaging the first coupling valve conduit tabs 261 for retraction of the first coupling valve conduit 260 and valve stem 270 to the retracted shutoff condition of FIGS. 19 and 20. When the first valve stem 270 is retracted from the second coupling valve stem 370, the second coupling valve spring 331 biases the second coupling valve stem axially forward to the shutoff position, with the second valve gasket 373 aligning with and sealing against the second valve front bore 363.

[0086] In the illustrated exemplary system 100, the first and second coupling valves 230, 330 may also be moved between the shutoff and open conditions, in the same manner as described above, by instead rotating the second coupling barrel 334 in a first direction to advance the second coupling valve conduit 360 into sealing engagement with the first coupling valve conduit 260, and to advance the second coupling valve stem 370 to an extended open position forcing the first coupling valve stem 270 against the first coupling valve spring 231 to a retracted open position, and rotating the second coupling barrel in the opposite second direction to retract the second coupling valve stem 370 into sealing alignment with the second coupling valve conduit 360 (both of which retracting back into the second coupling housing body 310), allowing the first conduit valve stem 270 to extend into sealing alignment with the first coupling valve conduit 260.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling system, for example, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1 A - ID, 2A - 2D, 3A - 3D, and 4A - 4C, and / or as shown in FIGS. 5 - 24 and described above, may include first and second couplings (e.g., genderless couplings) that can be connected by pushing the couplings together, without further actuation of an interlock arrangement (e.g., the interlock bodies 220, 320 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 - 24).

[0088] FIGS. 25 - 43D illustrate various views of an exemplary coupling system 1100 and its components, including a variety of features similar to the coupling system 100 of FIGS. 5 - 24, with like numbers being used to represent corresponding features and components.

[0089] FIGS. 25 - 27 illustrate a first coupling 1200 of the illustrated coupling system 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second couplings 1200, 1300 are identical or substantially identical couplings (with components numbered accordingly), configured for genderless connection to each other. In other embodiments, other types of coupling connections may be contemplated, including direct gendered connection or connection through an intermediary union or coupler component.

[0090] The exemplary coupling 1200 includes a housing 1201 extending from an inboard or attachment portion 1202 to an outboard or rear flow path defining end port 1204. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1201 includes a housing body 1210 and a port connector 1240 installed in a rear portion 1210b (FIG. 28) of the housing body. The housing body 1210 may include a generally rectangular cartridge element 1207 defining the body front portion 1210a and a pair of arcuate walls 1209 loosely attached to the cartridge element (e.g., by connection tabs 1209a) to define the body rear portion 1210b. The rear ends 1209b of the arcuate walls 1209 may be connected to a flange portion 1245 of the port connector 1240. In other embodiments, these components may be integrated into a single housing component.

[0091] The attachment portion of the coupling may be attached to an attachment portion of a mating coupling using a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 1210a of the housing body 1210 includes axially extending body tabs 1213a, 1213b that are received in corresponding body slots 1315a, 1315b of the housing body front portion of a mating coupling 1300, and body slots 1215a, 1215b that receive corresponding body tabs 1313a, 1313b of the mating coupling. FIG. 26 illustrates first and second couplings 1200, 1300 in this initial attached condition.

[0092] To retain the attached coupling together in an attached condition, each coupling housing may include a push-to-connect interlock arrangement to automatically interlock with a push-to-connect interlock arrangement of the mating coupling, for example, to facilitate interlocking attachment of the couplings while prevents inadvertent detachment of the attached couplings. As one example, each coupling may include a latch element, disposed in the front portion of the body housing, for automatic latching engagement (e.g., spring-loaded latching engagement) with an axially extending body tab of the other coupling when the body tab is inserted in the body slot of the coupling. As shown in FIG. 25, the body tabs 1213a, 1213b may include apertures 1216a, 1216b that receive a latch element therethrough when the body tab is inserted in the body slot of the coupling.

[0093] While a variety of push-to-connect interlock arrangements may be utilized, in some embodiments, the couplings may be provided with button releasable push-to-connect interlocking arrangements to facilitate selective, intentional detachment of the couplings. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 25 - 27, the coupling 1200 includes first and second release buttons 1221a, 1221b carried by the front portion 1210a of the housing body 1210. As shown, the buttons 1221a, 1221b may be movably secured to the housing body 1210 by tabs 1227a, 1227b (FIGS. 30A, 30B) received in holes 1212a, 1212b of the housing body. The release buttons 1221a, 1221b include latch portions 1222a, 1222b having camming surfaces 1223a, 1223b engageable by the body tabs 1313a, 1313b of the mating coupling 1300 to move the buttons laterally inward until the latch portions axially align with the body tab apertures 1316a, 1316b, at which point the spring biased buttons move or snap laterally outward (e.g., by force of springs 1224a, 1224b, FIGS. 43A-D) to interlock the latch portions with the apertures. The buttons 1221a, 1221b may subsequently be depressed to withdraw the latch portions 1222a, 1222b from the tab apertures 1316b, 1316a for detachment of the couplings.

[0094] Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 - 24, the mating attachment portions 1202, 1302 of the couplings 1200, 1300 may each be provided with a barrier element 1280, 1380 seated within a corresponding fluid opening gasket seal 1206, 1306 in the housing front portion 1210a, 1310a, for example, to provide an aseptic external seal for the couplings prior to attachment, and a barrier actuator 1290, 1390 assembled with the housing and connected with the barrier element for user movement of the barrier element axially and laterally away from the fluid opening and into a barrier storage cavity 1208, 1308 of the housing.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 1210a, 1310a or cartridge element 1207, 1307 of each housing body 1210, 1310 includes a lateral extension 1218, 1318 defining the barrier storage cavity 1208, 1308 and bounded by a front wall 1203, 1303 defining the fluid opening 1205, 1305. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 1203, 1303 includes a panel 1219, 1319 that defines the fluid opening and carries the fluid opening gasket seal 1206, 1306. The panel 1219, 1319 may be formed separate from the cartridge element 1207, 1307, for example, to facilitate formation of the internal housing body features, and attached to the cartridge element, for example, by welding.

[0096] The exemplary barrier actuator 1290, 1390 is assembled with the housing extension 1218, 1318 and includes a user graspable handle portion 1291, 1391 and stem portions 1292, 1392 that extend from the handle portion into the storage cavity 1208, 1308,for example, through a sealing arrangement 1294, 1394 (e.g., apertured plates 1294a-b, 1394a-b carrying O-ring seals 1294c, 1394c for receiving the stem portions therethrough), for example, to prevent moisture or other contamination from entering the housing 1201, 1301. The handle portions 1291, 1391 may include tab and notch portions 1291a-b, 1391a-b that interlock with each outer to facilitate user movement of the handle portions as a single graspable handle.

[0097] The ends of the stem portions 1292, 1392 are connected to the barrier members 1280, 1380, for example, by pivoting linkage elements 1281, 1381. When the barrier actuator 1290, 1390 is moved from the blocking position (FIGS. 36 and 38) to the withdrawn position (FIGS. 39 and 40), for example, by pulling the handle portion 1291, 1391, the stem portions 1292, 1392 pull the linkage elements 1281, 1381 to move the barrier element 1280, 1380 axially rearward of the fluid openings 1205, 1305 and laterally away from the fluid openings into the barrier storage cavity 1208, 1308. In some embodiments, the barrier actuator may include a mechanism (not shown) that prevents movement to the withdrawn position when the coupling is not attached to a mating coupling. In some embodiments, the barrier actuator 1290, 1390 may be moved from the withdrawn position back to the blocking position (e.g., by pushing the handle portion 1291, 1391) to laterally move the barrier element 1280, 1380 back into alignment with the fluid opening 1205, 1305 and to axially move the barrier element back into seating engagement with the fluid opening.

[0098] To prevent withdrawal of the barrier members 1280, 1380 from the fluid openings 1205, 1305 prior to connection of the couplings 1200, 1300 (which would expose the internal coupling surfaces to potential contamination), the couplings may be provide with a mechanism to block movement of the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 from the blocking position to the withdrawn position. While many suitable mechanisms may be utilized, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 1291, 1391 is provided with spring tabs 1295a-b, 1395a-b that interlock with apertures 1214a-b, 1314-ab in the cartridge element 1207, 1307 to secure the handle portion against lateral movement (FIG. 38 A). When the first and second couplings 1200 are connected (FIG. 38B), a post 1317a-b, 1217a-b of the other coupling 1300, 1200 is received in the corresponding aligned aperture 1214a-b, 1314a-b, thereby pushing the spring tabs 1295a-b, 1395a-b out of the apertures to permit lateral movement of the handle portions 1291, 1391 for movement of the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 from the blocking position to the withdrawn position. When the handle portions 1291, 1391 are returned to the lowered, blocking position and the couplings 1200, 1300 are disconnected, thespring tabs 1295a-b, 1395a-b snap back into interlocking engagement with the apertures 1314a-b, 1214a-b.

[0099] Each coupling 1200, 1300 includes a valve 1230, 1330 disposed within the housing 1201, 1301 and operable between a shutoff condition sealing the flow path between the end port 1204, 1304 and the fluid opening 1205, 1305 and an open condition permitting fluid flow through the coupling 200, 300. In the attached, withdrawn barrier condition of the coupling system 100 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the valves 1230, 1330 are in the shutoff condition. In the illustrated example, each valve 1230, 1330 includes a valve conduit 1260, 1360 and a valve stem 1270, 1370 (or other suitable sealing valve element) assembled with the housing body 1210, 1310. The valve stem 1270, 1370 has a front portion 1272, 1372 that is telescopically received within a rear bore 1264, 1364 of the valve conduit 1260, 1360 (with O-ring seals 1266, 1366 providing sealing engagement therebetween), and a tubular rear portion 1274, 1374 that telescopically receives a front end portion 1242, 1342 of the port connector 1240, 1340, which carries a port connector gasket or O-ring seal 1243, 1343 to provide a seal between the port connector and the valve stem. In the shutoff condition, a valve gasket or O-ring seal 1273, 1373 on an end or nose portion 1277, 1377 of the valve stem 1270, 1370 seals against a necked down front bore 1263, 1363 of the valve conduit 1260, 1360.

[0100] To move the valves 1230, 1330 from the shutoff condition to an open condition, each coupling 1200, 1300 includes a valve actuator 1233, 1333 operable for axial movement of the corresponding valve conduit 1260, 1360 and valve stem 1270, 1370 with respect to the housing 1201, 1301 between a retracted position disposed within the housing body 1210, 1310 and an extended position extending beyond the attachment portion 1202, 1302 of the housing. Many different types of valve actuators may be utilized for axial movement of the valve components. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuator 1233, 1333 includes a rotatable barrel 1234, 1334 assembled with the housing body 1210, 1310, for example, by a lock ring 1235, 1335 attached (e.g., welded) to the housing to rotatably retain a flanged end 1236, 1336 of the barrel, and an end portion 1238, 1338 seated against a flanged portion 1245, 1345 of the port connector 1240, 1340 and O-ring seal. The valve conduit 1260, 1360 and the valve stem 1270, 1370 each include outer radial tabs 1261, 1361, 1271, 1371 or other suitable driven portions that extend through axial extending slots 1211, 1311 in the housing body 1210, 1310 (e.g., gaps between the arcuate walls 1209, as shown) and into one or more corresponding helical inner grooves 1237, 1337 (or other suitable helicalsurfaces) in the barrel 1234, 1334. When the barrel 1234, 1334 is rotated in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, the inner grooves 1237 engage the outer radial tabs 1261, 1361, 1271, 1371 to move the tabs forward within the body housing slots 1211, 1311 for movement of the valve conduit 1260, 1360 and valve stem 1270, 1370 towards the extended position.

[0101] To prevent advancement of the valve conduit 1260, 1360 and valve stem 1270, 1370 while the barrier member 1280, 1380 is in the fluid opening 1205, 1305, the couplings may be provided with a mechanism to block operation of the valve actuator 1233, 1333 (e.g., blocking rotation of the barrel 1234, 1334). While many suitable mechanisms may be utilized, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 1291, 1391 is provided with a locking tab 1296, 1396 that interlocks with a notch 1239, 1339 in the barrel 1234, 1334 when the handle portion is in the lowered blocking position, to block rotation of the barrel. When the handle portion 1291, 1391 is raised to the withdrawn position, the locking tab 1296, 1396 disengages from the notch 1239, 1339 to permit rotation of the barrel 1234, 1334.

[0102] When the couplings 1200, 1300 are connected and the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 are in the withdrawn position, the first coupling barrel 1234 may be rotated to advance the first coupling valve conduit 1260 into engagement with the second coupling valve conduit 1360, and to advance the first coupling valve stem 1270 into engagement with the second coupling valve stem 1370. In this position (not shown, but consistent with FIGS. 21 and 22 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 - 24), a front end 1262 of the extended valve conduit 1260 engages a front end 1362 of the valve conduit 1360 of the mating coupling 1300, with face seal gaskets 1265, 1365 carried by the valve conduit front ends effecting a sealing engagement. As shown in FIG. 33, the face seal gaskets 1265, 1365 may include outer radial nodules compressed in corresponding cavities in the front end of the valve conduit 1260, 1360, for example, to more securely retain the face seal gasket.

[0103] When the first coupling barrel 1234 is rotated further in the first direction towards an open condition (FIGS. 41 and 42), the first coupling valve conduit tabs 1261 disengage from the helical grooves 1237 to prevent further extension of the valve conduit 1260, while the first coupling valve stem tabs 1271 continue to be engaged by the helical grooves, such that the first coupling valve stem 1270 extends further with respect to the housing body 1210 and first coupling valve conduit 1260. In this extended position of the first coupling valve stem 1270, the first valve stem nose portion 1277 and first coupling valve gasket 1273 are displaced from the first coupling valve conduit front bore 1263 and a narrow splined portion 1276 of the valve stem front portion 1272 aligns with the front bore 1263 topermit flow from the tubular rear portion 1274 of the valve stem 1270, through an apertured portion 1275 and past the splined portion 1277 and the front bore 1263.

[0104] The second coupling valve stem 1370, with tabs 1371 that are disengaged from the corresponding helical grooves 1337, is pushed by the actuated valve stem 1270 against a valve spring 1331 to a retracted position with respect to the second coupling valve conduit 1360 for separation of the second coupling valve gasket 1373 from the second coupling valve conduit front bore 1363. In this open condition, a flow path is provided from the first coupling port connector 1240, into the tubular rear portion 1274 of the first coupling valve stem 1270, through the apertured portion 1275, past the first coupling valve stem splined portion 1272 and first and second coupling front bores 1263, 1363, past the second coupling valve stem splined portion 1377, through the second coupling valve stem apertured portion 1375, into the second coupling valve stem tubular rear portion 1374, and to the second coupling port connector 1340. The open condition may also provide a corresponding flow path in the reverse direction.

[0105] To return the valves 1230, 1330 to the shutoff condition, the first coupling barrel 1234 is rotated in the opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), with the helical groove 1237 first engaging the first coupling valve stem tabs 1271 for retraction of the first coupling valve stem 1270, and upon reaching the transition position (consistent with FIGS. 21 and 22 of the coupling system 100), reengaging the first coupling valve conduit tabs 1261 for retraction of the first coupling valve conduit 1260 and valve stem 1270 to the retracted shutoff condition of FIGS. 39 and 40. When the first valve stem 1270 is retracted from the second coupling valve stem 1370, the second coupling valve spring 1331 biases the second coupling valve stem axially forward to the shutoff position, with the second valve gasket 1373 aligning with and sealing against the second valve front bore 1363.

[0106] In the illustrated exemplary system 1000, the first and second coupling valves 1230, 1330 may also be moved between the shutoff and open conditions, in the same manner as described above, by instead rotating the second coupling barrel 1334 in a first direction to advance the second coupling valve conduit 1360 into sealing engagement with the first coupling valve conduit 1260, and to advance the second coupling valve stem 1370 to an extended open position forcing the first coupling valve stem 1270 against the first coupling valve spring 1231 to a retracted open position, and rotating the second coupling barrel in the opposite second direction to retract the second coupling valve stem 1370 into sealing alignment with the second coupling valve conduit 1360 (both of which retracting back intothe second coupling housing body 1310), allowing the first conduit valve stem 1270 to extend into sealing alignment with the first coupling valve conduit 1260.

[0107] Once the valves 1230, 1330 are returned to the shutoff condition, the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 may be returned to the blocking position by pushing or lowering the handle portions 1291, 1391, and the first and second couplings 1200, 1300 may then be disconnected by depressing the release buttons 1221a, 1221b to withdraw the latch portions 1252a, 1252b of the release buttons from the tab apertures 1316a, 1316b for detachment of the couplings. To prevent detachment of the couplings 1200, 1300 while the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 remain in the withdrawn position, the couplings may be provided with a lockout mechanism preventing depression of the release buttons with the handle portions are in the raised position. While many lockout arrangements may be used to prevent release button operation in the withdrawn barrier condition, as shown in FIGS. 43A-B, the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 may be provided with lockout levers 1298, 1398 that are pivoted (e.g., by biasing springs 1299, 1399) to a lockout position (FIG. 43A) when the handle portions 1291, 1391 are in the raised (withdrawn) position, in which the lockout lever abuts a first lockout projection 1225, 1325 of the first release button 1221a, 1321a to block depression of the first release button. When the handle portions 1291, 1391 are lowered (pushed) to the blocking position (FIG. 43B), a forked portion 1293a, 1393a of the handle side wall portions 1293, 1393 pivot the lockout levers 1298, 1398 to a disengaged position spaced apart from the second lockout projections 1225, 1325 to permit depression of the first release button 1221a, 1321a.

[0108] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 43C-D, the second release button 1221b, 1321b of each coupling 1200, 1300 may be provided with a second lockout projection 1226, 1326 that abuts the handle side wall portion 1293, 1393 to prevent depression of the first release button when the handle portion is in the raised (withdrawn) position (FIG. 43C) and is aligned with and receivable in a cutout 1297, 1397 in side wall portion 1293, 1393 of the handle portion 1291, 1391 when the handle portion is in the lowered (blocking) position, but that abuts the side wall portion to prevent depression of the first release button when the handle portion is in the raised (withdrawn) position. Additionally, the barrier actuators 1290, 1390 may be provided with lockout levers 1298, 1398 that are pivoted (e.g., by biasing springs 1299, 1399) to a lockout position when the handle portions 1291, 1391 are in the raised (withdrawn) position, in which the lockout lever abuts a second lockout projection 1226, 1326 of the second release button 1221b, 1321b to block depression of the secondrelease button. When the handle portions 1291, 1391 are lowered (pushed) to the blocking position, the side wall portions 1293, 1393 pivot the lockout levers 1298, 1398 to a disengaged position spaced apart from the second lockout projections 1226, 1326 to permit depression of the second release button.

[0109] The inventive aspects have been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. Modification and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1. A fluid coupling system comprising: a first fluid coupling comprising a first housing defining a first attachment portion, a first valve conduit disposed within the first housing, a first valve element disposed within the first valve conduit, and a first valve actuator assembled with the first housing; and a second fluid coupling comprising a second housing defining a second attachment portion attachable to the first attachment portion, a second valve conduit disposed within the second housing, and a second valve element disposed within the second valve conduit; wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit, and to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit and against the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the second valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the first and second valve conduits.

2. The fluid coupling system of claim 1, wherein the second fluid coupling includes a second valve actuator assembled with the second housing, wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the second valve actuator is operable to axially advance the second valve conduit into sealing engagement with the first valve conduit, and to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit and against the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the second valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the first and second valve conduits.

3. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 1-2, wherein the first valve actuator comprises a rotatable barrel having a helical internal surface configured to engage driven portions of the first valve conduit and the first valve element for axial advancement of the first valve conduit and the first valve element when the barrel is rotated in a first direction.

4. The fluid coupling system of claim 3, wherein the barrel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to retract the first valve conduit and the first valve element into the first housing.

5. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 3-4, wherein the driven portions of the first valve conduit and the first valve element comprise radially extending tabs retained in axially extending slots of the first housing.

6. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 3-5, wherein the driven portion of the first valve conduit disengages from the helical internal surface of the barrel when the first valve conduits is axially advanced into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit, such that further rotation of the barrel axially advances the first valve element without axially advancing the first valve conduit.

7. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first valve element includes a nose portion that aligns with a front bore of the first valve conduit for radial sealing engagement between the first valve element and the first valve conduit.

8. The fluid coupling system of claim 7, wherein when the first valve element is axially advanced out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit, a neck portion of the first valve element aligns with the front bore of the first valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the front bore.

9. The fluid coupling system of claim 8, wherein the neck portion comprises a splined portion.

10. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 7-9, wherein when the first valve element is axially advanced against the second valve element, the nose portion of the first valve element engages a nose portion of the second valve element.

11. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 1-10, wherein the second valve element includes a nose portion that aligns with a front bore of the second valve conduit for radial sealing engagement between the second valve element and the second valve conduit, the second valve element nose portion being axially displaced from the second valve conduit front bore when the second valve element is moved out of sealing engagement with the second valve conduit.

12. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 1-11, wherein the first and second couplings are substantially identical.

13. A fluid coupling system comprising: a first fluid coupling comprising a first housing defining a first attachment portion, a first valve element disposed within the first housing, and a first valve actuator assembled with the first housing; and a second fluid coupling comprising a second housing defining a second attachment portion attachable to the first attachment portion, a second valve element disposed within the second housing, and a second valve actuator assembled with the second housing; wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion: the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with a sealing portion of the first fluid coupling and against the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with a sealing portion of the second fluid coupling to permit fluid flow through the first and second fluid couplings; and the second valve actuator is operable to axially advance the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the sealing portion of the second fluid coupling and against the first valve element to move the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the sealing portion of the first fluid coupling to permit fluid flow through the first and second fluid couplings.

14. The fluid coupling system of claim 13, wherein the first valve actuator comprises a rotatable barrel having a helical internal surface configured to engage a driven portion of the first valve element for axial advancement of the first valve element when the barrel is rotated in a first direction.

15. The fluid coupling system of claim 14, wherein the barrel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to retract the first valve element into the first housing.

16. The fluid coupling system of any of 14-15, wherein the driven portion of the first valve element comprises one or more radially extending tabs retained in one or more axially extending slots of the first housing.

17. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 13-16, wherein the first valve element includes a nose portion that aligns with a front bore of the first coupling sealing portion for radial sealing engagement with the first coupling sealing portion.

18. The fluid coupling system of claim 17, wherein when the first valve element is axially advanced out of sealing engagement with the first coupling sealing portion, a neck portion of the first valve element aligns with the front bore of the first coupling sealing portion to permit fluid flow through the front bore.

19. The fluid coupling system of claim 18, wherein the neck portion comprises a splined portion.

20. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 17-19, wherein when the first valve element is axially advanced against the second valve element, the nose portion of the first valve element engages a nose portion of the second valve element.

21. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 13-20, wherein the second valve element includes a nose portion that aligns with a front bore of the second coupling sealing portion for radial sealing engagement between the second valve element and the second valve conduit, the second valve element nose portion being axially displaced from the second coupling front bore when the second valve element is moved out of sealing engagement with the second coupling sealing portion.

22. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 13-21, wherein the first and second coupling sealing portions are defined by first and second valve conduits disposed within the first and second housings.

23. The fluid coupling system of claim 22, wherein the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit.

24. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 13-23, wherein the first and second couplings are substantially identical.

25. A fluid coupling system comprising: a first fluid coupling comprising a first housing defining a first attachment portion, a first valve conduit disposed within the first housing, and a first valve actuator assembled with the first housing; and a second fluid coupling comprising a second housing defining a second attachment portion attachable to the first attachment portion, a second valve conduit disposed within the second housing, and a second valve actuator assembled with the second housing; wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion: the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second fluid coupling; and the second valve actuator is operable to axially advance the second valve conduit into sealing engagement with the first fluid coupling.

26. The fluid coupling system of claim 25, wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion: the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve conduit into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit; and the second valve actuator is operable to axially advance the second valve conduit into sealing engagement with the first valve conduit.

27. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 25-26, wherein the first valve actuator comprises a rotatable barrel having a helical internal surface configured to engage a driven portion of the first valve conduit for axial advancement of the first valve conduit when the barrel is rotated in a first direction.

28. The fluid coupling system of claim 27, wherein the barrel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to retract the first valve conduit into the first housing.

29. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 27-28, wherein the driven portion of the first valve conduit comprises one or more radially extending tabs retained in one or more axially extending slots of the first housing.

30. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 27-29, wherein the driven portion of the first valve conduit disengages from the helical internal surface of the barrel when the first valve conduits is axially advanced into sealing engagement with the second valve conduit, such that further rotation of the barrel axially does not axially advance the first valve conduit.

31. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 25-30, wherein the first coupling further comprises a first valve element disposed within the first valve conduit, wherein the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve element out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit.

32. The fluid coupling system of claim 31, wherein the second coupling further comprises a second valve element disposed within the first valve conduit, wherein the first valve actuator is operable to axially advance the first valve element against the second valve element to move the second valve element out of sealing engagement with the second valve conduit.

33. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 31-32, wherein the first valve element includes a nose portion that aligns with a front bore of the first valve conduit for radial sealing engagement between the first valve element and the first valve conduit.

34. The fluid coupling system of claim 33, wherein when the first valve element is axially advanced out of sealing engagement with the first valve conduit, a neck portion of the first valve element aligns with the front bore of the first valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the front bore.

35. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 25-34, wherein the first and second couplings are substantially identical.

36. A fluid coupling system comprising: a first fluid coupling comprising a first housing having a first front portion defining a first attachment portion and a first fluid opening, and a first interlock body assembled with the first housing; anda second fluid coupling comprising a second housing having a second front portion defining a second attachment portion attachable to the first attachment portion and a second fluid opening, and a second interlock body assembled with the second housing; wherein when the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion, the second fluid opening sealingly engages the first fluid opening and the first and second interlock bodies are movable from a releasing position permitting detachment of the first and second couplings to an interlock position securing the first and second fluid couplings in an attached condition.

37. The fluid coupling system of claim 36, further comprising a first gasket seal carried by the first fluid opening and a second gasket seal carried by the second fluid opening for sealing engagement with the first gasket seal when the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion.

38. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 36-37, wherein the first and second interlock bodies are laterally slidable between the interlocking position and a releasing position permitting detachment of the second fluid coupling from the first fluid coupling.

39. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 36-38, wherein the first and second interlock bodies each comprise first and second interlocking prongs extending axially forward of the corresponding one of the first and second attachment portions, wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the first and second interlocking prongs are received in corresponding notches of the other of the first and second attachment portions.

40. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 36-39, wherein the first and second couplings are substantially identical.

41. A fluid coupling comprising: a housing defining an attachment portion; a valve conduit disposed within the housing; and a valve element disposed within the valve conduit; and a valve actuator assembled with the housing;wherein the valve actuator is operable to axially advance the valve conduit beyond a front end of the housing and to axially advance the valve element from a sealing position in sealing engagement with the valve conduit to a first open condition out of sealing engagement with the valve conduit.

42. The fluid coupling of claim 41, wherein the valve element is retractable from the sealing position to a second open position out of sealing engagement with the valve conduit in response to an axial force applied to a front surface of the valve element.

43. The fluid coupling of any of claims 41-42, wherein the valve actuator comprises a rotatable barrel having a helical internal surface configured to engage driven portions of the valve conduit and the valve element for axial advancement of the valve conduit and the valve element when the barrel is rotated in a first direction.

44. The fluid coupling of claim 43, wherein the barrel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to retract the valve conduit and the valve element into the housing.

45. The fluid coupling system of any of claims 43-44, wherein the driven portions of the valve conduit and the valve element comprise radially extending tabs retained in at least one axially extending slot of the housing.

46. The fluid coupling of any of claims 43-45, wherein the driven portion of the valve conduit disengages from the helical internal surface of the barrel at a first actuated position, such that further rotation of the barrel axially advances the valve element without axially advancing the valve conduit.

47. The fluid coupling of any of claims 42-46, wherein the valve element includes a nose portion that aligns with a front bore of the valve conduit for radial sealing engagement between the valve element and the valve conduit.

48. The fluid coupling of claim 47, wherein when the valve element is axially advanced out of sealing engagement with the valve conduit, a neck portion of the valve element aligns with the front bore of the valve conduit to permit fluid flow through the front bore.

49. The fluid coupling of claim 48, wherein the neck portion comprises a splined portion.

50. The fluid coupling of any of claims 41-49, wherein the housing includes a front wall that defines a fluid opening aligned with a longitudinal axis, a barrier element seated in the fluid opening for sealing engagement with the front wall, and a barrier actuator assembled with the housing and connected with the barrier element, the barrier actuator being movable from a blocking position to a withdrawn position to move the barrier element away from the fluid opening into a barrier storage cavity of the housing.

51. The fluid coupling of claim 50, wherein the barrier storage cavity is defined by a lateral housing extension of a front portion of the housing.

52. The fluid coupling of any of claims 50-51, wherein the barrier actuator comprises a user graspable handle portion assembled with the housing and at least one leg portion extending from the handle portion into the barrier storage cavity and connected to the barrier element.

53. The fluid coupling of claim 52, wherein the at least one leg portion is connected to the barrier element by at least one pivoting linkage element.

54. The fluid coupling of any of claims 52-53, wherein the barrier actuator is operable to move the barrier element into the barrier storage cavity by pulling the user graspable handle portion.

55. The fluid coupling of any of claims 50-54, wherein the barrier actuator is operable to move the barrier element from the barrier storage cavity to seating engagement with the fluid opening.

56. The fluid coupling of any of claims 50-55, wherein the barrier actuator includes a valve actuator lockout portion that blocks movement of the valve actuator when the barrier actuator is in the blocking position.

57. The fluid coupling of claim 56, wherein the valve actuator lockout portion comprises a tab that interlocks with a notch in the valve actuator when the barrier element is seated in the fluid opening.

58. The fluid coupling of any of claims 50-57, wherein the barrier actuator includes a barrier lockout portion that blocks movement of the barrier actuator when the fluid coupling is detached from a mating fluid coupling.

59. The fluid coupling of claim 58, wherein the barrier lockout portion comprises at least one spring tab that extends through an aperture in the housing attachment portion to block movement of the barrier actuator, wherein attachment of the mating fluid coupling to the fluid coupling disengages the at least one spring tab from the aperture to permit movement of the barrier actuator.

60. The fluid coupling of any of claims 41-59, wherein the attachment portion comprises at least one tab and at least one slot, wherein when the fluid coupling is joined with a mating fluid coupling, the at least one tab is received in a corresponding slot of the mating fluid coupling, and the at least one slot receives a corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling.

61. The fluid coupling of claim 60, further comprising at least one latch that engages the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot, for automatic attachment of the fluid coupling with the mating fluid coupling when the fluid coupling is joined with the mating fluid coupling.

62. The fluid coupling of claim 61, further comprising at least one release element operable to disengage the at least one latch from the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot, thereby permitting detachment of the fluid coupling from the mating fluid coupling.

63. The fluid coupling of claim 62, wherein the at least one release element comprises a release button depressible to disengage the at least one latch from the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot.

64. The fluid coupling of claim 62, wherein the at least one release element comprises first and second release buttons depressible to disengage first and second latches of the at least one latch from corresponding tabs of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tabs are received in first and second slots of the at least one slot.

65. The fluid coupling of any of claims 62-64, wherein the at least one release element includes a lockout projection that abuts a blocking portion of the barrier actuator when the barrier actuator is in the withdrawn position to prevent disengagement of the at least one latch from the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot.

66. The fluid coupling of claim 65, wherein the blocking portion of the barrier actuator comprises at least one of a leg portion of the barrier actuator and a lockout lever that is pivoted to a lockout position when the barrier actuator is in the withdrawn position.

67. The fluid coupling of any of claims 41-66, wherein the attachment portion is configured to attach to a mating housing attachment portion of a mating fluid coupling.

68. The fluid coupling of any of claims 41-67, wherein the attachment portion is configured to attach to a mating housing attachment portion of a mating fluid coupling that is substantially identical to the fluid coupling.

69. The fluid coupling of any of claims 67-68, further comprising an interlock body assembled with the housing, wherein when the attachment portion of the fluid coupling housing is attached to the mating housing attachment portion, the interlock body is movable to an interlocking position in interlocking engagement with the mating housing attachment portion to secure the mating housing to the housing of the fluid coupling.

70. The fluid coupling of claim 69, wherein the interlock body is laterally slidable between the interlocking position and a releasing position permitting detachment of the housing from the mating housing of the mating fluid coupling.

71. The fluid coupling of any of claims 69-70, wherein the interlock body comprises interlocking prongs extending axially forward of the attachment portion.

72. The fluid coupling of any of claims 69-71, wherein the attachment portion includes interlock notches configured to receive prongs of a mating interlock body assembled with the mating housing of the mating fluid coupling.

73. A fluid coupling comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and including a front wall that defines an attachment portion and a fluid opening aligned with the longitudinal axis; a barrier element disposed in the fluid opening for sealing engagement with the front wall; and a barrier actuator assembled with the housing and connected with the barrier element, the barrier actuator being operable to move the barrier element axially rearward of the front wall and laterally away from the fluid opening into a barrier storage cavity of the housing.

74. The fluid coupling of claim 73, wherein the barrier storage cavity is defined by a lateral housing extension of a front portion of the housing.

75. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-74, wherein the barrier actuator comprises a user graspable handle portion assembled with the housing and at least one leg portion extending from the handle portion into the barrier storage cavity and connected to the barrier element.

76. The fluid coupling of claim 75, wherein the at least one leg portion is connected to the barrier element by at least one pivoting linkage element.

77. The fluid coupling of any of claims 75-76, wherein the barrier actuator is operable to move the barrier element into the barrier storage cavity by pulling the user graspable handle portion.

78. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-77, wherein the barrier actuator is operable to move the barrier element from the barrier storage cavity to seating engagement with the fluid opening.

79. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-78, wherein the barrier actuator includes a valve actuator lockout portion that blocks movement of the valve actuator when the barrier actuator is in the blocking position.

80. The fluid coupling of claim 79, wherein the valve actuator lockout portion comprises a tab that interlocks with a notch in the valve actuator when the barrier element is seated in the fluid opening.

81. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-81, wherein the barrier actuator includes a barrier lockout portion that blocks movement of the barrier actuator when the fluid coupling is detached from a mating fluid coupling.

82. The fluid coupling of claim 81, wherein the barrier lockout portion comprises at least one spring tab that extends through an aperture in the housing attachment portion to block movement of the barrier actuator, wherein attachment of the mating fluid coupling to the fluid coupling disengages the at least one spring tab from the aperture to permit movement of the barrier actuator.

83. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-82, wherein the attachment portion comprises at least one tab and at least one slot, wherein when the fluid coupling is joined with a mating fluid coupling, the at least one tab is received in a corresponding slot of the mating fluid coupling, and the at least one slot receives a corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling.

84. The fluid coupling of claim 83, further comprising at least one latch that engages the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot, for automatic attachment of the fluid coupling with the mating fluid coupling when the fluid coupling is joined with the mating fluid coupling.

85. The fluid coupling of claim 84, further comprising at least one release element operable to disengage the at least one latch from the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot, thereby permitting detachment of the fluid coupling from the mating fluid coupling.

86. The fluid coupling of claim 85, wherein the at least one release element comprises a release button depressible to disengage the at least one latch from the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot.

87. The fluid coupling of claim 85, wherein the at least one release element comprises first and second release buttons depressible to disengage first and second latches of the at least one latch from corresponding tabs of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tabs are received in first and second slots of the at least one slot.

88. The fluid coupling of any of claims 85-87, wherein the at least one release element includes a lockout projection that abuts a blocking portion of the barrier actuator when the barrier actuator is in the withdrawn position to prevent disengagement of the at least one latch from the corresponding tab of the mating fluid coupling when the corresponding tab is received in the at least one slot.

89. The fluid coupling of claim 88, wherein the blocking portion of the barrier actuator comprises at least one of a leg portion of the barrier actuator and a lockout lever that is pivoted to a lockout position when the barrier actuator is in the withdrawn position.

90. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-89, further comprising a valve conduit disposed within the housing and a valve actuator assembled with the housing, wherein the valve actuator is operable to axially advance the valve conduit beyond a front end of the housing.

91. The fluid coupling of claim 90, further comprising a valve element disposed within the valve conduit wherein the valve actuator is operable to axially advance the valve element from a sealing position in sealing engagement with the valve conduit to a first open condition out of sealing engagement with the valve conduit.

92. The fluid coupling of any of claims 73-91, wherein the attachment portion of the housing is configured to attach to a mating housing attachment portion of a mating fluid coupling.

93. The fluid coupling of claim 92, further comprising an interlock body assembled with the housing, wherein when the attachment portion of the fluid coupling housing is attached to the mating housing attachment portion, the interlock body is movable to an interlocking position in interlocking engagement with the mating housing attachment portion to secure the mating housing to the housing of the fluid coupling.

94. The fluid coupling of claim 93, wherein the interlock body is laterally slidable between the interlocking position and a releasing position permitting detachment of the housing from the mating housing of the mating fluid coupling.

95. The fluid coupling of any of claims 93-94, wherein the interlock body comprises interlocking prongs extending axially forward of the attachment portion.

96. The fluid coupling of any of claims 93-95, wherein the attachment portion includes interlock notches configured to receive prongs of a mating interlock body assembled with the mating housing of the mating fluid coupling.

97. A fluid coupling system comprising first and second fluid couplings, wherein the first fluid coupling comprises the fluid coupling of any of claims 41-96.

98. The fluid coupling system of claim 97, wherein the second coupling comprises the fluid coupling of any of claims 41-96.

99. The fluid coupling system of claim 97, wherein the first and second couplings are substantially identical.

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