GB1362549A - Connector for fluid lines - Google Patents

Abstract

1362549 Pipe couplings BRITISH OXYGEN CO Ltd 3 Aug 1971 [18 Aug 1970] 36401/71 Heading F2G A connector 11 for a fluid line 14 comprises a body having a generally axial passageway 13, 31, 40 therethrough, the body being made up from a plurality of disconnectible sections 12, 18, 39 which are located against relative rotation about the axis by a plurality of pins 21, 22 each of which extends into or through at least two of the sections. When a number of such connectors are used to convey different fluids at the same location the design of the connector ensures that after disassembly for maintenance, the sections 18, 39 are returned to the correct section 12 so that a further connector, which is uniquely accepted by the section 39, is connected with the correct pipe-line 14. In a hospital ward, for example, a number of such connectors may be mounted in a housing wall 10 for the supply of different gases to be administered to patients. As shown, the pins 21, 22 may be a pair of bolts having screw-thread portions 26, 28 and heads which locate in recesses 43 in the section 39. The bolts 21, 22 are disposed on a pitch circle and the position on the circle of bores 23, 24 is sections 12, 18 varies from connector to connector (Fig. 2, not shown). A skirt 42 on the section 39 matches uniquely the configuration of a further connector to ensure correct coupling. The connector may include a valve 32 comprising a valve head member 36 urged by fluid pressure in the fluid line 14 against a seat 35 and a stem 34 which is long enough to contact a ball valve member 17 in a chamber 13. The further connector, to be coupled to the connector shown, has a projection which lifts the valve head 36 from the seat 35. If the parts 18, 39 are dismantled, the ball 17 seals the connecting aperture 35 under pressure from the fluid.