GB776838A - Improvements in or relating to pipe connecting unions - Google Patents

Abstract

776,838. Pipe couplings. SHELL RESEARCH, Ltd. Oct. 24, 1955 [Nov. 11, 1954], No. 32665/54. Class 99(1) In a pipe union, wherein one pipe 2 is provided with a valve 3 normally closed by pressure fluid and/or a spring 4 and the other pipe 1 carries a projecting plunger 14 that is adapted to open the valve 3 on or after connecting up the pipes, comprising a quick-release device for coupling the pipes and a manually - operable member 13 capable of movement into one of two positions so that (1) coupling and uncoupling can only be effected when the member 13 is in one of the two positions and is otherwise prevented by the member 13 impeding manipulation of the quickrelease device, and (2) on coupling the pipes the member 13 when in the first position renders inoperative the plunger 14 but in the second position causes or allows the plunger to open the valve. The pipe 2 connected to a gas container houses a resilient gasket 6 whilst the valve 3 has a washer 5 and an extension 22; the pipe 2 is formed at its upper end with bayonet slots 18. The other pipe 1 carried by a pressure-reducing valve accommodates the plunger 14 which has an extension 23 disposed in a passage 15; bayonet pins 17 are carried by the pipe 1. The plunger 14 is retained within the pipe 1 by shoulders co-operating with a corresponding part, in the passage 15 and a spindle 7 passing transversely across the passage 15, the spindle embodying a flat 12 and a handle 11 with the lug 13 thereon. The bayonet connection may be replaced by quick-pitch threads or devices depending upon spring-urged catches or bolts or interengaging members moved by cam action, not shown. The lug and spindle may be carried by the pipe 2 whereupon additional cam and spring means, not shown, are provided for the actuation of the plunger; the positions of the bayonet pins and slots may be interchanged. With the handle 11 transverse to the pipe 1 the flat 12 is opposite the end of the plunger 14 and the lug 13 is remote from the bayonet pins 17 so that the latter may be engaged with the slots 18 to connect the two pipes whereupon the pipe 1 will seat in the gasket 6 whilst the extension 22 abuts the extension 23 and causes the plunger to approach or engage the flat 12, the valve 3 remaining closed. Upon turning the handle 11 through 90 degrees the curved surface of the spindle 7 adjacent the flat 12 acts as a cam and forces the plunger 14 downwards hence opening the valve 3; the gas path through the pipe 1 is comrpised by the space between the passage 15 and both the plunger 14 and spindle 7 in the area of the flat 12. To close the path through the coupling the handle 11 is turned back through 90 degrees. With the handle 11 in the position shown it is impossible to couple the pipes since the lug 13 will engage the outer edge of the pipe 2 and prevent the pins 17 from fully entering the slots 18; similarly the lug 13 prevents the valve being opened until thepipes are completely connected.