JPH026960B2 - - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupler adaptor (32) is provided for use in operative association with a container (16) and a valve (26). The container houses relatively high pressurised carbon dioxide gas for use in carbonating a beverage. The valve is actuated in order to release the gas to an interface passage (52) formed in the coupler adaptor. The coupler adaptor has a pair of grooves (54, 56) formed on opposite sides of the interface passage for receiving O-rings (58, 60). The coupler adaptor is also in operative association with a pressure regulator (62). The pressurised gas enters the pressure regulator from the coupler adaptor interface passage. The coupler adaptor remains operatively joined to the pressure regulator without retaining structure due to the balanced gas pressure which results because of the O-rings positioned adjacent the coupler adaptor interface passage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Field of Application> The present invention relates to a coupling device in which a pressurized fluid is coupled to a container containing the pressurized fluid, in particular a coupling device from which the pressurized fluid is coupled.
The present invention relates to a gas distribution device with a coupling device that does not require retaining means to hold the coupling device in a container containing a pressurized fluid when being discharged into an apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The container or coupling device includes a valve for discharging fluid from the container to the coupling device.
Various coupling devices are known for connecting to containers containing fluids under pressure. Each of these known coupling devices are in reliable operative association with each other when pressurized fluid exits the container and flows into the coupling device.
requires some retaining structure to hold the coupling device and the container so as to maintain the association. As can be readily appreciated, the force of highly pressurized gas exiting a container to a coupling device joined to the container can easily separate the container and coupling device. Typically, such retention structures used in prior art coupling devices include threads for interconnecting with threads formed in the container. Alternatively, the retaining structure includes a clamp or strap to maintain a secure connection between the coupling device and the container or valve.

US Patent No. for Sentry
No. 3,319,829 discloses a pressure regulator connected to a housing by a thread. The housing includes an opening for receiving a cylinder containing gas under relatively high pressure. Gas is released into the pressure regulator in a direction parallel to the direction in which it escapes from the cylinder. O adjacent to the connection of the pressure regulator to the housing to prevent gas leakage.
A ring seal is provided.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,524,052 to Grant, Jr. describes a valve assembly held to a container by threads. The valve operating member is connected to the valve assembly by a threaded coupling nut and is movable relative to the valve assembly. The O-ring seal prevents gas leakage between the coupling nut and the valve operating member.

US Pat. No. 1,910,283 provides a valve arrangement that includes a casing connected by threads to a cylinder containing pressurized fluid.

A thrust screw is used to allow the check valve to open and pressurized fluid to escape.

A coupling assembly is provided having a coupling adapter for connecting to the container assembly. The container assembly contains pressurized fluid. A check valve is provided to retain pressurized fluid.

PROBLEM SOLVED BY THE INVENTION The use of such a retaining structure to simplify the connection between the container or valve and the coupling device and to minimize the amount of space taken up by the container, the valve and the coupling device. It was found that it is desirable to eliminate As a result of simplifying these connections, assembly and disassembly of the container is facilitated and enhanced. More particularly, a coupler adapter for reversing a pressurized fluid containing container and delivering pressurized fluid to a pressure regulator without the use of a retaining structure to hold the pressure regulator and container together. It has been found advantageous to provide a coupler adapter. In this regard, the present invention provides for a mutually highly pressurized fluid to be operatively associated with the container and the pressure regulator when the fluid is discharged from the container through the valve to the coupler adapter and the pressure regulator. Includes a coupler adapter to hold it in place. A coupler adapter is a pressure balancing arrangement.
Therefore, it is held connected to a container and a pressure regulator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gas distribution device for distributing compressed gas in a container from a container to a device using the gas at a predetermined pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above object, the present invention includes a coupling assembly for coupling a container and a pressure controller together, the coupling assembly being assembled without the need for special equipment such as clamps or screws;
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gas distribution device that requires a small assembly space and is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below.

<Means and Operations for Solving the Problems> According to the present invention, the above objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by reducing the pressure of compressed gas disposed within the container 12 from the container 12 to a lower level. A gas distribution device for distributing gas at a predetermined pressure to the equipment using it through a suitable pressure controller 62, the device having a coupling assembly 14 for coupling the container and pressure controller together. and the coupling composition encloses a first body portion 32 and a second body portion 66; the first body portion 32 extends from the container 12 and is in fluid communication with the pressure controller 62. and the second body portion 66 has an interior passageway 52 in communication with the first body portion 66.
an annular space for removably receiving a body portion 32;
2 and the container.
8, and a second seal member 60 disposed on the opposite side of the passageway 52 from the first seal member.
This is achieved by a gas distribution device characterized by:

In one embodiment of the invention, the coupler adapter (first body portion of the coupler assembly)
includes a generally cylindrical body through which a check valve extends. The cylindrical body is integrally connected to a housing that is threadedly connected to a container assembly for containing pressurized fluid. The cylindrical first body portion includes two grooves. The O-rings each sit in a groove and an interface passage is formed between the two O-rings. The pressurized fluid passes through the check valve and
It then travels through the boundary passage to the pressure regulator.

In another aspect of the invention, the container assembly includes a valve body (second body portion of the coupling assembly) having a recess into which a coupler adapter is slidably received. The valve body houses a check valve. The coupler adapter is threadably attached to a pressure regulator or other coupling device for receiving pressurized fluid from a container. Pressurized fluid is released from the container assembly when the check valve is engaged. Pressurized fluid escapes from the container assembly through a boundary passage formed in the coupler adapter to the pressure regulator. As in the first embodiment, a pair of O-rings is also provided adjacent the boundary passage. In both embodiments, O-rings on both sides of the boundary passage prevent leakage of the pressurized fluid as it is discharged from the container assembly, and most importantly,
Provides a substantial pressure balance so that the coupling device and container assembly are held in operative association during the discharge of pressurized fluid.

The invention is particularly useful in pressurized systems, such as carbonation systems, where the container contains carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide gas in the vessel is allowed to escape in a controlled manner through a check valve and a coupler adapter to a pressure regulator. A pressure regulator regulates the pressure of gas leaving an outlet port formed in the pressure regulator.
Typically, pressurized gases are used to pressurize fluids such as soft drinks.

In view of the foregoing description, there is provided an effective yet simple coupler adapter that is quickly plugged or slidably fitted into a container in one embodiment or a valve body in another embodiment for connection to a container. It is easily recognized that As a result, the connection and removal of containers and coupler adapters from pressure regulators or the connection and removal of containers from coupler adapters and pressure regulators is quick and easy even when the container contents are highly pressurized. easily achieved. Importantly, the coupler adapter does not have a retaining structure to clamp them together, even though, for example, gas escaping from the container may exert significant forces on the interface between the coupler adapter and the pressure regulator or valve body. or remain in operative association with the pressure regulator or valve body. Thereby,
Coupler parts are minimized and the space required for the container, coupler adapter and pressure regulator is reduced.

EMBODIMENTS Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with the present invention, a container assembly 10 including a container (cylinder) 12 has a first coupling assembly 14 attached to the container 12 at its neck.
As shown in the figure. Container 12 is typically used to contain carbon dioxide under high pressure, such that a portion of the contents of container 12 is liquid carbon dioxide and the remaining portion of the contents of container 12 is gaseous carbon dioxide. be done. Gaseous carbon dioxide is preferably used in carbonated beverages such as soft drinks. The invention is therefore primarily suited for connection to other containers containing beverages to be carbonated. When desired, gaseous carbon dioxide is allowed to escape from the container 12 and coupling assembly 14 through the outlet tube 18 into a container containing the beverage to be pressurized or carbonated.

Coupling assembly 14 includes a coupler adapter. In a first embodiment, the coupler adapter is threadably connected to the container 12. In a second embodiment, the coupler adapter is threadably connected to a coupling body, such as a pressure regulator. The coupling body or pressure regulator is also an element or part of the coupling assembly 14. In particular, the first aspect is characterized in that the coupler adapter remains in operative association with the pressure regulator when pressurized gas is allowed to escape from the container 12. shall be. Similarly, in a second aspect, the coupler adapter connects the container assembly 1 when pressurized gas is allowed to escape from the container 12.
0 and container 12. This operative connection in both embodiments does not require the use of retaining structures such as clamps, yokes, threaded fittings, etc., and is unlike previously devised coupling structures in which such retaining structures are required.

The invention is also characterized in that in its preferred arrangement, the container 12 is positioned inverted or upside down as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. However, it is understood that the present invention also functions properly when the container 12 is positioned right side up, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. That is, the container assembly 10 and the coupling assembly 14 are connected to the container 12.
are upright and are operatively connected as gas escapes from the container 12 to the coupling assembly 14 without the use of a retaining structure. In this context, the use of inverted vessels and upright vessels (upright
A significant functional difference in the usage of cylinders is that in the inverted vessel configuration, the weight of the vessel and the carbon dioxide contained therein acts on the check valve stem to release the pressurized gas from the vessel. This means that it acts to overcome the force of the pressurized gas in the container. This force tends to separate the container assembly and coupling assembly. For the inverted cylinder embodiment, the coupler ring assembly is normally attached to and supported by a horizontal support surface, but the inverted container is joined to the coupler assembly while vertically above the coupler assembly. It is positioned as As a result, there is a tendency to separate the coupling assembly from the container assembly. The force resulting from the pressurized gas against the check valve stem is completely or at least partially overcome by the downward force of the weighted container.

For upturned container embodiments in which the coupling assembly is attached to a support surface that also extends horizontally, the forces resulting from the pressurized gas against the check valve stem tend to separate the container from the coupling assembly. However, since the magnitude of the force on the check valve stem depends on the magnitude of the pressure of the gas contained in the container, this force is usually overcome by frictional forces acting against the normal fluid forces present in the container. . Additionally, the forces on the check valve stem in the upturned container configuration are significantly minimized through the use of a relatively small lateral or cross-sectional area. This power is
By using a valve stem secured against movement in the direction toward the coupling assembly so that the forces of pressurized gas do not act to move the check valve. It can also be done.

Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2,
It will be appreciated that standard support mechanisms are typically provided to securely hold the container assembly 10 and coupling assembly 14 combination in either an upward or inverted position. A conventional support assembly is provided for either the container assembly 10 or the coupling assembly 14 to prevent the container assembly 10 or the coupling assembly 14 from inverting or tipping from its substantially vertical position. can be connected to any Nevertheless, such a support structure is not used to interconnect the coupler adapter and pressure regulator with respect to the first embodiment or the coupler adapter and container assembly with respect to the second embodiment described above. Let me emphasize again.
In choosing a viable support structure, it is also desirable to provide ready access to the container 12 so that the container 12 can be easily replaced when the carbon dioxide contained therein is consumed.

Detailed features of the invention are set forth herein in the first and second sections.
Two different structural configurations are shown as embodiments. Although FIG. 6 shows details of the invention with respect to the inverted container 12 and FIG. 7 shows details of the invention with respect to the upturned container 12,
It will be readily appreciated that both the embodiments of Figures 1 and 7 can be used with either an inverted or upturned container 12.

Referring to a first embodiment in which a first body portion or coupler adapter is threadably connected to a container assembly 10, FIG.
0 is also shown to include a gas relief tube 20 extending longitudinally through the container 12. Gas relief tube 20 has an inlet 22 located above the liquid carbon dioxide contained in container 12 to provide an outlet only for gaseous carbon dioxide and not for liquid carbon dioxide.
including. When container 12 is used in an inverted configuration, relief tube 20 is used. On the contrary, container 1
Gas relief tube 20 is not required when 2 is positioned in the upward position as shown in FIG. This is because gaseous carbon dioxide
the top of the container 12 immediately adjacent the coupling assembly 14 for release from the container 12.

6 and 3, 4 and 5, gas relief tube 20 is integrally joined to housing 24 of valve assembly 26. Referring to FIGS. housing 2
4 is screwed into the neck 16 of the container 12 for secure attachment. O-ring seal member 28 is located adjacent the top surface of neck 16 to prevent leakage of pressurized gas from container 12 through the threaded junction of housing 26 and cylinder neck 16. To prevent.

The hole 30 is the coupler adapter 32 mentioned above.
is formed through the center of the housing 24 for communication with the housing 24. Coupler adapter 32 is fixedly joined to housing 24 by interconnecting threads, and O-ring seal member 34 prevents gas leakage through the threaded connection.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, check valve 36 of valve assembly 26 is operatively positioned within coupler passageway 38 of coupler adapter 32. In the embodiment of FIGS. The check valve 36 includes a check valve stem 40 previously described with respect to the forces acting thereon, as well as a spring biased valve member or valve plunger 42 and a valve spring 44. The valve stem 40 is the valve plunger 4
2, while the valve spring 44 is operatively engaged with the valve plunger 42. As seen in FIG. 4, when check valve 36 is closed, valve seat 46 acts to prevent gas from escaping from container 12. An O-ring seal 48 is provided in the coupler passageway 38 around a portion of the valve stem 40 to prevent escape of gas from the coupler adapter 32 along the outer wall of the valve stem 40 when the check valve 36 is in its open position. positioned.

Coupler adapter 32 includes a generally cylindrical body 50 and a bounded interior 52 formed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to coupler passageway 38 to provide lateral flow of pressurized gas. A first circular groove 54 is formed in the coupler adapter 32 on a first side of the boundary passageway 52 or in the container 12.
When it is reversed, it is located vertically above the inner passage 52 at the boundary. Second circular groove 56
is formed in the coupler adapter 32 on the second side of the boundary passageway 52 or located vertically below the boundary interior passageway 52 when the container 12 is inverted. The first O which is the first seal member 58
A ring seal member 58 is seated in the first groove 54, while a second seal member 60, a second O-ring seal member 60, is seated in the second groove 56.

The first and second O-ring seal members 58, 60 serve two functions that are critical to the proper operation of the present invention. In particular, a coupling device of coupling assembly 14 is joined to or operatively associated with coupler adapter 32 and engages a check valve 36 for venting pressurized gas from container 12. When the first and second O-ring seal members 58, 60
The pressurized gas is connected to the coupler adapter 32.
It functions to balance the pressure present at an interface or area escaping from the As a result, the joined coupling device remains attached to the coupler adapter 32. Cup puller adapter 32
and a second part which acts to separate the coupling device.
The force of the escaping gas on the first O-ring seal member 58 balances or offsets the force exerted by the escaping gas in the opposite direction on the second O-ring seal member 60, resulting in a balanced pressure. In addition to providing balanced pressure along the outlet interface of the coupler adapter 32, the two O-ring seal members 58, 60 ensure that gas discharged from the container 12 is operatively connected to the coupling device. It also functions to prevent gas leakage so that it passes correctly. O-ring seal members 58, 6
0 also provides a frictional force that assists in retaining the coupler adapter 32 in conjunction with the mating recess, as will now be explained.

A burst disc (burst disc) is provided to provide a safety vent for the pressurized fluid contained in container 12.
disc) assembly 108 is connected to the housing 24. The rupture disc 108 includes a vent plug 110;
Includes rupture disk 112 and seal 114. The vent plug 110 is threadably attached to the housing 24 in a recess formed within the housing 24. Seal 114 prevents leakage of pressurized gas around rupture disc 112 or through the threaded joint. If excessively high pressure exists within the container 12, the rupture disk 112 will rupture and allow the gas to escape. This is a necessary safety device and is desirable to prevent over-pressurization of the container 12.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling device described above is a pressure controller 62. Basically, the pressure controller 62 is a coupler adapter 3.
2 to regulate or control the pressure of the gas received from the vessel 12 through. Pressure controller 62 includes an outlet port 64 formed in a regulator body or second body portion 66 . The outlet port 64 is connected to the outlet pipe 18
connected to. Outlet tube 18 conveys pressurized carbon dioxide gas to a container containing the fluid. As best seen in FIG. 5, regulator body 66 also has a recess 68 formed therein. A cylindrical valve lifting pin 70 is integral with regulator body 66 and extends into recess 68 . A vent passageway or exhaust outlet 72 is also formed in the regulator body 66. Coupler adapter 32 is slidably fitted or plugged into recess 68 to couple coupler adapter 32 to pressure controller 62 . The force required to insert the coupler adapter 32 into the recess 68 must be sufficient to overcome the force of the pressurized gas acting on the check valve 36. This force can be easily and manually overcome by inserting the coupler adapter 32 into the recess 68 and then pressing downward (in this example with the container 12 in its inverted position). . Bend passageway 72 allows air to escape from the surfaces of coupler adapter 32 and recess 68 when coupler adapter 32 is inserted into recess 68 .

Pressure controller 62 further includes a regulator spring housing 74. Diaphragm 76 is located at the interface of regulator spring housing 74 and regulator body 66. A diaphragm backup plate 78 engages one side of the diaphragm 76 while a diaphragm rivet 80 contacts the other or pressure side of the diaphragm. The head of diaphragm rivet 80 is positioned within valve chamber 82 of regulator body 66. A forward plate 84 is threadably attached to the end of adjuster spring housing 74 and adjuster spring 86 is operatively positioned between diaphragm backup plate 78 and forward plate 84.

Located within a cavity 88 formed in the regulator body 66 are a bush 92 and a valve arm 9.
4. Valve mechanism 9 including valve seat 96 and coil spring 98
It is 0. The valve arm 94 acts laterally in a valve passage 100 formed within the bush 92. The valve arm 94 is connected to the coil spring 9 at one end of the coil spring 98.
8. The opposite end of the coil spring 98 is joined to a rigid filter disk 102 at the opposite end of the valve passageway 100. Filter disk 102 is typically made of a porous material, such as sintered bronze, and fits within a recess formed in the end of bushing 92. The opposite side of filter disk 102 communicates with regulator passage 104 . Regulator passage 104 communicates with boundary passage 52 . O-ring seal 106 is located adjacent bush 92 and filter disk 102 to prevent gas leakage through the outer wall of bush 92.

Finally, a safety shroud 116 is fixedly attached between the outer surface of the net 16 and the housing 24. Safety shroud 116 is generally bowl-shaped and has a wall 118 surrounding coupling assembly 14 and valve assembly 26 as shown in FIG. Safety shroud 116 is preferably made from a material having a melting point at the desired temperature. If the safety shroud 116 shows signs of excessive temperature, it is an indication that the temperature of the environment around the safety shroud 116 and the container 12 is at an undesirable level. Thus, the modification of the safety shroud 116 is
An alarm that the temperature of the container 12 has become high enough to anneal and weaken the metal container 12, creating an unsafe operating condition. Additionally, the safety shroud 116 protects the coupling assembly 14 and valve assembly in the event that the container assembly 10 and coupler adapter 32 are accidentally dropped during shipping or during interconnection of the coupler adapter 32 and pressure regulator 62. It acts to protect the solid body 26.

In operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the housing 24 is threadably connected to the container 12, and the coupler adapter 32 is also threadably joined to the housing 24. Container 12 then receives carbon dioxide under pressure through coupler adapter 32. When it is desired to use gaseous carbon dioxide for carbonation purposes, for example, vessel 12 is inverted and pressure controller 62 inserts coupler adapter 32 into recess 68 formed in pressure controller 62. It is joined to the coupler adapter 32 by inserting or slidingly snapping or plugging. As such, the valve stem 40 contacts a cylindrical valve lifting pin 70 that extends into the recess 68 . The force exerted by the valve lifting pin 70 on the valve stem 40 moves the valve plunger 42 against the valve seat 46 against the force of the valve spring 44 and the force of the pressure acting on the check valve 36.
move away from. As a result, pressurized carbon dioxide gas can pass from the valve passageway 38 through the opening made in the valve seat 46 and into the boundary interior passageway 52. Gas cannot escape around the valve stem 40 because of the O-ring seal 48.

As mentioned above, the balanced forces are the first and second O
The juncture of coupler adapter 32 and pressure controller 62 is provided by ring seal members 58, 60 and by their location. Gas escaping the boundary interior passageway 52 and entering the pressure regulator 62 exerts equal and opposite forces on the first and second O-ring seal members 58,60. That is, forces tending to separate pressure regulator 62 from coupler adapter 32 in an upward direction are balanced by forces tending to separate pressure regulator 62 from coupler adapter 32 in a downward direction. As a result, the internal passage of the boundary 5
2 and entering regulator passage 104 connects coupler adapter 32 to pressure controller 6.
There is no tendency to separate from 2.

Upon entering regulator passage 104, the gas moves through filter disc 102 to valve passage 100. The gas passes past the valve seat 96 into the valve chamber 82 where it exerts pressure against the side of the diaphragm 76 and escapes from the pressure regulator 62 through the outlet port 64. , the pressure of the gas entering the pressure controller 62 is controlled by the valve mechanism 90 and the diaphragm 76.
controlled by the operation of The force of the gas on diaphragm 76 causes diaphragm 76 to move toward the left (as shown with respect to FIG. 3) against the force of regulator spring 86. At a predetermined gas pressure in the valve chamber 82 acting against the diaphragm 76, the diaphragm 76 and diaphragm rivet 80 cause the valve arm 94 to contact the valve seat 96, thereby preventing gas from the valve passageway 100. Move laterally to the left a sufficient distance to break the flow. When the pressure is reduced below a predetermined pressure, the force of regulator spring 86 is directed to the right and laterally against diaphragm 7, as shown with respect to FIG.
6 to allow gas to pass through the valve seat 92 and into the valve chamber 82 where it passes through the outlet port 64 and into a container containing the beverage to be pressurized or carbonated. allow it to pass.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, connector body 120 is threadably attached to neck 16 of container 12 while O-ring seal member 28
is located at the interface between the neck 16 and the connector body 120 to prevent gas from escaping through this threaded joint. The valve housing 122 is the valve connector body 12
0 It is screwably mounted in a recess formed therein. A first O-ring seal member 124 is located at one end of the threaded connection between connector body 120 and valve housing 122, and a second O-ring seal member 126 is located at one end of the threaded connection between connector body 120 and valve housing 122. located at the opposite end of the threaded joint to prevent gas from escaping through the end of the threaded joint.

Check valve 128 is provided in a recess formed in valve housing 122. Check valve 128, like check valve 36, includes a valve stem 130, a valve plunger 132, and a valve spring 134. Valve passage 13
6 receives pressurized gas from container 12 and conveys it to first transverse passage 138 when check valve 128 is in its open position. Valve housing 1
A second lateral passageway 140 is also formed within 22 and a first lateral passageway 13 is formed through the slot 142.
Connects with 8.

In this embodiment, the coupler adapter 3
2 is threadably attached to the housing 24 of the valve assembly 26, the coupler adapter 144 is attached to a coupling device or, in a preferred embodiment, to a pressure regulator. Fixedly joined to assembly 146. Similar to the coupler adapter 32, the coupler adapter 144 has a generally cylindrical body 148.
and a laterally defined boundary passageway 150 for receiving pressurized carbon dioxide gas when the valve plunger 132 is displaced away from the valve seat 152. Correspondingly, the coupler adapter 144 is connected to the first and second grooves 1, respectively.
54, 156, including a first O-ring seal member 158 and a second O-ring seal member 160.
are each seated. The first and second O-ring seal members 158 , 160 prevent the coupler adapter 144 from entering the coupler adapter 144 when carbon dioxide gas exits the valve housing 122 and enters the coupler adapter 144 .
44 and valve housing 122 to provide balanced fluid forces adjacent the interface. As a result, the coupler adapter 144 and valve housing 122
Check valve 128 is in operative association when engaged and carbon dioxide gas escapes from cylinder 12 through valve plunger 132 of check valve 128. Coupler adapter 144 further includes a coupler passage 162, which interfaces with boundary passage 15.
It communicates with 0. Thus, carbon dioxide gas exits boundary passage 150 and enters coupler passage 162. From coupler passage 162, gas flows to pressure regulator assembly 146.

Connect the coupler adapter 144 to the valve housing 1
22, coupler adapter 14
4 is the top surface 1 of the coupler adapter 144
64 connects the valve stem 130 of the check valve 128 to allow gas to flow into the first lateral passageway 138.
The valve housing 122 is inserted or slidably fitted into a recess formed in the valve housing 122 to engage the valve housing 122 . A vent passageway 166 formed in the coupler adapter 144 connects the top surface 164 of the coupler adapter 144 to the valve housing 122 when the coupler adapter 144 is inserted into the valve housing recess.
It is provided to allow air to escape between the interfaces.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, gas passes from coupler passage 162 to a regulator passage 168 formed in pressure regulator assembly 146. Pressure regulator assembly 1
The remaining elements of 46 are structurally identical and function as the pressure regulator assembly elements described above, such that the previous discussion regarding pressure regulator assembly 62 also applies to pressure regulator assembly 146.

In view of the foregoing description, the numerous advantages of the present invention can be readily appreciated. A coupler adapter is provided for use with the valve to allow release of pressurized gas from the container without the need for any additional retention structure. The pressurized gas is released through the valve and the forces tending to separate the coupler adapter from the joined body joined to it are balanced. In this regard, the coupler adapter is easily inserted into a recess formed in the valve housing or pressure regulator assembly to open the valve and release gas. The present invention is particularly advantageous in beverage dispensing systems where it is desirable to quickly and effectively replace a carbon dioxide-containing container when carbon dioxide is depleted from the container. Additionally, the present invention provides an effective carbonation system with minimal parts to reduce system complexity and minimize the space required for an operational carbonation system.

Although the invention has been described in terms of a limited number of embodiments, it will be readily appreciated that changes and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with the container inverted; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with the container in the upward position; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention separated from the coupler adapter. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 showing details of the coupler adapter; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inverted vessel showing the pressure regulator; FIG. An enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 in Figure 3; Figure 6 shows details of a first embodiment in which the coupler adapter is fixedly connected to the container;
An enlarged partial longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of the figure;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially longitudinal sectional view showing details of a second embodiment in which the coupler adapter is fixedly connected to the pressure regulator. In the figure, 10... Container assembly, 12... Container, 14... Coupling assembly, 24... Housing, 26... Valve assembly, 32... Coupler adapter, 36... Check valve, 62... A pressure regulator assembly.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Distributing compressed gas disposed in the container 12 from the container 12 at a predetermined pressure to devices using the gas through a pressure controller 62 suitable for reducing the pressure to a lower level. a gas distribution device comprising: a coupling assembly 14 for coupling together the container and the pressure controller; the coupling assembly includes a first body portion 32 and a second body portion; 66; the first body portion 32 has an interior passageway 52 extending from the container 12 and in fluid communication with the pressure controller 62; and the second body portion 66 includes the first body portion 66. an annular space for removably receiving the passageway 5;
2 and the container.
8, and a second seal member 60 disposed on the opposite side of the passageway 52 from the first seal member.
A gas distribution device characterized by: 2. The gas distribution device of claim 1, wherein the first seal member 58 and the second seal member 60 are O-ring gaskets received within retaining grooves on the outer surface of the first body portion. Device. 3 having a normally closed valve 36 in the first body portion 32 in fluid communication with the internal passageway 52, and which opens when the first and second body portions are joined together. A gas distribution device according to claim 1. 4. The valve 36 is a spring biased valve member 42, 44.
Claim 3 is a check valve that includes
Gas distribution equipment as described in Section. 5. The gas distribution device of claim 1 having an exhaust outlet 72 within said second body portion 66. 6. A gas distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the device using the gas is a carbonation tank and the gas is carbon dioxide. 7. The first body portion 32 of the coupling assembly 14 is larger than the second body portion 6 when viewed in a vertical plane.
7. A gas distribution device as claimed in claim 1 or as claimed in claim 6, which is arranged above 6.