WO2004069734A1

WO2004069734A1 - Multivalve fluid fill adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2004069734A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/002227
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chad A. Sinke
Original assignee: Durr Production Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-01-28
Filing date: 2004-01-28
Publication date: 2004-08-19

Abstract

A fluid fill device, i.e. adapter transfers a pressurized fluid to a reservoir from a source of pressurized fluid. The adapter includes a housing and a core member disposed within the housing. The core member defines at least one channel enabling the transfer of the fluid through the core member to the reservoir. First and second pistons are concentrically arranged one within the other and are slidably disposed between the housing and core member. The second piston is sealable with the reservoir to prevent fluid from leaking while the adapter is filling the reservoir. A plurality of clamps are actuated by the first piston to secure the fluid fill adapter to the reservoir and to maintain the second piston in sealable engagement with the reservoir. The first piston is movable relative to the second piston and the first and second pistons are each movable relative to the core member.

Description

MULTIVALVE FLUID FILL ADAPTER

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/443,040 filed on January 28, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to a fluid fill adapter used to deliver fluid to a fluid reservoir in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Prior to shipping a motor vehicle that has been manufactured in an assembly process, a power train of the motor vehicle is typically filled with fluids required to operate a motor, such as, for example, radiator fluid, transmission fluid, oil, wiper fluid, and fuel. It is desirable to fill the motor vehicle's reservoirs intended to hold these fluids at a rapid pace in order to keep pace with the assembly process. Various assemblies known in the art are commonly used to fill, for example, a cooling system of the motor vehicle by first evacuating the cooling system and then charging or filling the system with a predetermined volume of fluid or coolant.

[0004] Typically, a vacuum is established in the reservoir to determine if the reservoir leaks prior to filling the reservoir with the desired fluid. If the reservoir does not leak, the fluid is rapidly injected into the reservoir through a feed line via a filling device, i.e. adapter. Subsequent to filling the reservoir, a second vacuum is typically established within the feed line via the adapter in order to prevent fluid from dripping from the adapter upon removal of the adapter from the reservoir to prevent fluid from leaking both on the vehicle and on the floor in the assembly facility.

[0005] To prevent spilling the fluid from the adapter while filling the reservoir, it is desirable to clamp the adapter to a reservoir feed nozzle thereby sealing the adapter to the reservoir. However, in order to clamp the adapter to the nozzle, a clamping pressure must overcome the fluid fill pressure which opposes the clamping pressure of the adapter. The art is replete with various fluid filling devices adaptable to be connected to the reservoir for transferring pressurized fluid to the reservoir disclosed in the United States Patent Nos. 5,560,407 to Swinford; 6,029,720 to Swinford; 6, 257, 285 to Robinson et al; and 6,298,886 to Robinson et al.

[0006] The United States Patent No. 5,560,407 to Swinford, for example, teaches a fluid adapter that includes a manifold, a valve plate, fixedly attached to an opposite end of the manifold, and a core fixedly attached to an opposite end of the manifold. The fluid adapter includes a clamp having a pair of lever-type locking arms, i.e. fingers pivotally supported by pins within the manifold. The fingers of the clamp have lower end portions defined by hooks to clamp with a reservoir. The adapter includes a first pair of pistons supported for axial movement in corresponding bores formed within the valve plate in diametrically opposed relation, and the pistons engage the upper end portions of the pivotal arms or fingers. The adapter further includes a second pair of pistons supported within corresponding bores. Each piston includes a tip, respectively, to engage the fingers of the clamp below the pivot pins. The adapter includes a compression spring confined within each of the bores to urge the pistons outwardly and the locking arms of the clamp to the released positions. The two pairs of pistons are function independently one from another and are subject to malfunction when the fluid pressure will exceed the clamping pressure.

[0007] Presently available adapters are typically large and difficult to maneuver due to the size of a clamp that is necessary to overcome the fluid fill pressure. It is desirable for the adapter to be compact and lightweight and to be easily attached to a cooling system, and to be simple to remove and replace for servicing. In addition, the adapter should be easily adaptable for partially filling an overflow container or bottle simultaneously while the cooling system is being evacuated and filled with a fluid or liquid coolant.

[0008] While fluid filling devices disclosed in the aforementioned patents provide some of these desirable features, none of the tool assemblies provide all of the features. Therefore, it would be desirable to use a clamp that does not require the size of presently available clamps yet can still overcome the fluid filling pressure in order to maintain contact between the adapter and the fluid fill nozzle.

[0009] There is a constant need in the area of the automotive industry for an improved fluid filling adapter that includes the ability to draw a vacuum in the reservoir, provide rapid fluid filling capabilities, prevent fluid leakage from the adapter, and is capable of clamping the adapter to the nozzle while being provided in a compact design that is easily maneuvered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The inventive fluid fill adapter of this application transfers pressurized fluid to a fluid fill nozzle of a reservoir from a source of pressurized fluid. A fluid filling device is adaptable to be releaseably connected to the fluid fill nozzle for transferring a pressurized fluid to the reservoir. A housing of the fluid filling device includes a core member disposed therein. At least one channel for transferring fluid therethrough is defined in the core member. A locking device is operably supported by the housing for engaging and disengaging the fluid fill nozzle. A first piston is disposed between the core member and the housing. The first piston activates the locking device for disengaging the locking device from the fluid fill nozzle. The first piston further disactivates the locking device for engaging the locking device with the fluid fill nozzle. A second piston is disposed between the housing and the core member with the second piston moving away from the first piston as the first piston disactivates the locking device to engage the locking device with the fluid fill nozzle thereby biasing the second piston against the locking device for clamping the fluid fill nozzle therebetween. As the second piston is retracted toward the first piston, the first piston activates the locking device to disengage and release the locking device from the fluid fill nozzle.

[0011] An advantage of the present invention is to provide a concentric piston design of a fluid fill adapter including a first, i.e. clamping piston and a second, i.e. sealing piston, disposed in the clamping piston that provides for the sealable engagement with the reservoir.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a compact design of the fluid fill adapter not available in present fluid fill adapters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a top sectional view of a fluid fill adapter showing sectional lines 2-2, 5-5, 6-6, and 7-7; [0015] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the fluid fill adapter taken through line 2-2 of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 3 is a fragmental and enlarged view of Figure 2 that shows a first operational mode of the inventive fluid fill adapter wherein first and second pistons are slidably disposed within the fluid fill adapter with the first piston disactivating a clamp for engaging the clamp with a reservoir . as the second piston is biased against the clamp for clamping the reservoir therebetween.

[0017] Figure 4 is another fragmental and enlarged view of Figure 2 that shows a second operational mode of the inventive fluid fill adapter with the second piston retracted toward the first piston as the first piston activates the clamp to disengage and release the clamp from the reservoir.

[0018] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the fluid fill adapter through line 5-5 of Figure 1;

[0019] Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the fluid fill adapter through line 6-6 of Figure 1 and shows sectional lines 8-8 and 9-9;

[0020] Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the fluid fill adapter through line 7-7 of Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a valve plate through line 8-8 of Figure 6;

[0022] Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a second valve plate through line 9-9 of Figure 6; and

[0023] Figure 10 shows a plan view of a jawplate used in the fluid fill adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0024] Referring to Figure 1, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts, a top sectional view of a fluid fill adapter, i.e. adapter, is generally shown at 20. Sectional lines 2-2, 5-5, 6-6, and 7-7 are shown drawn through the adapter 20 in Figure 1 in order to provide dimensional understanding for the following Figures. The sectional view of the adapter 20 in Figure 1 shows many of the components in the following drawings in phantom that will be explained further below.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 through 4, a sectional view through line 2-2 in Figure 1 of the adapter 20 is shown. A handle 22 is fixedly attached to a plate cover 24 that is fixedly attached to a handle housing 26. The handle 22 is hollow so that fluid fill and vacuum lines can be easily attached to fittings, i.e. adapter nozzles 28 as will be explained further below. A push button start switch 30 is located on the plate cover 24 to initiate the filling cycle. A manifold 32 redirects fluid fill lines shown in phantom in Figure 2 at a generally ninety degree angle from the handle housing 26 in order to provide a preferable ergonomical design to the adapter 20. A valve plate 34 is fixedly attached to an opposite end of the manifold 32 from the plate cover 24. The valve plate 34 directs the various fluid lines through a core member, i.e. core 36 as will be shown best in Figures 5 through 9.

[0026] The core 36 further includes a nose seal 38 presenting a nose seal aperture 40. The core 36 includes a channel, i.e. central channel 42 for transferring fluid therethrough. The core 36 also includes a second channel 44 defined therein for transferring fluid. The second channel 44 extends through an adapter plate 48, positioned between the core 36 and the valve plate 34. A housing 50 is connected to the adapter plate 48 surrounding the core 36. The housing 50 further includes a raised annular portion 52 having an annular groove 54 defined therein to receive a seal 56. The housing 50 includes a first channel 58 defined therein for transferring fluids therethrough. The first channel 58 extends through the valve plate 34, and the adapter plate 48 positioned between the core 36 and the valve plate 34. The first channel 58 continues through the housing 50 from the adapter plate 48.

[0027] A locking device, generally indicated at 62 in Figures 3 and 4, is operably supported by the housing 50 for engaging and disengaging a reservoir (not shown) with the core 36. The locking device 62 further includes a plurality of spaced clamps 64, disposed annularly about the housing 50. Each clamp 64 further includes a clasping surface 66 and a tail surface 68 operably connected to and supported by the housing 50. The clasping surface 66 engages the housing 50 when being actuated. Each clamp 64 further includes a torsion spring 70. Those skill in a torsion spring art will appreciate that the torsion spring 70 is designed and wound to be actuated rotationally to provide an angular return force of the clamp 64. The torsion spring 70 is operably connected to the clamp 64 at the tail surface 68 and is supported by the housing 50 for generating a torsion force to activate the clamp 64 for disengaging the clamp 64 with and from the reservoir. [0028] A first piston, i.e. clamping piston 72 is slidably disposed upon the core 36 and is engageable with the clamp 64, the actuation of which secures and releases a fluid fill nozzle, i.e. nozzle 74 of the reservoir disposed upon the reservoir being filled with fluid. The clamping piston 72 is disposed between the core 36 and the housing 50. A second piston, i.e. seal piston 76 is disposed between the core 36 and the clamping piston 72. The seal piston 76 will be discussed in greater details furtherbelow. The clamping piston 72 activates the clamp 64 for disengaging the clamp 64 from the nozzle 74 and disactivates the clamp 64 for engaging the clamp 64 with the nozzle 74. The clamping piston 72 includes a core engaging surface 80 extending to a second piston engaging surface, i.e. seal piston engaging surface 82. The clamping piston 72 further includes a housing engaging surface 84 disposed diametrically from the core engaging surface 80. Both housing 84 and core 80 engaging surfaces include grooves 86, 88, respectively, to receive seals 90, 92. The clamping piston 72 includes a biasing device, i.e. compression spring 93, also shown in Figure 5. The compression spring 93 is connected to the core 36 and is operably extending into the clamping piston 72 for biasing the clamping piston 72 against the clamp 64 for activating and releasing the clamp 64 from clasping, i.e. clamping engagement with the nozzle 74. The clamping piston 72 and the housing 50 include an outer jacket, i.e outer camera 94 defined annularly therebetween. The aforementioned first channel 58 defined in the housing 50 is fluidly communicated with the outer camera 94 for introducing fluid into the outer camera 94 thereby forcing the clamping piston 72 away from the clamp 64 toward the core 36.

[0029] The seal piston 76 is concentrically disposed between the core 36 and the clamping piston 72. Therefore, the clamping piston 72 and the seal piston 76 define an annular shape. The core 36 is located in a hollow space defined by the seal piston 76. The seal piston 76 is further located in the hollow space defined by the clamping piston 72. The seal 76 and clamping 72 pistons are telescopingly movable with respect to one another and relative to the core 36 and the housing 50. The clamping piston 72 is slidable relative to the seal piston 76 and to the core 36. Likewise, the seal piston 76 is slidable relative to the clamping piston 72 and the core 36. The seal piston 76 further includes a reservoir engaging surface 96. The reservoir engaging surface 96 further includes an annular groove 98 defined therein to receive a seal 100. The seal piston 76 further includes core engaging 102 and first, i.e. clamping piston engaging 104 surfaces each presenting annular grooves 106, 108 defined therein to receive seals 110, 112, respectively. The clamping 72 and seal 76 pistons include an inner jacket 114, i.e. inner chamber, defined annularly between the clamping 72 and seal 76 pistons and the core 36. The second channel 44 defined in the core 36 is fluidly communicated with the inner chamber 114 for introducing the fluid into the inner chamber 114 thereby forcing the seal piston 76 away from the clamping piston 72 toward the nozzle 74. The inner 114 and outer 94 chambers present sealed enclosures that are pressurized in order to begin the fluid fill cycle.

[0030] As best shown in figure 3, in order to sealingly engage the nozzle 74, the seal piston 76 is placed in an abutting relationship with the nozzle 74 so that the seal 100 disposed in the annular groove 98 of the reservoir engaging surface 96 upon the seal piston 76 prevents fluid from leaking from between the nozzle 74 and the seal piston 76. In order to secure the adapter 20 to the nozzle 74, the inner 114 and outer 94 chambers are pressurized through the first 58 and second 44 channels defined in the housing 50 and the core 36, respectively, causing the clamping piston 72 to actuate the clamp 64 to clasp the nozzle 74 from the seal 100 thereby clamping the nozzle 74 between the clamp 64 and the seal piston 76 and sealing the engagement between the nozzle 74 and the adapter 20.

[0031] As further shown in Figure 4, in order to release the adapter 20 from the nozzle 74, the inner 114 and outer 94 chambers are depressurized through the first 58 and second 44 channels, causing the clamping piston 72 to disactivate the clamp 64. In this operational mode, the clamping piston 72 is disposed in an extended position and pushes the clamp 64 outwardly from the housing 50 separating the camming surface 66 from the nozzle 74 to allow the clamp 64 to spring open by the torsion force generated by the torsion spring 70. When the clamping piston 72 is disposed in a retracted position, the clamp 64 is drawn rearwardly and the interaction between the housing 50 and the camming surface 66 closes the clamp 64 to engage the nozzle 74.

[0032] Figure 5 is a sectional view through line 5-5 of Figure 1 and best represents the aforementioned compression spring 93. The compression spring 93 biases the clamping piston 72 in a direction that opens the clamp 64. The clamping piston 72 moves the clamp 64 outwardly from the housing 50 reorienting the camming surface 66 relative to the housing 50 allowing the clamp 64 to pivot into the open position as described above.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 6, a sectional view through line 6-6 of Figure 1 is shown. A first fluid bore 120 extends through the manifold 32 into the valve plate 34 through a first spring actuated seal valve 122 and is routed through the adapter plate 48 into the central channel 42 disposed in the core 36. The central channel 42 passes through the nose seal 38 and leads to a first section 124 of the nozzle 74 that connects to the reservoir. The nose seal 38 separates the nozzle 74 into two sections. The first section 124 leads to the reservoir and a second section 126 leads to a fluid fill bottle (not shown). A second fluid bore 128 passes through the manifold 32 through a second spring actuated valve 132. The second fluid bore 128 is routed through the adapter plate 48 into an off-center bore 134 through the core 36. The off-center bore 134 communicates with the second section 126 of the nozzle 74 in order to provide fluid to the fluid fill bottle of the reservoir. The adapter nozzles 28 connect the first fluid bore 120 and the second fluid bore 128 to a source of pressurized fluid (not shown) through the handle housing 26.

[0034] Referring now to Figure 7, a sectional view of line 7-7 of Figure 1 is shown. A main vacuum bore 138 extends through the manifold 32 and through the valve plate 34 via a third spring actuated valve 140. The main vacuum bore 138 continues through the core 36 through an off-center vacuum bore 142. The off-center vacuum bore 142 leads to the first reservoir section 124 through the nose seal aperture 40 in the nose seal 38. Prior to filling the reservoir, a vacuum is drawn in the reservoir through the main vacuum bore 138 in order to determine if the reservoir is sealed properly to prevent leakage. Absent a loss of the vacuum within the reservoir, the fluid filling process is initiated. A scavage bore 150 passes through the manifold 32 into the valve plate 34 via a fourth spring actuated valve 152. The scavage bore 150 connects to the central channel 42 in the core 36 via a scavage passage 154 disposed in the adapter plate 48. The scavage bore 150 is connected to a vacuum source (not shown) via one of the adapter nozzles 28. Subsequent to filling the reservoir, a fourth spring actuated valve 152 is open and fluid left in the central channel 42 is drawn in a reverse direction through the scavage bore 150 in order to prevent fluid from leaking from the central channel 42 once the adapter 20 has been removed from the fluid fill nozzle 74. [0035] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the inlet of the manifold 32 through line 8-8 of Figure 6. As was indicated in Figure 8, the first fluid bore 120 is disposed opposite the second fluid bore 128. Furthermore, the scavage bore 150 is located opposite the main vacuum bore 138. A first air pilot valve 160 is shown in retracted position. A pilot air bottle neck 162 is also shown in retracted position. Further, a pilot air fluid fill bottle valve 164 is shown adjacent the second fluid bore 128 in retracted position. A clamping piston valve 166 is positioned between the main vacuum bore 138 and the second fluid bore 128.

[0036] Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the valve plate 34 through line 9-9 of Figure 6. The first fluid bore 120 is positioned opposite the second fluid bore 128, and the main vacuum bore 138 is positioned opposite the scavage bore 150 in the valve plate 34. A spring valve actuator 168 corresponding to each spring valve 122, 132, 140 and 152 is shown in a retracted position. Expansion plugs 170 seal the spring valve actuators 168. A proximity sensor 171 is also shown in Figure 6. The proximity sensor 171 is used to detect the location of the clamping piston 72 and the seal piston 76.

[0037] Figure 10 is a front view of the aforementioned housing 50 of the adapter 20. Three clamps 64 are shown pivotally attached to the nose housing 50, each with a pin 172. As explained above, the torsion spring 40 biases each clamp 64 in an open orientation. Although Figure 10 shows three clamps 64, more or less clamps 64 may be included if required. The clamping piston 72 and the seal piston 76 are shown in phantom.

[0038] The operational cycle of the adapter 20 will now be described and is best understood by referring to Figures 2 through 5. Just prior to initiating the filling cycle, the adapter 20 is mated to the nozzle 74 by depressing the nose seal 38 against the surface encircling an opening disposed in the nozzle 74. When the fill procedure is initiated, air is injected in the outer chamber 94 via the first channel 58. As the air pressure increases in the outer chamber 94, the clamping piston 72 is moved rearwardly from the nozzle 74 causing the clamp 64 to pivot to the closed position and the seal piston 76 forces the nose seal 38 tightly against the nozzle 74. The opposing interaction of the clamping piston 72 and the seal piston 76 is derived by the increasing fluid pressure in the outer chamber 94 and the inner chamber 114. In order to maintain a clamping force sufficient to secure the adapter 20 to the nozzle 74, the clamping piston 72 must overcome the fluid fill pressure of the fluid being injected into the reservoir. The dimensional relationship between the clamping piston 72 and the seal piston 76 provides a 3:1 ratio with the force produced by the clamping piston 72 relative to the force produced by the fluid fill pressure. Therefore, the size of the clamping piston 72 is significantly reduced relative to prior art adapters. This is further achievable by virtue of the opposing force generated by the increased fluid pressure in the inner chamber 114 and the outer chamber 94. As the forces are increased upon the seal piston 76 by the fluid fill pressure increase, the clamping force generated by the clamping piston 72 is increased by a ratio of 3: 1 preventing the adapter 20 from being forced away from the nozzle 74 by the fluid fill pressure.

[0039] Once the adapter 20 has been secured to the fluid fill valve 30, the third spring actuated valve 140 is opened on the main vacuum bore 138 and a vacuum is drawn in the reservoir in order to determine if a leak exists in the reservoir. If a vacuum is not maintained in the reservoir resulting from a leak, the fluid fill cycle is terminated and the vehicle is removed for repair. If no leak is detected in the reservoir, the third spring actuated valve 140 on the main vacuum bore 138 is closed and the first and second spring actuated valves 122, 132 are opened and the source of pressurized fluid forces fluid through the first fluid bore 120 and the second fluid bore 128 into the fluid fill valve 30.

[0040] As explained above, fluid from the first fluid bore 120 fills the reservoir through the first reservoir section 124 and fluid from the second fluid bore 128 fills the reserve bottle through the second reservoir section 126. Once the filling step has been completed, the first and second spring actuated valves 122, 132 are closed preventing a further flow of fluid into the nozzle 74. Prior to releasing the clamp 64 from the nozzle 74 and withdrawing the adapter 20, the fourth spring actuated valve 152 is opened and a vacuum force is drawn through the scavage bore 150 in order to withdraw any fluid remaining in the central channel 42 disposed in the core 36. Subsequent to the scavage stage of the filling cycle, the fourth spring actuated valve 152 is closed and the third spring actuated valve 140 is reopened to allow the vacuum remaining in the reservoir to vent. Once the venting stage is completed, the air disposed in the outer chamber 94 and in the inner chamber 114 is allowed to vent through the first 58 and second 44 channels. The compression spring 93 biases the clamping piston 72 toward the clamp 64 for activating the clamp 64 to disengage the clamp 64 from the nozzle 74 thereby releasing the clamp 64 from the nozzle 74 allowing the adapter 20 to be removed from the nozzle 74.

[0041] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A fluid filling device adaptable to be releaseably connected to a fluid fill nozzle of a reservoir for transferring a pressurized fluid to the reservoir, said fluid filling device comprising: a housing; a core member disposed in said housing and defining at least one channel for transferring fluid therethrough; a locking device operably supported by said housing for engaging and disengaging the fluid fill nozzle; a first piston disposed between said core member and said housing with said first piston activating said locking device for disengaging said locking device from the fluid fill nozzle and with said first piston disactivating said locking device for engaging said locking device with the fluid fill nozzle; and a second piston disposed between said housing and said core member with said second piston moving away from said first piston as said first piston disactivates said locking device to engage said locking device with the fluid fill nozzle and to bias said second piston against said locking device for clamping the fluid fill nozzle therebetween and with said second piston retracting toward said first piston as said first piston activates said locking device to disengage and release said locking device from the fluid fill nozzle.

2. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second piston is concentrically disposed between said core member and said first piston.

3. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second pistons are telescopingly movable with respect to one another and relative to said core member and said housing.

4. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first piston and said housing further includes an outer jacket defined annularly therebetween.

5. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first piston and said second piston further include an inner jacket defined annularly between said first and second pistons and said core member.

6. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said housing further includes a first channel defined therein and fluidly communicated with said outer jacket for introducing fluid into said outer jacket thereby forcing said first piston away from said locking device toward said core member.

7. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said core member further includes a second channel defined therein and fluidly communicated with said inner jacket for introducing the fluid into said inner jacket thereby biasing and forcing said second piston away from said first piston toward the fluid fill nozzle forcing said first piston away from said locking device toward said core member.

8. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second piston further includes a reservoir engaging surface.

9. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said reservoir engaging surface of said second piston further includes an annular groove defined therein to receive a seal.

10. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second piston further includes core engaging and first piston engaging surfaces each presenting an annular groove defined therein to receive seals, respectively.

11. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said first piston further includes a second piston engaging surface extending to a core engaging surface exposed to said inner jacket.

12. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first piston further includes a housing engaging surface diametrically disposed from said core engaging surface.

13. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said housing engaging surface of said first piston further includes a groove defined therein to receive a seal.

14. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first piston further includes a biasing device connected to said core member and operably extending into said first piston for biasing said first piston against said locking device for activating and releasing said locking device from clasping engagement with the reservoir.

15. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing further includes a raised annular portion engaging said first piston.

16. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 15 wherein said raised annular portion further includes a groove defined therein to receive a seal.

17. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking device further includes a plurality of clamps spaced one from another and disposed annularly about said housing.

18. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 17 wherein each clamp further includes a clasping surface.

19. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 18 wherein each clamp further includes a tail surface operably connected to and supported by said housing.

20. A fluid filling device as set forth in claim 17 wherein each clamp further includes a torsion spring operably connected to said clamp and supported by said housing for generating a torsion force to activate said locking device for disengaging said locking device from the fluid fill nozzle and to disactivate said locking device for engaging said locking device with the fluid fill nozzle.