Automatic dry release valve coupling

A fluid conduit connect/disconnect coupling comprising:

• first and second flow channels each having first and second ends, said first ends for attaching to fluid conduits and said second ends for mating with each other for providing a flow passage between said conduits;
• and
• integral quick connect/disconnect means between said channels engaged by said mating and selectively disengaged, without significant damage to said coupling by the imposition of tensile force or by latch means, whereby said quick connect/disconnect means may be selectively immediately re-engaged;
• and wherein said flow channels include moveable closure means biased to close said channels, complementary surfaces associated with said closure means, and sealing means, whereby when said channels are moved into an initial mating position, said surfaces abut to force fluid from between them, and on further movement of said channels, said sealing means provide a seal between said channels and said channels force said closure means to move against said bias to thereby open said flow channels.

A fluid conduit coupling comprising:

• first and second flow passage assemblies, each having a flow passage therethrough and each having a first end for attaching to a fluid conduit and each having a second end, said second ends of said first and second assemblies configured to mate with each other by relative axial movement;
• said first assembly having therein closure means moveable between a first position in which said passage is closed off and a second position in which said passage is open, means for biasing said closure means toward said first position, said closure means having a leading surface toward said second end of said passage;
• said second passage having therein a fixed member having a leading surface toward said second end, a closure means moveable between a first position in which said passage is closed off and a second position in which said passage is open, and means for biasing said closure means toward said first position;
• and wherein said leading surfaces are complementary and are in contact when said second ends of said assemblies are juxtaposed, whereby when said assemblies are moved axially toward each other to mate, fluid is forced from between said leading surfaces and further such axial movement causes said closure means to move against said biasing means to open said flow passages;
• and
• integral quick connect/disconnect means between said assemblies and engaged by said axial movement and selectively releaseable, without significant damage to said coupling, by means of a predetermined tensile force or by a mechanical latch, whereby said quick connect/disconnect means may be selectively immediately reconnected.