Gear operated coupler

A mechanical assembly, comprising:

• a first coupling portion;
• a second coupling portion configured to mate with said first coupling portion;
• and
• a gear operated coupler, comprising:
• a sleeve configured to receive said second coupling portion and to removably engage said first coupling portion;
• a spur gear attached to said sleeve;
• a pinion plate removably coupled to said second coupling portion;
• a pinion gear configured to engage said spur gear;
• and
• an operating nut connected at least indirectly to said pinion gear.

A mechanical assembly, comprising:

• a first coupling portion;
• a second coupling portion configured to mate with said first coupling portion and defining a guide slot;
• and
• a gear operated coupler, comprising:
• a sleeve configured to receive said second coupling portion and to removably engage said first coupling portion;
• a spur gear attached to said sleeve;
• a pinion plate removably attached to said second coupling portion;
• at least one guide pin configured and arranged to be at least partially received within said guide slot defined by said second coupling portion;
• a pinion gear configured to engage said spur gear;
• a shaft received in said pinion plate and supporting said pinion gear;
• and
• an operating nut connected at least indirectly to said pinion gear.

A valve assembly, comprising:

• a first coupling portion;
• a second coupling portion configured to mate with said first coupling portion and defining a guide slot;
• and
• a gear operated coupler, comprising:
• a sleeve configured to receive said second coupling portion and to removably engage said first coupling portion;
• a spur gear attached to said sleeve;
• a pinion plate removably attached to the said second coupling portion;
• a guide pin attached to said pinion plate and configured and arranged to be at least partially received within said guide slot defined by said second coupling portion;
• a shaft received in said pinion plate;
• a pinion gear mounted upon said shaft and configured to engage said spur gear;
• and
• an operating nut connected at least indirectly to said pinion gear.

A remote operation system suitable for use in connection with a piping system component that includes first and second coupling portions configured to be mated together, the remote operation system comprising:

• a gear operated coupler, comprising:
• a sleeve configured to receive said second coupling portion and to removably engage said first coupling portion;
• a spur gear attached to said sleeve;
• a pinion plate removably attached to said second coupling portion;
• a guide pin attached to said pinion plate and configured and arranged to be at least partially received within a guide slot defined by said second coupling portion;
• a shaft received in said pinion plate;
• a pinion gear mounted upon said shaft and configured to engage said spur gear;
• and
• an operating nut connected at least indirectly to said pinion gear;
• and
• a remote operator in communication with the gear operated coupler.

A gear operated coupler for use in connection with a device having first and second coupling portions configured to be mated together, the gear operated coupler comprising:

• a sleeve configured to engage one of the first and second coupling portions, said sleeve comprising a set of internal threads configured and arranged for operative engagement with either the first or second coupling portion;
• a spur gear attached to said sleeve;
• a pinion plate removably linked to either the first or second coupling portion;
• a means for preventing rotational movement of said pinion plate relative to either the first or second coupling portion;
• a pinion gear configured to engage said spur gear;
• and
• an operating nut connected at least indirectly to said Pinion gear.