초록 ▼

A water docking system for an animal cage and rack system including a latch mechanism and a leakproof coupling. The latch mechanism includes a latch catch which is movable 1) from an unlatched position in which it is disengaged from the cage and permits removal of the cage from the rack 2) to a latc

A water docking system for an animal cage and rack system including a latch mechanism and a leakproof coupling. The latch mechanism includes a latch catch which is movable 1) from an unlatched position in which it is disengaged from the cage and permits removal of the cage from the rack 2) to a latched position holding the cage in its docked position. The latch also provides an indicator for indicating when the latch is in an unlatched position and the cage is not properly docked. The coupling may comprise either a friction-fit quick-connect coupling, an active locking quick-connect coupling, or a passive locking quick-connect coupling. A male fitting of the coupling is designed to prevent leakage by sequentially engaging two internal seals of the female fitting so as to first seal against the female fitting and then open an internal valve element of the female fitting. The sealing elements may be formed from distinct seals or spaced portions of a combined seal.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A quick-connect coupling comprising:(A) a female fitting, said female fitting including (1) a generally cylindrical body having inlet and outlet ends, said body having a bore formed therein which extends axially from said outlet end thereof towards said inlet end thereof, (2) first and second axi

1. A quick-connect coupling comprising:(A) a female fitting, said female fitting including (1) a generally cylindrical body having inlet and outlet ends, said body having a bore formed therein which extends axially from said outlet end thereof towards said inlet end thereof, (2) first and second axially spaced seals located in said bore, said second seal being located axially between said first seal and said outlet end of said body, and (3) a valve core located in said bore between said first seal and said inlet end of said body, said valve core being capable of sealingly seating on said first seal; and (B) a male fitting which includes a generally cylindrical plug, said plug 1) being dimensioned to fit in said bore in said female fitting of said coupling, 2) having an outer radial periphery, and 3) having a bore formed axially therethrough, wherein said plug, said first and second seals, and said valve core are so dimensioned and configured that, when said plug is inserted axially into said bore in said female fitting from said outlet end thereof, 1) said outer radial periphery of said plug first slidably seals against said second seal, 2) said plug then lifts said valve core from said first seal, and 3) said outer radial periphery of said plug then slidably seals against said first seal.