Coupler Assembly for Dispensing Fluid from a Compressed Fluid Source

Abstract

There is provided a coupler assembly for dispensing fluid from a compressed fluid source, the coupler assembly comprising a chamber, an inlet port, the inlet port comprising a releasable member to be connected to a hose originating from a compressed fluid source, the releasable member comprising a valve, the inlet port further comprising a receiving member for receiving the releasable member, the receiving member being in fluid communication with the chamber, an outlet port in fluid communication with the chamber and a fluid control mechanism operatively coupled to the chamber for controlling an amount of fluid dispensed from the inlet port to the outlet port.

1 . A coupler assembly for dispensing fluid from a compressed fluid source, the coupler assembly comprising:
 a chamber;   an inlet port, said inlet port comprising a releasable member to be connected to a hose originating from a compressed fluid source, said releasable member comprising a valve, said inlet port further comprising a receiving member for receiving the releasable member, the receiving member being in fluid communication with the chamber;   an outlet port in fluid communication with the chamber; and   a fluid control mechanism operatively coupled to the chamber for controlling an amount of fluid dispensed from the inlet port to the outlet port.   
   
   
       2 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said fluid control mechanism comprises a fluid control piston selectively moving between a closed position wherein dispensing of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port is prevented and an open position wherein fluid is dispensed from the inlet port to the outlet port. 
   
   
       3 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said fluid control mechanism is operated manually using a fluid control knob. 
   
   
       4 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said fluid control mechanism is operated using actuation means operatively connected thereto, said automated actuation means being selected from a group consisting of an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator and a hydraulic actuator. 
   
   
       5 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a pressure relief mechanism to selectively evacuate, from said chamber, an amount of pressure created by a an amount of compressed fluid therein, said pressure relief mechanism being operatively coupled to said chamber. 
   
   
       6 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said pressure relief mechanism comprises a pressure relief piston selectively moving between a closed position wherein evacuation of an amount of pressure from said chamber is prevented and an open position wherein an amount of pressure is evacuated from said chamber. 
   
   
       7 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said pressure relief mechanism is operated manually using a pressure relief knob. 
   
   
       8 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said pressure relief mechanism is operatively connected to actuation means operatively connected thereto, said actuation means being selected from a group consisting of an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator and a hydraulic actuator. 
   
   
       9 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said valve comprises a spring-loaded check valve. 
   
   
       10 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said receiving member comprises an inlet connecting duct provided with an inlet connecting duct end nipple concentrically and outwardly extending therefrom for activating said spring-loaded check valve. 
   
   
       11 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said inlet connecting duct nipple is axially centered on said inlet connecting duct. 
   
   
       12 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said receiving member comprises an inlet port swivel nut concentrically mounted on said inlet connecting duct. 
   
   
       13 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said inlet port swivel nut has a knurled outer surface. 
   
   
       14 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a pressure gauge port for receiving a pressure gauge therein, said pressure gauge port being in fluid communication with said chamber. 
   
   
       15 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 15  further comprising said pressure gauge mounted in said gauge port. 
   
   
       16 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a pressure limiting mechanism operatively coupled to said chamber for preventing an amount of pressure, created by an amount of compressed fluid inside said chamber, from exceeding a predetermined amount of pressure. 
   
   
       17 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said pressure limiting mechanism comprises a bursting disc. 
   
   
       18 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said outlet port delivers compressed fluid to a fluid-powered device. 
   
   
       19 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said fluid-powered device comprises a paintball marker. 
   
   
       20 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said hose further comprises a check valve mechanism located at a compressed fluid source engaging end thereof, said compressed fluid source engaging end sealingly and removably engaging said compressed fluid source, said check valve mechanism comprising an open position wherein said compressed fluid source and said hose are in fluid communication and a closed position wherein fluid communication between said compressed fluid source and said hose is prevented. 
   
   
       21 . The coupler assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said coupler assembly is manufactured from a rigid material selected from a list comprising aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, brass, cast iron, PVC and ABS.