Auxiliary Equipment

A self‐scaling quick disconnect coupling for oxygen supply to aircrew members has been developed by The Hymatic Engineering Co. Ltd., Redditch, Worcestershire, for the ministry of Supply and is in use on several military aircraft. Made in light alloy, the QD. 15/1 coupling consists of two main parts both suitable for mounting on flexible anti‐kink hose; the ‘aircraft part’ to attach to the aircraft supply hose, the ‘man‐part’ to attach to the hose from the aircrew's oxygen mask. The coupling is connected and released by axial movement of an outer sleeve on the ‘aircraft part’; moving this sleeve releases three stainless steel balls spaced equidistantly in an inner sleeve and allows them to move radially outwards from a groove in the ‘man‐part’. The outer sleeve is spring‐loaded so that it returns automatically to the ‘locked’ position when it is released.