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Abstract

An universal fluid coupling assembly is provided that includes a coupler housing that has an inner bore extending along an axis of, and opening onto a mating end of, the coupler housing. The coupler housing has an outer perimeter that includes an outer coupler flange that extends about the outer perimeter and that is located proximate to the mating end. The outer coupler flange has a periphery that follows a predetermined circumferential envelope and that has at least one discontinuity therein to define a blank area in the envelope. The assembly further includes a fitting member with an aperture there through. The aperture has an inner diameter that is smaller than the circumferential envelope of the outer coupler flange. The fitting member is loaded over the outer coupler flange onto the outer perimeter of the coupler housing by orienting the fitting member in a non-orthogonal relation with the coupler housing such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture. The circumferential envelope of the outer coupler flange may be generally circular, with the discontinuity including at least one flat cut across a portion of the circumferential envelope to define the blank area.

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First Claim