Abstract: A luer connecting coupling including a first body member, a resilient seal, a second body member, a tubular valve and a reciprocating valve sleeve. The first body member defines a passageway. The resilient seal is positioned in the passageway. The second body member defines a chamber. The tubular valve is positioned in the chamber. The tubular valve defines at least one fluid opening. The reciprocating valve sleeve is in communication with the tubular valve. The sleeve is movable between a first position and a second position to close or open the fluid opening of the tubular valve. When the coupling is disconnected, the components are self-sealing.

Abstract: A rotary ball valve assembly and method for forming utilizes a compression spring subjected to a non-torsional, axially directed compressive force to urge an annular seal into sealing engagement with a rotatable ball and, while so subjected, inwardly deforming a tubular member attached to the housing by an electromagnetic force to form an annular abutment retaining said compression spring.

Abstract: A noise suppressor device for absorbing pulsating fluids is disclosed. A noise suppressor device has a housing which defines an axially extending bore. A resilient bladder is coaxially positioned in the bore. A spool assembly is coaxially positioned within the bladder. The spool assembly has an inner spool layer and an outer spool layer which coaxially surrounds the inner spool layer. The inner spool layer and outer spool layers each define a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. The perforations in the outer spool layer are offset from the perforations in the inner spool layer such that a direct line of sight through the first perforations and second perforations is prevented.

Abstract: A noise suppressor device for absorbing and dampening the noise of pulsating fluids is disclosed. The noise suppressor device has a housing which defines an axially extending bore. A resilient bladder is coaxially positioned in the bore. A spool assembly is coaxially positioned within the bladder. The spool assembly has a spool layer and a sleeve layer which coaxially surrounds the inner spool layer. The spool layer and the sleeve layer define a tortuous path for fluid to flow through from the axial bore to the bladder.

Abstract: A hose fatigue indicator including a hose fitting defining an opening. A fracturable diaphragm is positioned adjacent the opening. The diaphragm is in communication with fluid flowing through the fitting. The diaphragm fractures upon exceeding a predetermined fatigue limit due to exposure to the fluid flowing through the fitting. Indicator means provides an indication that the diaphragm has fractured.

Abstract: A ratcheting needle protector assembly including a body, a needle hub and a needle. The body has a first end and a second end. The body defines a channel extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. The body defines receiving devices for receiving a pawl of a ratchet arm between the first and second ends. The needle hub has an external portion, an internal portion and a tracking member movably mounted on the body. The tracking member is positioned in the channel. The needle hub includes a ratchet arm having a pawl adapted to be received by the receiving devices. The needle is mounted on the internal portion of the needle hub. Movement of the needle hub from the first end to the second end of the body causes movement of the needle from outside the body to inside the body. The pawl of the ratchet arm is received by the receiving devices to prevent movement of the needle from inside the body.

Abstract: A crimper assembly for crimping a workpiece such as a hose fitting is disclosed. The crimper assembly includes a pair of tie rods of differing diameters which mount a lower stationary die carriage and an upper movable die carriage. A central rod is mounted on the movable carriage and extends through a press bar. A driving force is applied to the central rod by a cylinder in one embodiment and by a tool, such as an impact wrench in another embodiment. Die retainer plates are attached to the carriages and include guide slots. Tongues are provided on flexible die set retainers which are received in the guide slots. A spring biased disconnect plate is slidably attached to the tie rods adjacent the press bar. When the disconnect plate is moved to a disconnect position, the movable carriage can be moved upwardly for access to the flexible die set retainers for changing individual dies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the accurate formation of a three-dimensional article comprises providing a first quantity and a second quantity of substantially uniform size droplets of a desired material wherein each droplet has a positive or negative charge. Each quantity of droplets is focused or aligned into a narrow stream by passing the droplets through or adjacent an alignment means which repels each droplet toward an axis extending through the alignment means. The droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate onto a target to form the three-dimensional article without a mold of the shape of the three-dimensional article. The droplets of the first quantity and the second quantity are supplied at different distances, whereby the droplets of the first quantity bond to each other and the droplets of the second quantity do not bond to each other or to the first quantity of droplets.

Abstract: A female coupling member includes a body portion, a slideable sleeve positioned in the body portion and an axially extending stem valve sealingly engageable with the sleeve. Axial movement of the sleeve relative to the stem valve opens the female coupling member to the flow of fluid. The stem valve is provided with a cavity sized to receive a protruding nose of a male member to be attached thereto. The slideable sleeve and the stem valve are designed to receive the male coupling member including its flat insertion end and protruding nose with minimal air inclusion and minimal fluid loss upon disengagement.

Abstract: An intraluminal graft assembly is provided with a double ball check valve which is normally urged to a closed position by a single compression spring acting on a first ball to urge it into sealing engagement with a valve seat. A spacer between the first ball and the second ball urges the second ball into sealing engagement with a second valve seat when the first valve is in sealing engagement with its associated valve seat. A threaded coupler engages and displaces the second valve axially out of engagement with its associated valve seat carrying with it the spacer and first ball thereby displacing also the first ball out of engagement with its associated valve seat. The double ball check valve permits the introduction of fluid into and removal of fluid from the cavity defined by inner and outer wall members of an intraluminal graft member.

Abstract: The present invention indicates excessive wear on the outer cover of a hose in order to help avoid unexpected ruptures and spills. The invention is a hose with an outer cover. The outer cover has two layers made of rubber or plastic. The outer cover has an inner layer of one color (e.g. yellow) and an outer layer of another color (e.g. black). When the outer cover wears down to expose color of the inner layer, the end user is made aware that outer cover wear is approaching the reinforcement layer and that the hose should be replaced.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member has an exterior surface with a first projection extending radially outwardly. The second member has a cavity with an interior surface to receive the first projection on the first member and a second projection extending radially inwardly from the interior surface. The coupling assembly further includes a retaining ring disposed about the first member between the first projection and the second projection to retain the first member and second member together.

Abstract: A form insert toolholder assembly including a toolholder having a base. The base includes a base inclined surface having an outer edge and an inner edge. The base further includes a clamp receiving portion having top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The top wall defines a clamp receiving portion opening. The inner edge and the first side wall define an insert pocket. A pin is positioned on the base inclined surface between the outer edge and the inner edge. The assembly further includes a clamp having an upper surface and a lower surface. The clamp defines a clamp opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The lower surface has a clamp inclined surface that is parallel to the base inclined surface. The assembly further includes an insert having a cutting edge, a mounting edge, a first end, a second end, a base surface and a clamp surface.

Abstract: A method for the accurate formation of a three-dimensional article comprises providing a supply of substantially uniform size droplets of a desired material wherein each droplet has a positive or negative charge. The supply of droplets is focused or aligned into a narrow stream by passing the droplets through or adjacent an alignment mechanism which repels each droplet toward an axis extending through the alignment mechanism. The droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate onto a target to form the three-dimensional article without the use of a mold of the shape of the three-dimensional article.

Abstract: Valved couplers and gas processing components particularly suitable for ultra-high purity gas distribution for use in semiconductor manufacturing. In the couplers, a valve stem/bullnose seals the aperture of the coupler immediately adjacent the exterior of the coupler, so that only a minimal amount of the wetted surface of the coupler is exposed to the external environment. A gas processing component (e.g., a filter), or an entire integrated gas stick assembly, may be sealed from the exterior environment at both its inlet and outlet sides, by these valved couplers. As a result, the entire device can be purged after manufacture and left in a controlled environment during shipment and installation, reducing the need for purging after installation.

Abstract: An automatic positioning system that includes positioning means for positioning a hose assembly adjacent a crimping apparatus. Actuator means is in communication with the positioning means to cause the positioning means to move. Control means is in communication with the actuator means to control movement of the positioning means. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) actuating a positioning means to cause the positioning means to move; (b) controlling movement of the positioning means by control means so that the positioning means is in proper position with respect to a crimping apparatus; and (c) placing a hose assembly on the positioning means.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar or clamp member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions rotate relative to each other to radially adapt to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a needle guard assembly including a needle, a body and a handle. The body defines a chamber for receiving the needle. The handle moves the needle from the exterior of the body into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a flange on a tube. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) placing a tube having a tube axis extending longitudinally therethrough on a support device for supporting the tube, the tube having an edge defining an opening, the support device having a predetermined flange shape surface adjacent the edge; (b) positioning a tip having a tip axis extending longitudinally therethrough adjacent the edge, the tip having a substantially hyperbolioidal shape, the tip axis being at a predetermined angle with respect to the tube axis, the tip rotating along the tube and tip axes; (c) inserting the rotating tip in the opening of the tube; and (d) engaging the edge with the tip to cause the edge to contact the predetermined flange shape surface to form a flange on the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the accurate formation of a three-dimensional article comprises providing a supply of substantially uniform size droplets of a desired material wherein each droplet has a positive or negative charge. The supply of droplets is focused or aligned into a narrow stream by passing the droplets through or adjacent an alignment means which repels each droplet toward an axis extending through the alignment means. The droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate onto a target to form the three-dimensional article without a mold of the shape of the three-dimensional article. A supply of support material is provided in a predetermined pattern adjacent the deposited droplets. The support material receives a further supply of droplets which form a part of the three-dimensional article.