Abstract: A retainer ring holds parts of a socket assembly against relative movement. The retainer ring is disposed in an outwardly facing groove in a first socket part and an inwardly facing groove in a second socket part. A resilient seal ring is compressed between surfaces on the socket parts to press side surfaces of the grooves against surface areas on opposite sides of the retainer ring. When the socket parts are to be assembled, the retainer ring is telescopically positioned on the end of the first socket part. The second socket part is pressed against the retainer ring to move the retainer ring toward the outwardly facing groove along a flaring surface which expands the retainer ring. The retainer ring is pushed into an outwardly facing groove in the first socket part by the second socket part. When the retainer ring is in the groove in the first socket part, the retainer ring cooperates with the grooves in the two socket parts to hold them in their telescopic relationship.

Abstract: A coupling includes a socket assembly having a locking or retaining assembly which holds a plug in the socket assembly. When the socket assembly is exposed to excessive heat, an element of the retaining assembly starts to fuse and loses its rigidity. The heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is then deformed to release the plug for movement from the socket assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is spherical locking or retaining balls which engage the plug to hold it in the socket assembly. In another embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is cylindrical locking or retaining pins which engage the plug to hold it in the socket assembly. In still another embodiment of the invention, the heat fusible element of the retaining assembly is a cylindrical locking sleeve which engages the retaining elements to hold them in engagement with the plug.

Abstract: A coupling includes plug and socket assemblies which are interconnectable to connect conduits in fluid communication. A heat fusible actuator member is connected with a valve member disposed in the socket assembly. The actuator member extends axially outwardly from the valve member and has an outer end portion which is engageable with the plug assembly to move the valve member from a closed condition to an open condition as the plug and socket assemblies are interconnected. The actuator member is fusible upon exposure to excessive heat to release the valve member for movement from the open condition to the closed condition under the influence of a biasing spring. As the valve member moves from the open condition to the closed condition, the size of the actuator member is reduced as it is compressed into a unitary body under the influence of the force applied against the valve member by the biasing spring.

Abstract: A workholder for a machine tool or the like having a power assembly and a work gripping assembly that are separable to permit use of a plurality of work gripping assemblies and associated work gripping jaws of a size and shape to accommodate different workpieces. Work gripping assemblies with jaws pre-qualified to different workpieces can be exchanged quickly and automatically, as by use of a robot, when different parts are to be machined, while a single power assembly remains connected to the machine tool.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic cylinder for actuating a rotary work holder, on a machine tool. A non-rotary fluid distributor is supported on the cylinder by a bearing sleeve. The bearing surface of the sleeve has an anti-friction coating. The sleeve is rotatable within a housing and is frictionally restrained from rotation under normal operating conditions by O-rings, but can rotate in the event of bearing seizure. Sleeve rotation is sensed through a proximity switch to stop operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A workholder for a machine tool or the like having a power assembly and a work gripping assembly that are separable to permit use of a plurality of work gripping assemblies and associated work gripping jaws of a size and shape to accommodate different workpieces. Work gripping assemblies with jaws pre-qualified to different workpieces can be exchanged quickly and automatically, as by use of a robot, when different parts are to be machined, while a single power assembly remains connected to the machine tool.

Abstract: A top jaw for attachment to a rotary chuck, with inserts removably secured to a base, constructed to facilitate changing inserts with automated equipment. Slidably engageable pins and slots on the base and insert require positioning and removal of the insert with two directions of relative movement and thereby inhibit separation of the insert from the base from forces applied other than is a prescribed direction and sequence. The insert is releasably held to the base by detents.