Abstract: A swivel coupling used to connect metal tubes to externally threaded fittings in hydraulic systems includes a swivel nut which is attached to a tail piece by deforming a collar portion of the swivel nut into a locking relationship with the tail piece. This is accomplished by having facing and aligned shoulders on the swivel nut and on the tail piece which prevent the swivel nut from axially disengaging from the tail piece when the swivel nut is rotated to thread onto the threaded fitting. The tail piece has a flat end face which engages a flat end face on the fitting so that a leak-proof joint is formed between the tube and the fitting. The nut includes a frusto-conical portion that is engaged by a frusto-conical die surface on a split die ring in order to cam the collar portion toward the tail piece and align the respective shoulders thereof.

Abstract: A metal collar which is used to construct a coupling for a flexible pressure hose includes a plurality of inner annular beads which are formed by a single stamping operation. Each inner bead is formed to define an annular flat surface facing one end of the collar, and which assists in gripping the hose end. When formed, the collar will also include a plurality of corresponding outer annular grooves opposite the inner annular beads. The stamping operation is performed by a forming apparatus which includes a collapsible, segmented outer die assembly and a coaxially positioned expandable inner die assembly. Due to the segmented construction of the die assemblies, the annular flat surfaces of each of the beads are not continuous, but are formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced interruptions.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a collet crimping machine is disclosed which permits the machine to be selectively rotated between vertical and horizontal positions as desired for use. A pair of upstanding support arms have respective brackets rotatably mounted thereon which are connected to the collet crimping machine. A retaining device is provided for selectively retaining the collet crimping machine in a desired rotational position relative to the mounting base. In a first embodiment, the retaining device includes a spring loaded detent pin mounted on one of the support arms. The detent pin cooperates with a plurality of apertures formed through a portion of the bracket mounted on that arm for retaining the bracket (and the collet crimping machine connected thereto) in one of a plurality of discrete positions defined by the apertures.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for operating a device for crimping a metal outer sleeve of a hose connector around the end of a flexible hose. The device has a constrictor collet assembly for radially inwardly deforming the sleeve in response to axial movement of the collet assembly in a frusto conical die ring. Axial movement is imparted by a ram and a pair of pusher members mounted between the ram face and the collet assembly. The pusher members are swung between open and closed positions by the operating mechanism which has a pair of lever arms connected to the pusher members at one end and to a pintle at the other end. The pintle is slidably mounted for lateral movement in a slot.