Abstract: A ground joint coupling for hoses comprises a stem, a ground joint head formed at a first end portion of the stem, a spud having a first end portion, a molded polymeric annular seat adapted to be positioned between the ground joint head of the stem and the first end portion of the spud, and a nut for connecting the stem to the spud and for compressing the seat between the ground joint head of the stem and the first end portion of the spud. The seat may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polyetheretherketone compounds, polyphenylene sulfide compounds, fluoroplastic compounds, or acetal compounds, and the seat may include a filler, such as glass, moly, carbon, bronze, graphite, calcium fluoride, polyphenoline-sulfide, ceramics, silica-based minerals, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: Tubes or pipes are engaged on an insert and are fixed thereon in sealed manner by molding a plastics material at least over those zones of said tubes or pipes that co-operate with said insert. The plastics material is molded so as to form a cellular material whose expansion is performed so as to give rise to compression forces on said tubes or pipes that ensure that said tubes or pipes are fixed or sealed onto the insert.

Abstract: The invention is an improved hose clamp of the type formed of a band of heat shrinkable polymer having a diameter reducing released temperature, an inside band surface and an outside band surface. It is improved by the inclusion of a shrinkage indicator.

Abstract: An improved connector apparatus for medical tubing includes a connector body, a tubing connector, a press ring or collar, and an articulating body/collar linkage. The body can be made as a male, female, or any other type of fitting or connector.

Abstract: An electrically insulated fluid coupling assembly is provided having a female portion of the fluid coupling constructed of an electrically conductive material and having an elongated tubular stem. The assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inner liner constructed of an electrically insulating material or in some cases a low level conductive material surrounded by a layer constructed of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal braiding. An elastomeric covering is also provided around the metal braiding. The coupling stem is insertable into the inner layer of the conduit while a tubular ferrule constructed of an electrically conductive material is disposed around the stem as well as one end of the conduit. Furthermore, the ferrule compresses the conduit between the stem and the ferrule thus connecting the fluid coupling and conduit together.

Abstract: A reusable sealed coupling for joining a first pipe having a first internal diameter adjacent a first end thereof which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of a second pipe, the coupling comprising: a coupler capable of receiving the first end of the first pipe within a first portion thereof and an end of the second pipe within a second portion thereof so that the coupler, second pipe, and first pipe achieve mutual overlap in at least one region. The first and second pipes are both set into predetermined positions with respect to the coupler and with respect to one another; and a seal between the coupler, second pipe, said first pipe is created in at least a portion of the region of mutual overlap.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: A hose fitting for permanent attachment to a flexible hose such as a garden hose. The fitting includes a tubular member having helical barbs or threads on an outer surface portion thereof for allowing the tubular member to be firmly held within an open end of the hose and to further form helical deformations in the hose. The fitting further includes a ferrule having similar helical barbs or threads on an inner surface thereof for allowing the ferrule to be threaded over the hose end having the helical deformations formed by the tubular member inserted therein. The tubular member and the ferrule include mating ratchet teeth which lock together when the ferrule is threaded over the deformations in the hose end such that the fitting is permanently attached to the hose. The tubular member includes a coupling portion on its outer end for allowing the hose fitting to be attached to another fitting or a fluid device such as a faucet or lawn sprinkler.

Abstract: Quick-connect couplings having a sleeve with a tubular tube support mounted therein, an internal O-ring, an external O-ring and a collet are configured to retain a tube on the tubular tube support by engaging the tube with the collet. In one embodiment of the invention, the tubular tube support is retained in the sleeve by engagement with a first internal annual shoulder in the sleeve. The interior O-ring positioned against a second annular shoulder within the sleeve. The collet resiliently fits within the sleeve to retain the tubular tube support and internal O-ring in place prior to assembly. An external groove in the sleeve receives an external O-ring to seal with the bore. In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular tube support is staked to a first end of the sleeve by a radially extending flange. The internal O-ring is disposed between the end of the collet and the radially extending flange.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adapter between standard bicycle air pumps and Presta type bicycle tire valves. The adapter comprises a flexible, non-permeable connection tube having two ends. A first adapter is placed at one end of the connection tube. This first adapter is configured to mate with a Schrader type valve assembly on a bicycle pump on one end and the connection tube on the other end. A second adapter is configured to closely mate with a male Presta type valve on one side and with the connection tube on the other side. The connection tube is optimally approximately five inches long and may include an anti-backup valve to prevent the increasing air pressure in the tire from working against the pump action. A spoke clip may be included to temporarily secure the connection tube to the spoke of the tire while the adapter is in use to prevent strain on the Presta type valve.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching and securing a drain hose to the adapter used with a recreational vehicle ("RV") waste drain assembly or, at the opposite end of the hose, to a sewer fitting used in conjunction with a septic tank or some other type of in or above ground sewer system for receiving drained waste matter. The apparatus comprises a retaining ring, which may include an annular flange formed along one edge, slidably mountable inside the opening at one end of a RV drain hose, for retaining the shape and requisite diameter dimension of the end section of the hose to facilitate its engagement with the adapter or the sewer fitting when those connections are made. The ring is removed before the adapter or the sewer fitting engages the hose opening to enable the hose to contract and form a tight seal with those components.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a prepositioning carrier for mounting a connector assembly upon a first fluid conduit segment, a hose clamp portion attached to the prepositioning carrier for maintaining the hose clamp in position for engagement with a second fluid conduit segment, and an axially directed activation member for maintaining the hose clamp portion in a retracted configuration prior to engagement of the hose clamp portion with the second fluid conduit segment. The hose clamp portion is movable to a non-retracted configuration when the activation member is slidingly withdrawn in an axial direction from the hose clamp portion.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: A hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the hose construction comprising a tubular flexible hose having opposite ends, fastening structure, and a clamp fastened to one of the opposite ends of the hose by the fastening structure for substantially circumferentially and radially inwardly clamping the one of the opposite ends of the hose onto a member that has been inserted into the one of the opposite ends of the hose, the fastening structure comprising a tube of heat shrinkable material disposed over and against part of the clamp and having opposite annular side sections respectively disposed outboard of the clamp and having been heat shrunk to circumferentially and radially inwardly engage against the one of the opposite ends of the hose to hold the clamp thereon.

Abstract: An end fitting for flexible conduit or the like includes a generally cylindrical conduit insert which has a retainer rim, a journal barrel, and a base ring. The retainer rim and journal barrel are inserted into the conduit up to the base ring. A crimp ring dimensioned to engage the outer surface of the conduit, press fits the conduit to the journal barrel. The retainer rim being of a diameter larger then the diameter of the journal barrel prevents removal of the insert past the crimp ring. The base ring also being of a larger diameter than the journal barrel limits the depth of insertion of the insert into the conduit. The conduit insert further has a force flange and a tip which extend outward from the base ring. A cone washer is received by the tip and abuts a first surface of the force flange. A threaded cap has an end wall with a coaxial bore which is in rotatable engagement with the base ring with the end wall engaging a second surface of the force flange.

Abstract: An end fitting for flexible conduit or the like includes a generally cylindrical conduit insert which has a retainer rim, a journal barrel, and a base ring. The retainer rim and journal barrel are inserted into the conduit up to the base ring. A crimp ring dimensioned to engage the outer surface of the conduit, press fits the conduit to the journal barrel. The retainer rim being of a diameter larger then the diameter of the journal barrel prevents removal of the insert past the crimp ring. The base ring also being of a larger diameter than the journal barrel limits the depth of insertion of the insert into the conduit. The conduit insert further has a force flange and a tip which extend outward from the base ring. A cone washer is received by the tip and abuts a first surface of the force flange. A threaded cap has an end wall with a coaxial bore which is in rotatable engagement with the base ring with the end wall engaging a second surface of the force flange.

Abstract: Fittings are provided for flexible sewage drain hoses to connect recreational vehicles to sewage facilities as may be found in public parks or other locations. The fittings include a shallow groove for storing an elastic ring, and a wider, deeper groove for placing the flexible sewer hose thereover. The ring can be quickly, easily manually dislodged from the storage groove and directed over the end of the hose where it contracts and securely holds the hose onto the fitting within the wide groove.

Abstract: A coupling device for establishing a detachable connection for a tube system is to be improved so that while simple detachability of the pipe socket and tube is guaranteed, the pulling-off force is equivalent to firm clamping. To accomplish the task, a sleeve-like coupling box 7 is provided, which surrounds the tube 5 in a clamp-like manner and, for fixation on the pipe socket 2, it has, on the inside, a circumferential notch 8, into which two oppositely arranged projecting parts 4 of the pipe socket 2 snap. The coupling box 7 expands under the effect of a force acting laterally, so that the projecting parts 4 will disengage from the notch 8.

Abstract: A tire inflation hose assembly for interconnecting a container of pressurized tire inflation material and a valve stem of a tire is provided. The hose assembly includes a release valve assembly for coupling to the container and for releasing the pressurized material contained therein. A flexible tube transports the released material to a nozzle which is adaptable for mating with the valve stem of the tire such that the pressurized material enters the tire when released by the release valve assembly. A pair of transverse pins secure the tube to the nozzle and the release valve assembly.

Abstract: A method of joining a tube of composite material and a tubular metal fitting includes, winding filaments of pre-impregnated fibers to produce a tube with a longitudinal axis. The fibers that provide tensile strength for the tube are at a tensile fiber angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A tubular metal fitting is introduced at least partially into an end of a tube section, with inner and outer parts of the fitting being located inside and outside of the tube section. The inner and outer parts are secured by inserting penetrating elements extending radially through the tube section and the parts of the fitting. The penetrating elements are arranged in uniform circumferential alignments which are equally spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: A fitting for connection to the end of a pipe lined internally with a compressible lining with which the fitting is to form a seal a portion of which lining extends beyond the end of the pipe, comprises a collar 1 having an internal wall adapted to fit over the end of the pipe 4 and to sleeve the portion 8 of the lining 6 and means 2 adapted to clamp a circumferential portion of the lining 6 to the adjacent internal wall of the collar 1.

Abstract: A Hose/Clamp assembly is provided which is easily accomplished, inexpensive and greatly facilitates motor vehicle assembly. A clamp in its open position is located and oriented around a hose and secured in place by a rubber band.

Abstract: An insert fitting for a convoluted hose end includes a generally cylindrical nipple insert having two spaced annular sealing surfaces and a relief region situated between the surfaces. The relief region has a diameter less than that of each of the sealing surfaces, each of the sealing surfaces being radially equidistant at all points from a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the insert. In the preferred form, each of the spaced sealing surfaces has a longitudinal width in the range of seventy-five to one hundred percent of the pitch width of the convoluted hose.

Abstract: A hose coupling wherein a tubular connector has a first portion with an internal annular wall and an internal annular protuberance, and a cylindrical second portion. The protuberance is located between the wall and the second portion, and the first portion has axially extending elastic arms with pallets which can engage an external rib of a pipe when the terminal portion of such pipe is introduced into the first portion. A thin-walled metallic sleeve has a larger-diameter first section with a free end which is receivable in an annular socket of the wall after having passed within and beyond the protuberance upon entering through the open end of the second portion of the connector. At such time, the first section deforms and/or is deformed by the protuberance.

Abstract: A bayonet twist locking connector is disclosed for detachably securing an end of a catheter to a fluid transfer device including a flange defining a T-shaped opening for receiving the device and a fluid port extending outwardly along a central axis of the opening. The connector includes a split resilient body which defines an aperture for receiving an end of the catheter. The body being split allows the aperture to be enlarged to facilitate insertion of the catheter. The connector further includes a bayonet assembly for twist locking the connector in the opening of the fluid transfer device, and complementary wing elements radially projecting adjacent to the slit for clamping together and against a region of the fluid transfer device. So clamping the complementary wings prohibits the connector from being removed from the opening, and generates a compressive force to secure the catheter to the port of the fluid transfer device.

Abstract: A hose fitting includes a clamping ring acting from the outside which upon an axial displacement moves clamping jaws mounted at a base body into an active or inactive position, whereby a plurality of control surfaces located at the base body in a circumferentially distributed manner and extending obliquely or inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the body rest against correspondingly shaped counter surfaces of the clamping ring in such a manner that upon a rotating of the ring it moves axially and operates the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A sleeve for clamping and connecting items to be clamped or connected includes a plurality of windings of heat shrinkable material bound into a sleeve which is placed over the item to be clamped or items to be connected. The heat shrinkable material in the sleeve is secured in such a way that upon application of heat to the sleeve, the heat shrinkable windings will shrink and exert inward compressive pressure about the inner surface of the sleeve and thereby about the item to be clamped or the items to be connected. When desired for clamping a tubular item, the clamp can be incorporated as part of the tubualr item by incorporating the windings of heat shrinkable material into the end of the tubular item. The method of clamping of the invention includes the steps of positioning a tubular item over the item to which it is to be clamped and then placing a pluraltiy of windings of a heat shrinkable material about the tubular item where it surrounds the item to which it is to be clamped.

Abstract: A disconnectable device for making a sealed connection quickly between a smooth and rigid tube and a flexible hose which is engaged over the rigid tube, the diameter of the tube being greater than the inside diameter of the hose. A rigid ring preferably made of metal or of a semi-rigid plastic, is disposed coaxially around the hose, the ring having an inside shoulder constituting an axial abutment for the outside surface of the hose, the abutment sufficing on its own, by virtue of the wall of the hose being pinched thereagainst, to urge together the sole pair of complementary sealing surfaces of the device, one on the tube and the other on the inside surface of the hose. Complementary axial fastening means are connected respectively to the ring and to the tube.

Abstract: A distributor body comprises a housing having a bottom, a lateral wall secured to the bottom and a top end opposite to the bottom, and a dome sealingly fixed to the top end. The dome is rigid and formed of a plastics material and comprises a central annular portion having a minimal thickness between 1.2 and 4 mm, an upper annular portion and a lower annular portion. The lower annular portion sealingly fixes the dome to the top portion by direct axial fitment. The upper annular portion is adapted for receiving a distribution means such as a valve or pump. The distributor body can be used to dispense materials in the areas of cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, hygiene and foodstuffs.

Abstract: Fitted coupling device, formed by two components, for connection to a flexible tube, having a female component and a male component on which said flexible tube is attached by thermal contraction of an external ring. The coupling device has an elastomer O-ring which is gradually compressed between two facing surfaces, one of which is essentially cylindrical and the other of which is a small-angle cone. The compression takes place during an axial manoeuver causing the rolling without sliding of said O-ring, which executes one or more complete turns on itself.

Abstract: A hose fitting wherein the free end of a nipple or pipe is sealingly held in one end portion of a hose by a sleeve having a tubular body with a single axially parallel slot and one or more bridges extending across the slot at the exterior of the tubular body. The latter has depressions which extend toward the nipple or pipe to urge the end portion of the hose into sealing engagement with the nipple or pipe. The sleeve can be detached from the end portion of the hose by partially or fully destroying, by deforming or by removing the bridge or bridges so that the slot can be widened prior to separation of the sleeve from the hose.

Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed.The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.

Abstract: A high-pressure press-in fitting for a high-pressure hose connection with a quick connect screwed joint at the outside of a high-pressure purifying installation, characterized in that the press-in fitting of the quick-connect coupling, receiving the end of the hose on the side of the appliance and designed as a plug-in coupling, has in the flow-through area a molded-in verturi insert and is provided on the front end with a peripheral groove which communicates witha chemical additives-feeding cross bored hose coupling at the side of the appliance aligned with the annular groove, whereby there is communicating connection between the flow-through area and the cross-bore.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasably attaching an exhaust hose to the tail pipe of an internal combustion engine to conduct exhaust from an enclosed work space to the atmosphere. The coupling device is characterized by a pair of finger-like opposed spring members cantilever mounted inside a tubular coupling member at points spaced from one end, each extending longitudinally beyond one end of the tubular section and each biased outwardly against the inside surface of the tubular coupling member. The finger-like members are urged inwardly against their bias and inserted into the tail pipe as the coupling member is placed over the end of a tail pipe in a female-male relationship, releasably securing the coupling device in sealed relationship with the tail pipe.

Abstract: A pipe end fitting or coupling including an elongated tubular body having a bore at its first end and a counterbore at its second end with the counterbore being formed as a plurality of frusto-conical grooves and with each of the grooves converging toward its second end. A support sleeve is mounted within the bore and extends throughout the counterbore to form an annular chamber. A cylindrical pipe may be fitted into the annular chamber to form respective chambers with each of the grooves. The respective chambers are filled with a hardenable epoxy resin to complete the end fitting connection.

Abstract: A T-shaped connector for use in automotive radiator cooling systems, in which each nipple is radially enlarged to form a substantially frusto-conical obverse taper, an apex, and a substantially frusto-conical reverse taper having one or more shouldered steps cut into it. The height of the apex is determined as a function of the elastic properties of the rubber hose to be connected to the coupling, a rubber hose is slid onto and over the radially enlarged portion, and a substantially frusto-conical ring is seated onto that portion of the hose fitting over the reverse taper of the nipple.

Abstract: A drain system for the floating roof of an oil tank or similar tank couples a drain sump at the underside of a central portion of the floating roof to the outside of the tank wall at a lower portion thereof via a flexible arrangement of rigid pipe lengths joined together by swivel joints. Each swivel joint is made pivotable about an single axis by a pair of side frames having pairs of leg portions pivotally coupled to each other along the axis and mounting a length of flexible pipe therebetween. The opposite ends of the length of flexible pipe are coupled to an opposite pair of pipe couplings mounted on central portions of the side frames between the leg portions and adapted to be coupled to the lengths of rigid pipe. The length of flexible pipe which is comprised of a length of flexible hose disposed between inner and outer wire helices is coupled to the pipe couplings by arrangements which include swedges, swedge rings and collars.

Abstract: A snap-on valve sleeve for a check valve designed to be rigidly and sealingly secured within the end of an elastomeric tube. The sleeve includes a plurality of inwardly disposed barb segments positioned in mating alignment with an annular protrusion positioned about the outer surface of the valve body. The annular protrusion comprises an upward rearwardly sloped surface and a flat step surface perpendicular to the outer surface of the valve body. The check valve is inserted into the end of the tube. The outer edge of the end of the tube slides over the step surface positioning the tube along a partial length of the valve body. The sleeve is positioned over the forward end of the valve body and forced along the length of the valve body until the barb segments ride up the upward rearwardly sloped surface and then snap over the sloped surface to compress and seal the tube between the valve body and sleeve.

Abstract: A hose coupling wherein the end portion of a pipe is sealingly but separably connected with the end portion of a deformable hose by a tubular connector which has a first section sealingly fitted into the end portion of the pipe and a second section preferably sealingly attached to the end portion of the hose. The second section can abut against the end face of the end portion of the hose or it can surround or extend into such end portion. The connector carries one or more pivotable latching devices with pallets which engage a portion of the external surface of the end portion of the pipe or portions of surfaces bounding openings in the end portion of the pipe. A sealing element in the form of an O-ring or a sleeve is inserted between the internal surface of the end portion of the pipe and the external surface of the respective section of the connector to ensure that the seal between the connector and the pipe remains intact even if one of these parts moves axially relative to the other part.

Abstract: A hose coupling wherein the end portion of a pipe is sealingly but separably connected with the end portion of a deformable hose by a tubular connector which has a first section sealingly fitted into the end portion of the pipe and a second section preferably sealingly attached to the end portion of the hose. The second section can abut against the end face of the end portion of the hose or it can surround or extend into such end portion. The connector carries one or more pivotable latching devices with pallets which engage a portion of the external surface of the end portion of the pipe or portions of surfaces bounding openings in the end portion of the pipe. A sealing element in the form of an O-ring or a sleeve is inserted between the internal surface of the end portion of the pipe and the external surface of the respective section of the connector to ensure that the seal between the connector and the pipe remains intact even if one of these parts moves axially relative to the other part.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid coupling and a method of manufacturing the pressurized fluid coupling are disclosed. The pressurized fluid coupling includes a metal tube having circumferentially extending beads formed therein for receiving a free end of a flexible tube thereon. The method of manufacturing the pressurized fluid coupling includes selectively hardening alternating wall portions of the metal tube by roll grooving spaced apart circumferentially extending grooves therein. After roll grooving the grooves into the tube, the tube is clamped in a clamping mechanism, and the end of the tube is subjected to an advancing punch mechanism which causes circumferentially extending bulges to form in the tube between the spaced apart grooves. The circumferentially beads add strength to the end of the tube for allowing a flexible hose to be compressedly secured thereto without collapsing the tube.

Abstract: This fitting has a transverse bore (3) and, at one of its ends, a male or female threaded end to connect it immovably to one of the two parts to be joined by means of tube (6) and, at its other end, a ring-shaped chamber (5) which is coaxial to bore (3) and which, in addition to a ring-shaped watertight joint (9) and a retaining collar (8), houses a ring-shaped member (7) which has prongs (7a) slanted toward the rear (5a) of chamber (5) and pro-jecting radially into chamber (5), thus delimiting an inside diameter normally smaller than the outside diameter of the connecting tube, the purpose of this chamber (5) being to receive and retain one of the ends of tube (6) simply by inserting it to the rear (5a) of the chamber and the inside and outside diameters of chamber (5) corresponding approximately to the outside diameter of tube (6), while the outside diameter is greater than the outside diameter of tube (6) to make it possible to house the ring-shaped joint (9), the pronged member (7) and the retaining colla

Abstract: An air to air heat exchanger particularly for contaminated air from an animal barn or the like includes a core formed by a plurality of thin-walled flexible plastics tubes supported at respective ends in tube sheets. The tubes are held under tension and arranged vertically in parallel rows and columns so that cold fresh air enters parallel to the rows horizontally beneath the upper tube sheet and then moved downwardly along the outside of the tubes to escape horizontally parallel to the rows above the lower tube sheet. The contaminated warm air passes from a plenum beneath the lower tube sheet upwardly along the inside of the tubes to an outlet at the top of the tubes. This direction of movement of the air causes a self-cleaning effect by condensate at the top of the tubes running down and cleaning the interior of the tubes of any collected contaminants. The design also enables the use of convenient inexpensive flexible tubes without allowing air movement to cause unacceptable flexing.

Abstract: A prefabricated assembly for forming a high tensile strength pipe connection is formed by providing a metallic muff and pressing one end of a pipe adapter made from plastic material into the muff. The metallic muff has an internal diameter formed with sawtooth projections which penetrate the material of the pipe adapter and the penetration is enhanced by inserting a smooth support sleeve into the pipe adapter, the support sleeve being stiffer than the pipe adapter and operating to effect a positive and frictionally locking connection. The opposite end of the pipe adapter may then be attached by welding or the like with a plastic material pipe to form thereby a tight connection at a utilization site.

Abstract: A coupling for fluidly connecting flexible tubing includes a rigid connector and an elastic retaining sleeve. The rigid connector has a main portion and a first and preferably second male end portions projecting therefrom with a fluid passage disposed within the male end portions and the main portion for fluid communication with the flexible tubing. The elastic sleeve member has a connector gripping section that circumferentially grips the main portion of the connector and a first and preferably second section for gripping the flexible tubing. The first and second sections are initially in a retracted position, folded-back over the connector gripping section and are movable to a second tubing-engaging position to grip the tubing. Preferably, handles are attached to the first and second gripping sections of the sleeve proximate their ends so that the sleeve may be gripped manually to facilitate movement of the first and second sections from the retracted position to the tubing-engaging position.

Abstract: A connector assembly for easily and quickly attaching a flexible hose to a fitting such as the inlet or outlet of a heat exchanger. The connector includes a nipple-shaped member with an enlarged bead on the end over which the hose is first extended. A cup-shaped cylinder or housing having a cylindrically shaped inner recess encircles the nipple-shaped member and hose end. A coil spring extends adjacent the wall of the inner recess and is adapted to snugly slip over the outer surface of the hose end as it is inserted past the bead of the nipple-shaped member thereby gripping the hose adjacent the radial expansion thereof produced by the bead.