Abstract: A connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe includes a body, a cap, and three washers. The body has a section of thread in its outer wall for coupling with the cap which has a section thread in its inner wall. In operation, first insert the pipe into the cap, then insert the rubber washer, the metallic washer, and spring washer into the body, and then screw the cap into the body, such that the pipe is locked with the body.

Abstract: A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit.

Abstract: The compression fitting (10) for a heating and/or sanitary pipe comprises a fitting body (12) including a supporting sleeve (16) adapted to have a pipe end (66) slid thereonto, and a conical abutment face (20). The compression fitting (10) further comprises a complementary part (24) for the fitting body (12), which is provided with a conical receiving face (22) for abutment by the abutment face (20) of the fitting body (12). The compression fitting (10) is provided with a clamping ring (40) encompassing the pipe end (66) which can be slid on the supporting sleeve (16), and with a lock nut (42) having an inner thread (44) and being adapted to be screwed to the complementary part (24), for pressing the clamping ring (40) against the fitting body (12) and for clamping abutment on the pipe end (66) in the condition when the pipe end has been slid onto the supporting sleeve (16).

Abstract: Connectors for attaching a composite pipe to a service member are described herein. In one embodiment, a connector can include a service end, a slip nut, a slip, a seal carrier, and an energy conductor. The slip nut can be disposed about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end. The slip can be positioned about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end and the slip nut to compress the slip into gripping contact with the pipe. The seal carrier can be positioned in a bore of the pipe at a location radially opposite the slip to resist deformation of the pipe when the slip is compressed into gripping contact with the pipe. The energy conductor can be embedded within and surrounded by a material of the service end for connection with an energy conductor within the composite pipe.

Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes a body that is case hardened over substantially its entire surface. The ferrule also has an interior wall comprising first and second cylindrical portions, the first cylindrical portion being axially adjacent a front edge of the ferrule and having the smallest interior wall diameter of the ferrule, the second cylindrical portion having a larger diameter than said first cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A pipe joint includes a joint body 1 into which a pipe 4 is to be inserted and a coupling member 2 which is arranged around the pipe 4 to be inserted into the joint body 1. The joint body 1 and the coupling member 2 include screw portions 14a, 21a, respectively. The coupling member 2 is fastened to the joint body 1 by mutually screwing the screw portions 14a, 21a. The coupling member 2 includes a holding portion 22. A pair of or a plurality of pairs of holding surfaces which are opposite to each other are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 22 so that the holding portion 22 can be held by a fastening tool. A part of the coupling member 2 including at least the holding surfaces is disconnectable from the remaining part of the coupling member 2.

Abstract: An end connector for a flexible pipe positions onto an end of the flexible pipe. An insert having inner and outer conical surfaces positions in the connector's housing. To mechanically grip the pipe's inner layers, an outer sleeve positions in the housing against the first layer, and an outer nut threads onto the outer sleeve and compresses the first layer against the insert's outer surface. Also, an inner sleeve positions in the housing against a second layer, and an inner nut threads onto the sleeve and compresses the second layer against the insert inner surface. A tubular sleeve can position within an internal bore of the pipe for support, and another conical sleeve can be engaged between the housing and the outside of the pipe. The connector's end can be flexible or rigid along the pipe, while a flange on the connector's other end can bolt to another component.

Abstract: A connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe includes a body, a cap, and three washers. The body has a section of thread in its outer wall for coupling with the cap which has a section thread in its inner wall. In operation, first insert the pipe into the cap, then insert the rubber washer, the metallic washer, and spring washer into the body, and then screw the cap into the body, such that the pipe is locked with the body.

Abstract: Connectors for attaching a composite pipe to a service member are described herein. In one embodiment, a connector can include a service end, a slip nut, a slip, a seal carrier, and an energy conductor. The slip nut can be disposed about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end. The slip can be positioned about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end and the slip nut to compress the slip into gripping contact with the pipe. The seal carrier can be positioned in a bore of the pipe at a location radially opposite the slip to resist deformation of the pipe when the slip is compressed into gripping contact with the pipe. The energy conductor can be embedded within and surrounded by a material of the service end for connection with an energy conductor within the composite pipe.

Abstract: A joint includes a joint main body, a sleeve and a nut. The joint main body has a joining hole and an external threaded part. The nut is threaded onto the external threaded part in a threaded state in which the pipe and the sleeve are inserted through the joining hole. The nut joins the pipe to the joining hole via the sleeve. The sleeve is tightly fitted to the pipe and the joining hole by the threading of the nut to induce deformation that expands radially outward. The deformation prevents insertion of the sleeve into the joining hole to a specific position in an unthreaded state in which the pipe and the sleeve have been pulled out from the joining hole.

Abstract: A coupling for creating a fluid-conducting connection between a pipe and a stub, where the stub has no pipe-supporting extension over which the pipe is to be connected. The coupling includes a coupling body having a forward end for being secured to the stub, a rearward end for receiving the pipe, and an internal bore therethrough; stub connection for securing the forward end of the coupling body to the stub; a pipe support for providing internal support for an end section of the pipe being engaged by the coupling; gripper engaging means for causing the gripper to grip the pipe; a seal between the stub and the pipe; and a gripper located within the internal bore of the coupling body, the gripper and the coupling body configured to engage the pipe with the gripper when the stub is secured in the stub connection.

Abstract: A universal water meter connector assembly that is configured to be used with different sized water meter couplers and a variety of dwelling supply lines. The universal water meter connector assembly includes a hexagonal hollow body that terminates in an externally threaded head at one end. The hexagonal body is provided with an internally threaded medial portion an end adjacent the head and an internally threaded end portion at the other end of the hexagonal body. The thread size of the medial portion is smaller than the thread size of the end portion to accommodate different sized water meter couplers. A internal stop is formed in the body below the head and above the medial portion for limiting movement of a supply line inserted into the body. The free end of the head is formed with an internally tapered portion that is configured to receive a cone-shaped member having a narrow end and a wide end with a beveled rim.

Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female threaded member that cooperates with a male threaded member. The female member includes a tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule that is attached to the female member by a frangible web. Upon a partial pull-up the ferrule engages a camming surface on the male threaded member and breaks off or separates from the female threaded member to become a separate piece so that the fitting then functions as a single ferrule tube fitting. Additional features include a steep camming angle on the camming surface to cause the ferrule to grip the tube end with a bite-type action and to form a primary seal between the camming surface and a front end of the separated ferrule. The ferrule front end, and optionally the entire female threaded member including the initially integral tube gripping device, are hardened to be at least about 3.3 times harder than the material of the tube end.

Abstract: A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tube outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that isolates any stress riser resulting from the embedding action from vibration effects. The fitting components, and particularly the ring, may be case hardened, the fitting may include a self-gauging feature to indicate sufficient pull-up to prevent excessive pull-up.

Abstract: A tube fitting (50) that uses two basic components, namely a fitting body (54) and a fitting nut (52). The nut (52) and body (54) are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut (52) includes an integral tube gripping ring (80) that may be separable from the nut upon pull-up of the fitting. The tube gripping ring and nut (52) form a trepan in which a sealant (400) is disposed.

Abstract: A fitting to be secured on pipes can be used with a number of distinct pipe materials and types. The fitting includes a nut receiving a Belleville spring washer. As the nut is tightened on threads on an end fitting, it forces the Belleville spring washer away from a relaxed position. This causes a radially inner portion of said spring washer to dig into an outer surface of the pipe, locking the Belleville spring washer, and hence the nut, on the pipe. The deformation of the washer also forces a ring against an inner seal, deforming the seal against the pipe, the nut, and the end fitting. In a second embodiment, a second washer is also deformed. The present invention provides a simple and universal method of attaching pipes to end fittings.

Abstract: Coupling structures for tubing are disclosed. Particularly, caps configured for receiving one or more tube segments therein, and securing the tube segments to a component having protrusions thereon including bores therethrough in a fluid-tight manner are disclosed. The caps may have bores longitudinally therethrough for receiving the tube segments, the bore walls being free from projections to fit tightly against the tube segments. A longitudinally distal annular recess of the cap may be threaded to be secured to a component. In another embodiment, caps having separate apertures for receiving attachment elements to secure the cap and the component are disclosed. Caps configured with a bore for receiving a tube segment, and separate apertures for receiving attachment pins are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A fitting arrangement with an adapter for use in a fitting that uses a fitting body and nut of certain commonly used dimensions as described above, while retaining the gripping capability. The adapter is a ring that seals effectively against the body, while presenting a less shallow camming mouth for engagement by a ferrule. This combination of parts enables effective tube grip, fluid seal, and vibration protection.

Abstract: A pipe joint provided with a joint main body having a male screw portion and a cap nut screwed on the male screw portion of the joint main body. And, the pipe joint has an outer-fitting cylinder portion and an insertion cylinder portion holding an end portion of an elastically deformable connected pipe on inner and outer sides. And, a C-shaped stop ring, having a slit on its periphery and disposed within a tapered portion of a hole portion of the cap nut, is provided. The stop ring has a holding female portion formed through an inner peripheral face and a peripheral face of the stop ring. A rotator, held within the holding female portion as to rotate, touching the tapered portion of the hole portion of the cap nut, elastically forming a peripheral concave groove on a peripheral face of the pipe, and deforming the end portion of the pipe into a tapered portion increasing in diameter, is provided.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for plastic pipes including a nut, a body, a grip-ring, and a seal. The nut can engage the body through appropriate threads and includes a hooked projection having a sloping surface adapted to abut against and provide a force on a corresponding surface of the grip ring within the body. A pipe is inserted through the nut, grip-ring, and seal into the body. Tightening of the nut causes its sloped surface to engage and the grip ring to be forced both radially and longitudinally. Radial compression results in the grip-ring engaging the pipe whilst longitudinal forcing causes it to be forced into the body simultaneously abutting against and compressing the seal whilst dragging the pipe further into the body. The nut and the body may further have tapered surfaces that are brought together as the grip-ring is forced into the body. The physical connection between the body and the nut provides reinforcing for the nut, a feature especially useful when dealing with soft plastics.

Abstract: A quick-action coupling for coupling pipes includes a tubular inner part having an outer surface for supporting a pipe to be coupled; an inner sleeve and a clamping ring, each surrounding at least a portion of the tubular inner part for clamping the pipe to be coupled between the outer surface of the tubular inner part and the clamping ring; a toothed ring between the inner sleeve and the clamping ring; and an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the inner sleeve, the toothed ring and the clamping ring, the outer sleeve comprises a cylindrical region having at least two inside diameters (d1, d2) and a conical region, wherein the clamping ring is received in the conical region.

Abstract: Tube connectors and tube connector systems are provided. An exemplary system includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and radially compressible ring. A tube fits radially inside of the ring and the first and second sleeves. As the first and second sleeves are coupled and brought closer together, inner surfaces of the sleeves exert a radial force onto the ring, causing the ring to radially compress onto the tube.

Abstract: A pipe coupling having a radially deformable housing, wherein a pipe is freely insertable into the housing bore and a nut causes engagement of the grip ring with the pipe. The housing bore including a plurality of outwardly extending projections. The grip ring including a plurality of apertures adapted to receive the housing projections and a plurality of inwardly extending burst hole projections. Tightening of the nut causes the grip ring to be forced both radially and longitudinally, whereby the gripping member substantially restricts longitudinal and rotational movement of the pipe.

Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.

Abstract: A fluid operated contractile drive which has a contractile hose (4) extending between two head pieces (2 and 3), and attached to at least one head piece (2 and 3) by having its respective end section (10) clamped in an annular clamping gap (26) defined between clamping surfaces (24 and 25), extending in an at least partially inclined manner in relation to the longitudinal axis (9) of the contractile hose (4) of a first clamping unit (22) having a force output means (17) serving for external force output and a second clamping unit (23) able to be shifted axially in relation to the first clamping unit. In addition to the contractile hose (4) between the two clamping unit (22 and 23) there are loading means (45), effective between same, such loading means (45) acting on the clamping unit (22 and 23) to produce a reduction of the width of the clamping gap (26).

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sealing an end of a flowline to an end fitting are disclosed. Such methods include providing an end fitting housing having a bore, wherein a portion of the bore has a tapered inner surface, inserting an open end of a flexible pipe into the bore, the flexible pipe having an external layer, to create a tapered annular space between the tapered inner surface and the external layer, and positioning a ring into the tapered annular space such that the ring radially contracts upon the external layer causing the external layer to deform to create a seal.

Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female threaded member that cooperates with a male threaded member. The female member includes a tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule that is attached to the female member by a fungible web. Upon a partial pull-up the female engages a camming surface on the male threaded member and breaks off or separates from the female threaded member to become a separate piece so that the fitting then functions as a single ferrule tube fitting. Additional features include a steep camming angle on the camming surface to cause the ferrule to grip the tube end with a bite-type action and to form a primary seal between the camming surface and a front end of the separated ferrule. The ferrule front end, and optionally the entire female threaded member including the initially integral tube gripping device, are hardened to be at least about 3.3 times harder than the material of the tube end.

Abstract: A rain tight fitting for connecting electrical metal tubing to a panel. The rain tight fitting includes a tubular body having an inner bore and a rearward end. A threaded outer periphery and a seal ring seat are included on the rearward end. A seal ring is disposed against the seal ring seat and a compression ring against the seal ring. A compression nut is threaded upon the rearward end and tightened thereon to force the seal ring tightly into the seal ring seat and against the outer periphery of the metal tubing. An effective rain tight seal is formed by the close tolerances between the inner periphery of the seal ring and the outer periphery of the metal tubing and by the hardness of the seal ring.

Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female threaded member that cooperates with a male threaded member. The female member includes a tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule that is attached to the female member by a frangible web. Upon a partial pull-up the ferrule engages a camming surface on the male threaded member and breaks off or separates from the female threaded member to become a separate piece so that the fitting then functions as a single ferrule tube fitting. Additional features include a steep camming angle on the camming surface to cause the ferrule to grip the tube end with a bite-type action and to form a primary seal between the camming surface and a front end of the separated ferrule. The ferrule front end, and optionally the entire female threaded member including the initially integral tube gripping device, are hardened to have a hardness ratio that is at least about 3.3 times the hardness of the material of the tube end on the Vickers scale.

Abstract: A fitting for an end of a length of corrugated tubing forms a gas-tight metal-to-metal seal by rolling and folding an endmost corrugation into a axially extending annular groove in the fitting body. A ridged retainer grips the tubing corrugations above the endmost corrugation and is axially advanced into the fitting body by a nut. The cut end at the endmost corrugation of the tubing encounters the axially facing end of a tubular stub inside the fitting body and folds over itself and into the annular groove between the stub and the inside surface of the fitting body. A seal member is thus formed with a pair of substantially parallel sealing surfaces, and resides between the retainer and the outside surface of the tubular stub. The seal member forms a metal/metal seal with the tubular stub.

Abstract: An improved pipe connector includes a fastening member between two connecting pipes. The fastening member has a fastening section on one end coupling with a pad sleeve. The fastening section is coupled with a bracing sleeve from outside for housing a pipe. A sleeve cap with a sloped harness hole is used to compress the pipe with a contracted force that couples two pipes at two ends of the fastening member. The fastening member may be adjusted angularly according to onsite requirements to achieve smooth connection and fastening of the pipes without skewing or forming a gap therebetween.

Abstract: Fitting connections for corrugated metal tubing. The connection includes a body having an externally-threaded end, a nut or other fastener which is threadably engageable with the body end, and a collet which is receivable coaxially within the fastener. The collet is formed as a series of individual, arcuate tangs which are joined together by a retaining collar, the collar allowing the segments to be resiliently opened within the fastener so as to allow the crests of the tubing to pass therethrough. The fitting may be pre-assembled with the collet segments being received coaxially within the fastener with the collar extending rearwardly from the fastener, and with the fastener then being partially threaded onto the fitting body.

Abstract: A hose assembly is disclosed that includes a hose tube and a nipple assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, the nipple assembly includes a nipple fastener and a nipple extending from an end. A socket covers the nipple and includes a socket fastener mated with the nipple fastener for drawing the socket towards the nipple assembly. A sleeve is interposed between the covering layer and the tube and is interposed between the socket and the nipple. The sleeve includes at least one barb formed on a surface contacting the tube and a cavity formed to adjoin an end of the tube. An annular sealing member is positioned in the cavity to contact the nipple, at least one surface of the cavity, and the tube. The sleeve causes the tube to be compressed between the sleeve and the nipple, thereby sealing the hose against the nipple assembly.

Abstract: A supporting sleeve that is to be used in a tube coupling. The supporting sleeve causes an internal stiffening against compression of the end of a tube inserted in the coupling. The supporting sleeve is a separate part that is mounted in a bore in the coupling. The supporting sleeve includes a deformable collar that externally is conical and narrows in the direction of insertion. The edge of the collar has a diameter mainly corresponding to or exceeding the diameter of the bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling of the type where a pipe is freely insertable into the coupling and where a nut causes engagement of a grip ring and gasket with the pipe to provide a seal between the coupling and the pipe, and where within the coupling there is disposed a stop to indicate to a user inserting the pipe freely that the pipe has been inserted to its required location. The stop is located at a position where there is room beyond the stop for the pipe to move into. Tightening of the nut causes the pipe to move further into the coupling beyond the stop. This solves the problem of the pipe being inserted too deeply into the coupling and being deformed when the nut is tightened further.

Abstract: A liquid tight connector for connecting metallic or non-metallic conduit to a panels or junction box. The connector includes a forward end that accommodates either a spring steel adapter or a lock nut to secure the forward end to a panel in a liquid tight fit. A cover on the rearward end encloses an annular sealing ring and an annular retaining ring to form a conduit accepting channel including a conduit sealing portion and a conduit retaining portion. A conduit is secured to the rearward end of the connector by simply pushing it within the channel and tightening the cover to achieve a liquid tight fit. By eliminating disassembly and reassembly of parts, the connector provides significant labor savings over prior art liquid tight conduit connectors.

Abstract: A coupling for a transition between a plastic pipe and a metal piping system. In one embodiment, the transition coupling includes an adapter nut having a first end for connection with the metal piping system. A stiffener tube, affixed in the adapter nut, has an external diameter less than an internal diameter of the plastic pipe. An adapter coupling is connected to a second end of the adapter nut. A hollow gripper is positioned within the adapter coupling having an internal circumferential surface configured to grippingly engage the plastic pipe after axial insertion. At least one toroidal elastomeric seal is received over a groove in the stiffener tube to engage the plastic pipe.

Abstract: A pipe coupling, wherein a pipe is freely insertable into the coupling and a nut causes engagement of a grip ring and gasket with the pipe to provide a seal between the coupling and the pipe, having a stop disposed therein to indicate to a user that the pipe has been inserted to a first position. Further tightening of the nut causes the pipe to move further into the coupling to a second position beyond the stop.

Abstract: Connectors for attaching a composite pipe to a service member are described herein. In one embodiment, a connector can include a service end, a slip nut, a slip, a seal carrier, and an energy conductor. The slip nut can be disposed about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end. The slip can be positioned about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end and the slip nut to compress the slip into gripping contact with the pipe. The seal carrier can be positioned in a bore of the pipe at a location radially opposite the slip to resist deformation of the pipe when the slip is compressed into gripping contact with the pipe. The energy conductor can be embedded within and surrounded by a material of the service end for connection with an energy conductor within the composite pipe.

Abstract: A reusable coupling adaptable to the ends of a tube, the coupling including a nipple (2) having a toothed end (7) designed to be inserted into the tube (1), its inside diameter corresponding approximately to the inside diameter of the tube, the nipple having an annular surface external to the tube. A peripheral ferrule (4) is mounted around the tube (1) and imprisons the tube in engagement with the toothed part (7) of the nipple (2). The ferrule (4) includes an inward annulus (5) which fits into a peripheral groove (6) on the surface of the nipple, while a seal (8) is provided within the groove to be contacted by the annulus (5). The ferrule (4) is radially compressible and is immobilized and fixed to the periphery of the tube (1) by a connection assembly made up of two connectable parts (9, 10) mounted around the end of the tube on either side of the ferrule, and which compresses the ferrule after it has been fitted on the tube.

Abstract: A liquid tight connector for connecting non-metallic or metallic conduit to panels or similar devices. The connector is an effort and time saving device that allows connection of conduit to panels without the need to disassemble a portion of the connector and then reassemble again as in prior art devices. The connector allows an installer to simply push a conduit into one end of the connector and push the opposite end of the connector into an aperture in a panel. Liquid tight seals are created between the conduit and the connector and between the connector and the panel. By proper selection of the material of construction, the connector may be built for use with either metallic or non-metallic conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipe joint made of resin in which a predetermined pressing force in the axial direction corresponding to a fastening torque of a union nut can be obtained, and the strength of threads can be enhanced.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose assembly is provided for connecting hydraulic components of a bicycle. The hydraulic hose assembly has a flexible hose, a rigid tubular insert, connecting fastener and a tubular bushing. The compression bushing surrounds the flexible hose in order that the connecting fastener can be tightened to compress the bushing into a watertight seal. The compression bushing has an annular recess that is located between a pair of inclined sections. The annular recess is configured to limit the amount of radial expansion of the outer diameter of the bushing when the hydraulic hose assembly is coupled to the bicycle component.

Abstract: A one-touch joint for a flexible tube. A tapered surface is formed on the inner circumference of a fastening ring, and a ring-shaped retainer is positioned between the tapered surface and a seal member. When the flexible tube is inserted into the retainer, projections in the retainer are pushed open elastically by peak sections of a corrugated tube, and when a peak section has passed, the projections engage with a valley section of the corrugated tube. The joint and flexible tube can be coupled in a one-touch operation, simply by inserting the flexible tube. Moreover, excellent sealing properties and detachment prevention properties are obtained between the joint and the flexible tube.

Abstract: Reusable coupling adaptable to the ends of a tube, comprising:

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling that is used for connecting hydraulic tubular lines includes a male plug which will mate with a standard tube end flare. The male plug has a rounded end that will provide for a line contact with the interior surface of the standard flare. The rounded end of the plug is joined to the main portion of the male plug body through a wall that is controlled in cross-sectional size so that the outer end will deflect as the male plug is tightened into place. This will provide a resilient loading along a line of contact to insure that the seal is maintained even if there is slight axial movement between the flare and the male plug.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection between a tube and a fitting, in which the fitting including a body with an externally male threaded tube receiving part to receive a tube, and a female threaded member adapted to be engaged with the male thread of the body with a compression means therebetween, the method including the steps of arranging the female threaded member and the compression means around the tube, inserting the tube into the tube receiving part of the body, and tightening the female threaded member onto the tube receiving part so that a generally radially inwardly extending formation of the female threaded member bears upon the compression means and wherein the method includes determining the amount of movement of a part of the fitting which, as the female threaded member is tightened, is caused to move relative to another part of the fitting.

Abstract: A sheath clamp for a welding torch, comprising a sleeve (5) having a spherical head (3) adapted to be inserted into a seat in the torch and a flange axially spaced from the head, with a collar (9) slidably mounted on the sleeve (5), and means for urging the collar (9) along the axis of the sleeve in order to clamp a sheath (2), fitted over the sleeve (5), against the flange (4). Preferably the collar (9) is provided with at least one inwardly protruding tooth (10), preferably two inner opposed teeth, and the sleeve has a reduced diameter portion between the flange (4) and the spherical head (3), which is bounded by inclined raised walls (7) which can be engaged by the tooth (10) of the collar (9), so that rotation of the ring causes an axial displacement of the collar along the sleeve (5).

Abstract: A fitting for use with corrugated tubing. The fitting includes a first body having a first internal conduit therethrough and a first centerline. The first body has a plurality of fingers integral with the first body. The fingers are positioned radially about a periphery of the first body and each of the fingers is separated from an adjacent finger by a space. A second body which mates with the first body has a second internal conduit therethrough and a second centerline. The second body has a finger deflection surface for contacting the fingers and directing the fingers towards the first centerline.

Abstract: A pipe connector is formed of a threaded tube, two inner tubes, and two fitting tubes. The threaded tube is provided at two longitudinal ends with an outer threaded portion. The inner tubes are fitted at one end thereof into the two longitudinal ends of the threaded tube. The inner tubes are provided at an opposite end with a plurality of elastic pieces. The fitting tubes are fastened to the two longitudinal ends of the threaded tube such that the inner threaded portion of the fitting tubes is engaged with the outer threaded portion of the threaded tube. The fitting tubes are provided in the outer surface thereof with a gripping portion for locating an annular ring which is fitted thereover.