Abstract: A conduit coupling comprises a male conduit, a mating female member. The male conduit is constrained as part of the conduit leading to the coupling. The male conduit includes a member for limiting the movement of the male conduit within the female member, means for sealing, and a retainer to couple the male conduit to the female member. The female member is defined as an open port, and it is possible to be no more in diameter and depth than a screw-in connection. The connection may be a quick-connect type (in which case a tool is required for disconnection) or a non-quick-connect type (in which case a tool is required for connection and disconnection). The male conduit may either be composed of a substantially non-elastic material such as a metal or a plastic or a substantially elastic material such as a soft plastic or a hard rubber. If composed of an elastic material, the bulged area is formed by use of a rigid liner having a formed bulged area that is inserted into the elastic conduit.

Abstract: The swivel assembly of the present invention employs a thrust bearing configuration that provides smooth operation under non-axial and axial load conditions. The assembly comprises two opposing bearing surfaces, one on the end of a hose pipe and the other on a bearing race. A cylindrical housing interlocks with the bearing race and includes a flange to keep the bearing surface of the hose pipe in contact with the bearings. Thus, the hose pipe may rotate freely relative to the bearing race and housing. Because only the end of the hose pipe is in contact with the housing or bearings, non-axial bending loads centered in the bearing are resolved through relatively short moment arms thereby reducing friction creating by the non-axial loading condition. A sealing and lubricating thrust washer may be introduced between the flange in the housing and the hose pipe to seal the swivel assembly and to reduce further the friction between the hose pipe and the housing flange and bearing race.

Abstract: In combination with a dual elbow swivel joint having a female elbow member rotationally coupled to a male elbow member, the invention comprises an orientation device having an angle marker located on one elbow member and an indicator mark located on the other elbow member. The angle marker contains a number of angle markings located at predetermined angles measured from the central axis of the elbow member. The indicator mark is placed on the other elbow member in a location such that, when aligned with an angle marking, the elbow members are in a predetermined angular orientation relative to each other. The angle markings on the angle marker each have a length which is related to the amount of wear that has been found to occur in the dual elbow swivel joint when the female and male members are oriented at that particular angle. Thus, the orientation device enables an operator to orient the female and male elbow members at an angle at which the dual elbow swivel joint will experience the least amount of wear.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an annular member having a pivotal member pivotally coupled to the annular member to which an elongated elastic member may be attached with the other end of the elastic member attached to a fixed object. Two clamp members are provided each of which has an enlarged base with a neck extending from one end of the base and a collar formed at the other end of the neck such that a curved slot is located on the outside of the clamp member between the base and the collar. The base of each of clamp member has first flattened portions on opposite sides of a first slot and the neck and collar of each clamp member has second flattened portions on opposite sides of a second slot which is a continuation of the first slot. The first flattened portions of the bases of the two clamp members may engage each other such that the second flattened portions and second slots extend away from each other.

Abstract: A swivel connector for connecting a garden hose with a water receiving device including an inner ring seal member having a central tubular portion and a first and second seal flange extending from either peripheral end of the central portion, each of the first and second flanges having a resilient outer sealing surface that fits within an inner peripheral groove provided within a first and second female swivel member. The first female swivel member has a conventional female hose fitting. The second female swivel member includes a connecting mechanism for forming a fluid connection with a water flow receiving device. The connecting mechanism may take the form of a conventional male hose fitting or an integrally formed connection with a water flow receiving device such as a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A suction line has a stiff suction tube and a flexible suction hose having a connecting end. A connector for connecting the connecting end of the flexible suction hose to the stiff suction tube to form the suction line having free ends is provided. One of the free ends of the suction line is connected to a vacuum source. The other free end of the suction line can receive a vacuuming tool. The stiff suction tube has a longitudinal axis. The connector is rotatable about an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swivelable connector 10 for plain end flexible conduit 12 which includes a tubular conduit 22 having an annular projection 28 disposed a predetermined distance from a first end thereof, a sealing element 70 and a rotatable retainer 48 disposed within the axial bore of the plain end flexible conduit and a retainer element 34 positioned over the outer surface of the flexible conduit 12 which secures the flexible conduit between the rotatably retainer and the retainer elements and provides a relative rotation between the flexible conduit 12 and conduit 22.

Abstract: A device for transferring a medium to a servo device has a first component and a second component positioned in the first component so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The first component is displaceable to a limited extent relative to the second component along the axis of rotation. An annular chamber is located between the first and second components and is delimited axially on one side by the first component and on the other side by the second component. First and second radial sealing gaps are provided on opposite sides of the annular chamber. The annular chamber has a circumferential sidewall that is slanted relative to the axis of rotation such that a first surface of the first component forming the circumferential sidewall of the annular chamber and a second surface of the first component forming the radially extending annular surface of the annular chamber are positioned at an acute angle to one another.

Abstract: A connector for delivering combustion gas to a gas fired appliance from a stationary supply line where the appliance moves toward and away from the supply line with the connector straightening and flexing between them as the appliance moves. The connector comprises a flexible hose assembly and first and second swivel fittings at respective hose assembly ends. Each swivel fitting defines a gas flow path and comprises a swivel member for communicating the connector with the appliance or the supply line. The hose assembly comprises a flexible metal hose member antitorsion fittings forming ends of the hose assembly connected to respective swivel fittings. The antitorsion fittings comprise pintle and nipple members rotatable relative to each other to prevent torsional stress in the hose member when the appliance moves relative to the supply line.

Abstract: A conduit swivel connector comprising a unitary central member having a medially oriented abutment flange projecting exteriorly of the central member, and a first sleeve rotatably mounted about the central member about a first tube portion, and a second sleeve rotatably mounted about the central member and about a second tube portion, with the tube portions rotatably secured to the sleeve portions employing respective rings received within cooperating grooves of the tube and sleeve portions permitting a hose to be received upon the first sleeve portion permitting the hose to be rotatably connected by the central member.

Abstract: A system for loading toner into a large capacity printer and copier machines includes a base adapter with a swiveling filler snout for receiving and latching onto a spout of a large toner container. The axis of filler snout is oriented at angle .PHI. with respect to its swivel axis which in turn is tilted at angle .PHI. with respect to the vertical. Accordingly, the filler swivels between a retracted stow position where the filler snout extends vertically over the base adapter and an extended position where the snout tilts at angle 2.PHI. from the vertical for receiving and latching onto the spout of the toner container. The spout of the toner container and the mouth of the filler snout have mating surfaces facilitating latching of the container spout within the snout.

Abstract: A rotary coupler having two housing portions, one housing portion being rotatable with respect to the other housing portion includes two fluid channels including a water channel extending axially the length of the coupler and a slurry channel disposed radially outwardly of the water channel. A flow directing surface is disposed within the rotatable housing portion to direct a slurry of abrasive particles and air through the housing to the outlet in a continuous manner substantially without disruption of the compositional integrity of the slurry.

Abstract: An elongated body, has internally formed a plenum chamber opening to one face of the body. A pair of side brushes mounted on the face projected outwardly thereof and being spaced laterally from each other and extending over the major length of the body. A pair of longitudinally opposed end brushes spanned transversely across the body face from one side brush to the other project outwardly of the one face in the direction of the side brushes and form with the side brushes a vacuum chamber. The tips of the side brushes are formed of bristles of a length in excess of the length of bristles formed by the side brushes, and are engageable with laterally opposed longitudinally extending opposite side edges of planar ceiling fan blades. The side brushes are spaced from each other a distance generally equal to the lateral width of the ceiling fan blades.

Abstract: A swivel joint connecting articulable fluid conducting arm members of a plumbing assembly includes an inlet member matable with a first arm member and having an inlet fluid passage from the arm member to an inlet collar section. An outlet member is provided matable with a second arm member. The outlet member also defines an outlet fluid passage from the respective second arm member to an outlet member collar section. A fluid conducting shaft member is disposed through the inlet and outlet member collar sections so that the collar sections rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A bearing sleeve is concentric about the shaft so that the collar sections rotate about the bearing sleeve. Resilient sealing rings are disposed about the shaft adjacent the bearing sleeve so as to prevent leakage of fluid from the swivel joint. Upon axially compressing the sealing rings and the bearing sleeve together, the sealing rings radially expand thereby sealing against the collar sections.

Abstract: The apparatus is a device for removing vehicle exhaust gases from a building. A sealed duct is installed under the floor of a building, and the duct includes a structure for supporting and guiding a hose dolly, a part of which travels within the duct. A flat seal is formed at the top of the duct at the level of the floor by flexible overlapping flaps which are raised and separated by the shape of the hose dolly as it moves along the sunken duct. An air cooled tail pipe coupling permits a hose connection between the hose dolly and a vehicle tail pipe without damage to the hose.

Abstract: A rotatable flange union for use with vacuum systems includes a first flange, a second flange and a connector which connects the first flange to the second flange and allows the first flange to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the second flange. In the preferred embodiment, tubing of the first flange is placed within tubing of the second flange. Additionally, the connector includes a first quad ring seal, a second quad ring seal, and a cavity in the second flange. The first quad ring seal is in contact with an inner diameter of the second flange and is in contact with an outer diameter of the first flange. The second quad ring seal is in contact with the inner diameter of the second flange and is in contact with the outer diameter of the first flange. The cavity is between the first quad ring seal and the second quad ring seal. The cavity is pumped to a pressure of less than ten millitorr.

Abstract: An improved rotating pipe joint for use in the sootblower system of a rotary regenerative air heater employs a ball and socket type construction floating seal assembly. The ball and its associated seal rings rotates within the socket to allow a slide pipe of the sootblower system to deviate from the vertical position while maintaining sealing. The improved rotating pipe joint also accommodates rotary, axial and lateral motion between the moving and stationary parts of the air heater.

Abstract: A fluid connection and control device for fluid machines permits fluid inlet or outlet connections without the necessity for threaded connection to the machine. This is accomplished by an elongate radially symmetrical body having first and second ends and a central axial fluid passage connecting the ends. The body is appropriately sized for the fluid channel of the fluid machine and has a provision at the first end for attachment of a flexible hose. The second end has a provision for a fluid tight seal between the body and the fluid channel as well as a mechanism by which the body is retained within the fluid channel of the fluid machine while permitting rotation thereof. Options are provided for incorporation of a valve mechanism for controlling the fluid flow. This provides the advantages of rapid assembly and avoidance of undue stresses to the fluid machine housing.

Abstract: A swivel coupling device is designed for coupling together the mating ends of two tubular fittings forming part of a pressurized fluid, fuel or gas connection system between a fluid, fuel or gas supply and an output device. The device has two relatively rotatable coupling parts with mating flat faces rotatably secured together in face-to-face engagement. Each of the flat faces has a recess with a circular outer periphery matching that of the recess in the other part, and each part has a passageway extending through it to the recess from a point on its outer surface remote from the flat face. Suitable connecting fittings are provided for connecting the passageway on each part to a respective tubular fitting so that the fittings can be swivelled, via dual axes, omni-directionally, relative to one another while fluid, fuel or gas communication between the fittings is maintained through the passageways and recesses of the coupling.

Abstract: A swing connector assembly for connecting a sprinkler unit to a supply line includes an elongated conduit having a pair of swivel elbows connected to it by barbed fittings at each end thereof providing for three degrees of orthogonal rotation for enabling unlimited positioning of the sprinkler unit within the length of the conduit.

Abstract: A twist canister for conducting conduits between two members rotatable with respect to each other through a predetermined angle about an axis. The conduits are pre-flexed an angular amount equal to one half of the predetermined angle when the members are at the extreme of the rotational angle with respect to each other. The conduits are flexed only one half of the predetermined angle during rotation of the members through the total predetermined angle. The conduits are placed generally in a plane parallel to the axis to minimize the space required for the canister.

Abstract: New apparatii and processes are disclosed to create fluid continuity between opposite ends of a route drilled or bored under and/or around an obstacle. This invention allows fluids to be pumped through a reamer and a hollow swivel from either or both sides of the obstacle. It also allows the direct transfer of fluids from one side to the other through the connecting conduit located in the annular space produced during drilling and reaming operations.

Abstract: A dry, vertical shaft drilling system including an inverted raiseboring cutterhead fitted with air nozzles and vacuum pickups. Weights are detachably stacked above the cutterhead. Cuttings are extracted through the weights into a swivel circumscribing the drill string. The swivel is a transition from the rotating cutterhead to the stationary extraction riser pipes disposed above the swivel. Non-rotating stabilizers stabilize the drill string.

Abstract: A cutter tool is constructed to be portable and maneuverable so that it can be used at an accident scene to extricate a victim that is trapped in place by the foot pedal and/or steering wheel of a vehicle by cutting the same to free the trapped victim.

Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal is disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer is detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.

Abstract: A welding cable has connectors at each end, and a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the cable from one connector to the other. An insulating element includes a tubular outer wall, and a plurality of wall portions extending radially in respective directions from the central portion to the outer wall, each conductor being disposed in a passageway defined by a respective pair of adjacent radial wall portions and a portion of the outer wall. The connectors at the ends of the cable facilitate a flow of cooling water through the passageways in the insulating element. The insulating element extends through a pair of axially spaced, tubular cover portions, each of which has one end clamped to a respective connector.

Abstract: A tensile force actuated fuel line swivel-joint quick-disconnecting coupling device has a pair of body members including interlocking elements which cooperatively couple and provide fuel passageways through the body members, and uncouple when a tensile force above a predetermined limit is interposed on the fuel line. The interlocking elements are in the form of a mortise and tenon connection and pivot one relative to the other about a swivel axis. A connecting member is pivotably connected to one of the body members and to a rigid conduit or fuel nozzle for rotation about a pivot axis. The other body member has a diverted fluid passageway including a longitudinal axis that extends to a port connected to a flexible fuel line. The pivot axis, the longitudinal axis and the swivel axis are disposed so that the longitudinal axis may align itself with the direction of any tensile force applied through the flexible fuel line.

Abstract: A swivel-less coupling suitable for producing oil from an underwater well through a riser to a floating vessel or for transferring fluids to or from such a vessel is formed of an inner drum and a surrounding annular surface. The surface carries one or more flexible pipes which can wind and unwind helically across it to accommodate limited relative rotation as between the inner end(s) of the pipe(s) which is fixed to the drum and the outer end(s) and the pipe(s) which is fixed at a point which is rotatable relative to the drum. The pipe or pipes may be carried on cradles which can move across the surface. Relative movement as between the inner and outer ends of the pipe may be regulated by a motor, which may be controlled by sensors noting any tendency for change in the relative positions due to forces acting on the vessel.

Abstract: A combination breakaway and swivel coupling for vehicle fueling systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a body having a swivel connection at one end and a breakaway connection at the other end. The swivel is directly connected to a vehicle fueling nozzle and the breakaway coupling is connected to the supply hose of the fueling system. The swivel coupling is a ball-and-socket type coupling which permits the nozzle to be moved in all directions with respect to the supply hose for convenient positioning of the nozzle in the vehicle during fueling and hanging of the nozzle on the pump when the unit is not is use. The breakaway coupling automatically separates in the event that the vehicle drives away without removing the nozzle and prevents damage to the hose and the pump structure. Automatic shutoff valves close when the breakaway coupling releases to prevent pollution or hazardous spills of fuel. One embodiment utilizes a frangible connection which fractures and releases when breakaway occurs.

Abstract: A method for communicating two pressure confining conduits through a wall by means of an adapter that mounts two swivelable elbows that act as conduits and conduit junctions is shown. An automotive heater application is described wherein the disclosed method allows standardization of heaters, firewall or climate package through-wall parts. Accommodation of varying the location of the through-wall adapter and heater by merely altering the communicating conduit lengths which are plugged into the adapter and heater, even when the adapter and heater are previously fixably mounted as shown. The method allows the use of the same adapter and heater across many different car lines.

Abstract: This mechanical joint allows relative rotation of two articles (one may be a stationary fixture), on an arbitrary axis. The joint has as much angular-rotation range as a hinge, but as many degrees of freedom as a ball-and-socket or universal joint. It allows transmission, between the objects, of force or flux (e.g., of electricity, gas, or liquid), or both. In can be used as an applied-force or motion sensor, varying electrical contacts or conductivity in response to relative motion or force applied between the articles. In one form the invention is simply a mechanical joint formed of two closely interlocked toroids. The minor cross-section of each toroid is sized to just fit through the central aperture of the other; there is a connection point on each toroid for attachment of one article. By adjusting closeness of fit, a designer can impart to the device a wide range of desirable frictional properties.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, which enable the measurement and the adjustment of separation of seal surfaces. The fluid swivel includes inner and outer walls that are rotatably coupled about an axis and that form an annular chamber and a pair of gaps extending from the chamber. A hollow region is formed along each gap for holding a face seal, and the gap forms an extrusion gap portion extending radially from each hollow region. The inner and outer walls form axially-spaced wall surfaces adjacent to the hollow region, and one of the walls has a gage-passing passage leading from the outside of the wall to the space between the wall surfaces to pass a gage for measuring the separation gap between the wall surfaces. One of the walls includes a plurality of parts and also includes shims between the parts for enabling slight adjustment of the spacing between the seal surfaces, depending on the thickness of the shims.

Abstract: A fluid swivel joint coupling has a body member, a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The body member includes an inlet portal, and outlet portal and a diverted fluid passageway connecting them. The first connecting member is pivotably mounted in flow communication with one of the portals for rotation about a first swivel axis, and the second connecting member is pivotably connected in flow communication with the other portal for rotation about a second swivel axis. The second connecting member has a diverted fluid passageway opening onto a third portal, a longitudinal axis extending through the third portal and a portion of the passageway. The first connecting member is operatively connected to a rigid conduit while the second connecting member is operatively connected at the third portal to a flexible conduit.

Abstract: An articulated conduit coupling for attaching two conduits together so that the conduits can move or vibrate in a generally radial direction relative to each other without rupturing the conduits includes a first conduit section which is coaxial to a second conduit section. The second conduit section has one end which is sized to be concentrically received within one end of the first conduit section. The articulated conduit coupling also includes two radially extending pivot pins in diametrical alignment with each other projecting through the walls of the overlapped section conduit section and overlapping first conduit section so that the first and second conduit sections can move relative to each other in a direction 90 degrees to the axis of the pivot pins.

Abstract: A tensile force actuated fuel line quick disconnecting coupling device has a pair of body members including interlocking elements which cooperatively couple and provide a fuel passageway through the body members, and uncouple when a tensile force above a predetermined limit is interposed on the fuel line. The interlocking elements may be in the form of a mortise and tenon connection having a detent type infrangible locking member for interconnecting the elements together. The interlocking elements may pivot one relative to the other so that a combination swivel joint and quick disconnecting coupling device is provided. Various types of interlocking members are disclosed as are both infrangible and frangible locking means. Valving is disposed within each body member so that when the body members uncouple respective valves close the flow passageways therein.

Abstract: A swivel joint for connecting fluid pipes includes a plurality of elements placed one upon another. Each element includes a cylindrical stationary portion and a cylindrical rotatable portion surrounding the stationary portion and supported rotatably thereon by a pair of vertically spaced apart sliding bearings. The two portions define therebetween an annular fluid passage having a fluid inlet to which a pipe is connected and a fluid outlet to which another pipe is connected. The rotatable portion has a pair of inclined edge surfaces. Each bearing has an inclined edge surface which is complementary to one of the inclined edge surfaces of the rotatable portion and which cooperates therewith to align the axis of rotation of the rotatable portion with the center of the stationary portion. The two portions have therebetween a clearance for absorbing any positional variation by thermal expansion thereof relative to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a loading arm for transfering liquids, gases, and particulate solids, in which the loading arm comprises a riser, inner and outer arm sections, and a rotary pipe joint pivotally interconnected and removably attached to both the inner and outer arm sections for rigidly interconnecting and supporting the arm sections in an arm-assembled position while the rotary pipe joint is being serviced or repaired. The arrangement is particularly advantageous for servicing sealing and bearing means located in the rotary pipe joint. Such joints are used in loading arms employed in transfer apparatus used to conduct cargo between transport and storage containers, for example, a marine transport vessel and wharf, pipeline, or other stationary facility.

Abstract: A connector swivel for connecting between a supply tube and an endotracheal tube accommodates movement of the patient. The swivel connector has an angled central member, with the axes of its ends intersecting each other at an obtuse angle. The central member has end pieces rotatably connected to each end. One of the end pieces is also angled, with its axes intersecting at an obtuse angle. The other end piece is straight and cylindrical.

Abstract: A swivel fitting arrangement for use in a pressurized fluid line, especially a high pressure, high flow rate line, is disclosed herein and utilizes first and second adjacent sections of the line in coaxial and unconnected relationship to one another so as to define an axial joint between the two sections and such that the first section is able to rotate aboout its axis relative to the second section. The arrangement also includes means for supporting the two line sections in their coaxial and unconnected relationship with one another and a tubular sealing member disposed coaxially within the line and across the axial joint between and directly against the adjacent sections and joint for internally sealing the joint while allowing fluid within the line to pass from one of the sections to the other.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, which is especially useful for carrying hydrocarbons at high pressures between stationary and rotating walls of a swivel. The swivel forms a fluid-carrying annular chamber and a pair of gap-like passages lying between the walls and extending from opposite sides of the chamber to the environment, with primary and secondary face seals located along each passage. Each passage includes a portion extending between the seals, the passage portion forming a pair of largely radially-extending wall surfaces, one on the outer wall and one on the inner wall. The radially-extending wall surface on the outer wall faces in a first axial direction, and the outer wall at the secondary seal faces in an opposite axial direction. As a result, if the primary seal should fail, this will not change the axial force on the outer wall. The extrusion gaps at the seals extend in radial directions from the seal, so these gaps do not widen when high pressure is applied to the fluid swivel.

Abstract: A nonswiveling rotatable link formed from flexible conduits extending between two parallel planes of which one is rotatable relative to the other is stabilized without the use of a gear wheel mated to teeth on each of the two planes. The link instead includes two flexible conduits which together form two loops or circles, one on each plane. Each conduit also forms an arc traversing the gap between the planes, through which the conduit passes and reverses direction while transferring from one plane to the other as one plane rotates, the two arcs curving in opposite directions and overlapping to form a closed crossover loop. Tension within the crossover loop and thus proper alignment of the conduits is provided by pairs of idlers forced apart laterally inside the loop by a spring or cylinder mounting which maintains expansive pressure as conditions in the conduits cause the loop to expand or contract.

Abstract: A rotary joint or union characterized by its ease of assembly, disassembly and maintenance wherein a mounted internal condiut supports a rotary anti-friction bearing housing to which a seal housing is removably attached by bolts. A conduit port defined in the seal housing communicates with the interior of the conduit. A bearing retainer mounted upon the end of the conduit includes a seal having a radial face engaging the radial face of a seal mounted on the seal housing in a self-aligning manner. A compression spring maintains engagement of the seal faces through a seal assembly, and the seal housing seal is mounted within a retainer loosely keyed to the seal housing to facilitate self-alignment.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for coupling a fixed unit, such as a fluid riser or electrical cable rising from a sea bed and fixed in space, with a movable unit, such as a production vessel floating on the prevailing sea. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically spaced, coaxial, relatively shiftable disks, the lower disk being coupled with the riser or cable, and the upper disk being coupled with the vessel. A conduit extends between and can be moved onto and off the members as a function of the rotation of the vessel due to the wave action. The upper and lower members move in a manner to allow the conduit to move onto the circumferential extent of the outer periphery of one member and off the circumferential extent of the outer periphery of the other member as a function of the rotation of the vessel through at least two revolutions in one direction.

Abstract: This is a coupling arrangement which is usable in an overhead irrigation system of the traveling or moving type more commonly known as center pivot and laterally moving irrigation systems. The present coupling arrangement is connected between the slightly spaced ends of two pipes which are generally aligned. A flexible coupling in the nature of a mechanical interlock is positioned within and between the ends of the pipes and a sealing arrangement is disposed around the coupling with the coupling itself being constructed and arranged to provide for and accept misalignment to some degree between the pipes and also for some swiveling. This is also an alignment arrangement for irrigation systems.

Abstract: A hose coupling having a threaded body and hose clamping fingers extending from the body, the body and the fingers being formed as a one piece unit in a single manufacturing operation the fingers being formed with a ridge around the exterior, and a separate slideable collar fitting around the fingers, and slideable along the finger so as to squeeze the fingers together when the collar is pressed towards the body, and releasing the fingers when the collar is pulled away from the body, the fingers having interior teeth, arranged to engage the surface of a hose, and bite into it when the fingers are squeezed together by the collar and at the transition between the fingers and the body, an interior sealing sleeve, of gradually reducing diameter, for making sealing engagement with the outer surface of the hose, when the hose is forced into the sleeve.

Abstract: A high pressure hose swivel connector comprises a pair of body members which are swively connected together in pressure-tight swivel relation by means such as a bolt and the three joints involving the swivel surfaces and the joints between the bolt and the body members of the connector are thoroughly leak proof by means of O-ring seals.

Abstract: A swivel coupling apparatus includes a pair of aligned metal pipe sections having grooved outer ends for connecting to hoses and rigid pipes by releasable clamp units. A gasket is disposed between the smooth end faces and an outer clamp housing encircles the end portions to mechanically connect the pipe sections. The pipe sections have outer shoulders with inclined clamp walls. The clamp housing includes a pair of semi-circular members having bolt clamping lugs for drawing the members onto the shoulders. The members having outer side clamp legs defining a cavity. A central rectangular spacer projects partially into the cavity for location between the outer portion of the end faces. The cavity has annular base walls between the spacer and side legs aligned with and outwardly spaced from the outer peripheral walls of the shoulders. Grease fittings to the opposite sides of the spacer provide for introducing of grease into the free space. The spacer has a smooth inner wall forming a backing for the gasket.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation/deflation system for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. Air passageways for the pressurize air are provided internally through the wheel assemblies without cutting into load bearing members. A rotating seal is provided by way of a pair of sealing rings (52,54) located inboard of the hub bearings (32,33) to protect the seals from adverse environmental conditions. A kit for retrofitting vehicles to include an automatic tire inflation/deflation system is also disclosed. Ramp surfaces (90, 91, 92) formed in the hub (30') are provided to facilitate removal of the bearing assemblies (32, 33).

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible coupling whose operative interposition between communicating members affords the relative relationship of 360.degree. rotation, axial alignment, misalignment, offset relationship, articulation at different angles axially. The flexible coupling is self-cleaning and acts as a vibration dampener. The flexible coupling has upstream and downstream collars which mount a U-shaped annular flexible member whose one end portion is fixed to the upstream collar between an annular flange and keeper plate and whose other end portion is freely retained on the downstream collar between annular flanges.

Abstract: A swivel coupling for terminating the end of a hose made of resilient material, the coupling having a tubular nipple with a barbed hose receiving portion at one end and a cylindrical end extending from the hose and having an O-ring seal extending therearound, and the coupling including a screw threaded fitting surrounding the cylindrical end of the nipple and sealed thereto by the O-ring and having an annular abutment adjacent to the hose, and the coupling further including an annular collar, separable into sectors in the form of shell portions which surround the hose and squeeze it against the barbed nipple, the collar having a grooved structure overlying the annular abutment of the screw fitting and retaining the fitting close to the hose while permitting it to swivel with respect to its axis, and the nipple having female wrench flats in its outer end and having external screw threads at its inner end beyond the barbed portion whereby the nipple can be screwed into the hose bore after the screw fitting and