Abstract: A rotatable water conduit couple for a pit gun including a water conduit couple with a first portion having a hollow cylinder with a first end and a second end. A disk is coupled coaxially to the first end of the hollow cylinder with a plurality of coupling apertures formed therethrough adjacent a periphery thereof. A flange is integrally formed about the hollow cylinder and extended radially therefrom adjacent the second end thereof. Further provided is an annular second portion having an end surface with a plurality of threaded bolts coupled thereto and extended perpendicularly therefrom in parallel with an axis about which the cylinder of the first portion is situated. The second portion further includes a stepped inboard surface with at least one step formed therein. By this structure, the flange of the first portion slidably abuts the step of the second portion forming an annular compartment for allowing a gasket to be situated therein.

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: A swivel coupler for releasably and fluid tightly connecting two parts together so that fluid can pass between the two parts and the two parts can rotate relative to one another, comprises a body having an outer surface which, at least in part, is right cylindrical and a collar mounted on the right cylindrical outer body surface for rotation relative thereto. The collar projects beyond one end of the body for connection to one of the two parts and the body is connectable to the other of the two parts. Rotary sealing elements are provided between the collar and the right cylindrical outer body surface. There is a first ball or roller bearing race in the right cylindrical outer body surface and at least one radially extending bearing assembly aperture in the collar for inserting ball or roller bearings into said race when the race and aperture are radially aligned.

Abstract: A fitting is adapted to connect two hoses and includes first and second tubular members which include interconnecting end portions that enable the tubular members to be rotated relative to each other. The first tubular member includes a receiving end portion which receives an insert end portion of the second tubular member. An arrangement of flanges on the respective end portions of the tubular members defines cooperating grooves which receive a C-shaped retaining ring. When two hoses connected by the fitting are twisted relative to each other, the twisted hoses can be straightened by relative rotation of the first and second tubular members, thereby permitting smooth flow of fluid through the fitting.

Abstract: A self-cleaning rotary union apparatus provides a fluid coupling between a pair of relatively rotatable fixture elements, and includes a base and a body that are rotatable relative to one another. The base includes a mounting surface, an interior surface opposing the mounting surface, a fluid passageway extending into the base, and a plurality of bores extending through the base between the mounting surface and the interior surface. The bores are countersunk adjacent the interior surface to permit flange mounting of the base on one of the fixture elements. An elongated rotor protrudes from the interior surface of the base and includes a cylindrical side surface provided with an annular channel and a fluid passageway that communicates with the annular channel and with the passageway in the base.

Abstract: The rotatable cylindrical sleeve that comprises the female cable connector termination of a seismic streamer cable section is made in two telescoping parts. The two telescoping parts are indexed together by a shear pin to form a weak link assembly. If a streamer cable is snagged, the shear pin fails, allowing the telescoping parts of the sleeve to part company, releasing the snagged cable portions but without structural damage to the cable section. A feature of the device is its ease of retrofit.

Abstract: A rotary union assembly includes a rotor with a housing rotatably mounted on a forward end thereof, the rotor being selectively releasably mounted in one end of a tubular support member. The rotor includes a socket extending radially from a central shaft and a spring loaded plunger within the socket having a pin cooperable with a hole in the tubular member side wall to releasably secure the rotor in position in the tubular member. A hose barb on the rearward end of the rotor shaft permits easy installation of a resilient, flexible hose on the rotor.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is constructed such that: a pressing member is supported by an inner collar and presses an inserted pipe body in a state in which the pressing member contacts an inclined surface of an outer collar; the inclined surface of the outer collar causes the pressing member to be moved in a radial direction thereof when the pressing member moves toward a deep portion within the pipe coupling, and restricts the movement of the pressing member in the radial direction when the pressing member moves in a direction of an exit; the inner collar is urged toward the exit by an elastic member; and the outer collar is relatively movably coupled to a housing of the pipe coupling. In the case of any type of rigid pipe body, the pipe coupling can be freely and easily connected to and removed from the same.

Abstract: A wash arm hub for a dishwasher includes a sealed bearing rotatably coupling first and second mounting hub members. The sealed bearing, as well as the first and second hub members, define an interior fluid passageway or chamber to permit fluid to flow through the hub assembly. The sealed bearing and the design of the hub members prevents fluid leakage out of the hub, thereby providing a low friction support for a wash arm and a sealed connection between a fluid supply and the wash arm.

Abstract: An improved rotary joint construction is produced by eliminating the external drive mechanism used for installing and removing such joints. An internal drive mechanism is provided within the bearing area of the stem which does not alter rated flow volume and which does not add to the length of the stem. The internal drive mechanism comprises a socket in the end of the stem which allows the joint to be installed or removed without using special tools. A more compact shorter joint can be produced without reducing the distance between the seals and without reduced rated flow volume and without reducing the contact area of the between the stem and barrel. Alternately, a joint with substantially increased bearing contact area and a longer barrel can be produced without increasing the stem installation clearance height and without reducing the interseal spacing flow passage geometry and subsequent rated flow volume.

Abstract: A swivel device for coupling a back reamer to a plastic pipe to be drawn through a hole has a swivel shaft that extends into a tubular body and engages a bearing. At one side of the bearing an O-ring seals between the shaft and the body. A grease supply path extends past the bearing to a grease chamber on the bearing side of the O-ring and thence via a duct, to a grease chamber on the other side of the O-ring.

Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.

Abstract: A rotary union (20) is disclosed for allowing fluid to flow between a first environment and a second environment where the first environment is rotating with respect to the second environment. The rotary union includes a pedestal (38) having a longitudinal pedestal bore (50) for transmitting fluid through pedestal (38); a housing (26) having a longitudinal housing bore (34) for transmitting fluid through housing (26). The diameter of longitudinal pedestal bore (50) of pedestal (38) is greater than the diameter of longitudinal housing bore (34) of housing (26). Housing (26) is coupled to the first environment and pedestal (38) coupled to the second environment; and rotating support structure (58, 60) is provided for coupling housing (26) and pedestal (38) with a gap (70) formed between a top portion of pedestal (38) and housing (26) with rotating support structure (58, 60) disposed below the gap with respect to the applicable gravity field.

Abstract: A low profile swivel coupling having a main body with a hollow cylindrical bearing surface, a front swivel member internally threaded to be screwed onto a threaded bearing seated on the bearing surface and rotatable on it whereby the front swivel member rotates about bearing surface of the main body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a handle and wand system for a vacuum cleaner is provided which includes an enclosed electrical system which may be used to provide electrical power to a powered floor nozzle or other powered nozzles. The handle and wand system of the present invention may be employed in either a canister vacuum or a central vacuum unit. In one embodiment, the system includes a handle and suction hose assembly which permits the hose, which includes conducting wires, to be freely rotated while attached to the handle. In another embodiment, means are provided for easily attaching, locking and detaching the components of the handle and wand system of the present invention while providing both a vacuum seal and a plurality of low resistance electrical contacts between the elements of the system of the present invention. In a further embodiment, a swivel elbow is provided to attach the handle and wand system of the present invention to a powered floor nozzle.

Abstract: A device and a method for making a device for rotatably connecting fluid flow lines such that fluid is flowable between the fluid flow lines. The device has a male component which has a male portion and a female component which has a female portion. The male and female components each have flow line connecting mechanisms. The male portion fits within the female portion such that the male and female components are rotatable with respect to one another. The male portion has both hardened and unhardened regions and the female portion has a hardened region.

Abstract: A robot is provided for manipulating an atomizing device. The robot has an arm having a proximal end for coupling to a robot controller and a distal end for supporting the atomizing device. The atomizing device is coupled to the source of fluid to be atomized. The coupling includes a first flexible conduit having a first end coupled to the source of fluid and a rotary fluid coupler for coupling a second end of the first flexible conduit to the atomizing device.

Abstract: An improved swivel joint capable of high pressure service for rotatably connecting two conduits. The swivel joint includes an inner conduit and an outer conduit which are secured together by means of ball bearings. In addition to the ball bearings, there exist wear pads to assist the ball bearings in carrying the load should the ball bearings or bearing races become worn. Additionally, the bearing races and wear pad contacting surfaces are hardened to provide the swivel joint with extended life. The unique design of the swivel joint allows it to be safely used in high pressure service.

Abstract: A rotary union includes a housing which encases a rotor having a first sealing surface and a stator having a second sealing surface. The sealing surfaces are biased against each other due to a load exerted by a biasing member. An inlet chamber is in communication with the fluid being transposed by the union and operates to urge the stator against the rotor due to the pressurized fluid in the chamber reacting against the stator. The stator and the housing define a reaction chamber. Pressurized fluid supplied to the reaction chamber operates to urge the stator away from the rotor thus enabling the disengagement of the sealing surfaces.

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 rotative joint for a pneumatic air pressure control assembly having a body having at least one air outlet, an externally, threaded projection and a set nut arranged thereon to fix the assembly to a shaft end of a vehicle, and a kinematic shaft coaxially and internally disposed in the body and which is supported in a pair of bearings that enable relative motion between the shaft and the body. The shaft is positioned by a conventional set collar and elastic ring and is hollow for allowing pneumatic connection between an inlet defined in its external end and the air outlets of the body. The body further includes an internal air chamber aligned with the air outlets and disposed between a bottom wall of the body and the internal end of the kinematic shaft, and pneumatic sealing structure provided in the air chamber for assuring air pressurization through the air outlets. The pneumatic sealing is achieved by a sealing element obtained by a material with low friction properties and high resistance to the wear.

Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in fire sprinkler systems is of generally cylindrical shape. The coupler carries locking springs to engage grooves carried on the ends of the sprinkler pipes. The coupler also carries seal rings to provide for leak proof coupling. The locking springs are carried in grooves which have sidewalls which are perpendicular to the inner surface of the coupler. The corresponding grooves on the pipes also have sidewalls which are perpendicular to the exterior surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A fluid connector fitting which reduces the required space for assembly in fluid handling systems. The fitting has an internal sealing face which, together with a conventional fluid adapter fitting, forms a fluid tight seal. A swivel nut is rotatably mounted in the body by a retainer. The swivel nut is internally threaded for connection with the adapter fitting.

Abstract: A pressure sealed connecting apparatus is provided for the connection of first and second conduits adapted to carry a pressure medium and to rotate relative to one another. Each of the conduits has tangentially contacting countersurfaces for contacting spherical surface areas of a rotation body situated between the first conduit and the second conduit. The rotation body has spherical surface areas adapted to be in rotational sealing contact with the tangentially contacting countersurfaces of each of the conduits.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, of the type that carries oil, water or natural gas at high pressure between an undersea well and a weathervaning ship, which has a seal device of increased lifetime. The seal device (56, FIG. 2 ) lies in a cavity of a first swivel part (12) and includes a rigid seal ring (62) that is slidable toward and away from a sealed surface (66). A deformable seal (60) can be backed up by the seal ring, with the seal ring sliding to close the extrusion gap (70) into which the seal could extrude when high pressure fluid enters the swivel. A pressure source (80) coupled to the cavity urges the backup part to deform radially and slide toward the sealed surface with a force that increases as the pressure of fluid in the swivel increases.

Abstract: A load segment assembly for use in pipe swivel joints or pipe connectors locks male and female hubs of a joint together while providing an axial bearing therebetween. The load assembly includes arcuate segments each having a dove-tail groove on the face of the convex side of the arcuate segment, requiring a flexible joining member to be threaded therethrough, providing maximum shear and bearing strength.

Abstract: A hose end fitting for fluid conduits and the like allows for rotation of the fitting relative to a mating port. The fitting includes an increased bearing surface in combination with a seal and locking means to reduce any tendency of the fitting to pivot due to bending forces on the base, thus eliminating leakage due to deformation of the seal.

Abstract: A swivel for transmitting fluid be sing and female housing includes a bearing assembly and seal ring assembly. The seal ring assembly comprises a pair of seal rings each including a plastic ring having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a stop leg for static sealing engagement with a stop surface of one housing and an opposing dynamic leg. Each seal ring member also includes an elastomeric ring which is fitted within the cavity for urging the dynamic leg axial away from the stop leg, and for maintaining a static seal with a static sealing surface on the respective housing. The swivel of the present invention is particular well suited for use between a hose and a fill valve of a propane or LPG gas tank. The swivel of the present invention is able to withstand jarring and shock, and has surprisingly long life and low maintenance.

Abstract: A rotary joint for supplying and/or removing a fluid heat transfer medium to/from a rapidly rotating roll or drum supported upon journals. The rotary joint nipple threads into the journal bore and closely fitting complementarily shaped cylindrical surfaces on the journal end and joint nipple interengage to concentrically relate the joint to the journal, and engaging radial surfaces on the journal and nipple further coaxially position the joint with respect to the journal to prevent relative tilting. In an embodiment the joint nipple includes an internal seal ring axially biased against a counterseat to reduce the rotary joint axial dimension and permit utilization of wider spaced bearings which improves stability, balances bearing loads and increases bearing life.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having a flange, at least one tube and a tube connection. The flange has an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one tube receiving opening. The inner surface also defines a flange groove. A tube connection hole extends through the flange from the outer surface to the inner surface. The hole is in communication with the flange groove: The tube has an exterior surface. A groove is defined by the exterior surface. The tube is inserted in the tube receiving opening of the flange. The tube groove is aligned with the flange groove. A tube connection means, such as wire, is inserted in the tube connection hole. The tube connection means mates the flange groove and the tube groove. This engagement retains the tube in the flange and also allows it to move within the flange.

Abstract: A spring clip retainer for securing a spool in a bore in, for example, a power tool wherein the spool forms a swivel connection for a source of pressure fluid to operate and or control the device.

Abstract: In an axial flow gas turbine engine, a shear wire flange joint for an aft centerbody having an outer ring flange, and an inner ring flange that are held close together and a locking member interposed therebetween is provided. The flanges are specially configured to achieve positional alignment and a uniformly shaped groove is machined into the surface of both the inner and the outer ring flange. The circumferential grooves are aligned to form a space between the flanges. A wire is inserted into the space through a window provided in the outer ring flange. The wire locks the inner and the outer ring flange together by preventing axial movement of the inner and outer ring flanges relative to one another.

Abstract: A breakaway hose coupling with an integrated swivel mechanism for releasably joining two fluid dispensing devices, and for selectively disengaging such dispensing devices in response to a disengaging force in excess of a preselected value being exerted on said coupling device. The coupling (10) comprises a first valve assembly (12) for being secured on a first dispensing device and for selectively terminating the flow of fluid from such dispensing device when the coupling (10) is uncoupled. The coupling (10) further comprises a second valve assembly (14) with an integrated swivel mechanism (80) for being secured on a second dispensing device and for selectively terminating the flow of fuel from the second dispensing device when the coupling (10) is uncoupled. Further, vapor conduits (114, 116 and 118) are provided to accommodate the flow of recaptured fuel vapor through the coupling.

Abstract: A fluid tight coupling arrangement is provided for a corrugated tube 5 comprising a coupling member 1, for example, a manifold or end connector, having a cylindrical recess 2 in which a corrugated tube end is adapted to be received, an "O" ring seal 9 in the recess between the tube 5 and the inside of the recess 2, and a radially expandable split ring spring clip 6 which is engageable with a corrugation of the tube 5 and with an abutment 8 in the recess 2 for retaining the end of the tube 5 in the recess 2 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a union device for pipe joints, where the joint is within the wall thickness of the pipes being joined, and includes a female part (1) and a male part (2), which in substantially complemental implementation permits the male part (2) to be inserted into the female part (1). In the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the male and female parts there are grooves (5,11) extending around the periphery such as to form a cavity for a locking ring when the joint has been assembled. In this cavity there is a locking ring having a rhomboid form in cross section with cut away portions at the long sides of the two diametrically opposite acute corners and being of a material which retains its shape with a given resiliency. This locking ring is provided with a through slit or with one or more shorter slits from its large end towards its small end.

Abstract: A rotary joint for rotating heat exchangers of the drum or roll type having a journal wherein damage to the rotary joint by radial impact forces is minimized by mounting the joint housing upon the rotating journal, the joint nipple is stationary and mounted upon the fluid receiving head and spherical roller bearings are interposed between the housing and nipple. The primary fluid seal is located adjacent the heat exchanger journal and impact forces between the seal components and nipple, and their surrounding structure, is absorbed by the use of annular elastic glide rings which also function as fluid seals.

Abstract: The conduit swivel connector consists of a first conduit, adapted to be connected for example to a filler hose, and terminating in a bell-like housing within which resides a nipple with ball bearing rotation permitted between the two. Thus a pair of aligned conduits are provided with relative 360 degree rotation between the nipple and the housing. Leakage of fluid being transmitted through the connector is prevented by a series of sealing faces, one being located on a annular sealing member retained in the housing, which cooperates with a corresponding sealing face on an intermediate floating seal ring. The opposite side of the seal ring is provided also with a sealing face which engages in sealing sliding engagement with an annular face on the end of the nipple. The sealing faces are carefully lapped so that leakage is substantially prevented from the interior of the conduits.

Abstract: A rotatable vacuum flange includes a flange ring having a recess, an insert mounted in the recess in the flange ring, the insert including a seal portion and being adapted for vacuum-tight attachment to a vacuum conduit, and a wire spring positioned between the flange ring and the insert. The wire spring retains the insert in the recess in the flange ring and permits rotation of the insert relative to the flange ring. The flange ring and the insert include grooves located in opposing alignment to receive the wire spring.

Abstract: A sleeve element is installed between two hollow gear shafts which are rotatably coupled relatively to each other by a bearing. The sleeve has a hollow cylindrical body which is received inside one of the shafts. The sleeve has a plurality of slots in one end thereof which permit lubricating oil to flow to the bearing. A plurality of spring elements project from the other end of the cylindrical body. The spring elements engage the one shaft and are biassed to urge the one end of the body against an end surface of the other shafts. The force of the spring elements is active at least during primary assembly of the shafts. At a particular temperature, such as the operating temperature of the shafts, the spring elements lose their force. Preferably, the spring elements and the cylindrical body are integrally formed of one part.

Abstract: A pipe swivel joint with male and female hubs and an improved bore seal assembly having an anti-extrusion ring that axially energizes the swivel joint hubs toward their operational position as the joint is assembled.

Abstract: For connecting an air compressor to a pneumatic tool, a revolvable quick coupling comprising a first air pipe connector revolvably secured to an intermediate connecting member by a ball bearing means and connected to an air output pipe of an air compressor, a second air pipe connector secured to said intermediate connecting member by a front socket, a retainer, an inner socket, a seal ring, a stepped metal element and a spring means for connecting to an air input pipe of a pneumatic tool. Pressing on the retainer causes the second air pipe connector to disconnect from the front socket and simultaneously causes said seal ring to seal the air passage inside the coupling. Rotating the pneumatic tool causes the second air pipe connector to rotate on the first air pipe connector without twisting the air output pipe of the air compressor.

Abstract: A breakaway hose coupling with an integrated swivel mechanism for releasably joining two fluid dispensing devices, and for selectively disengaging such dispensing devices in response to a disengaging force in excess of a preselected value being exerted on said coupling device. The coupling (10) comprises a first valve assembly (12) for being secured on a first dispensing device and for selectively terminating the flow of fluid from such dispensing device when the coupling (10) is uncoupled. The coupling (10) further comprises a second valve assembly (14) with an integrated swivel mechanism (80) for being secured on a second dispensing device and for selectively terminating the flow of fuel from the second dispensing device when the coupling (10) is uncoupled.

Abstract: A coupling for joining first and second channels in fluid communication includes a tubular housing having a first section including a wear surface, and a second section for being removably joined in fluid communication with the second channel. A first fitting includes a flange for being joined in fluid communication with the first channel, and an integral piston including a piston ring disposed in contact with the wear surface for forming a seal therewith. Differential movement between the housing and the piston is accommodated while maintaining a seal with the piston ring.

Abstract: A pipe coupling between the two pipes comprises a first end member at the end of the first pipe having a rearwardly facing shoulder and a sealing surface at its leading end, a second end member at the end of the second pipe having an external screw-threaded portion and a sealing surface at its leading end, and a clamping ring comprising an internal screw-threaded portion screwed onto the second end member and an inwardly directed collar butting against the shoulder of the first end member to hold the sealing end surfaces of the first and second end members in engagement with each other, the clamping ring defining a collection chamber for leakage from between the sealing surfaces and having an outlet port for draining away the collected leakage.

Abstract: In a rotary coupling for conducting a medium under pressure from a stationary machine part to a rotating machine part, a radially movable bushing is provided between a housing and a rotatable shaft of the rotating machine part. The radial gap between the housing and the bushing is bridged or spanned by a plurality of elastic sealing members to provide radial adjustability. A ceramic coating to minimize radial differences due to thermal expansion during frictional heating can also be provided on the shaft.

Abstract: A hose fitting for sealed connection to a hose includes: a first cylindrical member having a small diameter bore portion and a large diameter bore portion connected to the small diameter bore portion. A second cylindrical member is axially slidable within the large diameter bore portion and has a radial flange portion and an axial tubular portion extending from the radial flange portion, the radial flange portion being provided with a sealing member and the axial tubular portion being provided with a sealing member. A sleeve is provided within the large diameter bore portion and has an inclined surface. A collet is provided within the large diameter bore portion and has an outer surface engageable with the inclined surface of the sleeve and radially constrictible when moving axially within the sleeve, the hose being firmly fixed between the collet and the axial tubular portion of the second cylindrical member by axial outward movement of the collet.

Abstract: The fluid-tight coupling is designed for connecting a fixed hydraulic line with a rotary hydraulic line. The fixed line (1) carries on its end an axially movable tubular piston (7) provided with a hemispherical head (8); the rotary line (2) has an offset end portion (15), the axis (Y) of which is eccentric with respect to the axes (X) and (Z) of the pipes (1) and (2), this end portion (15) being also provided with a hemispherical head (16); between the two hemispherical heads (8, 16) is interposed a wobbling rotary core piece (17) formed with a central orifice (18) and with two opposed concave conical bearing surfaces for fluid-tight engagement with both hemispherical heads (8, 16) respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the axial thrust exerted on the hemispherical head (16) corresponding to the rotary pipe (2) is supported by a hydrostatic bearing (24, 25) and the rotary pipe (2) is also supported by a hydrostatic bearing (22).

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of non-contact type having a stationary main coupling body and a rotary shaft rotatably supported through bearings to the coupling body and formed with an axial fluid passage extending along a length thereof. A minute space is provided at an end portion of the rotary shaft relative to the coupling body, and a pressure reduction chamber is defined beside the minute space for reducing a pressure of fluid leaking thereinto through the first minute space. A second minute space is provided between an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the coupling body. The second minute space is in fluid communication with the pressure reduction chamber and is applied with a pneumatic pressure for blocking the bearing against entry of the leaked fluid.

Abstract: A sprinkler system employs an articulated riser for adjustable sprinkler head positioning. The system allows for positioning each sprinkler head to compensate for ground irregularities by adjusting the position of the riser. The riser may be supplied for field use in assembled condition for direct fixed connection to T joints on the water main without excess ground digging. This substantially reduces part count for field use and system installation time. The joints of the riser provide leakproof movable connections which allow for the position adjustments of the riser and connected head.

Abstract: A swivel joint for interconnecting two lengths of pipe, comprises an inner annular member adapted, in use, to be connected to a first length of pipe and an outer annular member co-axial with the inner annular member and adapted, in use, to be connected to a second length of pipe, and a bearing arrangement locating the inner and outer members for relative rotary movement with respect to one another. A lubricant reservoir is connected to the bearing arrangement, and a pump drive driven by relative rotary movement between the inner and outer annular members pumps lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the bearing arrangement. The lubricant reservoir comprises a collapsible hose, and the pump device (42) comprises system for effecting a peristaltic action in the hose as a result of relative rotary movement of the inner and outer annular members, thereby causing lubricant to be displaced from the hose towards the bearing arrangement.