Abstract: A connecting device (20) for connecting a connection hose or connection tube to a receiving device includes a tubular connection neck (2), an actuating sleeve (28), and a support sleeve (38). The receiving device, to which the connecting device (20) can be connected, includes at least one detent element, which is actuatable by means of at least one actuating element mounted on the receiving device. The connection neck (2) is connectable to the connection hose or connection tube and has a detent lug (20) or detent groove, which can be brought into engagement with the detent element of the receiving device. The actuating sleeve (28) serves to actuate the actuating element of the receiving device. The support sleeve (38) is braced on the receiving device and is axially displaceable relative to the actuating sleeve (28), prestressing a first spring (44).

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for removably connecting two pipes which comprises a male element adapted to fit into a female element along a principal axis of the coupling. The Female element includes at least one ramp for receiving a radial projection of the male element to lock these elements together. The ramp is formed in a ring freely rotatably mounted in the female element, and fixed in translation along the principal axis, while the projection is fixed with respect to the male element. The ramp forms a seat for locking the radial projection. Locking is obtained by essentially axial movements of the male and female elements with respect to one another.

Abstract: A plug connection for hoses or pipes as for connecting washing fluid conduits in a motor vehicle comprises a plug receiving member for receiving a connecting plug portion. The connecting plug portion can be latched in the plug receiving member in such a way as to be secured against forces acting axially thereon. The plug receiving member has resilient or spring-loaded latching portions. A securing sleeve is arranged axially slidably on the outside of the plug receiving member. In a first position of the securing sleeve the latching portions are held in a receiving and latching position in which a connecting plug portion can be inserted into and latched in the plug receiving member. In a second position of the securing sleeve it permits the latching portions to move resiliently into a retracted open position for disengagement of an inserted connecting plug portion from the plug receiving member.

Abstract: A method and a device for interconnecting two mutually coaxial and axially movable pipes (2 and 22 respectively), where one pipe (2) has a locking portion (16), and the other pipe (22) has a control body (30) and a locking part (26), which upon axial movement of the control body (30) is arranged to be moved between a first position, wherein the locking part (26) is not engaged with the locking portion (16), and a second position, wherein the locking part (26) is engaged with the locking portion.

Abstract: A ball coupling comprising a male tubular endpiece (2) provided with an outer annular collar (4), a female tubular endpiece (3) having a ball-retaining cage fixed axially thereon, the cage having slots (10) for receiving balls (12), and a thimble (13) disposed coaxially about the cage (6) and mounted thereon via guide means (14, 15) for guiding the thimble to turn about the longitudinal axis (1) of the coupling so as to enable the thimble to turn through a turn angle (&agr;) relative to the cage between a first position and a second position, the thimble having for each ball, a first recess (16) extending in register with the corresponding slot for the first position of the thimble to form an abutment for holding the corresponding ball in a position in which it projects into the inside of the cage, and a second recess (17) connected to the first recess via a sloping wall (18) and offset relative to the first recess by an angle corresponding to the turn angle (&agr;) so as to receive the corresponding ball in

Abstract: The invention is directed to self-locking coupling devices which are suitable for connecting conduits, pneumatic line segments, hydraulic line segments, fuel line segments or other fluid line segments tubes, ducts, and the like. The self-locking coupling device consists of a first fitting, a second fitting, and a locking sleeve. The first fitting having a first end connect to a first conduit and a second end for receiving a second fitting attached to a second conduit. The first fitting having a coupling portion and a locking portion. The coupling portion formed with an internal thread section. The locking portion having at least one locking tang attached to the coupling portion and extending to the second end of the first fitting. The at least one locking tang formed with an internal locking shoulder projecting radially inwardly at the second end of the first fitting. The second fitting having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A disconnect coupling for high pressure fluidic lines has an improved retaining mechanism for retaining the male portion within the female portion. The mechanism comprises a plurality of retaining lugs that are disposed within the female portion of the coupling. The retaining lugs are arranged so as to mate with a retaining groove formed into the outer surface of the male portion such that the bearing surfaces contact each other over a much-increased surface area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for hoses for media under pressure. The coupling includes a female part and a nipple. The nipple fits into the female part. A lock ball is provided for locking the nipple in the connected position with the female part. A locking sleeve is spring-loaded toward a locking position in which it holds the ball lock in the engagement position. The locking sleeve can be moved, counter to the spring-loading, to a release position in which the ball lock is released. The movement of the locking sleeve to the release position includes both rotation about the longitudinal axis of the coupling and axial displacement parallel to this axis.

Abstract: An easy to use, and reuse, separation connector is disclosed that comprises a first component having a plurality of leaf elements with protrusions, and a second component having a recess for receiving the leaf element protrusions. The protrusions of the leaf elements are secured within the recess by a tensioned band, or in an alternative embodiment, by an expansion band; the protrusions and recess are formed so as to provide an efficient and effective load and torque bearing surface that requires minimal tension on the tensioned band, or minimal compression on the expansion band. A shearing structure is also presented that minimizes translation of the leaf elements with respect to the receiving surface. When the band is released, springs or other means urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items. Preferably, the leaves are hinged, allowing for ease of coupling and decoupling to the mating surface.

Abstract: A novel hose coupling for a liquid transfer system is provided. The coupling comprises a connector portion adapted to lockingly engage an adapter on a receptacle, such as a gas tank, and a handle portion. The handle is proximate to a releasing member which is oriented for manipulation by a hand holding the handle. The releasing member is moveable between a first engaged position in which the coupling is lockingly engaged with a receptacle adapter and a second disengaged position in which the coupling is released from locking engagement with the adapter. Accordingly, the coupling is disengaged from locking engagement with the adapter when the release member is displaced from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The coupling allows one-handed, ambidextrous use, providing a coupling operator with greater maneouverability which is advantageous particularly in instances where receptacle access is limited.

Abstract: The invention is directed to self-locking coupling devices which are suitable for connecting conduits, pneumatic line segments, hydraulic line segments, fuel line segments or other fluid line segments tubes, ducts, and the like. The self-locking coupling device consists of a first fitting, a second fitting, and a locking sleeve. The first fitting having a first end connect to a first conduit and a second end for receiving a second fitting attached to a second conduit. The first fitting having a coupling portion and a locking portion. The coupling portion formed with an internal thread section. The locking portion having at least one locking tang attached to the coupling portion and extending to the second end of the first fitting. The at least one locking tang formed with an internal locking shoulder projecting radially inwardly at the second end of the first fitting. The second fitting having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A connector for tying back a riser from a subsea wellhead to a platform, wherein the wellhead has an internal wellhead housing with external grooves thereon. The connector having a plurality of dog members carried within a cavity which engage the external grooves. The dog members are actuated by axial movement of a piston linked to a cam ring. The connector has a plurality of transfer members located within the cavity to support the dog members and transfer upward loading to the wellhead housing during tension on one side due to bending. Further, the connector has a release ring which forces the dog members out of engagement with the external grooves when the connector is released.

Abstract: A connector for tying back a riser from a subsea wellhead to a platform, wherein the wellhead has an internal wellhead housing with external grooves thereon. The connector having a plurality of dog members carried within a cavity which engage the external grooves. The dog members are actuated by axial movement of a piston linked to a cam ring. The connector has a plurality of transfer members located within the cavity to support the dog members and transfer upward loading to the wellhead housing during tension on one side due to bending. Further, the connector has a release ring which forces the dog members out of engagement with the external grooves when the connector is released.

Abstract: An easy to use, and reuse, separation connector is disclosed that comprises a first component having a plurality of leaf elements with protrusions, and a second component having a recess for receiving the leaf element protrusions. The protrusions of the leaf elements are secured within the recess by a tensioned band; the protrusions and recess are formed so as to provide an efficient and effective load and torque bearing surface that requires minimal tension on the tensioned band. In a preferred embodiment, the tensioned band is detensioned by a thermal device that melts the band. When the band is melted, springs or other devices urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items.

Abstract: In the coupling assembly, after a plug member 42 is slightly inserted into a socket member 15 with a slight push of the plug member 42 relative to the socket member 15, air pressure enables the plug member 42 to reach its innermost position inside the socket member 15 so that the plug member 42 is connected with the socket member 15. The coupling assembly comprises: the socket member 15 for receiving therein a valve 16 which is opened when pushed; and, a cylindrical slider 25 for slidably receiving therein the socket member 15. The slider 25 is provided with a piston 28 and an engaging means 34 in its rear and its forward end portion, respectively. Through the engaging means 34, a plug member 42 is connected with the forward end portion of the slider 25.

Abstract: A quick connector of the ball-lock type includes a socket member, a plug member and a slidable sleeve which are specifically designed to permit manufacture by deep drawing of a sheet metal. The socket member and the plug member are each shaped in the form of a stepped tube and the plug member is inserted into the socket member in a telescoping fashion to form an annular chamber therebetween. An O-ring and a backup ring are mounted within the annular chamber by inserting them into the bore of the socket member.

Abstract: A fast hose connector comprises a guide tube and an arresting tube movably fitted over the guide tube. The arresting tube is provided in the inner wall thereof with two elastic retaining bodies capable of releasably arrest a tube that is inserted into the guide tube via the arresting tube. As the arresting tube is pressed to slide downward along the guide tube, the elastic retaining bodies become disengaged with the tube so as to enable the tube to be pulled out of the connector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a quick connector for the connection of hoses and pipe conduits for pressurized gases and liquids having a sleeve (1) which is connectable to a first conduit and a plug (2) for accepting a second conduit and having a locking device disposed on the sleeve comprising two locking pins (5) guided in slots (4) fashioned in the elastic material sleeve body (3) which snap into the plug groove (7) under the force of a pressure spring (6) during locking and, together with a bushing (8) surrounding the sleeve body (3) and borne thereon in an axially displaceable fashion, once more release the plug (2) through cooperation with both locking pins (5). An adapter (13), made from harder material, is disposed in the sleeve body and forms a stop and abutment for the locking pins (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe coupling socket having a main body containing a plurality of lock balls for locking a plug accepted in the main body. The main body has a projecting lock portion which projects from the outer circumferential surface and has a top surface in which a groove is formed.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling flanged fluid conducting tubes end-to-end in a sealed manner, thereby preventing contact between the fluid flowing through the tubes and the coupler. The coupler includes a body having an interior surface defining an axially extending passage, with the passage being sized so that a first, enlarged end portion of a first fluid conducting tube and a second, enlarged end portion of a second fluid conducting tube can be disposed therein in an end-to-end relationship with a gasket therebetween. The interior surface of the body is provided with a fastening mechanism whereby the first enlarged end portion can be removably secured within the passage of the body. Additionally, the body includes a ball locking mechanism whereby the second enlarged end portion can be clamped to the first enlarged end portion with the gasket therebetween.

Abstract: A compressed-air gun which includes a substantially tubular body adapted to corporate with a releasable retention element inside a central bore of a female quick connect element to thereby maintain the body in position in the central bore and which includes a tubular nozzle adapted to engage and manipulate a valve inside the female element with the movement of the nozzle being controlled by a lever.

Abstract: A generally oval upper body supports a generally cylindrical lower body comprising an outlet tube on which is mounted an inner piston containing an annular resilient sealing member adapted to be connected to the tubular inlet fitting of a liquid coolant system. The lower body supports a set of arcuate collar sections which are cammed inwardly for gripping external threads on the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of an outer air actuated annular piston surrounding the outlet tube. The sealing member is compressed axially into the upper face of the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of the inner air actuated annular piston confined between the outlet tube and the outer piston.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a connector for sealably connecting the lower ends of an upper riser member and an upper conduit on the lower ends of an upper riser pipe and upper auxiliary line joint, respectively, to the upper ends of a lower riser member and a lower conduit on the upper ends of a lower riser pipe and upper conduit thereof, respectively. At least one of the conduits includes a telescoping sealed joint which is of such construction as to permit differential movement between the riser and the auxiliary line.

Abstract: A hose coupling incorporates a male part and a female part that is provided with a mechanism, which in cooperation with a slide axially displaceable on the female part renders possible pressure relief at disconnection. One of the mechanisms in the coupling is an angular locking body including a portion that is insertable in an axial groove in the female part, and has a length, such that the angular locking body is always at least substantially surrounded by a sleeve. The other inwardly directed part of the locking body has a length, such that the part extends into the groove of the male part when the locking body is influenced by the sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising releasably interconnectable male and female coupling members for interconnecting fluid flow lines. The male coupling member has an inlet and an outlet connectable to a fluid flow line, whilst the female coupling member has an inlet for receiving the inlet of the male coupling member, and an outlet connectable to another fluid flow line. A locking mechanism exerts a retaining influence on the male coupling member, when received within the female coupling member, to connect the coupling members together. A lock release mechanism is operable to remove the retaining influence of the locking mechanism and release the coupling members. The lock release mechanism has a release member manually movable to operate the lock release mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube coupling comprising a coupling body having a throughway open at one end of the body to receive a tube. A collet is located in the throughway having an annular element and at least one radially resilient finger extending axially from the element toward said open end of the throughway. The coupling body has a stop face directed along the throughway axis away from said open end and the distal end of the finger has on its inner side a projection to engage a feature on the tube and on its outer side a first, axially facing abutment directed towards the open end of the throughway to engage with the stop face and a further, radially facing abutment engageable with the coupling body when the axially facing abutment engages the stop face to constrain the distal end of the finger against radial outward movement and thereby to prevent release of the projection on the finger from the feature on the tube and release of the tube from the coupling body.

Abstract: A hydraulically or pneumatically releasable disconnecting device (1), through which a liquid can flow, and wherein two end pieces (2, 3) are connected in that an expandable locking ring (20) in normal position engages grooves (23) in a locking sleeve (10). An axially displaceable locking sleeve (6) surrounds the locking ring (20) with one end thereof and prevents the locking ring (20) from expanding and disengage the grooves (23). The locking sleeve (6) is fixed with shear pins (7). When the disconnecting device (1) is to be released, a sealing body (14) is placed in a seat (13) in a piston sleeve (12), preventing flow of liquid therethrough. Hydraulic force acting against the sealing body (14) and the piston sleeve (12), urges the piston sleeve (12) against the safety sleeve (6) such that the shear pins (7) are broken. Thus, the safety sleeve (6) is displaced such that it can no longer surround the locking ring (20).

Abstract: A subsea wellhead tieback connector operatively used to connect to a marine riser pipe or a well conductor in a manner that that will not unthread or unloosen the joints of the riser pipe being unlocked. The tieback connector operates with a novel internal latching mechanism having a hydraulic piston, an inner body that stretches and deflects in a unique manner resulting in compression spring forces at two locations, an expanding lock ring, a threaded adjustment ring, and a reaction ring. During operation the tieback connector creates an enhanced mechanical advantage to originate a required pre-load force without the necessity of having to generate a large hydraulic force that would otherwise be needed.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a female member having a bore extending therethrough and a male member for insertion into the bore of the female member. The male member has a shoulder portion thereon. A resilient member is disposed on the female member and extends partially into the bore. The resilient member engages the shoulder portion of the male member to lock the male member in position within the female member. In addition, a retainer is provided for coaxial connection to the female member. The retainer has an internal retainer groove axially aligned for receiving the resilient member therein when the retainer is coaxially connected to the female member. Thus, the resilient member is captured in the retainer groove between the retainer and the female member when the retainer is coaxially connected to the female member.

Abstract: A telescopable vacuum cleaner suction pipe has an outer pipe, an inner pipe having arresting depressions, and arresting element coupled with the outer pipe and engaging in the arresting depressions, a manually actuatable slider unblocking the arresting element, a pressure-loaded blocking spring which when the slider is not actuated holds the arresting element in a locking position and when the slider is actuated the arresting element is movable against the blocking spring to unlocking position for a relative displacement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe, the arresting element being formed as two clamping bodies engaging in separate arresting depressions and inclined at acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the out pipe, a guiding body form-lockingly received in the outer pipe and having inclined sliding planes on which the clamping body are displaced, one of the blocking bodies which blocks a relative movement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe is displaceable for releasing its blocking positi

Abstract: A novel quick-disconnect coupling is disclosed comprising a tubular member and a sleeve member sealingly receiving the tubular member therein. The coupling members each attachable to a hose end provide quick connect and disconnect of the hoses to one another. The tubular member is generally conical in shape having a larger diameter at its distal end and a smaller diameter at its proximal end. The sleeve member includes a plurality of axially extending fingers which, after the members are joined, are forced radially inward against the converging conical surface of the tubular member by an encircling collar thereby securing the sleeve member to the tubular member until the collar is retracted.

Abstract: Two joint components in a pipe conduit are secured together in seal-tight fashion by means of rotatably mounted dogs in one of the joint components which are rotated via individual slides into an active locking position. The slides are, in turn, activated from a common pressure source. In addition, a wedge is positioned in the joint component under a housing in which a dog is rotatably mounted so as to be slid radially inward by a slide after the dog has been rotated into a locking position. In one embodiment, a double acting piston and cylinder arrangement is used for actuating the respective slides.

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector for releasably connecting tubular members connected to adjacent ends of riser pipes in end-to-end relation. The tubular members have locking grooves about their adjacent ends, and a split lock ring surrounds the adjacent ends of the tubular members, when in end-to-end relation, and has upper and lower teeth thereabout for fitting tightly within the grooves to hold the ends of the tubular members in end-to-end relation. The lock ring is moved between locking and unlocking positions by means of a cam ring having tapered conical cam surfaces thereabout for slidable engagement with follower surfaces about the lock ring. A support plate extends laterally from each tubular member, and pipes, which may be choke and kill/lines, one mounted on the plates to sealably interfit with one another upon movement of the tubular members into end-to-end relation.

Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs (42) on one (10) of a pair of complementary fittings (10, 14) in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove (20) on the other fitting (14) adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs (42) engage the polygonal groove (20) and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats (22) until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and Inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs (42). The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads (12) or capture device.

Abstract: A hose fitting assembly has a fitting, a spool that translates into the fitting and a sleeve sliding along the spool onto the fitting. The fitting has a bore, an exterior channel, and apertures connecting the exterior channel to the bore. Disposed at the apertures are elements radially intrudable into the bore. An ring-like spring in the channel keeps these elements at the apertures and biases them into the bore. A bevelled part of the spool forces the intruding elements and spring out from the bore as the spool's plunger portion sealingly slides in the bore. The sleeve coacts with outward motion of the spring to lock the spool to the fitting, the sleeve aligned in its locking position on the fitting by a shoulder on the fitting.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical body supports an outlet tube on which is mounted a resilient annular sealing member adapted to be inserted into the tubular inlet fitting of a liquid coolant system. The body also supports a set of arcuate collar sections which surround the sealing member and are cammed inwardly for gripping external threads on the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of a first air actuated annular piston surrounding the outlet tube. The sealing member is expanded radially outwardly into sealing engagement with the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of a second air actuated annular piston confined between the outlet tube and the first piston. A tubular valve member is supported for axial movement within the body in alignment with the outlet tube and moves in response to a third air actuated annular piston for selectively connecting the passage within the outlet tube to a suction passage for evacuating the coolant system and then to a liquid supply passage for filling the system.

Abstract: A rotating adapter for connecting two tubular fluid carrying members in a catheterization system. The adapter (10) includes a standard threaded Luer connector at one end (28) for connection to a flexible catheter, and is rotatably affixed about a stem (22) at its other end. The adapter includes a temporarily expansible collar (40) for engaging with a shoulder (52) on the stem (22) in a snap fit. The shoulder (52) engages an annular rim or undercut (65) located on the interior wall of the collar (40). Notches provided in collar (40) permit the collar to temporarily expand radially to receive the stem, and the collar snaps around the shoulder when the stem is inserted into the shoulder. A tubular reinforcer ring (14) slidably interfits over the collar after the stem is fully inserted into the collar and engages the undercut, thereby resisting radial expansion of the collar during pressurization.

Abstract: A quick connector is provided for connecting a tube inserted into a connection element. The tube includes an annular swell spaced at a distance from its end. The connector housing of the connection element is provided with a locking member and locking ring elastically deformable in a radial direction between a free state configuration and an unlocking configuration. The outer periphery of the connector housing has two cylindrical parts separated by an axial stop. The locking ring abuts the axial stop. A locking lug is connected to the locking ring and includes a front ramp with a transverse slot. A spacer deforms the locking lug in a radially outward direction to the unlocking configuration. When the tube is fitted in the connection element, the front ramp of the locking lug cooperates with the swell of the tube to move the lug apart. When the tube has been fitted in the connector and the slot is at the axial level of the swell, the locking lug approaches its free state configuration.

Abstract: This fluid coupling (10) includes a metallic tubular body (12) having an inlet end (14) and an outlet end (16), the outlet end being adapted to receive a quick-connect-disconnect plug (20). A metallic actuating sleeve (32, 38) is mounted to the body (12) for selectively permitting fluid flow through the body (12) and latching the plug (20) in place. An outer cover (60) of non-mar plastic material is provided for the coupling (10) , which is moveable with the actuating sleeve (32) and prevents the metallic parts of the coupling from marking finished surfaces.

Abstract: A coupling for quickly connecting a cement head to a casing of an oil or gas well comprises tube-shaped upper and lower bodies that connected to each other and are telescopically adjustable. The upper body receives the cement head and the lower body attaches to the casing. A clamp mechanism utilizing split ring segments is located in the lower body and is actuated by a piston for quickly attaching or releasing the lower body to and from the casing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector for releasably connecting tubular members connected to adjacent ends of riser pipes in end-to-end relation. The tubular members have locking grooves about their adjacent ends, and a split lock ring surrounds the adjacent ends of the tubular members, when in end-to-end relation, and has upper and lower teeth thereabout for fitting tightly within the grooves to hold the ends of the tubular members in end-to-end relation. The lock ring is moved between locking and unlocking positions by means of cam rings having tapered conical cam surfaces thereabout for slidable engagement with follower surfaces about the upper and lower ends of the lock ring.

Abstract: A tubular metal coupling body defines a chamber which receives an axially movable tubular actuating member defining a bore for receiving an end portion of a metal tube. A counter-bore within the actuating member receives a resilient sealing ring and a compression collar, and a tube gripping spring collet is supported by a retainer confined within a cap threaded onto one end portion of the coupling body. A tubular actuating sleeve surrounds the body and is retained for limited axial movement, and a fitting is threaded into the opposite end portion of the body. A set of circumferentially spaced levers are supported within corresponding slots in the body for pivotal movement in radial directions and move the actuating member axially between released and gripping positions in response to axial movement of a cam surface within the sleeve.

Abstract: A coupling for a corrugated pipe having ridges and grooves arranged alternately is disclosed. A body of this coupling has a through-hole whose one end is served as an inlet port. An annular accommodation recess and an annular retainer portion are formed on an inner periphery of the through-hole in this order toward the inlet port. A cylindrical support member is accommodated within the body. The support member is urged toward the inlet port by a spring. One end portion of the support member on the inlet port side is served as a receiving portion. An annular engagement member is mounted on an outer periphery of this receiving portion in such a manner as to be elastically enlarged in diameter.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting sections of conduit is provided, comprising an insertion member, a receiving member, a release collar, a first resilient ring member, and a second resilient ring member. The insertion member includes a plurality of O-rings for sealing against a mating surface of the receiving member, which is sized to receive the insertion member. The insertion member is circumferentially held within the receiving member by a resilient split ring which prevents accidental disconnection. A release collar is slidably and captively disposed between the receiving member and the insertion member, and is used to disengage the split ring from around the insertion member upon disconnection. The invention uses a minimum of parts, and enables a coupling connection to be made by using only one hand.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of an assembly for latching over and sealing about a casing joint having an enlarged diameter upper end so as to install a cementing head or other heavy equipment on the joint. The assembly includes a housing on which the equipment may be mounted and having a bore for lowering over the upper end of the casing joint to connect a bore in the equipment with the casing string. A latch ring is received in a recess in the bore for expansion to permit the upper end of the joint to be moved through and above it, and contraction beneath the lower side of the upper end, and a seal package is mounted in the recess above the ring to seal between the upper end of the casing joint and the recess.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling including a plug assembly and a receptacle assembly. The plug assembly has a first latching body rotatably connected to a coupling nut such that the coupling nut is capable of rotating relative to the latching body. The coupling nut includes an interior threaded portion which is threaded to an exterior threaded portion of an inner body. The coupling nut and the inner body are in constant threaded engagement in a sealed chamber. The receptacle assembly has a second latching body capable of interconnecting with the first latching body. The plug assembly includes a first coupling member and the receptacle assembly includes a second coupling member. The first and second coupling members are coupled together by further rotating the coupling nut which advances the first coupling connector towards the second coupling connector.

Abstract: A mechanical locking device for use with conventional quick disconnect fl coupling having a release collar on the female component spaced from a flange or nut also on the female component. Upper and lower half shells of the locking device fit between the release collar and flange to prevent inadvertent movement of the release collar. The half shells are assembled by two threaded fasteners which must be unthreaded to remove the device from the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs on one of a pair of complementary fittings in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove on the other fitting adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs engage the polygonal groove and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and Inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs. The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads or capture device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube coupling comprising a coupling body having a throughway open at one end of the body to receive a tube. A collet is located in the throughway having an annular element and at least one radially resilient finger extending axially from the element toward said open end of the throughway. The coupling body has a stop face directed along the throughway axis away from said open end and the distal end of the finger has on its inner side a projection to engage a feature on the tube and on its outer side a first, axially facing abutment directed towards the open end of the throughway to engage with the stop face and a further, radially facing abutment engageable with the coupling body when the axially facing abutment engages the stop face to constrain the distal end of the finger against radial outward movement and thereby to prevent release of the projection on the finger from the feature on the tube and release of the tube from the coupling body.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling the flow of refrigerant into a system and for controlling the application of a vacuum to evacuate the system via the same device prior to charging. The device is configured for controlling flow at the charging port to avoid loss of refrigerant from connecting lines. Piston operated valving internally mounted in a valve body controls the communication of refrigerant and vacuum sources to an outlet opening receiving a tubular charging port of the system to be charged. A pressure operated clamping piston actuates the gripping rings to secure the device to the charging port prior to both evacuation and charging and also acts to open the charging port valving as the fitting is clamped and sealed thereto. The outlet opening is defined by an end cap which is detachable from the fitting to allow use with different configuration charging ports by replacement with another end cap.