Abstract: In the first embodiment, a coupling assembly is provided wherein the inner peripheral diameter of an annular spring is sized to be threadably received over the threads of a coupler and is held in a recess formed by the ends of threads and the edge of a shoulder. This structure minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly. Additionally, it provides a quick connect, quick disconnect coupling and has a peripheral stripe to provide a visual indication of its connected or disconnected status. In the second embodiment, a wavy spring is split which allows its diameter to be temporarily enlarged so that it can be received over the threads of the coupler and then spring back to its original smaller diameter so that it is held in a recess formed by the ends of the threads and a coupler flange. This structure also minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: A plumbing connector is provided to communicate water between a wall valve and a toilet. An adapter is provided to facilitate a mating relationship between threads of a first configuration on the valve and threads of a second configuration on the connector. The adapter has a cylindrical configuration with outer threads mating with the connector, and inner threads mating with the valve. The adapter can be positioned within a cap associated with the connector so that no separate gaskets are required for sealing purposes. With the adapter, a single connector size can be inventoried to accommodate different thread configurations associated with the wall valve.

Abstract: A first coupling member has a peripheral facing surface with a pair of annular slots, each of a different length and width. A second coupling member has a lock ring longitudinally slidable thereon with a facing surface having a pair of annular raised locking tabs sized to correspond to the respective annular slots. A resilient annular spring mounted within the lock ring urges it toward the first coupling member so that the locking tabs engage their respective slots when the coupling is tightened to a predetermined extent during rotation in the locking direction to releasably and positively lock the coupling. An indicator stripe on the peripheral edge of the first coupling member is exposed before the locking tabs and slots are engaged. Alignment between the respective locking tabs and slots allows longitudinal movement of the lock ring so that it covers the indicator stripe.

Abstract: A quartz tank for wet semiconductor wafer processing includes one or more ports extending through the tank for the exchange of fluids with the tank. The openings may be aligned with a T-shaped quartz stem having an enlarged end retained on the interior side of said quartz tank in sealing abutment therewith. The lower end of the quartz stem may have external threads to abut with a suitable union. The union may include a nut having a reduced diameter lower end to engage an enlarged end of the tubing member connected to the bottom of the quartz stem. An o-ring seal may be sandwiched between the tubing and the lower end of the quartz stem. The nut may be formed of a carbon-fiber reinforced fluorocarbon material such as perfluoroalkoxy.

Abstract: A joint for coupling tubes forming a large diameter portion near one end of a fluorocarbon resin tube and forming a fastened portion by clamping at a crimp portion of the large diameter portion with a cap nut includes of a main body of rigid resin joint having a cylindrical portion formed a ring-shaped groove and cut a bevel at its inner wall end and a hard cap nut having a inner shoulder formed an acute-angle hook. The major portion of the large diameter portion of the fluorocarbon resin tube is inserted into the ring-shaped groove. A tube clamp portion as a hermetic portion is formed to press hard a tube crimp portion against the inner wall end of the cylindrical portion with the inner shoulder of the hard cap nut by tightening the hard cap nut on an external thread of the outer wall of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A tube joint includes a joint body having a through hole to serve as a fluid passage provided along a direction of an axis, a nut member for connecting a tube to the joint body, and an insert bush inserted and fitted to an opening of the joint body and having an insert section to be inserted into the tube and an expanded section protruding from one end of the tube. The expanded section is formed with first projections which make linear contact with an inner wall surface of the opening and which function as seals.

Abstract: A branch pipe joint for a high pressure fluid, comprising: a joint body having a conduit therein on its axis and a branch hole formed in its circumferential wall and having a pressure receiving seat formed on the circumferential face thereof and opened to the outside; a branch pipe having a conduit to communicate with the conduit of said joint body and including a joint head formed at the end thereof and forming a pressure seat so that said branch pipe is engaged with said joint body by bringing the pressure seat thereof into abutment against the pressure receiving seat of said joint body; a joint portion made integral with or separate from said joint body; and a nut assembled in advance in said branch pipe and fastened into said joint portion against the pressure of said joint head thereby to joint said branch pipe to said main pipe.

Abstract: A plumbing connector system having a recessed, in-wall water service box, at least one valve connected to the water service box, and connector fittings particularly adapted for use in connecting in-wall potable water supply lines made of Cross linked polyethylene (PEX) to appliances and fixtures such as washing machines, ice makers, sinks, and the like. A valve inlet extension having a barbed end is disclosed for use in releasably securing the valve to the water service box and for connecting the valve to the Cross linked polyethylene water supply line.

Abstract: A connection system for pressure resistant screwed pipe joints with a retention body, a coupling ring, a pipe and a sealing ring is characterized in that an elastomeric high-pressure seal is provided in the form of a first elastomeric sealing element placed between the face of the retention body and the sealing ring and a second sealing element placed between a face of the sealing ring facing the pipe and the outer wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting provides a fluid-tight seal between the fitting and the axial end of the tube coupled to the fitting, thereby eliminating crevices between the end of the tube and the sealing point of the fitting and consequent fluid accumulation and potential bacteria growth. The fitting preferably includes a body having a recessed outer end, an elastomeric seal disposed in the recess in the body, a gripping ring slidable into a stepped notch formed in the outer end of the body, and a locking mechanism which grips the tube and which draws the tube into a position in which its end sealingly engages the seal and causes the seal to sealingly engage an annular shoulder of the body. The gripping ring, body, and tube interact to provide very high retention forces permitting the fitting to withstand fluid pressures on the order of several thousand psi.

Abstract: A pipe joint has a body having a through hole defined axially therein as a fluid passage, a nut threaded on the joint body thereby connecting the pipe to the joint body, and a sleeve held against a bottom of a hole defined in the joint body by an annular step surface and having a bulging portion slanting at a predetermined angle. The nut has a radially inner pipe presser which is bent and flexed into a shape complementary to the bulging portion when the nut is progressively threaded over the joint body, for pressing an end of the pipe against the sleeve under a resilient force tending to return the radially inner pipe presser to an original shape thereof.

Abstract: A double containment coupling is used to form a mechanical joint between double containment pipes. The coupling has an inner primary member within an outer secondary member. Two seals, one on top of the other, are fitted on top of the primary pipe which extends beyond the secondary pipe of the double containment pipe. The coupling inner member is fitted over the primary pipe and seals. An inner locking nut is threaded on the coupling inner member outer surface pushing a thrust ring onto one of the seals, sliding the seal over the other seal compressing and energizing both seals so as to create a seal between the primary pipe and the coupling inner member. A first end of a closure member is threaded onto the outer surface of the coupling outer member. An outer locking nut threaded on a second end of the closure member compresses a seal between the closure member and the secondary pipe creating a seal between the closure member and the secondary pipe outer surface.

Abstract: A fuel tube assembly for gas-fired appliances includes a tube with first and second end sections and a corrugated medial section extending therebetween. The end sections are connected to components, such as a gas valve and a burner, by compression fitting subassemblies. The tube assembly can be installed to accommodate various configurations of gas flow paths between the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank presenting a tank body having a neck about an axis, the neck being extended by a region of section smaller than that of the neck, a plate, and a nut screwed onto the neck of the tank, an annular housing for a gasket being defined by a top edge of the neck, a bottom edge of the plate, an outer cylindrical plate of the annular region, and an inner cylindrical face of the nut, the gasket having a top edge, a bottom edge, an outer edge, and an inner edge, and the tank being made of plastics material. In section, the gasket has a profile that is elongate parallel to said axis.

Abstract: A screw-threaded connection incorporates multiple synchronized threads, that is, one connection element has a set of external threads that mates with a corresponding set of internal threads on the mating connection element, in customary fashion. The first connection element additionally includes a second set of internal threads synchronized with the first set such that the leads of both sets of threads are the same. This second set of internal threads mates with a corresponding set of external threads on the mating connection element. Of course, the two sets of threads on the mating connection element are synchronized such that their leads are the same, and, of course, the same as first sets of mating multiple synchronized threads. This multiple synchronized thread connection has application to any fluid connector and particularly to fluid connectors in wide-variant temperature deviation, high-pressure, and/or mechanical vibration environments.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis drain coupling and a method of installing it in an existing drain pipe. The drain coupling includes one or more extremities made of flexible, resilient material so that the material can be rolled or folded back upon itself to shorten the coupling. The shortened coupling is inserted between the cut ends of the drain pipe, and the flexible material is then unrolled onto the adjacent cut end or ends to establish a fluid tight relation.

Abstract: A tube connector (1) has a connecting member (2), a nut (7), and a tube (11). To connect the connecting member (2) to the tube (11), the tube includes a formation (12) with two formation portions (14, 16). The first formation portion (14) has a first tensioning face (13) which extends parallel to an end face (4) of the connecting member (2). The second formation portion (16) has a second tensioning face (15). The tensioning face (15) extends in such a way which corresponds to the second conical bore (9) of the nut (7). The end face (4) includes an annular groove to receive a seal (23). The seal (23) achieves a precision sealing effect. A connector (1) which includes a formation as described above provides advantageous sealing conditions and ensures that the formation cannot be overtightened, especially during repeat assembly procedures.

Abstract: A connector body at the end of a freon line, of the type which is freely rotatable on the line, and is able to move from a first position adjacent the freon hose surrounding the line to a second position at the end of the line for threadably engaging an air conditioner or the like, the nut in its passage moving past an elbow bend in the line. The connector would comprise at least a connector body having a width substantially wider than the width of a grasping forefinger and thumb, and further comprising a counter bore along its rear end portion, so that as the connector moves from its first position through the elbow of the line, the bend in the line would travel within a portion of the counter bore and allow the nut to slide between its first and second positions without jamming in its passage along the elbow bend.

Abstract: A threaded coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting the ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in fixed releasably locking relationship. First and second coupling members are circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit members to hold them in fluid communication. The coupling members are rotatable in a locking direction and in an opposite unlocking direction. The first coupling member has a peripheral facing surface with a pair of annular slots, each of a different length and width. The second coupling member has a lock ring longitudinally slidable thereon with a facing surface having a pair of annular raised locking tabs. Each locking tab is of a predetermined height but of a different length and width which corresponds to the respective length and width of the annular slots.

Abstract: A pipeline is made by joining a number of pipe sections, each of which includes an inner pipe structure and an outer pipe structure. The outer pipe structure, which may be zinc plated or encased in an protective elastomeric material, includes mating couplings at each end to fasten similar sections together end to end. The inner pipe structure includes a hole extending throughout the pipeline and means for sealing around the hole at each joint. The inner pipe structure is resiliently mounted within the outer pipe structure. The outer pipe structure of each pipe section extends in both directions past the ends of the inner pipe structure.

Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.

Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: A pup joint is provided which comprises a length of pipe, a female sub integral with one end of the pipe and having external threads formed thereon, a male sub integral with the other end of the pipe, a wing nut for threadedly connecting the male sub to the female sub, a set of retainer segments for retaining the wing nut on the pup joint, and a retention shoulder formed on the male sub to maintain the wing nut and retainer segments on the male sub. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe and the male and female subs are comprised of a single forging, and the retention shoulder is formed by machining the male sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluidly coupling a flanged pipe (2) having an annular flange (4) to a threaded pipe (22) having an externally threaded end (20) with an annular lip is disclosed. An annular nut (8) has an internal thread (10) for engaging the threaded pipe. An internal diameter of the annular nut is larger than an external diameter of the flange of the flanged pipe. Thus, the annular nut can slide without deformation over the flange of the flanged pipe. The annular nut also acts as a retaining surface. An internal diameter of an annular insert (12) is smaller than the external diameter of the flange of the flanged pipe. Because of the difference in diameter, the annular insert cannot slide freely over the flange of the flange pipe. Additionally, the annular insert has a split (14) that allows the annular insert to reversibly expand to slip over the flange of the flanged pipe.

Abstract: A pipe coupling assembling for use with a pipe having an inner wall, an outer wall and an interstitial space between the walls, with the pipe terminating in a coupling end defining an axial direction. The assembly includes a ferrule attached to the outer wall. The ferrule has an outer annular ring and an interstitial channel aligned with the interstitial space in the pipe for presenting an interstitial chamber. An insert is attached to the inner wall. The insert also has an inner annular ring. An externally threaded transition fitting is removed for attachment to the ferrule. The fitting includes an interstitial channel aligned with the interstitial chamber, an outer seal channel for sealing engagement with the outer annular ring, and an inner seal channel for sealing engagement with the inner annular ring. Finally, a coupling is keyed to the ferrule including internal threads for engagement with the fitting to provide coupling engagement between both the ferrule and the insert with the fitting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint made of resin which is preferably used in, particularly, piping for a liquid having high purity or ultrapure water. In the pipe joint made of resin, a pipe receiving port 11 of a joint body made of resin 1, an inner ring 3, and a pressing ring 5 form primary, secondary, and tertiary sealing portions 10, 20, and 30. The primary sealing portion 10 is formed by a pressingly contacting area between a primary seal receiving face 13 of the joint body 1 and a primary seal urging face of the inner ring 3, thereby generating a seal contact pressure in an axial direction. The secondary sealing portion 20 is formed by pressingly contacting areas between secondary seal inner and outer receiving faces 15 and 16 of the joint body 1 and secondary seal inner and outer urging faces 36 and 37 of the inner ring 3, thereby generating a seal contact pressure in a radial direction.

Abstract: An adjustable-height extension stem and valve box assembly is provided for use with buried valves that is lightweight, readily adjustable to a large range of heights, and is capable of absorbing loads and impacts such that the loads and impacts are substantially not transmitted to the buried valve or surrounding pipeline. The valve box is made up of a valve box base, a valve box lower section, a valve box upper section that telescopes within the lower section, and a valve box top. An upper section of the extension stem extends from the interior of the valve box top through a bottom opening, and an extension stem lower section extends downwardly from the upper section, with the two sections being made from square hollow metal tubing such that the upper section telescopes within the lower section. A grit washer having grooves cut in a bearing surface is attached to the extension stem upper section and supports the upper section in place within the valve box top.

Abstract: A conduit coupling includes generally cylindrical female, internal and male pieces wherein the female piece has an inner tapered shoulder at an angle and the internal piece has a tapered collar formed at a complimentary angle to the angle for disposal adjacent to the shoulder and an end tapered at another angle and the male piece has a tapered end formed at an angle complimentary to the another angle for disposal adjacent the tapered end of the internal piece.

Abstract: A hub connection assembly 20 includes a hub 22 having a spout 28 extending therefrom. The assembly 20 further includes a trim nut 30 which is assembled with the hub 22 and also includes a split snap ring 32 which retains the hub with the trim nut. A lower section 26 of the hub 22 is formed with a outward facing annular recess 36 which receives a circular wall 74 of the ring 32. The ring 32 is also formed with an outward extending circular rib 68 which is located in an annular groove 48 formed in an inner circular wall of the trim nut 30. The wall 74 and the rib 68 of the ring 32 extend in a direction between the hub 22 and the trim nut 30 to maintain separation between the hub and the nut.

Abstract: The present invention hose assembly (10) having a distortion limiting wall for creating a dynamic seal comprises a seal (14), a male hose subassembly (12) and a female hose subassembly (16). The seal (14) is concentrically mounted within the female hose subassembly (16) against a radially flanged segment (92) and an extension segment (94) of a female ferrule (74) with a lip (46) of a male ferrule (22) compressing against the seal (14) when the female and male hose subassemblies (16 and 12) are connected together.

Abstract: A device for receiving thermal conduit comprising a thermally conductive material for coupling between an end of a conducting element of the thermal conduit and an end of an outer shell of the thermal conduit. The thermally conductive material is arranged to physically define a best thermal path from the end of the conducting element to the end of the outer shell such that substantially all thermal energy dissipated from the conducting element to the outer shell flows along the best thermal path. The length of the best thermal path is significantly greater than a nearest distance between the conducting element and the outer shell, and the conductive material is thin and manufactured of a poor thermal conductor such that the total energy dissipated along the best thermal path is reduced.

Abstract: A connector assembly with an integral connector body of a specified size and shape. The connector body has a substantially hexagonal upper section connected to a first, unthreaded cylindrical section, which in turn is connected to a second threaded cylindrical section, which in turn is connected to a third unthreaded cylindrical section with substantially the same diameter, which in turn is connected is connected to a bottom, undercut, unthreaded section. The assembly also contains an adaptor having a central channel and an external annular sealing groove, a washer disposed within a seal cavity for forming a sealed connection when the body and adaptor are engaged, and a collar for movably connecting the connector body to the adaptor and selectively positioning the external sealing groove with respect to the internal sealing groove.

Abstract: A vented liquid dispenser with a gravity feed of liquid from an inverted bottle includes a cup-shaped body having a center tube extending through an opening in the bottom of the cup-shaped body. A hollow tubular valve member is slidably mounted on the tube and a washer is secured to the lower end of the valve member in sliding sealing engagement with the tube and movable into and out of engagement with a seat surrounding the opening in the cup-shaped body. A lifter extending axially through the valve body has a vent closure at one end engageable with the valve member to seal the valve member with the opposite end engaged by a pivoted handle on the cup-shaped body. A single spring is connected between the lifter, the valve member and the tube for controlling the closing of the vent closure and the closing of the opening in the cup-shaped body.

Abstract: A pipe cap assembly with embodiments which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. The embodiments of the invention include a pipe cap for sealing a pipe comprising a hollow fitting member with a first end and a second end and an annular tapered ridge extending from the first end of the first hollow fitting member and threads to attach the hollow fitting member at the first end thereof to a pipe.

Abstract: Past connector assemblies have failed to provide adequate amounts of the air/cooling liquid mixture from the heat exchanger to the surge tank for proper air venting. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a connector assembly 48 which is easily installed within a tank portion 14 of the heat exchanger 12. The connector assembly 48 includes a tubular member 50 which has a cylindrical portion 54 and a bifurcated end portion 56. The bifurcated end portion 56 has a rectangular outer shape 66 which is designed so that it can be squeezed into a rectangular shaped opening 44 in the tank portion 14. A nut 92 which has an inner threaded portion 104 is threaded onto an outer threaded portion 64 of the cylindrical portion 54 until a pair of tabs 76,78 on the bifurcated end portion 56 are securely seated against an inner surface 16 of the tank portion 14. A washer 110 is seated against an annular beaded seat 36 to form a first seal.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting provides a fluid-tight seal between the fitting and the axial end of the tube coupled to the fitting, thereby eliminating crevices between the end of the tube and the sealing point of the fitting and consequent fluid accumulation and potential bacteria growth. The fitting preferably includes a body having a recessed outer end, an elastomeric seal disposed in the recess in the body, a gripping ring slidable into a stepped notch formed in the outer end of the body, and a locking mechanism which grips the tube and which draws the tube into a position in which its end sealingly engages the seal and causes the seal to sealingly engage an annular shoulder of the body. The gripping ring, body, and tube interact to provide very high retention forces permitting the fitting to withstand fluid pressures on the order of several thousand psi.

Abstract: A luer-type adapter has a dual instead of a single set of engaging screw threads. A proximal and a distal screw thread on the hub engage proximal and distal screw threads on the collar of the connector to provide at least twice the engaging or sealing force between the tapered surfaces of the stem and hub which are forced together by rotating the collar relative to the hub to engage the two sets of threads. The diameters of the engaging distal screw threads have to be sufficiently great so that the proximal screw thread on the hub can pass under the distal screw thread on the collar in order to effect proximal as well as distal engagement. An O-ring mounted on an untapered distal segment of the stem engages an untapered inner hub surface to provide additional sealing force which is particularly useful where gas is being provided through the adapter.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes first and second coupling members each having the form of a hollow conduit having a radially extending flange at a first end, an axially extending sleeve defining a second end adapted to connect with a fluid transport fitting, and a fluid transport passageway running axially therethrough. Each flange has a generally planar axially facing frontside surface. In one embodiment, the frontside surface of the first coupling member flange has at least one integral tongue extending axially outwardly therefrom, and the frontside surface of the second coupling member flange has at least one groove disposed axially therein. Each tongue is placed within a respective tongue to form a liquid-tight seal when frontside surfaces of the first and second coupling member flanges are joined together. In another embodiment, the frontside surfaces of each first and second coupling flange include at least one groove disposed axially therein.

Abstract: A bore seal assembly for sealing between adjoining tubular members having a seal pocket formed in the adjacent ends thereof which comprises a cylindrical seal sleeve having a bore and two radially outwardly extending sealing lips for engaging the seal pocket, a cylindrical finger spring mounted within the bore of the seal sleeve and having an annular central section and a plurality of fingers extending axially outwardly therefrom for urging the sealing lips against the seal pocket, and a cylindrical wear sleeve having a curvilinear outer diameter for supporting the fingers and transferring the contact point between the fingers and the wear sleeve toward the ends of the fingers to thereby increase the stiffness of the fingers and maintain a spring force sufficient to overcome the force caused by contraction of the seal sleeve in low temperatures.

Abstract: A pump system is described which is particularly suited for use as a left ventricular assist device for internal use in humans. The pump system generally includes a pump having a deformable sac formed in a seamless piece of flexible resilient material having (i) a pair of opposite substantially planar walls and of substantially circular shape joined by an annular wall of substantially semicircular cross-section and (ii) inlet and outlet means. The inlet means have an asymmetric tapered section positioned to direct the inlet flow toward the annular wall of the sac to produce a smooth circular flow within the sac and minimize thrombus formation. A pair of pusher plates are disposed on opposite sides of the sac. Each of the pusher plates are engageable with a respective one of the planar walls of the sac for displacing at least one of the planar walls toward the other to deform the sac. The pump system also includes removable inlet and outlet conduit means with valve means for controlling inlet and outlet flow.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a tube to a threaded nipple has a threaded nut for mating with the threaded nipple. The nut has a through opening formed therein and a camming surface formed in the opening. A locking member has a first body section adopted to be positioned over the tube and received in the opening of the nut. The locking member also has a second body section extending away from the first body section and presenting an inclined surface positioned for engagement by the camming surface. A gripper component extends from an inner surface of the second body section for engagement with the tube. When the nut is threadably received on the nipple, movement of the tube away from the nipple results in the inclined surface engaging the camming surface to cause the gripper component to tightly engage the outer surface of the tube.

Abstract: O-ringless coupling device including a pair of junction elements for attachment to the ends of flow lines to be connected and a coupling nut. One of the elements is provided with a coupling face having at least one annular groove formed therein circumscribing the fluid passageway. The sidewalls of the groove or grooves are angularly inclined relative to each other so that the width of the groove decreases with depth. The opposing face of the second junction element is provided with an annular rib, the transverse thickness of which is adapted to mate with the opposing groove of the first element such that when the nut is used to draw the two junction elements together, the rib mates with the groove and forms a seal therebetween. Preferably, the distal extremity of the rib is narrower than the proximal extremity and is of a dimension such that the walls of the annular rib mate with the walls of the annular groove such that coupling pressure wedges them together forming pressure seals at the engaging sidewalls.

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

Abstract: A valve connector system for attaching a metal or plastic valve to a plastic pipe, the system including a valve with an externally threaded inlet port, a tubular adapter having an annular flange and a sealing member, a threaded lock nut for attaching the adapter to the valve, and a tubular plastic coupling for use in cementing the free end of the tubular adapter to the free end of the plastic pipe. The annular flange of the tubular adapter preferably abuts against the open end of the valve inlet port and the annular sealing member provides a water-tight seal between the tubular adapter and the inside diameter of the valve inlet port. The threaded lock nut has female threads to engage the externally threaded valve inlet port and an annular flange that abuts against the back side of the annular flange on the tubular adapter to hold the sealing member of the tubular adapter in sealing engagement with the inside diameter of the valve inlet port.

Abstract: A connector assembly with an integral connector body of a specified size and shape. The connector body has a substantially hexagonal upper section connected to a first, unthreaded cylindrical section, which in turn is connected to a second threaded cylindrical section, which in turn is connected to a third unthreaded cylindrical section with substantially the same diameter, which in turn is connected is connected to a, bottom, undercut, unthreaded section. The assembly also contains an adaptor having a central channel and an external annular sealing groove, a washer disposed within a seal cavity for forming a sealed connection when the body and adaptor are engaged, and a collar for movably connecting the connector body to the adaptor and selectively positioning the external sealing groove with respect to the internal sealing groove.

Abstract: A coupling is provided which is particularly suitable for refrigeration service and air conditioning systems. The coupling includes a body portion, an adapter portion, a collar and a gasket. The body and adapter portions are connected to two conduits or the like containing fluid therein. The adapter has a sealing channel formed therein while the body portion has a mating piece attached thereto. The mating piece is positioned to be received in a predetermined spaced relation with respect to the sealing channel of the adapter. The gasket is disposed within a sealing channel formed by the body and adapter portions. The collar is rotatable and connects the body portion to the adapter portion, thereby compressing the gasket within the sealing channel. The coupling is also provided with a second sealing channel for additional sealing.

Abstract: The device for connecting a length of duct to a coupling endpiece of an apparatus or a member includes at least one tubular sleeve having two portions in axial succession, the first portion being internally fitted with components of an instant connection coupling for the end of a length of duct, the second portion including means for sealably and releasably covering the coupling endpiece, the end face of the endpiece forming an axial abutment at the end of the length engaged in the first portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A reduced resistance bead seal is integrally formed on a mounting surface of one of two matingly engageable members to form a leak-free seal between the two members despite any eccentricity or angular variances between the two members. In one embodiment, the reduced resistance bead is formed on an inner conical flange of an inverted flared end of a hollow fluid conduit. The bead may also be formed on the outer end flange of an ISO end flare. The bead presents a deformable surface as a fitting urges the flared end of the conduit into engagement with a conical seat in a receiver where eccentricity or angular variances exist between the flared end of the conduit and the conical seat. A unique method and a unique forming tool are used to form the reduced resistance bead in the flared end of the conduit simultaneously with the flaring of the end of the conduit.