Abstract: A fluid conduit system especially for high pressure fuel connections in engines comprises an elongate tube having a fitting asssembly mounted at each end thereof. Each fitting assembly is identical to the other and includes a stepped outer diameter sleeve member having a larger diameter distal portion and a narrower proximal portion. A nut is slidably received about the tube and has a threaded bore therein which is of a diameter greater than the diameter of the larger diameter portion of the sleeve member and a proximal flange surrounding a reduced diameter bore having a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the narrower portion of the sleeve member but less than the diameter of the larger diameter portion of the sleeve member.

Abstract: An adjustable length piping union having telescoping tubes. An inner tube has outer ring grooves whose bottom walls slope, and whose axial width is greater than the width of an O-ring contained in them. This enables an easier reduction in length than increase in length. A ledge permits passage of the rings for assembly, but frustrates the separation of the tubes.

Abstract: An improved faucet connector has a flexible braided metal hose assembly with a water supply fitting assembly at one end and a universal faucet fitting assembly at the other end to readily connect a faucet to a water supply pipe, tubing, or shutoff valve in an efficient, safe, and structurally sound manner.

Abstract: A pipeline coupling comprises first and second substantially annular connecting pieces at each end of a length of pipe, an internally threaded nut on the first connecting piece and a corresponding external thread on the second connecting piece, and a sealing ring for location between adjacent ends of two lengths of pipe to be connected, a sealed connection between the two lengths of pipe being effected by screwing the nut onto the external thread to draw the connecting pieces axially towards one another and to compress the sealing ring therebetween. A substantially annular locking ring is mounted on the second connecting piece to be axially movable therealong but rotatably fixed relative thereto, the locking ring and nut being provided with corresponding projections and recesses adapted to engage with one another to prevent relative rotation between the two connecting pieces, releasable means retaining the projections and the recesses in engagement with one another.

Abstract: In order to couple in a tight and dismantlable manner the ends of two fixed, rigid tubes (10, 12), more particularly in an aircraft fuel transfer circuit, use is made of a connecting sleeve (20), whereof a first end is tightly fixed by means of a nut (30) to a half-coupling (28) welded to a first (10) of the tubes. The second end (20c) of the sleeve can tightly slide on the other tube (12), which gives access to a device (40) connecting two internal tubes (14, 16) in a double envelope circuit.

Abstract: A conduit coupling member for use with a second coupling member, comprising: a generally tubular body having a bore along its longitudinal axis; an integral and portion of the body having a nose portion and an annular groove in the bore juxtaposed the nose portion which together define a cantilever lip deflectable at least partially in a direction of the longitudinal axis; and the nose portion having an outer surface, a portion of which effects a seal when the lip is longitudinally deflected.

Abstract: An improved connector has a flexible braided metal hose assembly with a compression fitting or pipe fitting at one end and a special composite fitting assembly with an electrically insulating insert in a metal male outer fitting at the other end for connection to the water line of an appliance, such as a hot water heater.

Abstract: A sealing joint for use in a conduit system where an elevated pressure may exist at one side of the system comprises a pair of co-axial tubular metal sections with intermesting tapered edges which are clamped against each other by fastening means, such as a swivel nut, so as to establish a fluid tight seal formed by the conical contact area between the tapered surfaces of said edges.One of the tubular sections has a tapered edge which is at one side thereof exposed to the elevated pressure. This section has a smaller wall thickness than the tapered edge of the other tubular section so as to allow the elevated pressure to press said tapered edges onto each other.

Abstract: A fitting made up of a body, a ferrule and a nut. The ferrule has a reduced size cylindrical member that is received in an end of a thin wall tube. The nut and the deformable ferrule are placed over the tube. The nut is wrenched onto the body, which deforms the ferrule at the ferrule groove displacing material of the ferrule inwardly against the tube, bringing the inner surface of the ferrule into sealing engagement with the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the tube with the outer reduced cylindrical surface of the body and at both faces of the ferrule. A seal is thus accomplished at the inside surface of the ferrule, forcing the tube into engagement with the reduced size member of the body, thereby reinforcing the tube.

Abstract: A plastic bore seal assembly, for use in a static or dynamic mode, comprising a sleeve-type seal element with an annular sealing lip at each end thereof, an anti-extrusion ring surrounding the seal element intermediate the sealing lips, one or more sleeve-like finger springs within the seal element, and optionally a wear sleeve within the seal element bore.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting a drum containing a fluid product to a pipeline leading to a place of use without introducing contaminant.

Abstract: A coupling (10) for hoses (11a and 11b) having a first and a second body section (12 and 13 respectively). Each body section (12, 13) has a bore thereof (14 and 15 respectively) such that the bores will accept hoses (11a and 11b, respectively). An engaging assembly (24) is provided to sealingly engage the body sections (12, 13) in juxtaposition. The engaging assembly (24) includes a series of sealing surface engagements between the first and second body sections (12, 13). Further, sealing engagements are made between the hoses (11a, 11b) and abutting surface (40, 42) of the first body section (12). A locking assembly is provided to securely and removably attach the two body sections (12, 13) together, and includes nut a (44) which threadably engages first body section (12) and abuttingly engages shoulder (46) of the second body section (13).

Abstract: A safety connection for connecting a plug into a tubular member, the tubular member having an internal sealing surface, an internal recess positioned outward from said internal sealing surface, said recess ending in inwardly extending lip with a plurality of slots therethrough and external threads; a plug having a body with a plurality of radially extending pins positioned to pass through said slots in said lip, a radially extending flange and a pin extending radially outward from the plug at a position immediately axially inward of said flange and being out of axial alignment with said pins and sized to fit within one of said slots to position said plurality of pins out of alignments with said slots; and a securing ring having an inwardly extend flange for surrounding the exterior of said plug on the exterior side of said plug flange and internal threads for engaging the external threads on said tubular member to secure said plug in said tubular.

Abstract: A splitt clamp assembly for pipe flanges, comprising an outer ring with internal threads for securing it to an externally threaded first pipe flange, and a plurality of arcuate segments interconnected by keys into an inner ring, means to secure the inner ring to a second pipe flange, and means to secure the inner and outer rings together in a relative non-rotable manner.

Abstract: A joint mechanism for connecting easily and tightly thin-wall stainless steel pipes (1) with an annular bead (6) at an end, which includes a joint sleeve (2) having a pair of annular recesses (7) at opposite ends and a central enlarged collar portion (9); a pair of coupling nuts (3) with an inclined shoulder (13) on the inside; and a pair of conical disc springs (5) with a distinctly colored outside (5a) mounted between the central enlarged collar portion and the coupling nuts. When the coupling nuts are threaded over the joint sleeve completely, the conical disc springs are compressed between the central enlarged collar portion and the coupling nuts making the distinct color of the conical springs invisible, thus indicating that the coupling nuts are fully tightened.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe union having a reliable metal ring seal and a resilient seal. The resilient seal is on the pin portion of the union, which has an internal seal surface. The box portion of the union has a bore to sealingly receive the resilient seal and an internal seal surface. The metal ring seal is compressed into sealing engagement with the pin portion and box portion sealing surfaces when the union pin portion and union box portion are connected together by a threaded collar. When the union is utilized in a tree cap for an underwater wellhead and the union box portion is attached to the wellhead, the resilient seal serves as a secondary seal and protects the metal seal. Well servicing risers or lubricators may be connected to the tree cap box portion.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for a corrugated pipe, comprising a coupling body having an axial through hole including a pipe insertion portion and a fluid passage portion, metallic seal means arranged on the fluid passage side of the pipe insertion portion, for sealing an end portion of a corrugated pipe pressed against the same, clamp means having at least three segments arranged in the circumferential direction and adapted to tightly hold the peripheral portion of the corrugated pipe inserted in the insertion portion, and retaining means for axially and immovably retaining the clamp means so that the end portion of the corrugated pipe is pressed against the seal means, to be sealed thereby.

Abstract: A portable cleaning tool (12) for cleaning the bore (38) of a valve (10) comprising a tool fitting or connector (52) with a reduced diameter inner end portion (82) having an O-ring (86) for sealing against an enlarged bore portion (40) of the valve body (18). The conenctor (52) is threaded within the enlarged end bore (44) to engage in abutting relation an internal shoulder (46). The cleaning member (60) is of an enlarged diameter and has a tapered seat (63) adapted for seating in a retracted position on a mating tapered seat (88) of the connector (52) to prevent any blowout of the cleaning member (60). One embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 has an internally threaded nut (108) threaded onto external mating screw threads (110) on the valve body and engaging a retainer ring (106) on the connector body (53A) for mounting the connector (52A) on the valve (10 A).

Abstract: A fluid coupling particularly suitable for use with pressurized systems such as refrigeration circuits wherein the coupling parts may be quickly interconnected solely by axial insertion of the male part into the female part. Yet separation of the parts is controlled by a threaded nut. An annular radially expandable and contractible retainer ring is axially positioned relative to the female part by a nut threaded on the female part and the male part includes an annular shoulder which radially expands the retainer during insertion into the female part. Upon complete insertion of the male part the retainer engages the shoulder and prevents withdrawal of the male part due to abutment of the retainer against the nut. The nut includes a retainer engaging surface for reinforcing the retainer configuration, while in another embodiment the nut aids in withdrawing the male part from the female part during uncoupling.

Abstract: An improved flexible pipe connector for interconnecting in sealing relationship two pipe or tube sections comprising a deformable resilient hollow connector portion having a first tubular end portion sealingly engageable with an end of a first pipe or tube section, a second tubular end portion connectable to a second pipe or tube section and an intermediate portion having a plurality of annular strengthening ribs, a short length rigid reinforcing collar surrounding the first end portion and a coupling slip nut slidably located on the collar for both rotational and axial movement relative thereto, the slip nut being adapted for connection to the end of a first pipe or tube section.

Abstract: A connector for tapered glass joints includes a first glass tubing section having a tapered sealing surface on an inner end surface thereof and threads on an outer surface of said end. A second glass tubing section has an end adapted to be telescoped into the end of said first tubing section, and a replaceable, resilient sealing sleeve is adapted to be sealingly engaged concentrically between the outer end surface of the second tubing section and the inner end surface of the first tubing section. A threaded cap is adapted to be threaded onto said threads of said first tubing section to secure the parts together and to force the sealing sleeve into tight sealing engagement with the respective tubing surfaces.

Abstract: A pipe connector device for interconnecting first and second pipe elements using a retention member removably secured to the first pipe element by load elements. The retention member is secured to the second pipe element by pipe threads or a second retention member can be secured to the second pipe element by load elements and the first and second retention members threaded together. A seal is extended along a portion of the length of the first and second pipe elements adjacent to an end portion of each of the pipe elements to prevent leakage. This provides a fluid-tight seal which is relatively independent of any pressure exerted between the first and second pipe elements by the retention member.

Abstract: A sanitary pipe fitting and improved gasket for use in such fitting wherein the pipe fitting comprises first and second pipes, a gasket, and a nut for securing the ends of the pipes in an assembled relation with the gasket sandwiched therebetween. The pipes each terminate in an end face which has a conical surface and a radial shoulder, the shoulder of one pipe being located on the inside of the pipe and the shoulder of the other pipe being on the outside of the pipe. The gasket is annular and has end faces complementary in shape to the end faces of the pipes. According to the practice of this invention, the gasket is molded from a fiber-reinforced elastomeric material.

Abstract: A connecting member is disclosed for connecting a hydraulic tube to a base material such as a housing or to another hydraulic tube. The connecting member has an annular body formed from a first material extending a substantial length of the connecting member. The body has an interior surface defining a passageway. The body includes threads on a first portion of the body for connecting to the connecting member of a hydraulic tube and threads on a second portion of the body for connecting the connecting member to the base material or a second hydraulic tube through a coupling nut. A sleeve is made from a second material and extends through the passageway substantially the length of the connecting member. The sleeve has an internal surface and has a pair of ends, wherein each end of the sleeve extends radially outwardly from the sleeve relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve over a respective end of the body. The body may be plastic and the sleeve may be titanium.

Abstract: A dielectric tube coupling includes a tube-like body having a circumferential ramp on the exterior periphery thereof. Opposed, non-conductive flared sleeves are disposed in surrounding relationship with the body so that the flared portions thereof closely engage opposite faces of the ramp. A threaded connector surrounds one of the sleeves and has an angled internal portion thereof in exteriorly abutting relation with the flared portion of the sleeve. The connector threadedly receives a coupling which includes an internal angled shoulder disposed in exteriorly engaging relation with the flared portion of the other sleeve. The tube-like body has one end sealingly disposed by means of an O-ring and a back-up washer in a seat included in the connector.

Abstract: A fuel line receiver has a fuel passage terminating in an enlarged region. A retainer ring secures an O-ring in the enlarged region. The tip of a fuel line is curled to facilitate insertion through the retainer ring and the O-ring into the fuel passage. The O-ring sealingly engages the fuel line and the peripheral wall, and the tip of the fuel line is supported by the fuel passage and the retainer ring. A flange on the fuel line is engaged by a nut or a clip to hold the tip of the fuel line in the fuel passage.

Abstract: A compressor assembly is disclosed including a compressor mechanism mounted within a hermetically sealed housing. The compressor mechanism includes a crankcase having a suction inlet opening providing communication into a suction cavity within the crankcase. A suction line adaptor is provided for attaching to a suction line of a refrigeration system to introduce suction gas into the suction inlet opening. The suction line adaptor includes a fitting mounted to the sidewall of the housing. The fitting defines a bore communicating through the housing wall. A radially outwardly extending annular groove is provided in the sidewall of the bore. A section of tubing having a washer-shaped flange at one end thereof extends between the fitting and the suction inlet opening. The tube section end opposite the flange is sealingly received at a variable depth within the suction inlet opening using an O-ring seal. The other end of the tube section is received within the bore with the flange received within the groove.

Abstract: Disclosed are arrangements for maintaining an annular sealing gasket in some predetermined position intermediate and substantially coaxial with opposed annular sealing beads extending axially from each of a pair of coupling components. One disclosed arrangement comprises a retainer element having an annular end wall and a cylindrical side wall which define a cavity for closely receiving a flat annular gasket. A plurality of axial retaining legs facilitate retainer mounting to one of the coupling members so that the gasket is captured in the retainer cavity substantially coaxial with the one coupling member and with the associated sealing bead engaging one of the gasket faces. In a second arrangement, a plurality of axial retaining legs are formed integrally with the gasket member. The legs are positioned circumferentially about the gasket for engaging the one coupling component coaxial with the associated sealing bead.

Abstract: A coupling for a fluid conduit under pressure has a plug carrying O-rings and inserted in a socket. A bead on the plug forms a stop for location of the O-rings. A nut rotatably mounted on the plug and held adjacent the bead has an elongated threaded annulus engaging threads on the socket so that nut rotation in either direction causes corresponding axial movement of the plug. Upon disconnection of the coupling the nut is partially backed off to remove the plug causing pressure release while the nut is still attached to the socket.

Abstract: An aseptic pipe joint for food processing pipe fittings of the type including a pair of frustoconical ferrules having radially extending surfaces, a "C" shaped metallic ring positioned between the surfaces in abutting relation therewith, a resilient O-ring filling the "C" shaped ring to form an aseptic seal, a resilient seal ring positioned between the ferrule surfaces and spaced radially outwardly from the "C" shaped ring forming a hermetic zone between the seals and a passage in one of the ferrules connected to the hermetic zone for testing the aseptic seal.

Abstract: A nut adapter to be formed to hardly twist a pipe welded to a cap nut clamping fluid joint or eliminate the twist of the pipe when clamping the cap nut of the fluid joint, and a fluid joint having the nut. This nut holds a thrust bearing at a position of the nut, corresponding to the surface of the nut for pressing a sleeve when clamping the nut so that, when an unreasonable force is applied, the nut and the sleeve rotate together so as not to transmit a rotary torque to the pipe.

Abstract: A tube coupling having a ring seal with a U-shaped cross section that is encapsulated in a socket member when engaged and compressed by the free plug end of a tube and sealingly contacts the end of the tube at the radial end surface and inner and outer diameter wall surfaces thereof and also three surrounding surfaces of the socket member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe screwed connection having a socket member attachable to one pipe end, a plug-in member at the opposite pipe end which can be partly inserted into the socket member, and a union nut for which the plug-in member has a bearing surface in the form of an annular shoulder and which engages over the plug-in member and is screwed on to the socket member. The characterizing feature of the invention is that the meshing screwthreaded surfaces of the union nut and the socket member are matchingly conical in construction.

Abstract: A pipe joint includes a joint body having an internal thread portion formed in the interior thereof, a bush having formed on the outer periphery thereof an external thread portion helically meshed with the internal thread portion of the joint body, a gasket accommodated within the interior of the joint body, and a retainer having formed on one end thereof on the side of the joint body a flange of increased wall thickness which is pushed toward the joint body by the end face of the external thread portion of the bush. The flange of the retainer may be provided with at least one engaging projection extending radially outwardly from the outer periphery thereof and, in this case, the internal thread portion of the joint body is provided therein with at least one lock portion which is engaged with the at least one engaging projection of the flange.

Abstract: A quick-connection type connector is disclosed for the coupling of high-pressure fluid flow lines, which connector utilizes an externally threaded female portion and a tapered male portion with a rotatable collar mounted thereon. Elastomeric seal means are provided as well as a metal-to-metal seal to protect the elastomeric seal means, and a locking assembly to prevent backing off of the threaded portion.

Abstract: A connection between the outlet of a flush valve and a flush tube includes an outlet fitting for the flush valve having an exterior thread thereon and a flush tube which extends within the outlet fitting. A coupling nut having an interior threaded area for attachment to the fitting also has an inwardly-directed annular shoulder which extends closely adjacent the flush tube and with the end of the fitting, defines an annular chamber. Positioned within the annular chamber is an annular elastomeric gasket in contact with an end of the fitting and in peripheral contact with the flush tube. A back-up ring is positioned within the chamber for circumferential contact with the gasket and a clip ring is positioned within the chamber between the back-up ring and the coupling nut shoulder and is adapted for surface penetration engagement with the exterior of the flush tube.

Abstract: An adjustable cement head manifold connector including a first union having a passageway therethrough operably connected for a fluidtight connection with a cement head, a second union having a passageway therethrough having an end for operably connecting it in a fluidtight manner to a cement head, components for slidably connecting the first union and the second union in a fluidtight manner. The components for slidably connecting including a mandrel having one end fixed to one of the unions and slidably engaged with the other. The fixed end of the mandrel is preferably held with a combination of a sleeve surrounding the mandrel acting in conjunction with a nut which operatively engages and presses the mandrel against the seat at the opening of the union. The end of the mandrel which is slidably engaged utilizes a sleeve nut and O-ring arrnagement for fluidtight engagement against the mandrel.

Abstract: A coupling including a first sleeve having an exterior surface provided with an annular, frusto-conical surface and a second sleeve of larger diameter than the first sleeve and having an annular, interior frusto-conical surface, the second sleeve being disposed about the first sleeve. Interengaging elements align the frusto-conical surfaces to define a generally V-shaped annular, axially opening groove between the sleeves and an O-ring seal is disposed in such groove and abuts both the frusto-conical surfaces. A compressing ring engages the O-ring seal oppositely of the frusto-conical surfaces to drive the O-ring into sealing engagement therewith.

Abstract: A method of replacing an inlet valve for a hot water tank, comprising removing the existing valve and inserting a new valve particularly adapted for use in the present invention. The new valve is connected to the pipe end portion of the inlet pipe by means of a compression nut and a ferrule, with the compression nut attaching to exterior threads on a first connecting portion of the valve. Then the flex tube connecting member is interconnected with the exterior threads of a second pipe connecting portion. The valve itself is a gate valve with a full flow through passageway, and the two exteriorly threaded connecting portions are to be connected to the compression nut and the flex tube connecting nut, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for joining tubes. The tubes have ends which are deformed within sleeves having an interior channel by applying pressure to the tube end portion, a mandrel being temporarily placed within the tube and sockets being fitted on the exterior of the tube, pressure being applied to the end portion of the tube to cause the wall of said tube to deform in the area of the sleeve channels to anchor the tube in the sleeve. After the mandrel and the sockets are removed, the sleeve is clamped in the joint member with a nut which is screwed onto it.

Abstract: A superfine finish piping joint has a metal C ring disposed between a couple of joint pieces, the piping joints being capable of properly tightening the metal C ring for thereby being usuable for piping to a clean room. The superfine finish piping joint includes, besides a couple of the first and second joint pieces, a box nut, a thrust bearing disposed between a base portion of second joint piece facing to the internal end surface of an box nut, and a cup-shaped retainer serving to mount balls and rings, etc., of the thrust bearing as a whole on the second joint piece, etc., at prescribed positions.

Abstract: An improved coupling for a corrugated conduit includes a main tubular body with a sleeve defining a conduit receiving bore terminating at its inner end in an annular shoulder projecting radially inwardly of the tubular body. A nipple clamps the end portion of the conduit and is inserted together therewith into the conduit receiving bore where it is pressed forwardly by rotating a nut threaded on the sleeve for forcing the end of the conduit into pressing contact with the shoulder. The nipple is externally shaped to have a polygonal configuration so as to be slidably but unrotatably inserted in the correspondingly shaped conduit receiving bore, preventing the conduit from being twisted during the securing operation of rotating the nut about the sleeve.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel connector which includes a block and a stem with a female quick disconnect coupler extending from the stem. Such an arrangement has a very compact design which allows the connector to be used to provide a swivel connection between a hydraulic hose and a tool head for constricted working environments.

Abstract: New and improved connector is provided for the zero dead volume connection of separate, like diameter flexible tubing lengths by direct tubing length end abutment and connection under controlled conditions. The connector is particularly adapted for use with tubing lengths of fluorocarbon or like materials in contemporary biomedical sample liquid analysis systems which utilize an immiscible isolation liquid or "oil" to minimize sample liquid carryover and maximize the accuracy of sample liquid analysis results.

Abstract: A gripping saddle and O-ring apparatus comprising a hub structure having a central aperture therethrough, resilient flanges extending from each end of said hub structure and integral therewith, and thus providing a central groove therebetween for reception of a resilient O-ring therewith. Depending upon the size of the O-ring, the flanges will be only slightly deformed outwardly or greatly deformed outwardly. When this structure is used with laboratory apparatus containing corrosive liquids, the embodiment with slightly expanded flanges is preferred, while when the apparatus is used for stop cock securing functions, the greatly deformed flange apparatus is preferred.Preferably, the saddle hub structure is made of Teflon or other fairly slippery and non-frictional plastic material, while any type of rubber or rubber composition may be employed for the O-ring.

Abstract: A device for connecting pipes with fittings or fixtures for mixing fluids for use in cleaning, washing and rinsing basins, sinks or the like wherein the fitting has a casing supported over an opening of the washing basin or the like by clamping means capable of being tightened against the underside of a washing table top or the like and water-conducting pipes extending through said opening, the pipes being constructed as connecting conduits capable of being plugged into the pipes and having a collar extending around the conduits at least near their ends to be plugged, and being secured in position by a molded part which can be supported on the casing of the fitting and a clamping device acting on said molded part, so as to be able to dispense with additional sealing elements within the zone of connection of the pipes, the pipes being composed of plastic material with thickened collars molded therearound and having toward the free end of the pipe a sealing surface capable of being clamped against a sealing sea

Abstract: A connector head construction for a high-pressure fuel injection tube comprises a metal tube having a relatively large wall thickness and small diameter and including an abacus-bead-shaped connector head having a front outer peripheral pressor wall for engagement with a mating connector seat and a rear outer peripheral pressure-bearing wall for engagement with a fastening nut on the metal tube. The connector head includes an integral gradual slant surface extending as a skirt from a top of said pressure-bearing wall at an angle ranging from 2.degree. to 5.degree. to the axis of metal tube and having a length equal to at least an outside diameter of the metal tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap-nut fluid type coupling wherein piping welded to said coupling is less liable to twist or does not twist at all when the cap nut is tightened. The fluid joint coupling for clamping the cap nut has a ring-shaped groove formed on the contacting surface of the sleeve with the cap nut to rotatably hold the small spheres in the groove.

Abstract: A union for joining pipes, tubing, or other fluid conduits in a fluidtight manner includes male and female parts having respective inner fluid passages. The male part has a contoured lead end that slidably engages the female lead end which has a complementary contour with respect to the male lead end. The male lead end has a circumferential recess which retains a resilient sealing member which is radially compressed between the mated, contoured lead ends when the male and female parts are joined together. Clamping means is provided to hold the male and female parts together, but the fluidtight seal is independent of the clamping means. The mated contoured lead ends substantially eliminate transverse movement at the sealing interface and permit a camming action when the male and female parts are joined so as to self-align the respective inner passages.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for two tubular members including an adapter sleeve extending over the end portion of one of the members in a coaxial relationship therewith and adapted to abutt the end of the other member. A threaded nut means extends over the adapter sleeve in engagement therewith, and is adapted to threadedly engage the outer surface of the corresponding end portion of the other member to connect the members together. The adapter sleeve increases in cross-section in a direction towards the end of the one member to decrease the stress on the latter member accordingly.