Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which the apparatus includes a pair of connected arcuate members for clamping around a pipe, with each arcuate member including at least one protrusion. The arcuate members have a first material hardness and at least a portion of the at least one protrusion has a second material hardness that is greater than the first material hardness so that the portion penetratingly engages the pipe when the arcuate members are clamped around the pipe.

Abstract: A seal/retainer unit (10) comprising an annular sealing gasket (12) and a plurality of retaining legs (14) extending generally perpendicularly therefrom. The sealing gasket (12) and the retaining legs (14) are formed in one piece (e.g., stamped) from a sealing material and dimensioned to allow nesting of a plurality of seal/retainer units (10) in a stacked arrangement. The retaining legs (14) may each include a rounded distal edge (16) to minimize package-tearing and interpart-marking and/or a break-off notch (18) to allow special customization. A radiused corner (20) between the gasket (12) and the legs (14) assures a gap between nested parts.

Abstract: An adapter assembly having an intermediate ring and a screw-in part for a fluid plug-in system. The adapter assembly includes an externally threaded portion for threading into a threaded bore and an actuating shoulder. A receiving groove is formed in the transition between the actuating shoulder and the externally threaded portion with a first sealing ring is disposed therein. The intermediate ring fits onto the externally threaded portion and has opposing axially spaced annular portions. A first annular portion cooperates with the receiving groove and the actuating shoulder to form a first sealing chamber for the first sealing ring. A second sealing seat of a second annular portion facing away from the actuating shoulder cooperates with a surrounding surface adjacent to the bore and the externally threaded portion to form a second sealing chamber for the second sealing ring axially spaced from the first sealing chamber.

Abstract: Coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring. The tubular members are generally coaxially arranged such that the sealing faces face each other. The coupling comprises a sealing gasket captured between the sealing beads for sealing the coupling, wherein the frictional surfaces engage the sealing gasket to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members.

Abstract: An improved seal retainer for an undersea hydraulic coupling member, which utilizes metal seals to maintain fluid integrity, is disclosed. The metal seals of the present invention are designed to either create an absolute barrier to fluid flow, or utilize a press or interference fit to create a barrier to fluid flow to ensure fluid integrity between the undersea hydraulic coupling and the environment outside the hydraulic coupling.

Abstract: A gasket seal for piping and equipment flanges comprises a sealing ring and a centralization ring, preferably concentric rings made of a metallic alloy. The sealing ring has an outer contour surface having a substantially L-shaped cross-section comprising an innermost portion and an outermost portion extending axially and a radial portion interconnecting the inner and the outer portions. The centralization ring has an inner contour surface defining a central opening, substantially coincident with the innermost portion of the outer contour surface of the sealing ring, so that the latter can be fitted into the opening as far as the radial portion of its outer contour surface. A deformation is made on the innermost portion of the outer contour surface of the sealing ring, forming a projection, whereby the centralization ring can be retained between the projection and radial portion without the centralization ring needing to be separated and then welded.

Abstract: A tube coupling for the detachable coupling of tube line sections of a high-pressure tubing system. The tube coupling includes two coupling blocks held together by a clamping screw, whereby one of the coupling blocks has a coupling plug that engages a plug socket provided on the other coupling block. A sealing ring is formed of a plastically deformable material and is enclosed between a front face of the coupling plug and a bottom-side sealing surface of the plug socket. In order to protect the sealing ring from being lost, damages and/or contaminated during assembly or opening and dosing the coupling, in a preassembled condition it is enclosed within a protective socket. To homogeneously load the sealing ring, the sealing ring is located at one point of a supporting triangle, the two other supporting points of being formed by a pair of supporting surfaces arranged side by side at an outer end of side flanges of the coupling blocks.

Abstract: A hammer union comprises a thread end, a nut end and a hammer nut which, when cinched up, compresses a composite seal assembly thereby preventing leakage. The seal assembly comprises a metal insert of a size to pass into the seal groove of conventional hammer unions and a small seal acting between the insert, the thread end and the nut end. The small seal is conveniently an O-ring and is of a size that is compressed when the seal assembly is inserted into the thread end of the hammer union, thereby preventing the seal assembly from falling out of the threaded end when it is inverted. The metal insert provides another groove opposite the small seal to receive a second O-ring which acts as a spring to bias the small seal into sealing engagement, thereby allowing the new seal assembly to accommodate more variation in the length of the existing seal groove in prior art hammer unions.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for coolant lines includes a first coupling piece, connected seal-tight to a first line endpiece, and a second coupling piece, connected seal-tight to a second line endpiece. The coupling pieces each have radially extending sealing surfaces on the side facing toward the other coupling piece. A sealing ring is mounted between the sealing surfaces. The coupling pieces are joined to each other via a screw arranged laterally offset from the sealing surfaces so the line endpieces connect to each other via respective bores in the coupling pieces. A form body between the coupling pieces arranged at a spacing from the screw on the side facing away from the sealing surfaces is configured so a lever action occurs when the coupling pieces are joined to each other leading to a uniform pressing together of the sealing ring between the sealing surfaces of the coupling pieces.

Abstract: A nut and tail assembly (10) and method of manufacture including a nut (12) having a first end and an inward flange (24) at the other end, a longitudinal cylindrical hollow body (14) having a first end and a second end at which is located an outstanding flange (40) and a circular longitudinal sleeve (16). The sleeve (16) extends along said sliding surface and has a flange (44) at a first end abutting against the body flange (24). A stop (34) is located between the ends of the body (14) and defines a cavity sliding surface generally parallel to the longitudinal body between the stop (34) and flange (44). The nut inward flange (24) extends into the body cavity and is of a large enough diameter to be able to slide on said body sliding surface but small enough to be held within said cavity defined between said stop (34) and sleeve flange (44). Projections (50) on the sleeve flange (44) assist in locating the sleeve (16) relative to the nut (12) during the moulding process.

Abstract: An improved joining assembly employs a retainer ring member to hold in place a gasket member in a pipe or fitting. A resilient annular gasket member is placed inside a first conduit member (pipe or fitting). An annular retainer member is provided to secure the annular gasket member inside the first conduit member against longitudinal movement towards the open end of the first conduit member. A second conduit member is received by the assembled components comprising the retainer member, gasket member and first conduit member. The retainer ring member is fixed in place by a suitable adhesive or a suitable welding technique.

Abstract: A novel concentric pipe joint restraint is disclosed. The restraint is specifically designed to resist axial movement of an inner spigot pipe relative to an outer socket pipe with which it has been joined. The restraint, which operates within the annulus, generally comprises a spigot wedge ring, a socket wedge ring, and one or more specially designed wedge housings. The spigot wedge ring features one or more spigot gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the spigot pipe. The socket wedge ring similarly features one or more socket gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the socket pipe. The wedge housings position the spigot wedge ring and/or the socket wedge ring so that the gripping protrusions grip the pipes, preventing axial movement (whether separation or compression).

Abstract: A hammer union comprises a thread end, a nut end and a hammer nut which, when cinched up, compresses a composite seal assembly thereby preventing leakage. The seal assembly comprises a metal insert of a size to pass into the seal groove of conventional hammer unions and a small seal acting between the insert, the thread end and the nut end. The small seal is conveniently an O-ring and is of a size that is compressed when the seal assembly is inserted into the thread end of the hammer union, thereby preventing the seal assembly from falling out of the threaded end when it is inverted.

Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a body having sockets for receiving pipes therein and a composite gasket housed within a circumferential gasket retention housing integral with the socket. The composite gaskets include a V-shaped carrier of relatively stiff plastic having an elastomeric seal portion bonded thereto.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member has a seal retainer that holds and secures a plurality of annular seals that may be removed from the coupling member together with the seal retainer. At least one of the seals is a pressure energized hollow metal seal. The seal retainer includes a shell that engages the coupling member and a seal carrier that holds the annular seals.

Abstract: A fitting or a mounting part including an end section extending in a longitudinal direction, which end section can be pressed together with a tube for establishing a connection. The fitting or mounting part has a ring-shaped elevation on the end section forming a space, a sealing ring in the elevation and at least one flow channel in the elevation. The flow channel extends diagonally to a plane in a longitudinal direction of the end section and changes a depth of the space.

Abstract: The ring seal and retainer assembly includes an annularly shaped ring seal defining a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, first and second axial end surfaces and a central bore for fluid or gas passage. A retainer is provided for affixing and positioning a ring seal in a sealing assembly. The retainer includes a circular sidewall sized and positioned to engage and cover the ring seal's radial outer surface. The retainer further includes a means for affixing the circular sidewall to the ring seal. In a first embodiment, the retainer includes an inwardly projecting ridge for projecting into a groove formed on the ring seal's radial outer surface. In an additional embodiment, the retainer includes a plurality of ridge segments which project into the ring seal's groove. In still an additional embodiment, the circular sidewall includes upper and lower inwardly projecting edges forming a “C” shaped cross-section.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling has a male member and a female member with two ring-shaped hollow seals that engage the male member when it is inserted into the female member bore. A seal retainer restrains implosion or radial movement of one of the hollow metal seals into the female member bore, with a projection extending longitudinally into the hollow portion of the seal. The projection extends circumferentially around the end of the seal retainer adjacent its inner circumference.

Abstract: An improved fitting for mobile air conditioning systems is disclosed that reduces the risk of damage to fitting O-rings during assembly, the fitting male member being compatible with the fitting female member of many existing fittings currently in service. In particular, the male fitting (152) is compatible with female fitting (72) that comply with the IMACA 305 Standard. The male fitting includes a circumferential bead (158) that engages the distal end of the female member, an intermediate tubular portion (155) that extends distally from the bead, a tubular pilot portion (156) that extends distally from the intermediate portion, and a retainer bead (157) disposed between the intermediate and pilot portions. The retainer bead is positioned to retain the O-ring (51) near the circumferential bead, without interfering with proper compression of the O-ring, and full insertion of the male member into the female member.

Abstract: Couplings and coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring and a method of making a coupling having a locking ring to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a coupling comprising two generally tubular members each having a sealing end face, a raised, annular sealing bead, an inner bore, and a frictional surface located radially outward of the sealing bead.

Abstract: A fitting or a mounting part, particularly for the connection with a tube-shaped component, comprises an end section, which can be pressed together for establishing a connection. At the end section, a ring-shaped elevation is arranged in which a sealing ring is disposed. According to the invention, a bulge is provided on the elevation. By means of the bulge, a space is formed between the sealing ring and the wall of the end section, such that a fluid can flow between the tube-shaped components. Only by pressing together this leaky point, will a sealed-off connection arrangement be established.

Abstract: An annular gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of a second member. The gasket includes a support portion and a gasket portion. The support portion is made from a first material having a first hardness. The support portion includes an anchor portion shaped to fit within a recess or groove in a first member and a tip portion that extends radially outward from the anchor portion. The gasket portion is made from a softer elastomeric material. The gasket portion is disposed on the tip portion. The gasket portion is configured to make sealing contact with a ridge of the first pipe and the smooth annular section when the first pipe and the smooth annular section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship.

Abstract: A seal retaining system for retaining a seal ring in a pipe coupling, wherein a plurality of seal ring retainers are connected to a flange around the periphery of a seal seat and wherein the retainers can be moved from an open position in which a seal ring can be placed on or removed from the seal seat to a closed position in which the seal ring is retained in position on the seal seat. In one embodiment, each retainer comprises a rotatable cam having a lip which extends generally around the circumference of the cam, but is truncated on one side. When the truncated portion faces the seal seat, the seal ring can be installed or removed. When the truncated portion faces away from the seal seat, the seal ring is held in position on the seal seat. The cams may be attached with bolts that can be sheared off if the cams are frozen in position.

Abstract: In a plug-in connection (1), in particular for fluid lines, which comprises a part of the connection (2) to be inserted and a receiving part of the connection (3), between which a seal (10) can be clamped and which are able to be releasably connected to one another by flexible snap-in elements (7, 18) in a snap-in position, the seal (10) can, be clamped between a front portion (4) of the part of the connection (2) to be inserted and an abutment (11) in the receiving part of the connection (3) and the distance of the snap-in elements (7) of the part of the connection (2) to be inserted from the front portion (4) of the latter is dimensioned such that the snap-in position is reached after slight axial compression, and if need be radial compression, of the flexible seal (10).

Abstract: A device for connecting a pipe end to a member. The device has a tubular endpiece with a first end secured to the member and a second end through which the pipe end can be engaged in the endpiece. The endpiece is provided internally with an abutment against engagement of the pipe end and a way for securing the pipe end in leakproof manner inside the endpiece, and a sleeve that is elastically deformable at least in an axial direction. The sleeve is fixable axially in the endpiece and, towards the first end of the endpiece, has an end provided with an annular internal shoulder for coming into abutment against an end face of the pipe end so as to form the abutment against engagement of the pipe end.

Abstract: A connection for threaded pipes and other tubular sections including a gasket for interposition between a first and an opposing second interface surface of the connection. The gasket includes a retainer and a generally annular seal element received in a groove formed into at least one side of the retainer. Such retainer side further is formed as having one or more channels extending extend radially through the groove and the inner or outer perimeter of the retainer. Each such channel defines a vent for relieving hydrostatic fluid pressure as the gasket is compressed between the interface surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing system for media-carrying parts, especially for use in asepsis, comprising a sealing ring (14), preferably a toroidal sealing ring, which is placed on a sealing seat for the purpose of sealing the parts. Said sealing seat is constituted by a sealing channel (22) that substantially surrounds the sealing ring. The sealing channel (22) is composed of sealing surfaces (21a, 21b) of both parts (12, 13) and defines between said parts and between said sealing surfaces a sealing groove (30) into which the sealing ring (14) is deformed when the parts are axially braced against each other until they come into contact. A separating joint (41) adjoins the sealing channel on a side facing away from the sealing groove (30). The sealing channel (22) has at least one expansion chamber (35, 57a, 57b) that deviates from the undeformed cross-section of the sealing ring. Said expansion chamber (35, 57a, 57b) is arranged substantially opposite the sealing groove (30).

Abstract: The coupling comprises:

Abstract: A gas panel for use with a tool for manufacturing a semiconductor includes a one-piece manifold body having an inlet for receiving a process gas. The manifold body has at least one lateral wall extending in the general direction of gas flow. The lateral wall includes at least one active device site having an active device thereon. The active device is in gas communication with a gas carrying path formed within the one-piece manifold. The active device may be a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, a purifier, a filter or a flow controller. The gas is received from the active device at a continuation of the gas flow path in the manifold body and is conveyed to a manifold outlet for ultimate to the tool.

Abstract: A metallic press fitting element for providing a non-detachable, tight joint of pipes includes a main body which is defined by a longitudinal axis. The main body is comprised of a radially outwardly projecting bead area at an entry side of a pipe to be inserted, a first cylindrical portion extending inwardly, at a distance to the entry side, of the bead area and connected thereto via a slanted transition, and a second cylindrical portion extending inwardly of the first cylindrical portion at formation of a stop surface for the pipe being inserted. The bead area terminates in a straight end portion which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in a radial direction and has a terminal end which bounds a circular opening.

Abstract: A seal retaining system for retaining a seal ring in a pipe coupling, wherein a plurality of seal ring retainers are connected to a flange around the periphery of a seal seat and wherein the retainers can be moved from an open position in which a seal ring can be placed on or removed from the seal seat to a closed position in which the seal ring is retained in position on the seal seat. In one embodiment, each retainer comprises a rotatable cam having a lip which extends generally around the circumference of the cam, but is truncated on one side. When the truncated portion faces the seal seat, the seal ring can be installed or removed. When the truncated portion faces away from the seal seat, the seal ring is held in position on the seal seat. The cams may be attached with bolts that can be sheared off if the cams are frozen in position.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal seals a pipe which is held in a push-in part of a plug-in coupling relative to a cylindrical interior surface of a housing of the plug-in coupling, into which the push-in part is pushed together with the pipe. The seal is in prestressed contact with the interior surface of the housing via an outward-facing annular lip and with the pipe via a radially inward-facing annular lip. The elastomeric seal is connectable by positive fitting to the push-in part, this positive fit being lockable by the assembly of the pipe to form a non-releasable connection, the pipe having a cylindrical and uninterrupted exterior circumference in the region of the seal. The joint between the seal and the push-in part is simple to assemble and is lockable by the insertion of the pipe. The connection of the seal to the push-in part may be additionally secured, with certain changes of diameter, by compression of the web-shaped connection between them.

Abstract: Method of forming a compression coupling between a fitting and a tube inserted into the retaining section of the fitting. The method involves use of a shaped part formed so that, during insertion of the tube into the fitting, the sealing ring set into an annular retaining groove of the fitting is not damaged by the sharp, outer edges at the front end surface of the tube. Before or during the insertion of the tube into the fitting, the sealing ring is elastically outwardly deformed from the inner contours by means of at least one installed shaped part. The tube end is then inserted up to a contact surface, which forms the interior boundary of the retaining section of the fitting. There upon, the parts are pressed together by cold deformation of the parts. The method and the shaped parts are installed preferably in sanitary engineering and are used wherever liquids or gaseous media are carried through tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting branch (10) comprising a replaceable insert part (20) which is placed in a chamber (22) in a sealed manner. Said chamber is open in the front and is located inside the connecting branch (10). A ring-shaped sealing surface having a rotating sealing bead (16) is arranged on the insert part (20). The bead can be pressed into a front surface of an axial sealing ring (14) made of a soft metal, said surface being situated opposite the connecting branch, when coupling a connecting nipple (12) to the connecting branch (10). The insert part (20) is advantageously sealed in the chamber (22) by a second axial sealing ring (32) whose sealing surfaces also having sealing beads (34, 36). The insert part (20) can be merely replaced when the sealing bead (16) is corroded or damaged. As a result, a difficult subsequent fashioning of the standard seal bead (16) on the connecting branch (10) is unnecessary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seal assembly for use in sealing a joint between grooved pipe joint ferrules and in particular to a sanitary seal assembly. The seal assembly has an annular retaining part that has a seal cavity and an elastomeric seal shaped to fit within the cavity and is positioned by the cavity.

Abstract: A sealing element particularly for sealing two parallel planar surfaces, which sealing element includes a supporting element with two or more catch or snap-fastening elements for connecting the support element to one of the planar surfaces by engaging mating areas; the sealing element also includes an elastomer element on each side of the support element facing the parallel surfaces such that each elastomer element creates a seal between the support element and a respective one of the parallel surfaces.

Abstract: A seal retaining system for retaining a seal ring in a pipe coupling, wherein a plurality of seal ring retainers are connected to a flange around the periphery of a seal seat and wherein the retainers can be moved from an open position in which a seal ring can be placed on or removed from the seal seat to a closed position in which the seal ring is retained in position on the seal seat. In one embodiment, each retainer comprises a rotatable cam having a lip which extends generally around the circumference of the cam, but is truncated on one side. When the truncated portion faces the seal seat, the seal ring can be installed or removed. When the truncated portion faces away from the seal seat, the seal ring is held in position on the seal seat. The cams may be attached with bolts that can be sheared off if the cams are frozen in position.

Abstract: A retainer clip for holding a gasket between the ends of two coupling components includes a first resilient annular member extending circumferentially about two-thirds of a circle, a second resilient annular member having circumferential ends and a discontinuity between the ends, and a bridge connecting the first and second resilient annular members. The bridge has a circumferential extent of less than 45°, and the first resilient annular member is circumferentially expandable without causing the second resilient annular member to expand.

Abstract: A non-rotational fitting assembly (10; 110; 210) is provided to prevent torsional forces of a nut (12, 112; 212) from being transmitted to a sealing face (16; 26; 246) of a fitting component (12; 22; 248). The assembly (10; 110; 210) includes at least one fitting component (22; 248) having a bearing face (28; 246) aligned orthogonal to the axis of the fitting component (22; 248). The assembly (10; 110; 210) also includes a nut (12; 112; 212) having a bearing face (36; 118) aligned orthogonal to the threads of the nut (26; 112; 212) and dimensioned for engagement with the bearing face (28; 246) of the fitting component (12; 22; 248).

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a body member (10) formed with a bore (11) for receiving one end of a pipe (P) to be coupled; a sealing ring (20) and a compression sleeve (30) receivable within the bore (11); a radially-deformable gripping ring (40) having one end abuttable against the compression sleeve (30), a securing nut (50) threaded on the body member (10) and engageable with the gripping ring (40) to move the gripping ring (40) axially and to effect a sealing action via the compression sleeve (30) and the sealing ring (20), and also to compress the gripping ring (40) radially to effect a gripping action of the pipe (P) received in the bore (11); and an axially-extending limit element (45) between the gripping ring (40) and the body member (10) effective to cause the nut (50), when tightened; (a) in an initial stage, to move the gripping ring (40) and the compression sleeve (30) until the limit element engages (45) prevents further axial movement of the gripping ring (40); and (b) in a final stage, to radially

Abstract: A slip-out preventing apparatus for sliding type joint mechanisms, wherein packing members having lip portions in an opposed state and adapted to seal a clearance between a housing, which is fitted around outer surfaces of end portions of two tubular bodies to be joined together, and the same tubular bodies by utilizing a fluid pressure in the tubular bodies are provided on inner surfaces of both end portions of the housing, locking projections are formed on outer surfaces of both end portions of the housing with locking portions provided on the outer surfaces of the two tubular bodies, slip-out preventing covers being fitted fixedly around the tubular bodies so as to bestride and engage these locking portions and locking projections. In a joint mechanism having a housing which is provided with packing members therein, and which is in a slidable condition with respect to tubular bodies to be joined together, a slip-out of the housing from the end portions of the tubular bodies can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: A tube joint comprises: a pushing ring provided at its outer periphery with a projection and fitted to an outer periphery of one end of a joint tube; a tube or a joint body provided at is side opposed to the pushing ring with a projection opposed to the projection of the pushing ring, the tube or the joint body having a receiving portion which is widened toward the pushing ring and the tube or the joint body being fitted to an outer periphery of the joint tube with a peripheral gap left therebetween; a fastening tool capable of moving the pushing ring in a direction of the tube or the joint body; a packing provided between inner and outer side of the tube or the joint body and the joint tube, and fitted through the receiving portion by its own resilient deformation by operation of the fastening tool; and a spacer inserted between the pushing ring and the tube or the joint body to limit a distance between the pushing ring and the tube or the joint body to a constant value.

Abstract: A sealing gasket (J) intended to be damped between two pipework connection flanges (5, 9), the said gasket comprising a sealing ring (1) including a rigid metal annular part (11, 13, 18, 16) with which are integral a number of radiating metal lugs (2) capable of being folded along the contour of a support flange. The sealing gasket having to be able to be mounted between flanges of different transverse dimensions, the metal lugs (2) are longer than the corresponding transverse dimension of the largest flanges on which the gasket can be mounted. The lugs can thus be folded to conform with the exact dimension of an assembly flange so that the gasket may be suitably supported centered by the said flange prior to the mutual assembly and tightening of the two flanges.

Abstract: The connecting element (1) is equipped in the region of a connecting portion (5) with a seal (7) which is fixedly connected with the housing (3) of the connecting element (1). Staying elements (9) protect the seal (7) against undue pressing forces. Between the housing (3) and one end of a corrugated pipe (2) a seal (12) is also disposed, which is nondetachably connected with the inner shell (14) of the housing (3) of the connecting element (1).

Abstract: A body that slides over an end, opposite end, and outer diameter of a conduit is presented. A passage through the body has a groove in which a seal is located. A portion of the conduit is expanded to create an interference fit with the passage, groove, and ends of the body. As a result, an enlarged outer diameter of the conduit axially interlocks with the groove and compresses the seal therein to create a fluid-tight seal. In one embodiment of the present invention, a second enlarged outer diameter of the conduit is displaced outward over the opposite of the body to help lock the body to the conduit. Additionally, an outside diameter of the body can accommodate grooves for retaining seals. These seals can create a sealed engagement to a housing or another fitting, to form a complete conduit connection. The body can take the form of a housing, a male fitting, or a female fitting.

Abstract: A fixture for centering and holding an elastomeric O-ring in position between vacuum sealing flanges during assembly and use thereof, having an annular body defining an outer surface and O-ring holding flange disposed on the outer surface for holding an elastomeric O-ring. The outer surface of the annular body defines a pair of beveled surfaces which enable the fixture to be inserted between the vacuum sealing flanges during assembly thereof without any substantial binding. The annular body of the fixture also defines a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter which is substantially identical to the diameter of the cylindrical inner surfaces of the sealing flanges to substantially prevent turbulent gas flow effects.

Abstract: A tubing coupler for mechanically and fluidly connecting two pieces of tubing. The tubing coupler has a first body portion with a pilot and a second body portion with a cavity in which the pilot is disposed when the tubing coupler is assembled. A fluid passageway through the first body portion and the pilot of the first body portion is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through the second body portion and the cavity of the second body portion. Thus fluid flow is allowed through the coupler. A primary sealing device circumscribes the pilot of the first body portion and seals the space between the pilot of the first body portion and the cavity of the second body portion. A plate is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion and defines an opening through itself through which the pilot of the first body portion protrudes. A secondary sealing device is disposed inside the periphery of the opening in the plate and surrounds a portion of the pilot.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator with integral flow meter is disclosed. The regulator includes pressure reducing section and a flow control section as well as, a Bourdon tube gauge disposed within the protective surround of the regulator body to prevent physical damage to the gauge. The Bourdon tube is mounted on a gauge adapter that provides for rotation of the tube within the regulator body, yet maintaining a gas seal with the high pressure gas supply. The gauge adapter provides a means for fluidly communicating the high pressure level to the Bouldon tube, yet allowing rotation of the Bourdon tube for zeroing and calibration purposes. An indicator ring, also disposed within the regulator body, is mounted on the Bourdon tube so that the pressure level is readily ascertained by viewing the indicator ring through an aperture in the regulator body.

Abstract: A pipeline repair clamp partially or completely embracing the outer wall circumference of a pipe having a damaged area; a single or complementary semi-cylindrical clamp bodies having diametral engagement, the bodies having a semi-cylindrical bore contiguous to the pipe wall and with continuous seal grooves at its ends and sides, there being a metallic liner or dielectric coating said bore and terminating at the bottom of said grooves, a continuous gasket-compression seal carried in said grooves adapted to embrace said damaged area and seal with the pipe wall and at said liner-coating termination precluding electrolysis, and means forcefully drawing the clamp bodies onto the pipe wall.

Abstract: A miniature connector for introducing microliter quantities of solutions into microfabricated fluidic devices, and which incorporates a molded ring or seal set into a ferrule cartridge, with or without a compression screw. The fluidic connector, for example, joins standard high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tubing to 1 mm diameter holes in silicon or glass, enabling ml-sized volumes of sample solutions to be merged with &mgr;l-sized devices. The connector has many features, including ease of connect and disconnect; a small footprint which enables numerous connectors to be located in a small area; low dead volume; helium leak-tight; and tubing does not twist during connection. Thus the connector enables easy and effective change of microfluidic devices and introduction of different solutions in the devices.