Abstract: A cup plug assembly having a cup plug element with an orifice and an integral seal element for use at the interface of two automatic transmission components clamped together, is self retaining and prevents the seal from being mispositioned during installation. The plug assembly is pressed into one of the two components prior to clamping the two components together.

Abstract: Each end fitting of the union has an end for fixing the fluid line, and a coaxial metallic body terminating in an annular radial polished section where the internal bore of the union issues. A washer made of a deformable synthetic material is pressed on this metallic body and has a flat annular radial face which, together with the polished section, forms the free face for connecting the end fitting. A cylindrical metallic ring accommodates internally with a contact fit the two washers and a portion of the two metallic bodies, so that the two free connecting faces come to be opposite each other. Two clamping half-shells grip the two end fittings to ensure the connection of the fluid lines.

Abstract: A clamp for forming a seal on a pipeline section, the clamp comprising a pair of complementary clamp members to be clamped together, each clamp member having an inner surface with a pair of axially spaced, circumferentially extending circumferential seals, and one clamp member having a pair of circumferentially spaced longitudinal seals which extend axially to bridge the gaps between the opposed circumferential ends of the pair of circumferential seals to define four junction zones where the circumferential seals and the longitudinal seals abut, and retention means at each junction zone to connect the circumferential and longitudinal seals together in the retention zones, and at the same time connect the seals to the clamp member at the junction zones. The clamp includes corner seals to provide back-up sealing for the junction zones. The clamp includes heat protection grooves to protect certain of the clamp seals. The clamp may include a pipe branch to provide a hot tapping facility.

Abstract: A pipe socket comprising a sleeve (2), an end portion (8) of a pipe (10) of thermoplastic material, an outer sealing ring (4) and an inner sealing ring (6). The sleeve (2) constitutes the inner surface of the pipe socket, and the end portion (8) of the pipe is molded around the sleeve. The outer sealing ring (4) is positioned between the inner surface of the pipe end portion and the outer surface of the sleeve for sealing the pipe end portion and the sleeve in relation to each other, and the inner sealing ring (6) is adapted to seal the space between the inner surface of the pipe socket and the outer surface of a spigot end of a connecting pipe introduced into the socket. The outer sealing ring (4) and the inner sealing ring (6) are connected with each other. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a pipe socket (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An improved fluid tight seal for connecting a tube to a housing member. A generally D-shaped opening is formed in the housing member. The opening has a flat open side where the housing member is secured to and abuts a flat surface. A groove or slot extends around the opening. The slot has enlarged corners adjacent the flat side. The tube is provided with an annular groove adjacent the end to be attached to the housing member. The tube groove receives a resilient seal which is shaped to slide into the housing member slot. The seal has corner tabs which fill the enlarged slot corners. Prior to securing the housing member to the flat surface, the seal extends slightly from the slot. When the housing member is secured to the surface, the seal is compressed to form a high pressure resilient seal between the housing member and the tube. The seal is particularly useful for connecting a compressed air outlet tube to the cylinder head of an air compressor.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a first seal member made of a deformable material which maintains its deformed configuration after release of the deforming force. The seal in a preformed condition is placed around the rear end of a retaining insert, with a nozzle element also being placed within the seal member. The assembled components are inserted in the discharge end of a high pressure housing which is then pressurized to cause the seal material to deform into sealing of engagement and also to grip the insert and the nozzle element to form a unitary nozzle assembly which can easily be removed from the housing.

Abstract: A coupling device for ducts comprises locking elements constrained to the flange of a first duct which are connected to movement means to move them toward or away from the flange of a second duct. The movement means are actuated by a thrust ring which is rotated around the axis of the first duct. Along the contact side of the flange of the first duct are provided elastically stressed seals which interact between the flange of the first duct and the flange of said connected duct. Said seals consist of floating rings running and oscillating in recesses made in the flange, said floating rings being acted upon by elastic elements inserted in said recesses.

Abstract: A novel fluid coupling and seal assembly. The assembly includes a coupling body 12 having generally concentric first and second bores 36,38 of greater and lesser diameters, respectively, the first bore also being provided with a generally cylindrical groove 44. A resilient retainer 14 is assembled within the generally cylindrical groove, the retainer having a plurality of prongs 52 which extend inwardly and towards the second groove. A seal assembly 16 is disposed within the coupling body between the retainer and the second bore, the seal assembly including an O-ring 60 formed of an elastomeric material and a tearable diaphragm 64 integral with and of the same material as the O-ring and capable of blocking the passage of fluid through the O-ring prior to the insertion of a fluid line 24. The fluid line which is adapted to be associated with the coupling is provided with a flange 26 which is engaged by the free ends 58 of the resilient prongs to hold the fluid line within the coupling assembly.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling includes a male member and female member, and a two-piece retainer for restraining radial movement of a wedge-shaped annular seal into the central bore of the female member. The two-piece retainer includes a cylindrical retainer sleeve member slidably received within the female member bore, and a threaded retainer-locking member threadable to mating threads in the wall of the central bore. The retainer-locking member holds the retainer sleeve member in place within the female member bore. The annular seal is restrained from radial movement by a dovetail interfit with a mating shoulder on at least one of the retainer sleeve and the retainer-locking members.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in remotely connecting a plurality of lines for carrying fluid terminating in a first hub to a plurality of lines for carrying fluid terminating in a second hub, the hubs being initially arranged with their axes approximately coaxial but spaced apart, comprises a plurality of first engagement members fixed relative to the first hub and comprising generally conical receptor elements forming end portions of elongate tubular members arranged around the first hub with their axes generally parallel to that of the first hub, and a plurality of second engagement members comprising generally conical elements forming end portions of elongate members arranged around the second hub with their axes generally parallel to that of the second hub.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling is disclosed for manually joining together pipe or hose sections or the like. A pair of identical coupling bodies are provided, each containing an elastomeric annular face seal, and adapted for sealing engagement with a corresponding coupling body. Members are provided for releasably joining the coupling bodies together. The coupling forms a fluid-tight seal with its mate under low pressure conditions, yet when the coupling is over-pressured, it does not fail catastrophically.

Abstract: A quick connect connector is disclosed. The connector includes a connector housing having a first and a second ends. A first chamber is provided in the housing between the first and the second ends for receiving a sealing member therein. A retaining collar is slidably mounted on the housing between the first and second ends of the housing and includes at least one radially deflectable locking portion thereon. The radially deflectable retaining portion is adapted to engagingly contact a flange portion of a tubing member inserted in the housing to retain the tubing member in a locked position relative to and sealingly engaging the sealing member between the retaining portion and the first end of the housing. The locking portion is received within a groove of the housing to lock the collar to the housing and secure the connection. The tubing connector is resiliently urged out from the housing and against the engaged retaining portion of the housing.

Abstract: A transmitter manifold with integral transducer for measuring the differential pressure of a fluid conveying pipeline is provided. Interface modules are provided to provide for adaptability to a variety of user requirements. A sealing arrangement for the interface modules is also provided. In preferred form, the interface module includes a body having a flange portion and a neck portion extending outwardly from the flange portion, with the flange portion including holes for engagement with bolts threaded into the transmitter manifold.

Abstract: A section of pipe includes a first body of material disposed in a bell and spigot pipe configuration having a bell portion extending to a bell end, which bell portion defines a radially inwardly facing annular seal groove in which to place a sealing ring to be engaged by a spigot portion of another section of pipe inserted into the bell portion. The seal groove is disposed between first, second, and third circumferentially-extending surfaces, the first surface facing radially inwardly and extending axially between the second and third surfaces, the second surface facing axially toward the bell end and extending radially inwardly from the first surface, and the third surface facing axially away from the bell end and extending radially inwardly from the first surface on an inclined away from the bell end as it extends from the first surface.

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 coupling is made up of annular resilient packing members having on their peripheral surfaces, a sleeve having flanges secured to opposite ends of the sleeve, and annular projections formed on the inner surface of the sleeve. When the packing members are inserted between the sleeve and pipes to be connected together, the projections are received in the grooves. The opposing ends of the packing members are respectively provided with pairs of lips. Before insertion, each pair of lips are separated away by a distance between the sleeve and the pipe, so that when each packing member is inserted the distance between the lips is decreased so that lips firmly engage the sleeve and pipes thus forming a resilient seal. As a consequence the coupling is flexible and can move relative to the pipes.

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 flange for connecting two air ducts to one another has a pair of spaced, generally parallel walls and a pair of spaced, generally parallel legs fast with, and extending perpendicular to, the walls. The flange legs are designed to embrace and grip a wall of an air duct while the flange walls define a chamber adapted to receive one leg of an angle serving to connect the flange to a neighboring flange. One of the flange legs is plastically deformed so as to define a cavity and has a surface facing the other flange leg. The cavity is open to this surface and accommodates an elastomeric seal which projects from the cavity to a location beyond the surface. The seal is elastically compressed in the cavity to retain the seal therein and such compression may be achieved by plastically deforming the respective flange leg after the seal has been positioned on the same.

Abstract: A pipe gasket is shown for use in forming a joint made up of an outer pipe having an annular groove therein for receiving the gasket and an inner pipe inserted within the outer pipe. The gasket includes a body formed from a resilient material having an interior and an exterior. The interior of the body includes a first portion formed of a hard, relatively high durometer material which is initially contacted by the inner pipe and a second portion formed of a relatively lower durometer, more flexible material. The second portion includes an inwardly extending projection which forms a primary sealing surface with respect to the inner pipe when the inner and outer pipes are assembled. Because the entry region initially contacted by the inner pipe is formed of a higher durometer material, the gasket tends to securely maintain its position within the outer pipe groove during the installation of the inner pipe.

Abstract: A pipe socket insert is disclosed for use within the socket of a length of plastic pipe. The insert is formed as a shaped annulus having a rearward, downwardly inclined ramp and a forward, downwardly inclined ramp, the rearward ramp and the forward ramp having a circular transition zone therebetween. The rearward ramp is provided with a plurality of circularly spaced valleys defined one from the other by circularly spaced ribs, the ribs forming portions of the outer peripheral configuration of the rearward ramp for contact with portions of the inner periphery of the pipe socket. Additionally, if desired, the forward ramp can also be provided with a plurality of circularly spaced valleys defined one from the other by a plurality of circularly spaced ribs.

Abstract: A gasket seating ring is disclosed which includes a specially designed hard plastic ring. The hard plastic ring in molded as a shaped annulus having a rearward, radially outwardly inclined ramp and a joined, forward, radially inwardly inclined ramp wherein the junction between the rearward and forward ramps defines the outer periphery of the ring. The shaped annulus further includes a radially inwardly angular junction.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a push in tube fitting converter are disclosed. Each includes a nut, a tube gripping member such as a collet or ring, an O-ring, and a sealing retainer. In one embodiment, the interior of the nut includes a threaded portion at one end, a cylindrical seal seat, and a smaller diameter end cylindrical portion, with an internal shoulder between the threaded portion and the seal seat. The gripping member operatively engages the interior of the nut. The O-ring forms the seal between the seal seat of the nut, and tubing inserted through it. The sealing retainer is engaged by the internal threads of the nut to hold the sealing retainer, O-ring, and gripping member in place within the nut. The sealing retainer engages both the internal shoulder of the nut and a fitting body on which the nut is to be threaded, thereby forming the seal between nut and fitting body.

Abstract: A rotary pipe coupling with replaceable seals is described. The pipe coupling has a first seal element connected to a first body portion and a second seal element connected to a second body portion. The seal elements are defined stepped seal cavities into which are disposed seals. The first and second body portions are removably coupled to respective outer and inner ball races of a ball race to permit relative rotation of the first and second body portions. The effectiveness of the inner seal can be ascertained by detecting the pressure of fluid at port via a stop valve and passage extending to the interface between the seals. The seals can be replaced, if required, by separating first and second body portions by removing one set of fasteners securing one of the body portions to the bearing unit to expose seal cavities.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector for a subsea well assembly has spherical hydraulic seats. Each seat has the same radius of curvature in a vertical direction as in a horizontal direction. Each connector member has a plurality of hydraulic passages, each hydraulic passage having a port terminating at the hydraulic seat. The ports of one of the connector members register with the ports of the other connector member. A counterbore is located at the port of each hydraulic passage of the one connector member, defining a recessed base. A seal element is located in each counterbore. The seal element is frusto-conical and is formed of a plurality of conical metal and elastomer laminations alternating with each other.

Abstract: A self-energizing pipe gasket includes a base and arm configuration projecting therefrom which cooperates with the base when pipe sections are assembled to cause the lip or sealing edge of the arm to kick away or distend towards the sealing surface of the pipe. To facilitate this action a harder insert is provided in the base in the form of a reinforcing ring providing a less compressible surface for the arm to react against. The ring also stiffens the gasket making it more difficult to dislodge upon assembly of the pipe sections enabling higher compression forces and assuring that the gasket does not go under or below the minimal compression requirements to form a sound flexible yet fluid tight seal. In one embodiment a raised portion of the arm is manufactured in contact with a surface of the base and in another embodiment the gasket includes two symmetrical arms each of which includes four surfaces.

Abstract: In connection with a screw-type connection made of a plastic material for leading in, leading through, sealing and strain-relieving cables, lines, or the like, comprising an intermediate connecting piece with sealing body and a cap nut, the hollow cylindrical intermediate connecting piece carrying coaxially arranged clamping tongues which press the sealing body against the fitted cable when the cap nut is turned, it is proposed that the cap nut or the intermediate connecting piece be provided with catches arranged preferably in uniform distribution over the circumference and projecting towards the other part so that a preliminary fixing effect can be achieved between the cap nut and the intermediate connecting piece by mere exertion of pressure. The catches form in this case sort of an elastic preliminary thread, and the cap nut can be screwed on further immediately from its pre-assembled position.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly for interconnecting of two conduits in fluid flow relationship is provided. The connector assembly has an elongated tubular housing connected to one conduit and adapted to receive a terminal end portion of another conduit in axially inserted relationship. A retainer cap rotatably attachable to an end of the housing includes a plurality of spring fingers that project axially inwardly of the housing and that engage with an annular ring formed on the axially inserted conduit to mechanically engage therewith and lock together the housing and conduit with a fluid seal provided between the housing and conduit. A visual and tactile indicating mechanism is included to provide a perceivable indication that the housing and conduit are mechanically interlocked.

Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling, and more particularly a quick connect fluid coupling having a minimum number of parts, which can be quickly assembled and disassembled, and which provides a good seal in an environment which is subject to vibrations and to relative motion between a fluid line and a port defining structure.

Abstract: A tubular connector for adjoining two adjacent joints comprising a first pin end on a first joint, a second pin end on a second joint and a tubular coupling member with suitable threads for mating with both pin ends. Each pin end is tapered and includes wedge threads. The wedge threads achieve a metal-to-metal seal upon makeup by providing a root-and-crest bearing surface prior to makeup. As an addition, a metal-to-metal conical seal can be provided in front of the most forward thread revolution on the pin ends. Further as an addition, an elastomeric seal can be provided in a circumferential groove just forward of the conical seal for making a compound seal therewith. A corrosion barrier ring can be included in the coupling member for filling the gap between the tip ends of the two pin ends being joined.

Abstract: A retaining collar for an elastomeric seal includes an annulus and a skirt depending from the annulus and which is outwardly flared to promote resilient deformation under axial compressive loading and ovalization of the skirt to bring its free edge into intimate seating engagement with the outer surface of a pipe positioned transverse thereto.

Abstract: A guide for protecting threads and seals when joining lengths of production tubing has a guiding portion made of two semicyclindrical polypropylene elements, which when placed together have an annular cross section and form a funnel-like upper end. A strap made of two generally semicircular halves fits within an outer recess on the surfaces of the guiding elements. Abutting edges of the strap halves are constructed with interfitting projections and a central recess for a torsion spring. A hinge pin extends through the projections and the torsion spring. Opposite edges of the strap halves have central recesses to receive a latch. Pins extend axially through the recesses. A latch is pivoted on one pin and engages the other pin when the latch is closed. Handles fit in diametrically opposite circular recesses between the hinge pin and latch pins. The handles are secured by large bolts having heads which engage internal recesses in the guide halves.

Abstract: A composite gasket for forming a seal between a pipe bell 52 and a spigot 58 comprises a major portion 12 of non-elastomeric plastic material and a minor portion 14 of elastomeric material. The minor portion is axially encased by the major portion. The minor portion includes a sealing lip 16 extending radially inwardly from the major portion. The composite gasket can be manually inserted within a preformed grooved bell or the grooved bell can be formed over the gasket while the gasket is mounted on a mandrel. The composite gasket is particularly useful with relatively large diameter pipe systems.

Abstract: A sealing ring for sealing a space between the outer surface of a spigot end and the inner surface of a socket end in a pipe joint comprises an annular sealing element consisting of elastomeric material and a substantially annular locking element consisting of a rigid or semi-rigid material. The locking element is divided at at least one point of its periphery and constitute at this point two spaced portions. Between these portions there is positioned a connecting element consisting of a material which is substantially more elastic than the material of the locking element.

Abstract: A mounting ring of synthetic material for fitting two pipe sections in place relative to each other, has a radial flange (1) and an axial neck (2). Tongues (3, 4, 5, 6) of differing lengths extend radially inwardly and radially outwardly from the neck. These tongues are preferably formed as part of the ring, for example, when molding the ring of synthetic material. The longer radially outer tongues bend over, snap into a groove, and center the ring in a pipe socket. The shorter radially outer tongues support the ring in the socket. When a pipe end is inserted into the socket through the ring the longer radially inner tongues bend and center the pipe in the socket while the shorter radially inner tongues support the pipe end. Thus, the inner surfaces of the pipe sections remain in alignment with each other because the shorter tongues act like spokes against forces acting crosswise on the pipe sections relative to their length.

Abstract: A sealing adapter hoop (6) designed to be sealingly slip fitted over conduits of differing structure (2,4) including chamferred ends (14,22), a smooth surface (20) to interact with a captured O-ring (30) and a groove (16) to accept a second O-ring (18).

Abstract: 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 member coaxial with the associated sealing bead.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, which is especially useful for carrying hydrocarbons at high pressures between stationary and rotating walls of a swivel. The swivel forms a fluid-carrying annular chamber and a pair of gap-like passages lying between the walls and extending from opposite sides of the chamber to the environment, with primary and secondary face seals located along each passage. Each passage includes a portion extending between the seals, the passage portion forming a pair of largely radially-extending wall surfaces, one on the outer wall and one on the inner wall. The radially-extending wall surface on the outer wall faces in a first axial direction, and the outer wall at the secondary seal faces in an opposite axial direction. As a result, if the primary seal should fail, this will not change the axial force on the outer wall. The extrusion gaps at the seals extend in radial directions from the seal, so these gaps do not widen when high pressure is applied to the fluid swivel.

Abstract: A composite gasket for forming a seal between a pipe bell 52 and a spigot 58 comprises a major portion 12 of non-elastomeric plastic material and a minor portion 14 of elastomeric material. The minor portion is axially encased by the major portion. The minor portion includes a sealing lip 16 extending radially inwardly from the major portion. The composite gasket can be manually inserted within a preformed grooved bell or the grooved bell can be formed over the gasket while the gasket is mounted on a mandrel.

Abstract: An adapter for detachably mounting a drill bit on an extension, is described as having a button-type catch with outwardly diverging flanges, and a separate, split ring of spring steel for exerting a spring biasing force against the button catch. The button catch is seated in a recess which is formed in the split ring. In another embodiment of the invention, the split ring is provided with a protruding finger for initially holding the button catch, so that it can be easily inserted within the bore of the drill bit extension, prior to the final positioning of the adapter within the bore.

Abstract: A gasket assembly suitable for sealing between two pipe members in a high pressure pipeline includes an annular gasket body made of a resilent material. The body terminates radially inwardly in a leading lip and a pressure actuated sealing lip. The leading lip has a pipe centering and cleaning face and a compression sealing face. An enclosed annular groove is provided in the gasket body with an annular retaining ring being provided in the groove. The ring is made of a material harder than the gasket body and functions to retain the gasket body in the pipe groove.

Abstract: A dual function gasket adapted for insertion into a suitable groove formed in the bell of an associated pipe includes an annular gasket body made of a resilient material. The body terminates radially inwardly in a leading lip and a pressure activated sealing lip spaced rearwardly therefrom. An annular groove is provided in the gasket body and an annular locking ring may be selectively inserted into the groove. The ring is made of a material harder than the gasket body and is inserted into the groove when a high pressure seal is desired. The ring may be removed when only a low pressure seal is desired.

Abstract: A nipple for use in a Christmas tree bypass tool has an outer, molded rubber sleeve thereon and an inner steel insert, a portion of which forms a seal against a skirt on the rubber sleeve. The seal between the insert and the skirt prevents high pressure in the tool from reaching and acting on the bond between the rubber sleeve and the nipple.

Abstract: A gasketed pipe union has an annular connection stub on one section of pipe forced against a connection ring on a second section and held by a lock nut. A gasket and retaining and centering device, pressed between the stub and ring, insure a seal between the two sections.

Abstract: A seal for a stationary pipe connected to a housing or chamber designed for high fluid pressures. The seal comprises a generally cylindrical metal shell and an elastomeric sealing liner bonded to the inner surface of the shell. The sealing liner has two sealing zones and a gradual ramp formation for centering and guiding the pipe thereinto during assembly.

Abstract: A pipe member having at one end a socket for the insertion of a further pipe member and a corrugation in the wall of the socket containing a packing ring of resiliently deformable material, and a retaining ring received in an internal recess in the packing ring has its packing ring formed with an outer peripheral portion to fit the contour of the corrugation and annular front and rear projections situated respectively axially in front of and to the rear of the retaining ring to co-operate with the inserted pipe member to form pressure shoulders between which the retaining ring is disposed in the central region of the packing ring, the pressure shoulders transmitting compressive forces to the outer peripheral portion of the packing ring, the outer peripheral portion of the packing ring extending over the two pressure shoulders and over the retaining ring to bear against the corrugation under compressive load.

Abstract: A reclosable remote control pipe joint particularly suitable for use in fusion reactors and in other radioactive environments employs a spring to maintain sealing force between a sealing ring and a sealing face. The spring permits the pipe joint to remain intact despite mechanical disturbances of the pipes. A backup ring partially encloses the sealing ring to control thermal strain of the sealing ring. A closure system employs a plurality of pivoting arms and a movable roller assembly to clamp together the end fittings to seal the joint.

Abstract: A retainer device for maintaining an annular sealing gasket in some predetermined position intermediate and substantially coaxial with opposed annula sealing beads extending axially from each of a pair of coupling components. The retainer includes an annular end wall and a cylindrical side wall which define a cavity for closely receiving the 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. The new retainer accommodates precise positioning of the gasket relative to the coupling components at initial coupling makeup and does not interfere with the coupling components themselves. The retainer also advantageously permits precise repositioning of the gasket relative to the component sealing beads during subsequent disassembly and reassembly of the coupling.

Abstract: A seal for use in an underwater connector having first and second mating members each of which has a coacting mating surface with a plurality of fluid passageways for mating with the passageways of the other member. The seal is a resilient tubular member having threads on a portion of its outer diameter for connection to a passageway on one of the members. The seal includes a fluid sealing surface on its outer end for mating with the other member and the seal includes a fluid sealing surface on its inner end for sealing with the one member. The sealing point of the sealing surface on the outer end has a diameter at least as great as the diameter of the sealing point of the sealing surface on the inner end. The sealing surface on the inner end is formed by an O-ring seal in a groove in the annular resilient seal. The sealing surface on the outer end includes a ridge.

Abstract: A flexible spiral spring insert for a hose end segment is disclosed which insert includes an enlarged end portion for retentive engagement with a coupling component on the hose end. The enlarged end portion may be a ring-shaped retainer chamferred about its outer periphery to avoid interference with seating of a nozzle rim with the washer of the coupling assembly. A modified form of the invention discloses an enlarged conical extension formed on one end of the flexible spiral spring insert while a still further modification includes a radially enlarged end coil of the insert with the coil adapted for washer engagement. The washer may be modified to be internally recessed to receive a radially expanded end coil of the spring to confine the spring against axial displacement.

Abstract: A self energizing pipe gasket includes a base and arm configuration projecting therefrom which cooperates with the base when pipe sections are assembled to cause the lip or sealing edge of the arm to kick away or distend toward the sealing surface of the pipe. To facilitate this action a harder insert is provided in the base in the form of a reinforcing ring providing a less compressible surface for the arm to react against. The ring also stiffens the gasket making it more difficult to dislodge upon assembly of the pipe sections enabling higher compression forces and assuring that the gasket does not go under or below the minimal compression requirements to form a sound flexible yet fluid tight seal.