Abstract: A device and system for securing adjacent segments of duct work formed from fibrous glass duct board insulation and the like is disclosed. The device comprises a corner member having two legs disposed at approximately right angles, each of said legs having oppositely facing and substantially parallel adjacent channels disposed therein to accommodate portions of opposed edges of adjacent segments of duct work. The system includes a plurality of corner members each having two legs disposed at approximately right angles, said legs having substantially parallel and oppositely facing adjacent channels disposed therein to accommodate at least a portion of the opposed edges of adjacent segments of duct work.

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

Abstract: A pipe fitting in the form of a male coupler and a female coupler both of which have imbedded therein a threaded metallic insert. Both the male coupler and female coupler have a metallic insert that is constructed to define a treacherous path at the surface boundary of the metal insert so as to minimize the possibility of any leakage exteriorly of the coupler from a liquid conducting bore passing through each of the couplers.

Abstract: An improved joint for a variable wall thickness conduit is disclosed. The joint includes a female joint section and a male joint section. The female joint section has a body portion which terminates in a first support surface and a sealing sleeve which extends beyond the first support surface. The sleeve has a first sealing surface and a thickness. The male joint section has a body portion that terminates in a wall and a sealing nose that extends beyond the wall. The wall has a width greater than the thickness of the sleeve. The nose includes a load bearing surface, a second sealing surface and a recess in the second sealing surface. The female joint section aligns and joins to the male joint section, the load bearing surface being in force transmittal relationship with the first support surface, whereby a gap is formed between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling connects two fluid conduits, one of which has a retaining rib. The plug-in coupling includes a sleeve having radial openings. The coupling also includes an arresting device displaceable within the sleeve. The arresting device has retaining arms. A free end of each arm is hook-shaped for engaging behind the retaining rib. Each of the free ends has an outer inclined face. When the sleeve and arresting device move apart, the inclined face presses against a front edge of the opening that receives the hook. When the arresting device and fluid conduit are pulled apart, an inner inclined face of the hook presses against the retaining rib. In an unlocking position, the outer inclined faces of the hooks are sufficiently spaced from the front edge of the respective opening so that the retaining arms may spread radially apart to permit decoupling. The arresting device also has resilient unlocking arms. An outer part of each one of the unlocking arms projects through one of the openings.

Abstract: A bubble jet fitting for use in a pool or spa provides for a lay-length short enough to allow its installation within a six-inch dam wall. The bubble jet fitting has an outlet portion which in one use provides for solvent welding therein of either one of two different standard sizes of PVC pipe. An axially extending annular recess of the fitting may receive a surfacing layer of plaster or fiberglass to form a water-tight interface with the surrounding wall of the pool or spa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening-limiting device for a fastening member which fastens a pipe inserted into a pipe receiving port on the side of a joint. The fastening-limiting device has a ring portion which is fittable onto the outside of the pipe receiving port. A beam portion is formed on the ring portion. A protrusion is formed on the beam portion. A first abutting portion which is to abut against a reference face on the side of the joint is formed on one end of the ring portion. A second abutting portion which is to abut against a confronting portion of the fastening member is formed on the other end of the ring portion. A gap between the first and second abutting portions and is equal to the gap between the reference face and the confronting portion at the time when the fastening member exerts a sealing property and a function of preventing slipping-off.

Abstract: A plastic pipe adaptor (10) includes a length of pipe (12) having a plastic pipe wall (14) with a substantially rigid pipe stiffener (32) disposed inside the pipe and a substantially rigid collar (34) disposed about the pipe exteriorly of the pipe wall (14), the collar having a recess (40) therein. The stiffener (32) and collar (34) are positioned such that a portion (50) of the plastic pipe wall is disposed between the stiffener (32) and the collar recess (40) and at least a portion (52) of the pipe stiffener is deflected outwardly against the pipe wall portion (50) by an amount sufficient to wedge the pipe wall portion (50) into engagement with the collar recess (40). The result is a firm grip to the pipe which allows the collar to serve as an attachment to another member such as a mechanical joint (30). A method of making the adaptor (10) is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a thermoplastic profile wall pipe joint or weld assembly without the use of a coupler to provide for a leak free pipe joint with substantially flush interior and exterior surfaces. The pipe joint consists of configuring the two pipe ends to be joined by removing substantially all of a first wall and the helical rib from the first pipe end, removing a portion of the helical rib from the second pipe end, coupling the pipe ends together and heating the weld assembly couple to fusion weld the pipe ends together. An electrical resistance element is provided for and placed within the pipe joint to provide the required heat. Also disclosed is the use of a thermoplastic sheet with the electrical resistance element to allow the end margins of the electrical resistance element to overlap without shorting by separating the end margins radially from one another and to allow for a more uniform fusion welded pipe joint.

Abstract: An in-line bell pipe is provided, formed by joining at least two corrugated sections of pipe having a male portion and a female portion to connect the corrugated sections. Each corrugated section has a plurality of first corrugations having a crest and a valley, with the distance between the crest and valley of the first corrugations being a first distance. The male portion of each corrugated section has at least one second corrugation and one third corrugation, with each second corrugation and each third corrugation having a respective crest and valley and with the distance between the respective crests and valleys being a second distance and a third distance respectively. The second distance and the third distance each are less than the first distance. The crest of the third corrugation also has a recessed area that accommodates a sealing element, with the sealing element being retained the recessed area and the female portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collet for locking a tube in a coupling body, comprising a plastics molding including an annular sleeve, having a plurality of axially extending resilient arms, two of which have spring metal clips snapped around and locked to the free ends of the arms. The clips have inwardly angled teeth to bear against and grip a tube extending on the inner side of the arm through the collet to prevent the tube from being withdrawn from the collet.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved connector for attaching flexible metallic and non-metallic conduit to electrical panel or junction boxes. The improved connector comprises a two pieces. The first piece comprises a metallic cylindrical inner body section, having an integral collar extending from the metallic cylindrical inner body section. The outer circumference of the inner body section has threads at one end thereof for grabbing the interior surface of the flexible conduit and pulling it toward the collar, while the other end of the metallic cylindrical inner body is equipped with external threads for engagement with an electrical panel or junction box. The second piece comprises a non-metallic resilient seat member or ferrule friction fit onto the conduit engaging end of the metallic cylindrical inner body that is engaged by the conduit end as the conduit is threaded onto the cylindrical inner body.

Abstract: A coupling half for interconnecting fire or other hose to a reciprocal connection mounted on another hose or on a fixed object. The coupling half includes two slots which enable the manufacture of the coupling half quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively. Only two molds are used to cast the coupling half compared with the traditional three molds. The molds are in contact with each other at three radial points with each radial point being separated by the mold cavity. Machining is greatly reduced as the coupling half is made from one piece as compared with the traditional two pieces. Slots in the locking collar enable the coupling half to be made of one piece resulting in less machining and a superior product.

Abstract: A molded nipple connection system for permanently molding a metal nipple within a plastic container that is not susceptible to expansion/contraction forces incurred by the plastic container. The inventive device includes a metal nipple having a threaded end or a cincture surrounded end, a lumen, an immersion end positioned within the plastic during molding, and a plurality of openings adjacent the immersion end. The plurality of openings allow the liquefied plastic during molding to project through the exterior surface of the metal nipple into the lumen of the metal nipple where it is joined with liquefied plastic within the lumen of the metal nipple. After hardening of the plastic, the mold is removed and the metal nipple is captured within the plastic container because of the plastic-securing loop created through the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings are preferably slots, however they may comprise various other well-known shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a branch pipe connection including a locking ring and a sleeve that are arranged against one another and can be tightened in their axial direction. The connection further includes a support flange. The locking ring is of such a flexible material that the locking ring can be placed inside a pipe or the like through a hole made for the branch pipe from outside the pipe or the like, although the smallest outer diameter of the flange of the locking ring is larger than the largest diameter of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint made of resin used for laying pipes in which a high-purity liquid, ultra pure water or the like flow. According to the pipe joint of the present invention, a sealing surface pressure is generated in both axial and radial directions, providing thereby an excellent sealing property for a long period, and facilitate controlling a torque for fastening a pushing ring. The pipe joint made of resin according to the present invention comprises a joint body having a receiving port, a cylindrical portion, an annular groove portion and a stepped surface. An inner ring forcedly inserted by the pushing ring is provided with an outer projection, an inner projection and an annular recessed portion. On at least one portion among axially opposed portions of each surface, an axial sealing portion is disposed. On at least one portion among radially opposed portions of each surface, an radial sealing portion is disposed.

Abstract: A fluid swivel coupling device for rotatably interconnecting a pair of fluid conduits. The coupling device includes a plastic swivel housing forming an internal cavity and a fluidly connected first port. The internal cavity includes a cylindrical inner surface having an annular housing retention groove and a spaced apart annular seal groove. A plastic tubular second swivel body portion extends between an internal end and a second port. The internal end is rotatably seated within the internal cavity and includes an annular retention groove opposing the housing retention groove and an annular seal groove opposing the seal groove within the housing. The second swivel body portion is fluidly connected with the first port to define an all plastic fluid passageway between the first and second ports. An annular seal is seated within the internal cavity between the opposing seal grooves for preventing fluid from leaking out of the cavity.

Abstract: A connector assembly 10 for use with tubular conduits 30 is disclosed which is a male portion that is put into a female portion. The male portion makes use of the end of the conduit itself, and the female portion only requires a stepped bore. The seal 50, stabilizing bushings areas 34 and retainer 138 are carried on the male portion. The seal 50 may be retained on the male, and the connection may be either a quick connect or require a tool to assemble. The connection may seal the highest pressures and withstand very high forces on the male and female portions. Also disclosed is the use of this connection in a multiple port device. The connection may be completed in the depth and diameter that is allotted to a "thread-in" or "flare" connection.

Abstract: The process of this invention will involve overmolding a thermoplastic or rubbery polymer composition over a thermoplastic hollow tube and a core insert to form a hollow overmolded coupler after the removal of the core insert, the tube entering the coupler at an angle which is less than 90.degree. so as to minimize any freezing of transported water which may reside in the coupler. The combination of the above polymers must satisfy at least two simultaneous conditions. First, the inserted plastic tube must not soften and begin melt flow to the point where it looses structural integrity during the molding processing and second, the overmolded polymer must be capable of forming an essentially leak-proof interface between the coupler and the plastic tube, preferably through either a chemical and/or physical bond between the plastic tube and the overmolded plastic.

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

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a first member for supplying fluid, a second member for receiving the fluid supplied by said first member, and a securing device for securing the first member in fluid communication with the second member. The securing device includes a locking element movable between a first position at which the first and second members can be separated and a second position at which the first member is secured to the second member. An actuator is provided for moving the locking element between the first and second positions. The actuator includes a main body secured to the first member and an actuator arm movably connected to the main body for manipulating the locking element. A guiding surface is provided on the actuator body for guiding the locking element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A fitting is provided for joining to a smooth exterior periphery of a tubular conduit with a seal member sealing therebetween. The fitting has a tubular body with a central passage for receiving the tubular conduit. The central passage defines a central axis for the fitting and has a tapered opening, a threaded section, a seal section and a stop which circumferentially extend coaxially about the central axis. An annular shaped seal member extends from the seal section for sealingly engaging the exterior periphery of the tubular conduit. The tapered opening of the fitting provides an entrance to the central passage which is sized for receiving and end of the tubular conduit having an oval shaped periphery, and then rounding the exterior periphery such that annular shaped seal member will sealingly engage the exterior of the tubular conduit. The seal section is disposed between the tapered opening and the threaded section of the central passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint made of resin used for laying pipes in which a high-purity liquid, ultra pure water, a medical liquid or the like flow treated in production process in various on a side of an inner periphery thereof kinds technical fields such as production of semiconductor, medical supplies and medicines, food process, and chemical industry.

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

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

Abstract: Threaded connection device for pipes including a cylindrical sleeve having, at both its ends, fasteners for the connection with a flexible pipe, two internally threaded rings each one screwing on one end of the sleeve. These said rings have a circular rim for the seaming and the compression of the pipe around the sleeve fasteners. The sleeve, in connection with the ring thread, has a thread part having a pitch multiple as to the thread pitch of the ring itself.

Abstract: In a piping system having a main pipe or fitting joined to a lateral pipe, a restraint body or sling extends about the fitting or main pipe and is secured at opposite ends to the lateral pipe. The lateral pipe, main pipe or fitting and restraint body are formed of plastic material. The restraint body includes a bend intermediate its ends for wrapping about the fitting or main pipe and has arcuate sections at its ends for solvent-welding to the lateral pipe. Any tendency toward separation of the lateral pipe and the main fitting or main pipe is resisted in tension by the restraint body and the joint is stress-relieved.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling connects a first fluid duct to a second fluid duct. The first fluid duct has at least one retaining rib disposed on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The plug-in coupling includes a sleeve having a plurality of radial openings. Each of the radial openings has a front edge. The sleeve has an inner shoulder disposed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. A cylindrical locking device is received and is axially displaceable within the sleeve. The locking device has at least two axially extending, elastically flexible retaining arms depending from the locking device. A free end of each of the retaining arms is hook-shaped for selectively engaging the retaining rib when the first fluid duct is inserted into the locking device.

Abstract: A connector for connecting tubes or the like includes at least one main body with a connecting surface arranged thereon for the connection or flange-mounting of tubes wherein the at least one main body includes or consists of a cross-linked plastic material.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a socket end of a thermoplastic pipe. The gasket has a ring shaped body of an elastomeric material and includes a metal reinforcing ring. The elastomeric body includes a first portion of relatively low durometer rubber and a second portion of a relatively high durometer rubber. The regions of relative hardness and the placement of the reinforcing ring assist in retention of the gasket during the pipe belling process and in field installation.

Abstract: A quick connector releasibly connects first and second conduits fixedly mounted in first and second, interconnectable connector bodies. The first body has an axially extending tubular first end, a frusto-conical portion, a reduced diameter shaft and an enlarged second end. A pair of angularly inwardly extending latch arms project from the second body to releasibly engage a peripheral edge on the frusto-conical portion of the first body.

Abstract: A repair fitting is provided for sealably connecting ends of a pipeline, when a damaged section of the pipeline has been removed. In a preferred embodiment, the pipeline ends are connected using the repair fitting with two stab fittings. The repair fitting includes a first and second piston and a first and second cylinder, wherein the first piston is slidable in the first cylinder and the second piston is slidable in the second cylinder. In an alternate embodiment, two fusion joints are used with the repair fitting to sealably connect the ends of the pipeline. A method is provided for making a repair fitting and a method is also provided for repairing a damaged section of a pipeline.

Abstract: A sewage removal system 10 is provided for quickly, securely and sanitarily connecting the onboard holding tank H of a typical recreational vehicle or travel trailer to an in-ground stationary waste disposal site S. The system 10 includes two hoses 20, 21 which may be coupled via a union 50 to provide hoses 20, 21 of greater combined length to reach the site S when located too far for a single hose 20, 21. The hoses 20, 21 include quick connect couplings 30 secured to each end 22. Locking hooks 40 extend from the annular rims 39 of the couplings 30 to provide a means for securely engaging protrusions 56, 66 to create a sealed joint. The system 10 includes two elbow adapters 60 to allow simple connection to an inlet tube T of the stationary waste disposal site S. The first elbow adapter 60 includes a male threaded connector 70 for coupling with a female threaded fitting F of the inlet tube T.

Abstract: A plastic pipe adaptor (10) includes a length of pipe (12) having a plastic pipe wall (14) with a substantially rigid pipe stiffener (32) disposed inside the pipe and a substantially rigid collar (34) disposed about the pipe exteriorly of the pipe wall (14), the collar having a recess (40) therein. The stiffener (32) and collar (34) are positioned such that a portion (50) of the plastic pipe wall is disposed between the stiffener (32) and the collar recess (40) and at least a portion (52) of the pipe stiffener is deflected outwardly against the pipe wall portion (50) by an amount sufficient to wedge the pipe wall portion (50) into engagement with the collar recess (40). The result is a firm grip to the pipe which allows the collar to serve as an attachment to another member such as a mechanical joint (30). A method of making the adaptor (10) is also described.

Abstract: A joint structure connected to an air intake passage is composed of a throttle body having a set of a groove and a chamfered surface formed on an outer surface thereof diagonally opposite to each other and a joint member having a flexible arm and a rigid arm. The flexible arm has a ridge in engagement with the groove of the throttle body, and the rigid arm has a sloped surface in engagement with the chamfered surface of the throttle body.

Abstract: A tube coupling is shown, particularly but not exclusively intended for use in joining tubes which have medical and surgical uses. A coupling according to the invention may be used to connect an ostomy bag to a drainage tube, or to connect an incontinence urine collection device to a drainage tube, or to connect a drainage tube to a drainage bag, or a catheter to a drainage tube. A tube coupling has a male part and a female part. The former has a radially extending external peripheral rib near its free end. The female part is made in one piece and comprises a tubular shell of a relatively rigid plastics material provided with an annular internal recess. The recess has molded therein a hollow tubular member of a relatively soft plastics material. The female part has no loose parts to become detached, can be made inexpensively by a "two-shot" molding process, and provides extremely good security against leakage.

Abstract: A fume exhaust duct joint, a clamping collar for clamping two cylindrical dual-laminate duct sections joined by an internal slip collar, and a method for assembling the joint. A first embodiment of the clamping collar has two clamp portions each including a metal outer skin spot-welded to a metal inner skin. The inner skins have bifurcated protrusions whose bifurcations penetrate the duct section outer surfaces when the collar is tightened, and, optionally, two circumferential beads of fire retardant caulking. The inner skins and slip collar are bonded to duct section surfaces using a putty-like sealant including a settable admixture of curing agent and novolac epoxy resin. A second embodiment of the clamping collar, preferred for duct sections 3-inches in diameter or smaller, has a single circumferential clamp portion.

Abstract: A coupler apparatus for use with ducts is used on a multi-strand post-tensioning system. The coupler includes a tubular body with an interior passageway between a first open end and a second open end. A shoulder is formed within the tubular body between the open ends. A seal is connected to the shoulder so as to form a liquid-tight seal with a duct received within one of the open ends. A compression device is hingedly connected to the tubular body for urging the duct into compressive contact with the seal. The compression device has a portion extending exterior of the tubular body. The compression device includes an arm with an end hingedly connected to the tubular body and having an abutment surface adjacent the end. The arm is movable between a first position extending outwardly of an exterior of the tubular body and a second position aligned with an exterior surface of the tubular body. A latching member is connected to an opposite end of the arm to affixing the arm in the second position.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a saddle-less fitting having a stepped outer wall surface. The stepped outer wall surface includes a first and second surface and a step. The step includes a first bowed band surface extending from the first outer wall surface a predetermined distance inward towards the inner wall surface. The fitting further includes an insertion portion which includes the second outer wall surface and a second bowed band surface. The first bowed band surface and the second surface are bonded to a prepared pipe with a bonding agent. A more liberal application of the bonding agent may be employed to cause the other fitting and pipe surfaces to further bond together. Once the bonding agent hardens, or becomes cured, a unitary structure is formed which provides a leak-free tap.

Abstract: A connector assembly for conveying fluids, the connector assembly includes a retainer member positioned and locked inside a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of a male conduit member. A locking arm is flexibly attached to one end of the retainer member to lock the male conduit member into the housing by engaging an annular collar located a given distance from approximal end of said male conduit member thereby providing a fluid tight connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite material structures having reduced signal attenuation properties. In particular, the invention relates to composite drillstring components with electromagnetic properties and acoustic properties that enable the use of electromagnetic, acoustic and nuclear sensing equipment to obtain data from a wellbore from within a drill pipe. In a specific embodiment, a composite tube is incorporated with end-fittings which enable its incorporation into a drillstring thereby permitting the use of logging equipment from within the composite tube.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collet for locating a tube in a throughway of a coupling body. The collet includes an annular flange having a central opening for a tube and a plurality of axially extending legs, each having a detent at its distal end for locking between the coupling body and tube. A plurality of slots are formed in the annular head corresponding in profile to axial projections of the detent profiles on the annular head for elements of the tooling required for molding the sides of the detents adjacent the annular head.

Abstract: A quick connect hose coupling assembly (10) for connecting a hose to an external device is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a female coupling assembly (12) having an inner female tubular member (16). A housing member (14) is mounted thereon. The female member (16) includes a body portion (17) and a stem (20) adapted to be inserted into the inner channel (37) of a hose (38). The stem (20) includes an axial bore (21) adapted to convey a fluid therethrough. The stem (20) further includes a plurality of circumferential barbs (22). The stem (20) can also include an additional barb having a rotation resisting structure provided thereon to resist relative rotational movement between the stem (20) and a hose (38) into which the stem (20) is disposed.

Abstract: A connector assembly 10 for use with tubular conduits 30 is disclosed which is a male portion that is put into a female portion. The male portion makes use of the end of the conduit itself, and the female portion only requires a stepped bore. The seal 50, stabilizing bushings areas 34 and retainer 138 are carried on the male portion. The seal 50 may be retained on the male, and the connection may be either a quick connect or require a tool to assemble. The connection may seal the highest pressures and withstand very high forces on the male and female portions. Also disclosed is the use of this connection in a multiple port device. The connection may be completed in the depth and diameter that is allotted to a "thread-in" or "flare" connection.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose assembly has a corrugated, flexible hose with fittings at opposite ends for connection to the vacuum cleaner suction inlet and to a cleaning head. A tube or cable extends along the assembly for supply of cleaning fluid or electrical power to the cleaning head. The tube or cable is retained with the hose by means of a U-shape channel provided as a separate member bonded to the outside of the hose. The tube or cable extends within the channel as a loose fit so that it can move along the channel on flexing of the hose, thereby helping maintain flexibility of the assembly.

Abstract: A flexible swivel coupling includes a a first elbow, a second elbow, and a flexible nipple connected between the two elbows. The first and second elbows are threaded on the interior surface of at least one of the legs of each elbow, and the flexible nipple is threaded at both ends, for connection between the two elbows. The outside diameter of the nipple, at least at the threaded ends, is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the threaded legs of the two elbows, so that the nipple threads are slightly compressed when the nipple is threaded into the elbows and forms a water tight seal without the need for o-rings or other additional sealing means.

Abstract: A one piece integrally formed liquid tight connection or "whip" assembly for electrically interconnecting electrical appliances, such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor lighting fixtures, to one another and/or to a power source junction box or control box. The connection assembly includes a flexible tubular conduit, preferably constructed from a composite of full rigid PVC and flexible plasticized PVC, having first and second end portions and an outer surface with a plurality of surface irregularities. A pair of end fittings are integrally attached to the first and second end portions of the tubular conduit, respectively, using either a solvent welding or temperature welding technique. When using the solvent technique, the plurality of surface irregularities operate to hold additional localized amounts of solvent which further reacts with the plastic in the end fittings and conduit to yield a superior weld.

Abstract: In a joint for joining a first and a second part so that these first and second parts maintain a predefined rotational position in relation to each other, where the joint comprises an internal thread (33) in the firs part (34), which internal thread has an inner end and an outer free end receiving an outer free end of a corresponding external thread (22) on the second part (21) which external thread has an inner end adjacent to the second part, the free end of the ridge and the inner end of the groove forming the threads are bounded by surfaces (27, 39) lying in a plane through the axis of the threads, and the length of the threads are so adapted that a plane end surface of the ridge of one thread engages the plane end surface of the groove of the other thread when the two parts are screwed together and occupy the predefined mutual rotational position.

Abstract: A thermal isolation coupling system for attaching a high-temperature fluid-bearing tube to an aperture in a housing, in which a separate low temperature flow is established. Locking means attaches the tube end to the housing, in a particular desired position relative to the aperture. A tube support member connects the tube end to the locking means and facilitates positioning of the extreme tip of the tube end in the low temperature flow, in substantially non-heat conducting isolation from the aperture and the housing.