Abstract: A connector includes a tube-shaped male member, a female member, an engagement member, and a checking member. The male member has a ring-shaped convexity. The female member has a substantially cylinder-shaped housing. The housing has a pair of widows having a peripheral end and a peripheral edge. The checking member has a letter C-shaped portion, and a pair of engagement convexities. The engagement convexities has a first engaging portion, a leading-end contacting portion, and an inclined second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages with the peripheral end of the windows of the housing so as to inhibit the checking member from coming off from the housing in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction before the male member is connected with the female member. The leading-end contacting portion is pressed by the ring-shaped convexity to move outwardly in a radial direction so as to diametrically enlarge the letter C-shaped portion when the fitting of the male member is completed.

Abstract: A method for producing a microfluidic coupler includes the step of producing a first mask on a top surface of a wafer. The first mask defines an insertion channel pattern selected to correspond to the cross sectional shape of a capillary. The wafer is etched through the first mask to form an insertion channel. A second mask is produced on a bottom surface of the wafer. The second mask defines a subchannel pattern selected to match the diameter of the bore of the capillary. The wafer is etched through the second mask to form a subchannel connected to the insertion channel. The capillary is inserted into the insertion channel such that the capillary is in fluid communication with the subchannel. In one embodiment, a capillary guide is secured to the wafer to facilitate insertion of the capillary into the insertion channel. The capillary guide has a tapered guide channel aligned with the insertion channel for guiding the capillary into the insertion channel.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a plastic pipe system to a metallic pipe system; including an elongated, plastic sleeve having a first end thereof adapted to be joined to a plastic pipe system and a second end thereof adapted to be joined to a metallic pipe system wherein said second end has a flange formed as an integral part of said plastic sleeve. A gland means is used to attach the plastic sleeve to the metallic pipe system wherein the gland means is adapted to exert longitudinal pressure on said flange. The invention provides pressure sealing and restraint against axial pull-out that would result in the loss of the pressure seal.

Abstract: A bell and spigot slip-joint assembly comprises: a spigot having an end and a circumferential flange ring integral with the spigot and which radially and outwardly extends from the spigot, the flange ring being spaced from the spigot end to define a spigot end portion extending between the flange ring and the spigot end; a tubular member having an enlarged bell end for receiving therein the spigot end portion; a gasket ring tightly received between the exterior surface of the spigot end portion and the interior surface of the bell end; a first restraint ring positioned around the spigot on the side of the flange ring opposite the spigot end portion and contacting or closely adjacent to the flange ring, the first restraint ring having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the flange ring; a second restraint ring positioned around the tubular member contacting or closely adjacent to the bell end and having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the bell end; and connecting means for

Abstract: The improved hose coupling boot is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will substantially eliminate snags, and accidental disconnects of hose coupling joints. It will also substantially reduce debris build up and associated malfunction in hose connection joints. It is principally intended for use on pneumatic hoses used to power industrial pneumatic devices.

Abstract: An apparatus which creates a pre-engineered solvent bond is disclosed which acts to self-optimize the characteristics of the resultant solvent bond. These characteristics can thus be chosen by the part designer with confidence that inherent variations in the assembly process will not unduly impact the resultant bond. The design establishes a specific volume through integral tabs or removable shims within which solvent acts to precisely dissolve material so that the predetermined bond characteristics are automatically created without reliance upon assembler technique.

Abstract: A composite sanitary fitting in which an inner body portion is secured within a overmolded stiffening sleeve which provides strength and rigidity to the fitting. The main body is comprised of a plastic such as PFA and the outer stiffening sleeve is comprised of a more rigid durable plastic such as PEEK. The main body portion has a flange portion which at the connecting end. The stiffening sleeve has an U-shaped portion extends around three sides of the flange locking the sleeve on the body portion.

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: An adapter for connecting a plastic pipe system to a metallic pipe system; including an elongated, plastic sleeve having a first end thereof adapted to be joined to a plastic pipe system and a second end thereof adapted to be joined to a metallic pipe system wherein said second end has a flange formed as an integral part of said plastic sleeve. A gland means is used to attach the plastic sleeve to the metallic pipe system wherein the gland means is adapted to exert longitudinal pressure on said flange. The invention provides pressure sealing and restraint against axial pull-out that would result in the loss of the pressure seal.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a pair of hoses including a unitary body having a substantially cylindrical main section having a hollow interior, a projection extending outward from the main section and connectable to a first hose, a first edge portion extending outward from the main section, a second edge portion extending outward from the main section at a distance from the first edge portion to define a space therebetween, and a rim defining an aperture through which a second hose is insertable into the interior of the main section. The projection has a hollow interior in flow communication with the interior of the main section. The connector also includes a locking device arranged in the space between the first and second edge portions for locking the second hose in connection with the main section.

Abstract: A medical device is herein described for provision of a pressurized fluid through interchangeable probes. In the preferred embodiment of this medical device, the interchangeable probes are mounted to a handset having a quick disconnect/reconnect mount which not only permits rapid attachment and removal of such probes to the handset, but also the freedom of change in orientation of the probe relative to the handset to accommodate variable condition/requirements of an operative procedure and clinician preferences. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, quick disconnect/reconnect mount of this invention permits rotational movements of the probe tip while preserving sealing engagement thereof to the handset.

Abstract: A fluid fitting coupling system which retains two assemblies axially through the use of a flange and lip arrangement and simultaneously retains those assemblies rotationally through either a radial detent or a snap spring are shown in variations. The designs are especially configured for molding so that each might utilize the material properties available and yet be economically manufactured. Further, user features including both visual and potentially audible indications of full assembly are incorporated into the designs and automatically achieved. Shut-off valve designs are shown which are automatically delayed in opening until some axial retention occurs to minimize any blow-off or other undesirable operational events. Swivel features may be incorporated when the application requires.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector having an inner member with first and second open ends and a bore extending therebetween. The inner member is formed of a material which is impervious to a particular fluid to flow through the connector assembly. An outer member encapsulates the inner member and is formed of a material dissimilar from the material of the inner member, which material resists abrasions and other deleterious elements to which the connector is exposed. Flexible retaining latches are formed integrally on the outer member of the connector and snap over an annular projection formed on a tubular conduit upon insertion of the conduit through the first open end and into the bore of the inner member. An elastomeric seal disposed in the bore of the inner member provides a fluid tight seal between the conduit and inner member. Another elastomeric seal is located within the bore of the inner member adjacent the second open end, and provides a fluid tight seal with a tubular member inserted therein.

Abstract: A pipe joint for fiber reinforced composite pipe has internal and external matching tapers with a low taper angle. A half round helical groove is formed in each of the internal and external tapers for receiving several turns of a ductile key. The pipe joint is usable on high strength lightweight fiber reinforced composite pipe having helically wound steel strips embedded in the fiber reinforced resin. The pipe joint on such pipe is on an enlarged portion of glass fiber reinforced composite built up on an end of the pipe. The steel strips are terminated at differing distances from the end of the pipe joint and the ends of all of the steel strips are completely embedded in the fiber reinforced resin.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic pipe fitting is made by using interference fit techniques to apply an outer pipe over a straight section of inner pipe. Appropriate sections of the outer pipe are then cutout. After arranging the fitting to the desired shape, faces of the cutout section are butt-fused together to form a fitting having a reinforcing layer over the shaped inner pipe.

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 quick connector formed of a housing having a through bore receiving one end of a male connector with a radially enlarged flange. At least one and preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced retainer fingers are integrally formed as a one piece extension from the first end of the housing and are deployable from a first axially extending position to an angular inwardly extending position in the bore in the housing to engage the flange on the male connector after the male connector has been inserted into the bore in the housing to lockingly couple the male connector in the housing. In a connector having a metal housing, a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers are formed to axially extend from a first open end. The fingers are bent into an angular, inwardly extending position to engage the flange on the male connector. In another embodiment for use with a metal quick connector housing, a molded annular band has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers extending therefrom.

Abstract: A pipe coupling 1 for connecting together two pipes in a fluid-tight manner comprising an outer tubular casing 10, an inner tubular casing 20 and a tubular sealing sleeve 30. The sealing sleeve 30 has two sets of inwardly projecting ribs 32, which in use, are pressed into sealing engagement with the respective ends of the pipes. The inner and outer casings are longitudinally split and tensioning screws 17 on the outer casing can be tightened to tighten the outer casing around the inner casing and the sealing sleeve. Frusto-conical gripping rings 40 grip the pipes by engaging radial abutment surfaces facing away from the pipe ends and positioned close to the ends of said pipes in order to secure the pipes against axial displacement.

Abstract: A coupler for use with helical double-wall corrugated pipe is disclosed having a spigot portion and a bell portion. The spigot portion has at least one corrugation formed therein, a spigot portion first edge and a spigot portion second edge, and is adapted to screw onto the end of a first pipe having a first pipe corrugated outer wall and a first pipe inner wall. The spigot portion second edge is adapted to be secured to the first pipe outer wall, and the spigot portion first edge is adapted to be secured to the first pipe inner wall. The bell portion has at least one corrugation formed therein, a bell portion first edge, and a bell portion second edge, and is adapted to screw onto the end of a second pipe having a second pipe corrugated outer wall and a second pipe inner wall. The bell portion second edge is adapted to be secured to the second pipe outer wall, and the bell portion first edge is adapted to be secured to the second pipe inner wall.

Abstract: A joint between two hollow pipes is formed by inserting the pipes into a sleeve. The sleeve is made of a similar or compatible material to that of the pipes which are to be joined. The inner diameter of the sleeve increases from a middle portion outwardly to two end portions. The sleeve includes a pair of tapered collars which engage each end portion and abut the middle portion. Relative rotation of the pipes and sleeve causes melting and mixing of the pipe and sleeve surfaces. This mixing action eliminates the weld line present in known systems.

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

Abstract: A device for permanent joining of plastic tubes intended for use as covering or lining tubes when drilling holes in the ground including a female portion on a first tube and a male portion interacting therewith on a second tube. The male portion being provided with annular projections and recesses round its outer circumference and the female portion being provided with annular projections and recesses round its inner circumference with the recesses and projections on one tube interengaging with the projections and recesses on the other tube in such a fashion that at least one of the tubes is radially deformed and the joint can withstand axial and torsional forces.

Abstract: A pipe joint is disclosed, along with a pipe for use with such a joint. The pipe has a double wall construction with support ribs connecting the two walls of the pipe. The pipe also includes at least one end wall having a routed groove formed therein, wherein the groove is dimensioned to receive a coupling member. A locking entrance lip is formed within the groove. The pipe joint includes two pipe sections and a coupling member that is received into the respective grooves of each pipe section and is locked into place by the locking entrance lips. The joint is fluid tight, locks the pipe sections in place, and is smooth on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the two connected pipes. In addition, the disclosed pipe joint construction is very easy to assemble, and is particularly suited for use in sewer relining operations.

Abstract: A first pipe is press-fitted into a second pipe having an inner peripheral surface, circular in section, about an axis of the second pipe. The first pipe, having an outer peripheral surface provided with recesses each located between arcuate portions, and which recesses have the same radius about an axis of the first pipe and are located at a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart points, The recesses are each located radially inwardly of a phantom circumferential extension of the arcuate portions to extend axially over a predetermined length of the first pipe.

Abstract: The extension coupling for fluid distribution equipment has a first external tubular body, a second internal tubular body for the passage of said fluids, and a coupling for its connection, in series, to other similar elements and/or handle connected to the distribution equipment and/or accessories. The first body and the second body are monolithic, and are obtained from one single molding process of plastic material.

Abstract: A piping structure and method of manufacture allow for the mechanical joining of two piping products as well as the hydraulic and mechanical sealing thereof by means of an elastomeric gasket having an integral pressure transference device. A socket is produced in one pipe product along with an integrally formed interlock means and the gasket. A spigot is produced in another pipe product along with an integrally formed interlock means complementary to the socket interlock means. The gasket is situated within the socket adjacent a tapered wall portion of the socket and is compressed by a tapered portion of the spigot. In a preferred form, the piping product is formed of a thermoplastic wherein the socket and spigot are easily formed after initial production of the piping product. However, the present joining system is not limited to after product formation and may be utilized for a variety of piping materials and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A fluid coupling including a tube and a socket defined by a cylindrical counterbore in a housing. The cylindrical counterbore terminates at an annular seat and is interrupted by an annular first groove defining a first shoulder facing the annular seat and by an annular second groove defining a second shoulder facing the annular seat. The tube has an annular bead at one end which bears flush against the annular seat when the tube is plugged into the socket. A flexible retaining ring is mounted on the tube behind the bead. A plastic sleeve on the tube behind the flexible retaining ring has a cam at one end which radially expands the retaining ring to wedge the latter between the bead and the first shoulder. The retaining ring prevents dislodgment of the tube from the socket by reacting forces urging dislodgment substantially directly from the bead on the tube to the shoulder on the housing.

Abstract: Pivotal link (1) as a connection piece between two construction parts, whereby at least one construction part is supported rotatable around its horizontal axis. The essence of the invention consists in thatthe pivotal link consists of a hose or a hose-like body made of elastomeric material, whereby an embedded strength carrier (4) is present between the hose core (2) and the hose cover (3), said carrier consisting of threads forming one or multiple layers and extending at an angle .alpha. amounting to zero degrees based on the axial direction of the pivotal link, or only insignificantly deviating from zero degrees with a crossed arrangement of the threads; and thatthe pivotal link is additionally provided with rings (7), the latter being arranged in the radial direction.

Abstract: A pipe joint assembly of the type including a joint body formed with a stepped bore the small diameter portion of which is formed to be coupled with a pipe inserted therein, a retainer sleeve member having a cylindrical portion coupled within the larger diameter portion of the stepped bore and a pair of diametrically opposed clamp arms integrally formed with the cylindrical portion and engaged at their external faces with corresponding radial openings of the joint body and at their internal faces with an annular projection of the pipe, and a detachment socket having an annular body portion located in surrounding relationship with the pipe, a plurality of arm portions extended in parallel from the annular body portion in an axial direction and coupled with the joint body and a plurality of leg portions extended in parallel from the annular body portion at each position circumferentially spaced from the arm portions to be located in a space between the clamp arms of the sleeve member.

Abstract: A one-piece saddle tee for installation on a fluid line such as an irrigation line. The saddle tee has a clamp includes a pair of opposing clamp segments having upper, lower and intermediate portions with at least one of the segments being hinged along its intermediate portion to one end of the base. The other of the segments is attached to the other end of the base. Each of the segments has a locking part at its lower end portion cooperating with a locking part of the other of the segments, the locking parts interconnecting the clamp segments when the clamp is pressed onto the line. A coupling tap may be used for punching a hole in the line. Coupling tap is secured to the line with saddle tee.

Abstract: A telescopable vacuum cleaner suction pipe has an outer pipe, an inner pipe having arresting depressions, and arresting element coupled with the outer pipe and engaging in the arresting depressions, a manually actuatable slider unblocking the arresting element, a pressure-loaded blocking spring which when the slider is not actuated holds the arresting element in a locking position and when the slider is actuated the arresting element is movable against the blocking spring to unlocking position for a relative displacement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe, the arresting element being formed as two clamping bodies engaging in separate arresting depressions and inclined at acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the out pipe, a guiding body form-lockingly received in the outer pipe and having inclined sliding planes on which the clamping body are displaced, one of the blocking bodies which blocks a relative movement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe is displaceable for releasing its blocking positi

Abstract: A tubular joint including at least a pair of connection ports having an inner diameter substantially equivalent to an outer diameter of tubes to be connected, and a tubular connection part connecting the connection ports to each other. The connection ports each have a sealing member formed integrally thereon by extruding elastomer resin into a first recess formed around an axial line on an inner circumferential face of the connection ports, and the connection ports each have a fall-out preventing member coupled to an end part of the connection ports. The fall-out preventing member includes a ring-like member having an outer diameter sized for insertion into the connection ports, and a number of claws having leading edges located in a second recess formed around the axial line on the inner circumferential face of the connection ports and extending toward a center of the connection ports.

Abstract: A tank tee unit is formed from a plurality of standard pvc pipes secured together only by a suitable glue. It includes a main pipe of heavy wall pvc sandwiched between and glued to two heavy wall pvc pipes extending perpendicularly therefrom which are in turn each glued to a standard smaller diameter pvc pipe that passes entirely through the main pipe to form an extremely strong joint. This provides a unit in the form of a cross with outlets on opposite sides of the main pipe and with thick wall branch lines that can be tapped for other side connections. One side outlet can be plugged to provide a strictly tee unit.

Abstract: A gray water line adaptor formed from a polymeric material is useful for draining water, other than sewage from motor homes, RV's, campers and the like while maintaining required sanitation. The adaptor is placed in the sewer receptacle stub to prevent odor and bacteria escapage. The adaptor can also be coupled to a conventional sewer hose for sanitary fresh water rinsing of the sewer hose by utilizing the water hose connector positioned atop the adaptor.

Abstract: A connector assembly principally for aviation fuel lines and pipes in which a connector body is conductive whilst a mounting flange is non-conductive. The body and flange are secured together during a moulding stage. The body generally has earthing lugs embedded in its surface to dissipate electrical static charge.

Abstract: A fireproof electrical wire housing (9) for routing electrical wires through a barrier wall, such as an aircraft bulkhead (21), without destroying the fireproof and hermetic functions of the bulkhead (21) is disclosed. The fireproof electrical wire housing (9) includes a sleeve (13) which surrounds a wire bundle (11) and a tubular housing (19). The tubular housing (19) includes a cover plate (17) that is mounted to the bulkhead(21). Thereafter, the sleeve (13) is inserted into the tubular housing (19). Holes (35) penetrating the wall of the sleeve (13) are used to inject a sealant into a cavity (39) in the sleeve (13) to prevent vapors and flames from passing through the fireproof electrical wire housing (9).

Abstract: An interlocking restraint plastic pipe joining system is shown which features female and male end connections for adjacent lengths of pipe. The female end connection has at least one radially extending indention or protrusion within the mouth opening thereof. The male end connection has at least one radially extending protrusion or indention formed on an exterior surface thereof. The indention and protrusion matingly engage in snap fit fashion as the joint is formed by forcing the male connection axially into the female connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a socket joint for plastic pipes, whereupon a spigot end (1a) of one (1) of the pipes to be connected is inserted in an expanded section (2a) of a socket (2), and an intermediate space (3) situated between the spigot end and the expanded section comprises a housing sealing unit (4) that extends along a considerable part of the length of said intermediate space and that comprises several circular flexible lip seals (6) on its outer and inner circumference. The outer and inner circumference of the sealing unit (4) also comprise several circular support seals (7) which have a substantially smaller compressibility especially in the radial direction than the lip seals (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a male and female couplings which are fitted with each other. A fixing device includes a first and second fixing member of a substantially semicircular cylindrical shape. A hinge device is provided for rotating the first and second fixing members between an opened condition and a closed condition. At the closed condition, the first and second fixing members cooperate to form a recess of a shape corresponding to that of the fitted part of the couplings thereby axially holding the couplings. A releasable lock is constructed by a catch member on the first fixing members and a latch member on the second fixing member. The releasable lock allows the fixing members to be easily engaged and disengaged, thereby increasing productivity during the pipe fitting operation.

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

Abstract: A tube made of plastic with a body in the wall of the tube which body can be pierced by a hypodermic needle. The body has sealing elements extending therefrom. The tube is molded around the body and sealing elements. A tool is provide which includes an upper and lower portions with the body being initially molded in the upper portion and then the portions are rotated 180 degrees and the tube is then molded around the body.

Abstract: The method of joining a coupling member to a pipe end is described. The method is particularly concerned with providing a coupling member on the end of a pipe of composite construction formed from a plurality of helically wound reinforcement strips of steel. The method comprises the steps of forming at least one generally circumferentially directed groove in the outer surface of the pipe wall adjacent the end of the pipe to a depth extending into the reinforcement core, providing a coupling member adapted to fit the end of the pipe overlapping the region of the groove or groove, providing key means to extend between said sleeve and said groove in said pipe, providing a curable resin in the joint area between said pipe and said sleeve and curing said resin to bond said coupling member to said pipe end. The resultant coupling is of increased efficiency in providing both an adhesively bonded and mechanically coupled joint.

Abstract: A hose assembly, an internally threaded member therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hose assembly comprising a flexible hose having opposite ends, an internally threaded member mounted on one of the opposite ends in a manner to swivel thereon to permit the internally threaded member to be finger coupled to an externally threaded part of a liquid dispensing spigot, the internally threaded member having an outer peripheral surface, and an annular member disposed around the internally threaded member in a manner to engage the outer peripheral surface thereof and having an external peripheral surface to be finger engaged for turning the internally threaded member in unison therewith relative to the hose, the annular member comprising a SANTOPRENE material.

Abstract: A female coupling element of the Luer-Lock type for haemodialysis medical equipment comprises an outer tubular body made of a relatively rigid moulded thermoplastic material, and an inner sleeve made of a relatively softer moulded thermoplastic material and axially fitted within the outer body. The outer body and the inner sleeve are freely rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A molded connector for producing a branch connection for a pipeline has two heating windings which are connected to each other and by means of which the weld connection between the pipeline and the molded connector as well as the inserted molded branch part or a pipe is produced simultaneously.

Abstract: A rotatable connector having an enlarged annular flange positioned at the distal end of a tubular body. An annular cap having an aperture is received on the tubular body through the aperture so as to rotatably encircle the tubular body proximal of the retaining flange. A split ring rotatably encircles the tubular body between the retaining flange and the cap. The split ring has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the retaining flange and an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the aperture of the cap. An access chamber positioned at the proximal end of a tubular hub receives the distal end of the tubular body in mating relationship to enable the proximal end of the hub to be ridgedly coupled to the cap. A transfer duct communicating with the access chamber in the tubular hub is rotatably fluid coupled with the passage in the tubular body.

Abstract: An improved plastic push in tube fitting includes a plastic body, an elastomer o-ring for sealing, and a plastic collet. The collet and o-ring are disposed in the body such that a tube can be pushed into the body through the collet and o-ring and held against withdrawal from the body by the collet. The collet is formed entirely of plastic and has a plurality of circumferential sections for encircling a tube pushed into the body. Each of the circumferential sections has a radially inwardly facing circumferential tube gripper. The tube gripper is formed by a ramp which faces a tube being pushed into the body so that the collet will encounter the ramp and move the circumferential sections radially apart. The gripper also includes a circumferential surface which faces away from a tube being pushed into the body. The circumferential ramp and the circumferential surface form a gripper edge at their junction and this edge engages and holds a tube pushed into the body through the collet.

Abstract: Interconnecting short plastic pipe segments, with at least one stub shaft molded onto each pipe segment. A polymer selected from one of the polyolefins, such as polypropylene, is the preferred plastic because of its resistance to chemical erosion and because polypropylene, unlike some other plastics, such as polyvinylchlorides, can be recycled. The pipe segments can be economically molded in segments of about one foot in length, and are rigidly held together by novel load-bearing clamps.

Abstract: A strengthened pipe fitting for connecting to an externally threaded surface and a method for making a strengthened pipe fitting for connecting to an externally threaded surface is provided. The strengthened pipe fitting comprises a pipe fitting having an internally threaded surface initiating from the attachment end and a compression band fitted onto the attachment end of the pipe fitting. The pipe fitting is initially manufactured, in absence of the compression band, to have an internally threaded surface with a pitch diameter larger than that specified for mating with the externally threaded surface. The compression band is then fitted onto the attachment end of the pipe fitting. The compression band is uniquely sized to compress the internally threaded surface sufficiently so that the internally threaded surface of the strengthened pipe fitting mates with the externally threaded member.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for tubing. The coupling includes a tubular male connector member adapted to be telescopically received within a tubular female connector member assembly. The female assembly includes a first member defining a seal bore and a cylindrical socket portion forwardly of the seal bore. A second female member includes a cylindrical portion which plugs into the socket of the first member and is held in position relative to the first member by sonic welding. A plurality of circumferentially spaced feet on the inner end of the second member are positioned proximate the seal to hold the seal in the seal bore and further engage the outer periphery of the pilot portion of the male member to minimize cocking of the male member relative to the female assembly.