Abstract: A vent assembly includes at least one vent having a first end configured to face atmosphere and a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion provided between the first and second ends including a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape, wherein the second end includes a counter bore.

Abstract: In a vibration damper of a turbomolecular vacuum pump, a vacuum tightness function and a vibration damping function are both performed by one or more toroidal rings made of an elastic material. The elastic rings assume a resting configuration while the vacuum pump is not operating and the damper is at atmospheric pressure, and they assume a compressed configuration while the vacuum pump is operating and the damper is under vacuum conditions. In the compressed configuration, the elastic rings are deformed due to a compression force. This deformation of the elastic rings prevents metal-to-metal contact between the vacuum pump and a vacuum chamber to which the pump is connected through the damper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel locking pipe joint for use in fluid-carrying pipe systems. The locking pipe joint of the present invention provides a system of joints that will withstand the stresses and forces imposed on a pipe system carrying fluids during filed conditions. The joint is constructed on a push-fit principle. Sealing rings are used to make the joint leak-proof. Splines are provided to sustain the longitudinal forces imposed on the joint, and longitudinal ribs are provided on the outer surface of the jointed pipes to withstand the torsional loads. The joint is simple in its construction, easy to assemble in field and cost effective.

Abstract: Improved sucker rod joints for down hole petroleum pumping applications are provided within the form factor of standard API sucker rods, such that existing inventory in suitable condition is fully usable in more demanding applications. The pin ends are selected or processed such as to provide preselected axial distance between a flat pin end and at least one reference surface, such as a threaded region or reference shoulder or both. The coupler is dimensioned such that the pin ends are in abutment either with each other or with opposite sides of an intervening torque washer in the central region, when the connection is made to a selected level of thread engagement. Furthermore, the engagement is such as to put the pin ends in compression and the coextensive length of coupler in tension. This increases frictional restraints and locks the elements together to resist fatigue failure upon cycling and to insure together with an anaerobic adhesive sealant, against back threading.

Abstract: The invention protects an at least two component pneumatic coupling. One embodiment contains a spring stop rigidly coupled to one of the pneumatic coupling components, and a spring between the spring stop and a housing. The invention includes a method of protecting pneumatic coupling using an apparatus and the method of making the apparatus. Another embodiment uses a collect clamp coupled to the housing and a collet press matching the collet clamp. Various embodiments apply to trucks and trailers, and other embodiments also apply to rail cars.

Abstract: A positive locking fitting assembly is provided for interconnecting two adjacent structures, such as two modular components of an aircraft. The fitting assembly includes a pair of couplers which attach to the respective modular components, and a transfer tube which interconnects the couplers. Each coupler has a positive locking feature which prevents inadvertent uncoupling during operation. A plurality of redundant seals are incorporated throughout the construction of the fitting assembly which ensures a leak proof relationship not only between the joined pair of modular components, but also through the structure of the elements of the fitting assembly itself.

Abstract: A latching assembly for a first fluid line connector, such as a standard "glad hand" connector, to prevent disengagement of the first fluid line connector from a second fluid line connector with which it is interconnected. The latching assembly includes a latch member that is movable between a locking position, wherein the latch member cooperates with a travel stop of a first retainer coupled with the first fluid line connector to restrict rotational movement on the first fluid line connector, and a release position, wherein the latch member allows disengagement of the first fluid line connector from the second fluid line connector. A structure is provided for biasing the latch member to the locking position.