Abstract: A coupling device for circular pipes, in which locking rings, inserted into a body to clamp a circular pipe, are arranged in a pair so that the central line of a circular pipe can be aligned when the circular pipe is inserted. Furthermore, the degree to which the body presses the seal packing can be adjusted so that a reliable seal can be maintained and the circular pipe can be securely coupled no matter who uses the coupling device. A coupling device for corrugated and circular pipes is provided for the case where it is more effective to replace one of the circular pipes with a corrugated pipe. The first coupling section and a connecting means, which can engage with a corrugated pipe, are provided opposite the second coupling section, which is coupled with the circular pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tubular joint comprising an interlocking tip (4) provided with an inner groove (18) for receiving a smooth tip (6) and a sealing liner (8) arranged in the inner groove (18). It also comprises anti-extrusion means (10) adjacent the sealing liner (8) for countering an extrusion of the sealing liner (8) when the latter is subjected to the pressure of a fluid circulating in the tubular joint. The invention is applicable to drinking water distribution pipes.

Abstract: A connector for use in a contaminated environment is provided. The connector includes first and second couplers which are coupled together to produce a fluid path through the connector. Prior to coupling of the first and second couplers, the first and second couplers include plastic caps for minimizing the contaminants on the couplers. Elastomer face seals which can be contaminated are mated against one another compressing to expel contaminants and trapping contaminants between the elastomer face seals. The elastomer face seals are captured between a pair of O-rings. Parts of the elastomer face seals are flushed with fluid as the connector is coupled to further reduce contamination. All internal passages and the elastomer face seals are treated with an antimicrobial compound. The connector vents to the atmosphere during engagement of the first and second couplers such that the connector can operate at a higher pressure with reduced engagement force.

Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching a fuel canister to an appliance such as a torch is provided that comprises a first connector on the canister. The first connector comprises a first set of screw threads where the first set of screw threads are interrupted to define a shape. A second connector is provided on the appliance or torch where the second connector comprises a locking element. The locking element has a matching shape that matches the shape such that the locking element closely receives the first connector when the first connector is in a first orientation relative to the second connector. A method of using the coupling is also provided where the appliance is rotated relative to the canister less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling comprising a receiving part (2) and a fixing part (1) which can be introduced into the receiving part (2), which comprises at least one rear snap-on piece (6) enabling an insertion part (15) to be connected to the receiving part (2) by rear catching a retaining ring (17). The fixing part (1) comprises an annular sleeve (4), wherein each rear snap-on piece (6) and at least one blocking piece (8) are attached by means of a flexible strip (5, 7). After inserting the insertion part (15), each blocking piece (8) is blocked in a radial manner in the inward direction by the insertion part (15) in the movement of the spring by the insertion part (15), such that it is opposite the stop wall (29) of an abutment wall (30). Each rear snap-on piece (6) is covered by a cover wall (27) such that access from the outside to each blocking piece (8) is prevented.

Abstract: A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent one or more conduits comprises a generally cylindrical body defining a recess therein and including first and second end portions for cooperating with an end portion of a conduit. The body includes an opening between the first and second end portions. A sealing door or a test door is selectively positioned in the opening. A diaphragm member including a through hole is provided to be positioned within the body. A valve is operably connected to the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the through hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough. A window for viewing the interior of the body for troubleshooting, diagnosis, etc., may optionally be provided. The opening in the body receives the diaphragm member and the test door when leak-testing a conduit, or the sealing door when connecting one or more conduits in a fluid communication.

Abstract: A device for shielding a coupling includes a generally central opening in which the coupling is disposed and at least one socket hole into which only a thin wall deep socket can operate to engage and disengage a screw into and from said socket hole. The device prevents tampering with the coupling.

Abstract: A pneumatic lockout device is disclosed. The device includes a first disc having a first slot and a first tab, and a second disc having a second slot and a second tab. The first disc is secured to the second disc. The device further includes a pneumatic fitting having a fitting groove positionable within the first slot and the second slot. The pneumatic lockout device is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, while the fitting groove is positioned within the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dialysis coupler assembly comprising a pair of rubber-like elastic tubular couplers, and a pair of joint members for joining the couplers together. Each of the couplers includes an inner channel 14 allowing a connector associated with a medical device to be fitted therein, and a smooth surface 15, 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupler. The couplers are adapted to be joined together through the joint members in such manner that the smooth surfaces are in liquid-tight contact with one another. Each of the joint members is adapted to be attached slidably and rotatably onto corresponding one of the couplers, the joint members having first and second engagement portions, respectively. The first and second engagement portions are disposed opposed to one another and adapted to cooperatively engage the joint members with one another so as to allow the smooth surfaces to be brought into liquid-tight contact with one another.

Abstract: A fuel filler assembly collar comprising: a first semicircular shaped structure having a first pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, each of the terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, a chamber duct in the top edge of the first semicircular structure, and an outer circumferential side separating the top edge and the bottom edge, and an elbow-shaped tubular structure connected to a fuel vapor vent tube; and a second semicircular shaped structure having a second pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, the two terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, and one or mor

Abstract: A removable retaining bracket that prevents removal of a connection fitting from a gas distribution system component is described. The retaining bracket has a base that defines an opening that accepts the connection fitting and prevents removal of the fitting from the gas distribution component. The retaining bracket extends along the gas distribution system component and defines openings in which a securing component is positioned. The openings are positioned to locate the securing component to prevent removal of the retaining bracket.

Abstract: A leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent conduits comprises a generally cylindrical body defining a recess therethrough and including first and second end portions for cooperating with the respective end portions of two adjacent conduits. The body includes an opening between the first and second end portions. A sealing door is provided to be positioned in the opening. A diaphragm member including a through hole is provided to be positioned within the body. A valve is operably connected to the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the through hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. The opening in the body receives the diaphragm member when leak-testing a conduit, or the sealing door when connecting the two conduits in a fluid communication.

Abstract: A stabilizer elbow lock that prevents a seal between a stabilizer elbow and a coupler valve from being broken by engaging at least a portion of the stabilizer elbow and by engaging at least a portion of the coupler valve. In an alternative embodiment, one or more adapters are provided that interface between the lock and the coupler valve and/or interface between the lock and the elbow.

Abstract: A collar for use in a fuel filler assembly comprising: a first semicircular shaped structure having a first pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, each of the terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, an outer circumferential side separating the top edge and the bottom edge; and a second semicircular shaped structure having a second pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, the two terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, wherein the first semicircular shaped structure and the second semicircular shaped structure are locked together at the first and the second pair of

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an air handling duct which includes a plurality of interconnected modules which together made up the duct. The locking mechanism includes a male retainer contained on a frame member of a first module, with the male retainer having a locking arm adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. A complementary female retainer is contained on a frame member of a second module, with the female retainer being in the form of an elongated keyway designed to receive and hold the locking arm in a locked position. Means are provided to move the arm from an unlocked position to a locked position when the male and female retainers are in alignment for locking the modules together.

Abstract: A female element of a quick connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid passes wherein the element includes a body defining a housing for receiving a portion of a male endpiece. A retaining device is operable to selectively retain the endpiece in fitted configuration in the female element and includes a push-button which carries a lock for selectively locking the endpiece in the housing or for preventing the introduction of the endpiece in the housing.

Abstract: A stabilizer elbow lock that prevents a seal between a stabilizer elbow and a coupler valve from being broken by engaging at least a portion of the stabilizer elbow and by engaging at least a portion of the coupler valve. In an alternative embodiment, one or more adapters are provided that interface between the lock and the coupler valve and/or interface between the lock and the elbow.

Abstract: Unwanted separation of an inner cannula from an outer cannula in tracheostomy devices can be achieved by installing a retaining ring which prevents the inner cannula from unwantingly being unlatched from the outer cannula. The retaining ring allows the air supply elbow to be separated which, in turn, permits the sensory alarms to properly sound when a disconnection of the air supply arises.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.

Abstract: A device for shielding a coupling includes a generally central opening in which the coupling is disposed and at least one socket hole into which only a thin wall deep socket can operate to engage and disengage a screw into and from said socket hole. The device prevents tampering with the coupling.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an air handling duct which includes a plurality of interconnected modules which together made up the duct. The locking mechanism includes a male retainer contained on a frame member of a first module, with the male retainer having a locking arm adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. A complementary female retainer is contained on a frame member of a second module, with the female retainer being in the form of an elongated keyway designed to receive and hold the locking arm in a locked position. Means are provided to move the arm from an unlocked position to a locked position when the male and female retainers are in alignment for locking the modules together.

Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.

Abstract: Pipe connection of two pipe ends (3, 4) pushed into a sleeve (1) with a spherical shape (9, 10, 21, 22) between the inside case of the sleeve (1) and the outside case of at least one pipe end (3, 4).

Abstract: This invention relates to a female element of a rapid connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid passes, said element comprising a body defining a housing for receiving a part of a male endpiece and means for locking said endpiece in fitted configuration in said female element. The locking means are controlled by a press-button which bears controlled means, such as a cylinder controlling a bolt, for selectively blocking the locking means in configuration of hold of said part of the endpiece in the housing and/or in a configuration opposing the introduction of a part of an endpiece in said housing.

Abstract: A copper pipe (1) has a circumferential groove (2) formed in an outer wall to receive an O-ring seal (3). The groove (2) is formed a pre-set distance from a free end (5) of the pipe (1). Two pipe lengths are jointed together by a coupling (10) having a housing (11) with pipe seal-receiving seats (15) at each end for receiving the O-ring seal (3) fitted to the pipe (1). Caps (14) screw threadingly engage the housing (11) to clamp the pipe lengths (1) in the housing (11). The fitting can be pre-assembled and used as a push-in fitting with a subsequent tightening by hand.

Abstract: A safety locking coupling assembly in which pull rings on the female coupling unit of a male coupling unit/female coupling unit assembly serve both to release the coupling assembly and to maintain the coupling assembly locked against unintentional disconnection. The pull rings are attached to cam arms which engage the male coupling unit to lock the coupling assembly and are disengaged from the male coupling unit to release the coupling assembly. In the locked condition of the coupling assembly, the pull rings abut against ears on the housing of the female coupling unit to oppose unintended movement of the cam arms from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms. Upon intentional removal of the pull rings from abutment with the ears by an operator and pulling on the pull rings, the cam arms can be moved from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms to disconnect the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A safety locking coupling assembly in which pull rings on the female coupling unit of a male coupling unit/female coupling unit assembly serve both to release the coupling assembly and to maintain the coupling assembly locked against unintentional disconnection. The pull rings are attached to cam arms which engage the male coupling unit to lock the coupling assembly and are disengaged from the male coupling unit to release the coupling assembly. In the locked condition of the coupling assembly, the pull rings abut against ears on the housing of the female coupling unit to oppose unintended movement of the cam arms from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms. Upon intentional removal of the pull rings from abutment with ears by an operator and pulling on the pull rings, the cam arms can be moved from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms to disconnect the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A tuck label construction which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, is capable of being printed by a wide variety of conventional automated printing devices, and which can be printed with automated control systems such as bar codes is provided. In one form, the label includes a face ply having first and second major surfaces and a liner ply having first and second major surfaces. The first surface of the face ply includes an adhesive thereon which is adhered to the first surface of the liner ply, and the first surface of the liner ply contains a release agent thereon. Each of the face and liner plies includes a pair of end panels having center panels therebetween, with the end panels on the face ply being defined by lines of weakness between the end panels and the center panel on the face ply, and the end panels on the liner ply being Separated from the center panel on the liner ply.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for resisting the removal of any or all of the fueling components 12 from a gasoline dispenser 10 that are coupled by a fitting 21 with a nut portion 22. The apparatus includes a pair of inner pieces 26 of suffient width to cover the nut portion 22, and which have an inside edge 28 that fits tightly around the nut portion; and a pair of outer pieces 54 which when fastened together rotatably mount over the inner pieces.

Abstract: A quick action coupling is provided of male and female coupling parts in which spherical camming members are loosely retained in a multiplicity of circumferentially disposed openings extended radially through the wall portion of the female coupling member. An axially movable collar surrounding the cylindrical wall portion of the female coupling member has an internally disposed camming surface portion which is configured to cam the spherical members radially inwardly upon movement of the collar in the direction of the open end of the coupling member. The male coupling member is provided with an annular end portion interfacing with a compressible sealing ring in the female coupling portion and further has an upwardly open groove disposed in alignment with the spherical members when the end surface portion is in interfacing relationship with the sealing ring.

Abstract: An improved gladhand security lock apparatus is locked to a gladhand brake line coupler to immobilize a trailer. The body of the security lock apparatus is formed with an abutment surface from which depends a clevis wall and a retainer turned back from the clevis wall and spaced from the abutment surface forming a tongue receiving bight. A guard plate is formed on an end of the body and a clip with an upturned rail member is formed parallel to the guard plate and spaced therefrom. The security lock apparatus is attached to the gladhand coupler so that a tongue of the gladhand is received in the tongue receiving bight, the abutment surface of the security lock apparatus overlies a port of the gladhand coupler, and a retainer flange formed on the gladhand coupler is received between the guard plate and the clip. The security lock apparatus body comprises a barrel. A lock housing is formed in a bore in the barrel perpendicular to and confronting a keeper bolt positioned in a keeper bolt receiving bore.

Abstract: A security seal device is shown formed of plastic material generally in the shape of two hollow half cylinders connected together by a longitudinally extending living hinge and having apertured end faces. Spaced, opposed lips are formed in laterally extending shelves attached to each half and a locking pin is received between the lips and projections formed in the pin received in detents formed in the lips to lock the two halves together. The device is used by placing a joint formed between first and second members within one of the halves with the first and second members placed through respective end face apertures. The other half is then pivoted to close the cylinder and the locking pin is inserted. The device can then be reopened only through physical damage by breaking the seal.

Abstract: A fuel shroud system has a chamber for draining leaked fuel. The chamber is partly defined by a drain can and a sealing ferrule having a spherical sealing ferrule/drain can interface. The spherical interface allows rotation of the drain can relative to the sealing ferrule about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ferrule, thereby facilitating installation of the drain can. The sealing ferrule also includes an anti-torquing nut to enable the sealing ferrule to be held rigid while the swivel nut is being torqued, thereby preventing torsional static preloads from being applied to the piping system during installation.

Abstract: A tamper-evident cap structure cooperates with a one-way, anti-disconnect strap so that the cap can be screwed onto or secured to the service port of an air-conditioning system, and the anti-disconnect strap can be then looped around both the cap and the refrigerant flow pipe supporting the service port. The anti-disconnect strap can form a permanent part of the cap, or it can be removably secured to the cap; in either case unauthorized entry is indicated by the need to break or sever the strap. Also provided with the anti-disconnect strap is an identity tag upon which the identity of the service organization and date of service can be recorded when a new cap-and-strap assembly is used.

Abstract: A gladhand structure arranged for pneumatic communication between first and second conduits includes confronting and interlocking housings, with the housings including projecting flanges extending in a parallel relationship relative to one another, with the flanges arranged to receive a U-shaped locking rod structure to secure the housings together preventing their disassembly and misalignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure unit for a container suited to filling and dispensing a beverage stored under a pressuring gas. The closure unit comprises a bush from which is disposed a tubular element mounting two concentric valves and a siphon tube which extends into the container. The bush is locked into place in the neck of the container by a threaded locking sleeve which sandwiches a deformable ring between it and the bush. The ring and locking sleeve have respective intermeshing saw toothed profiles which allow locking to occur. This prohibits gas flow from the container between the neck and the bush. Upon unlocking, the profile in the ring becomes fractured thereby depressuring the container.

Abstract: An adapter ring which screws onto a gas tank fill fitting to cover the standard threads on the fitting and provided customized non-standard threads to prevent suppliers without matching fill hose couplings from connecting their supply hose outlet fittings to the fill fittings of tanks which they are not authorized to use. The adapter rings are fastened in place with a thread damaging member which will damage the threads on the fill fitting if there is an attempt to unscrew the adapter ring.

Abstract: A closure (20) for an outdoor hose bibb (24) is provided. A cap (30) engages the hose bibb threaded spout (46). A lip (52) on a collar (32) passes through a slot (50) in the cap and abuts the narrowed spout (54) above the spout threads. The cap and collar are coupled by a hook (60) engaging a handle (62) and by holes (84,88) in tabs (66,64) extending from the cup and the collar. The shackle (70) of a lock (34) passes through the tab holes.

Abstract: Nuts used in a conventional tube union connector are prevented from rotating, which would compromise the connector, by mounting a pair of resilient clips over the nuts, the clips having elongated serrated latch members which interlock together to prevent such loosening. This lightweight device is quickly installed and requires no special installation tooling.

Abstract: Opposed ends of two tubular members are relatively displaced toward opposite sides of an annular seal to deform the seal and reduce the seal bore into approximate or actual alignment with the tubular members bore.

Abstract: A safety enclosure for gas line fittings is disclosed. The enclosure comprises a generally cylindrical housing formed to easily enclose and identify fittings on gas lines containing dangerous or toxic gases. The enclosures identify the potentially dangerous fittings and prevent opening of the fittings while the enclosure is in place.

Abstract: A pipe thread sealant paste composition comprising from about 30 to about 80 percent by weight of natural flake graphite particles of a size sufficient to pass through a 100 Tyler mesh sieve and a liquid carrier comprising a mixture of mineral oil and petrolatum, the paste composition preferably having a total ash content of no greater than about 1 percent by weight and containing leachable chlorides in amounts equal to or less than about 50 parts per million. The invention also relates to a method for preparing and applying the pipe thread sealant paste to pipe joints.

Abstract: A lockout device (10) for a male hose fitting (54) has a body (14) with a bore (22) extending therethrough. A moveable sleeve member (32) is mounted on the body. A plurality of holding balls (30) extend into the bore. In a first position of the sleeve, the balls fully extend into the bore, and in a second position of the sleeve the balls are enabled to move radially outward. A hole (50) in the body enables a loop (52) of a conventional lock (12) to extend through the body. When the lock is installed the sleeve is held in the first position. With the lock removed the sleeve may be moved to the second position and the male hose fitting inserted into the bore. Once the hose fitting is inserted, the sleeve member is returned to the first position and the lock extended through the body. The male hose fitting cannot be removed from the device or connected to a source of compressed air as long as the lock remains installed on the lockout device.

Abstract: A locking device suitable for use in a gun to prevent unauthorized use of the gun includes a key operated lock (3) operable to expand a ring (8) into locking engagement with the gun chamber. In order to prevent removal of the device by applying force to the muzzle end of the device locking pins (14) are mounted in radial bores (11) to be driven radially outwardly by a tapered piston (18) if the piston is driven away from the muzzle end. An explosvie cartridge (23) is detonated by a firing pin (25) if force is applied to an end plate (26) thereby driving the piston in the desired manner.

Abstract: Opposed ends of two tubular members are relatively displaced toward opposite sides of an annular seal to deform the seal and reduce the seal bore into approximate or actual alignment with the tubular members bore.

Abstract: Contact surfaces of a water meter (1) and a base (2) of a meter support (3) comprising a water inlet duct (4) and a water outlet duct (5) are each bordered by an annular shoulder (6, 7). An assembly ring (8) is provided so as to keep the two annular shoulders (6, 7) in contact, this ring (8) comprising slits (9) separating a series of elastic fingers (10). The ring (8) comprises moreover on its inner face an annular groove (11) complementing the two annular shoulders (6, 7). A rigid collar (15) force-fitted onto the elastic fingers (10) and bearing against outwardly projecting lugs (12) at the ends thereof keeps the annular groove (11) against the annular shoulders (6, 7) which are in contact.

Abstract: A universal expansion connection (32) couples a water meter (10) to an outlet pipe (30). The expansion connection (32) comprises a threaded expansion tube (36), a threaded packer (38) and a lock case (40). The threaded packer (38) is threaded onto the expansion tube (36), which has been installed on an outlet (34) on the meter (10). The lock case (40) is then positioned over and onto the packer (38) such that a driver dog (63) on the packer (38) matches a driver dog recess (64) in the case (40). By holding the expansion tube (36) from turning, the lock case (40) is turned to unscrew the threaded packer (38) from the tube (36). The unscrewing action forces the packer (38) into the internal surface (68) of the lock case (40), as well as forcing the threads (58) into the threads (54) on the tube (36 ). When the lock case (40) has been sufficiently unscrewed, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the meter (10) and the outlet pipe (30).

Abstract: A serrated collar having an inner flange portion adapted to be trapped between the nut and threaded adapter of a Rosan fitting and an outer flange portion having a hole for accommodating a lock or safety wire that is splined to the outer spline of the lock ring for obviating the necessity of locating the lock wire hole directly into the casing.

Abstract: A threaded packer (40) is inserted into a first enlarged end (52) of an expansion tube (31). Driver dogs (50) on the threaded packer (40) mesh with dog recesses (54) on the expansion tube (31). The threaded packer (40) and the expansion connection (31) are then threaded onto an outlet pipe (30) on a water meter (10) to interconnect the meter (10) to an inlet (26) and outlet pipe (28). By securely holding the meter (10) the expansion tube (31) may be turned away from the tube (31) with a wrench (70), which forces the packer (40) into the tube (31). By forcing the packer (40) into the tube (31), the tube (31) is pushed into the inlet and outlet butt compression joints creating fluid tight joints. A case (37) is then installed over the expansion connection (32) and is secured in place with a locking pin (68 ) and a locking bar (67).