Abstract: An inventive tubing connector includes a tube (22) having an upset portion (24) receiving within a housing (26). a retainer (30) is positioned between an outer end of the housing and the upset portion to prevent tube removal. A seal (48) within the housing provides a fluid tight seal between the housing and the tube. The seal is preferably formed of toughened fluorosilicone, such that it provides a secure fluid tight seal over a temperature range down to about -50.degree. below zero.

Abstract: An adapter is insertable into an existing fluid line system at a quick connector coupling joint. The adapter has a male section, which is configured to connect to the female connector body of the quick connector coupling, and a female section, which is configured to receive the male member of the existing quick connector coupling. A middle section disposed between the male and female members houses functional elements desired to be added to the fluid line. One such element is a check valve which allows flow in only one direction through the fluid line.

Abstract: A pan used to contain baked goods during a commercial baking process having a circumferential edge flange which is along a same horizontal plane as molds which make up the bottom of the pan, thereby providing added support to the pan when in use during the baking process and while it is stacked on top of other pans for storage purposes. The pan also having a circumferential corrugation feature which increases the ability of the edge flange to withstand shearing and bending stress.

Abstract: A unique fluid connector is disclosed that quickly connects a tube within a housing bore, while providing a strong, fluid tight seal. The tube has axially spaced radially greater diameter upset portions with a sleeve and a locking member trapped between the upset portions. The locking member includes resilient arms which secure the locking member within the housing bore. The sleeve has a notch at an inner axial end which abuts the inner upset portion to retain the tube within the bore. An O-ring is positioned axially inwardly of the upset portion. The sleeve and the inner upset portion both abut the O-ring to provide a fluid tight seal between the tube and the housing. In a unique method, a tube unit is assembled by forming the outer upset portion on the tube. The locking member and sleeve are then moved onto the tube. The inner upset portion is then formed on the tube to secure the locking member and the sleeve on the tube.

Abstract: A tube connection is provided for thin-walled, small calibre metal tubes 15,22, particularly for brake, fuel and hydraulic lines on motor vehicles and for use in refrigeration equipment, with at least one of the metal tubes 15,22 being provided with a flange 14,21 on the end to be connected and the metal tubes 15,22 being encompassed by a sleeve 1,2 in each case, one of which is deformable so as to form a fixed connection between the sleeves 1,2, the deformable sleeve 1 being constructed as an outer sleeve which encircles the other sleeve 2 constructed as an inner sleeve in the assembled condition at least over a portion of its length. The inner sleeve 2 is provided with a circular thicker portion 23 at the end nearest the flange 21 so that a part of the outer sleeve 1 is deformable behind this thicker portion 23 (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.

Abstract: A tube bending fixture having a plurality of tube bending tools, a pedestal for each tube bending tool, a grid plate for supporting each pedestal, and a grid plate support for supporting the grid plates in a predetermined arrangement. The fixture is built from a simulation program of tool selection, tool location and bending sequence. The simulation program is entered into a computer for viewing to insure that the tools are properly selected and properly located to permit operation in the desired sequence without interference. The computer will output a list of the tools needed and a list of coordinates to establish tool location. The bending tools have clamp rolls which are relatively movable between open and closed positions, and when closed define an arcuate groove. A bending roll is provided for bending a tube around the groove.

Abstract: An improved fluid connector has a deformable axially outer ring with latches which retain a tube within a main body of the connection. The outer ring is oval in cross-section, with the latches extending along surfaces spaced across the minor diameter of the oval. Connection portions connect the outer ring to a main body of the connector. The connection portions extend from locations spaced across the major diameter of the oval shape. An upset portion of the tube deforms the latches radially outwardly upon insertion. A removal force may be directed radially inwardly of the outer ring at locations adjacent to the connection portions to cause the latches to bow radially outwardly and allow the tube to be removed from the connector. The inventive connector bears the removal force on the relatively thicker connecting portions, and requires flexing in the relatively thinner outer ring.

Abstract: Two unique quick connect fluid coupling embodiments have a tube inner end which does not contact a seal if the tube is not fully connected. Preferably, a retainer retains the tube within the bore. The retainer is of the avalanche type such that a high force is required to insert the tube, and once this high force is overcome the momentum of the tube carries it to its fully inserted position. No seal is formed between the tube and seals within the housing unless the tube has moved beyond the avalanche point where the high force begins. Once the tube has moved beyond that point, it will be fully connected. The invention ensures that there would be no seal between a tube and a housing unless the tube is fully connected.

Abstract: Clips for retaining tubes in a spaced apart relationship. Each clip has a body with generally U-shaped recesses in which the tubes are received and a retainer cover slidably received on the body and movable from an open position to a closed position overlying the recesses and retaining the tubes therein. The cover is releasably secured in the closed position by a latch and preferably releasably retained on the body by a detent.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant and low torque connector with a brake tube having a flange adjacent a flared end on which an O-ring is received and urged into a sealing engagement with a frusto-conical cavity of a female fitting by a complementarily threaded male fitting received over the tube and bearing on the flange.

Abstract: A fluid connector comprises a pair of retainers, with a first retainer having a pair of resilient legs extending axially and radially inwardly from an axially outer portion of a housing bore. The first retainer abuts a first upset portion on the tube to secure the tube within the housing. A secondary retainer is positioned axially outwardly of the first retainer, and has legs which also abut a second upset portion on the tube also securing the tube within the housing. The secondary retainer legs preferably extend parallel to the axis of the tube, such that they provide a strong resistance force against pull-out of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tube, comprising the application respectively to one side of a metal strip 1 a first layer 2 of a first metal which is brazeable and to the other side of the metal strip 1 a second layer 3 of a second metal which is different from the first metal, and, after application of said layers 2,3, rolling of the strip 1 in order to form a tube having at least two walls.

Abstract: A unique retainer is disclosed having a plurality of resilient arms securing a tube within a housing bore. The arms include a radially inner section having a pair of circumferentially extending braces which increase the strength of the arms. The braces have axial ends which are bent radially outwardly and increase the strength of the arms, and also result in a more consistent, predictable buckling force for the retainer. Arm bends are formed between the arm radially inner section and a radially outer section. The axially outer bends of the braces are generally axially aligned with these arm bends, such that the bends provide a planer surface for positioning the retainer within the housing. Also, "bumps" are defined at a radially inner face of the radially inner sections of the arms to create a high force resisting tube insertion. The bumps are at an angle relative to a central axis that is greater than the angle of the remainder of the radially inner section of the arms.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas recirculation system with a venturi with pressure taps on both sides for indicating and controlling the rate of flow of recirculated exhaust gas. Through an electronic control unit the pressure drop across the venturi is used to control the extent to which a recirculation valve is opened and hence control the flow rate of recirculated gas in response to engine operating conditions. Preferably, the venturi has a frusto-conical entrance and a cylindrical throat.

Abstract: An adjustable recirculation exhaust gas pressure differential venturi and coupler adapted to be coupled between an exhaust and an intake of an automotive-type engine and which receives exhaust gases from the exhaust for recirculation back through the intake. A valve having a chamfered orifice is located within the tubular coupler for controlling the flow of exhaust gases through the coupler thus controlling the pressure differential therein. The coupler is a two piece assembly with a telescopic connection which allows for axial and rotational adjustments.

Abstract: A flexible conduit having a flexible inner tube of a polymer material, a flexible coil of wire received over said inner tube, a flexible outer jacket shrunk onto the coil, and couplings inserted into the ends of both the outer jacket and inner tube. Preferably, the outer jacket is attached to both the coil and the couplings by an adhesive. Preferably, the conduit is made by extruding the inner tube, wrapping the coil of wire around the tube as it is being extruded, telescoping the outer jacket over the coil and tube, inserting the couplings, and heating the outer jacket to shrink it into firm engagement with the coil and to initiate curing of the adhesive on the interior of the outer jacket.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.

Abstract: A tube cutting apparatus designed for use in severing predetermined lengths of stock from a continuously moving workpiece includes a reciprocating carriage assembly on which is supported a driving motor directly connected to a continuously rotating cutting assembly. The workpiece is fed to the cutting assembly through an axially extending bore in the motor shaft. In one embodiment, the driving motor is fitted with end plates having integrally formed guides thereon. The cutting assembly includes a plurality of pneumatically actuated pistons each of which has either a roller or a cutting wheel secured thereto, all of which cooperate to sever the predetermined lengths of stock from the workpiece. The pistons and associated cutting wheels and rollers are designed to be actuated into engagement in response to application of fluid pressure thereto and are retracted by operation of centrifugal force resulting from continuous rotation of the cutting assembly.

Abstract: A return-flow type impeder assembly useful in induction welding of small tubing wherein the impeder is movably disposed within an enclosure member so that the force of liquid coolant flowing through the assembly between the impeder and enclosure maintain same in substantially coaxial relationship without the use of mechanical spacers or the like.