Abstract: A universal connection socket includes in one embodiment a plurality of spaced radially inwardly projecting barbs spanning opposite sides of a circumferential O-ring receiving groove and dimensioned to grip, when crimped, a fluid conduit in sealable engagement within the socket. In another embodiment of the invention, an annular recess adjacent the O-ring groove releasably receives a locking sleeve for a push-type connector for compressing the O-ring during insertion of a conduit. The sleeve is subsequently partially withdrawn and has an inwardly extending locking barb to engage the conduit, lockably holding the conduit in place. An outwardly extending gripping edge cams the locking barb as a locking wedge is inserted between the end of the socket and the annular flange of the sleeve.

Abstract: A swivel attachment and/or branch line restraint device with angular versatility and mobility for facilitating connection of installation components to support a pipe or other load relative to a support surface is provided. Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide a plurality of rotational or swivel degrees of freedom, which are substantially independently controllable, for its mating portions, which respectively engage corresponding mating portions of other installation components. The device embodiments can desirably be configured in male-female, male-male or female-female arrangements to enhance device utility and/or versatility, thereby advantageously allowing for use in a myriad of applications and installations, such as construction, utilities and the like, among others, to reliably support loads.

Abstract: A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.

Abstract: A swivel attachment and/or branch line restraint device with angular versatility and mobility for facilitating connection of installation components to support a pipe or other load relative to a support surface is provided. Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide a plurality of rotational or swivel degrees of freedom, which are substantially independently controllable, for its mating portions, which respectively engage corresponding mating portions of other installation components. The device embodiments can desirably be configured in male-female, male-male or female-female arrangements to enhance device utility and/or versatility, thereby advantageously allowing for use in a myriad of applications and installations, such as construction, utilities and the like, among others, to reliably support loads.

Abstract: An offset hanger has a central retainer portion, a first leg and a second leg. The central retainer portion defines a segment of a generally cylindrical shape and retains a conduit, pipe, tube or the like.

Abstract: A one-piece hanger is formed with a pair of spaced segments or legs joined by an end wall. Each segment has a recess formed in an edge which is open towards the recess on an edge of the opposite segment. The two recesses are aligned so as to create a substantially full opening to receive a pipe. The hanger may be positioned on a pipe with the segments extending substantially parallel to the pipe axis, and the hanger can then be rotated about 90° so that the pipe extends through the substantially full opening formed by the recesses. The hanger end is formed with mounting holes.

Abstract: A push-in plumbing connector includes a ring seal, a backing member, a threaded seal compression member, and a locking ring insert which moves between a locked and unlocked position for the insertion and locking of a pipe within the connector. The connector cooperates with a threaded socket of a plumbing fitting having a tapered side wall for engaging the seal which surrounds a pipe inserted into the connector.

Abstract: An offset hanger has a central retainer portion, a first leg and a second leg. The central retainer portion defines a segment of a generally cylindrical shape. A center axis is defined along the center of the generally cylindrical shape. A first pair of gussets extends from the central retainer portion to the first leg. A second pair of gussets extends from the central retainer portion to the second leg. Each pair of gussets comprises at least two gussets that are spaced apart in the axial direction of the generally cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing a plumbing manifold for use in a water system in which the manifold after molding is subjected to cross-linking high energy radiation. The manifold is made by polyethylene or a metallocene polyethylene.

Abstract: A seismic bracing assembly has a first subassembly and a second subassembly that are connected by a sleeve. The first subassembly has a structural yoke used to secure the first subassembly to a structural member. The second subassembly has another yoke used to secure the second subassembly to an anchoring member. The first and second subassembly have a sufficient length to allow rough in assembly of the two subassemblies with the sleeve that couples them together.

Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.

Abstract: An O-ring has a flange which includes a plurality of slots, such that, when inserted into an annular groove of a pipe fitting before crimping, the slots allow the flow of fluid therethrough, such that an installation would not pass pressure tests until such time as a proper crimp has been made. Such a design allows the use of conventional push-on pipe connections by utilizing a unique O-ring seal which works in conjunction with standard push-on crimp-type pipe fittings and conventional crimping tools for subsequently sealing the connection. The O-ring is either circular or elliptical in cross section and the slots define equally spaced annular segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retrofit connector for fast attachment to an existing system that supports a suspended load below a ceiling, beam or floor without the need to disassemble or disconnect any components of the system. Advantageously, the connector is easy to install and inexpensive to manufacture. The connector is removably or permanently attachable to a sway brace clamp or attachment to form a pivotable connector-clamp assembly. The assembly is capable of reliably supporting heavy loads against adverse sway and seismic disturbances.

Abstract: A clevis hanger has an upper strap and a lower strap. The upper strap can be supported by a hang rod or the like. The lower strap and the upper strap can be snapped open and snapped closed such that the lower strap can be secured to the upper strap without additional hardware.

Abstract: An offset hanger has a central retainer portion, a first leg and a second leg. The central retainer portion defines a segment of a generally cylindrical shape. A center axis is defined along the center of the generally cylindrical shape. A first pair of gussets extends from the central retainer portion to the first leg. A second pair of gussets extends from the central retainer portion to the second leg. Each pair of gussets comprises at least two gussets that are spaced apart in the axial direction of the generally cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An adapter integrates a tail piece and connection for coupling to plumbing fittings utilizing a union nut or flange and provides a press-fit connection to the tail piece for installation in the system. The method of manufacturing the adapter comprises the steps of forming a flange on a section of conduit; placing a threaded union nut or mounting flange over the flange fitting; roll-forming an internal, concave annular recess into the section of conduit extending from the nut and inserting an O-ring into the recess for completing the adapter. The adapter can then be sealably attached to a plumbing fitting, such as a valve or the like, utilizing a conventional flat gasket between the flange of the adapter and the plumbing fitting. The installation is completed by inserting a conduit into the adapter to clear the O-ring and crimping the bead formed by the recess to complete the sealed connection.

Abstract: A ball valve has a ball with resilient, opposed facing spaced-apart locking arms which engage a stem having outwardly projecting flanges to allow the stem to be inserted externally into the valve body and locked to the opposed locking arms of the ball. In one embodiment, the stem and ball include an interengaging keyway and correspondingly shaped rib for positive coupling of the ball to the stem.

Abstract: A one-piece hanger is formed with a pair of spaced segments or legs joined by an end wall. Each segment has a recess formed in an edge which is open towards the recess on an edge of the opposite segment. The two recesses are aligned so as to create a substantially full opening to receive a pipe. The hanger may be positioned on a pipe with the segments extending substantially parallel to the pipe axis, and the hanger can then be rotated about 90° so that the pipe extends through the substantially full opening formed by the recesses. The hanger end is formed with mounting holes.

Abstract: A one-piece hanger is formed with a pair of spaced segments or legs joined by an end wall. Each segment has a recess formed in an edge which is open towards the recess on an edge of the opposite segment. The two recesses are aligned so as to create a substantially full opening to receive a pipe. The hanger may be positioned on a pipe with the segments extending substantially parallel to the pipe axis, and the hanger can then be rotated about 90° so that the pipe extends through the substantially full opening formed by the recesses. The hanger end is formed with mounting holes.