Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive exhaust system components in an exhaust system for a vehicle. An inner liner tube is concentrically received by an outer liner tube. A substantially porous, non-sealing, vibration absorbing spacer member is arranged between the liner tubes where they overlap, to preclude direct contact between the liner tubes. The spacer member is non-sealing to preclude deterioration while minimizing interference with the reciprocation and articulation of the liner tubes. A flexible, resilient sealing member, such as a bellows, mechanically and sealingly connects the liner tubes at their distant non-overlapped ends, to prevent escape of exhaust gases. The liner tubes and the spacer member are provided with a non-circular, preferably polygonal or lobed, cross-sectional configurations, for providing protection of the bellows from torsional forces being propagated from one of the exhaust system components, toward the other.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling exhaust connector is provided having a flange for mounting the connector to a flange or housing surface of an exhaust system component, such as an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. A liner tube is resiliently supported in the flange, by a vibration damping resilient metal mesh ring. A bellows is sealingly connected to the liner tube and the flange, in order to provide flexible sealing of the connector, for substantially precluding escape of exhaust gases from the joint when the connector is in place.

Abstract: Accumulators/compensators for pressurized fluent material systems are provided, in which a continuous substantially non-permeable, flexible membrane (like a bellows) surrounds or is surrounded by a non-gaseous support medium, all within a surrounding housing. Various combinations of support media, which may include internal gas-filled cavities, are described and illustrated.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive lengths of fluid transmission member in an exhaust system for a vehicle. A pipe inner member is insertingly received in the adjacent ends of two pipe adapter members which are affixed to respective adjacent pipe ends. A first spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of one of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A second spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of the other of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A flexible, extensible sealing member mechanically connects the adapter members, and, in turn, the pipe ends. Biasing means are provided for imparting an axial bias or preload to the coupler apparatus, for providing progressive resistance to compression of the coupler apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible, high pressure gas safety hose assembly is provided. The safety hose assembly has a tube with a first end and a second end, and a metal braid covering the tube. The hose assembly also has an inner fitting connected about the tube at the first end and at the second end, respectively, as well as a spiral spring guard wrapped around the braid covering the tube. An connection fitting having an integral inner flange is provided at the first end and at the second end of the tube. A collar is crimped over the spring guard to secure the spring guard to the integral inner flange of the connection fitting at the first end and at the second end of the tube. A method of manufacturing a safety hose assembly without welding is also provided.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling connector apparatus, for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an annular vibration damping member connecting a down pipe to a mounting member for permitting restricted axial, lateral and angular movement of the down pipe, relative to the mounting member, which may be affixed to an exhaust manifold, for example. The apparatus also includes a sealing construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. First and second adapter members are connected together to accommodate axial and flexural relative movement between two components of an exhaust system. One or more resilient spacer members associated with the adapter members substantially preclude transmission of vibrations from one adapter member to another. Means for imparting an axial bias are provided for giving progressive resilient resistance to compression and/or extension of the coupler apparatus from a preloaded, neutral position.

Abstract: A flexible connector apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an attachment construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows to at least one of the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus may include a liner tube structure having inlet and outlet liner tubes. An alternative construction incorporates a multi-ply bellows in the absence of a liner structure.

Abstract: Flexible connector systems are provided for decoupling vibrations between two components of an exhaust system of a vehicle, for example an exhaust manifold and an exhaust down pipe. The flexible connector systems are configured for providing sealed, substantially leak-proof connections which are capable of accommodating axial elongation and contraction, as well as pivoting movements of one component, relative to another component. The flexible connector systems include mating structures which are configured to mate with existing manifold outlet formations, with little or no modification of the exhaust manifold configuration. Ball joint structures and/or resilient mounting materials are used for accommodating pivoting movements. Bellows are provided for accommodating elongation and contraction, while providing sealing enclosure of pipe elements transporting the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A flexible supply line to connect media transporting underground supply lines includes a metal corrugated bellows, a connection member at each end of the metal bellows and a flexible wrap wrapped along the metal bellows and the connection members. The invention also includes a method for attaching the wrap to the metal bellows.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive lengths of pipe in an exhaust system for a vehicle. A pipe inner member is insertingly received in the adjacent ends of two pipe adapter members which are affixed to respective adjacent pipe ends. A first spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of one of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A second spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of the other of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A flexible, extensible sealing member mechanically connects the adapter members, and, in turn, the pipe ends.

Abstract: A thermal isolation coupling system for attaching a high-temperature fluid-bearing tube to an aperture in a housing, in which a separate low temperature flow is established. Locking means attaches the tube end to the housing, in a particular desired position relative to the aperture. A tube support member connects the tube end to the locking means and facilitates positioning of the extreme tip of the tube end in the low temperature flow, in substantially non-heat conducting isolation from the aperture and the housing.