Abstract: A coupling comprising an outer socket or receptacle part having an internal opening, and a nipple or insert part which is sized to be inserted into the opening of the receptacle part. The receptacle and insert parts are provided with outer and inner lock ring grooves, respectively, which are substantially aligned in the radial direction when the parts are assembled. A garter spring is located in and extends between the two grooves when the parts are assembled in order to lock the parts together. The groove of one of the two parts has an arcuate surface and the radius of the surface is substantially the same as the radius of the coils of the spring, whereby the arcuate surface supports the coils and retards flattening of the coils. The groove of the other of the two parts has a surface which overlies the spring and holds the spring in place in the grooves even if the spring should break.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a releasable quick-connect fitting, comprising an insert having an annular lock groove and an annular release groove in the outer periphery thereof, the release groove having a smaller diameter than the lock groove. A receptacle has a bore for receiving the insert and an annular bore groove is formed in the bore. An annular retainer is mounted in one of the lock and release grooves and movable to the other of the grooves. The insert is movable to a lock position in the receptacle wherein the lock and bore grooves are substantially in radial alignment and the retainer extends into said lock and bore grooves, and movable to a release position in the receptacle wherein the release and bore grooves are substantially in radial alignment and the retainer extends into the release groove.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and method for forming a hose and fitting assembly. The fitting comprises a nipple and a socket. One end of the nipple is inserted into the end of a length of hose and the other end of the nipple is attachable to another part such as a swivel connector. The socket is mounted around the nipple and the end of the hose, and the socket is crimped. A first part of the socket is crimped into engagement with the hose, a second part is crimped into direct engagement with the nipple, and a third part of the socket is crimped to form wrench flats. The apparatus for assembling the hose and fitting comprises a die set and a mechanism for forcing the dies of the set against the socket. Each die comprises first, second and third parts which respectively engage and crimp the first, second and third parts of the socket.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a crimp head for a crimp machine particularly suited for crimping hose and fitting assemblies, the head comprising two die halves which are movable on a line of movement toward and away from each other. Each of the die halves comprises a web and a support for the web, and each web forms a plurality die guideways. The head further comprises a set of substantially identical dies, half of the dies being slidably mounted in the guideways of each web. The halves are movable on the line between an open position wherein a fitting to be crimped may be mounted on a fitting axis between the halves, and a crimp position wherein the halves close together and crimp the fitting. The fitting axis is substantially perpendicular to the line of movement of the halves, and the dies are movable in the webs radially of the axis. Each half further comprises a pusher having a V-shaped surface for engaging the dies and pushing them against the fitting.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a machine for attaching a fitting to a length of hose by crimping. The machine comprises a base plate and a die set which is positioned on and supported by the base plate. A power unit is mounted above the base plate and the die set, the unit including a movable ram and a ram extension which is pivotably connected to the ram. A die bowl is positioned over the die set, and the power unit is operable to drive the ram extension against the die bowl, this action crimping a fitting positioned in the die set. The ram extension is attached to the ram for pivotal movement on an axis that is perpendicular to the ram movement, so that the extension is movable up and away from the die set. The die set includes a die plate and die segments on the plate, and the die bowl is positioned around the segments. The die bowl is separable from the die set, and a spacer ring is attachable to the bowl to achieve different crimp diameters for a given die set.

Abstract: A releasable quick-connect coupling comprises tubular nipple and socket parts. The nipple is formed by a metal tube and a sleeve on the outer periphery of the tube, the sleeve being retained by beads formed on the tube. A locking ring is mounted in an annular groove formed in the sleeve. The socket includes a tubular adapter and a nut threaded on one end of the adapter. An annular lock groove is formed between the nut and the adjacent end of the adapter, and the groove receives the outer periphery of the locking ring when the parts are assembled. A seal is provided between the adapter and the tube. To disassemble the coupling, the nut is first partially unthreaded from the adapter to release the seal and thereby equalize the pressure. Then the nut is completely unthreaded, thereby releasing the locking ring and the nipple. The locking ring may be removed from the sleeve so that the nut may be removed from the nipple.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for making fluid flow connections. The apparatus comprises a tubular metal member having first and second ends. The first end is mechanically formed to the shape of one part of a two part quick-connect coupling, the one part being integrally formed on the first end of the member. The second end is mechanically formed to the shape of another fitting part which is also integral with the member. The portion of the member between the two ends is shaped to follow a desired path in order to interconnect other components.The one part of the quick-connect coupling preferably forms a tubular receptacle having an annular internal groove, a snap ring in the groove, and a relatively viscous fluid at least partially filling the groove around the ring.The disclosure also relates to a method of making and assembling apparatus as described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hose including a tube and a braided wire reinforcement covering the tube. The wire braid includes a plurality of interwoven strands of wires, and each strand includes a plurality of wires having a uniform tension and a twist of from approximately one turn for each two and one-half to three inches. Further, each of the wires of the strand is preformed to produce a helical tension spring configuration, and the strands are braided under a relatively high tension. The hose is made by a method including the steps of preformng wires to produce the helical tension spring configuration, combining a plurality of such wires under a uniform tension and twisting such wires to form strands, and braiding a plurality of such strands under high tension.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a quick connect coupling including a tubular socket or receptacle part having an internal groove formed therein, a tubular nipple or insert part having an external groove formed thereon, and a snap ring. The nipple is insertable into the socket and when so inserted the two grooves are radially aligned. The snap ring is mounted in and extends between the two grooves to lock the socket and the nipple in assembled relation. Prior to final assembly, the snap ring is positioned in the socket groove, and in the space within the socket groove and around the snap ring is applied a relatively viscous fluid. This fluid, which may be a grease, holds the snap ring in the desired position in the groove prior to and during assembly, and it also serves as a lubricant on the ring which facilitates the assembly of the parts.The disclosure also describes the method of assembly of the coupling.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fluid coupling including a nipple, an adapter sleeve, and a U-shaped clip for fastening the nipple and the sleeve together. The nipple has an annular rectangular-shaped groove therein and the sleeve has two circular bores therethrough. The inner part of the clip that engages the groove has a generally rectangular shape to match the groove, and the outer part of the clip is curved to match the curvature of the bores. The sides of the clip are treated to improve their resistance to deformation and stress failure.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a fitting and with a method of assembling such a fitting with a hose. The fitting includes a socket-nipple and a set of exchangeable inserts. The socket-nipple forms an annular space which receives an end section of a hose, and the insert is positioned within the annular space and around the end section of the hose. Each socket-nipple is manufactured for use with a particular hose size (the inner diameter of the hose) and is provided in combination with a set of inserts of different thicknesses and designs, the inserts being matched for use with different hose types and thicknesses. Prior to assembly of the hose and fitting, a fastener may be secured to the hose in the instance where the hose has a reinforcement. The fastener prevents the reinforcement from flaring and it forms part of the completed hose and fitting assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fireguard for protecting a hose or an assembly of a hose and fittings. The fireguard includes a layer or tube of a silicone compound which is positioned around the hose, and a metal shroud or sleeve which encloses the layer of silicone compound. The silicone compound and the shroud protect the hose at normal temperatures and for a short length of time at a high temperature. In the event the high temperature persists for a length of time, the silicone compound decomposes to a layer of silica ash, which is held in place between the shroud and the hose, and the ash forms an excellent heat insulation for an extended time. The shroud is preferably flexible so that the hose may be bent, and the fireguard preferably also includes another layer of the silicone compound and a collar around each hose fitting.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus for and a method of testing a plurality of hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems. Each such system has a hose connected in it and the hose terminates in a valved fitting. All of the fittings are releasably attached to a subassembly which in turn is attached to center member or a manifold. When the systems are to be tested, a test fixture is attached to the center member, such attachment automatically opening the valved fittings. The test fixture also includes valved fittings identical with those connected in the systems. All of the fittings are opened by attachment of the test fixture, and the appropriate tests are then carried out. When the systems are not being tested, the test fixture is removed and a protective cover is applied to the center member in place of the fixture.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus and method for simultaneously making a plurality of connections between different pneumatic or hydraulic systems, or between parts of each systems, and for testing such systems. The systems, or parts thereof, include groups of hose fittings, and the apparatus includes two or more sub-assemblies and a central connecting member. Each sub-assembly is releasably attached to the fittings of a group, and all of the sub-assemblies are then secured to the central connecting member to form a complete assembly. The central connecting member has a plurality of fluid passages formed therein which interconnect the fittings, thus forming fluid connections between the systems or parts thereof. The passages in the connecting member may also be arranged to interconnect fittings of a single group. Each sub-assembly may be separately used to test the system, or part thereof, associated with the fittings attached to it.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a fitting designed to be secured to an end of a flexible hose of the type including an inner tube surrounded by a wire reinforcement. The fitting includes a nipple, a sleeve and a socket. The nipple has a tubular part which is inserted into the end of the inner tube. The sleeve includes an insert part that is positioned between the end of the inner tube and the wire, and the socket is located around the tubular part of the nipple and around the sleeve. The socket is attached to the nipple, and the end of the wire reinforcement is clamped between the socket and the outer surface of the sleeve. The end of the inner tube is located in a pocket formed between the nipple and the insert part. During assembly of the fitting, the socket causes deformation of the insert part of the sleeve and initial compression on the end of the inner tube which is in the pocket. This initial compression combined with barbs formed on the insert, serve to secure the end of the tube in the pocket.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus for simultaneously making a plurality of connections between different pneumatic or hydraulic systems, or between parts of each systems. The systems, or parts thereof, include groups of hose fittings, and the apparatus includes two or more sub-assemblies and a central connecting member. Each sub-assembly is releasably attached to the fittings of a group, and all of the sub-assemblies are then secured to the central connecting member to form a complete assembly. This member has a plurality of fluid passages formed therein which interconnect the fittings, thus forming fluid connections between the systems or parts thereof. The passages in the connecting member may also be arranged to interconnect fittings of a single group. Each sub-assembly may be separately used to test the system, or part thereof, associated with the fittings attached to it.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with an air cooler and cleaner which receives compressed air coming from an air compressor and removes the moisture content, lubricant oil, solid particles and other contaminants which may be entrained in the air. The air cooler and cleaner includes a tubular metal housing, an upper housing closure and a lower housing closure. Sheet metal cooling fins having housing-receiving openings and cylindrical spacer and heat-conductor collars around said openings are heat shrunk onto the housing in firm thermally conductive contact therewith, the fins being in spaced relation to each other. A swirl chamber is provided in the lower portion of the housing and a cooling chamber is provided in the upper portion of the housing. The swirl chamber has a tangential air inlet for rapidly spinning the air therein. An inverted cylindrical cup-like air director is mounted within the cooling chamber for directing the air against and along the wall of the cooling chamber in a thin layer.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus for holding in place a coiled spring guard on a tubular member such as a hose, tubing or fitting. The apparatus includes a clip which is fastened to one end of the guard and a clamp which encircles the tubular member and the clip and holds the clip in place on the member. The clip has a hook formed at one end thereof, which hooks under a coil or loop of the spring guard, the hooked coil being displaced from the endmost coil of the guard. The center portion of the clip extends over the top of the endmost coils, and the opposite end of the clip is fastened to the hose by a clamp. The clip may be shaped to fit a spring guard made from circular cross-sectional wire or from flat cross-sectional wire.

Abstract: An air cooler and cleaner for cooling compressed-air coming from an air-compressor and for removing the moisture content thereof and for removing lubricant oil and solid particles and other contaminants which may be entrained therein. The air cooler and cleaner includes a tubular aluminum housing and an upper housing-closure and a lower housing-closure. Sheet-aluminum cooling fins having housing-receiving openings and cylindrical spacer and heat-conductor collars around said openings heat-shrunk onto the housing in firm thermally-conductive contact therewith and spacing the fins in relation to each other. A swirl-chamber in the lower portion of the housing and a cooling-chamber in the upper portion of the housing. The swirl-chamber has a tangential air-inlet for rapidly spinning the air therein. An inverted cylindrical cup-like air-director within the cooling-chamber for directing the air against and along the wall of the cooling-chamber in a thin layer.