Abstract: A gang mower for garden tractors includes a frame, a hitch and either three, five or seven reel-type mower units attached to the frame. The frame is attached to each of the mower units higher than the rear roller axis of the mower unit, lower than the forward wheel axis of the mower unit and a sufficient distance away from the forward axis that a majority of the frame's weight is supported by the rollers rather than the forward wheels of the reel-type mowers. In action, the frame pushes the reel-type mowers forward when the frame is pulled forward by a garden tractor. The attachment and distribution of weight assures that the rear rollers of each of the individual mower units is always in contact with the ground. At the same time, the forward drive wheels are leveraged downward in order to insure sufficient friction to turn the mower blades without the inclusion of unnecessary and undesirable weight.

Abstract: A dual containment fitting comprises an intermediate annular body having a bore therethrough and an outside surface including a nose portion at one end and a threaded portion adjacent the nose portion. The bore includes a threaded portion opposite the nose portion, a collar adjacent the threaded portion, a sleeve adjacent the collar, and an annular shoulder between the sleeve and collar. An annular fitting body has a bore therethrough and an outside surface including a nose portion at one end that is inserted into a flared end portion of an inner tube, and a threaded portion adjacent the nose portion. The nose portion of the fitting body is inserted within the intermediate body bore and is threadably engaged with the intermediate body bore about respective threaded portions, compressively engaging the flared end between the nose portion and the annular shoulder to form a first attachment fitting.

Abstract: A tubular drill pipe having a pin connector at one end and a box connector at the other end has each connector adapted to mate with a connector similar to that at the opposite end of the pipe--but on another pipe, to form a tool joint. The connectors are of the type having two pair of axially abutting make-up faces: a primary annular shoulder formed at the inner end of the base of the pin connector, which mates with the end face of the box connector to form a first such pair; and an internal secondary shoulder at the inner extremity of the base of the box connector which abuts the end of an outermost nose section of the pin connector.

Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in fire sprinkler systems is of generally cylindrical shape. The coupler carries locking springs to engage grooves carried on the ends of the sprinkler pipes. The coupler also carries seal rings to provide for leak proof coupling. The locking springs are carried in grooves which have sidewalls which are perpendicular to the inner surface of the coupler. The corresponding grooves on the pipes also have sidewalls which are perpendicular to the exterior surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A reduced resistance bead seal is integrally formed on a mounting surface of one of two matingly engageable members to form a leak-free seal between the two members despite any eccentricity or angular variances between the two members. In one embodiment, the reduced resistance bead is formed on an inner conical flange of an inverted flared end of a hollow fluid conduit. The bead presents a deformable surface as a fitting urges the flared end of the conduit into engagement with a conical seat in a receiver where eccentricity or angular variances exist between the flared end of the conduit and the conical seat. A unique method and a unique forming tool are used to form the reduced resistance bead in the flared end of the conduit simultaneously with the flaring of the end of the conduit.

Abstract: A unitary assembly of tubing and an end fitting. The end fitting includes a threaded fastener fitting having a tubular bore extending therethrough. A conical transition is coaxially provided to the bore at the thread/hex interface where the bore constricts. The end of the tubing is coaxially impacted, expanded and sized to an external configuration and dimension that achieves an interference fit relative to the tubular bore through the end fitting. The non-expanded end of the tubing is inserted into the larger of the two bores in the end fitting passed the conical transition and through the smaller bore until it experiences interference from the expansion. The interference is overcome by pressing the expansion into the bore in the end fitting until the expansion is completely seated into the end fitting. The expanded tube and end fitting is machined coaxially using a five step tool.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for a flexible pipe such as used in lawn sprinkler systems. The fitting includes a pipe sealing portion and a pipe gripping portion. The pipe sealing portion has a smooth, seamless cylindrical surface to form a strong, watertight seal with the inner surface of the pipe. The pipe gripping portion is spaced from the sealing portion and includes a cylindrical surface with two rows of spikes extending axially along it. The rows are spaced 180 degrees from each other about the cylindrical surface and the cylindrical surface of the gripping portion has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical surface of the sealing portion. In use, the flexible pipe is forced to assume a substantially elliptical shape as it passes over the rows of progressively taller spikes. The pipe can then be crimped if desired to embed the spikes into the wall of the pipe and preferably to drive at least some of the spikes completely through the pipe wall.

Abstract: A fitting used to bridge a gap in a conduit between fixed ends of a conduit. The fitting includes a first collar at a first end of the fitting having an open end made to a dimension for fitting closely around one of the ends of the conduit, and the first end being flared inwardly of the open end so the first end of the fitting can be slid over the first end of the conduit, whilst the fitting is held angled axially relative to the conduit such that the second end of the conduit is positioned to one side of the conduit. The first collar is sufficiently deep to allow for the fitting to be slid over the first end of the conduit until the second end of the fitting is clear of a second end of the conduit. The fitting can then be pivoted so as to be in line with the conduit, and then slid back to connect with the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: An adaptor for extending a pipe through a barrier and securing the pipe therein which comprises a pipe segment having a leading end for insertion through the barrier and a trailing end to remain at the insertion side of the barrier upon insertion of the adaptor, each end being adapted to receive a pipe fitting. The leading end is provided with peripheral cutting teeth for boring a hole through and thereby penetrating the barrier upon rotation of the pipe around its longitudinal axis. An externally threaded section along the pipe is sized and configured to be self-threaded though the hole bored by the penetration end to secure the pipe therein and a stop is located toward the trailing end from the threaded section to engaging the outer surface of the barrier to stop further penetration of the adaptor. An installation tool which may be rotationally driven by a hand drill is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for an elastic connection of pipe, particularly in exhaust lines of motor vehicles. A first pipe end and a second pipe end are connected by a flexible line elements such as a metal bellows. A casing accommodates at least one damping cushion and first and second abutment are respectively connected with the first and second pipe ends. The casing includes circumferentially juxtaposed wall portions forming the first and second abutment with the wall portions being movable relative to one another so as to be brought into abutment with the at least one damping cushion.

Abstract: Thermo-weldable coupling for connecting in particular at least two members made from an identical or compatible plastics material, comprising a body (1) which is of the type constituted at least partly by a thermo-fusible material compatible with the plastics material of these members and which comprises an inner wall (2) or connection surface, directly opposite the outer wall of the members, provided with an electrically conducting element (3). This electrically conducting element (3) is resilient and of non-rectilinear shape. Application to the connections of fluid-carrying pipes made from plastics material.

Abstract: A polarized manifold connection device for connecting multiple conduits from a compression sleeve having inflatable chambers to multiple tubing from a source of pressurized fluid is disclosed. The connection device comprises a male connector half and a female connector half each having a similar visually perceptible asymmetrical configuration of their respective housings defined by rigid elements which resist deformation of the housings. Thus, the two halves can be connected in only a single orientation. In this manner, the conduits from the source of fluid are uniquely connected to the conduits from the inflatable chambers. The connection device incorporates a releasable locking mechanism which allows the connector halves to be connected by pushing them together and disconnected by pulling them apart without excessive force.

Abstract: A connector for delivering combustion gas to a gas fired appliance from a stationary supply line where the appliance moves toward and away from the supply line with the connector straightening and flexing between them as the appliance moves. The connector comprises a flexible hose assembly and first and second swivel fittings at respective hose assembly ends. The first and second swivel fittings have respective end walls defining between them the maximum overall connector length. Each swivel fitting comprises a swivel member for communicating the connector with the appliance or the supply line. The swivel members each define a gas flow path and swivel axis extending therethrough with each axis extending parallel to a respective adjacent swivel fitting end wall and each end wall rotatable relative to the swivel member about the axis.

Abstract: A header is mounted on a separate tractor and takes drive from a PTO shaft of the tractor and communicates the drive to a main drive shaft of the header longitudinal of the main beam of the header. The angle drive necessary to communicate this power is formed by three CV joints. A first CV joint is connected to the PTO shaft and a third CV joint is connected to the main drive shaft of the header. Between the first and third CV joints is provided a first shaft extending to the second CV joint and a second shaft from the second CV joint to the third CV joint. The first shaft is carried on a hanger bearing which can pivot about a horizontal axis with the first shaft mounted in a spherical bearing on the hanger bearing plate. The second shaft is telescopic. The three CV joints pivot to divide the total angle approximately equally so that each can run within a reasonable angle. The pivoting hanger bearing and the telescopic shaft accommodate relative movement between the tractor and the header.

Abstract: Quick connect tube couplings are configured for use with unstepped bores in conventional fittings, valves, manifolds and similar devices. The couplings each include a tube support which axially abuts a brass sleeve utilized to retain the coupling in the bore. The tube support further includes a stepped portion which locates a primary O-ring seal for sealing directly with a tube connected by the coupling and a secondary O-ring seal which seals with the wall of the bore. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tube support is molded of plastic and, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tube support is brass in order to accommodate tubes with thicker walls.

Abstract: The coupling assembly includes a first pipe and a second pipe connected by a middle sub splined to an outer sleeve. Each pipe includes a tubular body having a first axis and a threaded pin end with a second axis. The middle sub includes threaded boxes on each end with a center seal bore. The threaded boxes of the middle sub threadingly engage the pin ends of the first and second pipes. The threads on one pin are right-handed and the threads on the other pin are left-handed such that upon rotation of the middle sub and outer sleeve, the pins and boxes will threadingly engage upon the rotation in a common direction. The boxes and pin ends have a common axis. Each of the terminal ends of the first and second pipes include dogs which intermesh upon connection of the coupling for the transmission of The axes of the first and second pipes are at an angle with the common axis so as to cause an offset angle between the first pipe and the second pipe.

Abstract: A shielding device provides an area of protection to mechanics during initial unbolting of flanged pipe connections, to block and redirect any unexpected discharge of product away from the mechanic to the opposite side of the flange. This device has an elongated body wrapped around a pipe flange positioned in the gap area between the flanges. The body is made from an elastic material such as rubber or plastic, or a pliable material such as rubber, plastic or teflon, and is secured to the flange by fasteners on each end of the device. The device provides an area of protection greater than half the circumference of the flange, by having the elongated body securely seated in the gap of the flange over this area. The remaining area of the flange gap remains unobstructed to discharge product leaks.

Abstract: A quick connector for fast connection of fluid carrying assemblies such as a mating tube and a fluid unit. The connector includes a connector body which houses the connector components and accepts a redundant clip which is adapted to engage an upset bead of the male tube. The redundant clip is generally L-shaped and includes a retaining head which is inserted into the connector body and is adapted to engage the upset bead, a body portion which extends along the side of the connector body and in the preferred embodiment is contoured to mate with the connector body and a base member which includes a camming edge for facilitating the insertion of the retainer head into the connector body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to clamps which frictionally and releasibly engage two axially aligned pipes to prevent forced separation of the pipes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sewer line vent clamp assembly having a novel double circumferential ribbing for effectively gripping thin-walled polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing, and releasibly fixing a thin-walled PVC pipe to a standard, flanged sewer trap. The present invention effectively connects a PVC vent pipe to a sewer trap without piercing or distorting the thin wall of the PVC vent pipe.

Abstract: Quick-connect couplings having a sleeve with a tubular tube support mounted therein, an internal O-ring, an external O-ring and a collet are configured to retain a tube on the tubular tube support by engaging the tube with the collet. In one embodiment of the invention, the tubular tube support is retained in the sleeve by engagement with a first internal annual shoulder in the sleeve. The interior O-ring positioned against a second annular shoulder within the sleeve. The collet resiliently fits within the sleeve to retain the tubular tube support and internal O-ring in place prior to assembly. An external groove in the sleeve receives an external O-ring to seal with the bore. In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular tube support is staked to a first end of the sleeve by a radially extending flange. The internal O-ring is disposed between the end of the collet and the radially extending flange.