Abstract: An improved clamping device for securing a thin-walled tube against movement in the axial direction during cold forming operations performed on the tube end, the clamping device having a base member and a clamping member each containing semi-circular channels which combine to define a generally circular bore to receive a tube, where the channel walls are provided with plural annular grooves, each groove having a recess bounded by two raised shoulders which extend into the interior from the channel wall and are pressed into the outer wall of the tube to provide a frictional grip against axial movement of the tube.

Abstract: A replacement sleeve ferrule which enables connection of a hose to a metal tube having one or a pair of preformed annular bead locks, the ferrule having a tubular extension member sized to fit over the bead locks which is then staked to the tube to secure the ferrule onto the tube, such that a hose can be joined to the tube in known fashion by crimping the sleeve ferrule onto the hose.

Abstract: A bending die or shoe having a semi-circular tube-receiving bending channel on its forward end, the bending channel merging into a straight lateral channel, where the die is improved by providing a fitting recess or notch on the side opposing the lateral channel, such that a fitting mounted onto a tube can be positioned in the recess whereby the end of the fitting abuts and the portion of the tube immediately adjacent the fitting is received by the curved bending channel such that a bend can be imparted to the tube immediately adjacent the fitting. Preferably the bending die is also provided with a sleeve recess or channel positioned between the fitting recess and the bending channel for use with fittings which have tubular sleeves extending a short distance from the fitting.

Abstract: A tube beading apparatus for cold forming an annular external bead on a metal tube, the apparatus having a clamp to secure the tube, a beading die to form the bead and a powered ram to advance the die against the end of the tube. The beading die has a tube receiving channel surrounding a central mandrel which extends past the forward wall of the beading die, with the mandrel sized to fit into the bore of the tube to prevent deformation of the bore and with the tube receiving channel sized equal or smaller than the outer diameter of the tube, so that when the die is forced onto the end of the tube the tube wall is deformed into the annular bead. The shoulder of the clamp aperture holding the tube and the shoulder of the tube receiving channel are rounded to properly form the bead.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in fluid lines having any type, size, or style of fitting, the apparatus comprising in general a source of pressurized gas which is delivered into the fluid line to be tested. The fluid line is sealed on one end by a blanking plug mounted in a bracket, where the blanking plug sealingly mates with any type of fitting. The other end of the fluid line is connected to the gas source by an injector plug mounted in a bracket, the injector plug also sealingly mating with any type of fitting.

Abstract: A device for attaching a hose onto tubing by crimping a sleeve ferrule against the hose and tube stem, the device having a pair of opposing crimper assemblies each having a number of slotted crimper blades aligned to form contiguously abutting blade pairs, where the slots diminish such that the ferrule is deformed as the crimper assemblies are advanced together. The crimper slots terminate in a semi-circular portion so that at the point of full advancement a circle is formed by the opposing slots, resulting in a crimp with no raised longitudinal leak pathways.

Abstract: A hose crimping apparatus for permanently attaching sleeve fittings onto a hose, the apparatus having a rotating annular cam ring mounted about an opening in a base member with a number of arcuate cam surfaces on its inner surface, the cam surfaces forcing crimping dies radially inward along linear die pathways formed by wedge-shaped die guide members mounted on the base member when the cam ring is rotated.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having a gland nut that is welded to the cylinder barrel and a split ring spring retainer removably inserted into the gland retainer to hold the rod gland in place.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus is presented having a bending shoe, two lateral rollers to receive the tubular workpiece, reciprocating power means to advance and retract the bending shoe between the lateral rollers, and a base. The bending shoe has a semi-circular bending channel with lips extending from the top and bottom of the bending channel on the forward portion of the bending shoe, whereby the lips extend beyond the midpoint of the tubular workpiece being bent to prevent crimping or folding. The lateral rollers are mounted in slots in the base to allow for multiple positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a metal fitting from a high pressure hose and reusing that fitting by applying it to another high pressure hose wherein the fitting comprises an inner sleeve which is inserted into the hollow of the hose and an outer sleeve which clamps the hose between it and the inner sleeve, the apparatus comprising a retainer plate which functions as a fixed seat for the outer sleeve of the fitting, the retainer plate having a bore and a counterbore, the bore having a diameter at least as large as the outside diameter of the inner sleeve and a counterbore having a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of the outer sleeve; a push plate adapted to push against a said inner sleeve; and a means of moving the push plate through a linear distance sufficient to disassemble or assemble a fitting on a high pressure hose.

Abstract: A lockable valve in a hydraulic system comprising a valve body, a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, and an inlet port and two outlet ports, one of the outlet ports leading to a bypass line and the other of the outlet ports leading to an operational hydraulic cylinder; the piston being slidable in the cylinder to selectively close either of the outlet ports. The valve includes a manually lockable means to lock the piston in the position in which the outlet port to the hydraulic cylinder is closed and being spring biased to close the outlet port leading to the bypass line and simultaneously to open the outlet port leading to the hydraulic cylinder when the lockable means is unlocked. An additional safeguard against the theft of vehicles employing hydraulic systems to power auxiliary equipment is provided by using this valve in the hydraulic line between the pressure side of the pump and the control valve of the auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: A collet for crimping a metallic fitting onto a flexible elastomeric hose which comprises a frustoconical structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer conical surface, and a central axial bore adapted to encircle the fitting and the hose; said structure comprising a plurality of separate, identical, radial sectors, each adjacent pair of said sectors being separated from each other by an elastomeric pad, said structure being held together as a unit by a circumferential elastomeric ring engaged in a groove in said conical surface.