Abstract: This invention relates to an environmental coupling that reduces spillage to less than 1 mL. The coupling includes a first convex ball valve and a second concave ball valve. One ball valve includes flat surfaces on the ball and a retainer with "flats" that correspond to the "flats" on the ball valve. This feature keeps the ball valve on centerline and allows valve actuation without damage to either ball valve. The coupling also provides other numerous safeguards against spillage. For instance, the coupling has handles with concave and convex edges to prohibit the wrong sequencing of opening and closing the ball valves, interlocking means to prevent the uncoupling of the annular bodies of the ball valves when the first ball valve is in the open position, and a handle button release and secondary handle lock.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flat ball valve coupling that reduces spillage to less than 1CC. The coupling provides numerous safeguards against spillage because one of the flat ball valves rotates and pulls away from the other flat ball valve. This eliminates any spacing between the flat ball valves in the closed position thereby eliminating spillage during uncoupling. Another feature is an interlock which prevents the coupling from being accidently disconnected when either valve is open.

Abstract: A no-spill fluid security system for couplings for use with fluids producing environmental impact wherein the coupling permits unidirectional flow for consumer use and bidirectional flow to permit the refilling of containers with specially designed mating coupling parts. The primary coupling part includes a valve located adjacent the primary part end to prevent spillage and a normally operative check valve prevents fluid flow into the primary coupling part while a secondary coupling part of special construction opens the normally closed check valve permitting unidirectional flow through the primary part. Pressure relief means are incorporated into the primary part to permit trapped fluids within an uncoupled primary part to be bled into the associated receptacle upon a predetermined pressure existing to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A rotary joint or union characterized by its ease of assembly, disassembly and maintenance wherein a mounted internal condiut supports a rotary anti-friction bearing housing to which a seal housing is removably attached by bolts. A conduit port defined in the seal housing communicates with the interior of the conduit. A bearing retainer mounted upon the end of the conduit includes a seal having a radial face engaging the radial face of a seal mounted on the seal housing in a self-aligning manner. A compression spring maintains engagement of the seal faces through a seal assembly, and the seal housing seal is mounted within a retainer loosely keyed to the seal housing to facilitate self-alignment.

Abstract: An improved rotary joint structure for transmitting fluid into and removing condensate from a rotating device, including a stationary housing into which a rotatable sleeve extends. A siphon pipe is positioned concentrically within the rotatable sleeve. At the free end of the rotatable sleeve there is positioned a fixed combination seal and thrust bearing which carries the thrust load of the sleeve. A spherical surface on the fixed bearing engages a corresponding surface on a sleeve flange affixed to the rotatable sleeve to maintain the sleeve in position as it rotates. A second seal unit is provided on the sleeve at the opposite end of the housing, and a compression spring encircles the rotatable sleeve between the two seal units to urge them into engagement with their respective sealing surface. Both the combination seal and thrust bearing unit and the second seal unit can be replaced without removing and disassembling the joint.

Abstract: A rotary joint utilizing a single anti-friction bearing interposed between the static and dynamic components wherein a self-aligning or floating seal is utilized to maintain effective sealing in the event of misalignment. The rotary joint includes a bearing supported sleeve to which a conduit adapter may be affixed in such a manner to mount and locate the bearing on the sleeve, and the components are economically manufactured wherein a dependable and efficient rotary joint may be produced at low cost.

Abstract: A fluid conducting swivel joint of inexpensive construction having a rotatable sleeve member surrounded by a casing member and including a pair of spaced-apart preloaded thrust bearings for permitting relative coaxial rotation between the sleeve and casing members. The thrust bearings are mounted in the spaced-apart relationship on the sleeve member by a split collar retained thereon by a cup-shaped retainer. Fluid and dust seals are provided between the members for preventing leakage of the fluid and the ingress of dust or other debris into the bearings, respectively. Also, the swivel joint may be provided with a pair of radial bearings so that it can withstand extreme side loads.

Abstract: A joint structure for transmitting fluid therethrough and having a rotary, hollow sleeve comprised of two sections, each section being journalled in a bushing supported in a stationary casing surrounding the sleeve sections. The adjacent free ends of the sleeve sections are telescopically interfitted for relative axial movement and keyed to each other for unitary rotation. A sealing ring is axially slidably mounted on each sleeve section and urged into engagement with an adjacent sealing surface provided on the housing by forces acting in a direction compressing the sealing rings for providing a rotary joint structure having an extended service life.