Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to couplings used in mining and other applications. An extraction device for removing an adapter from a port formed in a structure is provided. The extraction device may include an end wall and a side wall. The end wall may define an external face of the extraction device. The side wall may extend axially away from a periphery of the end wall. The side wall may terminate at an end face of the extraction device. The end face may have a larger dimension than the port so as to abut the structure adjacent to a periphery of the port. The side wall may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface may have a threaded portion.

Abstract: A crimper system (300) having a slide frame with a base (310) and a movable head (320) slidably mounted on the slide frame, with a crimp zone (126) opening defined between the base and head includes a dual compound leverage mechanism having two tension arms (332, 330) with lower ends pivotably attached to the base; two compression arms with lower ends pivotably attached to the movable head; and the upper end of each tension arm pivotably attached to the upper end of a corresponding one of the compression arms (334,336) forming two elbow joints defining acute angles between each tension arm and its corresponding compression arm; a screw drive mechanism (350); and a stepped crimp-setting mechanism. Also provided is a tool, system and method for quick, easy removal, installation and storage of multiple-die, crimper die sets. The system includes a set of interconnected dies. The tool engages the connectors for pulling the die set out of a crimper.

Abstract: A crimper system having a slide frame with a base and a movable head slidably mounted on the slide frame, with a crimp zone opening defined between the base and head, including a dual compound leverage mechanism having two tension arms with lower ends pivotably attached to the base; two compression arms with lower ends pivotably attached to the movable head; and the upper end of each tension arm pivotably attached to the upper end of a corresponding one of the compression arms forming two elbow joints defining acute angles between each tension arm and its corresponding compression arm; a screw drive mechanism; and a stepped crimp-setting mechanism. Also provided is a tool, system and method for quick, easy removal, installation and storage of multiple-die, crimper die sets. The system includes a set of interconnected dies. The tool engages the connectors for pulling the die set out of a crimper.

Abstract: A bracket stores and separates conduits. The bracket includes two interchangeable halves having an engagement extrusion extending from an inner face. Each half has a corresponding receptive slot disposed in the inner face. The bracket half includes at least one conduit receptive channel defined in the inner face. The halves align and engage when each half's extrusion is inserted into the other half's slot. The channels align to secure a conduit therein. The engagement portions define a dovetail and socket engagement. At least two stages of securement may be provided. Securement may comprise snap fit, sliding or other methods. A first, temporary stage of engagement initially joins the halves, adjustably and releasably retaining the halves and the conduits together. The second and subsequent stages of engagement are tighter engagements between the tail and socket, achieved by applying more pressing force to the halves or inserting a fastener.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling includes a male coupling and a female coupling. A stop may be associated with the male coupling and configured to prevent the male coupling from being inserted into a port of the female coupling beyond a predetermined depth. The stop may be axially slidable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be located between a leading edge of the male coupling and the second position. The stop may be biased towards the first position so that the stop substantially resets to the first position.

Abstract: A clip for a quick connect hose coupling that possesses an improved combination of characteristics leading to a quick connect coupling that can be connected reliably, consistently, and with reduced damage to the coupling and low insertion force. The clip provides reduced friction against the fitting and reduces insertion force and damage. The clip has two end portions that are designed to be deflected relative to each other when the stem is inserted into the port. The clip further has a periphery with two end portions, each curved at or beyond the radius of maximum installation deflection such that they will not scrape the installation ramp.

Abstract: A threaded adapter is part of a quick-to-connect and quick-to-disconnect flexible hose coupling system. The adapter may provide a low-profile securement and seal between the port and the stem portion of the quick connect coupling. The adapter in combination with the fluid valve block orifice provides a seal that is further down in the valve block than the location of seals provided by other fluid couplings. Without relying on wrenching flats, the adapter also provides effective access to the hoses for repair and therefore is a cost saving device. The adapter may be a safe, reliable, easy to connect and disconnect component in a hydraulic system and is adaptable to accommodate any coupling including those in high and low pressure fluid and other systems.

Abstract: A bracket stores and separates conduits. The bracket includes two interchangeable halves having an engagement extrusion extending from an inner face. Each half has a corresponding receptive slot disposed in the inner face. The bracket half includes at least one conduit receptive channel defined in the inner face. The halves align and engage when each half's extrusion is inserted into the other half's slot. The channels align to secure a conduit therein. The engagement portions may comprise a dovetail and socket engagement. At least two stages of securement are provided. Securement may comprise snap fit, sliding or other methods. A first, temporary stage of engagement initially joins the halves, adjustably and releasably retaining the halves and the conduits together. The second and subsequent stages of engagement are tighter engagements between the tail and socket, achieved by applying more pressing force to the halves or inserting a fastener.

Abstract: A fluid conduit body having a semi-conductive material disposed therein and at least one wire coupling an electrical power supply to the conduit to provide an electrical current therethrough to heat the fluid conduit also has an end cover molded over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit and over an end of the wire coupling the power supply to an end of the conduit. Alternatively, a fluid conduit heating system employs a semi-conductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit with the sleeve extending at least partially over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit. An electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve to provide an electrical current through the semi-conductive sleeve to heat the sleeve and the fluid conduit. An end cover is molded over at least a portion of the fitting and the sleeve extending thereover.

Abstract: A multi-port connector includes a plate employing a plurality of coupling retention mechanisms used to hold a plurality of fluid connectors in alignment for deployment with a respective plurality of fluid ports defined in a structure. The couplings may be loosely retained in the plate to facilitate alignment with the ports and ultimately insertion of the connectors into the ports. Each of the coupling retention mechanisms might be an opening through the plate with engagement mechanism defined within, or in conjunction with, the opening. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention a (central) fastener may pass through the plate to selectively draw and secure the plurality of fluid connectors into engagement with the respective plurality of ports.

Abstract: A modular support assembly receives and/or stores elongated objects that may be primarily cylindrical in shape, such as fluid conduits including hydraulic tube, pipe and hose. The modular support assembly includes a plurality of interchangeable modules of differing or similar sizes to create an adjustable assembly whose overall shape and number of modules can change depending upon the intended use of the assembly. The modules comprise sliding engagement portions that are disposed along a periphery of the modules and allow interengageable attachment to other modules. The modules also comprise apertures that can vary in size to accommodate various sizes of objects. The modules can be disassembled by sliding module portion halves apart, facilitating easy assemblage of the modules either before or after the objects retained therein have been positioned, and subsequent removal of individual objects from the assemblage.

Abstract: A clip for a quick connect hose coupling that possesses an improved combination of characteristics leading to a quick connect coupling that can be connected reliably, consistently, and with reduced damage to the coupling and low insertion force. The clip provides reduced friction against the fitting and reduces insertion force and damage. The clip has two end portions that are designed to be deflected relative to each other when the stem is inserted into the port. The clip further has a periphery with two end portions, each curved at or beyond the radius of maximum installation deflection such that they will not scrape the installation ramp.

Abstract: A threaded adapter is part of a quick-to-connect and quick-to-disconnect flexible hose coupling system. The adapter may provide a low-profile securement and seal between the port and the stem portion of the quick connect coupling. The adapter in combination with the fluid valve block orifice provides a seal that is further down in the valve block that the location of seals provided by other fluid couplings. Without a reliance on wrenching flats, the adapter is also provides effective access to the hoses for repair and therefore is a cost saving device. The adapter may be a safe, reliable, easy to connect and disconnect component in a hydraulic system and is adaptable to accommodate any coupling including those in high and low pressure fluid and other systems.

Abstract: Diagnostic and response systems and methods for a fluid power system acquire data from pressure and temperature sensors disposed in the fluid power system, analyze the data in a failure algorithm to build a history of cumulative damage to hoses in the fluid power system, communicates an indication of potential imminent hose failure to a central location when a level of the cumulative damage indicates imminent failure of a hose, analyze the information at the central location to determine an appropriate response, and transmit information about the fluid power system, including location, and identification of the hose about to fail to a response unit. The response unit responds to the location and replaces the component prior to failure, or the communication might include information that the hose has failed, such that the response unit replaces the failed hose to return the fluid power system to normal operation.

Abstract: An hose standoff comprises a sleeve molded onto a hose and a standoff flange extending circumferentially from the sleeve. The flange contacts a surface to which the hose is adjacent, spacing the hose away from the surface and any proximate edges. The sleeve may extend from the flange, along the hose, in at least one direction to protect the hose from abrasion or cutting by an edge extending perpendicular from the surface toward the hose. A metal collar may be crimped onto the hose with the sleeve overmolding the collar. Also, a fabric covering may be disposed over the hose with the collar crimped over the fabric covering and the sleeve overmolding the collar and at least a portion of the fabric covering. Preferably the sleeve overmold contacts and bonds or otherwise mechanically locks with the fabric covering and/or the underlying hose.

Abstract: A tubing termination comprises a termination portion adapted to make a fluid connection and a tube attachment portion, adapted to receive a tube and to be crimped or swaged. The tube attachment portion comprises a retention mechanism that is adapted to be manipulated during crimping or swaging to bite the tube so as to lock the tube attachment portion relative to the tube. This retention mechanism may take the form of a deformable bite ring, a deflectable c-insert, irregularities defined on an inner surface of the tube attachment portion, and/or the like. The tube attachment portion also may include a resilient sealing mechanism adapted to provide a seal between the tube and the tube attachment portion, and thereby a fluid-tight connection between the tube and the termination portion.

Abstract: A tubing termination comprises a termination portion adapted to make a fluid connection and a tube attachment portion, adapted to receive a tube and to be crimped or swaged. The tube attachment portion comprises a retention mechanism that is adapted to be manipulated during crimping or swaging to bite the tube so as to lock the tube attachment portion relative to the tube. This retention mechanism may take the form of a deformable bite ring, a deflectable c-insert, irregularities defined on an inner surface of the tube attachment portion, and/or the like. The tube attachment portion also may include a resilient sealing mechanism adapted to provide a seal between the tube and the tube attachment portion, and thereby a fluid-tight connection between the tube and the termination portion.

Abstract: A fluid conduit body having a semi-conductive material disposed therein and at least one wire coupling an electrical power supply to the conduit to provide an electrical current therethrough to heat the fluid conduit also has an end cover molded over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit and over an end of the wire coupling the power supply to an end of the conduit. Alternatively, a fluid conduit heating system employs a semi-conductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit with the sleeve extending at least partially over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit. An electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve to provide an electrical current through the semi-conductive sleeve to heat the sleeve and the fluid conduit. An end cover is molded over at least a portion of the fitting and the sleeve extending thereover.

Abstract: A heated fluid conduit has a body with a semi-conductive material disposed therein with an electrical power supply coupled to the conduit to provide a voltage across the conduit and a current therethrough, heating the fluid conduit. A fluid conduit heating system comprises a semiconductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit and an electrical power supply coupled to the ends of the sleeve to provide a voltage across the sleeve and a resulting current through the semiconductive sleeve, heating the sleeve and conduit Alternatively, one terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve or conduit, and another terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to the sleeve or conduit therebetween, to provide parallel heating circuits.

Abstract: A bracket stores and separates conduits. The bracket includes two interchangeable halves having an engagement extrusion extending from an inner face. Each half has a corresponding receptive slot disposed in the inner face. The bracket half includes at least one conduit receptive channel defined in the inner face. The halves align and engage when each half's extrusion is inserted into the other half's slot. The channels align to secure a conduit therein. The engagement portions may comprise a dovetail and socket engagement. At least two stages of securement are provided. Securement may comprise snap fit, sliding or other methods. A first, temporary stage of engagement initially joins the halves, adjustably and releasably retaining the halves and the conduits together. The second and subsequent stages of engagement are tighter engagements between the tail and socket, achieved by applying more pressing force to the halves or inserting a fastener.