Abstract: A press apparatus includes a press assembly and an activation assembly. The press assembly includes a plurality of dies. The plurality of dies defines a center opening for receiving a work piece. The central opening defines a central longitudinal axis. The activation assembly is adapted to actuate the press assembly. The activation assembly includes a first switch and a second switch. The second switch includes a capacitive touch surface that faces in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the press assembly.

Abstract: A press apparatus includes a press assembly and an activation assembly. The press assembly includes a plurality of dies. The plurality of dies defines a center opening for receiving a work piece. The central opening defines a central longitudinal axis. The activation assembly is adapted to actuate the press assembly. The activation assembly includes a first switch and a second switch. The second switch includes a capacitive touch surface that faces in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the press assembly.

Abstract: A swivel fitting includes a first annular member and a second annular member. The first annular member has a second end which is threaded and a first end which receives the first end of the second annular member. The second annular member has a second end which is received within a tube or hose. The members are coupled together by expanding a frusto-conical end section of the second annular member within the first annular member, so that a radial lip on the frusto-conical section seats within an annular grove formed within the first annular member. The swivel fitting is sealed with an O-ring which is sandwiched between the radially extending stop on the first annular member and a shoulder on the second annular member.

Abstract: A portable crimping apparatus suitable for crimping hose fittings on high capacity hoses having four to six layers of braided wire reinforcement utilizes a relatively light weight pusher which has openings therethrough to illuminate the crimping operation. The pusher is mounted on a plate attached to a ram of a hydraulic cylinder, which ram is used to advance the pusher. The pusher is retained in position on the plate by thumb operated spring latch. A pair of lifting arms are pivoted to a support for the ram to facilitate carrying the portable crimper apparatus.

Abstract: A twin tube air brake hose for delivering compressed air to brakes on a vehicle such as a truck includes a first tube which serves as a service tube and a second tube which serves as an emergency tube. The first tube and second tube have an inner layer surrounded by a reinforcing layer which is in turn surrounded by an outer rubber layer. The outer rubber layers of each tube are joined by a web which is unitary with the outer layers. Adjacent opposite ends of the twin tube brake hose, the tubes are separated to form free end portions, each of which have a metal fitting. Reinforcing bands are fitted around the twin tube air brake hose just inboard the tail ends to prevent the web from splitting.

Abstract: A crimping device for crimping end fittings on hoses and tubes includes a base ring and a pressure ring. The base ring includes a frustoconical inner surface in which is positioned a die assembly which, at its opposite end, abuts a portion of the pressure ring. When the pressure ring is pushed toward the base ring, the dies converge, crimping the fitting to the hose or tube. In order to properly locate the hose or tube, a locator pin is affixed to the pressure ring by an L-shaped bracket. The locator pin, pressure ring and crimping die assembly form a tool package which, upon being initially set, does not have to be reset for subsequent uses. The tool package can be stored while other tool packages of a similar configuration are set, used and then stored for subsequent use. In this way, the irritation and resulting inefficiency of having to continually reset tooling is minimized.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained collet crimping apparatus includes a base having a hand-actuated hydraulic pump assembly mounted thereon is disclosed. A collet crimping machine is pivotably mounted on the base so as to be adjustably oriented at any desired angle. Means are provided for selectively retaining the collet crimping machine in a desired rotational position relative to the base. The hydraulic pump assembly is connected to actuate the collet crimping machine. The collet crimping machine further includes a pusher which secured to the machine to prevent loss, yet which is slidable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the pusher is disposed outwardly away from the collet crimping machine to permit easy replacement of a die assembly. In the retracted position, the pusher is disposed within the collet crimping machine and precisely aligned with the other components thereof for use.

Abstract: Brakes mounted on the wheels of slidably adjustable axles used with truck trailers are connected by a pair of flexible coiled tubes to service and emergency air lines. The flexible coiled tubes are mounted one within the other and have identical end fittings which connect directly to service and emergency air lines and directly to airbrake lines. No intermediate fittings are utilized. The end fittings of each coiled tube are also mounted in fixed relation to a transverse support bracket mounted on the trailer body and to a bracket mounted on a rear axle support. Each end fitting has first, second, and third threaded portions, with the first threaded portion coupled to the end of one of the coiled tubes, the second threaded portion being received through a hole in a bracket, and the third threaded portion being coupled with either an air pressure supply line or an airbrake line.

Abstract: A hose coupling includes a collar for crimping about a reinforced hose, which collar includes an inner surface having a plurality of inwardly extending annular barbs formed thereon. Each of the barbs has leading and trailing side surfaces which are oriented at equal angles on opposite sides of a normal plane extending therethrough in a direction normal to the axis of the collar. Each annular barb has an edge surface which is flat and extends perpendicular to the normal plane and each of the side surfaces smoothly joined with the inner surface of the cylindrical body with a selected radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the leading surface is smaller than the radius of curvature of the trailing surface. By providing equal angles of convergence for the leading and trailing surfaces and unequal radii of curvature of the curves which the leading and trailing surfaces join the inner surface of the collar, a consistent and reliable joint with the reinforced hose is provided.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained collet crimping apparatus includes a base having a hand-actuated hydraulic pump assembly mounted thereon is disclosed. A collet crimping machine is pivotably mounted on the base so as to be adjustably oriented at any desired angle. Means are provided for selectively retaining the collet crimping machine in a desired rotational position relative to the base. The hydraulic pump assembly is connected to actuate the collet crimping machine. The collet crimping machine further includes a pusher which secured to the machine to prevent loss, yet which is slidable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the pusher is disposed outwardly away from the collet crimping machine to permit easy replacement of a die assembly. In the retracted position, the pusher is disposed within the collet crimping machine and precisely aligned with the other components thereof for use.