Abstract: A tube or pipe coupling joint structure comprises a pair of spaced flange members adapted for relative movement toward each other along a longitudinal axis. Each of the flange members has a face surface which is generally a surface of revolution about the longitudinal axis with the face surfaces on the respective flange members being located in opposed relationship to each other. A relatively smooth thin metal gasket is positioned between the opposed face surfaces of the flange members and each of the face surfaces comprises a sealing protrusion and a stop surface for limiting penetration of the sealing protrusion into the gasket. Moreover, each sealing protrusion is a circumferentially continuous flat and polished narrow sealing band of narrow width lying in a plane which is normal or deviates from normal to the longitudinal axis by no more than about 1 to 3 degrees.

Abstract: A tube coupling comprises first and second coupling components having transversely extending sealing end faces in aligned face-to-face relationship. First and second nut members are arranged to drive the sealing end faces toward each other. An annular anti-twist member is located between the first nut and the first coupling member for conducting axial forces from the first nut member to the first coupling component. The annular anti-twist member and the second nut member include axially engaged portions for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed are arrangements for maintaining an annular sealing gasket in some predetermined position intermediate and substantially coaxial with opposed annular sealing beads extending axially from each of a pair of coupling components. One disclosed arrangement comprises a retainer element having an annular end wall and a cylindrical side wall which define a cavity for closely receiving a flat annular gasket. A plurality of axial retaining legs facilitate retainer mounting to one of the coupling members so that the gasket is captured in the retainer cavity substantially coaxial with the one coupling member and with the associated sealing bead engaging one of the gasket faces. In a second arrangement, a plurality of axial retaining legs are formed integrally with the gasket member. The legs are positioned circumferentially about the gasket for engaging the one coupling component coaxial with the associated sealing bead.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having abutting surfaces held together in sealed relationship by cooperable male and female nuts includes a gland member having one of the abutting surfaces thereon and being receivable in the male nut. At least one inwardly extending projection on the male nut is receivable in an external longitudinal groove in that portion of the gland member which is receivable in the male nut. Couplings for different fluids have different projection and groove arrangements such that a male nut having a given projection arrangement will receive only a gland member having a matching groove arrangement.

Abstract: Arrangements for maintaining an annular sealing gasket in some predetermined position intermediate and substantially coaxial with opposed annular sealing beads extending axially from each of a pair of coupling components. One disclosed arrangement comprises a retainer element having an annular end wall and a cylindrical side wall which define a cavity for closely receiving a flat annular gasket. A plurality of axial retaining legs facilitate retainer mounting to one of the coupling members so that the gasket is captured in the retainer cavity substantially coaxial with the one coupling member and with the associated sealing bead engaging one of the gasket faces. In a second arrangement, a plurality of axial retaining legs are formed integrally with the gasket member. The legs are positioned circumferentially about the gasket for engaging the one coupling member coaxial with the associated sealing bead.

Abstract: A retainer device for maintaining an annular sealing gasket in some predetermined position intermediate and substantially coaxial with opposed annula sealing beads extending axially from each of a pair of coupling components. The retainer includes an annular end wall and a cylindrical side wall which define a cavity for closely receiving the gasket. A plurality of axial retaining legs facilitate retainer mounting to one of the coupling members so that the gasket is captured in the retainer cavity substantially coaxial with the one coupling member and with the associated sealing bead engaging one of the gasket faces. The new retainer accommodates precise positioning of the gasket relative to the coupling components at initial coupling makeup and does not interfere with the coupling components themselves. The retainer also advantageously permits precise repositioning of the gasket relative to the component sealing beads during subsequent disassembly and reassembly of the coupling.

Abstract: An end cap assembly for a diaphragm type air actuator used selectively to open and close an associated shut-off valve. The assembly includes a cup-shaped nut threadedly received on the outer end of an actuator body. A cap member is received in the nut and includes a central stub extending outwardly therefrom through a central aperture in the nut bottom wall. A conical disc spring is operatively interposed between the nut bottom wall and the cap member so that when the assembly is installed on the actuator body, the disc spring is moved toward a flattened condition and continuously urges the cap member into retaining engagement with the actuator diaphragm. This then provides automatic clamping compensation for the cap member as to variations in the diaphragm thickness due to temperature or other environmental conditions. Both the nut and cap member stub include tool receiving means to facilitate threaded installation of the nut on the actuator body while preventing cap member rotation.