Abstract: A hammer union comprises a thread end, a nut end and a hammer nut which, when cinched up, compresses a composite seal assembly thereby preventing leakage. The seal assembly comprises a metal insert of a size to pass into the seal groove of conventional hammer unions and a small seal acting between the insert, the thread end and the nut end. The small seal is conveniently an O-ring and is of a size that is compressed when the seal assembly is inserted into the thread end of the hammer union, thereby preventing the seal assembly from falling out of the threaded end when it is inverted. The metal insert provides another groove opposite the small seal to receive a second O-ring which acts as a spring to bias the small seal into sealing engagement, thereby allowing the new seal assembly to accommodate more variation in the length of the existing seal groove in prior art hammer unions.

Abstract: A hammer union comprises a thread end, a nut end and a hammer nut which, when cinched up, compresses a composite seal assembly thereby preventing leakage. The seal assembly comprises a metal insert of a size to pass into the seal groove of conventional hammer unions and a small seal acting between the insert, the thread end and the nut end. The small seal is conveniently an O-ring and is of a size that is compressed when the seal assembly is inserted into the thread end of the hammer union, thereby preventing the seal assembly from falling out of the threaded end when it is inverted.

Abstract: A hammer union comprises a thread end, a nut end and a hammer nut which, when cinched up, compresses a composite seal assembly thereby preventing leakage. The seal assembly comprises a metal insert of a size to pass into the seal groove of conventional hammer unions and a small seal acting between the insert, the thread end and the nut end. The small seal is conveniently an O-ring and is of a size that is compressed when the seal assembly is inserted into the thread end of the hammer union, thereby preventing the seal assembly from falling out of the threaded end when it is inverted. The metal insert provides another groove opposite the small seal to receive a second O-ring which acts as a spring to bias the small seal into sealing engagement, thereby allowing the new seal assembly to accommodate more variation in the length of the existing seal groove in prior art hammer unions.

Abstract: A hammer union comprises a thread end, a nut end and a hammer nut which, when cinched up, compresses a composite seal assembly thereby preventing leakage. The seal assembly comprises a metal insert of a size to pass into the seal groove of conventional hammer unions and a small seal acting between the insert, the thread end and the nut end. The small seal is conveniently an O-ring and is of a size that is compressed when the seal assembly is inserted into the thread end of the hammer union, thereby preventing the seal assembly from falling out of the threaded end when it is inverted.

Abstract: A flange spreading implement includes a set of pins freely slide into the bolt holes of the flanges to be spread apart. The pins are of a size selected to bind in the flange bolt holes upon the application of a moment to the pins. Arms are connected to the pins and extend beyond the periphery of the flanges to be spread. A force applier, such as a hydraulic motor or screw, is used to apply a force to the arms in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the flanges. This imparts a moment to the pins, causing them to bind in the bolt holes and thereby grip the flanges. The force applier applies sufficient force to spread the flanges apart to allow a valve, meter, flow treater, gasket, orifice plate or the like, to be removed from between the flanges.

Abstract: A noise suppressed firearm includes a closed chamber of fixed volume in communication with the barrel bore at a location nearer the breech than the muzzle. The closed chamber communicates with the barrel bore through passage means having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the barrel bore. The passage means communicates with the barrel bore at a location measured from the breech not greater than about 30% of the barrel length.