Abstract: A kink-resistant, small bend radius hose has a thin layer polyfluorocarbon liner tube with a thickness in the range of from about 0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches. The exterior of the liner tube is etched to allow silicone to be bonded thereto. A thin layer of silicone is bonded to the etched exterior of the liner tube. This layer of silicone serves as a bonding layer for a reinforcing layer of synthetic fabric, a helix strand and a cover layer. The reinforcing layer serves to strengthen the thin liner tube, the helix strand serves to support the hose against kinking and the cover layer adds additional strength and contains the helix strand with respect to the reinforcing fabric. Thus, a composite, integral, kink-resistant, small bend radius hose is achieved.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fluid coupling including a nipple, an adapter sleeve, and a U-shaped clip for fastening the nipple and the sleeve together. The nipple has an annular rectangular-shaped groove therein and the sleeve has two circular bores therethrough. The inner part of the clip that engages the groove has a generally rectangular shape to match the groove, and the outer part of the clip is curved to match the curvature of the bores. The sides of the clip are treated to improve their resistance to deformation and stress failure.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a fitting and with a method of assembling such a fitting with a hose. The fitting includes a socket-nipple and a set of exchangeable inserts. The socket-nipple forms an annular space which receives an end section of a hose, and the insert is positioned within the annular space and around the end section of the hose. Each socket-nipple is manufactured for use with a particular hose size (the inner diameter of the hose) and is provided in combination with a set of inserts of different thicknesses and designs, the inserts being matched for use with different hose types and thicknesses. Prior to assembly of the hose and fitting, a fastener may be secured to the hose in the instance where the hose has a reinforcement. The fastener prevents the reinforcement from flaring and it forms part of the completed hose and fitting assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fireguard for protecting a hose or an assembly of a hose and fittings. The fireguard includes a layer or tube of a silicone compound which is positioned around the hose, and a metal shroud or sleeve which encloses the layer of silicone compound. The silicone compound and the shroud protect the hose at normal temperatures and for a short length of time at a high temperature. In the event the high temperature persists for a length of time, the silicone compound decomposes to a layer of silica ash, which is held in place between the shroud and the hose, and the ash forms an excellent heat insulation for an extended time. The shroud is preferably flexible so that the hose may be bent, and the fireguard preferably also includes another layer of the silicone compound and a collar around each hose fitting.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus for and a method of testing a plurality of hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems. Each such system has a hose connected in it and the hose terminates in a valved fitting. All of the fittings are releasably attached to a subassembly which in turn is attached to center member or a manifold. When the systems are to be tested, a test fixture is attached to the center member, such attachment automatically opening the valved fittings. The test fixture also includes valved fittings identical with those connected in the systems. All of the fittings are opened by attachment of the test fixture, and the appropriate tests are then carried out. When the systems are not being tested, the test fixture is removed and a protective cover is applied to the center member in place of the fixture.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus and method for simultaneously making a plurality of connections between different pneumatic or hydraulic systems, or between parts of each systems, and for testing such systems. The systems, or parts thereof, include groups of hose fittings, and the apparatus includes two or more sub-assemblies and a central connecting member. Each sub-assembly is releasably attached to the fittings of a group, and all of the sub-assemblies are then secured to the central connecting member to form a complete assembly. The central connecting member has a plurality of fluid passages formed therein which interconnect the fittings, thus forming fluid connections between the systems or parts thereof. The passages in the connecting member may also be arranged to interconnect fittings of a single group. Each sub-assembly may be separately used to test the system, or part thereof, associated with the fittings attached to it.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a fitting designed to be secured to an end of a flexible hose of the type including an inner tube surrounded by a wire reinforcement. The fitting includes a nipple, a sleeve and a socket. The nipple has a tubular part which is inserted into the end of the inner tube. The sleeve includes an insert part that is positioned between the end of the inner tube and the wire, and the socket is located around the tubular part of the nipple and around the sleeve. The socket is attached to the nipple, and the end of the wire reinforcement is clamped between the socket and the outer surface of the sleeve. The end of the inner tube is located in a pocket formed between the nipple and the insert part. During assembly of the fitting, the socket causes deformation of the insert part of the sleeve and initial compression on the end of the inner tube which is in the pocket. This initial compression combined with barbs formed on the insert, serve to secure the end of the tube in the pocket.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with apparatus for simultaneously making a plurality of connections between different pneumatic or hydraulic systems, or between parts of each systems. The systems, or parts thereof, include groups of hose fittings, and the apparatus includes two or more sub-assemblies and a central connecting member. Each sub-assembly is releasably attached to the fittings of a group, and all of the sub-assemblies are then secured to the central connecting member to form a complete assembly. This member has a plurality of fluid passages formed therein which interconnect the fittings, thus forming fluid connections between the systems or parts thereof. The passages in the connecting member may also be arranged to interconnect fittings of a single group. Each sub-assembly may be separately used to test the system, or part thereof, associated with the fittings attached to it.