Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members that includes a split locking ring having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are aligned to permit abutting engagement. The assembly further includes a first member extending along an axis from a forward end toward a rearward portion. The first member has an exterior surface. A rib extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the first member. The rib includes a ramp tapering in a direction away from the forward end and away from the axis. The rib further includes a cylindrical surface substantially parallel to the axis extending rearwardly from the ramp. The rib further includes a shoulder tapering away from the forward end and inwardly toward the axis. The assembly also includes a second member having a leading end and a leading portion extending therefrom for receiving the first member. The leading portion has an inner surface. A locking ring receiving groove is defined by the inner surface of the second member.

Abstract: A flexible joint for the connecting and sealing of tubular sections that includes a flexible pad having inner and outer surfaces. A contoured portion extends around the inner surface of the pad. The flexible joint further includes a first tubular section having a raised portion. The raised portion engages the contoured portion on the inner surface of the pad. A second tubular section includes a housing. The housing has exterior and interior surfaces. The interior surface of the housing engages the outer surface of the pad for retaining the pad in a sealing relationship with the first tubular section.

Abstract: A flexible connector has a plurality of bearings housed in a single housing to attenuate vibration and noise. In one embodiment, the bearings have a spherical configuration with the center point of the spherical segment of one of the bearings at a different location from the center point of the spherical segment of the other bearing thereby providing efficient and compact bearings and a smaller envelope for such bearings.

Abstract: A connector for sealingly joining together lengths of tubing such as those used in automobile fluid conveying systems accommodates large angular bending and twisting motions as a result of a spherical shell which rotates inside guide/thrust circumferential bearings. Noise and vibration damping are achieved by an elastomeric pad of non-uniform thickness bonded between the spherical shell and an enlargement formed on one of the lengths of tubing.