Abstract: A fluid connector and lock combination is described for connecting a tube to a base element. A relatively fixed, threaded base element has a passageway for passing fluid. A threaded mounting connector for surrounding the circumference of a portion of a tube is provided and which also mounts the tube to the relatively fixed, threaded base element through threaded engagement. The connector maintains a seal between the tube and a corresponding surface in the base element when the connector is sufficiently threaded to a sealed position relative to the base element to prevent leakage of fluid across the seal. A linkage is provided between the connector and the base element for preventing unthreading of the connector from the sealed position relative to the base element. The linkage includes a first portion which is linked to the connector and a second portion which engages slidingly in an axial direction the base element for preventing relative rotation between the connector and the base element.

Abstract: A connecting member is disclosed for connecting a hydraulic tube to a base material such as a housing or to another hydraulic tube. The connecting member has an annular body formed from a first material extending a substantial length of the connecting member. The body has an interior surface defining a passageway. The body includes threads on a first portion of the body for connecting to the connecting member of a hydraulic tube and threads on a second portion of the body for connecting the connecting member to the base material or a second hydraulic tube through a coupling nut. A sleeve is made from a second material and extends through the passageway substantially the length of the connecting member. The sleeve has an internal surface and has a pair of ends, wherein each end of the sleeve extends radially outwardly from the sleeve relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve over a respective end of the body. The body may be plastic and the sleeve may be titanium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fastener assembly for use in materials which cannot be successfully fastened by conventional screw threads. The assembly includes an insert (20) constructed as a coil to expand uniformly along its convolutions and thereby exert a force upon the adjacent material (50). A fastener (30) has outer threads compatible with the inner threads of the insert (20) such that when a tightening or seating torque is applied to the fastener (30) it is transferred to the insert (20). The transferred force expands the insert (20) outwardly with respect to the fastener (30), without rotation of the insert (20) relative to rotation of the fastener (30). The invention is also provided with an anti-rotation feature to secure the fastener from rotational movement after installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve seat insert (10) design which has improved heat transfer properties and thus results in improved engine performance. The insert (10) includes a pilot flange (12), a locking flange (15), and an annular groove (20) defined by the two flanges (12, 15). The diameter (D3) of the annular groove (20) is less than the pilot flange diameter (D1). The pilot flange diameter (D1) is less than the diameter (D2) of the locking flange (15). The height (H1) for the annular groove (20) is less than the height (H2) for the locking flange (15). Accordingly, when the invention is installed, engine head material which is displaced by the locking flange (15) fills the annular groove area and places the exterior surface (13) of the pilot flange (12) under a compressive load. This construction eliminates the occurrence of air gaps along the pilot flange exterior surface (--) and thus provides for an optimum transfer of heat in the engine cylinder head.

Abstract: A tool for installing studs or inserts into a threaded hole in a workpiece includes a power unit having a housing with a threaded nose and a spindle which can be rotated and axially pulled under power in the threaded nose. An adapter mounted on the power unit nose has a drive member which is coupled to the spindle for screwing the insert into the threaded hole and then pulling on the insert which causes a reaction sleeve to force a lock ring into the workpiece around the insert. An adapter for the stud includes a drive member having an internally threaded nut which is adjustable along its length and which is used to screw the stud into the threaded hole and then pull axially on the stud which forces the reaction sleeve to drive the lock ring into the workpiece around the stud.

Abstract: A valve assembly for detecting leaks in a fluid system which includes an air-tight liquid chamber defined by a transparent sleeve enclosed within a removable cap having windows formed therebetween, the chamber being at least partially filled with liquid, and a plunger means provided with an orifice, including a tube means arranged to communicate between said orifice and liquid within the liquid chamber, wherein the lower end of the tube means is provided with a restraining and sealing means, whereby the upward movement is restricted thereby, and the liquid chamber is sealed during the open mode of the valve. The terminating end of the tube is formed having a beveled tip to allow ease of fluid discharge therefrom. The valve assembly is connected to the fluid line so as to allow the fluid to pass therethrough unimpeded.

Abstract: A self-boring fastener comprising an elongated cylindrical element which intersects a driving means, said cylindrical element having a knife edge means axially projecting from the periphery of the extreme end thereof so as to extend beyond said end, and a thin knife edge element continuously, helically positioned about the outer periphery of said cylindrical element, said knife thread extending outwardly laterally from the outer periphery of said cylindrical element, said cylindrical element having an axial hole extending inwardly from the extreme end thereof so as to form an internal cavity in said cylindrical element. The method of fastening rubber, wood and other non-metallic materials either together or to base materials without the necessity of preformed bores or embedded metal mating parts and without incuring the problems of misalignment by use of the self-boring fastener.

Abstract: A self-boring bushing device adapted to provide passage through a structure, such as a wall, wherein the device is so constructed as to both thread and bore itself therein upon rotation thereof, thus providing communication between both sides of the wall, whereby electrical conduits or lead-in wires can be received therethrough, the device comprising a stud-like body having an enlarged head formed to receive a tool for rotating the stud and an elongated shank portion provided with external threads, and wherein the terminating end of the shank includes a plurality of boring teeth extending outwardly therefrom forming the annular free end of the stud-like body, the body being formed with an elongated, longitudinal bore wherein various elements can be passed therethrough, sealing plugs being also included to be positioned within each opposite, open end thereof.