Abstract: A hand-holdable, portable welding apparatus for smoothly joining the lumens of sections of thermoplastic tubing systems, including those that may be located in a cramped work site. The integrity of the lumens is maintained when the tubes are being welded by use of a selectively rigidizable, non-elastomeric mandrel of PTFE or PFA having a predetermined maximum size dimensioned to the ID of the lumens being joined. The welding unit employs a resiliently mounted coaxial heater block in conjunction with arcuate radiator inserts that are centered about the tubes to be welded regardless of the diameter of the tubes. Spring-loaded dogs grab the periphery of the tubes as they are inserted into the welding unit and prevent them from moving apart when heat is applied.

Abstract: A quick-connect, clampable fitting for a flexible hose which comprises a flexible main body of plastic material that is moldable or otherwise affixable to the hose. The main body including an integral flange member having an O-ring ribbed sealing face. The main body nests within a separate reinforcing shell of steel which absorbs the stress applied by the make-up clamp. For affixing the main body to the hose in the filed an alternative embodiment of the main body includes a plurality of channels and galleries into which an adherent fluid may be injected. Silicone rubber is a preferred material for the main body and for the adherent fluid which may be vulcanized.

Abstract: A three-part, re-usable coupling for making a sanitary connection to a flexible hose is disclosed which includes a coupling body of corrosion-resistant material having a central channel for laminar flow. At one end of the central bore, the coupling body is provided with a standard sanitary conduit flange-face. At the other end the coupling body is provided with a notched, substantially cylindrical barb for insertion into the lumen of the flexible hose. An externally threaded section lies between the two ends of the coupling body. A split collar or sleeve which is at least as long as the barb has an externally tapered surface and a cylindrical, internal, threaded surface applies uniform compression to the end-portion of the flexible hose through which the barb is inserted. A nut having an internal taper that matches the external taper of the split collar makes up on the external threads of the coupling body urging the split collar to firmly secure the hose to the barb.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for reforming plastic pipe ends is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heat sink clamp and depth collar for locating said clamp a predetermined distance from the end of the plastic pipe end. This heat sink clamp substantially limits axial heat penetration from an oven into the plastic pipe so as to permit the reshaping of the pipe end into a sanitary flow end, i.e. an end having imperfection-free contours.

Abstract: A furniture joint for joining hollow-ended structural sections of modular furniture and especially the highly finished elements employed in the steel-and-glass-look type of furniture. This type of furniture requires a continuity of surface appearances having mirror-like attributes. The joining of the hollow-ended sections which advantageously may be cut from available lengths of mirrorized plastic tubing is accomplished by the use of a splined collar of elastomeric material and connector spuds which fit in the annular spaces between the connector arms and the tubing. The splines of the collar are adapted to be torsionally distorted ("squeegeed") during assembly. This distortion of the splines prevents the joint from inadvertently coming apart under the axial strain that the furniture joint may be expected to carry in normal use. However, the joint may be disassembled and the elements reused if rotational twisting is employed together with a pulling effort.