Abstract: A crimper assembly for crimping a workpiece such as a hose fitting is disclosed. The crimper assembly includes a pair of tie rods of differing diameters which mount a lower stationary die carriage and an upper movable die carriage. A central rod is mounted on the movable carriage and extends through a press bar. A driving force is applied to the central rod by a cylinder in one embodiment and by a tool, such as an impact wrench in another embodiment. Die retainer plates are attached to the carriages and include guide slots. Tongues are provided on flexible die set retainers which are received in the guide slots. A spring biased disconnect plate is slidably attached to the tie rods adjacent the press bar. When the disconnect plate is moved to a disconnect position, the movable carriage can be moved upwardly for access to the flexible die set retainers for changing individual dies.

Abstract: An improved non-metallic half coupling having a housing enclosing a valve that can be rotated between open and closed positions. The coupling includes an annular housing comprised of a polymer material having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to receive a second identical half coupling. The second end is adapted to receive a fluid conduit. A fluid passageway is defined through the housing. A valve having a spherical configuration is positioned adjacent to the first end in the housing. The valve is comprised of a polymer material. The valve defines a bore having an axis extending therethrough. A handle comprised of a polymer material is in communication with the valve. The handle rotates the valve about a valve axis transverse to the bore axis between an open position and a closed position. The handle can include various projections and recesses to maintain the proper position of the handle.

Abstract: A refrigeration system service coupling having a valved service adapter employing a spring biased sleeve valve to maintain the adapter valve in a closed no flow condition except when the service adapter is properly connected to a charging port of predetermined configuration and capable of retaining the service adapter sleeve valve to permit opening of the service adapter valve upon the service adapter being properly connected to the charging port.

Abstract: A quick-connect tube connector consisting of male and female parts wherein a retention system defined on the female part comprises a plurality of homogeneously formed resilient fingers which engage a shoulder defined on male part to maintain connection of the parts upon the male part being fully inserted into the female part. Both pasts are molded of a synthetic plastic material and a release sleeve may be axially displaceably mounted on the male part moveable to a release position engaging the fingers and deflecting the fingers from engagement with the shoulder permitting separation of the parts.

Abstract: A fluid coupling particularly suitable for use with pressurized systems such as refrigeration circuits wherein the coupling parts may be quickly interconnected solely by axial insertion of the male part into the female part. Yet separation of the parts is controlled by a threaded nut. An annular radially expandable and contractible retainer ring is axially positioned relative to the female part by a nut threaded on the female part and the male part includes an annular shoulder which radially expands the retainer during insertion into the female part. Upon complete insertion of the male part the retainer engages the shoulder and prevents withdrawal of the male part due to abutment of the retainer against the nut. The nut includes a retainer engaging surface for reinforcing the retainer configuration, while in another embodiment the nut aids in withdrawing the male part from the female part during uncoupling.

Abstract: A push-to-connect tube connector for interconnecting conduits wherein a male part is received within a female part passage by relative axial displacement. Resilient fingers mounted upon one part cooperate with a shoulder defined on the other part to maintain the parts fully connected, seals interposed between the parts prevent leakage, and indicia means in the form of a sleeve axially displaceable upon the male part supports an indicator displaced thereon by the female part during connection to provide a visual indication of the degree of interconnection. A reference mark defined on the sleeve is masked by the indicator upon the parts being fully connected. Upon removal of the indicator, which is in the form of a split ring, the sleeve may be used to "open" the fingers to disconnect the parts, and in an embodiment non-circular transverse cross sections defined on the respective parts telescopingly cooperate during full connection to prevent relative rotation between the parts.

Abstract: A coupling for use with pressurized systems permitting coupling of valved coupling parts even though one of the parts may be under high pressure. An axially reciprocal valve which automatically opens upon the coupling halves being connected is guided within a shell within the pressurized coupling half and a sealed relationship between the valve and shell minimizes the area of valve surfaces exposed to the pressurized medium reducing the axial forces imposed upon the valve toward the closed position. A bleed valve communicating with the valve interior permits valve operation with hydraulic systems in the event of seal leakage.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an oil drain fitting for internal combustion engines which permits a quick draining of the oil. A body threaded into the conventional oil pan drain hole includes an axial passage having a tubular valve reciprocally mounted therein. The valve is open at its lower end and closed at its inner end having a head which seats against the inner end of the body. The lower end of the valve includes an abutment surface for engagement by a drain conduit fitting for axially displacing the valve inwardly to open the valve and permit flow therethrough. A cap may be mounted on the body to enclose the lower end of the valve when the fitting is not in use.