Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swivel joint for fluid conduits which comprises a central axis; a tubular male member having an outer annular surface, a first end and at least first and second outer annular grooves formed on the outer surface coaxial with the central axis; a tubular female member having an inner annular recess, an annular shoulder formed at an inner end of the recess and at least first and second inner annular grooves formed on the recess coaxial with the central axis; wherein the outer surface of the male member is adapted to be received in the recess of the female member such that the first end is disposed proximate the shoulder and each outer groove is aligned with a corresponding inner groove to thereby define at least first and second annular races; a plurality of balls disposed in each race to secure said male and female members together and to facilitate relative rotation of the male and female members about the central axis; wherein the radius of each race as measured from the

Abstract: A fluid-carrying swivel joint has a stepped bearing race arrangement on interconnecting hubs having an improved bore seal capability. The stepped arrangement allows more ball bearings per adjacent race which allows equal distribution of hydrostatic end loading to each bearing race, thereby enabling maximum total end loading while minimizing load concentration on a particular bearing race section due to increased total ball and race contact area. A straight bore type seal is used to reduce surface area subject to axial pressure and to minimize rotational friction.

Abstract: A swivel joint comprises a tubular male member having at least first and second outer annular grooves formed on an outer surface, a tubular female member having at least first and second inner annular grooves formed on an inner recess, and a plurality of balls disposed in at least first and second annular races which are formed by the alignment of the first and second outer grooves with the first and second inner grooves when a first end of the male member is received within the recess of the female member. In addition, the radius of the first race is greater than the radius of an adjacent race closer to the first end of the male member, and the number of balls in the first race is just one more than the number of balls in the adjacent race closer to the first end.