Abstract: A fluid coupling for coupling a hose to a metal tube, of primary interest in hydraulic brake systems, provides dynamic strain relief so that hoses having braided reinforcing layers are made usable for normal highway use because the hoses can withstand Department of Transportation Whip Test while meeting thermal requirements. This is accomplished by a coaxial strain relief element which is integral with an eyelet-type tube fitting wherein the strain relief element is captured by a pocket disposed in the end of a crimping cup. A crimping cup directly engages the braided reinforcement layer to clamp the hose against a projecting nipple of the eyelet while having an annular lip portion which seats in the groove in the eyelet and presses the coaxial strain relief element into and direct engagement with the braided reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for coupling a hose to a metal tube, of primary interest in hydraulic brake systems, provides dynamic strain relief so that hoses having braided reinforcing layers are made usable for normal highway use because the hoses can withstand Department of Transportation Whip Test while meeting thermal requirements. This is accomplished by a coaxial strain relief element which is integral with an eyelet-type tube fitting wherein the strain relief element is captured by a pocket disposed in the end of a crimping cup. A crimping cup directly engages the braided reinforcement layer to clamp the hose against a projecting nipple of the eyelet while having an annular lip portion which seats in the groove in the eyelet and presses the coaxial strain relief element into and direct engagement with the braided reinforcement layer.

Abstract: Failure of push-to-connect couplings which, for example, connect reinforced hoses to ports in valve bodies is prevented by an anti-rotation collar. The ports have a projecting external hex nut fixed to the valve body. A rigid tube is received within the push-to-connect coupling which in accordance with a first embodiment, has fixed thereon a collar with a pair of arms having flat surfaces which engage opposed flats on the hex nut. In accordance with the second and third embodiments of the invention, the anti-rotation collar has a projection, such as a pin, which is received in a hole fixed in the valve body. The collar has a hexagonal recess therein which receives a hexagonal projection from the rigid tube which prevents rotation of the collar with respect to the tube.

Abstract: Quick connect tube couplings are configured for use with unstepped bores in conventional fittings, valves, manifolds and similar devices. The couplings each include a tube support which axially abuts a brass sleeve utilized to retain the coupling in the bore. The tube support further includes a stepped portion which locates a primary O-ring seal for sealing directly with a tube connected by the coupling and a secondary O-ring seal which seals with the wall of the bore. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tube support is molded of plastic and, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tube support is brass in order to accommodate tubes with thicker walls.

Abstract: A hose coupling includes a collar for crimping about a reinforced hose, which collar includes an inner surface having a plurality of inwardly extending annular barbs formed thereon. Each of the barbs has leading and trailing side surfaces which are oriented at equal angles on opposite sides of a normal plane extending therethrough in a direction normal to the axis of the collar. Each annular barb has an edge surface which is flat and extends perpendicular to the normal plane and each of the side surfaces smoothly joined with the inner surface of the cylindrical body with a selected radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the leading surface is smaller than the radius of curvature of the trailing surface. By providing equal angles of convergence for the leading and trailing surfaces and unequal radii of curvature of the curves which the leading and trailing surfaces join the inner surface of the collar, a consistent and reliable joint with the reinforced hose is provided.

Abstract: A collet stop for positively positioning a workpiece within a collet of a spindle in a multiple spindle lathe is disclosed. An adapter block having a counterbore is secured within the spindle. The collet stop is provided with a body portion, which is adapted to be engaged by the workpiece during use, and a neck portion. The neck portion is sized to be received within the counterbore of the adapter block. A bore is formed through the neck portion. The end of the neck portion is split to define a plurality of flexible fingers. A threaded fastener extends through the bore into cooperation with a tapered lock nut. By tightening the threaded fastener, the lock nut is drawn within the neck portion so as to spread the fingers radially outwardly into frictional engagement with the adapter block counterbore. A plurality of differently sized collet stops are provided for workpieces having different sizes or shapes. The collet stop is quickly and easily changeable with similar collet stops of varying size.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a collet crimping machine is disclosed which permits the machine to be selectively rotated between vertical and horizontal positions as desired for use. A pair of upstanding support arms have respective brackets rotatably mounted thereon which are connected to the collet crimping machine. A retaining device is provided for selectively retaining the collet crimping machine in a desired rotational position relative to the mounting base. In a first embodiment, the retaining device includes a spring loaded detent pin mounted on one of the support arms. The detent pin cooperates with a plurality of apertures formed through a portion of the bracket mounted on that arm for retaining the bracket (and the collet crimping machine connected thereto) in one of a plurality of discrete positions defined by the apertures.

Abstract: A collet assembly includes a self-retraction system for convenience of use and quick adjustment. In a preferred form, the collet assembly is releasably retained against a top pressure ring normally biased apart from a base ring. The pressure ring includes a plurality of elongated detents which extend axially from the pressure ring, each adapted for insertion into a detent-receiving socket of one die segment contained in an elastomeric cage. Each detent is radially moveable with respect to the pressure ring, such that as the die segments are contracted radially inwardly, the detents hold the segments to the pressure ring but permit movement of the segments radially with respect to the ring. After each crimping operation, the detents, which are normally spring biased to their radially outermost position, will return the die segments to a fully opened position.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a collet crimping machine is disclosed which permits the machine to be selectively pivoted from between vertical and horizontal positions as desired for use. A pivotable mounting bracket includes a flat base plate having a pair of upstanding brackets secured thereto. An arm is pivotably connected to each of the brackets. The ends of the arms are connected to the bottom of the collet crimping machine, permitting the machine to be pivoted between vertical and horizontal positions. A piston and cylinder assembly may be connected between the base plate and the collet crimping machine. The piston and cylinder assembly may function similar to a shock absorber, so as to cushion the movement of the machine as it is pivoted. Alternatively, the piston and cylinder assembly may be connected to a source of pressurized fluid so as to selectively move the machine between the vertical and horizontal positions.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for operating a device for crimping a metal outer sleeve of a hose connector around the end of a flexible hose. The device has a constrictor collet assembly for radially inwardly deforming the sleeve in response to axial movement of the collet assembly in a frusto conical die ring. Axial movement is imparted by a ram and a pair of pusher members mounted between the ram face and the collet assembly. The pusher members are swung between open and closed positions by the operating mechanism which has a pair of lever arms connected to the pusher members at one end and to a pintle at the other end. The pintle is slidably mounted for lateral movement in a slot.