Abstract: A connection joint includes a first plate (186, 286), a second plate (182, 282), and connection members (184, 284). The connection members are coupled to the first plate and the second plate and positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The connection members are configured to resist rotation of the first plate with respect to the second plate around a first axis and allow a compression or expansion of the first plate with respect to the second plate on the first axis.

Abstract: A connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections having an outer corrugated surface, comprising a body having apertures, an outer rigid surface and an inner deformable surface as well as opposite open extremities. The inner surface defines a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of the open extremities. Fasteners are inserted into the channel through said apertures. When the corrugated conduit is fitted into the channel, the fasteners are insertable through the apertures for extending into the channel thereby interfering with the corrugated surface of the conduit and substantially preventing the conduit from being removed from the channel.

Abstract: A connecting device with a pipe socket and a hose made of rubber-like material. The pipe socket and the hose abut in a sealing zone which is encased over at least a part of its length by a hose reinforcement which forms part of a geometric fastening configuration with which the pipe socket and the hose are held together.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection for a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an axle or crossbrace having at least one depression formed therein. A sleeve is formed with at least one depression and disposed about the axle or crossbrace so that the axle or crossbrace depression and the sleeve depression matingly engage one another to form a mated pair of depressions. A method of forming the axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection includes providing an axle or crossbrace and disposing a sleeve about the axle or crossbrace. At least one mated pair of depressions is simultaneously formed in the axle or crossbrace and the sleeve. The sleeve is immovably mounted to a vehicle axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A seismic slip joint may include a fixed sealing surface, a moveable sealing surface, and a solenoid device. The moveable sealing surface is configured to engage the fixed sealing surface to form a sealing interface during a deactivated state. The sealing interface may be a juncture that precludes passage of a fluid therethrough. The solenoid device is configured to switch between the deactivated state and an activated state. The solenoid device may include a piston and a spring structure. The piston is connected to the moveable sealing surface. The spring structure exerts a force on the piston so as to press the moveable sealing surface against the fixed sealing surface to form the sealing interface during the deactivated state. The piston may be configured to compress the spring structure and retract during the activated state so as to separate the moveable sealing surface from the fixed sealing surface.

Abstract: An assembly for splicing and repairing an umbilical is provided having two terminal bend restrictors and two strain terminators, here each terminal bend restrictor has at least two interconnected modules, a connecting end, and a free end. The strain terminators have a strain receiving end and a strain providing end, with each of the strain receiving ends is connected to one of the connecting ends of the terminal bend restrictors. The assembly further has an intermediate bend restrictor having at least two interconnected modules and two connecting ends. The two strain terminators are connected at their strain providing ends to separate connecting ends of the intermediate bend restrictor, and the intermediate bend restrictor is dimensioned to withstand tensile strain from the connected strain terminators.

Abstract: The disclosed hose guide may prevent a hose from bending within a specified distance of a hose fitting, and therefore prevent weakening of the hose at the hose fitting interface. The hose guide may include a hose fitting stage, a straight hose stage, and a bell stage. The hose fitting stage may secure the hose guide around the hose fitting. The straight hose stage may prevent the hose from bending. The bell stage may allow the hose to bend at a radius greater than a minimum bend radius for the hose.

Abstract: A strain reliever for a hollow tube is disclosed. The strain reliever has a fitting dimensioned to fit at a tube segment and a tapered sleeve extending from the fitting. The tapered sleeve is configured to surround the tube segment and to provide relief of strain imposed by forces exerted on the tube. Strain relievers having helical conic and slotted tapered sleeves are also described.

Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released.

Abstract: A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strain relief having a plurality of enclosing parts arranged in an axial direction and enclosing a longitudinal axis of the strain relief. A space portion can be formed between adjacent enclosing parts so that the strain relief is freely bendable. In the strain relief, the adjacent enclosing parts are interconnected, and one or both of opposed surfaces of the adjacent enclosing parts can be provided with a projection that projects in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A water intake pipe of an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant is made by connecting a plurality of connecting sections, and each connecting section includes a plurality of steel ropes between two flange disks and covered with a soft tube material, and each connecting section is in a cage form and fixed by the flange disks, and the water intake pipe includes a support, and the closer the connecting section to the sea surface, the higher is the load-carrying capacity of each steel rope, and the steel rope closer to the sea surface has a greater tension.

Abstract: An expansion joint for a pipe system includes a deformable section interconnecting first and second pipe sections. A first mount is secured to the first pipe section in a passageway of the first pipe. A second mount is secured to the second pipe section in a passageway of the second pipe. A flexible tension member, extending through the deformable section, tethers the first and second mounts to each other.

Abstract: A flex joint assembly includes a damper mounted to a first scissors linkage and a second scissors linkage.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter is positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler. A sleeve is positioned surrounding the conduit. The sleeve may have a hexagonal outer surface and rotates freely about the conduit to prevent torque from being applied to the conduit.

Abstract: A mechanical securing assembly (40) is adapted to secure the structural integrity of a flow passage formed by at least a first pipe part (41) and a second pipe part (42). The assembly comprises a connecting member (43), a first fastening member (44), attached to the connecting member and adapted to secure the connecting member to the first pipe part, and a second fastening member (45), attached to the connecting member and adapted to secure the connecting member to the second pipe part. The connecting member comprises a spring element (46) exerting a force pulling the first fastening member and the second fastening member towards each other along a primary axis (y), and thus being adapted to force the first pipe part and the second pipe part towards each other. The spring element is extendable along the primary axis by a compression of the spring element along a secondary axis forming an angle to the primary axis.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for stabilizing the connection between a pair of joined pipe segments includes a bracket element attached to each pipe segment, and a yoke element connecting the brackets and reinforcing the connection between the pipe segments. The pipe segments may be in a linear arrangement or may have an angular arrangement. The bracket may be a collar, a split ring, or a pair of joined arcuate pieces. The yoke element may be straight or curved.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a subsea overload release system and method. The disclosure provides a releasable connection system than can be overridden during an overload condition, and is resettable in a subsea location in situ. During normal operation, a collet sleeve is slidably engageable with a collet having one or more fingers that can releasably couple a first member with a second member. During an overload condition, an overload piston acting on fluid in an overload reservoir causes an overload pressure and a rupture or other release of fluid through an overload pressure member, causing the overload reservoir to at least partially collapse. The collapse allows the system to extend and force open the fingers to disengage the second member from the first member. When the overload symptom is rectified, the overload reservoir can be reset and the overload pressure member reset or replaced without requiring repairs above sea surface.

Abstract: A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling.

Abstract: A coupling assembly (100) is provided having a first member (110) and a second member (120). The first member is able to be coupled to the second member by relative movement along a coupling axis. In use, a tension component (140) carries the axial tensile load of the coupling assembly. In order to decouple the coupling without removing the tension component (140), it is necessary to apply sufficient tensile force to fracture the tension component. Thus the tension component is designed to fracture in to two parts along a single fracture (142). Advantageously, because only a single tensile component is used, the precision in the set force necessary to decouple the two parts is improved. The coupling assembly is particularly suitable to joining two part of an oil pipeline in order to provide a safety, breakout function.

Abstract: A connecting system is accordingly provided for a line tube, which can be pivoted about a rotation axis of a solar-thermal installation, which line tube is filled with a carrier fluid, wherein the line tube extends between two ends and is connected, for transportation of the carrier fluid, at a first end via a flexible tube connection to a fixed-position fixed line and at its second end via at least one connection means to a further line tube. According to the invention, the line tube is supported such that the flexible tube connection experiences only forces acting at right angles to the rotation axis, and the connection means experiences only forces acting parallel to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A pipe guide is described for providing axial alignment to two pipes connected by an expansion joint. The pipe guide comprises a pipe guide sleeve that covers the expansion joint and is connected at its first end to the first pipe. It also comprises a guide ring that is connected to the second pipe and slidably engages the interior of the pipe guide sleeve. In one embodiment, the pipe guide also comprises restraint rods to limit the axial extension and compression of the pipe guide.

Abstract: An apparatus having a hot stab having a fluid conduit connector thereon, a hydraulic hose having a connector assembly at an end thereof suitable for joining to the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab, and a sleeve affixed to the hot stab and to the hydraulic hose so as to extend over and surround the fluid conduit connector and the connector assembly. A jam nut is affixed to the tubular portion of the fluid conduit connector. The sleeve is threadedly connected to the threaded exterior surface of the jam nut. A crimp fitting is secured to an end of the hydraulic hose. A hose swivel extends around a crimp fitting and is affixed around the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding back device for holding a hose to a fixed abutment and also relates to a mounting assembly.

Abstract: A method for retaining a first conduit (210) to a second conduit (230) by attaching a clip (100) to the first conduit and the second conduit, the first conduit including a first connector (220) and the second conduit including a second connector (240). The first connector is releasably connected to the second connector. The clip (100) has a base portion (110) and a first clip portion (120) extending away from the base portion. The first clip portion (120) has a first opening (140) that is sized to frictionally retain the first connector (220). The clip further has a second clip portion (150) disposed on the base portion (110) away from the first clip portion (120). The second clip portion (150) includes a second opening (170) that is sized to frictionally retain the second connector (240).

Abstract: An end fitting for terminating an end of a hose including a tubular body of flexible material arranged between inner and outer gripping members, wherein the end fitting includes: an inner member adapted to be disposed at least partially within the hose; a sealing member adapted to seal at least part of the tubular body fully around the circumference between the sealing member and the inner member; and a separate load transfer member adapted to transfer axial loads between the hose and the inner member in such a manner that said axial loads are diverted around the sealing member in order to reduce, or eliminate, the axial load on the hose between the sealing member and the inner member, and wherein the sealing member is adapted to seal against the tubular body independently of the application of axial loads between the hose and the inner member.

Abstract: A method including providing a first umbilical, coupling an end of the first umbilical to a first end of a compliant splice system, providing a second umbilical, and coupling an end to the second umbilical to a second end of the compliant splice system.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling for use with a fluid line includes a connector body defining a through bore defining an axially extending stabilization ring support surface forward of an entrance opening at the male reception end. The male member is a tube defining a generally cylindrical sealing surface, with radially directed upset at a given distance from the free end of the tube and a rearward cylindrical surface rearward of the upset A retainer is adapted to releasably secure the tube within the connector body. A stabilization ring resides between the axially extending stabilization ring support surface and the rearward cylindrical surface of the tube. In one form, the stabilization ring is secured to the tube to resist rotation relative to the body.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: A stiffener fixation assembly fixed to the outer cover of a flexible tube, the flexible tube being in contact with a stiffener in an I-tube, at the end of which a bell mouth may be fixed, whereby the stiffener fixation assembly is located between the outer surface of the flexible tube and the inner wall of a centralizer and comprises rotary pieces that are axially movable with respect to the inner wall of the I-tube and capable of eliminating the relative movement between the flexible tube and the stiffener.

Abstract: A flexible fluid conduit joint includes two or more flexible sections that preferentially bend about respective preferential bend axes of the sections. The sections each include a flexible bellows coupled at longitudinal ends to a pair of annular collars, and a pair of blade flexures or plates that are also attached to the annular collars. The blade flexures or plates prevent longitudinal expansion of the bellows, and inhibit bending of the flexible sections about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane or planes that the flexures define. Flexing of each section is thus preferentially channeled into a preferentially bending axis within or parallel to the plane or planes defined by the flexures. The sections have different orientations for their blade flexures or plates, allowing the flexible joint to act as a two-axis pivot that does not expand under fluid pressure.

Abstract: The flexible insert for tubing includes an insert for water service tubing or the like that prevents the formation of stress cracks on the tubing when using a compression fitting. The insert is formed, at least in part, from an elongated, resilient, helical coil having opposed first and second ends. In one embodiment, the coil terminates in an enlarged turn or loop at one end of the coil that serves to retain the coil in the tubing. In another embodiment, the coil is butt welded to one end of a short, rigid sleeve having an annular flange at the opposite end. The insert also includes an O-ring and a compression nut.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting separate sections of tubing, e.g., catheters, and a method for using the same. Connector assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be a two-piece construction having a connector pin and a strain relief device. The strain relief device, in addition to providing secure, substantially leak-free coupling of the tubing sections, may also provide strain relief to the tubing interconnection.

Abstract: Coupling structure includes: a first and a second pipe section each having a metal wall and a flexible pipe section interconnecting the first and second sections, a hinging support frame including a first set of arms to the first pipe section, a support ring around the flexible pipe section hingingly attached to the first set of arms, the first set of arms being pivotable around a first axis, and a second set of arms to the second pipe section and hingingly attached to the support ring, the second set of arms being pivotable around a second axis transverse to the first axis, the base ends of the first aid second set of arms are connected to the first and second pipe sections via at least one connector member extending transversely to the respective pipe section, at a predetermined distance from the pipe section metal wall, the arms extending along the respective pipe sections over a predetermined length such that a gap between the pipe section metal wall and the arm is defined over the length.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring element for pipe couplings for frictional connection of smooth-ended pipes, having a housing, and at least one sealing element arranged therein and comprising rubber-elastic material. The anchoring element is substantially L-shaped in cross-section and has a first limb extending in the axial direction and a second limb extending at an acute angle to the first limb and is provided with slots which run in the longitudinal direction and extend beyond the transition between the limbs into the first limb.

Abstract: An improved clamping fixture for bouncing apparatus to clamp two ends of a resilient stem of a bouncing apparatus includes two coupling members and two anchor members. The two coupling members are made from plastics and have respectively a first latch member and a second latch member to form a clamping space, and anchor bosses on two outer sides pivotally engageable with the anchor members. The two coupling members have coupling forces to clamp the two ends of the resilient stem, and the two anchor members are coupled on the upper end and lower end of the bouncing apparatus. The resilient stem can be positioned securely at two ends of the bouncing apparatus to facilitate bouncing operation without being scraped, damaged or fractured. Durability is greater.

Abstract: A banjo fitting is disclosed comprising a block, a stud, a saddle washer pair and a cap. The saddle washer pair is bent so as to partially surround and clip onto the block. In this manner the block and washer pair form a single unit to simplify installation of the banjo fitting. The block further includes a pair of walls that extend from opposite faces of the block and engage the stud so as to provide a clocking feature. In this manner, the stud and the block remain properly aligned even as the cap is tightened on the stud to secure the block.

Abstract: In a hose with a corrugated metal tube, an axial leading end portion of the corrugated metal tube is configured as an extending portion so as to extend in an axial direction beyond a base portion of a socket fitting and be exposed out of an outer layer of the hose. The extending portion is clamped by an inner end surface of the base portion and an outer surface of a rigid insert pipe.

Abstract: A flexible seawater suction hose is configured to include a tube body of flexible rubber material reinforced by textile fabric and steel wire. Opposite ends of the tube body are terminated to a respective connector. A steel cable is incorporated within the tube body and extends longitudinally between the opposite tube body ends and attaches to the opposite end connectors. The flexible hose connects at one end to a rigid conduit by means of one connector and extends downward therefrom to a prescribed depth to facilitate extraction of seawater at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A device for coupling an end of a hose to a member, comprises a body provided with an internal channel opening out into a chamber having quick-connection elements for connecting the end of the hose to the channel. The quick-connection elements comprise a washer with teeth disposed in the chamber and associated with a tubular disconnection pusher which is mounted to slide inside the chamber and which possesses a drive end projecting outside the body, and an opposite end for lifting the teeth. The device comprises protection elements for protecting the connection, which include a sleeve (18) possessing axially in succession: a connection portion (19) for connection to the body extending around the drive end; and a hose guide portion (20) which is secured to the connection portion via an end opposite from the body and which extends beyond the drive end coaxially with the internal channel.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus and method for coupling two duct sections together to form a joint therebetween. The apparatus includes a catcher ring component formed coextensive with the edge of one section of duct, and a catcher finger component formed coextensive with an edge of the other section of duct being coupled to form the joint. The catcher finger component includes a catcher finger which is longitudinally aligned with a flange of the catcher ring, and that protrudes inwardly into its associated section of duct. In the event of a failure of a main clamping assembly disposed over an outer periphery of the two duct sections at the joint, the catcher finger and flange engage to limit separation of the two sections of duct to only a controlled, limited degree. This protects other subassemblies and components positioned closely adjacent the duct from any damage that might result from separation of the two duct sections, including exposure to high temperature and pressurized air.

Abstract: An improved band clamp for securely clamping the end of a flexible hose to one of at least a rigid pipe, a cast outlet of a radiator, a charge air cooler and a turbocharger in order to prevent fluid communication between the two. The improved band clamp includes a clamp band which is configured to circumvent a substantial portion of the hose. The clamp band defines first and second ends, each of which is defined by a terminal portion of the clamp band folded over on itself to define a double thickness, and then formed in an arcuate configuration away from the center of the clamp band. A spline is provided for being received between each of the first and second ends of the clamp band. First and second spacers are provided on the outer sides of the clamp band first and second ends. The first spacer, each of the first and second clamp band ends, and the spline each define an opening to cooperatively receive a bolt. The second spacer defines a threaded opening to receive the bolt in threaded engagement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are directed to reduce the load from the threads on taps on an orifice plate or orifice fitting. The apparatus includes a tap (3) having an NPT threaded end (1) and a flanged end (12) and an intermediate flange (13) which engages with a stabilizing tube (2) placed around the tap (3). In use, a stabilizing nut (1), previously threaded on the stabilizing tube (2), is unthreaded thereby forcing the stabilizing tube (2) against the intermediate flange (13) and transferring at least some of the weight off the threads (1) of the tap (3).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring an inclination angle of an ion beam when ions are implanted into a semiconductor wafer include an ion current measuring section having a Faraday cup assembly which is rotatably installed, an angle varying section for adjusting an alignment angle of the Faraday cup assembly, and an inclination angle measuring section for measuring the inclination angle of the ion beam based on a variation of the ion current caused by a variation of the alignment angle of the Faraday cup assembly. By measuring the inclination angle of the ion beam, the incident angle of the ion beam, which is incident into the wafer during the ion implantation process, can be precisely adjusted to a predetermined critical angle. Accordingly, the channeling effect and shadow effect can be effectively prevented. The amount of the ions included in the ion beam can be precisely measured, so the amount of ions implanted into the wafer can be precisely adjusted.

Abstract: In a single-piece connector clamp for flange connections of pipe sections wherein the clamp has a U-shaped spring back with opposite legs and spring arms extending from the legs in spaced relationship and forming spring arm pairs disposed at opposite sides of a reception space for the connector flanges, the connector clamp includes in the center area of the web a cutout area which extends from the base of a spring arm to the adjacent spring arm base so that the spring arms of the single piece connector clamp are supported resiliently for independent clamping action.

Abstract: A safety device (23) for a fluid hose (14) having at one end one part (19) of a separable connector (18) by means of which the hose (14) may be connected to another pipe (21) carrying the other part (20) of the connector, the connector parts separating when the connector (18) is subjected to a tensile load. The device (23) includes an elongate tether (24) having one end attached to the hose (14) at or adjacent the one connector part (19) and its other end attached to the pipe (21) at or adjacent the other connector part (20). The tether (24) is arranged to break when the connector parts has exceeded a pre-set distance, the breaking strain of the tether (24) being lower than the load required to separate the connector (18).

Abstract: A force absorbing restraining system for a number of pipe sections, each having an integral restraining system which is subsequently connected and works in conjunction with the integral restraining system of adjacent pipe sections. It is known that during an explosive failure either of a pipe section or a joint between pipe sections, a tremendous amount of reaction force is generated by escaping effluent flow. This force, in turn, may energize equipment such as pipes, pumps, and the like to exhibit uncontrolled motion often at a rate of several hundred feet per second. The restraining system of the present invention is designed to absorb a sudden burst of explosive energy and to lessen the reaction forces generated by the explosion so as to ensure that equipment does not move about a service site in an uncontrolled manner which could injure people and damage buildings or other equipment.

Abstract: A connection for a tube is formed by placing a coiled spring around an end of a tube and inserting a barbed tubular portion from a connection into the tube. The connection forces the tube to expand applying pressure against the coil spring and forcing it to expand and exert radial pressure against the tube towards the inserted tubular portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for urging two members apart or together that includes a first clamp adapted to be received by a first piece, a second clamp adapted to be received by a second piece and a plurality of power screws coacting with the first clamp and the second clamp, whereby moving the power screws in a first direction causes the first clamp to move relative to the second clamp and the first piece to move relative to the second piece. The present invention is suited for separating muffler pipes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for ion implantation of a workpiece. The apparatus includes an ion beam generator for generating an ion beam, a deflection device for deflecting the ion beam to produce a deflected ion beam, and a drive device for rotating the deflection device about an axis of rotation to thereby cause the deflected ion beam to rotate about the axis of rotation and to produce a rotating ion beam. The apparatus may include a controller for controlling the deflection and/or the rotation of the ion beam to produce a desired distribution of the ion beam over the surface of the workpiece. The apparatus may further include an angle compensation device for causing the rotating ion beam to have a substantially constant angle of incidence on the workpiece.