Abstract: An apparatus for moving together simultaneously male and female coupling members attached to manifold or junction plates is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sloped cam surface on the first or lower junction plate, and a central shaft having a cam follower that moves up the sloped cam surface to urge the two junction plates together, and thereby connect male and female coupling members.

Abstract: A cantilevered conduit connection including a connecting block circumscribing a conduit and mounting to a fluid component where an anti-cantilever fastener mounts to a back surface of the connecting block. The anti-cantilever fastener includes a cusp portion bent toward and in contact with the back surface and induces a positive bending moment across the back surface of the connecting block for urging the connecting block flat against the fluid component and for positioning the conduit squarely within the fluid component. A device for fastening the anti-cantilever fastener and connecting block to the fluid component is also provided.

Abstract: A joint engagement device includes a base board having a plurality of first joints defined therein and two sidewalls extend from the base board. A connection board is connected between the two sidewalls and two slots are defined through the connection board so that two posts of a carrier member movbaly extend therein. An operation frame has two arms each of which is connected between the sidewall and the post. An engaging board has a plurality of second joints and is engaged with between the two posts of the carrier member. The carrier member carries the engaging board to move toward the base board to engage the second joints with the first joints when pivoting the operation frame toward the base board.

Abstract: A micromachined O-ring is described. The O-ring can be formed for use in micromachined microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A marine riser segment which includes a riser joint having a threaded coupling at each end and flanges disposed on an exterior of the joint. Each of the flanges is coupled to the joint by a bearing. The flanges including openings therein for auxiliary conduits, so that the conduit joint is connectible to another such joint by relative rotation of corresponding ones of the threaded couplings, while the flanges remain rotationally fixed.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a male component in the form of a spool fixedly mounted to a fluid conduit and a female component in the form of a housing having a bore open at one end for receiving the male component therein. A latch is rotatably mountable on the spool and is movable relative to a transverse channel in the female component between a first installed position with respect to the channel and a second latched position wherein the latch engages opposed notches in the channel to latch the spool in the housing. At least one latch clip is mountable on the latch and engageable with edges of the channel in the body to resist rotation of the latch from the latched position. An optional secondary latch clip is engageable with the latch clip, the latch and the opposed side edges of the channel to further resist rotation of the latch from the latched position.

Abstract: A system for preferable use in gravel packing is disclosed which includes a plurality of transport tubes which are mounted outside of gravel pack screens. The multiplicity of shunt tubes cover a particular zone so that the tubes have a varying length to deposit gravel at different portions of the zone. The tops of the tubes are preferably sealed until ready for use and activated by applied pressure. In the preferred embodiment, rupture discs are found at the tops of each of the tubes, set for different pressures so as to open up the transport tubes to the lower most portion of a particular zone and later in sequence to the higher-most portion. The transport tubes are affixed to each section of pipe and are made up when two sections of pipe are made up to alignment marks. When the marks are aligned, the transport tube segments from each pipe section are in an aligned and sealed relation while the tool joint is properly torqued.

Abstract: A connecting structure for exhaust pipes wherein a first connecting flange is connected to peripheries of downstream-end portions of a plurality of upstream exhaust pipes, a second connecting flange is connected to peripheries of upstream-end portions of a plurality of downstream exhaust pipes, and a plurality of spherical joints is provided between the two connecting flanges. Additionally, each of the spherical joints includes an annular seal unit adapted to be held in place between the fist and second connecting flanges, a spherical bearing surface formed on one of the connecting flanges, and a flat bearing surface on the other one of the connecting flanges. Each annular seal unit including a spherical portion on one side, and a flat portion on an opposite side. The spherical bearing surfaces on the one connecting flange are in slidable spherical contact with respective spherical portions formed on the annular seal units.

Abstract: A detachable and adjustable adapter assembly for directing fluid flow into and out of a housing is disclosed.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component or to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A dual-plane sealing configuration for a fluid-tight conduit connection that incorporates additional sealing areas and minimizes assembly misalignment. A gasket is mounted around a conduit, sandwiched between an end-form block and a receiver, and compressed therebetween using a fastener fitted through the end-form block and threaded into the receiver. The gasket has a formed pilot that pilots around the conduit and is sandwiched between the conduit and a chamfer in the receiver to establish a secondary seal. The gasket incorporates features such as a fold-over tab and a non-uniform embossment to counteract the cantilever behavior of the conduit connection.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting fluid lines having a unitary female body and a male coupling portion. The female body includes at least two passageways having frangible diaphragms. The male coupling portion includes at least two male coupling halves having frangible diaphragms. Cutting devices are positioned in the passageways of the female body. As the male coupling portion is moved toward the female body by a bracket and fastening device, the diaphragms are ruptured to allow fluid flow between the lines.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.

Abstract: A band clamp is disclosed for making a joint in each of two pairs of closely spaced pipes wherein the pipes in each pair are aligned with each other. The clamp has a single closed loop clamp band for connecting adjoining ends of the first pair to make a sealed joint and connecting the adjoining ends of the second pair of pipes to make a sealed joint. The clamp band encircles both pairs of pipes and overlaps a portion of the adjoining ends of both pairs of pipes. The closed loop of the clamp band has oppositely disposed concave lobe portions spanning the gap between the pipes and a clamping mechanism is provided for drawing the lobe portions toward each other for tightening the band around the adjoining ends of the pipes to provide a mechanical connection and a sealed joint in each pair of pipes.

Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus having a pressure loaded quick disconnect assembly. The apparatus includes a first liquid containing component having at least one liquid passage, a second liquid containing component including at least one liquid passage, a movable connecting member having portions contained in the passages of the first and second liquid containing components, and a force transmitting member connected with the movable connecting member. The force transmitting member directs force against the first liquid containing component when the liquid passages of the first and second liquid containing components contain the pressurized liquid. This securely connects the first and second liquid containing components together using force generated by the internal pressurized liquid. When the pressure is removed, the force transmitting member may be quickly removed to disconnect the components.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component over and to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: A panel assembly for transferring fluids from one location to another comprises a panel structure with openings, a nozzle projecting through each opening and a sleeve affixed between the nozzle and its respective opening. Each nozzle includes a tubular portion with a connection end adapted for connection to a transfer conduit. The connection ends of the nozzles are preferably aligned with a common reference plane. Each sleeve has an outer surface with a length that is greater than a combination of a thickness of the panel and any deformity on the panel. With this arrangement, alignment of the connection ends with the common reference plane is independent of any deformity on the panel. A method of constructing a panel assembly includes determining if any defects are present on the inner surface of the tubular portion before installing the nozzle on the panel, and precluding potential inner surface defects during installation of the nozzle on the panel.

Abstract: A pipework connection system mainly for connecting an underground fuel storage tank in a fuel station to fuel dispensing pumps on the forecourt of the fuel station is disclosed. The system has a housing which is secured to a flange around a neck of the tank. The housing has a base and side walls. The base has apertures therethrough which communicate with the interior of the tank through the neck, and the side walls also have apertures therethrough. The system further includes connectors, each of which has (a) a first region which is sealingly secured to the base around one of the apertures in the base, and (b) a second region which is sealingly engaged with an inner surface of one of the side walls around one of the apertures in that side wall. Each connector has a spigot which extends through said one of said apertures for connection with a respective one of the pipes.

Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold flange for an internal combustion engine, for sealably connecting at least one stub pipe of an exhaust manifold to a wall of the engine, the flange has a basic part made of sheet steel provided with a bead which extends substantially around the entire outer contour of the basic part, at least one receiving hole with another bead therearound for securely receiving the at least one stub pipe in the manifold which has holes which are arranged for attaching the exhaust manifold flange to the wall of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component or to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: A miniature connector for introducing microliter quantities of solutions into microfabricated fluidic devices. The fluidic connector, for example, joins standard high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tubing to 1 mm diameter holes in silicon or glass, enabling ml-sized volumes of sample solutions to be merged with &mgr;l-sized devices. The connector has many features, including ease of connect and disconnect; a small footprint which enables numerous connectors to be located in a small area; low dead volume; helium leak-tight; and tubing does not twist during connection. Thus the connector enables easy and effective change of microfluidic devices and introduction of different solutions in the devices.

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly includes a first connection member, a second connection member, and a flow sealing member. The first connection member has an exterior surface, an interior surface and a threaded through hole from the exterior surface to the interior surface. The second connection member has a first sealing surface facing the interior surface of the first connection member, and a first flow passage. The first sealing surface is rigidly fixed with respect to the first connection member. The flow sealing member has external threads that mate with the threaded through hole, a second flow passage aligned with the first flow passage of the first member, and a second sealing surface that seals with the first sealing surface around the first and second flow passages upon application of sealing force via rotation of the external threads in the threaded hole.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The protection device (14) has a deflated condition and has an inflated condition in which the protection device is inflated between the occupant and the vehicle side structure. The safety apparatus (10) also comprises an inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14), and a fill tube (20) for directing inflation fluid into the protection device. The apparatus further comprises a support (60) for supporting the inflator (22) and the fill tube (20) relative to each other. The support (60) has a fluid flow passage (210) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator (22) to the fill tube (20). In a preferred embodiment, the support (60) comprises a clamp having a first portion clamped on the inflator (22) and a second portion clamped on the fill tube (20).