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: A conduit coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting a pair of fluid conveying members placed in a confronting relationship within the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a longitudinally split coupler having a pair of coupling halves rotatable about a hinge. A plurality of engagement members are mounted on the respective coupling halves for connecting the coupling halves. Electrical conductivity is maintained across the coupling assembly by a bonding wire on each of the coupling halves. Each bonding wire provides multiple points of contact with the metallic flanges of the fluid carrying members. Optionally, the flanges of the fluid carrying members and the coupling assembly may be coated with a conductive coating thereby providing a redundant means to prevent buildup of an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a make-break connector for use, for example, with a heat exchanger, which make-break connector includes: (a) two or more connectors; and (b) a make-break mechanism affixed to one of the connectors.

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: The invention relates to a device for using various types of coupling system to connect together a tube (2) and a filter housing (3). According to the invention, the device comprises: a head plate (21) independent of the type of coupling system, the head plate being fixed to the housing (3) and being provided with passages (22) opening out into a bearing face (23) of the head plate; for each backing-plate (Pi) of given type, a first bearing face (25) complementary to the bearing face (23) of the head plate (21) and a second bearing face (29) adapted to co-operate with a flange (B1) of corresponding type; a sealing gasket (28) interposed between the first bearing face (25) of a backing-plate (Pi) of a given type and the head plate (21); and releasable connection means (30) between the head plate (21) and each backing-plate (P1) of a given type in order to provide sealing between them.

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: The quick coupler according to the invention comprises a male element adapted to be fitted in a female element and maintained in this position by a latch forming stop and opposing a movement of withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety coupling (2) for a flexible line, designed as a tubular, two-part flange joing with a first coulding half (4) with straight flange (10) and a second couldong half (6) with conical flange (11). The coupling halves are joined together via the flanges by means of a resilient locking ring (8) which has a shape with coupling members (20, 22) matching the flange parts of the coupling members (20, 22) matchign the flange parts of the coupling halves. The locking ring (8) has segments (12) which are movable relative to one antoher and which, by means of a spring arrangemt (32), are resilientyl prestressed 8f9 to a first position in which the coupling members (20, 22) straddle the flanges (10, 11).

Abstract: An invention coupling for LP gas or similar fuel source systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a nipple having a nose and a recess, a nut notably disposed in the recess and a fuse disposed between the nut and the nose. The coupling automatically decouples from the fuel source when the fuse acts and shuts off the fuel flow.

Abstract: A quick connector including a first connecting member attached to an object, a second connecting member releasably attached to the first connecting member and a release mechanism for detaching the first and second connecting members, wherein the release mechanism automatically disconnects the first connecting member from the second connecting members when the connecting members are pulled away from the object.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a cylinder valve on an LPG tank to the inlet of a pressure regulator for gas consuming equipment comprises a nipple having an upstream end for connection with the cylinder valve and a downstream end for connection with the pressure regulator, and a plastic coupling nut for connecting the nipple to the cylinder valve. The end wall of the coupling nut has a metal heat transfer washer on the inner side thereof, and a pressure responsive flexible shutoff valve plate is provided in the nipple passageway. The shutoff valve plate closes the passageway in response to a pressure differential thereacross of no more than 15 psi, and the end wall of the coupling nut and the heat transfer washer are responsive to a temperature of between 240° F. and 300° F. to release the nipple for displacement away from the cylinder valve in the direction downstream of the nipple.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for connecting and disconnected fluid conduits (e.g. medical tubing) are disclosed. Typical embodiments of the Apparatuses and methods disclosed herein operate with two separate components, the first having a moveable septum and the second having a fixed septum. When the components are engaged, the device allows the flow of fluid through a conduit to which they are coupled. When the components are uncoupled, the device prevents the flow of fluid through the conduit. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a housing, a moveable septum slideably coupled with the housing to be alternately disposed in at least a first and second position and a piercing member having a passage for conducting fluid. The moveable septum closes the passage in the first position and is penetrated by the piercing member to open the passage in the second position.

Abstract: A device for connecting cryogenic fluid containers includes a connection having screw-threaded connection portions and a flange having at least one pair of openings spaced by a predetermined distance. The device also includes a retaining strap of L shape with two wings cut out in U shape, the front wing also having a pair of openings spaced by the same distance as the openings of the flange. Rivets secure the strap and the flange to each other. The front wing also has a marking identifying the gas corresponding to the distance between openings.

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: An improved quick-disconnect connector assembly for connecting hoses, having a female element for connection to a first hose and a male element for connection to a second hose. The female element has an axial bore having a sealing mechanism for sealably receiving a tubular portion of the male element. The male element further comprises resettable valve including a coil spring that extends into the bore in the female element and is retained therein by a U-shaped clip. The spring is sized to hold the male element axially within the sealing mechanism up to a desired inline pressure. When the pressure limit is exceeded, the male element spring is extended until the seal is broken, relieving the overpressure condition. When the un-sealing force has been relieved, the extended spring biases the male element back into sealing relationship with the female element, thereby automatically resetting the relief valve.

Abstract: A shock absorbing type steering shaft comprising a tubular outer shaft having a female serration and a solid inner shaft having a male serration. After the outer diameter surface of the outer shaft is pressed inwardly in the radial direction to plastically deform an inner portion thereof, the inner shaft is inserted into the outer shaft so that the inner shaft is pressure-contacted and fixed to the plastically deformed portion of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A triggering mechanism for a triggering valve (1) of a hydraulic emergency unlock circuit for unlocking hydraulically operated gripping members of a riser connector which connects a lower end of a riser (2) to a wellhead on a sea floor. The triggering mechanism comprises a cam ring (5) secured to a displaceable part (4) of a flex joint for the riser (2), and an actuator ring (8) which by means of hydraulic cylinders are translatory movable towards a stationary part (3) of the flex joint. An angular displacement (&agr;) of the riser (2) causes an angular displacement (&agr;) of the cam ring (5), which contacts the actuator ring (8) and forces the actuator ring (8) towards the stationary part (3) of the flex joint, causing an activating of a trigger (13) for the triggering valve (1).

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful fluid conduit coupling apparatus which allows quick connection and disconnection with substantially no introduction of ambient fluids or air into the process fluid. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a quick connect/disconnect coupling for a fluid conduit, the coupling comprising assemblies for attaching to the ends of a conduit to be connected and for subsequently mating together, each assembly comprising a normally closed channel; means for expelling fluid from between the assemblies when the assemblies are to be connected to each other; means for preventing fluid from entering the assemblies from outside when the assemblies are being connected; means for opening the normally closed channels, means operable by the connecting of the assemblies to each other; latch means for securing the assemblies together, the latch means disconnectable by means of a hand operated unlatching means or by the application of a predetermined tensile force.

Abstract: A quick connector including a first connecting member attached to an object, a second connecting member releasably attached to the first connecting member and a release mechanism for detaching the first and second connecting members, wherein the release mechanism automatically disconnects the first connecting member from the second connecting members when the connecting members are pulled away from the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a quick connection for removably joining two pipes, which comprises an upstream element and a downstream element adapted to be fitted in each other axially, provoking the opening of a valve mobile between a position of opening and a position of closure, said upstream element being provided with at least one O-ring made of elastomer or plastics material, disposed in the vicinity of said valve and comprising means for connection to an upstream pipe for inlet of pressurized gas, particularly oxygen. This connection comprises means for forming, both in the positions of opening and of closure, primary sealing zones which extend upstream of the or each O-ring, these zones presenting dimensions adapted to induce a significant reduction in the flowrate of gas flowing in the direction of the or each O-ring, in order to limit the overheating of the or each O-ring.

Abstract: A quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes, comprising a male connector and a female element adapted to fit and to be locked inside one another. A controlled locking mechanism is adapted to immobilized the male connector axially in a position of connection, while at least one retention member is provided to immobilize the male connector, after release of the connector by said locking mechanism, in an intermediate position of discharge of the pipe connection. The locking mechanism and retention member are controlled by a sleeve sliding around the female element. Vents and safety stops are provided to limit the movement of the sleeve under the effect of the pressure prevailing due to the discharge of the connection in the intermediate position between the female element and the sleeve.

Abstract: The connection (5) comprises, between its screw-threaded connection portions, a stay (9) comprising at least one pair of openings (10) spaced by a predetermined distance and serving for the securement to each other, by rivets (19), of a retaining strap (11) of L shape with two wings cut out in U shape, the front wing (12) also having a pair of openings spaced by the same distance as the openings of the stay (9), as well as a marking identifying the gas corresponding to said spacing. Use in containers for cryogenic fluids.

Abstract: An insertion portion of a tube is inserted into a pipe through a tube-insertion aperture formed in the pipe, and the tube-insertion portion is secured to an inner surface of the pipe. The tube may be formed by coupling a pair of tube-forming members. The tube may be provided with a tube-insertion regulating portion at a side of a longitudinal end portion of the tube for regulating a tube-insertion-length relative to the pipe. The coupled pair of tube-forming members are brazed to each other, and that the tube-insertion portion is brazed to the pipe.

Abstract: A disconnect/reconnect tool (10) for selectively disconnecting and reconnecting the coupling components of a hose coupling (12). The disconnect/reconnect tool (10) includes a body (28) provided with a threaded bore (36), and a threaded shaft (38) for being threadably received in the threaded bore (36). The threaded shaft (38) defines a proximal end portion which carries a first engaging member (40) for releasably engaging a first coupling component (14) of a hose coupling (12).

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful fluid conduit coupling apparatus which allows quick connection and disconnection with substantially no introduction of ambient fluids or air into the process fluid. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a quick connect/disconnect coupling for a fluid conduit, the coupling comprising assemblies for attaching to the ends of a conduit to be connected and for subsequently mating together, each assembly comprising a normally closed channel; means for expelling fluid from between the assemblies when the assemblies are to be connected to each other; means for preventing fluid from entering the assemblies from outside when the assemblies are being connected; means for opening the normally closed channels, means operable by the connecting of the assemblies to each other; latch means for securing the assemblies together, the latch means disconnectable by means of a hand operated unlatching means or by the application of a predetermined tensile force.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful fluid conduit coupling apparatus which allows quick connection and disconnection with substantially no introduction of ambient fluids or air into the process fluid.

Abstract: Two flanged cylinders, one of which slides inside the other, are kept selectively in firm contact with each other by the engagement of elastic elements and their terminal booths with grips. The elastic elements and grips are fixed, respectively, on the outer perimeter of the inner cylinder and the outer perimeter of the outer cylinder. Engagement is maintained until the traction force applied to the two cylinders exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A breakaway system for a compressed natural gas fueling hose. The system includes an upper ring that surrounds the fueling hose. A lower portion includes three concentric disks that are arranged as a gimbals. An outer disk is coupled to the upper ring with three rods. The lower portion surrounds a male connector. A female connector, generally of the type known a quick-release connector, is coupled to the fueling hose. When the female connector is connected to the male connector, an outer sleeve of the female connector engages the inner disk of the gimbals. When a lateral force is exerted by the hose against the upper ring, the rods cause at least the outer ring to tilt relative to the male connector. Because of the gimbals arrangement, the inner disk always remains substantially flat and thus exerts a force against the sleeve thereby disconnecting the female connector from the male connector.

Abstract: The patent discloses apparatus for removing and containing spills occurring upon filling of a delivery tank truck. The spill catching basin and more particularly the drains mounted to the tops of tanks are modified to deliver liquid spilled into the basin to a single outlet along the side of the truck. A receptacle, such as a buried tank is provided to receive the runoff from the truck. Provided for connection to the outlet is a fitting which may be releasably clamped to the outside of the outlet. The fitting is coupled to the buried tank by a flexible hose and a slip coupling between the hose and the fitting.

Abstract: An exhaust repair kit, including methods of manufacture and use thereof, in mounting a damaged pipe end to a flanged pipe end in a vehicle exhaust system comprising a length of tubing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being sized for engagement with the damaged pipe end. A replacement flange engages the second portion through a replacement flange aperture. The replacement flange aperture is of a sufficient diameter to allow the replacement flange to be freely movable axially and circumferentially about the second portion and enables the replacement flange to universally engage a variety of flanged pipe ends. Securing means for securing the first portion to the damaged pipe end. Locating means for locating the replacement flange about the second portion, said replacement flange being freely movable thereabout the second portion.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling comprising a nipple and coupler normally engaged together by a canted coil spring. The coupler includes a coupler valve and the nipple includes a check valve. The canted coil spring is disposed in the coupler and receives the nipple as it enters the coupler. The nipple includes an inclined surface which enables the canted coil spring to be gradually compressed as the nipple enters the coupler. The canted coil spring simultaneously engages the shoulders and bottom surface of a recess in the coupler body and the first and second beveled surfaces and the bottom surface of a recess in the nipple adaptor. Vent structure is provided in the coupler and a bleed back vent is provided in the nipple.

Abstract: A pair of quick disconnect female fittings each have a first end adapted to be connected to a first pipe, and a second end adapted to engage a quick disconnect male fitting attached to a second pipe. Each of the quick disconnect female fittings includes a sleeve adapted to cause the quick disconnect male fitting to disconnect from the quick disconnect female fitting when the sleeve is urged toward the first end. A pair of elongated members are disposed generally parallel to the quick disconnect female fittings. A plate is configured to slide along the elongated members. The plate is configured such that when urged toward the first ends of the quick disconnect female fittings along the elongated members, the plate will urge the sleeves toward the first ends. A first spring is disposed on each of the elongated members and is configured to urge the plate toward the first ends of the quick disconnect female fittings. Each of the elongated members includes a recess therein.

Abstract: A commercial deep fat frying appliance includes a fry pot supported by a cabinet frame over a removable filter vat. The fry pot includes a valve controlled bottom drain to transfer cooking fluid from the fry pot into the filter vat. The fluid is returned to the fry pot by a pump. A filtered pump suction foot at the filter vat bottom conditions the cooking fluid as it is drawn into the pump suction line. A plug and socket connector in the suction line connects a vat portion of the suction line to a cabinet frame fixed portion of the suction line. Cabinet frame support rails and rail end detents align the filter vat and associated suction line for reentry into a plug and socket connector following removal of the filter vat for cleaning and filter element change.

Abstract: A fuel hose breakaway unit comprising couplers that are held in assembled relation by longitudinally extending fingers that are mounted on the outlet coupler and engage abutment lugs on the inlet coupler. When a predetermined longitudinal separation force is applied to the couplers, the fingers flex outwardly to a release position, permitting the couplers to separate. The fingers are provided by finger sets, each of which is provided with three fingers. A locking collar locks the bases of the finger sets onto the outer surface of the housing for the outlet coupler.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a shock absorbing type steering shaft, the fore end portion of a tubular outer shaft having a female serration formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof and the fore end portion of an inner shaft having a male serration formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof are brought into engagement with each other, and then the fore end portions of the two shafts are plastically deformed in the diametral direction thereof. Thereafter, the outer shaft and the inner shaft are displaced relative to each other toward each other in the axial direction thereof. The fore end portion of the small-diametered portion of the outer shaft is then pressure-fitted into the base end portion of the large-diametered portion of the inner shaft. At the same time, the fore end portion of the large-diametered portion is pressure-fitted into the base end portion of the small-diametered portion.

Abstract: A breakaway unit which is adapted for mounting in a fuel hose between a fuel dispenser and nozzle. The breakaway unit comprises male and female couplers which are normally locked in an assembled position, but which are releasable at a separation force produced when a vehicle drives away from the dispenser with the nozzle lodged in its fuel tank. The couplers include fuel passages which are adapted for connection to a fuel hose in series flow relation and valves disposed in the fuel passages and automatically shiftable from an open to a closed position when the couplers are separated. Fixed abutment lugs are formed on one of the couplers and are shaped to engage force fingers carried by the other coupler. Moveable lugs having ramped abutment surfaces are located on the fingers and engage ramped surfaces on the fixed abutment lugs to lock the couplers together. A sleeve is adjustably mounted on the force fingers to control the separation of the couplers.

Abstract: A ball detent fluid coupling for gas fuel for appliances and the like equipment is characterized by push-to-connect and pull-to-disconnect features, a heat responsive breakaway feature, and a ball retaining sleeve that is retractable by hand for joining and for separating the socket and plug. The sleeve has a shoulder projecting radially inwardly with an inclined surface for engaging the balls. The spring for the sleeve is urged against the shoulder by a fusible stop ring that is matingly mounted on an inclined shoulder on the socket. The stop ring fuses at a predetermined temperature, the spring is released, and the sleeve releases the ball detents from engagement with the plug. A valve in the fluid flow passageway urges the plug out of coaxial coupled relation and stops the flow of fuel when the plug and socket are released from coaxial coupled relation.

Abstract: A breakaway unit which is adapted to be mounted in series flow relation with a fuel nozzle. The breakaway unit comprises a flex section which assures an axial transmission of forces to a valve section which is separated when a vehicle drives away from a dispensing unit with the nozzle lodged in its fuel tank. The valve section comprises inlet and outlet couplers and means for releasable locking the couplers in an assembled relation. These means comprise fingers which are flexed outwardly when a separating force exceeds a predetermined value. Garter springs embrace the fingers to accurately control at which the couplers will separate. The fingers engage angularly spaced lugs which permit the fingers to be telescoped therebetween and then rotated to a locking position to facilitate reassembly of the couplers with a minimum of effort. Alternate embodiments of the invention disclose other forms of spring means for accurately controlling the force at which the couplers will separate.

Abstract: A tension-activated disconnecting coupling operates by having a plug portion penetrate and pick-up an expandable locking ring. On partial with withdrawal of the plug, the locking ring is carried into a confining region where expansion of the ring is constrained and the plug is effectively locked within the coupling. Applied tension thereafter overcomes an internal spring resistance and allows the locking ring to move out further, into a space where it may expand and release the plug.

Abstract: A riser string connecting a floating vessel to a subsea well has a weak link coupling which will part the riser string once a minimum force is reached. The weak link coupling has a release mechanism which operates at the minimum force. An arming device has a locked position which will prevent operation of the release mechanism. The operator can remotely shift the arming device into an armed position in which the release mechanism will release at the minimum force. The operator can shift the arming device back to the unarmed position if separation did not occur. An actuator will move the arming device from the locked position to the release position. Tapered surfaces on the box and pin of the weak link coupling neutralize the effect of bending moments on the weak link coupling.

Abstract: A male and female coupling member of a device allowing separation of a fuel nozzle from a filling hose, to prevent the entrainment of the nozzle by the vehicle from rupturing the hose or damaging the fuel pump having a detent which is wedged out of engagement by a torque applied to the male member within the female member against the force of a restoring spring because of play between the male and female coupling members.

Abstract: An omni-directional yieldable joint for a vehicle exhaust stack includes an upper cylindrical member having a pair of elongated pivot sockets mounted on its lower end; a lower cylindrical member has a pair of elongated pivot rods mounted at its upper end for riding in the pivot sockets and making the upper and lower cylindrical members pivotable with respect to each other; a pair of springs attached between the upper and lower cylindrical members holds the two sections tightly together and, when the joint pivots due to the exhaust stack striking an overhead object, the stack will lean and the springs will stretch as much as necessary until the stack passes under and clears the obstruction, whereupon the springs will pull the upper and lower sections back into their normally vertical and axial alignment.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: An in-line connector for a hose is provided with an automatic release mechanism which allows the connector to uncouple when a predetermined level of tension is applied to the connector through the hose.

Abstract: A pipeline breakaway mechanism is provided which includes an elbow in a pipeline and two clamps holding the pipeline to a structure such as a platform or another pipeline. When a strong pull is exerted on the pipeline, the pipeline is bent until it buckles around the first clamp; the first clamp then fails at a preset load, causing the pipe to bend around the second clamp and causing the previously formed buckle to straighten. This buckling and straightening of pipe causes the pipe wall to fracture at a load much smaller than its tensile strength.

Abstract: A flowline safety joint having a tubular member supported from a subsea tree structure, an elbow having a horizontal passage therethrough and a vertical passage extending upwardly from said horizontal passage, a stab-in male member having a leading end, a trailing flowline connecting end, a passage therein and terminating short of said leading end and a vertical opening in said male member communicating with said vertical passage through said elbow when installed within said horizontal passage, and a flat surface surrounding the opening of said vertical opening in said male member. A seal providing a metal-to-metal seal between the lower end of the tubular member and the flat surface on said male member, and a swivel member for connecting said elbow to said tubular member, said swivel member including an element increasing the downward loading of said tubular on said seal to control the loading of said male member at which it releases from said horizontal passage through said elbow.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: A breakaway unit which is adapted to be mounted in series flow relation with a fuel nozzle. The breakaway unit comprises a flex section which assures an axial transmission of forces to a valve section which is separated when a vehicle drives away from a dispensing unit with the nozzle lodged in its fuel tank. The valve section comprises inlet and outlet couplers and means for releasable locking the couplers in an assembled relation. These means comprise fingers which are flexed outwardly when a separating force exceeds a predetermined value. Garter springs embrace the fingers to accurately control at which the couplers will separate. The fingers engage angularly spaced lugs which permit the fingers to be telescoped therebetween and then rotated to a locking position to facilitate reassembly of the couplers with a minimum of effort. Alternate embodiments of the invention disclose other forms of spring means for accurately controlling the force at which the couplers will separate.

Abstract: A fluid coupling having a pair of body members having fluid passageways through which fluid may flow through an inlet in one of the body members and out an outlet in the other member. One of the body members is connected in flow communication with a flexible hose, and the other body member is connected in flow communication to a rigid conduit by a connecting member about which the body members may rotate relative to a swivel axis. Valving shuts flow communication through the body members when they uncouple. If the excessive tensile force is axially applied through the hose to the coupling, the body members uncouple by pulling apart in the direction along the line of action of the force, but if the excessive tensile force is non-axially applied, the body members, if they cannot be aligned with the axial force vector to uncouple, will be uncoupled by a twisting action resulting from the bending load caused by the force.