Abstract: The present invention teaches a simple and convenient hose end expansion device which slides within the hose end and is then quickly expanded by means of mechanical or hydraulic pressure, thereby stretching the hose end to a larger diameter. The device is then quickly collapsed and removed from the hose end, and a barbed coupling is inserted within the hose before it has sufficient time to return to its original diameter. As the hose returns to its original diameter, the hose coupling becomes secured within the hose end. External hose clamps may be added for increased security and safety.

Abstract: This invention relates to nipples, an inlet nipple 2 and an outlet nipple 3, for a washer pump to squirt washer fluid onto a windshield of a vehicle. The respective nipples 2, 3 include a first connecting portion 4, 4a and a second connecting portion 5, 5a so that two kinds of conduits 8, 8a having different inner diameters can be selectively connected to the first connecting portion 4, 4a or the second connecting portion 5, 5a. The connecting portions include an annular rib 6, 7 on their peripheries to seal the clearance between the nipples 2, 3 and the respective conduits 8, 8a connected to them.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for a flexible pipe such as used in lawn sprinkler systems. The fitting includes a pipe sealing portion and a pipe gripping portion. The pipe sealing portion has a smooth, seamless cylindrical surface to form a strong, watertight seal with the inner surface of the pipe. The pipe gripping portion is spaced from the sealing portion and includes a cylindrical surface with two rows of spikes extending axially along it. The rows are spaced 180 degrees from each other about the cylindrical surface and the cylindrical surface of the gripping portion has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical surface of the sealing portion. In use, the flexible pipe is forced to assume a substantially elliptical shape as it passes over the rows of progressively taller spikes. The pipe can then be crimped if desired to embed the spikes into the wall of the pipe and preferably to drive at least some of the spikes completely through the pipe wall.

Abstract: A fluid administration set with an infusion pump tube having indentations near its ends within its inner cylindrical wall. The indentations are preferably V-shaped annular grooves. Each groove engages an annular barb on a hollow fitting. The hollow fittings have base members for engaging retaining walls in the pump set apart from one another at a precise predetermined distance. The outer circumference of the infusion pump tube is enlarged in the area of the indentation. Tabs are provided on the hollow fitting assembly for securing the administration set against the infusion pump. The set may include a pressure dome for occlusion sensing on one of the hollow fitting assemblies.

Abstract: The specification discloses a lawn and garden sprayer in which the sprayer-valve assembly is joined to a rigid plastic handle by a threadless handle nut. The specification also discloses a method whereby the plastic handle, having an opening therein of slightly smaller dimensions than the handle nut, is ,joined to the handle nut by heating the plastic handle such that the handle nut can be forcibly inserted and intimately attached to the handle.

Abstract: A threaded tubular connection is depicted (120) for connecting joints of reinforced thermosetting resin pipe. Box threads are formed in both ends the joints as at (107) for connection by means of a coupling (102) formed with pin threads (104) on both ends. The coupling is formed of a material having a more reliable compressive strength than the pipe material, to prevent cracking and shattering of the pipe material upon make-up. A process for forming threads with the pipe joints is disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile engine hose replacement system for providing a customized hose that is connectable between two couplings or nozzles in any automobile engine is provided. The hose replacement system includes a length of hose and a plurality of various size adaptor members. The length of hose is suitable for being cut to any desired length for providing a hose member having first and second ends. Each of the adaptor members is suitable for coupling to either end of the cut hose member in order to selectively adjust the hose diameter at either end. As a result, the hose member may be selectively connected to any pair of nozzles, whether they be of the same size or of differing sizes.

Abstract: In order to easily automate the coupling work of a pipe and a hose without damaging the mechanical strength of the structure, a hose with a coupling portion includes a nipple, a hose inserted into the end portion of the nipple, and a resin covering portion integrally covering the coupled portion of the hose and the pipe, the hose being previously configured to include a general part having an inner diameter equal to that of the nipple, a first enlarged part having a diameter enlarged at the fore end of the general part, the inner diameter of the enlarged part being smaller than the outer diameter of the nipple, and a second enlarged part having an inner diameter which gradually increases starting from the fore end of the first enlarged part and becoming larger than the outer diameter of the nipple, the first and second enlarged parts being applied to the nipple.

Abstract: A connector assembly has a metallic female housing socket. The female housing socket has a pair of flanges substantially perpendicular to the axis of the socket to retain sealing rings and a conduit retainer within the socket. The socket also has one or more barb corners on its stem to enhance retention of a conduit onto the stem.

Abstract: According to the invention, the coupler (1) for a textile-reinforced rubber hose is of the type comprising a metal end-fitting (2) and a metal bush (3) between which one end of the hose (5) is imprisoned by crimping. The coupler (1) has three separate zones, a zone (A) providing a fastening function, a zone (ED) providing a dynamic-sealing function and an intermediate zone (ES) providing a static-sealing function. Such a coupler enables textile-reinforced rubber hoses to be used at pressures of the order of 200 bar.

Abstract: An improved check valve for portable paint cup spray guns having a radially extending concave diaphragm surrounding a syphon tube and forming a seal with an interior surface of a lid of the paint cup.

Abstract: A connector assembly has a metallic female housing socket. The female housing socket has a pair of flanges substantially perpendicular to the axis of the socket to retain sealing rings and a conduit retainer within the socket. The socket also has one or more barb corners on its stem to enhance retention of a conduit onto the stem.

Abstract: A joint is provided for connecting an end of a tube of composite material which is subject to relatively large axial stress to an annular metallic ferrule, and includes a composite tube composed of high strength fibers agglomerated by a polymerized synthetic resin having a wall and an annular metallic ferrule formed as a band. The ferrule has in cross-section the shape of a segment of a circle including a curved portion and a flat portion, the curved portion of the ferrule facing the composite tube. The ferrule is embedded in a receiving surface of the wall of the tube, and the flat portion of the ferrule is flush with adjacent regions of the receiving surface of the tube. An end member is included having an extending portion which engages the ferrule, and a complementary connecting device is disposed between the flat portion of the ferrule and the extending portion of the end member, for connecting the tube to the end member.

Abstract: A quick-release connector for pairs of hoses or other conduits has a tubular male component the front portion of which is insertable into the front part of a tubular female component and carries one or more sealing elements which engage the internal surface of the front part. The front portion of the male component is surrounded by a ring-shaped radially deformable retaining member with a smooth conical external surface which diverges from the axis of the male component in a direction toward the rear portion. The front part of the female component has a chamber behind one or more detents with radial flanks for engagement with the maximum-diameter end of the retaining member when the latter is fully received in the chamber.

Abstract: Fibers, which are substantially longitudinally profiled, are wound both around a cylindrical mandrel and a metallic double cone-shaped tip which is engaged onto said mandrel. Said fibers are turned back about studs distributed on a ring which is mounted on a threaded portion extending from the tip, whereupon said longitudinal fibers are binded thereto by means of circumferential fibers before the polymerization process of the tube has been completed. The composite tubes thus produced may be used in off-shore oil prospecting.

Abstract: This catch, which may be used either with rapid connections which can be uncoupled, and those which can not, is of the type which consists of an annular part (2), of spring steel, having teeth (4), directed radially inward, and of which the free edges (4a) are inscribed in a circle (5) of diameter (D.sub.1), greater than the outer diameter (D.sub.2) of the tube (6) for which the rapid connection equipped with this catch is intended. Each tooth (4) has a free edge (4a) in a circle arc of radius (R) less than that of the circle (5) in which this free edge (4a) is inscribed.

Abstract: An endless belt formed by a connector and a finite length of hollow tubing or solid tubing with recesses at each end. The connector is characterized by a biting edge that has a larger diameter than the inside diameter of the tubing. It is readily flexible away from the direction of insertion of the edge of the tube. The biting edge is formed as a feathered or an erose outlying portion of the base at each of two gripping heads. Once the gripping heads are inserted tension on the tubing causes the feathered edges and adjacent portions of the gripping head to bite into the internal wall of the tubing and form an improved grip therewith.

Abstract: A universal-type coupling member including a head portion, a stem portion rotatable in the head portion, and a gasket inset in the head portion and in sealable contact with the stem portion, and having a fluid passageway therethrough is provided, which can be connected to another appropriate universal-type coupling member. Use of the coupling member of this invention can relieve the uncoupling effects of twist or torque in universal-type coupling combinations.

Abstract: A flexible flow through saddle for ship-to-ship refueling systems. The flble flow through saddle includes a tubular structure having a pair of ribs located on the top and bottom of the tubular structure, each rib having an aperture therein. Extending from each end of the tubular structure and having an end portion thereof connected to the tubular structure is a helical shaped wire. The opposite end portion of each helical shaped wire is connected to a coupling member. That portion of each helical shaped wire between the coupling member and the tubular structure is encased in an elastomeric material which provides for flexibility and prevents premature fatigue and rupture of a hose element connected by the coupling member to the tubular structure through the encased helical shaped wire.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel hose for disposition between a tubular stem on a fluid connector on a canister in a fuel tank and tubular stem on a fluid connector on a cover for the fuel tank spaced from the canister. Each of the tubular stems has a fir-tree barb thereon and the high pressure hose includes a convoluted flexible body and a pair of relatively stiff cylindrical ends each of which has a pair of annular inside beads and three annular outside beads between the convoluted body and the inside beads. When the cylindrical ends are press fitted over the fir-tree barbs with force applied at the outside beads, the inside bead seat behind annular shoulders on the barbs for enhanced retention.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for use with ducts carrying corrosive gases has a multiplicity of sprinkler assemblies, each having an easily replaceable adapter with a sprinkler head having a fusible alloy fill. The head is screwed into one end of the adapter which has an integral flange at its opposite end. The adapter is inserted in a flanged nozzle which is part of the duct. The adapter flange is bolted to the nozzle flange which has a central opening adapted for connection to a source of extinguishing fluid. A continuous passage for fluid is provided through the adapter and the flanges together with a passage through the sprinkler head, the latter being opened when the system is activated. Only the face of the adapter and a small protruding portion of the sprinkler head are exposed to the corrosive gases. The sprinkler head has a corrosion-resistant body and has a central passage containing a seal plug and a fusible fill at opposite ends and a piston between the fill and the plug.

Abstract: A method for forming a joint between a product formed of composite material including reinforcing fibers and a connecting piece includes forming the connecting piece with a shoulder within a joint region thereof and during the formation of the product, guiding the longitudinally extending reinforcing fibers of the composite material as continuous, unitary fibers through a first path within the joint region of the connecting piece toward the connecting piece shoulder, around the shoulder of the connecting piece, and then in a substantially opposite direction through a second path within the joint region of the connecting piece to return to the composite material of the product, whereby both the product of composite material and the joint between the product and the connecting piece are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: An implantable infusion device having a nipple outlet over which a catheter is fitted. A locking sleeve slidably mounted on the catheter to expand over the nipple and engage the housing. The locking action provides a sensory indication by noise of tactile sensation that locking has been achieved. Both single and double lumen devices employ the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A coupling (10) for hoses (11a and 11b) having a first and a second body section (12 and 13 respectively). Each body section (12, 13) has a bore thereof (14 and 15 respectively) such that the bores will accept hoses (11a and 11b, respectively). An engaging assembly (24) is provided to sealingly engage the body sections (12, 13) in juxtaposition. The engaging assembly (24) includes a series of sealing surface engagements between the first and second body sections (12, 13). Further, sealing engagements are made between the hoses (11a, 11b) and abutting surface (40, 42) of the first body section (12). A locking assembly is provided to securely and removably attach the two body sections (12, 13) together, and includes nut a (44) which threadably engages first body section (12) and abuttingly engages shoulder (46) of the second body section (13).

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor for connecting a non-metallic pipe to a threaded metallic element, such as a sprinkler head, in leak-tight fluid communication. The adapter comprises a plastic coupling unit which is adhesively secured at one end to plastic pipe and adapted at the other end thereof to receive a threaded metal insert which may be threadably connected to a metal element, such as a sprinkler head. The adapter of the invention is particularly suitable for use in high pressure fire extinguishing systems.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical aspirator having an improved irrigation/aspiration manifold and components to facilitate quick connections of the irrigation and aspiration lines to a handpiece. In combination with a handle assembly having an ultrasonic vibrator for vibrating an ultrasonic tip and a nosecone, a nosecone extension defining a rotating joint for connection to the nosecone in an articulating joint for connection to a rigid or flexible flue is provided. The nosecone extension further defines an irrigation cowl having an irrigation port for receiving an irrigation connector for connecting the irrigation fluid to the nosecone extension for passage of irrigation fluid through the nosecone extension and a flue about the surgical tip. An aspiration tubulation connector adapted to securely fit a slot through the nosecone and nosecone extension connects an aspiration port on the tip to the aspiration tube for connection to a pump into a discard area.

Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of flexible hoses comprising a generally cylindrical body tapering from a central section to a smaller diameter cylindrical section extending to an annular end section. The tapered section and the end section comprise circular barb rings having frustonconical sections and sharp edges. Each section is in turn comprised of several annular barb rings each having a frustoconical outer face and sharp edges. The connector is particularly suited for applications where longitudinal and lateral forces on the tube must be tolerated, as well as variations in tube diameter.

Abstract: An emergency belt assembly is provided for temporary replacement of broken fan belts and the like. The assembly comprises a tubular belt made of an elastomeric material, and a connector having a shank with a plurality of barbs on each end portion thereof. The maximum outer transverse dimensions of the barbs on each end portion of the connector decrease from the axially outermost barb to the axially innermost barb, thereby permitting the connector to be easily inserted manually into the tubular ends of the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the connector articulates at a point intermediate its end portions to permit the connector to easily accommodate small radii turns. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connector has a plurality of barbs on one end thereof for frictionally engaging the inner surface of a tubular end of a line or belt, and has on its opposite end portion an attachment member, such as an eye, for attaching to a support object, such as a pole, wall, or the like.

Abstract: An emergency belt assembly is provided for temporary replacement of broken fan belts and the like. The assembly comprises a tubular belt made of an elastomeric material, and a connector having a shank with a plurality of barbs on each end portion thereof. The maximum outer transverse dimensions of the barbs on each end portion of the connector decrease from the axially outermost barb to the axially innermost barb, thereby permitting the connector to be easily inserted manually into the tubular ends of the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the connector articulates at a point intermediate its end portions to permit the connector to easily accommodate small radii turns. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connector has a plurality of barbs on one end thereof for frictionally engaging the inner surface of a tubular end of a line or belt, and has on its opposite end portion an attachment member, such as an eye, for attaching to a support object, such as a pole, wall, or the like.

Abstract: A hose coupling wherein the end portion of a pipe is sealingly but separably connected with the end portion of a deformable hose by a tubular connector which has a first section sealingly fitted into the end portion of the pipe and a second section preferably sealingly attached to the end portion of the hose. The second section can abut against the end face of the end portion of the hose or it can surround or extend into such end portion. The connector carries one or more pivotable latching devices with pallets which engage a portion of the external surface of the end portion of the pipe or portions of surfaces bounding openings in the end portion of the pipe. A sealing element in the form of an O-ring or a sleeve is inserted between the internal surface of the end portion of the pipe and the external surface of the respective section of the connector to ensure that the seal between the connector and the pipe remains intact even if one of these parts moves axially relative to the other part.

Abstract: A composite structure of lightweight is used as a tensioned tether element for mooring of offshore facilities. The composite structure comprises bonded inner and outer tubular members having an annular space therebetween. Aramid or other fibrous, high strength material is bonded to the inner surface of the outer tubular member to provide additional tensile strength thereto. The remainder of the annulus between the inner and outer tubing may be filled with a foam material such as polyurethane foam. The composite structure can be made so as to be of neutral, positive or negative buoyancy. The composite allows greater tensile loadings than steel materials by themselves at greatly reduced weight.

Abstract: A coupler for releasably connecting an evacuation hose to the exhaust or tail pipe of a motor vehicle to prevent accidental removal of the hose. The coupler comprises a cylindrical rubber body having one end sealingly releasably screwed to the hose and a flexible annular wall partially closing its other end. Radial slits are made through the annular wall which thus defines flexible, resilient triangular flaps. These flaps are provided with radial spacer ribs at their interior and exterior faces. When the body is slipped onto the tail pipe, the flaps are bent inwardly and their exterior ribs frictionally engage the tail pipe. If the body is subsequently pulled to a limited extent the flaps may reverse their bent position but still frictionally engage the pipe by their interior ribs.

Abstract: A method and device for assembling connection fittings such as couplings, between hard components, such as metal pipe and a body formed of a softer substance to obtain a permanent coupling able to withstand aging and thermal shock conditions. The parts coupled are formed of materials of different hardness which are first force fit together. One of the parts is then rotated at high speed so that the part made of the softer material is locally heated until it melts. The result is a snug but swivelable connection free of internal stress.

Abstract: A molded miniature tube fitting (200) having a barbed stem portion (204) surrounded by a protective shroud (206) and method for making same. The shroud (206) including windows (230) therein so as to enable undercutting of a portion of the stem portion (204) so as to form a barb (224).

Abstract: An integrally threaded brass insert is molded into the discharge conduit of a condensate pan such that a steel drainage pipe can be threadably engaged to the insert without causing damage to the plastic discharge conduit. Bonding between the insert and the surrounding conduit is enhanced by providing a knurled surface on the outer periphery of the insert.

Abstract: A process for producing a tubular rubber product such as a rubber hose and a rubber coupling in which a polyamide resin and/or polyester resin layer is formed to the main body of a tubular rubber product. The resin layer is formed either by coating an organic solvent-soluble nylon to the surface of the main body of the tubular rubber product applied with the surface treatment of a halogenoid compound, or by polyamide resin or by polyester resin film having a softening point in the vulcanization temperature region and treated with an adhesive mainly comprising a resorcine-formaldehyde resin and a rubber latex or treated with an adhesive rubber mainly comprising a resorcine, a formaldehyde-forming substance and a vinylpyridine-butadiene-styrene copolymer rubber and then bonding under vulcanization onto the main body of the non-vulcanized tubular rubber product.

Abstract: A manifold formed of a plastic main body member and a plurality of tubular metal inserts. The metal inserts are received in bosses formed at longitudinally spaced locations along the plastic main body member and provide communication therethrough with the interior of the main body member. Each insert includes a wrenching portion at its inner end which coacts with the adjacent material of the plastic member to preclude turning of the insert in the respective boss upon torquing of a threaded member into the insert and each insert further includes an annular groove adjacent the wrenching portion to preclude axial movement of the insert within the boss. A method of forming the manifold is also disclosed in which the inserts are respectively positioned on a plurality of longitudinally spaced upstanding pins on a lower mold half to locate the inserts within the mold during the molding process.

Abstract: A fluid-tight flexible connection comprises couplings (27, 28) of soft elastic material, inserted in cavities (11) of hollow sections (12, 13), flexible parts (29) of soft elastic material arranged between the couplings, nipples (32) of hard material inserted in passages (33) of the couplings (27, 28) and in transverse passages (34) of the flexible parts (29), the nipples having barbs (40, 41) exerting an expanding action, and having an internal bore (39). The nipples (32) provide a fluid-tight connection between the several parts, namely the hollow sections (12, 13), the coupling parts (27, 28) and the flexible parts (29), which connection has a comparatively high tensile strength in the direction of the cavities (11) by virtue of the barbs. The adjoining hollow sections (12, 13) can hinge relative to each other owing to the elasticity of the flexible part (29), the maximum hinge angle being determined by the elasticity of the flexible part (29) and its length.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser including a hollow plastic adapter defining a cavity extending between axially aligned open ends thereof, the cavity having a uniform cylindrical portion terminating at one of the open ends and a tapered portion joined to the cylindrical portion and tapering inwardly toward and terminating at the other open end; and a hollow metal hub defining a passage extending between axially aligned open ends thereof, the hub having a first cylindrical outer surface portion with a given diameter slightly greater than the uniform cylindrical portion and press fit therein, a second cylindrical outer surface portion with a predetermined diameter less than the given diameter and projecting out of the other open end of the adapter, and a tapered outer surface portion joining the first and second cylindrical surface portions and engaging the tapered portion of the adapter.

Abstract: A connector sealingly engageable within the end of a flexible tubing or hose carrying a pressurized fluid. The connector is a rigid tubular body having peripheral gripping barbs. The outer, tapered end of the connector is fitted with an O-ring sealing the tubing over the connector. The end portion of the tubing surrounding the barbs is preferably vented to the outside.

Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of flexible hoses comprising a one-piece moldable plastic body of light weight construction with hose engaging barbs at each end and supporting ribs in the midspan between the end barbs for sustaining the wall of the body against internal pressure, the one-piece body being free of the requirement to seal or sonically weld parts in final assembly.

Abstract: A catheter system in which a silicone rubber catheter tube may be secured to the cylindrically shaped relatively smooth stem of a rigid plastic fitting. A rigid plastic sleeve is adapted to extend over the tube when the latter is fitted onto the stem of the fitting to create a fluid tight seal between the tubing and the fitting. In another embodiment, a boot may first be disposed over a portion of the silicone rubber tubing and then extended over the connection of the rigid sleeve and rubber tubing and plastic fitting. In still a further embodiment a combination boot-sleeve may be employed and sealed to a fitting by means of an ultrasonic weld.

Abstract: A universal adapter coupling for liquid chromatography equipment, such as columns. The adapter coupling comprises two threaded segments which are matingly secured to one another and has an elongated sealing insert located in a central passage which extends axially between opposite ends of the holder. The insert protrudes from one of the ends of the holder and has a collar which is captured within a cavity in the holder. Ferrule seats are provided at opposite ends of the insert so that the adapter coupling can be used either as a female or a male coupling.

Abstract: A rubber bellows (1) for sealing between an air intake on a spring-balanced, tilting truck cab and a connecting pipe (5) securely mounted on the chassis. The connecting pipe is provided at one end with a bead (7) and the bellows and the corresponding end with an interior lip (6), which when the bellows is connected to the pipe is forced over the bead and in its coupled position is inclined towards the bead, so that the force necessary to pull off the bellows is substantially greater than the force necessary for connecting the bellows.

Abstract: A hose coupling of a simple construction is disclosed which is capable of attaining airtight or watertight connection of a hose to a coupling body, effective prevention of disconnection of the hose therefrom in use, and disconnection of the hose therefrom at the time of exchange.The hose coupling includes an O-ring, a holding ring for securely holding a hose to the coupling, and a collar for releasing engagement between the hose and the coupling which are arranged in a fluid passage of the coupling. The holding ring and collar are held in position by means of expansion spring rings.

Abstract: There is provided a process for providing a metal connector fixed to a pipe of composite material and a pipe thus made.A pipe carries at one of its extremities a metal connector, and a first film of elastomer being interposed between the two and adhering to each of them an adhesive. At the level of this extremity, the pipe also carries a metal casing which is held solidly on the connector by a band and a second film of an elastomer which is interposed between the casing and the pipe and adheres by means of an adhesive to each of them.The pipes according to the invention are suitable for use in offshore oil exploration.

Abstract: A tube securing mechanism for retaining a resilient tube on a rigid tube connector, for use in a patient breathing circuit of a respirator. In one embodiment of the invention, the tube securing mechanism is a clamp (22) having a circular band (30) with a peripheral break in it, and two integral arcuate portions (32 and 34) hinged to the band and to each other, to form a toggle mechanism by means of which the clamp is opened and closed. A pair of integral teeth (50) on the band and another pair (52) on one of the arcuate portions of the clamp, engage each other to protect the hinges of the clamp from unnecessary stress. In another embodiment of the invention, a tube (10) has two internal annular features (64 and 66) that are complementary to corresponding annular features (60 and 62) on a connector (12'), to hold the tube more securely on the connector.

Abstract: An expendable adaptor for quick coupling flexible hoses to a variety of devices such as oxygen breathing equipment and including an enlarged deformable head portion having at least a pair of concentric sleeves the inner of which is axially recessed so that its forward face engages an end edge of a complementary coupling fitting in sealing relationship while the outer sleeve surrounds the fitting in a secondary sealing as well as anchoring relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting flex duct to a sheet metal collar wherein piercing members are connected to the sheet metal collar. The piercing members are located adjacent one end of the sheet metal collar with the end of the piercing member next adjacent the end of the collar connected to the collar. The piercing members have an apical end that is oppositely disposed from the end connected to the sheet metal collar such that, when the flex duct is forced over the piercing member and then drawn in the opposite direction, the apical end pierces the scrim of the flex duct and the piercing member entraps the wire helix to secure the collar to the flex duct.