Abstract: A fitting formed with a circular flange formed coaxially with a spigot which is formed along its length with a series of frusto-conically shaped, axially spaced apart, sealing rings which are formed at their enlarged ends with respective annular holding rings. A metallic stiffener tube is received telescopically in the fitting to provide support against radial inward collapse thereof. The spigot may be formed adjacent the flange with an enlarged in diameter centering shoulder and may be formed at its extremity remote from the flange with a reduced in diameter stress relief nipple. A finishing sleeve is provided for telescopical receipt over a polyethelene pipe fitted over the spigot. Thus the spigot may be inserted into the end of the plastic pipe to expand such pipe to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A hose coupling wherein one terminal portion of the hose surrounds a first circumferentially extending external rib of a nipple. The rib is adjacent to the free end of the nipple and is separated from a second external rib by a cylindrical portion of the nipple. The terminal portion of the hose is surrounded by an annular clamping member which has a circumferentially complete annular portion surrounding the hose and being spaced apart from the nipple as well as several axially parallel elastic prongs which surround the first rib and the cylindrical portion of the nipple and have inwardly extending projections engaging that flank of the second rib which faces away from the first rib. Certain prongs are further provided with teeth which abut against the end face of the terminal portion of the hose.

Abstract: A composite connector assembly for easily and quickly making a connection between a flexible hose and an inlet fitting such as on a heat exchanger. The connector includes an elongated nipple-shaped fitting having an enlarged bead on its free end over which the hose end is extended during a connection. A cylindrical housing encircles the fitting and supports a radially outwardly distorted snap ring and associated spacer device maintaining the distortion so that the end of the hose can pass through the ring's center as it extends over and along a central body portion of the fitting. The housing includes a reduced diameter portion to engage the distorted snap ring to limit axial movement thereof as the hose is pushed over the body portion of the fitting. Resultant engagement between the axially inserted hose end and the parts of the snap ring spacer cause disengagement of the snap ring spacer from the snap ring allowing it to spring radially inward about the hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple tube connector (60). The multiple tube connector (60) includes two substantially identical first and second connector housings (62, 64). The first and second connector housings (62, 64) include an aperture (65) coaxially positioned therein. The aperture (65) includes a plurality of inwardly projecting, evenly spaced apart and substantially identical splines (88) defining key ways (90) therebetween. A locking spindle (66) is rotatably mounted in one of the first and second connector housings (62, 64). The locking spindle (66) includes evenly spaced apart, outwardly projecting and substantially identical splines (92) defining key ways (96) therebetween.

Abstract: A helically convoluted hose clamp has a central portion of rectangular cross-sectional outline, two intermediate portions of rectangular or V-shaped cross-sectional outline, and two radially outwardly extending end portions. The moments of resistance of the intermediate portions exceed the moment of resistance of the median portion, and the overall length of the clamp is in excess of 1.5 convolutions preferably between 2.5 and 2.6 convolutions. The inner diameter of the clamp is normally less than the outer diameter of the hose which is to be clamped on a pipe or the like. The length of the intermediate portions exceeds the length of the end portions, and each such intermediate portion can extend along an arc of approximately 360 degrees. Pronounced moments of resistance of the intermediate portions promote the clamping action and prevent the end portions from yielding and bending when they are acted upon to increase the inner diameter of the clamp.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin layer covers the outer peripheral surface of the nipple portion of a joint provided on one end of a connecting pipe. A hose having a reinforcing layer between a single- or double-layer inner tube and an outer tube is inserted over the nipple portion of the joint, and tightened by a caulked sleeve or clamp encircling the hose to form a joint structure. This joint structure provides a satisfactory seal for a long period of time, as its resin layer does not undergo any crystallization, but maintains elasticity.

Abstract: A flexible hose is secured to a fitting using elongated strips and band clamps in a conventional manner so as to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the flexible hose and the elongated strips. One end portion of each of the elongated strips is bent back so as to be contiguous to the next succeeding portion of the elongated strip so as to form a shoulder and a recess is formed in the fitting. The bent back portions are seated in the recess and retained therein by a band clamp acting on the next succeeding portion so that relative longitudinal movement between the elongated strip and the fitting is prevented by an abutting relationship between the shoulder of the bent back portion and a shoulder of the recess.

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 coupling mechanism for use with flexible hose or tubing in which axial compression forces are applied to the end of the hose or tubing in order to provide the coupling action. The coupling mechanism includes a nipple having a head at the free end thereof surrounded by a collar having an inwardly extending abutment member at the opposite end thereof from the free end of the nipple. The end of the flexible hose or tube is received over the nipple and within the collar with a close fit. Upon axial movement of the collar with respect to the nipple toward the free end thereof, the abutment member on the collar will apply axial compression force to the end of the hose or tubing causing the wall at the end of the hose or tubing to expand into sealing and gripping relation with the nipple and collar. Means for forcing the collar to move axially of the nipple upon rotation of the collar and to selectively maintain the collar at a given point in the axial movement thereof are provided.

Abstract: A connector device fluidly connects first and second sections of a highly elastic, highly compressible tubing of an implantable device such as an implantable penile prosthesis. The connector device includes a rigid connector component having a longitudinal main body with a fluid passage extending between first and second ends. The outer surface of the connector component includes a center surface section and first and second frusto-conical surfaces disposed at the first and second ends. The frusto-conical surfaces increase in diameter towards the center section, until the frusto-conical surfaces are larger in diameter than the center section. The tubing elastically engages the frusto-conical surfaces and a clamp surrounds the tubing preventing the tubing from "creeping" off the frusto-conical surfaces.

Abstract: An end fitting for an inflatable tube motor comprising plates each having a convex portion intermediate flat end portions, a resilient bushing having an elongated body with an enlarged central portion intermediate two substantially flat portions and a tubular fluid coupling having an elongated stem inserted in a throughbore in the enlarged portion of the bushing. The elongated body of the bushing is inserted into the end of an inflatable tube while one end of the tube abuts against a raised rib on one end of the bushing. A connector portion of the fluid coupling extends outwardly from the ribbed end of the bushing with the body portion of the bushing inserted in the end of the tube. The plates are placed over opposite sides of the tube end and pressed together to form a sealing engagement between the bushing and the tube end as well as the bushing and the fluid coupling, thereby permitting fluid communication with the interior of the tube only through the fluid coupling.

Abstract: Flexible tubing for use in connecting a pneumatic foot controller to a sewing machine is provided at one end with a detachable plastic connector including a tight fitting tube supporting sleeve and a serrated end fitting which is locked in place in the tubing with the sleeve.

Abstract: A coupling and method of coupling thin-wall hose/tubing and the like includes an inner member, a sleeve surrounding the inner member and the tubing therebetween. The inner member is provided with a pair of tubing grooves and a seal in a seal groove therebetween. By means of compression rings or annular ridges the tubing is forced into the tubing grooves and stretched across the seal, thus forming a fluid-tight coupling member.

Abstract: A coupling and method of coupling thin-wall hose/tubing and the like includes an inner member, a sleeve surrounding the inner member and the tubing therebetween. The inner member is provided with a pair of tubing grooves and a seal material between the grooves. By means of compression rings or annular ridges the tubing is forced into the tubing grooves and stretched across the seal, thus forming a fluid-tight coupling member.

Abstract: A sleeve coupling for hoses wherein an end portion of the hose is expanded radially and slipped over an end portion of a rigid tube having one or more external ribs, and the end portion of the hose is surrounded by a metallic clamping sleeve having axially extending resilient prongs surrounding the rib or ribs and provided with U-shaped end portions which pinch the end portion of the hose inwardly of the rib or ribs. A circumferentially complete portion of the clamping sleeve surrounds the hose in a region outwardly of the rib or ribs, and the tips of U-shaped end portions of the prongs abut against the inner side of the innermost rib on the tube.

Abstract: A hose clamp structure and hose construction employing same are provided wherein such structure comprises a pair of cooperating interconnectible members each having a plurality of teeth adapted for interconnecting engagement and wherein the members upon being interconnected around an associated hose end extend substantially over a first arcuate length of the hose end with a second arcuate length of the hose end completing the remaining 360.degree. circumference of such hose end. Each of the members is defined as a separate part and has means for connecting the members to the hose end such that when the members are connected to the hose end the second arcuate length of the hose end is employed as clamping means and the connected members and second arcuate length cooperate to define an annular construction enabling the hose end to be clamped around an associated structure.

Abstract: A device for attachment of a resilient and/or flexible tube to a nipple, nozzle or like connection to enable the resilient and/or flexible tube to be retained on the nipple, nozzle or like connection in normal use.In order to provide security for the resilient and/or flexible tube, a retaining element is provided which has an aperture therein of longer diameter than the tube with which it is intended to be used, the diameter of the aperture being large enough to pass over the tube when the tube is in position on the nipple, nozzle or like connection but small enough to cause the resilient and/or flexible tube to grip the nipple, nozzle or like connection.

Abstract: A hose coupling is of the type wherein the end portion of an elastic hose is slipped over a pipe whose end portion has at least one external collar. The hose is held against axial movement relative to the pipe by a ring-shaped elastic clamping device having an internal bead whose inner diameter exceeds the maximum diameter of the collar. The outer diameter of the end portion of the hose in unexpanded condition of such end portion also exceeds the maximum diameter of the collar. The wall thickness of the end portion of the hose is such that it exceeds half the difference between the inner diameter of the bead and the maximum diameter of the collar. The clamping device is slipped onto the end portion of the hose before the end portion of the hose is slipped onto the end portion of the pipe whereby the clamping device travels over and beyond the collar.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling and method for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe or tube to fittings or other pipes or tubes. The coupling is defined by a non-metallic coupling body, a generally elongated hollow insert, an annular retaining spacer ring, seal rings, a collet back-up ring, and a retaining collet all disposed within the recess of the coupling body. The retaining collet is provided with a tapered external surface complementary to an internal frusto-conical surface defined by the back-up ring which in the preferred embodiment is molded within the coupling body. A separate non-metallic chamfer ring which is closely slidably receivable on the hollow insert is also provided. The coupling is made up as by inserting the chamfer ring onto the hollow insert to a position spaced inwardly from the insert outer end and outwardly adjacent to the coupling body.

Abstract: A hose construction, and method of making same, are provided wherein the hose construction comprises a hose having a hose end and a hose clamp assembly fastened to opposite sides of a first arcuate length of the hose end with a second arcuate length of the hose end defining the remaining 360.degree. circumference thereof and with the assembly being movable between an unclamped and a clamped position thereof and in the clamped position employs the second arcuate length of the hose end as clamping means; and, the assembly comprises a first straight member, an L-shaped member, and a simple link connected between the members which cooperate with the members to move the assembly between the unclamped and a clamped positions thereof with optimum simplicity and the assembly has means for locking same in its clamped position.

Abstract: An end fitting assembly for a conduit (10) having an internal screen (11), comprises a nipple (15) adapted to be inserted in at least an end portion (12) of the conduit (10) and a sleeve (23) adapted to co-operate with the nipple (15) about which the screen (11) can be folded, the arrangement being such that the folded portion of the screen (11) is clamped between the sleeve (23) and an adjacent co-operating portion of the nipple (15).

Abstract: A modular solar collector system formed of interconnectible manifold sections and a plurality of tubular collectors connected between the manifold sections having fittings and connecting means for securing the tubular collectors and forming a liquid tight seal.

Abstract: A connector fitting, for use in the installation of underground plastic pipes, for threaded engagement into a generally standard fitting conventionally used to install underground metal pipes in circumstances where it is desirable to permit soil to flow into the interior chamber of the pipe as said pipe is being pulled into its underground installed position. A main sleeve portion of the plastic pipe connector is exteriorly screwthreaded along a front end portion for threaded engagement within an annular tube portion of the metal pipe connector, and a pair of relatively short sleeves of predetermined differing diameters are fixed as by welding relative to respective inner and outer rear end surfaces of the main sleeve portion. Rearwardly extended portions of the short sleeves define an annular pocket sized to receive a leading end of the plastic pipe.

Abstract: A connector apparatus comprising a hose having a resilient core with a resilient cover over the core. A passageway is defined in the center of the resilient core. At one end of the hose the core has a region of reduced thickness that produces an increased inside diameter in the passageway at the end of the hose. A connector is engageably positioned in the passageway in the hose at the end where the core has a reduced thickness. The connector has an enlarged diameter portion and the enlarged diameter portion has a diameter larger than the inside diameter of the passageway in the hose. Clamping means is positioned on the exterior of the hose at the end where the connector is positioned in the passageway of the hose. The clamping means sealingly secures the connector in the hose.

Abstract: A hose clamp structure for a hose construction which has a hose end provided with a reinforcing wire and method of making such hose clamp structure are provided wherein the structure comprises a pair of separate cooperating interconnectible members each having an inner portion provided with a fastening opening and an outer portion provided with a plurality of teeth adapted for interconnecting engagement and wherein each interconnectible member is fastened on the hose end utilizing a single-piece clip which has a portion of the reinforcing wire bent within a portion thereof and the bent portion and its clip cooperate to fasten the associated member on the hose end.

Abstract: A hose clamp structure and hose construction employing same are provided wherein such structure comprises a pair of cooperating interconnectible members each having a plurality of teeth adapted for interconnecting engagement and wherein the members upon being interconnected around an associated hose end extend substantially over a first arcuate length of the hose end with a second arcuate length of the hose end completing the remaining 360.degree. circumference of such hose end. Each of the members is defined as a separate part and has means for connecting the members to the hose end such that when the members are connected to the hose end the second arcuate length of the hose end is employed as clamping means and the connected members and second arcuate length cooperate to define an annular construction enabling the hose end to be clamped around an associated structure.

Abstract: A method for connecting a plastics pipe to a fitting incorporating an externally grooved insert. The insert, which is a tight fit in the pipe, is forced into the end of the pipe, and a sleeve, previously located on the pipe, is then forced to the end of the pipe so that the pipe end is tightly gripped between the insert and the sleeve. The insert is tubular and is provided with a plurality of circumferential grooves in its outer surface. Each groove has in axial section substantially straight sides and a straight base, the angle between the base and each side being obtuse. Insertion of the insert causes the external diameter of the pipe to increase so as to be greater than the internal diameter of the sleeve.

Abstract: A gas riser apparatus for conducting gas from a souce of supply to a delivery point such as a meter or the like. The gas riser apparatus is defined by a plastic pipe and a metal pipe which are interconnected within the body of the apparatus by means of a metal-to-plastic pipe joint. The pipe joint includes a reinforcing metal stiffener sleeve and a nonmetallic outer sleeve tightly surrounding the metal pipe and the plastic pipe.

Abstract: A releasable hose fitting comprises a male member that mounts on the end of a flexible hose and a complementary female member that mounts on a hose receiving nipple. The male member includes a pair of arms that extend along the side of the hose and that include inwardly projecting barbs that grip the hose walls to hold the member on the hose. The male member also includes a pair of relatively resilient wings that extend along the side of the hose and that include outwardly projecting noses. The female member has a cup-like configuration including a wall portion defining an entrance opening in which the male member is received. A locking rim is formed on the inside surface of the wall portion. As the male member is pushed into the female member, the wings deflect inwardly until the noses clear the rim, whereupon they snap outwardly and lock behind the rim. The male member is released from the female member simply by squeezing the wings inwardly sufficiently for the noses to clear the rim.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having circumferentially spaced recesses on the outer periphery thereof is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the recesses in the sleeve. Portions of the previously applied fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material are pressed into the recesses. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied to the previously applied fibrous material. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: A threadless coupling for rapid connection to a valve or fitting and to pipes or tubing for fluid distribution systems such as for gas or water. The coupling comprises an outer housing having an internal arrangement of O-rings and unique spacers, lock rings and other members for gripping tubing when inserted and, once inserted, the tubing is firmly gripped to provide a substantial amount of tensile resistant loading thereon.

Abstract: A hose coupling having a fixation collar with a tapered inner surface to be joined with a clamp for the coupling in which several jaws in the shape of tapered sectors are engaged in the collar while leaving a clearance between two successive jaws which form a substantially cylindrical surface surrounding the outer surface of the hose to be connected. A cylindrical sleeve is engageable inside the hose and is formed with a flange for bearing against the end face of the jaws and a tip portion which is slidable in a coaxial bore of the clamp, the diameter of said bore being greater to the inner diameter of the hose, so that a differential pressure area is established which applies pressure to the tip of the sleeve to drive it in a direction such that the flange engages the jaws.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling and method for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe to fittings or other pipes. The coupling is defined by a non-metallic coupling body, a generally elongated hollow insert, annular spacer rings, seal rings, a collet ring, and a retaining collet all disposed within the recess of the coupling body. The retaining collet is provided with a tapered external surface which is complementary to an internal frusto-conical surface defined by a back-up ring molded within the coupling body. The coupling is made up as by inserting the end of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe into the coupling body such that the pipe is received about the generally elongated hollow insert and within the retaining collet. The toothed internal surface of the retaining collet is adapted to engage the non-metallic pipe.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a pre-assembled liquid tight connector for use with flexible metallic conduit. The connector is comprised of a one piece body member having a grounding member formed integrally therewith. Additionally, the body member is so constructed as to retain a resilient polyurethane collar in a pre-loaded position so that after assembling the ground conductor to the flexible metallic conduit, the collar is simply pried from the pre-load position and a liquid tight seal is achieved.

Abstract: A flexible hose connection comprises a premoulded length of hose having enlarged end portions. A pair of annular flanges are slidably mounted on the hose. Each enlarged end portion engages in a recess formed in a surface of a connecting part. A spigot in a bore in the part projects into the hose beyond the respective end portion; The flange has a convexly curved aperture therethrough, the minimum diameter of the aperture being less than the diameter of the respective end portion. Screws pass through holes in the flange and engage in screw-threaded bores in the part. Tightening of the screws deforms the end portion inwardly and outwardly to produce an effective high pressure seal which is simple to make and undo. Damage to the hose is minimized.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible high-pressure hoses of the kind having a wall made of elastomeric material which is strengthened by a stress-resistant reinforcement which is embedded in the wall and which is formed by at least two superimposed layers of cables inclined in opposite directions, with, at one end, an obturating or connecting device comprising a spigot which is inserted in the hose and an external clamping collar, the spigot and the collar having, on their adjacent surfaces, a channel in the one case and a corresponding ridge in the other.According to the invention, the channel and the ridge each have parallel clamping surfaces which are inclined in opposite directions and their radial height is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the wall of the hose so that, in the state where the device is assembled to the hose, the crest of the ridge at least partly enters the channel.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having apertures is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the apertures in the sleeve. Sharpened spikes are pressed through the fibrous material and into the apertures of the sleeve. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied around the outer ends of the spikes. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a pipe joining and connection process and apparatus for utilization with all forms of plastic pipes and metal and plastic pipe couplings. The joint comprises a plastic or metal adapter fixture which has been swaged in circumferential relationship to the pipe by expansion of the pipe into the fixture through a process and apparatus which serves to expand and hold the two elements together. The apparatus comprises a metal sleeve on the interior of the pipe and an exterior metal retainer overlying the fixture to provide the necessary hoop strength surrounding the joint. The process is effectuated by means of expanding a resilient elastomer within the bore of the pipe against the sleeve that is concomitantly expanded outwardly against the pipe. The plastic of the pipe is simultaneously caused to flow into grooves within the fixture.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a portable washing machine which includes an improved method of assembling and retaining the faucet locking means between the coupler body and the retaining ring. The coupler body supports locking means in pockets between the retaining ring and the body. The retaining ring includes a plurality of inwardly extending segmental shoulders which define recesses therebetween. The retaining ring is assembled onto the coupler body by aligning the recesses with the locking means and sliding the ring onto the body. The retaining ring is then locked by rotating the ring to snap a leg portion into a detent slot in the body. The locking rotation moves the segmental shoulders into alignment with the locking means to prevent movement of the ring from the coupler body.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling is disclosed providing a body assembly having a tube end receiving passage proportioned to closely fit the forward end of a tube. A seal is located in the body assembly to provide a fluid tight joint between the end of the tube and the body assembly. The body assembly also includes a lock ring retaining groove within a nut with an expandable lock ring positioned therein. Mounted on the tube at a location spaced from the end thereof is a locking sleeve which is crimped inwardly toward a tubular insert to lock the locking sleeve in position. The forward end of the locking sleeve is formed with a camming ramp which extends toward a lock ring groove. Assembly of the coupling requires the mere axial movement of the tube end assembly into the body assembly until the seal engages the outer surface of the tube and the lock ring bridges between the nut groove and the lock sleeve groove to permanently connect the tube end and the nut.

Abstract: There is provided an improved means and method for attaching a flexible tube to a container of the type having a stub tube port with an end of the tube fitted over the stub port. The attaching means includes a resilient ring tightly fitted over the tube end and a retainer cap fitted over the ring and bonded to the container.

Abstract: A yieldably resilient, tubular bellows is fastened to a metal cylinder by first inserting an axial end portion of the bellows in a more rigid clamping ring whose internal cross section is greater than the cross section of the cylinder, but not substantially greater than that of the outer cross section of the bellows, then axially juxtaposing the bellows and the cylinder, and exerting axial pressure in opposite directions on the ring and the cylinder while preventing the bellows from moving out of the ring until an axially terminal portion of the cylinder enters the bore of the bellows, smaller in cross section than the cylinder, and is axially coextensive with the ring, whereby the bellows is radially compressed between the ring and the cylinder.