Abstract: A tail piece for insertion in a waste pipe of a water drainage system including a main tubular portion connected to a waste pipe, tubular branch means having central conduit means connected to the main tubular portion, and means for selectively adapting the tubular branch means for connection to an upwardly extending tube for draining an appliance into a downwardly extending tube for priming a drain trap.

Abstract: A cable insertion nozzle is provided of the type having a spherical seat formed by two female and male portions of a ball and socket joint, which is characterized in that in the inner peripheral surfaces of the female and male portions is formed a recess which has a rectangular shape in longitudinal cross section and a circular shape in transverse cross section when the axis of the female segment coincides with that of the male segment, and in the recess is floatably inserted a cylindrical member the end portions of which are provided with a collar section and whose inside diameter is substantially identical with the original inside diameter of the female and male segments, whereby no step is created in the inner face of the nozzle, thereby permitting smooth conveying of the cable and the like.

Abstract: A joint for rigidly coupling first and second pipes having high temperature fluid flowing therethrough. The joint comprises first and second annular members including mating spherical segments which are rigidly coupled, respectively, to the pipes; a coupling assembly to couple the annular members in telescoped engagement and to radially inwardly compress these members to resist relative angular movement therebetween; an annular cavity defined by the telescoped annular members and communicating with the interface of the engaged annular members; and an annular, metallic and torsionally flexible seal located in the cavity to resist fluid escape from the joint through the interface of the annular members. The joint accepts annular misalignment of the pipes as the pipes are being connected, but thereafter the coupling assembly applies the radially inwardly directed compression to the mating spherical segments to resist further relative angular movement therebetween.

Abstract: A vapor recovery nozzle is connected to a fuel hose and to a vapor recovery hose. A ball and socket connection attaches each hose to the nozzle to permit the nozzle to swivel.

Abstract: A vacuum-forceps is disclosed. A valve chamber is provided between a first suction passage communicating with an adsorptive member and a second suction passage connected through a suction tube to a vacuum source. A valve member linked to an operating push button is accomodated in the valve chamber. The adsorptive member is rotatable and swayable relative to a forceps body with the aid of a spherical member. A suction tube is connected through a double-coupling to the forceps body. A bypass is provided between the valve chamber and the first suction passage. A semiconductor silicon wafer is adsorbed on an adsorptive plate provided at the tip end of the adsorptive member by actuating the push button and is then moved to a desired position.

Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axilly split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.

Abstract: For use with a pipe having an outer surface, a clamping structure is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the device utilizes a surrounding ring of solid construction having a central passage fitting over the pipe in question. An internal groove is formed in the ring. An encircling clamp means is placed in the groove which has an exposed or outer face confronting the pipe. The clamp means is fabricated with the outer face supported on a pair of spaced sidewalls which are corrugated along their length. On application of pressure to the interior of the ring, the corrugations are straightened, driving the outer face into the pipe and thereby clamping.

Abstract: The remotely operable ball connector includes a female member having a remotely operable locking assembly thereon which receives an articulated ball member, which ball member has mounted thereon an over-center locking ring assembly for moving the ball member into a locking position in the female member and for receiving a plurality of inwardly moving radial locking fingers to connect the ball member to the female member.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold, cylinder head, or the like, is provided with one or more insulating shield members formed within associated housing members having ball or cylindrical end portions. The end portions are seated on bearing rings preferably cast or inserted into the housing ends to provide for relative expansion of the internal shields with respect to the outer housing members, both linear and bending expansion motions being accommodated. The resulting passage assemblies may be formed by casting the housing members around their respective shields. Sand core material may be preapplied to create the desired insulating clearance between the associated members and, if desired, to secure the bearing rings in position.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a ball and a cup wherein the ball has mounted thereover a hydraulic flange assembly which includes extendable guide arms which extend outwardly for initial centering of the ball in alignment with the cup and includes a mechanism for pulling the ball into the cup. After the ball is fully aligned within the cup, radial latching segments move down and finally latch the ball and cup together. The entire apparatus is hydraulically operated such that it may be used for diverless connections of flowline portions together.

Abstract: A movable traffic barrier for dividing adjacent lanes of traffic in a roadway which includes a number of hollow cylindrical barriers laid end to end and projecting above the roadway, and a cable for rotating said cylindrical barriers to position them on the roadway.

Abstract: A swivel coupling element for use in sealingly coupling a tubular element to an annular coupling flange.

Abstract: A fluid-tight sealing apparatus with a protective liner for sealing a pair of tubes having high temperature and pressure fluid flowing therethrough. The apparatus comprises an inner tubular surface coupled to the first tube and a sealing assembly coupled to the second tube and receivable in the inner tubular surface in an interference fit. The sealing assembly comprises a metallic, annular resilient sealing member and a rigid protective liner located inside and substantially concentric to the sealing member but spaced inwardly therefrom for limiting radially inward deformation of the sealing member to prevent plastic deformation thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, especially a suction nozzle, for a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus has a joint pan connected with an apparatus housing, and a joint head connected with an apparatus connecting piece for a handle of the vacuum cleaner. The joint parts are parts of a joint, especially a tilting joint, and delimit a gap of movement of the joint. At least one of the joint parts is a part which can be detached from the apparatus part respectively associated therewith, which detachable part is provided at least partially with a fiber packing which projects into the gap of movement. The fiber packing includes closely packed fibers which are arranged at least substantially at right angles on an associated supporting surface of the joint part.

Abstract: A swivel coupling element for use in sealingly coupling a tubular element to an annular coupling flange.

Abstract: Flexible fluid couplings incorporating spherical seats which permit the interconnected pipe section to move axially and/or articulate relative to each other. O-ring seals in the coupling are protected against pressure induced extrusion. The center of articulation is located in a plane which passes close to the O-ring seals.

Abstract: A submarine ball and socket pipe connection employs male and female coupling members, of which the male member has an enlarged portion with concentric forward and rearward facing part-spherical external surfaces and the female member has a housing defining a part-spherical recess to receive said forward facing, part-spherical surface of the male member. The male member furthermore carries, slidably with relation thereto, a hub having a part-spherical surface to engage said rearward facing, part-spherical external surface of the male member, and means are provided for drawing said hub towards said housing to make the connection. The male member furthermore carries means biasing the hub towards the rearward facing part-spherical surface of the male member, from the rearward side thereof to assist in assembling the connection.

Abstract: A collet actuated ball and socket connector for rigidly interconnecting the ends of two pipes is disclosed having a ball coupling member adapted for connection to the end of one of the pipes, and a retaining flange freely disposed about the ball coupling member and engaging the outer surface of the member. A socket coupling member adapted for connection to the end of the other of the two pipes is provided for accepting the ball coupling member and provides a metal sealing ring for mating with the ball members. A collet locking means is mounted about the outer periphery of the socket coupling member and extends generally axially therefrom for permitting insertion of the ball coupling member into mating engagement with the socket coupling member when the collet means is open. An actuating means applies a predetermined axial force to the collet locking means for closing the collet means to engage the retaining flange and lock the ball and socket coupling members together in a sealed, rigid relationship.

Abstract: A connection flange for tubular members is formed as a separate member having a sealing surface formed on the connection flange for sealingly engaging a complementary mating surface, a formed annulus for receiving an end of a tubular member and a radially extending web having openings to enable threaded fasteners to force the flange sealing surface into sealing engagement with the complementary mating surface. A tubular member is sealingly affixed to the formed annulus by welding. The flange is formed of a relatively thicker material than the tubular member to which it is affixed to provide material and weight savings by enabling the tubular member to be formed of a relatively thin, light weight material.

Abstract: A sea anchoring system for anchoring floating sea stations to a sea bed floor such as on a foundation or a stay block comprises a tension member connected between a floating station and the sea bed foundation or block with a plurality of tension members connected between the bed foundation and the floating station through universal joints. The universal joints include an assembly comprising an inner spherical body and an outer spherical body arranged over and slightly embracing the inner spherical body. The outer spherical body includes an opening on one side and a pin connected to the inner spherical body and extends through this opening and is connected, for example, to the foundation or to the floating body. The outer spherical body has a connection for example to the tension member. The inner and outer spherical bodies have spherical surfaces facing each other and at least one of these surfaces has a lining of a material which permits sliding interengagement with a minimum friction and wear.

Abstract: In a device for interconnecting respective ends of two conduits a male connecting piece (2) is fixed on the end of one of conduits and provided on its outer periphery with annular ridges (4), while a female connecting piece is fixed to the end of the other conduit and comprises, in succession, as viewed from its end opening, a first cylindrical annular portion (5), a convergent frustoconical portion (6) and a divergent frustoconical portion (7) which is connected to a second cylindrical portion. A spherical ring member (10) slidably mounted on male connecting piece (2) engages the cylindrical portion (5) and the convergent frustoconical portion (6) of female connecting piece (3) and is subjected to a longitudinal force, so as to be locked on male connecting piece (2) under the effect of plastic deformation. This device can be used for connecting large diameter pipes used for transporting high pressure fluids, particularly in submarine installations.

Abstract: A swivel coupling element for use in sealingly coupling a tubular element to an annular coupling flange.

Abstract: A ball and socket articulated connection in which the socket has an associated enclosed chamber for fluid transfer through the connection. A fluid conduit hole extends through the ball and a fluid conduit communicates with the chamber. It can be used at the base of an offshore tower secured to a sea floor site.

Abstract: A high temperature tube and shell vertically positioned heat exchanger including a plurality of tube sheets dividing the interior of the shell into three consecutive chambers. Ceramic tubes are vertically hung from hemispherical seats in an upper tube sheet and extend downwardly through loose fitting porous inserts which line perforations in the lower tube sheets. A hot fluid flows from the bottom chamber upwardly through the ceramic tubes, a cool fluid flows through the upper chamber across the tubes, and a third fluid is injected into the intermediate chamber at a pressure higher than that of the fluid mediums in the upper and lower chambers. The third, high pressure fluid flows through the porous inserts and into the other chambers forming a dynamic seal which also allows unrestricted axial motion of the tubes and limited laterial motion of the bottom of the tubes.

Abstract: A self-closing tap valve with a tiltable outlet member which is supported in a valve housing by means of a ball-and-socket-type support and which, when forcibly tilted, lifts a pressure-biased valve plate off an upstream-facing valve seat in the housing. The valve plate incorporates a radially or axially protruding gasket, clamped or vulcanized in place, or the valve seat is part of a resilient seat ring insert. Resilient sealing and shock-dampening members cooperate with the tiltable outlet member.

Abstract: A quick-coupling ball-and-socket joint for two rigid pipe lengths 1, 2, for instance of a dredging sludge pipe line, provided with a ball joint 3 affixed to the one pipe length 1, and with a ball socket 4, 5, 14 affixed in the coupled position integrally to the other pipe length 2, in which socket the ball joint 3 in the coupled position is omnilaterally pivotable, and which ball socket 4, 5, 14 comprises at least a two-part coupling body 4, 5 which is integrally omnilaterally pivotable with respect to the ball joint 3, and retained about said ball joint 3, and a separate sleeve 14 affixed to the other pipe length 2, said coupling body 4, 5 and sleeve 14 being adapted during the insertion for coupling the pipe lengths 1, 2 in the sleeve 14 of the ball joint 3 with coupling body 4, 5 retained therearound, for snapping together said sleeve 14 and said coupling body 4, 5 with mutual centering.

Abstract: An all metal pipe coupling assembly especially suitable for fluid connecting together certain components submerged within liquid metal in a pool type nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. This coupling assembly which is also submerged within the pool of liquid metal connects the reactor components together using three tubular sections and two joint arrangements which eliminate thermal expansion stresses. The joint arrangements also maintain low seismic stresses and are pressure energized to minimize leakage.

Abstract: A joint connection between a concrete tower supporting a surface platform and a sea anchorage or foundation, comprises, an outer hemispherical socket shell which is adapted to be secured to the concrete tower and an inner head which has a hemispherical shell portion within the outer shell portion and a lower cylindrical portion which extends downwardly therefrom and is secured to a foundation plate having an opening therethrough for the passage of conveying lines. Lubricated slide shoe elements are disposed between the inner and outer shells to facilitate their pivotal interengagement. A support gimbal is secured within the inner head and a pull rod is connected to the gimbal and extends upwardly through the head and the outer shell and is connected to a beam mounted on the concrete foundation above hydraulic presses. The hydraulic presses comprise prestressing means connected to the pull rod to prestress it in a direction to urge the inner and outer shells into pivotal interengagement.

Abstract: A device for connecting pipe ends comprising a bearing ring for attachment sealingly to one pipe end, the ring having a spherical outer surface and an annular end surface lying in a plane inclined to a plane extending at right angles to the ring axis, a coupling part surrounding the bearing ring, axially displaceable relative thereto and having an inner spherical surface matching to the outer spherical surface of the bearing ring, the coupling part having a stop ring extending inwardly behind the bearing ring, a seal between the two spherical surfaces, an annular inclined stop surface associated with the coupling part and complementary to and in engagement with the annular end surface of the bearing ring and a connecting part connectable with the coupling part for attachment to the other pipe end.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for coupling engagement of misalignable flanges disposed around the exterior of first and second tubular ends which may be initially rotatably or pivotally disposed with respect to one another, each of the flanges having at least one passage which is exteriorly conically tapered in a first direction therethrough. In one embodiment, the apparatus provides plug means which are exteriorly conically tapered in the first direction for companion tapered receipt within each of the conically tapered passages, the relative taper of the passage and the plug means preventing the plug means from freely passing through the respective passage. The plug means has a bore which is disposed therethrough with the center line of the bore being eccentrically defined away from the planar axis of the plug means. Means are provided which are companionly receivable through the bore of the plug means for securement with the plug means and for engaging the flanges.

Abstract: A pipe connection, particularly useful for a motor vehicle exhaust line, is provided with a spherical sealing surface on one pipe which projects into an axial accommodating space on a mating pipe. The pipes are held together by spring clamps which have opposite ends facing each other for engaging oppositely facing recesses on clamping structures (e.g., flanges) associated with each pipe. The spring clamps are constructed as C-shaped leaf springs having rounded ends.

Abstract: An improved articulated ball connector for use with pipelines as disclosed. In the illustrated embodiment, a sphere is attached to the end of a pipeline. A collar is fitted about the sphere. The collar has a surface contoured to match the surface of the sphere and its rotates or deflects through a designated angle. The collar has an encircling outer groove. A cup shaped receptacle receives the curved surface of the ball. The collar is abutted against a transverse shoulder on the cup shaped receptacle. The ball is pivoted relative to the cup shaped receptacle and the collar. A ring having a cross section which is U-shaped latches about the cup shaped receptacle and the collar. The U-shaped cross section includes upper and lower shoulders which protrude inwardly and engage the cup shaped receptacle and the groove in the collar. The ring is squeezed radially inwardly to clamp the cup shaped receptacle and the collar together.

Abstract: A ball coupling for reliable connecting and releasing floating pipings of mud ships and the like nautical applications, mainly consisting of an outer ball a hollow inner ball, and a retaining member, has according to the invention been improved by embodying the retaining member in the form of pivotable ring segments which are located in a space which is delimited by flanges positioned perpendicular to the center line of the outer ball. Hereby it is achieved that the retaining means is at a fixed place due to which coupling and uncoupling of pipings can be executed much easier and quicker.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, irrigation pipe couplings for movable irrigation systems may include a spherical coupling structure that allows articulation of sections of the irrigation pipe during operation of the irrigation system. A sealing element is provided that maintains a positive seal when the various sections of irrigation pipe of the irrigation system are static or are moving. The internal and external components of the coupling structure and the sealing element of each of the couplings cooperate in such manner that the sealing elements are easily and quickly replaceable should they become worn or damaged. It is not necessary to cause longitudinal separation of the sections of irrigation pipe to which the coupling structures are affixed in order to achieve replacement of the sealing element.

Abstract: A showerhead of the type including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a bore defining a passage between the two. Two discs are disposed in the passage, in face-to-face engagement with each other and mounted for relative rotation about a central axis. A plurality of orifices, arranged with their centers spaced at regular intervals around a circle of predetermined diameter, extend through each disc. Each orifice of the downstream disc defines a small port at the downstream face and a large port at the upstream face of the disc. Each orifice through the upstream disc defines at its downstream face a port that communicates with but is smaller than a respective port at upstream face of the downstream disc.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint comprising a member having forward facing and rear facing spherical surface portions, a collar engaged about the member and having internal surface portions mating with the spherical surface portions of the member, a socket into which is received the previously formed assembly comprising the member with the collar engaged thereabout, and securing means for securing the assembly in the socket. The ball and socket joint being constructible as a pipe coupling, particularly a pipe coupling for use in difficult working environments such as a deep subsea location, the securing means can be constructed for remote operation and can be constructed for applying to the assembly a continuous pre-load force tending to push the assembly into the socket.

Abstract: A variable length coupling device for connecting together first and second flowlines for the passage of fluid therethrough including first and second housing sections having alignable bores. The first housing section is adapted for connection at various angular positions to the first flowline and the second housing section to receive and is sealingly attached to the second flowline in response to the interconnection of the first and second housing sections. An actuator sleeve, force transfer sleeve and wedging seal ring are mounted within the first and second housing section bores for movement into gripping, sealing engagement against the second flowline in response to connection of the first and second housing sections together.

Abstract: A sealing means is disclosed which comprises a support member provided with a groove adapted to receive an annular seal therein which mates with the outer spherical surface of a swivel ball of a tank mixer upon installation thereof. The groove is positioned so that it is disposed between the diametrical section of the ball taken substantially parallel to the tank wall and the tank wall and that the internal pressure of the liquid in the tank urges the seal towards the diametrical section of the ball.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining the ends of two pipes together while permitting a certain angle to exist between the pipe axes, the coupling including a housing member associated with one pipe end, a plug-in member associated with the other pipe end and arranged to be inserted into the housing member to form a sealing connection therewith; two ring elements located within one of the members and together defining an inwardly directed bearing surface having the form of a spherical segment, the bearing surface portions defined by the two elements being axially spaced apart, and the pipe end associated with the one member presenting an outwardly directed bearing surface having the form of a spherical segment conforming to, and fitting closely with, the inwardly directed bearing surface.

Abstract: A self-resistant light-alloy sectional member for an articulated fitting, ich can be formed by extrusion. The sectional member is characterized in that its cross-section is closed to form an elongated box and in that at least one of the thickness edges of the sectional member has a rigid longitudinal fastening portion, enabling a fitting without any deformation together with a sectional member whose thickness edge is contiguous, provided with a corresponding fastening part running along it.

Abstract: An apparatus for rigidly interconnecting the ends of two pipes, such as two pipes whose axes are misaligned. It includes a pair of coupling members, each of which is adapted for connection at one end thereof to one of the pipes which are to be interconnected. One of the coupling members has attached thereto an annular radially outwardly enlarged portion having forward and rearward sides, with the forward sides being generally spherical shaped. The other coupling member has attached thereto a housing having a seat portion adapted for receiving the forward side of the enlarged portion in generally mating engagement therewith, to thereby accommodate axial misalignment between said coupling members. Gripping means, such as a plurality of slips or a split ring, are supported generally between the housing and the enlarged portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining two conduits in an articulated relationship comprising: a male member attached to one of the conduits and having a radially enlarged portion thereon; a female member attached to the other of said conduits and into which the male member may be inserted; a gripping assembly carried by the female member and movable from a radially expanded position, in which the male member may be freely inserted and removed from the female member, to a radially contracted position gripping the enlarged portion of the male member, preventing its removal and locking it in a fixed articulated relationship with the female member; and an actuating assembly, carried by the female member, engageable with the gripping assembly and being operable by a force applied externally of the apparatus for moving the gripping assembly between its expanded and contracted positions.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking two concentric pipes, for example extending between an underwater oil well and a surface apparatus, comprising first and second locking means on one of said pipes and at least two stop means on the other of said pipes operative to limit relative movement of said pipes in the connection direction and to prevent relative movement of said pipes, when locked together, in the disconnection direction, wherein locking and unlocking is effected solely by relative axial movement of the pipes.

Abstract: A hollow body has ball and socket connections at its opposite ends, respectively. Each ball has a bore therethrough with its inner end disposed in the body cavity. A flexible imperforate tube is connected at its opposite ends to the balls, respectively, in a manner such that liquids can pass, under positive or negative pressure, through the body cavity and balls without contact with the interior wall of the body cavity and the outer companion surfaces of the balls and their sockets. The tube is curvilinear endwise and the length thereof exposed in the cavity is greater than the distance between the inner ends of the bore of the balls so that it can self-adjust to different rocked positions of the balls relative to each other without substantial change in the cross section of its passage. The balls can be locked individually in various rocked positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the ends of two pipes comprising; a pair of coupling members, each of which is connected at one end thereof to the end of one of the pipes; one of the coupling members having attached to the other end thereof an annular spherically-shaped enlarged portion having axially forward and rearward sides; the other coupling member having attached to the other end thereof a housing having an internal surface for receiving the spherically-shaped forward side of said enlarged portion in mating engagement therewith, thereby enabling the central axes of the coupling members to be inclined at an angle relative to each other for connecting similarly inclined pipe ends; seal means disposed between the enlarged portion and the housing for providing a fluid seal therebetween; a plurality of cam members supported in circumferentially disposed relation about the housing and movable axially and radially inward towards the internal surface between a retracted position in which the housing freely receives t

Abstract: A ball and socket type coupling for connecting the ends of two pipes which may be axially misaligned by as much as several degrees. It includes a pair of coupling members, each of which is arranged for connection to one of the pipes to be connected. One of the members has attached at the other end thereof a ball portion, and the other coupling member has attached thereto a housing arranged for receiving in mating relationship therewith the forward surface of the ball portion. Seal means are disposable between the ball and the housing member for providing a fluid seal therebetween.

Abstract: The improved dredge floating pontoon pipe-line ball joint disclosed is adapted for releasably connecting adjacent ends of two conduit sections which are part of a dredge line. The improved ball joint includes: a ball member secured to an end of one of the conduit sections; a socket member secured to an end of the other conduit section and adapted to fit about at least a portion of the ball member; and a ring mounted on the ball member and moveable with respect to and on the ball member so as to permit relative, universal movement between the two conduit sections. A plurality of retention pins are carried by the ring at spaced intervals about the ring and are utilized to retain the ring on the ball member particularly during assembly and disassembly of the improved joint.A novel cooperating hook member and lug arrangement is utilized for locking the ring and socket member together, and for interconnecting the ends of the conduit sections.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball-and-socket joint particularly for use with pipe lines, which comprises a first coupling portion provided with a coupling rim and having a conical inner wall and a second coupling portion at least partly surrounding the first coupling portion and provided with a coupling rim and part of a spherical wall, the portions being connected with each other by means of a lock ring, the two coupling portions are separately made on a jig, the external dimensions of which correspond with the internal dimensions of the coupling portion concerned, for which purpose layers of crossing, continuous, resin-impregnated threads are wound around the jig, while said threads are at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the coupling portion concerned, in order to form the conical wall and the part of the spherical wall respectively.

Abstract: A hydromassage device for use in jetting air and pressurized water into a pool of water and including eyeball means readily adjustable at the user's option to direct the issuing jet in different directions. Existing non-adjustable hydromassage devices can be retrofitted with the adjustable eyeball, or the adjustable eyeball may be mounted directly in a socket of the main body of the massage device as manufactured.