Abstract: A tool for mechanically unlocking a subsea hydraulic connector which is configured to releasably connect a first subsea component to a second subsea component. The connector includes a housing which is secured to the first subsea component, a locking piston which is positioned within the housing, and a number of locking jaws which are configured to be engaged by the locking piston. The locking piston is movable between a locked position in which the locking piston forces the locking jaws into engagement with the second subsea component to thereby secure the connector to the second subsea component, and an unlocked position in which the locking piston releases the locking jaws from engagement with the second subsea component to thereby disconnect the connector from the second subsea component.

Abstract: A feeder duct assembly for a gas turbine engine, which negates the need for a ball or axial joint in the duct for required for flexibility under thermal loading. The feeder duct assembly of the present innovation comprises an end fitting designed to meet flexibility requirements without compromising dynamic performance of the system with added weight from ball or axial joints in the ducts.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a coupling device and enclosure for an interface through which exhaust gas flow. The coupling device secures two sides of the interface to one another and the enclosure surrounds the interface and seals exhaust gases within the enclosure in an event that the interface becomes separated.

Abstract: A pipeline misalignment flange includes a socket member having a first smaller spherical internal surface, the socket member having a first face surrounding the first substantially spherical internal surface, the first face having a recessed channel. A retainer member includes a second larger spherical internal surface, the socket member and the retainer member being fastened together. A ball member includes a first smaller spherical external surface for engaging the socket member and a second larger spherical external surface for engaging the retainer member. The second larger spherical external surface includes an axially protruding portion with an undercut, the ball member being pivotable relative to the socket member such that the axially protruding portion of the second larger spherical external surface is received in the recessed channel.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a pipe, such as a fuel pipe, to another fuel pipe or pipe terminal, having a first connector element including a first female sub-element and a concentric second female sub-element, a first seal seat positioned within the first female sub-element, a second seal seat positioned in the concentric second female sub-element, a first seal retained within the first seal seat, a second seal retained the second seal seat, and a second connector element providing a connection for a pipe at one end and connection to the first connector element at a second end.

Abstract: A fire fighting monitor includes a first pipe having an inlet and an outlet and a passageway with a central axis. The passageway extends from the inlet to the outlet and has a curved portion wherein the outlet directs the flow of fluid in a direction angled to the flow of fluid into the inlet. The monitor includes a second pipe mounted about the outlet of the first pipe, which is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis, which is located at the outlet of the first pipe. The second pipe also has an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first pipe and is pivotal about the pivot axis over a range of motion greater than 90°.

Abstract: A pipe fastening structure includes an end member attached to an end part of a metal pipe, and a nut for fastening the end member attached to the metal pipe to a counterpart. In the pipe fastening structure, the end member has a first spherical part to be brought into contact with a sealing surface of the counterpart, a second spherical part formed integrally with the first spherical part so as to be in contact with a sliding surface formed in the nut, and a neck continuous with the second spherical part and having the shape of a straight pipe.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.

Abstract: In an exhaust pipe spherical joint X, a spherical annular seal member 36 is fitted and fixed to a pipe end portion 42, the spherical annular seal member 36 is seated by abutting against a flange 43, a flared portion 47 formed of an Fe—Cr base stainless steel and containing 17.00 to 19.00% by mass of Cr is secured to a downstream-side exhaust pipe 44, and an inner surface 48 of a concave spherical surface portion 45 is brought into slidable contact with a composite surface 40 in which a surface 38 constituted by a reinforcing member 5 and a surface 39 constituted by a solid lubricant are present in mixed form in an outer surface 37 of an outer layer 35 of the spherical annular seal member 36.

Abstract: A pipe connector comprises a sealing ring which has a conical outer surface at one end, and a convex spherical outer surface at the other end, or with spherical outer surfaces at both seal ends, a first pipe section interfacing with the conical or spherical outer surface of said sealing ring, a second pipe section interfacing with the convex spherical outer surface of said sealing ring, and a clamping device which can be adjusted radially and axially to interface with external surfaces of a first and second outer hubs on the first and second pipe sections.

Abstract: A seal designed, in particular, to connect together two ducts for carrying fluid or gas, including: a female endpiece having a first end, a male endpiece having a second end, the male endpiece being received in the female endpiece. The seal includes a sliding element situated between the first end of the female endpiece and the second end of the male endpiece, the sliding element including a stack of at least two layers of an intermetallic material, making it possible to prevent the propagation of a crack from one layer to the next layer.

Abstract: A misalignment ball joint fitting includes first and second body portion coupled together and having spherical inner surfaces. A ball secured inside the body portions has a passage therein. The passage has a funnel shaped portion in a first end portion of the ball. The ball is allowed to at least partially rotate when secured inside the first and second body portions. A guide sleeve is coupled to the first body portion. The guide sleeve is coaxial with the ball passage. A recess is in an inner surface of the ball near a center of the ball. An end of the guide sleeve extends into at least a portion of the recess when the ball is in a neutral position with walls of the passage in the ball parallel to walls of the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A fitting for making a metal-to-metal fluid seal between a first conduit and a second conduit and corresponding first and second fluid passages. The first conduit has a generally spherical-shaped exterior surface, and the second conduit has a generally conical-shaped interior surface for receiving the generally spherical-shaped exterior surface of the first conduit. A nut is engaged with a threaded exterior surface of the second conduit, tightening of the nut on the threaded exterior surface urging the first and second conduits axially together to apply increasing pressure. A ring can be positioned between the nut and the first conduit, the ring providing a lower net coefficient of friction during tightening of the nut compared to direct contact between the nut and first conduit. The ring can be radially spaced from a radially facing interior surface of the nut.

Abstract: A connector for pipes which are used for transportation of powder, grain, gas and fluids is designed such that pipes with a moderate angular misalignment can be connected without bending of the pipes, and without loss of sealing capacity, and comprises a first hub (2) and a second hub (1), wherein the first hub (2) has an external thrust ring (6) with spherical inner and outer surfaces which is pressed and locked against the first hub (2) by a clamp 5 during connection.

Abstract: A pipe coupling connects two fluid system components, such as two pipes, so that fluid can flow therethrough. The coupling is a ball and socket type articulating joint that is configured to allow one or both of the connected pipes to move relative to one another without compromising the integrity of the fluid system. The pipe coupling includes a sealing compartment in which packing material is disposed. The packing material can limit or prevent the development of leak between the components of the pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes an injector port that can be used to inject additional packing material into the sealing compartment to repair any developed leaks.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible joint has an extension mounted to a housing for relative angular displacement. Two or more annular elastomeric flex elements are stacked in a co-axial fashion and joined mechanically to mount the extension to the housing so that the flex elements react in parallel to angular and axial displacements of the extension with respect to the housing so that tensile load upon the extension places each of the flex elements in compression to split and share the tensile load among the flex elements in proportion to their relative axial stiffnesses. Therefore, for a given housing size or footprint, the overall load capacity is increased, and the lifetime of the flexible joint is increased for a given load capacity. The flex elements may have a common center of rotation, and the flex elements may be disposed either on the same side of the center of rotation or on opposite sides.

Abstract: A pipe fastening structure includes an end member 16 attached to an end part of a metal pipe 10, and a nut 12 for fastening the end member 16 attached to the metal pipe 10 to a counterpart 14. In the pipe fastening structure, the end member has a first spherical part 20 to be brought into contact with a sealing surface 27 of the counterpart 14, a second spherical part 21 formed integrally with the first spherical part 20 so as to be in contact with a sliding surface 25 formed in the nut 12, and a neck 18 continuous with the second spherical part 21 and having the shape of a straight pipe.

Abstract: An adjustable swiveled fluid conduit pathway having a plurality of interconnecting joints for securing a pressurized fluid line in a predetermined path is provided. The adjustable swiveled fluid conduit pathway is particularly suitable for securing a mid to high-pressure coolant fluid line in, for example, a computer numerically controlled (CNC) grinding machine. A plurality of interconnecting joints comprise the pathway. The interconnecting joints each have two ball joint assembly units having an interior pathway for a fluid (aligned ball portion facing ball portion) and a nut housing unit. A washer and bushings are located, under pressure, between the two balls of the ball-joint assembly units. The adjustable swiveled fluid conduit pathway may be extended or shortened by the addition or removal of an interconnecting joint (or link). The adjustable swiveled fluid conduit pathway is secured in the pre-determined position by securing the interconnecting joints at a specific desired angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube assembly for connecting a first tube to a second tube, wherein a connection end of the first tube and a connection end of the second tube form a swivel joint, a rotational axis of the swivel joint and a tube axis of the first and the second tube form an angle ?, and the first tube is rotatable relative to the second tube in the region of between 0° and 2?.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a base, an outlet, and a plurality of jointed hollow members forming a flexible body. The hollow members are pivotably coupled together and extend between the base and the outlet to provide a flexible fluid path. A base-end hollow member is coupled to the base, and an outlet-end hollow member is coupled to the outlet. Each of the hollow members has a ball portion and a socket portion, with the socket portions adapted to receive the ball portions and form a seal therebetween. Optionally, a drive unit may be incorporated into the base for rotatably driving the fire-fighting monitor.

Abstract: A dual walled transfer tube connecting two sub-flow systems and conveying the system fluid from one subsystem to another when there are large radial and axial movements or offsets between the connecting ends of the subsystem. The dual walled transfer tube has a fitting at either end and a single ball joint proximate each fitting to allow the transfer tube to accommodate changes in radial position of the fittings. The dual walled transfer tube utilizes a main inner fluid passage and an outer secondary fluid passage, each fluid passage having a slip joint to allow the transfer tube to accommodate changes in axial length between the fittings.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a housing, a nozzle coupler, and a pivot joint coupler comprising an internal passageway and a pivot member. The pivot member is pivotally mounted to the housing at the outlet of the housing. The nozzle coupler is mounted to the pivot joint coupler wherein the internal passageway of the pivot joint coupler is in communication with the internal passageways of the housing and the nozzle coupler, wherein the weight at the nozzle coupler generates a gravitational moment about the pivot axis. In addition, the nozzle coupler has a central axis defining a reference line, which is offset from the first pivot axis wherein a reaction force generated by fluid flowing through the nozzle coupler generates a moment about the first pivot axis in a direction opposed from said gravitational moment.

Abstract: A jointless connection head for a fuel line for use in a high pressure fuel connection assembly for a high pressure fuel system and a method for forming the connection head without brazing. The connection head has an essentially spherical outer surface with a liner located in an inner cavity in the connection head. The connection head is formed by expanding the center bore of the tubular body of the fuel line at one end. The center bore is expanded by moving the sidewall of the tubular body outward. The liner is then inserted into the expanded center bore and the sidewall of the tubular body is formed over the front side of the liner.

Abstract: A flexible joint with bellows for coupling two tubular elements together for passing fluid in a flow space and presenting a main axis that is constituted by the axis common to the tubular elements when they are in their aligned position, and including at least one flexible joint element functionally connected to a first tubular element and to a casing, together with a coupling bellows coupling together the two tubular elements, the coupling bellows, the flexible joint element, and the casing defining walls of a fluid-filled cavity. The joint including a flexible pressure-compensation device spaced apart from the bellows and having a first face forming at least part of a wall of said cavity and a second face that is in communication with the flow space.

Abstract: An articulated assembly 1 for insertion into pipelines, the articulated assembly 1 comprising four modules 2 being connected together by respective joint devices 4, and a operating system including transfer means (not shown). The models 2 may typically comprise features such as a bumper nose 6 disposed at each end of the assembly 1, an array of roller wheels 8, packing sections 10 and plugging discs 12. The transfer means of the operating system may comprise power cables such as hydraulic lines and electrical lines as well as control lines, management lines and communication lines, which all form part of the operating system 3 of the articulated assembly. The arrangement of the articulated assembly 1 is such that the joint devices 4 provide protection for the transfer means. The protection is achieved by extending the transfer means through the structure of the joint devices 4.

Abstract: A device and method variously and separately used for achieving a correction between the fluid-flow interfaces of the pipe segments, pump housings and valves in pipe systems when inserted therebetween.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly includes a first pipe with a ball portion and a second pipe with a flare portion that is positioned in an overlapping relationship with the ball portion. The ball portion and flare portion are slidable relative to each other to allow alignment adjustment between the first and second pipes. A connector assembly includes a first connector member supported by the first pipe, a second connector member supported by the second pipe, and a clamp member that is used to serviceably connect the first and second pipes together. The first connector member includes a first plurality of fingers that are alternated with a second plurality of fingers on the second connector member. The clamp member is received within a groove formed about an outer circumference of the first and second connector members when the first and second pluralities of fingers are aligned with each other. The clamp member is easily removed for service operations as needed.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner accessory is provided comprising a tubular assembly (6) for connection to, or for inclusion in, a pool cleaner suction hose (4). The tubular assembly includes first and second tubular members (8, 9) generally coaxial with each other and freely relatively rotatable about a common axis in an inoperative condition of the accessory. Means (16) are provided for inhibiting relative rotation of the members in the operative condition with suction applied to the interior thereof. The accessory is preferably used in combination with a connector tube (7) for installation in a suction hose assembly, the connector tube comprising a central portion (21) of substantially rigid tube having at one end a first terminal portion (22) with its axis extending at an incline to that of the straight central portion, and at the other end a second terminal portion (23) having its axis likewise extending at an incline to the axis of the straight central portion.

Abstract: A plug-in safety coupling for pressurized conduits includes a blocking element, which is mounted in a coupling housing; the blocking element includes a through bore in which a coupling plug may be introduced in a sealing manner. A pivot path of the coupling housing permits the coupling plug, being introduced into the blocking element, to pivot relative to the housing between a conducting position, in which a through-bore of the blocking element communicates with a compressed air feed bore of the housing, and a blocking position, in which the blocking element blocks the compressed air feed bore. The coupling plug and the blocking element are provided with reciprocally corresponding locking parts to effect a locked retention of the coupling plug in the blocking element.

Abstract: A pipe clamp for connecting two partially insertable pipes has a clamping strap that is placed circumferentially about the spherical end sections of the pipes inserted into one another. The clamping strap has two outwardly projecting clamping jaws provided with a hole through which a clamping screw extends. The clamping strap is curved about a transverse axis that is positioned for coaxially inserted pipes in the untightened state of the clamping strap in a central plane of the clamping strap extending perpendicularly to the coaxial center axes of the pipes at a spacing from a center of the spherical end sections of the pipes. The inner radius of the clamping strap in the untightened state is smaller than the outer radius of the spherical end sections such that the sum of the spacing and of the inner radius is greater than the outer radius of the end sections.

Abstract: A system and method reduce starting torque for initial rotational displacement and assure smoothness of motion for continuing displacement of a rotary joint. A rotary joint (either cylindrical or spherical) has a first annular joint member and a second annular joint member separated by a fluid-filled annulus. The second annular joint member is adapted for rotary motion with respect to the first annular joint member. A module fluidly communicating with the fluid-filled annulus creates vibratory micro motions in the fluid of the fluid-filled annulus which is between a pair of seals extending between the first annular joint member and the second annular joint member. The vibratory micro motions induce micro motions in the seals of the rotary joint. The micro motions in the seals reduce the initial torque for the initial displacement and assure smoothness of continuing displacement of either or both of the joint members.

Abstract: A ball and socket-type swivel connector for use with second stage regulators used by scuba divers. The ball is made from a metal with good corrosion resistance. The ball is then held into a true position by two separate low friction bushings. The two bushings, “sandwich” the metal swivel ball with light assembly pressure. This is accomplished by machining or molding the same radius of the swivel ball into one side of each of the two low friction bushings. As system pressure increases, the ball is forced rearwards and the squeeze increases. No seawater can enter the swivel. No area exists for seawater to collect around the O-ring. The bushing occupies all of the available space except for the gap provided around the O-ring gland an area used to hold lubrication. The preferred embodiment uses a high grade stainless steel swivel ball, virgin Teflon bushing material and an internally lubricated low friction O-ring.

Abstract: A deflectable in-line swivel that permits axial deflection of a tubular string is presented. The in-line swivel is preferably constructed as a ball and socket design whereby the ball of a swivel mandrel is permitted to articulate within a socket of a retainer sub. The system preferably includes a thrust bearing to allow the tensile loads to be carried across the swivel.

Abstract: The invention relates to couplings for fluid flowlines and more particularly to couplings that can be dismantled comprising flanges and a static ball-and-socket joint for use with flowlines having a diameter lying in the range 40 mm to 200 mm and transporting fluids (gases or liquids) of high penetrability, at high temperature of up to 800° C., and at high pressure of up to 450×105 Pa. Teh device comprises a flanged coupling device with a static ball-and socket joint comprising a first coupling member (1) having a conical sealing surface (8), a second coupling member (3) having concave sealing surface (10) of spherical shape, a two-barrier metal gasket (2) disposed between the sealing surface (8, 10) of the first and second coupling members (1, 3), and assembly means (4) for assembling the first and second coupling members (1, 3) together so as to hold the gasket (2) between their respective sealing surfaces (8, 10).

Abstract: An injection tube for connecting a plenum to a combustion chamber includes a first mouth having a longitudinal axis and adapted for insertion into a cold plenum port or other component and a second mouth having a longitudinal axis and adapted for insertion into a hot chamber port or other component. To accommodate flexural, axial and torsional forces caused by differential thermal expansion between the two components, the mouths of the tube are configured to have multiple degrees of freedom within each corresponding port while maintaining port-mouth seal integrity. In an illustrative embodiment, the first mouth outer surface shape allows free slip of the first mouth parallel to the first mouth longitudinal axis, as well as rotation of the first mouth about both the first mouth longitudinal axis and a first mouth outer surface transverse axis. Mounted on the outer surface of the tube is a rocker arm adapted to engage a pivot mounted on the chamber outer surface or to engage the chamber outer surface itself.

Abstract: An improved swivel coupling is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly for use in connecting a pool cleaner of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source to a flexible vacuum hose which is connected in turn to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment. The swivel coupling comprises outer and inner part-spherical ball segments adapted for respective connection to the vacuum hose and to a water flow port on the pool cleaner, wherein the outer ball segment defines a socket for rotationally receiving and supporting the inner ball segment in a manner to accommodate substantial angular and rotational swivel displacement therebetween. A plurality of generally axially extending ribs are formed within the socket for rotationally supporting the inner ball segment with minimal contact area, and to define therebetween a plurality of axially elongated recessed channels.

Abstract: A knuckle joint 18 for the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine comprises first and second pipe segments 20, 22, the second pipe segment having an outwardly deformed end portion 24 which enters with clearance into a flared end portion 26 of the first pipe segment. There is a flange 32 on the first pipe segment and a flange 34 on the second pipe segment. A plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts 36 pass through corresponding holes in the flanges, there being a nut 40 on each of the bolts. On each bolt there is a coil spring 38 between the flanges, and a coil spring 42 between the flange 32 and the nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two flowlines, one having an external flanged end and the other an enlarged flaring portion at one end. A ball with an axial flow passage is seated in receptacle cavities formed in said ends and in fluid-tight sealing engagement therewith. A collar is sleeved and clamped about the flared end of the second flowline by bolts which connect the first flowline flange with the collar. Piston drive means are provided for driving against the collar to stretch the bolts by an amount sufficient to release the second flowline member and allow limited articulated movement of the second flowline without compromising the seal effectiveness of the joint.

Abstract: The turnable connections for pipes and hoses mainly consist of connection nipples which can be linked to the end of these connections and which are partly amable as well as equipped with at least one sealing ring and a connection nipple with a union nut, with the amable tap-type connection nipple showing two ball-shaped bulged sections with different radii but the same center as well as a union not corresponding with the ball-shaped section and the overall sleeve-type connection nipple having a thread on the outer surface, which as well has a corresponding ball-shaped section with the same center M.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupler for the exhaust pipes of automobile.

Abstract: An elastomeric flex joint is provided with a rotational bearing so that torsional stress is relieved by slip of the rotational bearing. In a first embodiment, the flex joint is designed to resist flexing from a mean position at which there is a substantial bend of axial direction, and the rotational bearing does not normally slip. An adjustment mechanism reduces the loading on the elastomeric flex element and the rotational bearing so that the bearing will slip during an initial orientation or during an adjustment of the joint. In a second embodiment, all small torsional deflections are absorbed by the elastomeric flex element, and large torsional deflections are absorbed by the rotational bearing. This is desirable because the elastomeric flex element has a greater fatigue capacity for small oscillations than the rotational bearing. An elastomeric clutch can be used to precisely control the break-out torque.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible joint for sealing two conduits. One half of the joint includes an annular seal gland with an outer surface defining a static seal face. The other half of the joint includes an inner race member having inner and outer bearing surfaces, the inner surface spaced apart from and generally opposing the outer surface of the seal gland and having a region defining a dynamic seal face. An annular bellows constructed of a plurality of convolutions having varying convolution heights is disposed between the first and second seal faces to form a low leakage seal. The heights of the convolutions decrease in the direction of the first to the second seal faces.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a device to provide a "universal" effect between the shank and crown for self alignment of the crown with the bore hole in the formation. The bit is suitable for downhole assemblies configured for straight drilling, directional drilling and navigational drilling. The device can be incorporated into both drag bits and roller-type "rock" bits. Preferred embodiments include a flexible sub connecting the crown to the shank portion and having reduced stiffness relative to the drill string. Alternatively, a spherical universal joint or trunnion type universal is used. Replaceable lugs increase durability and reliability of the universal. The device equalizes the loads on cutters while reducing wear, average loads, and impact loads on cutters. Bore hole diameter and chatter of the bit in the bore hole are reduced, promoting maximum efficiency and rate of penetration as wobble and precession are minimized.

Abstract: A fluid-tight coupling and sealing arrangement including a flexible joint for coupling a tube with pressurized fluid flowing therethrough to another tube or a fluid device. The flexible joint basically includes a first tubular member with an outer restraining member coupled thereto, a second tubular member, and a pressure-energized seal positioned between the first and second tubular members. The first tubular member has a first fluid passageway and a first annular sealing surface. The second tubular member has a second fluid passageway, a second annular sealing surface, and an outwardly facing bearing surface. The outer restraining member carries an inwardly facing bearing surface for engaging the outwardly facing bearing surface of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a device to provide a "universal" effect between the shank and crown for self alignment of the crown with the bore hole in the formation. The bit is suitable for downhole assemblies configured for straight drilling, directional drilling and navigational drilling. The device can be incorporated into both drag bits and roller-type "rock" bits. Preferred embodiments include a flexible sub connecting the crown to the shank portion and having reduced stiffness relative to the drill string. Alternatively a spherical universal joint or trunnion type universal is used. Replaceable lugs increase durability and reliability of the universal. The device equalizes the loads on cutters while reducing wear, average loads, and impact loads on cutters. Bore hole diameter and chatter of the bit in the bore hole are reduced, promoting maximum efficiency and rate of penetration as wobble and precession are minimized.

Abstract: A tube coupling comprising a male member having a spherical surface at one end for extending into the flared end of a tube with a female member threadedly connected to the male member for providing a clearance space between the spherical surface of the male member and an appropriately configured and sized inside surface of the female member. A unique ferrule having a pair of concentric, spaced apart contact surfaces is mounted in the clearance space between the inside surface of the female member and the flared end of the tube when the spherical seat of the male member is within the flared end of the tube. Upon tightening of the female member on the male member, the ferrule causes the flared end of the tube to deform between its concentric, spaced apart contact surfaces and conform to the spherical seat of the male member to effect sealing.

Abstract: A flexible connector to be used individually or in an assembly of connectors. The connector includes a collar comprised of a wall having a cylindrical inner surface. The collar wall defines two opposed openings. Two flanges extend radially inwardly covering a portion of each opposed opening. The connector further includes a link comprised of a link wall having at least one spherically-shaped outer surface. The link wall defines at least one open end to allow for the passage of a fluid. The link wall is positioned within one of the opposed openings in spaced relationship to the cylindrical inner surface of the collar wall. Bearing means and gasket means are positioned in the space defined by the spaced relationship to allow the link to articulate with respect to the collar and also to seal the space between the outer surface of the link and the inner wall of the collar.

Abstract: The exhaust coupling of the invention comprises a first length of tubing having a first assembly flange fixed thereon, a second length of tubing associated with a second assembly flange, clamping means disposed to urge the assembly flanges towards each other via first resilient members, and second resilient members disposed between the assembly flanges in order to be compressed therebetween and to exert a force on the flange which is less than the opposing force exerted thereon by the first resilient members.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an improved automotive air-conditioning system wherein the refrigerant transport system connecting the compressor to the evaporator and condenser comprises rigid tubing thereby minimizing the loss of refrigerant otherwise experienced by use of flexible hose connections.