Abstract: A universal supporting mechanism includes a universal connecting component, a connecting base, and a bottom base. The universal connecting component includes a rotating portion and a connecting portion, the rotating portion is connected with the connecting portion. A cavity is defined in the connecting base, the rotating portion is located in the cavity, an opening is defined on a top of the connecting base, the opening is communicated with the cavity, the connecting portion extends outwards from the opening, the bottom base is connected with the connecting base, a reset component is disposed between the bottom base and the connecting portion. The rotating portion of the universal connecting component is disposed in the connecting base, and a reset mechanism is provided, so that the universal connecting component always has a trend of moving towards the opening.

Abstract: A ball joint arranged to couple an attachment part to a base part is provided. The ball joint comprises: a ball associated with said attachment part and provided with a groove having ends; a ball socket formed in the base part and provided with a recess; and a coupling element. The recess and the groove are arranged such that a respective part of a coupling element is allowed to move therein. The combined arrangement of the recess, the groove, and the coupling element allows the ball to move from a first end position to a second end position by a rotational movement of at least 360 degrees. The recess is larger than the part of the coupling element located therein.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting element for use in solar troughs and solar power systems. The solar heat collecting element includes a conduit for carrying a heat transfer fluid; a light transparent envelope disposed about the conduit; and an edge welded metal bellows assembly coupling a first end of the conduit with a first end of the envelope.

Abstract: A water outlet fitting with a handleable water outlet (4) and with a flexible hose line (3) which can be connected to the water outlet (4) via a coupling (5). A characteristic feature of the water outlet fitting according to the invention is that the coupling (5), which is provided for connecting the water outlet (4) and hose line (3), has a ball-and-socket joint (7). The ball-and-socket joint (7) connected between the water outlet (4) and the hose line (3) not only increases the mobility and articulation between the water outlet (4) and the flexible hose line (3), but the ball-and-socket joint (7) also permits the water outlet (4) to be rotated relative to the hose line (3) without having to be concerned that the screw connection or similar coupling (5) provided between the water outlet (4) and hose line (3) will become undone.

Abstract: A spherical annular seal member includes a spherical annular base member defined by a cylindrical inner surface, a partially convex spherical outer surface, and large- and small-diameter-side annular end faces and of the partially convex spherical outer surface, as well as an expandable annular coating layer formed integrally on the cylindrical inner surface of the spherical annular base member. The coating layer consists of a mixture of acid-treated graphite and wax.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas muffler (1) has a housing (2) through which at least one sleeve (11) projects. At one end, the sleeve (11) has an attachment opening (10) and at the opposite-lying end has an access opening (14). To avoid a contamination of the sleeve (11) during operation, a plug (15, 25, 35, 40, 45, 55) of a pressed metal wire is arranged in the access opening (14).

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system that employs a unique array of offset components, including multiple seal rings, to provide an improved seal with enhanced functionality. In the preferred embodiment, a groove contains two canted-coil springs that are located in a side-by-side relation beneath a pair of expander rings that are also in a side-by-side relation. Located atop the expander rings are three seal rings that are similarly arrayed in a side-by-side relation. To prevent a leak path through the expander rings, a center one of the seal rings overlies the area between the two expander rings.

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: Compressed wire filament(s) form a seal that seals the joint between first and second pipes of an automotive exhaust system secured by bolted together first and second flanges. The seal is initially attached to the first pipe and first flange in an intermediate assembly by an interface connection that prevents the seal from axially moving off of the first pipe prior to final assembly to the second pipe and second flange. A male projection is at the end region of the first pipe outer surface to which the seal is attached. The first flange abuts the seal at a planar seal interface. The seal has a bore with a longitudinal channel portion for initially axially engaging the projection and a transverse channel portion medially the seal bore for receiving the projection by rotation of the seal after the projection is axially displaced within the seal bore.

Abstract: An automobile exhaust-pipe joint structure and a coil spring for use therein. The exhaust pipe connection structure includes a first exhaust pipe having a first flange section, a second exhaust pipe having a second flange section, a ball joint section for connecting the first and second exhaust pipes flexibly, and coupling mechanisms provided at a plurality of positions of the first and second flange sections. One exemplary coupling mechanism includes a bolt member penetrating the first flange section and being secured, at one end part thereof, to the second flange section, and a coil spring of deformed cross-section interposed between the other end part of the bolt member and the first flange section, wherein the cross-section of a wire is reduced in diameter, in the compressing direction with a dimensional ratio between the short diameter and long diameter thereof being in the range of 1.1–2.6.

Abstract: A flexible joint for connection between a pair of conduits for transferring a gas, under pressure, between the conduits. The joint includes a hollow, annular inner member for connection to one of the conduits which defines a spherically shaped, convex seal receiving surface and a hollow annular outer member which defines a spherically shaped, concave seal receiving surface for connection to another of the conduits. The outer member is mounted over the inner member such that the convex and concave surfaces are spaced apart and movable relative to one another about a common center point. Both the inner and outer members are open on opposite sides of their respective spherically shaped surfaces. The outer member may include and outer part and an intermediate part which is removably connected to the outer part. One of the members contains a single seal ring assembly retainer groove which opens toward and opposing one of the surfaces and which is centered on the center point.

Abstract: A connecting structure for exhaust pipes wherein a first connecting flange is connected to peripheries of downstream-end portions of a plurality of upstream exhaust pipes, a second connecting flange is connected to peripheries of upstream-end portions of a plurality of downstream exhaust pipes, and a plurality of spherical joints is provided between the two connecting flanges. Additionally, each of the spherical joints includes an annular seal unit adapted to be held in place between the fist and second connecting flanges, a spherical bearing surface formed on one of the connecting flanges, and a flat bearing surface on the other one of the connecting flanges. Each annular seal unit including a spherical portion on one side, and a flat portion on an opposite side. The spherical bearing surfaces on the one connecting flange are in slidable spherical contact with respective spherical portions formed on the annular seal units.

Abstract: A system for coupling a ball fitting connected to a first tubing to a socket fitting connected to a second tubing. A first coupling forms an aperture having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the ball fitting, and receives the ball fitting. The first coupling forms an annular race, with an annular surface disposed between the annular race and the aperture. First split ring pieces are assembled into a first ring that forms an aperture having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the ball fitting, and receives the first tubing. The first ring forms an annular ridge that engages the annular race, and aligns the first split ring pieces. The annular surface applies uniform axial pressure to a first surface of the first ring. The first ring has a second surface opposing the first surface that applies uniform axial pressure to a back portion of the ball fitting.

Abstract: In an arrangement for joining tubular duct sections, especially the end sections of pipes of a motor vehicle exhaust system, wherein the end sections are received in one another such that one end section extends around the other in spaced relationship with a seal structure disposed therebetween, the one end section has slots and a spring structure is inserted through the slots into the space between the pipe end sections and has spring legs disposed in the space between the pipe end sections in engagement with the pipe end sections for holding them in firm axial engagement with each other and with the seal structure disposed between the pipe end sections.

Abstract: An exhaust ball seal comprising: a first flange on an exhaust manifold having first and second first flange ears on either side of an exhaust port; an annular seal having a substantially flat seat on a first axial end, a peripheral shoulder on the first axial end proximate to the flat seat and a convex ball seat on a second axial end; a retainer plate having first and second retainer plate ears on either side of a central opening fitting over the seal and an inner lip engaging the peripheral shoulder; a pipe assembly including: (a) a concave ball seat surface engaging the convex ball seat surface of the seal, (b) a second flange, mounted to a pipe, having first and second second flange ears on either side of the pipe; and first and second retainers passing through the second flange ears and threadably engaging the first flange ears wherein each of the first and second retainers has a retaining shoulder proximate to the first flange wherein the retaining shoulders sandwich the retainer plate ears to the first

Abstract: A joint seal has a through bore and two spherical spaced convex surfaces which mate with respective concave spherical surfaces on a pair of adjacent flanges. The flanges are welded to and about the periphery of corresponding spaced pipes one of which is inserted in the bore of the seal. The flanges are joined by two bolts, one flange being fixedly secured to the bolts and the other resiliently movably secured to the bolts by a pair of springs to permit that other flange to rotate in response to rotation of the pipe affixed thereto. The one flange forms a static wedge-like seal joint with one of the pipes and the other flange a dynamic seal joint with the respective seal spherical surfaces, the spherical seal and flange surfaces being urged together in wedged relation by the springs.

Abstract: A spherical annular seal having a through hole in a center thereof and a partially convex spherical surface portion on an outer surface thereof, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the spherical annular seal defining the through hole is reinforced by a reinforcing member formed of a metal mesh, and a uniform lubricating sliding layer of a lubricating composition containing 70 to 90 wt. % of boron nitride and 10 to 30 wt. % of alumina is formed on a surface of the partially convex spherical surface portion.

Abstract: The spherical portions of two gimbal (18) mounted convergent flaps (26,28) have hub structures (24) of concentric hubs (54,56). A piston (38) within each hub carries an annular seal (36) which is urged into sealing contact with the spherical static structure (10).The hub communicates air to a plenum between the convergent flaps to cool the convergent flaps.

Abstract: A novel quick disconnect ball joint coupling which utilizes as a misalignment ball locking mechanism, a combination of a plurality of locking balls and a locking sleeve. The locking sleeve provides an annular race or groove for receiving the locking balls, thereby obviating the high stress point-to-point contact problem associated with prior art locking ball techniques, but still provides the advantage of high speed, low torque rotation available with the use of such locking balls. More specifically, in the present invention, the locking balls do not come in direct contact with the misalignment ball, but are instead positioned in an annular groove on the exterior surface of the locking sleeve between the locking sleeve and the quick disconnect releasing sleeve. The locking sleeve is preferably spring loaded so that upon rotation, the locking sleeve remains stable with respect to the misalignment ball, thereby gaining the benefits of the low friction of a ball and race configuration during rotation.

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 therby minimizing the loss of refrigerant otherwise experienced by use of flexible hose connections.

Abstract: A spherical sealing body is to be inserted in a space defined by three of an end edge of an exhaust pipe on upstream side, a flange fixed on an outer periphery of the exhaust pipe on upstream side, and a concave spherical portion disposed on an end edge of an exhaust pipe on downstream side. The spherical sealing body comprises a wire mesh body obtained through weaving or knitting a fine metal wire, the metal mesh body has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe on upstream side, a convex outer circumferential surface to be fitted in the concave spherical portion, and a bottom surface on large diameter side to be abutted against the flange. A refractory material is filled in meshes and clearances of a part of the wire mesh body corresponding to the convex outer circumferential face and the bottom face.

Abstract: The method in accordance with the invention comprises the steps of forming a strip of composite material comprising at least one flexible strip of refractory material superposed on at least one strip of knitted metal, of making a blank by winding the strip of composite material into a loop comprising at least one turn, and in compressing the loop in the axial direction thereof, the method is characterized in that the flexible strip of refractory material includes at least one strip segment (3) of non-woven fibers occupying at least one turn of the winding, and at least one segment of non-fibrous refractory material (2, 4) forming at least one turn of the loop. The resulting gasket comprises knitted metal having a refractory material held captive therein, which material comprises, in cross section, a fibrous portion surrounded at least partially by a non-fibrous portion.

Abstract: A flexible exhaust coupling comprising a first length of pipe (1) terminating in a convex spherical bearing part, a first connecting flange (2) associated with the first length of pipe, a second length of pipe (7) terminating in a concave spherical bearing part facing the convex spherical bearing part of the first length of pipe, a second connecting flange (6) associated with the second length of pipe and clamping means (10) arranged in conjunction with thrust members (11) to urge the connecting flanges towards each other. The exhaust coupling also includes vibration-damping members (15) located between at least one of the connecting flanges and the corresponding clamping means.

Abstract: A substantially squeak-free heat cured exhaust seal adapted to be interposed between a pair of confronting pipes in sealing relationship therewith, comprises a one-piece substantially rigid grommet and a heat cured seal body of annular configuration and flat radial surfaces of different area at either end. The seal body comprises a mixture of metallic fibers, non-metallic filler, a thermally stable lubricant and a resin binder, and the grommet covers the entire inner circumference of the seal body, at least partially the large flat radial surface at one end of the seal body, and optionally at least partially the small flat radial surface of the seal body at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a tube bundle constituted by externally enamelled bayonet-tubes which are individually fixed to a tube plate using a special system of sealing by pressing against a frustoconical seat, and which comprises preferably a single PTFE gasket for the entire tube bundle.

Abstract: A sealing ring having at least one jacket face serving as a slide surface is produced of fibers and sliding agent that are passed to one another, with the fibers being relatively short fibers.

Abstract: A flexible exhaust coupling comprising first and second passage elements, the first passage element being fluid-connected to the engine for receiving the exhaust gases to be discharged from an automobile engine through the second passage element, and a ring seal member having a spherical sealing surface and carried by one of the first and second passage elements, the other of the first and second passage elements having a mating spherical surface. The first and second passage elements are resiliently urged by springs in a direction close towards each other to permit the spherical sealing surface to gas-tightly and slidingly contact the mating spherical surface thereby constituting a resiliently yieldable joint between the first and second passage elements, and at least one air channel is defined exteriorly of the ring seal member for the passage of cooling air to forcibly cool the ring seal member.

Abstract: A flexible joint for conduit includes inner and outer conduit parts having a common longitudinal axis. The inner conduit part includes a spherically curved end portion received in the outer conduit part and having inner and outer surfaces. Inner and outer ring assemblies carried by the outer conduit part include inner and outer rings of low friction material engaging the inner and outer surfaces on the curved end portion of the inner conduit. The curved end portion is squeezed between the inner and outer ring assemblies with predetermined preloading force to provide the sole connection between the conduit parts. The conduit parts are pivotally movable relative to one another during which the ring assemblies and the inner and outer surfaces of the curved end portions slide past one another.

Abstract: A system for filtering vibrations from an internal combustion engine towards an exhaust pipe wherein an interruption is arranged on the latter and as close as possible to the source of the vibrations, the ends of the pipe facing the level of the interruption having the shape of a spherical area, a composite joint between these ends being then re-established via a first internal, cylindrical element with beveled ends fitting together within the preceding areas and a second external element supported by the central part of the latter while its ends hold tightness segments against the upper part of the spherical areas, at least one space being provided between these two elements allowing the placement of a ring, two envelopes being in addition crimped onto the widened ends of the second element supported on the spherical areas, thus holding the composite joint in place.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe of a front engine mounted transversely to roll about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is joined to a tailpipe by an improved high temperature resistant flexible coupling including a spherically surfaced ring seal supported between a tubular end segment of a first pipe and a free end spherical surface on a second pipe; the second pipe having a flange connected thereto and a pair of bolts are resiliently coupled to the flange fixed on the first pipe to bias the spherical lip against a high temperature lubricant surface on the seal to define a joint with minimal resistance to roll motion so that it readily accommodates substantial angular offset between the first and second pipe segments during high temperature exhaust conditions while maintaining a positively sealed surface at the joint.

Abstract: An articulated full gauge opening pipe connector is disclosed. The connector apparatus is particularly adapted for use in under sea applications. The apparatus incorporates a ball which has an axial passage therethrough. The passage opens to the full gauge of a pipeline to avoid constricting flows therethrough. The ball is attached at the end of a short connector pipe preferably terminating in a flange. The ball has a spherical external surface. It stabs into a conforming housing which is formed of a first flange which bolts to an elongate sleeve surrounding a pair of seal members preferably formed of hard material such as bronze. The seal members are preferably pressure actuated to bear against the external surface of the ball. The seals circle the ball, locking it in the tubular housing by positioning the seal members on opposing sides of a plane through the center of the sphere. The seal members open to a space enabling the collection of pressure fluid therein for testing purposes.

Abstract: A leak-tight connecting device for the connection of two pipes comprising a primary ball-and-socket joint traversed by a bore, a secondary connecting support for said ball-and-socket joint, said secondary support comprising first and second outer sealing joints and a common central sealing joint located between said first and second outer sealing joints, each said sealing joint being disposed between said ball and socket joint and said support to define with said support and said ball-and-socket joint two chambers, means for connecting said chambers to a source of an incompressible fluid under pressure, mechanical means externally connecting said ball-and-socket joint and said secondary support, said mechanical means being pivotally coupled to each said joint and said support and operable to transmit torque from one of said joint and support to the other for various relative angular dispositions of said joint and said support and means for biasing at least one of said outer sealing joints bounding said chambe