Abstract: A coupling assembly, to be flowed through by fluid, for coupling two components has a coupling element and a ball joint assembly with a female ball joint element, a male ball joint element, and a securing element. The female and male ball joint elements form a ball joint by form fit. The male ball joint element has a ball segment and the female ball joint element has an expandable ball segment. The ball segment of the male ball joint element engages the expandable ball segment so that the female ball joint element at least partially encloses the male ball joint element. The securing element contacts externally an outer contour of the female ball joint element. The coupling element forms one of the female and male ball joint elements. One of the two components forms the other one of the female and male ball joint elements.

Abstract: A connector includes a seat portion and a body portion. The seat portion includes a seat having a first curved surface. The body portion includes a curved body having a second curved surface. A nut portion is screwed to the seat portion, with a flexible portion and washer disposed therebetween. To connect the seat portion and the body portion, the curved body can be inserted through an opening of the nut portion, and the flexible portion and washer. The flexible portion may resist, but not stop, the curved body from being moved therethrough. The curved body may be seated within the seat and configured such that angular and/or rotational adaptation of the seat portion relative to the body portion is permitted. The nut portion can be adjusted to compress the flexible portion such that the curved body is retained in the vicinity of the seat, while still permitting angular and/or rotational adaptation of the seat portion relative to the body portion.

Abstract: Segmental duct coupler devices, systems, and methods are provided herein. A duct coupler device can include a single, discrete body of material for welding to a duct segment. A system, including a duct segment having a duct coupler device welded thereto, is provided. The connection or points of connection between the duct coupler device and the duct segment in the system are devoid of internal and/or external seals. The duct coupler device and system can be cast in concrete. Multiple concrete segments can be assembled together to form a bridge, a roadway, a building, a slab, or any other structure.

Abstract: A joint assembly between a first component and a second component comprises a ball portion configured to be connected to the first component. A socket is configured to be connected to the second component or ground and comprises a socket base, a socket cover, and a spherical joint cavity within the assembled socket base and socket cover to receive the ball portion to form a spherical joint. At least one biasing member is in the joint assembly. A clamp clamps the socket base to the socket cover such that the at least one biasing member biases the socket base and the socket cover toward one another.

Abstract: A fluid connector comprising a base having a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, and, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole.

Abstract: A drainage overflow pipe structure for a bathtub, wherein an overflow pipe of the drainage overflow pipe structure is mounted on a bathtub, and the drainage overflow pipe contains: a tee part, a drainage part, an overflow part, a pipe elbow, and a universal rotation assembly. The tee part includes a first coupling orifice, a second coupling orifice, and a third coupling orifice. The drainage part is connected with the first coupling orifice and the drainage hole. The overflow part includes a joining section and a connecting seat which has outer threads and a groove-shaped holding portion. The pipe elbow includes an inlet and an outlet. The universal rotation assembly includes a connector and a limitation member, wherein the connector has a screwing portion, a spherical knob, and a through orifice, and the limitation member includes inner threads.

Abstract: An all metal ball and socket joint for connecting two misaligned conduits in fluid-tight communication utilizes a metal seal ring having a substantially conical bore which provides a relatively flush bore profile to fluid flowing through the seal ring. The cone angle of the conical bore is chosen in accordance with the maximum misalignment expected. The seal ring is attached to the nose of the ball member preferably by bolts. Seals are pressure energized by fluid flow. An annular o-ring groove and a pressure port can be provided to allow a back seal test to be carried out during installation.

Abstract: A connector for an off-shore oil installation is provided. The connector is configured for connecting first and second tubular elements having a common axis along which a releasable connection is made by a ball-type connector that is axially engageable and that presents an inner cylindrical sleeve and an outer cylindrical sleeve. The first tubular element constituting an inner connection element terminating at a downstream end and being received in a complementary region of the outer second tubular element. The connector includes a laminated ball joint having a center of rotation situated on the common axis and secured to one of the tubular elements.

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: The invention relates to a connector for an off-shore oil installation for connecting first and second tubular elements (1, 40; 1?, 9) having a common axis along which a releasable connection is made by means of a ball-type connector (8) that is axially engageable and that presents an inner cylindrical sleeve (3) and an outer cylindrical sleeve, the first tubular element (1, 40) constituting an inner connection element terminating at a downstream end and being received in a complementary region of the outer second tubular element, the connector being characterized in that it includes a laminated ball joint (10) having a center of rotation (O) situated on said common axis (ZZ?) and secured to one of the tubular elements.

Abstract: An apparatus to fill a container includes at least one tank for a fluid product to be delivered and one filling head to deliver the fluid product to the container that is movable towards and away from the container. The apparatus further includes a connecting arrangement interposed between the tank and the filling head to supply the fluid product to the filling head. The connecting arrangement includes a ball-and-socket joint structure which includes a first tubular portion having a spherical body, a second tubular portion in the form of a spherical cavity and a tubular sealing element arranged inside the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion at a zone in which the spherical body and the spherical cavity are mutually engaged.

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: 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: 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: A P-trap device for plumbing drainage systems is shown. The device has a first tubing element having a pipe attachment bell at one end and a first coupler portion at the other end and a second tubing element having a pipe attachment bell at one end and a second coupler portion at the other end, wherein said first and second coupler portions are sized and shaped to be coupled together. The device further has at least one of said first or second tubing element being a generally unshaped section sized and shaped to trap water therein. A connector to releasably couple said first and second coupler portions together is included, the connector including a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket, first coupling portion and second coupling portion are sized and shaped to permit the first and second coupler portions to be coupled together over a range of angles to form a leak resistant joint without introducing stresses into the plumbing system.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device employs a male spherical member with a fluid receiving bore and a female housing. The spherical member abuts two axially spaced Teflon ring seats between the member and the housing in the housing chamber. The ring seats reduce friction between the member and the housing and axially retain the member in the housing with no metal to metal contact. A first O-ring provides fluid sealing between the spherical member and housing inner wall in the chamber. A hose receiving nipple member with a fluid receiving bore has a threaded concave end with a peripheral region that engages the first O-ring to hold the O-ring against the spherical member, one of the ring seats and housing chamber wall to seal the interface between the spherical member and housing. The nipple member has a flange which abuts the housing to limit squeezing action on the O-ring to ensure sufficient contact of the O-ring and mating surfaces to obtain a good seal without creating excessive friction loads.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device employs a male spherical member with a fluid receiving bore and a female housing. The spherical member abuts two axially spaced Teflon ring seats between the member and the housing in the housing chamber. The ring seats reduce friction between the member and the housing, and axially retain the member in the housing with no metal to metal contact. A first O-ring provides fluid sealing between the spherical member and housing inner wall in the chamber. A hose receiving nipple member with a fluid receiving bore has a threaded concave end with a peripheral region that engages the first O-ring to hold the O-ring against the spherical member, one of the ring seats and housing chamber wall to seal the interface between the spherical member and housing. The nipple member has a flange which abuts the housing to limit squeezing action on the O-ring to ensure sufficient contact of the O-ring and mating surfaces to obtain a good seal without creating excessive friction loads.

Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.

Abstract: A pivoting sleeve assembly for aligning a fluid delivery device perpendicular to a mounting surface when the fluid delivery device is mounted to a wall, the pivoting sleeve assembly made up of a fluid delivery device housed within a sleeve, the sleeve having a lower tubular portion and an upper arcuate portion, and an annular pivot ring, the inner surface thereof having an arcuate shape to conform to the shape of the upper arcuate portion of the sleeve, so that the sleeve may pivot within the contours of the pivot ring. This allows the sleeve to orient the fluid delivery device for proper mounting to the surface.

Abstract: A pipe joint is provided whereby fluid pipelines, such as exhaust pipes, or the like, can be connected hermetically, in such a manner that the relative angle therebetween can vary, while ensuring satisfactory manufacturing precision of the sealing surface of a ring-shaped sealing ring.

Abstract: A swivel coupling for connecting misaligned pipe sections, the swivel coupling having a socket member with an integral flange, a ball member which mates with the socket member and a ball swivel flange which holds the ball member in contact with the socket member. The ball member has a spherical outer surface which is complementary to a spherical inner surface of the socket member and allows the ball member to swivel while remaining in mating contact with the socket member. The ball swivel flange has an inner spherical surface which includes an equatorial band wide enough to capture the spherical surface of the ball member within the ball swivel flange. A sealing ring is positioned between the ball member and socket member to ensure a proper seal. The flange of the socket member is bolted to the ball swivel flange to hold the swivel coupling assembly together and to draw the ball member and socket member into sealing contact.

Abstract: A fluid-tight modular joint is disclosed having various replaceable parts for refurbishing the joint after certain parts wear out. Specifically, the modular joint has a pair of sealing assemblies interconnected by a tubular sealing member which permits angular misalignment, axial movement and rotational movement between conduits. Each of the sealing assemblies includes a tubular housing with a replaceable sealing sleeve which is positively retained therein by a split retaining ring. Typically, the housings are welded to conduits, and thus, can only be removed by cutting them from their respective conduits. However, the housings are provided with access openings for inserting a camming tool therein to remove the sealing sleeves without cutting the housings away from their respective conduits. Therefore, in refurbishing the modular joint, the housings are reusable, while the sealing sleeves and tubular sealing members are replaceable.

Abstract: An expansion joint includes a pair of tubular fittings joined together by a bellows for accommodating differential movement therebetween. The fittings include balls at respective distal ends thereof which engage complementary sockets fixedly joined to opposite ends of the bellows. The respective ball and sockets additionally accommodate pivotal and rotary movement. The bellows allows pressure and spring forces to engage the sockets against their respective balls for continuously seating the balls in the sockets during operation and maintaining effective seals against leakage.

Abstract: A fitting (10) for dispensing fluids, such as hot melt adhesives, includes a swivel member (12) and a housing (14). The swivel member (12) has a ball (16) at one end which is received within a socket (22) of the housing (14). The swivel member (12) has a first bore (24) which intersects and cooperates with at least one secondary bore (28). The secondary bore (28) is generally perpendicular to the first bore (24) and to a conduit (54) in the housing (14). Fluid enters the first bore (24), passes into the secondary bore (28), passes into a reservoir (40) and then finally into the conduit (54) and out of the housing (14). The reservoir and the orientation of secondary bores 28 reduces or eliminates axial loading on swivel member (12) due to the internal fluid pressure.

Abstract: A gasket for use on a exhaust connection between an exhaust manifold and an exhaust pipe includes a spherical sealing portion which mates with sealing portions on both the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe. The spherical-to-spherical-to-spherical contact allows adjustment between the various sealing surfaces, while maintaining an adequate seal. Interference fits are utilized to secure the gasket to one of the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe. Further, a method of forming the gasket involves first drawing a sheet into the general shape, and then punching all required openings in the gasket shape.

Abstract: Conduit couplings for high temperature, high pressure applications with up to 10.degree. misalignment capability are provided. The couplings provide a tight seal without special machining or assembly methods. The coupling comprises a spherical ball that fits within an end cap having a frustoconically shaped receptacle. A metal sealing ring positioned therebetween helps provide a tight seal that withstands pressures above 100 psi and temperatures in the range of 700.degree.-1200.degree. F.

Abstract: A flexible connector has a plurality of bearings housed in a single housing to attenuate vibration and noise. In one embodiment, the bearings have a spherical configuration with the center point of the spherical segment of one of the bearings at a different location from the center point of the spherical segment of the other bearing thereby providing efficient and compact bearings and a smaller envelope for such bearings.

Abstract: A method of rendering an existing pipeline flexible, by cutting out an intermediate portion of a pipe in a ring form, inserting a pipe joint into a cutout position, and connecting the pipe joint to the pipe. The pipe joint used in this method includes a plurality of sleeves interconnected in a fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The pipe joint is inserted into the cut-out position and connected to the pipe, with the plurality of sleeves substantially fixed to one another while being interconnected in the fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The sleeves are thereafter released from the fixed state.

Abstract: A swivel flow line connector is disclosed for use in misaligned connections. The connector includes male and female flanged tubular members and a seal ring positioned therebetween. The male member and the seal ring have mating annular spherical surfaces which are respectively convex and concave. The female member and the seal ring have mating frustoconical tapered surfaces, but the outside diameter of the seal ring is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the female member frustoconical surface. Prior to drawing the male and female members together by bolting respective flanges thereof, the convex male member surface is pivotably engaged with the concave seal ring surface for alignment of the members in the desired swiveled position. Upon drawing the members together by tightening the flange bolts, the seal ring is radially compressed by axial displacement of the female member frustoconical surface with respect to the corresponding tapered surface of the seal ring.

Abstract: A swivel flow line connector is disclosed for use in misaligned connections. The connector includes male and female flange tubular members and a seal ring positioned therebetween. The male member and the seal ring have mating annular spherical surfaces which are respectively convex and concave. The female member and the seal ring have mating frustoconical tapered surfaces, but the outside diameter of the seal ring is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the female member frustoconical surface. Prior to drawing the male and female members together by bolting respective flanges thereof, the convex male member surface is pivotably engaged with the concave seal ring surface for alignment of the members in the desired swiveled position. Upon drawing the members together by tightening the flange bolts, the seal ring is radially compressed by axial displacement of the female member frustoconical surface with respect to the corresponding tapered surface of the seal ring.

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: An eyeball fitting 10 for directing return water into a swimming pool has an eyeball 20 with a smooth and even inside surface 25 curving continuously from an entrance opening 26 to a discharge opening 21 having a sharp edge 22. The curvature of inside surface 25 has a radius that gradually increases as inside surface 25 gradually diminishes in cross-sectional area proceeding from larger diameter entrance opening 26 to smaller diameter discharge edge 22. Fitting 10 includes a seat 30 having a spherical recess 33 to receive a spherical outside surface 24 of eyeball 20, and seat 30 has an internal surface 35 continuously curving at a gradually increasing radius of curvature proceeding from an entrance side toward the spherical recess 33.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid tight pipe connection having an intermediate ring between the two pipe ends. By making the two surfaces of the ring complementary to the pipe end faces the ring may be displaced in relation to one pipe end and may be moved pivotally in relation to the other pipe end to enable the connection to allow for angular misalignment and parallel offset of the pipe axes while still maintaining a sealing joint.

Abstract: The improved system includes a poolside vacuum-generating machine having a vacuum-generating power source, filter, waste disposal means and a passageway through the casing; a lead weighted vacuum head which may be flexible and is adapted to sit on a pool bottom, and includes a stem defining a vertical suction passageway therethrough; a flexible conduit connected at its upper end to the machine; and, a universal ball joint connector connected to the lower end of the flexible conduit and to the vacuum head stem, so as to permit universal rotation of the head for better pool bottom cleaning. The connector includes a ball joint component with central vertical passageway, an upper cup-shaped conduit-receiving end and a lower end with rounded outer surface, and a sleeve the upper end of which bears a curved annular insert bearing against and holding the ball joint components rounded outer surface in place. The lower end of the sleeve is secured to the vacuum head stem.

Abstract: A ball hitch connector (10) for use with a conventional ball hitch socket (21). A ball hitch connector (10) includes a spherical body or ball connector (12), a support base (14) for supporting the spherical body (12) on a tow bar (18) or the like, a fastener device (16) for securing the support base (14) to the tow bar (18), and releasable attachment mechanism (20) providing for quick interchanging of ball connectors (12). The releasable attachment mechanism (20) includes a latch pin (70) positioned in transversely extending bores (50, 60) of the support base (14) and the ball connector (12). The latch pin (70) is slidable between a released position wherein the ball connector (12) can be detached/attached to the support base (14) and a locked position wherein the ball connector (12) cannot be so removed.

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: The interchangeable ball hitch connector apparatus of this invention includes a generally spherical ball connector adapted to engage a conventional ball hitch socket, a support base adapted for fastening on the tow bar of a vehicle for supporting the ball connector, and a spring-biased latch pin in the support base for releasably attaching the ball connector to the support base. When the ball connector is assembled with and attached to the support base, the latch pin is contained entirely inside the ball connector and not exposed to damage from the socket or parts thereof on the exterior of the ball connector. A channel in the ball connector allows the latch pin to be readily unlatched from the ball connector by use of an elongated utensil, such as an ignition key.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable liquid outlet nozzle for directing a stream of fluid under pressure into a body of fluid has a unitary body with an inlet opening at one end communicating with a mixing chamber through a venturi air inlet, and an outlet opening at the other end in which is seated a directional ball outlet between a pair of low friction bearing and sealing rings. A spring maintains a sealing engagement between the low friction rings and the ball outlet so that the latter may be directionally adjusted without interrupting the seal.

Abstract: A high pressure flow-through swivel joint is particularly adapted for connecting high pressure water lines to a jet sled in an underwater pipe burying apparatus. The joint includes mating spherical joint surfaces which allow pivotal adjustment during assembly, in order to compensate for construction tolerances. In addition, the mating spherical surfaces allow rotational freedom for the joint inlet passage when the pipe burying system is in operation.

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 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.

Abstract: A connector construction employs a tail piece having a ball end, a socket element having a distendable end adapted to be snapped over said ball end and a coupling nut adapted to house the ball end and socket while threadedly engaging a pipe distal end to be connected thereto. The nut, when threaded into engagement with the pipe element, urges the socket element into fluid sealing engagement with the ball end and nut regardless of the angular disposition of the tail piece relative to the pipe element. The provided connector is particularly adapted for use with water meters or in similar applications in which spaced pipe ends or conduits to be interconnected by an interposed meter or the like are misaligned.