Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, facilitating determination of the oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio, and/or energy expenditure of a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for fluid lines having of a coupling part that can be plugged together with a counter-coupling part along a plug-in axis. A locking device releasably locks the coupling part together with the counter-coupling part. The locking device includes a radially elastically deformable holding element held outside on the coupling part and at least partially encompassing it circumferentially. The holding element interacts with the coupling part, when positioned on the coupling part, via a fixation structure, such that said holding element can optionally be oriented in different relative rotational positions and be fixated in each case to prevent a free, unrestricted rotation about the plug-in axle (X) relative to the coupling part.

Abstract: A spray gun attachment is provided for fluid supply lines in a fluid handling system. A fluid input portion of a gun body is coupled wife a swivel connector, which includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled with a housing stem. In various embodiments, a bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the housing stem and anchored at an opposite end with the rotor. An O-ring seal is positioned between the rotor and the exterior surface of the housing stem. A bearing assembly residing within a raceway that is defined by flat surfaces on each of: the rotor, the housing stem, and ah interior bearing wall within the bearing cup.

Abstract: A ball valve is provided for threaded connection to a separable component 72 having male threads 74. A housing 10 contains a ball 12 selectively rotatable for passing fluid through the housing, and a flange member 20 threadably secured to the valve housing. A stop ring 16 is positioned outward of the valve housing and engages the flange member. A coupling 20 is threadably secured to the stop ring and includes female threads for engagement with male threads on the separable component.

Abstract: A rotatable joint includes a body configured for connecting to an external system and provided with an internal hole arranged for being traversed by pressurised fluid, a tubular element on an end of which a hose can be inserted that is sealingly coupled with the joint and provided with a further through hole that defines, together with the internal hole, a longitudinal channel that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis within which the pressurised fluid flows. The joint further includes an annular closing element fixed to the tubular body by a threaded connection and a rotatable coupling arrangement that acts at least in a longitudinal direction to enable mutual rotation between the tubular element and the tubular body.

Abstract: A swivel misalignment coupling for connecting pipe sections in a high-pressure conduit. In one embodiment, the coupling is a three-bolt coupling having a female coupling member, a male coupling member, and a swiveling collar member. The male and female coupling members have contact surfaces that are spherical to enable sealing contact between them. A seal ring may be positioned between the contact surfaces to ensure a good seal. The collar swivels around the male coupling member to facilitate fastening of the collar to the female coupling member, which holds the male and female coupling members in sealing engagement. Recesses may be positioned radially inward from the attachment points (e.g., bolt holes) of the female coupling member to reduce stress and potential deformation of the contact surface.

Abstract: A gas tube structure includes a flexible tube. The end of the flexible tube is connected with a fixed connector. A sleeve is fitted on the fixed connector. The fixed connector and the sleeve are connected to a movable connector. The fixed connector has a connection section extending from an outer end thereof. The connection section has an annular seal groove and an annular buckle groove thereon. The sleeve has a sleeve hole therein, a stop flange at one end thereof and an engaging groove formed on in inner wall thereof. One end of the movable connector has a receiving hole and a C-shaped groove formed on an outer wall of the receiving hole. The C-shaped groove is adapted to receive a C-shaped buckle. The present invention has a stable connection, is safe for use, can lower the cost and enhances assembly efficiency.

Abstract: A swivel coupling is provided for a waste disposal system having a first waste disposal component and a second waste disposal component. The swivel coupling comprises a first coupling portion having a first end and a second end, the second end being configured for connection to the first waste disposal component, and a second coupling portion having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end being configured for connection to the second waste disposal component. The first end is rotatably connected to the third end such that when the second end is connected to the first waste disposal component and the fourth end is connected to the second waste disposal component, the first and second coupling portions are rotatable relative to one other.

Abstract: A rotating union (10) comprises a housing (12), a bushing (14), a fluid conduit (16), an annular seal (18) and a cap (20) secured to the housing and having a fluid inlet. The bushing is received within a cylindrical recess (32) in the housing, and the fluid conduit is rotatably received by the bushing and passes through the bushing and a bore (40) in the housing. The annular seal is received within the housing recess, and sealingly engages a cylindrical outer surface (80) of the fluid conduit and the cylindrical wall (46) of the housing recess. The cap has a circular recess (104) and surrounding annular projection (106) which receives the input end of the fluid conduit. The annular seal is sandwiched between the bushing and the annular projection. When the fluid conduit rotates, its outer surface rotates under friction against the annular seal to maintain the seal.

Abstract: A coupling that can be easily and repeatedly rotationally adjusted after assembly and/or installation. The coupling can comprise a male part insertable into a female part to a first position whereat the male part is rotationally locked with respect to the female part. Upon further insertion of the male part into the female part to a second position, the male part is rotationally unlocked from the female part and the male part then can be rotated relative to the female part. Once rotational adjustment is complete, the male part can be returned to the locked position to rotationally lock the coupling.

Abstract: A nested bushing coupling for attaching a plumbing component to a conduit. The assembly includes at least one or more nested bushings having off-centered openings which may be situated at various orientations within a receiver.

Abstract: A direction control means for apparatuses for cleaning submerged surfaces in the form of an elbow joint with swivel connections at each end. The connections may include anti-friction surfaces.

Abstract: A swivelable vacuum hose coupler of a grooming clipper vacuum attachment includes a front attachment member attachable to a suction head of the vacuum attachment, a rear hose attachment member attachable to an end of a vacuum hose, and an annular swivel collar rigidly attached to a rear end portion of the front attachment member and rotatably coupled to a front end portion of the rear attachment member so as to hold the rear end portion of the front attachment member in an abutting relationship with the front end portion of the rear attachment member and the front attachment member in flow communication with the rear attachment member and to form a swivel joint with the rear attachment member such that the front attachment member can rotate at the swivel joint relative to the rear attachment member and thereby allow the rear attachment member to remain in a stationary position relative to the front attachment member.

Abstract: A device for a pressure-compensated swivel comprising a swivel housing and a swivel pipe rotatably arranged in the swivel housing, wherein pressure from fluid in the swivel acts on opposing compensating areas in the swivel, whereby an axially compressive force is established between the swivel housing and the swivel pipe.

Abstract: A method and a device for connecting a plastic line part in a plastic socket. A head end (9) of the line part (6) is heated contactlessly all the way round until the end curls over to a diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the socket (5). The line part is then pushed into the socket without using a mandrel or insert, so that the head end (9) forms a liquid-tight fused connection of high tensile strength with molten wall material of the socket (5).

Abstract: A 360° rotatable inlet screw assembly for a pneumatic tool includes a fixing base, an inlet screw and a C-shaped retainer. The fixing base is fixed in an inlet hole of the pneumatic tool and axially formed with a through hole. A first end of the inlet screw is formed with a head portion. An annular groove is formed in the inlet screw and located close to a second end thereof, the second end of the inlet screw passes through the through hole of the fixing base in a manner that the annular groove protrudes out of the through hole of the fixing base. The C-shaped retainer in the annular groove of the inlet screw for enabling the inlet screw to be assembled with the fixing base.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling ends of a first hose and a second hose. The apparatus comprises a male coupler configured to attach to the first hose, and a female coupler having an inner cavity and being configured to attach to the second hose in the inner cavity by way of a first ferrule assembly. The first ferrule assembly comprises an outer ferrule positionable on an outside surface of the second hose proximate a first end of the second hose, and an inner ferrule positionable on an inside surface of the second hose and configured to rotatably couple with the female coupler so that the inner ferrule may swivel relative to the female coupler thereby enabling the female coupler to be swiveled about the second hose without rotating the second hose. The male coupler and the female coupler are configured to couple to each other.

Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly includes a first and a second pipe coupling member with the first coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical convex seat portion, and the second coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical concave seat portion. Each flange includes a first plurality of pivot notches. The coupling assembly further includes a first and a second cylindrical spring ring. Each spring ring includes a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The body includes a main bore and a plurality of bolt bores extending therethrough. A plurality of pivot bearings extend from the first surface with each pivot bearing configured to engage a pipe section flange notch. A plurality of bolt bore seats are located in the second surface and coaxially aligned with the bolt bores.

Abstract: A connection assembly for flexible hoses includes a base tube having a first through passage and a threaded section of a connection nut is fixed to the first through passage. The connection nut has a connection section which extends beyond the first passage and a connection nut having a second through passage is mounted to the connection section. A sleeve has its first end fixedly mounted to the connection nut and the connection nut can be freely rotatable on an end surface of the base tube. An end of a flexible hose is fixedly received in the sleeve and the other end of the flexible hose extends through an enlarged opening in a second end of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swivel device to be fitted to a hose. The preferred use of the invention is to allow hoses fitted at each end to rotate relative to the other to avoid kinking, and associated problems. Considerations include allowing free rotation of the respective hose sections, while avoiding leaking at the swivel, at pressures typical of mains pressure water supplies, and/or higher. Discussion is made regarding the connection of components to allow swivelling and variations for connecting hoses to the tail piece.

Abstract: A vapour lead-through system for a rotary evaporator with a rotatable evaporator vessel (5) and a stationary cooler (7) consists of a vapour lead-through tube (6) and a connection piece (8). The vapour lead-through tube (6) is on the cooler-side mounted in a stationary seal (9). On the evaporator-side end the vapour lead-through tube (6) is connected to the connection piece (8) in a manner such that the axis (A) of the vapour lead-through tube (6) is movable with respect to the axis (A′) of the connection piece (8).

Abstract: A suction hose assembly for an upright type vacuum cleaner having an air inlet connected to one end of a flexible hose and a suction pipe at the other end. A connection portion movably connects the suction pipe to the flexible hose allowing the suction pipe to rotationally rotate relative to the flexible hose, including a pair of connection protrusions preferably formed on one end of either the suction pipe or flexible hose, and spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, a pair of connection grooves formed on one end of whichever the flexible hose or suction pipe that the connection protrusions are not formed on, to receive the pair of connection protrusions, and at least one guide protrusion provided between a contact surface defined between the connection protrusions and a contact surface defined between the connection grooves, to reduce area of contact defined between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for an unloader tube of a combine, having a pair of ultra high molecular weight pivot ring bushings which slide in contact with each other, are fixed to respective upper and lower portions of the unloader tube, and transmit weight of the unloader tube from the upper portion to the lower portion.

Abstract: The disclosed swivel adaptor (20) is assembled into two sections: tool member (40), and adaptor member (60). These two sections are pivotally attached, and can pivot with respect to each other around pivot axis (54). Pivot axis (54) is angled off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axises of the adaptor sections to allow various angled positions for adaptor (20). The angle between the tool port end (42) and adaptor port end (64) being adjustable between an in-line position where members (40) and (60) form a relatively straight adaptor, and a plurality of angled positions where the longitudinal axises of ports (42) and (64) are not parallel. Adaptor (20) has an pivotal air passageway connecting end (45) to end (65). In the straight position, tabs (72) snap into place to provide a holding force to keep the two sections from pivoting during use. By applying a sufficient twisting force on the two sections, tab (72) slips loose and the two sections can rotate about axis (54).

Abstract: A retainer ring connector comprised of a ring situated between matching spokes on both the male and female members of a hose coupling. The ring is contained behind the outwardly extending spokes on the male member. When the male member is inserted into the female member, spokes on the inside of the female member pass between the spokes of the male member and are forced over the ring element which compresses sufficiently to allow the spokes to pass. After the spokes of the female member pass over the compressed ring member, the ring member expands and prevents the male and female members from disengaging and backing away from each other. The spoked retainer ring connector allows for complete rotational movement with preventing the male and female members from separating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel adapter-coupler that is to be positioned between a conventional fixed drop elbow on the end of a hose of a tanker truck for an underground storage tank. The other end of the swivel adapter-coupler attaches to the pipe adapter (either the fill pipe or the vapor pipe) of the underground storage tank, in the conventional quick-connect type connection. The swivel adapter-coupler permits loops and kinks in the hose to be removed by rotating the swivel adapter-coupler in the proper direction. Likewise, the invention relates to a rotatable drop elbow to replace the conventional fixed drop elbow at the end of a hose on a tanker truck. The rotatable drop elbow eliminates loops and kinks in the hose by merely rotating the drop elbow in the proper direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel connection for a flexible dryer duct. The swivel connection is comprised of two sleeves, one of which can slide within the other. Each of the sleeves can be connected to a section of duct. The inner sleeve has an outwardly projecting flange that can engage an inwardly projecting flange on the outer sleeve, preventing the sleeves from being pulled apart, but allowing relative rotational movement between the sleeves.

Abstract: A swivel joint for coupling a first conduit to a second conduit includes a swivel bearing comprising a body of fluid. The swivel bearing eliminates the creation and transmission of torsional and shear loads when one or both of the conduits are axially loaded.

Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient dryer exhaust. Provides access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.

Abstract: A rotary joint for establishing fluid tight communication between a rotating drum and a heating or cooling medium such as steam or water wherein the joint includes a normally stationary body connected to supply or discharge conduits, and the body includes a rotating nipple coaxially threaded into the end of the drum. For ease of installation, maintenance and removal, the normally relatively rotatable body and nipple are selectively locked together to prevent relative rotation permitting rotation of the body to thread or unthread the nipple relative to the drum journal.

Abstract: A portal assembly includes a port with at least one resealable septum, and a tube extending from the port with the tube being sized to be received inside a catheter, an angled surface surrounding the tube wherein the angled surface diverges away from the tube in a direction away from the port, and sleeve structure for forcing the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tube and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter. In a dual port construction, the outlet tube are parallel to one another at their distal ends, and the sleeve structure forces the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tubes and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter and to prevent cross-talk between lumens of a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: A device connects two components in a manner that allows fluid to flow therebetween and allows one component to rotate with respect to the other. The device has a first coupling with first and second fluid passages extending between opposite ends. A collar is attached to one end of the first coupling and includes a first flange extending radially inward. A tubular fitting has a second flange extending radially outward and in-between the first flange and the first coupling. A first seal is compressed between the first and second flanges when pressurized fluid flows through the first coupling. A second coupling is attached to the tubular fitting and has third and fourth passages. A tubular second seal is sealingly received within and connects the first and third passages.

Abstract: Adapter pipe fittings for sprinkler or drip-type irrigation systems are improved by providing a two piece pipe fitting, a manifold piece that snaps into a body piece and swivels therein. Such adapter pipe fittings are often required to be installed adjacent to a sidewalk, wall, fence, or other like obstruction whereby there is restricted clearance especially if the pipe fittings has laterally projecting offtake connector members extending therefrom. The fitting is especially well adapted for installation at sites where there is restricted clearance because the body piece can swivel about the manifold piece and the manifold piece is therefore not required to turn while the adapter pipe fitting body piece is being screwed onto an underground piping system.

Abstract: A pipe joint can be attached to a hydraulic apparatus so as to be able to absorb vibrations of a pipe or the like connected to thereto. The pipe joint comprises a joint member having one end provided with an externally threaded portion in which external threads are cut, an annular clearance groove and an O ring squeezing surface, and an intermediate member to be fixedly screwed in the hydraulic apparatus, provided with an internally threaded portion in which internal threads are cut and an annular clearance groove. When the externally threaded portion of the joint member is screwed completely in the intermediate member, the externally threaded portion of the joint member drops into the annular clearance groove of the intermediate member, and the internally threaded portion of the intermediate member drops into the annular clearance groove of the joint member, so that the joint member is able to turn relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A connector for detachably securing an end of a tube, such as a catheter, to a fluid port of a fluid transfer device, such as an implantable device, the connector having a body part which defines a coupler for coupling to a coupler receiver of the transfer device. The connector includes a sleeve which fits within the body part and defines an aperture for compressively receiving an end of the tube which has been fitted over a fluid port of the transfer device. The body part is rotatable about the sleeve to facilitate coupling of the coupler and coupler receiver. In one embodiment the sleeve has an inner diameter at one end large enough to slide freely over the tube when it is fitted over the fluid port, and the diameter decreases at an intermediate point along the length of the sleeve to provide for compressive axial movement of the tube to form an annular thickness portion of the tube where it abuts the face of the transfer device.

Abstract: A flexible connector is used to connect a source of liquid to a dispenser so that the position of the dispenser may be adjusted or the line leading to a fixed dispenser may be adjusted. A typical use is in connecting underground pipe to a sprinkler head, but the invention may be used in other installations. Examples are to provide a connector for a light-weight, non-kink garden hose; sewer pipe fittings and ABS drain pipe. A very flexible tubing, such as light vinyl tubing, is encased in a tough outer protective tubing, such as convoluted tubing. At either end is a fitting into which the flexible tubing fits. A bushing inside the fitting expands the end of the flexible tubing and thus retains it within the body of the fitting. The end of the protective fitting is received in a counterbore in an end of the fitting. The upper end of the fitting may be attached to a sprinkler head or other device and hence may be shaped with an internal thread, an external thread, or a smooth cylindrical shape for a slip fit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal dryer exhaust duct assembly using a pair of flexible corrugated metal ducts capable of linear extension and capable of reorientation of the duct ends, a pair of elbow connectors, one for attachment to a dryer exhaust outlet and the other for attachment to a wall inlet. Each duct has a swivel connection to its respective elbow connector, using a sleeve which interfits with the elbow connector by a peripheral projection and recess arrangement. Each duct can also be interfit with another such duct. The two ducts can be attached respectively to an dryer and a wall spaced from each other, and are vertically self supporting, whereby when the dryer is moved adjacent the wall, a person can readily telescopically interconnect the ends of the ducts over the top of the dryer. One or more pieces of the duct may be used to span the distance between the dryer and the wall outlet.

Abstract: A device for connecting the ends of two pipes and comprising an insert and a bushing that slides over the end of one pipe, that the insert fits into, and that has a rear face extending inward at the end toward the insert and overlapping an outside annular ridge on the end of the pipe. To facilitate removing contamination from the connection, the rear face has at least one bore therein.

Abstract: A raintight and oiltight connector is disclosed for securing an electrical conduit for an electrical enclosure. The connector includes first and second housing members which are rotatably attached and supports the conduit at one end and can be screw inserted into a threaded opening of an electrical enclosure at the other end.

Abstract: An automated cylinder connector is disclosed, which substantially reduces the time required to connect and disconnect a gas line from a gas cylinder. In one embodiment, a threaded connector, defining a conduit for gas flow, is designed to be attached to the valve outlet of a gas cylinder. The connector includes a threaded collar having a bevel gear which engages a similarly shaped bevel gear on an independent, motorized drive member. When the drive member is held against the threaded connector, so that the bevel gears are engaged, and when power is applied to the drive member, the collar on the connector rotates, and is threadedly engaged with the gas cylinder. In another embodiment, the threaded connector takes the form of a turbine which is rotated by a stream of compressed air. Rotation of the turbine screws the connector into the gas cylinder. In both embodiments, a plurality of threaded connectors can be grouped together, and suspended above a plurality of cylinders, by a set of springs.

Abstract: An improved spherical swivel joint assembly that substantially connectedly seals consecutively disposed conduit sections while allowing simultaneous angular and lateral joint displacement due to forces exerted at the joint during the transport of fluid therethrough.

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 joint having improved bearing and seal life includes a pair of annular inner members each rotatably mounted in the bore of an annular sleeve with the ends of the inner members spaced from each other. An overrunning clutch between a first inner member and the sleeve allows the first inner member to rotate in a first direction relative to the sleeve, but prevents rotation in a second direction. Another overrunning clutch between the sleeve and the second inner member allows the sleeve to rotate in the second direction relative to the second inner member, but prevents rotation in the first direction. Bearings and seals mounted between the sleeve and the first inner member experience unidirectional rotation in the first direction and bearings and seals between the sleeve and the second inner member experience unidirectional rotation in a second direction. The overrunning clutches prevent oscillatory motion of the seals and bearings, and decreases wear and failure of the seals and bearings.

Abstract: A multipurpose, hydraulically actuated apparatus comprising a piston movable in response to fluid under pressure within walls defining a piston chamber. Actuating fluid is supplied to the piston chamber by a uniquely constructed hand operated fluid pump. The area of the fluid impinging surface of the piston is in multiples of one inch. Accordingly, when the apparatus is used as a hydraulic scale the weight being lifted by the piston can be read directly on a pressure gauge which is calibrated in pounds per square inch and which is connected to the piston chamber below the piston.The apparatus can readily be converted to function as a cutting device by connecting a U-shaped member to the walls of the unit and by connecting a cutting element to the outer face of the piston. The U-shaped member includes spaced apart arms and a bight portion defining a closed space adapted to encircle the nut which is to be cut.

Abstract: A fluid-tight sealing apparatus for sealing a tube to a cylindrical surface while subjected to axial, rotational and angular misalignments comprising a metallic, resilient sealing member on the tube having a ring portion with a curved surface for contacting the cylindrical surface and for forming a fluid-tight seal by means of an interference fit therebetween. The cylindrical surface can be the interior surface of a bore with the sealing member including a frustoconical portion having the ring portion at the larger end thereof and fitting into the cylindrical bore. The cylindrical surface can be the exterior surface of a conduit with the sealing member including a frustoconical portion having the ring portion at the smaller end thereof and fitting around the cylindrical conduit.