Abstract: A new overload protection device has been invented of the type in which components are fixed mutually by means of a safety member adapted to be cut or broken when the components are subjected to an overload, wherein the safety member is a thread spiral or spirals adapted to be cut loose from a member, rod or sleeve when the thread spiral (or spirals) is subjected to an overload.

Abstract: A joint for a fluid transport pipe is provided for use in e.g. connecting and communicating a fluid piping device such as a branch pipe or a sluice valve to a through bore defined in a fluid transport pipe. The joint includes a joint body, to be connected to a fluid transport pipe. This joint body has a cylindrical connecting portion projecting therefrom. The cylindrical connecting portion includes a fixed cylindrical member formed integrally with the joint body and a movable cylindrical member fluid-tightly connectable to the fixed cylindrical member to be pivotable three-dimensionally relative thereto.

Abstract: An improved clip for a writing board is provided. In accordance with the invention, the clip includes a clip body attached to a writing board. A clip blade is attached to the clip body and includes a binding edge for releasably binding paper against the writing board. The spring is included and is adapted to urge the binding edge against the writing board. In this manner, paper may be releasably gripped by the binding edge to the writing board. A force receiving release tab is disposed opposite the binding edge of the clip blade for receiving manually-applied force. In response to such force, the release tab urges the binding edge away from the writing board to release the paper. A display holder is attached to the clip blade. The display holder defines a substantially planar display area, and further includes a rolled edge for holding a laminate display sheet adjacent the display area.

Abstract: The rotatable cylindrical sleeve that comprises the female cable connector termination of a seismic streamer cable section is made in two telescoping parts. The two telescoping parts are indexed together by a shear pin to form a weak link assembly. If a streamer cable is snagged, the shear pin fails, allowing the telescoping parts of the sleeve to part company, releasing the snagged cable portions but without structural damage to the cable section. A feature of the device is its ease of retrofit.

Abstract: An indicating device (2) for indicating dates upon which events such as procedural steps should take place, said device (2) comprising a first disc (4) having a first field )24) which includes a plurality of first dates and at least one second field (26) which includes a plurality of second dates, the positions of said fields (24, 26) having a predetermined relationship to one another on the first disc, a second disc (6) pivotally connected for relative rotary movement to the first disc (4), the second disc having a first window (12) which can be aligned with a selected one of the first dates and a second window (14, 16, 18, 20) having a predetermined position relative to the first window, the arrangement being such that when the first window is aligned with one of the first dates, the second window is aligned with a second date in the second field thereby indicating the date upon which an event should take place consequent upon selection of one of the first dates.

Abstract: A breakaway hose coupling device (10) for releasably joining two fluid dispensing devices in fluid communications, and for selectively disengaging the dispensing devices in response to a disengaging force in excess of a preselected value being exerted on the coupling device. The coupling device (10) includes first and second valve assemblies (12, 14) for being secured on, and being placed in flow-though communication with dispensing devices and for selectively terminating the flow of fuel from such dispensing device. The first and second valve assemblies including first and second valve housings (16, 18) each having a valve mechanism mounted therein for selectively terminating the flow of fluid through the valve assembly. The device also includes a plurality of shear pins (48A-C) mounted in the second valve housing (18), and at least one stop member (50) carried by the first valve housing (16) for engaging only certain shear pins when the valve housings are engaged in selected relative rotational positions.

Abstract: An automatic disconnecting device is provided for hoses containing pressurized gas or liquids. The disconnecting device is activated upon user application of excessive lateral tension to the hose resulting in lateral displacement of the automatic disconnecting device resulting in release of the hose coupling release ring which secures the hose to the supply nipple.

Abstract: A coaxial breakaway coupling and a coaxial hose connect a fuel dispensing pump to a coaxial fuel dispensing nozzle, and the coupling includes first and second tubular valve bodies releasably coupled together by an annular canted coil spring. Each valve body supports therein an axially movable tubular valve member for defining an inner vapor return passage and an outer fuel supply passage, and a vapor return check valve member is supported for axial movement within the vapor return passage upstream of an annular valve seat. All of the valve members are spring biased towards closed positions and move to open positions when the valve bodies are coupled together. When the valve bodies are uncoupled or separate in response to an axial breakaway force, the valve members close, and suction from a vacuum pump connected to the vapor return passage pulls the check valve member towards it closed position against the valve seat. In a modification, the breakaway coupling is integrated with a 45.degree.

Abstract: A street compression closet flange for replacing broken cast iron closet flanges in old buildings comprises an upper cylindrical section, a lower cylindrical section, a rubber seal, and three sets of nuts and bolts. After the broken closet flange has been removed, the street flange is inserted inside the existing pipe. A compression seal if formed between the street flange and the inside of the pipe by tightening the nuts and bolts. The street flange may be slid up or down to achieve the desired height. The street flange may also be used in new building construction instead of conventional closet flanges.

Abstract: A pipeline breakaway mechanism is provided which includes an elbow in a pipeline and two clamps holding the pipeline to a structure such as a platform or another pipeline. When a strong pull is exerted on the pipeline, the pipeline is bent until it buckles around the first clamp; the first clamp then fails at a preset load, causing the pipe to bend around the second clamp and causing the previously formed buckle to straighten. This buckling and straightening of pipe causes the pipe wall to fracture at a load much smaller than its tensile strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of electrically and sequentially completing an oil and/or gas well through a tubing production string in a well casing. The operation includes electrically and sequentially actuating downhole equipment such as well packers, a safety joint, well annulus safety valve, solenoid actuated tubing safety valve, blanking block valve, circulating sleeve, and receiving electrical feedback from the equipment determining the position of the downhole equipment.

Abstract: A shear fitting for coupling a downstream vertical conduit to an upstream vertical conduit in, for example, an underground suction-type fuel delivery system, includes a hollow body defining a fluid flow passage between an inlet in an upstream body portion and an outlet in a downstream body portion. The upstream body portion is configured to be removably coupled to the upstream conduit, and the downstream body portion is configured to be removably coupled to the downstream conduit. The body has a peripheral shear groove defining a frangible annular wall portion that fractures in response to a shear force of more than a predetermined magnitude. A test port extends from the flow passage to the exterior of the body, the port being sealed by a removable closure. Removal of the closure results in a loss of prime in a suction-type fuel delivery system only if there is no check valve in the conduit upstream from the shear fitting, thereby allowing verification of the absence of such a check valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-complex, simple to use and economical coupling device or connecting two elements, which provides for disconnection of the two elements when the tension applied to the coupling device exceeds a predetermined load. The coupling device includes an outer and an inner sleeve each having an axial bore. The lower end of the inner sleeve is slidably disposed within the upper end of the outer sleeve and the sleeves are relatively moveable. A frangible elongated member with a predetermined tensile strength connects the outer and inner sleeves through the axial bores. The frangible member breaks under a predetermined amount of stress thereby allowing the outer and inner sleeves of the coupling device to separate and disconnecting the attached elements. One or more internal longitudinal passages through the outer and inner sleeves adjacent to the axial bores allow passage of wire cables, gases, fluids or mechanical linkages through the coupler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid passage provide at least one sliding gate movable transversely to that fluid passage. The fluid passage or the gate is maintained open in a first position of the gate, and is closed in a second position of that gate. A detent detains the gate in one of its first and second positions against a bias acting continuously on that gate. Upon release from that detent, the gate slides by virtue of its bias to the other of its first and second positions. The gate and fluid passage may be incorporated in a frangible connection and the gate may be released from its detent for automatic closure by its bias upon breakage of that frangible connection. Alternatively, the gate may be provided with a slanted surface which abuts another slanted surface around the fluid passage in the first position of the gate.

Abstract: A break-away flowline fitting for protecting a subsea Christmas tree to which the flowlines are connected when the flowlines are subjected to an externally applied axial load and/or bending moment. The fitting comprises a tubular member having a reduced wall thickness section integrally formed in the member and designed to part or separate axially at an externally applied load less than what would be necessary to harm the tree. A clamp closely surrounds the reduced wall thickness section and limits the pressure induced hoop membrane stress in the reduced wall thickness section to about the same value as in the adjacent normally configured fitting portions, thereby maintaining the pressure integrity of the fitting. A frame having supports disposed on the normally configured fitting portions and axially beyond each end of the reduced wall thickness section has removable reinforcing members which span the reduced wall thickness section prior to placing the fitting in service.

Abstract: A tension actuated device is adapted to be connected between a pipe string and an object stuck downhole in a wellbore and does not disconnect the pipe string from the object in response to a transient or temporary shock load that is temporarily applied to the pipe string. Rather, the tension actuated device selectively disconnects the pipe string from the object stuck downhole by continuously applying a pulling force of a predetermined magnitude to the device via the pipe string for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A frangible fluid conduit fitting particularly suitable for servicing aircraft wherein the fitting is attached to an aircraft service bulkhead coupling. The fitting consists of two parts, one attached to the supply hose and the other attachable to the bulkhead coupling. The fitting parts are maintained in a sealed assembly relationship by a frangible connector having two separate frangible sections. One frangible section fracturing and releasing the fitting parts under excessive bending forces while the other frangible structure releases upon excessive tension forces being imposed upon the fitting.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining two hoses includes a main body and an end body which are telescopically connected. A frangible link holds the two parts together. The link is inserted in a recess formed in a surface of the coupling which spans the junction of the bodies. The link is subject only to tensile forces and is formed to break at across the center of the link, where the two bodies abut each other. Each body includes a check valve. When the two bodies are connected, the valves urge against one another to open the valves. The urging of the valves against one another also exerts a tensile force on the link to hold it in its recess. A spacer separates the valves so that high pressure flow will not close the upstream valve.

Abstract: A through flow coupler comprises two parts having intercommunicating passages therein so that fluid can flow through the two parts. A sealing member provides a fluid tight seal between the two parts when the two parts are held together in a sealed condition. A pressure sensitive device, which may comprise a frangible ring, holds the two parts in the sealed condition when the fluid pressure within the passages is below a certain value and allows the two parts to move relative to one another to a pressure relief condition so that fluid can escape from the passages when the fluid pressure within the passages exceeds said certain value. Also, mutually co-operable members, e.g. flanges, are provided to prevent total separation of the two parts when the pressure sensitive device allows the two parts to move relative to one another.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling, a conduit system utilizing the coupling and methods of making the same are provided, the breakaway coupling being adapted to be incorporated into a conduit system and comprising a pair of tubular coupling members each having opposed ends one of which is adapted to be interconnected to a part of the conduit system and the other of which is held in sealing and coupling engagement with the other end of the other coupling member until uncoupled therefrom by a certain axial force being created therebetween, the breakaway coupling having a frangible unit holding the coupling members in their coupled engagement until the certain axial force breaks the frangible unit to thereby uncouple the coupling members, the frangible unit comprising a tubular sleeve unit having opposed ends and an annular frangible section intermediate the ends of the sleeve unit that breaks in an annular manner when the certain axial force is applied between the coupling members.

Abstract: A coupling device includes male and female telescoping members that are inserted into a fluid carrying hose or conduit. The coupling device includes an O-ring for providing fluid tight seal and a frangible locking ring that will separate when oppositely directed forces exceed a predetermined threshold. The locking ring includes a split so that it can be compressed to a smaller diameter for installation and, in the preferred embodiment, a plurality of frangible radial tabs. In an alternative embodiment, the ring may have a radially extending flange with a parting groove at the juncture of the ring and flange. One of the coupling device members includes a groove that holds the ring and the other member includes a groove that receives the radial tabs or flange.

Abstract: A steering rod for motor vehicles includes a guide rod or a cross guide. After an overload by a tension force, the steering rod changes geometrically to clearly influence the driving behavior of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the steering rod has a transmission rod (2) set into a pipe (1) for the transmission of tension forces. The transmission rod (2) at one end is held into the pipe (1) by a force-fitting or form-fitting holding device, and at the other end projects out of the pipe end (11). The transmission rod (2) has, between the holding device and the pipe end (11) a desired breaking point (9). An offset (10) is located between the desired breaking point (9) and the pipe end (11). The pipe (1) is provided, between the offset (10) and the pipe end (11), with a pipe narrowing which forms a stop (12) for the offset (10) in case of rupture of the desired breaking point (9).

Abstract: A coupling having one end attached to a drop pipe of a fire sprinkler system and another end for attachment to a tool subsequent to initially testing the sprinkler system and to a sprinkler head thereafter. The coupling includes an internal frangible closure member to prevent flow of fluid from the drop pipe during the test phase so that the sprinkler may be pre-tested prior to attachment of the sprinkler head. The tool includes an external housing which after completion of the test phase is connected to the coupling, a ram being mounted within the housing and adjustable to position and impact member at the end of the ram at or in abutment with the frangible closure member. The ram is connected to a propelling assembly which permits the ram to be pulled manually against the biasing force of a spring away from the closure member, and upon release of the ram, the ram is propelled toward the closure member so that the impact member shatters the closure member to open communication through the coupling.

Abstract: A fluid coupling having a pair of body members having fluid passageways through which fluid may flow through an inlet in one of the body members and out an outlet in the other member. One of the body members is connected in flow communication with a flexible hose, and the other body member is connected in flow communication to a rigid conduit by a connecting member about which the body members may rotate relative to a swivel axis. Valving shuts flow communication through the body members when they uncouple. If the excessive tensile force is axially applied through the hose to the coupling, the body members uncouple by pulling apart in the direction along the line of action of the force, but if the excessive tensile force is non-axially applied, the body members, if they cannot be aligned with the axial force vector to uncouple, will be uncoupled by a twisting action resulting from the bending load caused by the force.

Abstract: A tensile force actuated fuel line swivel-joint quick-disconnecting coupling device has a pair of body members including interlocking elements which cooperatively couple and provide fuel passageways through the body members, and uncouple when a tensile force above a predetermined limit is interposed on the fuel line. The interlocking elements are in the form of a mortise and tenon connection and pivot one relative to the other about a swivel axis. A connecting member is pivotably connected to one of the body members and to a rigid conduit or fuel nozzle for rotation about a pivot axis. The other body member has a diverted fluid passageway including a longitudinal axis that extends to a port connected to a flexible fuel line. The pivot axis, the longitudinal axis and the swivel axis are disposed so that the longitudinal axis may align itself with the direction of any tensile force applied through the flexible fuel line.

Abstract: A frangible, circumferentially contractible clamp operated by a band constricting actuator for securing a pair of flange end pipe members in aligned end-to-end relation. The clamp includes a band consisting of retainer halves which are fastened together by frangible fasteners to form an envelope adapted to embrace and secure the aligned flanges together upon tightening of the actuator. Upon the associated pipes being subjected to exceptional tensile or bending forces, the fasteners will fracture permitting the retainer halves to separate to allow the flanges to separate and prevent the pipes from being damaged.

Abstract: A device for retaining tubular inner and outer members together in a well allows the members to be pulled apart with a sufficient shear out force. The members have mating retaining and reaction groooves. The retaining groove has a deeper portion joining a shallower portion which is bounded by a shearing side wall. The reaction groove has a shearing side wall which opposes the shearing side wall of the retaining groove when the inner and outer members are fully inserted together. A solid elastomeric ring is carried within the retaining groove. The ring locates in the deeper portion when the inner and outer members are being pushed together. When a pulling apart force is applied, the shallower portion slides relative to the ring until the ring locates in the shallower portion and is contacted by the opposed shearing side walls.

Abstract: A reconnectable frangible coupling wherein at least one coupling part includes an operating valve and a safety valve. The operating valve utilizes the relative axial movement of the coupling parts during coupling and uncoupling to open and close, respectively, and the spring biased safety valve is engaged and retained in an open position by a valve retainer interposed between the valves. Frangible portions maintain the valve retainer in engagement with the safety valve and upon the coupling being subjected to severe impact, such as an aircraft crash, the frangible portions fracture permitting the valve retainer to disengage from the safety valve allowing the safety valve to close.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety joint for use in a downhole tool string. The hydraulic safety joint includes a mandrel assembly slidably disposed in a case assembly such that a chamber is defined therebetween. The chamber is filled with a volume of fluid so that the mandrel is held in a first operating position. When in this first position, the mandrel is in splined engagement with a nipple at the lower end of the case assembly. Upon application of a predetermined tensile load on the tool string, a rupture disc in communication with the fluid chamber is ruptured so that the fluid is vented therefrom. When the pressure is thus released, the mandrel assembly is moved to a second position in which it is further extended from the case assembly. In this position, the mandrel assembly is no longer in splined engagement with the nipple, but a series of lugs prevents relative rotation between the mandrel assembly and an upper portion of the case assembly.

Abstract: A valve device for use in a gas flow system which has a gas meter connected to a supply line. The valve device is especially made to break the threads of a riser pipe nipple that is screwed into the top outlet end. The valve device has an annular shoulder at the inlet and outlet ends and a passageway extends through the valve device and through the shoulders. A length of the outlet end of the passageway has internal threads at the outlet end that terminate at the shoulder. A smooth cylindrical marginal length of the inlet length of the passageway is spaced from a threaded portion of its length located intermediate the smooth part of the passageway and the valve element. The smooth cylindrical length has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the supply line so that a lateral load placed on the supply line is transferred into the valve device through the smooth part of the passageway and avoids breaking the supply line threads.

Abstract: Equipment is provided for drill pipe strings including a side entry sub, allowing a cable to be passed therethrough using if required a safety member for anchorage on a support. Said sub includes more particularly means for sealing about the cable and said entry and isolating a zone inside the sub, which opens at the level of the lower end of the sub and the inner zone has a side opening adapted to be connected to a pumping installation. This anchorage member includes more particularly a body cooperating with a clamping element for defining a passage of variable section for the cable so as to be able to anchor this cable. At least one stop cooperating with a surface is used for varying the section of the passage. The body and the clamping element are locked to the support by means whose release is controlled so as to cause a translational movement of the member inside the support and disengagement of the cable.

Abstract: A combination breakaway and swivel coupling for vehicle fueling systems is disclosed. The coupling includes a body having a swivel connection at one end and a breakaway connection at the other end. The swivel is directly connected to a vehicle fueling nozzle and the breakaway coupling is connected to the supply hose of the fueling system. The swivel coupling is a ball-and-socket type coupling which permits the nozzle to be moved in all directions with respect to the supply hose for convenient positioning of the nozzle in the vehicle during fueling and hanging of the nozzle on the pump when the unit is not is use. The breakaway coupling automatically separates in the event that the vehicle drives away without removing the nozzle and prevents damage to the hose and the pump structure. Automatic shutoff valves close when the breakaway coupling releases to prevent pollution or hazardous spills of fuel. One embodiment utilizes a frangible connection which fractures and releases when breakaway occurs.

Abstract: Separate valve bodies (16, 18) are connected by a sleeve (24). The joint (26) between the first body (16) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by bending forces and resistent to tension forces. The joint (32) between the second body (18) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by tension forces and resistant to bending forces. Each joint (26, 32) includes an annular groove (28, 34) on the valve body (16, 18) and portions (30, 36) of the sleeve (24) extending radially into the groove (28, 34). Each valve body (16, 18) has a valve element (44) that moves axially inwardly to close the flow passage (42) when one of the joints (26, 32) is detached. The valve element (44) is normally retained in an open position by a ball detent (84). A projection (82) carried by the confronting valve body (16, 18) holds the ball (84) in a groove (62) on the element's shaft portion (56).

Abstract: A frangible fluid couping wherein at least one coupling part includes a self closing valve. Frangible interlocking component interconnect the coupling parts under normal conditions and the interlocking structure includes weakened portions which fracture upon the coupling being subjected to severe impact, such as during an aircraft crash, permitting the coupling parts to separate. The frangible interlocking component include manually releasable structure permitting the coupling parts to be selectively disconnected for test purposes, and a safety lock is utilized to prevent inadvertent release of the interlocking structure.

Abstract: A pressure compensation multi tubular safety joint for use with tubular sections is disclosed wherein a weak link is included that causes the joint to separate under axial load before permanent damage is done to the tubular sections but which compensates for pressure changes in the tubular sections. The joint includes two members, one of which has means for permitting the separation under conditions where the load is only partially axial. The joint further includes means for pre-stressing the joint to relieve the load on the weak link while the joint is lowered into position and further means for relieving the pre-stress through the flowing fluid in the sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling wireline tools to coil tubing wherein a pull-out, disconnect, is provided. The pull-out consists of two tubular members with flared, bell-shaped portions, one such portion being coaxially disposed within the other. A ferrule applies pressure to the interface of the surfaces of said flared portions. Sufficient tension on the coil tubing pulls the flared portion of the interior member through the neck and out of the exterior member. Pilot valves prevent intrusion of bore hole fluid into the coupling device during logging and into the coil tubing if a pull-out has been effected.

Abstract: A breakaway coupler is fabricated as a cylinder with a flow through bore for interconnecting the end of a fluid line to a tank. A frangible groove is radially cut into the exterior wall of the cylinder midway between the ends. A plastic seal tube having a diameter less than the bore of the cylinder but longer than the cylinder is slideably positioned in the bore. There is a ring at one end of the seal tube and larger than the bore for maintaining the tube stationary within the cylinder. The other end of the seal tube extends from the other end of the cylinder and has flow through ports for allowing fluid flow through the coupler. This port end is also capped off. The frangible groove can fracture, causing the coupler to break into two sections and separate from one another. During the separation process, the section with the ring projection will pull away with the seal tube attached to it.

Abstract: A pipeline safety joint to provide a controlled point of weakness in at least one pipeline, said safety joint comprising a pair of tubular mandrels sized to be securable to a pipe-end of a pipeline, a portion of one mandrel being insertable into a part of the other mandrel thereof, to provide fluid communication between said pipe-ends. A latch mechanism on the portion of one mandrel is engagable with the part of the other mandrel, to hold said mandrel against axial separation. Retaining means on said one mandrel hold the latch mechanism in engagement. At least one seal assembly includes a metal sealing ring positioned to seal between a radially outer and inner substantially cylindrical surfaces on the mandrels. An annular cylinder and a co-operating annular piston formed on one mandrel and on a ring attached to the mandrel, to form a pressure compensation chamber surrounding said portion rings provide a fluid tight seal between said annular piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A combination spherical swivel joint and quick disconnect coupling device for a fuel supply line or the like permits universal swiveling of a spherical member within a socket member while the members are connected together in flow communication, and has interconnectable means for uncoupling when an external tensile force above a predetermined limit is applied to the fuel line. Valving is disposed within the spherical member and within the socket member so that when the members uncouple the passageway within each member is closed. A retaining member positioned within the socket member maintains the coupling relationship during normal operation.

Abstract: A tensile force actuated fuel line quick disconnecting coupling device has a pair of body members including interlocking elements which cooperatively couple and provide a fuel passageway through the body members, and uncouple when a tensile force above a predetermined limit is interposed on the fuel line. The interlocking elements may be in the form of a mortise and tenon connection having a detent type infrangible locking member for interconnecting the elements together. The interlocking elements may pivot one relative to the other so that a combination swivel joint and quick disconnecting coupling device is provided. Various types of interlocking members are disclosed as are both infrangible and frangible locking means. Valving is disposed within each body member so that when the body members uncouple respective valves close the flow passageways therein.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for limiting tension produced in a tubular string extending from a packer set in a subterranean well to the well surface. Such apparatus comprises a receptacle secured to the packer and defining an elongated seal bore, and a mandrel telescopically and sealably related to the seal bore, the mandrel being connected to the bottom end of the tubing string. In one embodiment, a collet, incorporated in the receptacle for cooperating with an abutment formed on the mandrel, thereby securing the mandrel and the receptacle in a telescopically contracted position until sufficient tensile force is exerted on the mandrel to cause the collet arms to be expanded by the abutment to permit upward movement of the mandrel relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A communication arrangement between a sub-sea structure and a surface vessel is by a flexible control umbilical deployed from the vessel in such a way as to accommodate relative movement between the structure and vessel. Unpredictably excessive movements can risk breakage of the umbilical, causing damage to equipment controlled by it and `down-time` while the equipment is repaired and the umbilical replaced. In the present invention (FIG. 2) the umbilical 13 is suspended from a reel 20 of deployment means 14, which is braked to resist motion below a predetermined level of umbilical tension but above that level the braking is overcome enabling the deployed umbilical to draw off, and deploy, a further length 13' while the communication channels of the umbilical are shut-down, including powering-down any sub-sea equipment in controlled manner.

Abstract: The fuel filling system includes double pipe fuel delivery and tank venting plumbing. Both fuel delivery pipe and tank venting pipe are flexible and communicate with the gas tank through normally closed check valves. An inlet housing defines a vent cut-off chamber which communicates with the tank venting pipe, and also includes an annular nozzle embracing seal for isolating the end of the gas pump nozzle from the vent cut-off chamber. The gas tank is thus fully sealed by the check valves during driving, so that fuel will not spill from the tank should the filling system plumbing become ruptured or should the vehicle become overturned as a result of a collision. Fuel is introduced into the tank under positive pressure provided by the filling station fuel pump. Under pumping pressure, the check valves opens to permit the inflow of fuel and the outflow of air displaced from within the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety connection for drilling purposes, especially for oil wells. The connection comprises two portions (1,2) which, during normal drilling, transmit the torque and the thrust required for the tool to operate, said torque and thrust being transmitted via a drive cone (11) and fluting (10). In the event of the tool becoming jammed downhole, strong axial traction breaks calibrated traction links (4) at a predetermined force, thereby separating said two portions (1, 2) and making it possible to abandon downhole solely the tool and the connection portion (1) connected thereto.

Abstract: A banner support arm safety coupling rigidly mounts banner support arms to a pole and has a frangible or breakable portion so the coupling will break under loads on the banner before the pole fails. A safety line holds the coupling portion from completely separating after the frangible portion breaks.

Abstract: A fitting having a weakened section therein is positioned between a flow control device and a water outlet such as a sprinkler head so that if the sprinkler head is subjected to a lateral blow, the fluid conduit will break at the weakened section, but yet the flow out of the broken conduit will be restricted by the flow control device.

Abstract: A pipeline safety joint to provide a controlled weakness in a pipeline in which a pair of tubular mandrels are connectable to first and second pipe-ends. A portion of the first mandrel of a pair is insertable in a part of the other and a latch mechanism is provided on said portion engageable with the part of the other mandrel of the pair to hold the mandrels against axial separation. A retaining shoulder on the first mandrel retains the latch mechanism in engagement and a tubular sealing is positioned to seal the two mandrels.A fluid-tight pressure compensation chamber surrounds said portion of the first mandrel and is engageable directly or indirectly on said one mandrel and said other mandrel of the pair.

Abstract: A safety joint for a control umbilical which separates the umbilical and severs internal control hoses when a predetermined tension is exceeded. The control hoses are severed by opposing cutting edges on mating slots formed by an inner cutting tube and an outer cutting tube which separate when the sfety joint separates. The safety joint can be installed at any point along the control umbilical without cutting the control hoses during installation.

Abstract: The union is made up of two parts normally locked together by at least one radial screw with sized cross section. Under severe pulling stress applied to the union from the outside the locking screw breaks and frees the two parts of the union, which separate together with the pipes to which they are attached. Under normal working conditions elastically stressed sealing devices ensure maintenance of watertightness between the union parts.

Abstract: A ball valve connector of the frangible crashworthy type wherein two fluid flow connector body halves are interconnected by fracturable elements. Each body half includes a ball valve within a flow passage pivotally mounted on diametrically located pins. The pivot pins and valves are capable of displacement in the axial direction of fluid flow to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and provide maximum sealing characteristics. Each valve is rotatable 90.degree. between open and closed positions, and a stop projection defined on each valve cooperates with a spring biased stop ring providing positive retention of the valve in the closed position.