Abstract: The pipe-coupling comprises a socket member adapted to receive a nipple for connecting a compressed air hose to a fixed supply conduit, for example. The nipple can be inserted manually without any additional actuation of the socket member, since locking is effected by spring-loaded locking members which engage in a circumferential groove in the nipple. When the nipple is fully engaged, a valve arranged in the socket member is open, counter to the pressure of a spring. Release of the coupling is effected by two sliding movements, in opposite directions, of a sliding sleeve enclosing the socket member, the first sliding movement releasing the spring-loaded locking members and the second sliding movement releasing further locking members.

Abstract: A coupling device including a casing part and a nipple part both provided with a flow-through channel. The nipple part is designed to be inserted into the flow-through channel of the casing part to open a spring-loaded shut off valve and thereby open a flow-through path through the coupling. The nipple part is designed to hold the valve and flow through path open and the two main parts connected to each other and is releasably engaged in a ball locking device or similar locking device in the casing part. The valve comprises two cooperating parts, both of which, under the influence of the nipple part, are axially movable in the channel both relative to each other and relative to the channel.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly includes a socket assembly which telescopically receives a plug to connect a pair of conduits in fluid communication. The plug is movable from a disengaged position to a storage position in which the plug is supported by and is telescopically disposed in the socket assembly. The plug can be moved further into the socket assembly to an engaged position in which the conduits are connected in fluid communication. The plug is securely held in the engaged position by locking elements. The plug is releasably gripped in the storage position by a plurality of detents. The detents are mounted on a sleeve which extends through an opening in a faceplate. An actuator flange is disposed on an outer end portion of the sleeve to enable it to be readily depressed. The fluid which is to be conducted through the coupling assembly is identified by the indicia on the sleeve and by similar indicia on the mounting plate.

Abstract: A locking device for coupling an externally splined power take-off shaft with an internally splined coupling hub which may be part of a universal joint shaft of an agricultural implement, including locking elements which are radially movable between an inner locking position and an outer unlocking position, the elements being engaged in the locking position with a circumferential groove in the power take-off shaft. A retaining member is axially slideable on the coupling hub to a position to engage the locking elements to hold them in their radially inward locking position. Insertion of the power take-off shaft into the coupling hub causes an actuator device which includes radially movable members extending into the bore of the coupling hub to be moved radially outwardly by engagement with the power take-off shaft thereby to engage the retainer member to urge the retainer member toward its position holding the locking elements in the radially inward locking position.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement consists of two cylindrical parts, a shell having three radially extending projections and a track part having three helical tracks on its internal surface for the reception of the projections. Each track is provided with a locking member consisting of a rotatable pin having a recess. The projections enter the recesses on relative rotation of the two parts and are retained in this position by a compression spring which tends to urge the two parts apart and hold the projections in the recesses. The parts can be separated by compressing the spring and relatively rotating the parts in the opposite direction, or a sleeve surrounding the track part, which normally prevents rotation of the pins, can be moved axially on the track part to allow the pins to rotate and permit the shell and its projections to be withdrawn axially from the track part.

Abstract: A releasable electrical connector consisting of a connector plug mating with a corresponding connector receptacle which may be disconnected by a separating force applied to a surrounding operating sleeve and the connectorl receptacle. The operating sleeve is shifted axially by the separating force against the bias of compression springs to a release position. The springs are received within grooves formed along the exterior of a segmented spring retaining housing, the segments forming an anchoring flange disposed within a recess formed about the connector plug. A plurality of arcuate threaded coupling segments assembled within the operating sleeve provide a threaded coupling, which segments in the nonreleasing position of the operating sleeve are positioned radially inward to mate with a corresponding thread on the receptacle and serve to create a mating force between the receptacle and plug upon rotation of the operating sleeve and to retain the connector and plug in the connected position.

Abstract: A coupling device has two connectable and disconnectable units. A first unit is provided with a centrally arranged body and an inner casing slidingly arranged between two positions. In a first position, the inner casing cooperates with the central body to keep closed a passage for a fluid medium through the first unit. A second unit has a front section interactable with the inner casing in order to force the casing to a second position against the force of a spring which urges the casing towards the body. In the second position of the casing, the passage for the fluid medium is opened. The second unit also has a valve which closes a passage for the fluid medium when the units are in the disconnected position and opens said passage when the units are in the connected position.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for fluid systems wherein interconnected coupling parts will separate upon predetermined bending or tension forces being applied to the respective parts. A bending or tension force appllied to one part axially misaligned with respect to the other part produces a pivotal movement which automatically releases the coupling connection means permitting the parts to separate without damage. Additionally, the coupling incorporates automatic release structure sensing coaxial tension forces permitting uncoupling without relative pivoting.

Abstract: A push-pull type fluid coupling having interfitting male and female bodies. The female body carries radially movable ball detents to lock the male body in position, the detents being held inwardly by a rigidly mounted sleeve which supports the female body for relative axial movement. Both bodies have spring biased fluid retaining valves which are opened when the bodies interfit but close when they are disconnected. Two axially disposed springs surround the female body member and coact with the sleeve to resist movement of the body members in one direction, thus providing one level of required uncoupling force while only one of the springs is operative to resist movement of the body members in the other direction, thus providing a reduced force requirement for coupling.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tight seal between a coupling and a tube of variable sizes. A cylindrical housing defining an opening therein is provided such that a plurality of jaws having gripping teeth and gear teeth are mounted within the housing by being rotatably secured on a pin. A sleeve having rack teeth for engaging the gear teeth of the jaws is provided for rotating the jaws such that the inward extension of the gripping teeth may be varied. A piston having a seal mounted thereon and a projecting member extending therethrough is slidably maintained within the cylindrical opening such that a joint may be formed between the tube and the coupling. The piston defines together with the housing an expansible chamber which may be filled with a pressurized fluid to move the piston against the tube to assure a tight seal. A limit switch may additionally be provided such that if the gripping teeth do not properly engage the exterior of the tube the piston will be displaced sufficiently to engage the limit switch.

Abstract: Swivel apparatus suspended for handling pipe joints to be added to or taken from a drill string including powered apparatus connected to a cable for raising and lowering the swivel apparatus. The swivel apparatus may comprise an upper stationary section and a lower rotatable tubular section adapted to receive one end of a pipe joint and having a radially movable latch assembly for engagement therewith. The lower section may be provided with cam apparatus movable, relative to the latch assembly, from an inoperative position to an operative position camming the latch assembly from a first position, permitting free entry of the pipe joint end into the lower section, to a second, latching the pipe joint end in the lower section.

Abstract: A detachable hydraulic coupler includes a male and female portion each including a valve which closes to prevent leakage when the coupler portions are detached. The valves do not directly contact each other when the coupler is closed, thereby simplifying the closing operation. The section of the female portion enclosing the male portion includes a series of locking balls slidable in apertures and which extend into a groove in the male portion to lock the coupler portions together. A slidable collar encircling the female portion normally holds the locking balls in locking position.

Abstract: A dust-sealing assembly for a coupling for use in a fluid circuit in which a body member is movably mounted on a mounting plate, and a nipple-releasing mechanism is fixed to the mounting plate and embraces a sleeve member that is mounted on and extends from one end of the body member, the nipple-releasing mechanism being spaced from the one end of the body member. A compression spring is disposed about the sleeve member in the space between the body member and nipple-releasing mechanism for holding the body member relatively away from the nipple-releasing mechanism. A dust cover is disposed about the sleeve member and spring, and is disposed in the space between the body member and the nipple-releasing mechanism for deterring entry of foreign material into the space. The compression spring engages the dust cover and retains the dust cover in place.

Abstract: A connector for subsea flowlines is disclosed having a metal-to-metal seal affording minimum flexure of the flowline. Each end of the flowline to be connected is provided with a mandrel. One mandrel, designated the flowline mandrel, is provided with a seating surface and an external locking surface. The second mandrel, designated the connector mandrel, is provided with a seating surface adapted for mating relationship with the seating surface of the flowline mandrel with a metal seal disposed therebetween. Additionally, the connector mandrel carries a first sleeve disposed concentrically about it adapted to slide over the end of the connector mandrel into circumferential engagement with the flowline mandrel. A plurality of locking dogs are carried by the first sleeve adapted for engagement with the external locking surface of the flowline mandrel.

Abstract: A portable add-on actuator module for use with a wireline cutting surface safety valve to provide supplemental energy for closing and simultaneously cutting a wireline extending through the surface safety valve in the event of an emergency. The unit includes a spring loaded locking collet assembly arranged to engage a locking recess within the stem of a surface safety valve so that the spring force may be added to normal valve closing forces such as line pressure and valve stem springs to supplement such forces for insuring the cutting by the surface valve member of a wireline extending through the member. The actuator module has a body which rests on the safety valve body without the use of any connecting structure. The module also includes structure for hydraulically compressing the spring for connecting the module on a safety valve and for hydraulically shifting the latching collet assembly to a disengaging condition for releasing the module from a safety valve.

Abstract: A telescoping-type connector comprising outer and inner telescoping members, the inner telescoping member defining an outer circumferential groove, and adapted to sealingly fit in telescoping relation within an aperture of the outer telescoping member. The outer telescoping member includes retention means for releasably projecting into the outer circumferential groove, to retain the inner and outer members in the desired sealing, telescoping relation. In accordance with this invention, the inner telescoping member defines, between the circumferential groove and the forward end of the inner member relative to the outer member, a recessed portion on its outer surface for facilitating molding and the like. Ribbed members are positioned within the recessed portion, to prevent the retention means from projecting therein and providing inadequate locking of the connector.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to the female portion of a quick disconnect lectrical connector so that said portion can be easily disassembled for refurbishment. The female portion of the quick disconnect is of the type having concentric sleeves which are slidable with respect to one another. The forward ends of the sleeves are adapted to receive a male portion of the mating electrical connector, and the rearward end of one of the sleeves is connected to an elongated element, such as an electrical cable. An annular space is provided at the rearward end portions of an inner and outer adjacent pair of the sleeves, and a compression spring within the annular space is utilized for urging the adjacent sleeves longitudinally apart with respect to one another. The improvement includes a device located within a rear portion of the annular space and releasably connected to the inner adjacent sleeve for stopping rearward movement of the compression spring.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling of the self-locking type which enables easier connection and prevents stresses to be developed into an unsupported rigid or flexible hose connected to the male or the female portion of the coupling. The male portion of this coupling includes a stopper which cooperates with a mating end of a sliding collar used to retain locking balls into the female portion during the introduction of the male portion into the female portion, said stopper and said mating end or said locking collar allowing, once the male portion is fully engaged into the female portion, the locking collar to return to its initial position.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling assembly particularly adapted for underwater use, having a pair of coupling members, one of which is mounted on a relatively rigid structure, and a sleeve mounted over the first coupling member for relative axial and rotational movement. The sleeve is guided by a single or double J slot between axially extended locking and axially retracted unlocking positions. In the locking position, a cammed surface on the inside of the sleeve engages a ball and socket arrangement on the coupling members to prevent the coupling members from becoming unlocked; in the axially retracted unlocking position, the cammed surface of the sleeve is moved away from the ball and socket arrangement to permit free radial movement of the ball out of the socket and relative axial movement of the coupling members into and out of coupling engagement with each other. The sleeve is lockable in the axially extended locking position to provide a positive lock.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling includes interfitting male and female members carrying cooperable releasable coupling parts for releasably coupling the members. The coupling parts include a cooperating projection and recess dimensioned for closely fitting together when the members are interfitted in coupled relationship. The recess on one of the coupling parts is defined between relatively movable inner and outer sleeves. Each coupling part is ineffective to couple with any other coupling part lacking a properly dimensioned and located projection or recess.

Abstract: A locking device for a lift having an arm pivotably mounted for horizontal movement about a lifting carriage with two tubular members each pivotably connected at one end to the arm. One of the tubular members extends into a cylindrical housing and is locked thereto by balls mounted in ball cages urged by a spring to a locking position. The other tubular member is locked to the first tubular member by similar balls, cages and spring. A sleeve longitudinally slidably exterior to the two tubular members includes pins for engaging the ball cages to release the two tubular members.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a portable washing machine which includes an improved method of assembling and retaining the faucet locking means between the coupler body and the retaining ring. The coupler body supports locking means in pockets between the retaining ring and the body. The retaining ring includes a plurality of inwardly extending segmental shoulders which define recesses therebetween. The retaining ring is assembled onto the coupler body by aligning the recesses with the locking means and sliding the ring onto the body. The retaining ring is then locked by rotating the ring to snap a leg portion into a detent slot in the body. The locking rotation moves the segmental shoulders into alignment with the locking means to prevent movement of the ring from the coupler body.

Abstract: A quick connection coupler for securement to a complementary nipple is produced principally of plastic parts by using molded slide-type cam jaws in a molded tubular body for gripping the nipple, and by using a molded downstream seal retainer telescoped into the coupler body for supporting a downstream packing that is to effect a seal with the downstream end of the nipple. The seal retainer preferably provides a valve thereon that operates automatically to close and prevent back flow through the coupler when the coupler is separated from the nipple, and to be opened for flow therepast upon connection of the coupler to the nipple.

Abstract: A coupler or plug adapter for quickly converting a plug, which is used in hydraulic and pneumatic units, into a socket by attaching said adapter to the plug with a simple manual coupling manner in order to enable the plug to be coupled with another plug in fluid tight relationship is disclosed.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler with air safety check valve for placement in a compressed air system to receive an associated male plug on the end of a flexible hose connected to an associated air tool, said quick disconnect coupler providing means to hold the plug in a wedging configuration such that attempted withdrawal tightens the coupler's hold on the plug, and an air safety check valve that automatically cuts off the flow of compressed air through the valve when a certain air flow is exceeded, such as in the event that the air line connected to the plug is severed. Additionally, during removal of the plug from the inventive coupler, holding pins in the coupler retain the plug in order that compressed air in the flexible hose may be bled off before the plug is removed and additionally the coupler provides full flow air valves which air passageway exceed the size of the air passageway of a receiving male plug.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a portable washing machine which includes a locking ring or locking means having a plurality of arcuate segments connected by intermediate web sections. The locking ring assembles onto a coupler body with the arcuate segments at least partially extending through slots in the coupler body and is cooperable with an encircling retaining ring for locking engagement with a faucet.

Abstract: A releasable coupling for connecting hoses, pipes, rods or the like. The coupling has a male member and a female member, the female member being provided with an additional guide pipe or sleeve for centering the male member as it is inserted into the female member, to protect a sealing ring of the coupling from damage during the inserting, and also to reinforce the coupled assembly.

Abstract: A female plug connector for receiving a standard jack has an outer sleeve having an annular edge at one end. On the interior of said sleeve are a locking surface of reduced diameter and a first and second containing surface of reduced diameter. The plug further has a tubular insert, slidably received in the outer sleeve, having at one end, longitudinally extending slits, forming slotted members to allow for radial expansion. The insert includes exterior protrusions of reduced diameter to be received in the annular groove of the jack, and an outer annular projection which bears against the locking surface of the outer sleeve when the plug is in the locked position. The tubular insert also has a first and second outer annular containing surface. The female plug connector further includes a first retaining means bearing against the first interior containing surface of the outer sleeve, and the first outer annular containing surface of the plug insert.

Abstract: A manually disengagable coupling for joining together fluid conduit portions for flow therethrough and a dishwasher incorporating such a coupling in a fluid conduit which has portions extending within a housing for enclosing dishes to be washed. By means of the manually disengagable coupling, portions of the fluid conduit may be removed from within the housing of the dishwasher for purposes of cleaning the dishwasher interior, while rotational and angular displacement between the joined conduit portions is resisted by characteristics of the coupling described more fully hereinafter.

Abstract: A coupling for handling liquids, gases, or a combination thereof characterized by its ability to convey high volumes with low flow resistance through valve elements. The coupling includes a pair of clam shell type valve elements pivotal between closed and open positions by the nose of the male coupling half during coupling of the halves and recesses defined in the valve elements receive the coupling nose so that the engagement between valve elements and coupling nose does not produce a flow restriction. The valve elements are provided with bonded resilient sealing edges and include a homogeneous bumper for absorbing shocks during coupling. A double action latch system is also disclosed having a sequence of operation which significantly reduces the likelihood of inadvertently uncoupling the coupling halves.

Abstract: A gas-actuated release system is incorporated into a conventional ejection seat of an aircraft for freeing a pilot from his survival gear which could hinder his escape from the aircraft in a ground emergency. The system includes fail-safe features which prevent its operation when the pilot ejects from the aircraft via the ejection seat system. Flexible gas lines between the survival gear and the ejection seat are equipped with tension release connectors which pull apart upon separation of the pilot and survival gear from the ejection seat after ejection from the aircraft.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly includes a plug and socket which are connectable to interconnect a pair of fluid conduits. When the coupling is disconnected, resiliently deflectable spring fingers on a plug body are disposed in a retracted position. When the coupling assembly is to be connected, the retracted spring fingers are inserted through an opening into a socket chamber. A slide is then moved axially toward the socket to resiliently deflect the spring fingers outwardly away from the plug body to an extended position in which outer end surfaces on the spring fingers are engageable with an annular stop surface in the socket chamber. When the coupling is to be disconnected, the sleeve or slide is moved axially away from the spring fingers and their natural resilience causes them to move inwardly toward the plug body so that the outer ends of the spring fingers can pass through the opening as the plug is withdrawn from the socket chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting one shaft to another shaft wherein one of the shafts has a plurality of splines or grooves around the periphery thereof, an intermediate portion of the splined shaft having the splines removed. A housing is adapted to be connected to the other shaft of the coupling and has a central opening therein with splines and grooves around the periphery thereof to mate with the splines and grooves of the first mentioned shaft. A sleeve, also having complimentary splines and grooves therein, is rotatably received within the interior of the housing adjacent the inner end of the splined and grooved section of the housing opening. A collar is disposed about an outer portion of the housing and is interlocked with the sleeve so that rotary motion of the collar results in a similar rotary motion of the sleeve. A partially circular snap ring member is constructed of spring steel and is also disposed around the housing adjacent the collar.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting one shaft to another shaft wherein one of the shafts to be coupled has a plurality of splines or grooves around the periphery thereof, an intermediate portion of the spline shaft having the splines removed. A housing is adapted to be connected to the other shaft of the coupling and has a central opening therein with splines and grooves around the periphery thereof to mate with the splines and grooves of the first mentioned shaft. A sleeve, also having complimentary splines and grooves therein, is rotatably received within the interior of the housing adjacent the inner end of the splined and grooved section of the housing opening. A pin extends through a hole in the housing and the pin is linked to the sleeve, whereby movement of the pin effects rotary movement of the sleeve. The pin, and thereby the sleeve, is biased to a first position, whereby the splines and grooves of the sleeve are misaligned with the splines and grooves of the opening in the housing.

Abstract: An easy release mechanism for a breakaway hydraulic coupling. The release mechanism is mounted on a bracket with at least one coupling and includes a handle and a pivotal support for biasing the coupling to an engaging or disengaging position relative to the locking sleeve of the coupling.