Abstract: A pipe coupling, which enables pipes to be assembled with the pipe coupling by an one-touch operation while maintaining the liquid-tightness at jointing portions. In the pipe coupling, a connection tube has holding shoulders formed at opposite predetermined inner portions of the connection tube and maximum diameter portions formed at both side portions of the connection tube outside of the holding shoulders. The connection tube has an inner diameter decreasing in a direction toward both mouths of the connection tube from the maximum diameter portions. Snap rings are inserted inside of the mouths of the connection tube in a compressed state. Packing members are tightly disposed in each of the maximum diameter portions. Jaw couplings are inserted in the mouths of the connection tube and each of the jaw couplings are assembled with a plurality of fixing jaws and having engaging protuberances. The fixing jaws are arranged in a circumferential direction of each of the jaw couplings.

Abstract: An air gun with a quick-releasing device has a body, a head tube attached to the body and a detachably functional tip, wherein the quick-releasing device is attached to a distal end of the head tube to secure the detachably functional tip. The quick-releasing device has a slit defined in the distal end of the head tube to communicate with an inner space of the head tube, a locking sheet movably received inside the slit to partially enter the inner space of the head tube, and a locking lever pivotally mounted on the head tube to drive the locking sheet to move in a vertical direction. Thereby, the locking sheet is allowed to leave the inner space of the head tube when a user presses the locking lever to enable easy release of the attached functional tip and then to exchange the original tip for another functional tip.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a filter element to a filter conduit has male and female couplings each having a passageway for fluid. The male coupling is secured to the filter conduit and has at least two radially projecting lugs. The female coupling is secured to the filter element and has at least two latching tabs for engaging the lugs. A spring is operatively mounted on the male coupling and interferes with the radially projecting lugs. The spring is disposed so as to engage at least one latching tab when the male and female couplings are moved toward each other. The spring urges the latching tabs to rotate in a first angular direction thereby causing the tab to latch to a lug of the male coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to fast couplings for connecting hoses, particularly for domestic irrigation. A fast coupling is formed by a first body and a second body reciprocally connected by inserting first lugs projecting from the second body in first slots made on the first body. A male connector is locked inside the fast coupling by radially pressing an end of the male connector with a torus-shaped elastic element. Unlocking the second body from the first body causes the automatic ejection of the mail connector.

Abstract: A quick connector connects a pump and a fluid container is disclosed. The quick connector includes an upper component, a lower component, at least a telescopic tube, a connector body, and a soft cover. The upper component includes a first groove and a first buckle on one side thereof. The lower component has a second grove and a second buckle at locations corresponding to the first buckle and the first groove of the upper component, so that the upper component can be fitted to the lower component with the buckles and grooves. The telescopic tube is fitted between the upper component and the lower component to fasten the two components, and is connected to the fluid container at one end. The connector body includes an inner tube corresponding to the telescopic tube, and at least a movable board. The inner tube is partially overlaid inside telescopic tube, and is connected to the pump at one end. The movable board is fitted to the connector body with a turning shaft, and is rotary.

Abstract: A quick coupler for joining two pipes that includes a male element adapted to be fitted into a female element and maintained in position by a latch forming a stop and opposing withdrawal of the male element. A movable safety member maintains the latch in a blocked position, under the force of pressure of fluid in the coupler, by the cooperation of two surfaces provided, one on the latch and one on the safety member, that are forced into engagement with one another. The safety member releases the latch when a residual pressure in the coupler drops to a safe level.

Abstract: A female snap-on connection is provided for cooperating with a male catching end piece with central barrel and flange ring. The snap-on connection includes a body made of rigid plastic material and a tubular portion with raised parts for connection to a pipe and a portion forming a stepped cylindrical cavity to receive at least the barrel end, and at the front of the body, a lock made of rigid plastic material to be urged to lock the flange ring once the latter is set in plane, the lock and the body are secured together by at least a flexible part so as to form a single piece, at least an annular joint ensuring tightness; the lock tilts on a hinge pin formed by the flexible part(s).

Abstract: A receiving part of a fluid plug-in coupling is provided. The receiving part comprises a socket housing having a plug-in opening for a plug part and a sealing arrangement, which is arranged in the socket housing, for the plugged-in plug part. In this case, the sealing arrangement is fixed axially in the removal direction of the plug part by a closing bushing, and the closing bushing is secured directly in the socket housing via a locking portion.

Abstract: Adaptor assemblies are detailed. Preferably for connecting automatic pool cleaning apparatus to return lines of swimming pool water-circulation systems, the assemblies utilize spurs that may affirmatively grip, or cut or gouge into, the return lines to retain the adaptors in position. Releasing the adaptors may occur with use of a release line which retracts the spurs when activated. Avoiding release of the spurs through rotation of the assemblies allows rotation for other purposes as, for example, to connect the device to a hose or other apparatus. A bellows or other assembly additionally may be included with the assemblies to facilitate their sealing against walls or other surfaces in which the return lines are embedded.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for joining two pipes which includes a male and a female element adapted to fit axially in each other. A body of the female element is equipped with a resiliently urged bolt mounted to slide in the body and provided with a central opening for receiving the male element. A wall of the opening is equipped with three teeth offset with respect to one another along a median axis of the opening. The male element is provided with a shoulder adapted to rest selectively against one of the teeth. When the male element rests against an intermediate tooth, a the downstream pipe is placed in communication with ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a torque release coupling for use in drill strings comprising an outer string part (1) rotatably mounted outside a radially inner string part (2), and a rotation lock (3) positioned between them. The rotation lock (3) is coupled to a first of said string parts (1, 2) with a coupling device (4, 9) adapted to allow axial shifts relative to the first string part, and comprising axial gripping organs (5) adapted for releasable engagement with cooperating gripping organs in the second string part, the rotation lock (3) comprising a spring (6) or similar adapted to apply an axial force on the rotation lock (3) directed against the cooperating gripping organs (5) from the first string part.

Abstract: A self-locking coupling device for coupling to a fitting having a radially outwardly facing groove using a coupling body with a central bore and an axially extending collar having a throughbore including a spring and actuating pin with a locking tab and further having first and second catches corresponding to and engageable with first and second slots in a rotatable locking ring mounted concentrically about the collar so as to position the locking tab within the throughbore in an unlocked position and within the central bore in a locked position so as to restrict the axial movement of the coupling body relative to the fitting when the groove is radially aligned with the pin.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female member having a receiving end with an axially extending passageway and inwardly facing groove extending outwardly from said passageway in a position spaced from the receiving end. A split metal locking ring is positioned in the groove. A male member is sized to be received in said receiving end and includes a rib having a ramp where the ramp in a first embodiment curves outwardly to an apex and in a first alternate embodiment curves outwardly to a flat and in a second alternate embodiment increases in height in a linear fashion until a relatively short distance from the flat where it curves outwardly to meet the flat, the rib also has a shoulder tapering away from the forward end and inwardly toward the axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a femaler snap-on connection (1) designed to co-operate with a male catching end piece with central barrel and flange ring comprising a body (2) made of rigid plastic material and including a tubular portion (4) with raised parts for connection to a pipe and a portion (5) forming a stepped cylindrical cavity (7, 8) designated to receive at least the barrel end, and at the front of the body a lock (3) made of rigid plastic material designated to be urged to lock the flange ring (22) once the latter is set in place, the lock (3) and the body (2) are secured together by at least a flexible part (13) so as to form a single piece, at least an annular joint (10) ensuring tightness; the lock (3) is a component tilting on a hinge pin formed by the flexible part(s) (13).

Abstract: An extension tube in a vacuum cleaner includes a lower extension tube for drawing dust laden air through an air suction nozzle fitted at one end, an upper extension tube having one end connected to a hand grip extended to a body of the vacuum cleaner for passing the dust laden air drawn through the lower extension tube, a joint part connected to the other ends of the lower extension tube and the upper extension tube for making the lower extension tube and the upper extension tube foldable relative to each other to a preset angle, and a locking arrangement for locking the joint part to fold/unfold the joint part selectively, thereby permitting a user to fold the upper and lower extension tubes, and to carry out an easy cleaning of even an underside of a sofa or a bed without bending the user's body, thereby enhancing the user's convenience.

Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.

Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect coupling which does not allow free rotation of the ends of the coupling with respect to one another includes a male connector having a coupling end and a female connector having a coupling end with a receiving opening therein to receive the coupling end of the male connector when the connectors are in coupled condition. A holding mechanism is associated with the connectors to hold them together in coupled condition and allow easy disconnection when desired. Interengaging cooperable surfaces are provided on the male and female connectors, such as tabs extending from the female connector to engage a flat or other tab mating surface on the male connector to substantially prevent relative rotation of the male connector in relation to the female connector. The coupling is particularly useful for attaching sprinkler heads to sprinkler head holding bases in sprinkler systems to allow easy replacement of the sprinkler heads.

Abstract: A female element of a quick connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid passes wherein the element includes a body defining a housing for receiving a portion of a male endpiece. A retaining device is operable to selectively retain the endpiece in fitted configuration in the female element and includes a push-button which carries a lock for selectively locking the endpiece in the housing or for preventing the introduction of the endpiece in the housing.

Abstract: A resilient retention method which retains two assemblies axially through the use of a flange and lip arrangement and simultaneously retains those assemblies rotationally through either a radial detent or a snap spring are shown in variations. The designs are especially configured for molding so that each might utilize the material properties available and yet be economically manufactured. Further, user features including both visual and potentially audible indications of full assembly are incorporated into the designs and automatically achieved. Shut-off valve designs are shown which are automatically delayed in opening until some axial retention occurs to minimize any blow-off or other undesirable operational events. Swivel features may be incorporated when the application requires.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a submerged tubular structure to a floating support structure. The connection device includes first and second tubular connection elements that connect the submerged tubular structure to the floating support structure. The first tubular connection element cooperates with the second tubular connection element to form a first axial abutment in a pulling direction in which the submerged tubular structure is pulled, and a second axial abutment in a direction opposite from the pulling direction. The device further includes a locking and tensioning device that includes at least one actuator secured to the floating support structure and is mounted to pivot on the second tubular connection element about a hinge axis and against the effect of a return spring surrounding the pin so as to enable the first tubular connection element to snap-fasten onto the second tubular connection element.

Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe segments together is disclosed. The coupling is derived from a standard fitting and has a housing with a socket and a first expanded region adjacent to the socket and a second expanded region adjacent to the first expanded region. A sealing member is positioned in the first expanded region, a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region and a support washer having transversely oriented radial and coaxial flanges is positioned adjacent to the retainer. A lip turned inwardly on the second expanded region overlaps the radial flange and captures the support washer, retainer and sealing member within the coupling. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a quick connection for removably joining two pipes, which comprises an upstream element and a downstream element adapted to be fitted in each other axially, provoking the opening of a valve mobile between a position of opening and a position of closure, said upstream element being provided with at least one O-ring made of elastomer or plastics material, disposed in the vicinity of said valve and comprising means for connection to an upstream pipe for inlet of pressurized gas, particularly oxygen. This connection comprises means for forming, both in the positions of opening and of closure, primary sealing zones which extend upstream of the or each O-ring, these zones presenting dimensions adapted to induce a significant reduction in the flowrate of gas flowing in the direction of the or each O-ring, in order to limit the overheating of the or each O-ring.

Abstract: A mid-line coupling comprising a first tube and a second tube. The first tube includes a male member formed of the first tube and an upset formed a given distance from the end of the first tube. The second tube includes a female body formed of the second tube. The male member is insertable into the female body until the terminal end of the female body abuts the upset of the first tube.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner wand has an inner tube formed with an axially extending row of radially outwardly open recesses, an outer tube, and a latch base part fixed to the outer tube and formed with an elastically deformable web carrying a latching block displaceable radially into and out of the recesses. The base part also is formed with a pair of radially outwardly projecting guide walls forming radially inwardly directed guide edges. A movable latch part fitting over the base part is formed with a pair of radially inwardly projecting guide walls forming radially outwardly directed guide edges sliding on the guide edges of the base part for sliding between axially offset latched and unlatched positions. A radially inwardly projecting actuating bump formed in the movable part bears in the latched position radially inward on the block and holds the block in the inner position.

Abstract: A handle (1) for gas burners, wherein a plug insert is locked in an axial direction by means of a lock (10) and rotation of the plug insert is fixed at a particular position. When the lock (10) is activated, the rotational locking can be released so as to modify the rotational position of the plug insert, without having to remove the plug insert from the handle.

Abstract: A lantern having a compact configuration. The lantern has a generally cylindrical shape with a lower housing containing a fuel tank, a shut-off valve and a regulator. A cap at the base of the lower housing can be removed, providing access to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is refillable via a fuel fill valve arranged at the base of the tank. A burner tube is coupled to the regulator and extends upwards beyond the housing. A mantle, which when lit provides illumination, is removably coupled to the upper end of the burner tube. A generally conical reflector is arranged around the burner tube below the mantle and above the regulator. A glass globe is arranged around the burner tube/mantle assembly and a ventilator cap is arranged above the globe. The ventilator cap attaches to rails which extend up from opposite sides of the lower housing and can be readily removed to access the mantle.

Abstract: A coupling serves for leakproof connection of two shaft-like medical instruments (10, 90) along their shaft axis (53, 97), in particular for connection of an arthroscope shaft to an optical system. A coupling element (80) is provided, arranged on a first instrument (10) and having a contact surface (66), against whose contact surface (66) a contact surface (106) of a coupling element (92) of the second instrument (90) can be applied. Also provided is an interlock system for releasable interlocking of the two coupling elements (80, 92), the contact surfaces (64, 106) resting against one another in leakproof fashion.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling having a female coupling member, a male coupling member, and a clip member slidably mounted on the female coupling member for retaining the female and male coupling members together in a coupled state. The clip member is designed to prevent inadvertent actuation thereof, thereby preventing accidental disconnection of the female and male coupling members once they are in the coupled state. The clip member must be actuated from a lock position to an unlock position before the clip member can be actuated from its connect position to its disconnect position. Thus two separate movements of the clip member are required before the coupling can be disconnected and/or connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick release mount for a suction cup and a locking member for releasably locking the suction cup within a housing. The suction cup mount includes a bayonet coupling which is attached to the suction cup. The bayonet coupling is received within a space located within the housing. The housing further includes a pair of semi-circular flanges for securing the bayonet coupling within the space. The locking member selectively engages the bayonet coupling when the bayonet coupling is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. The housing also includes a button coupled to the locking member that can release the locking member from engagement with the bayonet coupling and permit unlocking of the bayonet coupling from the housing.

Abstract: A coupling device has a female part secured to a rigid endpiece. A stepped bore is provided that presents a large diameter section beyond an axial latch that is movable between two positions. A banding ring is housed in a removable manner inside the large diameter section and fitted on its inside surface with at least one retaining projection. The projection is used to axially link the tube to the banding ring by biting into the outside surface of the tube. An axial latch has two positions: one opposing axial displacement of the banding ring away from the rigid endpiece, the other releasing the banding ring.

Abstract: A spa accessory that includes a massage wand, a connecting fitting, and a flexible connecting hose connected between the massage wand and the connecting fitting. The connecting fitting is adapted to connect the accessory to tubular spa jet outlet tubes that are not adapted to attach with an accessory.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining a pair of pipe ends has a sleeve containing a lip seal and a pair of opposing mirror image annular support bodies each with a first end engaged with the sleeve and each extending axially away from the sleeve to a second end with a radial wall having a circular opening sized for the pipe ends at the opposite end. Each supporting body containing a clamping member adjacent the radial wall and intermediate the supporting body and outer surface of the pipe end. The clamping member pivotal between an inclined position and an upright position and biased to the upright clamping position. Pipe ends are inserted with the clamping members in the inclined position. After insertion, an extraction force on the pipe ends moves the clamping members to an upright clamping position. A circumferential band secures the first ends of the supporting bodies to the sleeve.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling between a female connector and a male connector which is insertable into said female connector, e.g. for connecting a high pressure line to a valve block. The female connector (10) comprises a cylindric space (13) for the cylindrical part (14) of the male connector, the envelope surface of said space being provided with at least one groove (18) for accommodation of resiliently out of and into the cylindrical space movable blocking elements (20). A substantially annular flange (19) is coaxially provided at the outward side of the groove (18) of the female connector, substantially in line with the envelope surface of said space. The blocking means (20) comprise at least three in said groove (18) located metal arc segments, each being biased by an elastic element (21) into an inclined position relative to the symmetrical longitudinal axis of the female connector, said inclined position being the blocking position.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing fluid to and from a container. The valve includes a housing defining a flow passage extending longitudinally therethrough. A poppet member is telescopically mounted in the flow passage of the housing and is telescopically movable between an open position and a closed position. The poppet member has a proximal end portion that includes a second retaining structure that cooperates with a first retaining structure of the housing to provide a snap fit connection for retaining the poppet member in the housing. The snap fit connection allows the poppet member to be mounted in the housing by inserting the poppet member through a front end of the housing member.

Abstract: In a connection between a pipe and a molding, a tubular housing, fixed on the molding, engages around the pipe with an inner wall tapering conically toward the free end of the housing. Arranged between the pipe and the housing inner wall is a clamping ring, which braces the pipe with the housing in a wedge-like manner. The clamping ring is held in its wedging functional position by a spring element acting on it in the axial direction. The spring element can be locked in a prestressed state without force acting on the clamping ring. To establish the connection between the pipe and the molding, a locking clip passing through the housing is pulled out of the housing to relax the spring element.

Abstract: A quick connector comprising a female part (1) having a bore (8, 11), a male part (2) having an outer collar (6) suitable for being inserted in the bore, and a locking ring (3) mounted to slide radially in a housing (10) of the female part, which housing subdivides the bore into an inlet section (8) and a main section (11), the ring (3) being movable between a first position in which it is eccentric relative to the bore and a second position in which it is substantially coaxial with said bore, said ring being integral with a resilient member in the form of at least one tongue (12, 13) co-operating with the housing (10) to urge the ring (3) into its first position, wherein the ring (3) includes a thrust platen (9) adjacent to the inlet section (8) of the bore and projecting beside the tongue (12, 13), at least the free end portion of the tongue being of a width (L) that is less than the thickness (E) of the ring (3) minus the thickness (e) of the platen (9) measured in the same axial direction.

Abstract: A quick-release cam lock for selectively locking the relative position of a hydraulic cylinder and a piston. The quick-release cam lock permits speedy unlocking and repositioning of the hydraulic cylinder and its accompanying piston and oversleeve, thus allowing for speed in repositioning, assembly or disassembly while also providing a secure positive positioning lock between the hydraulic cylinder, piston and oversleeve while the quick-release cam lock is engaged.

Abstract: A hybrid male coupling member adaptable to couple with at least two types of female coupling members includes a one piece integrally molded housing having a front engagement wall, a fluid path being defined by an inner wall. The inner wall has an engagement section disposed proximate a front end of the housing. The male coupling member further includes a first groove being disposed around an outer wall of the housing and a second groove being disposed in the first groove. When the male coupling member couples with the first female coupling member, the engagement section of the male coupling member engages with a spring-biased poppet of the first female coupling member and forces the poppet toward a back end of the first female coupling member so as to allow the fluid to flow therethrough, a plastic clip being received in the first groove to latch the male coupling member and the first female coupling member together.

Abstract: A quick disconnect has a first member having an outlet with at least one passageway, an umbrella valve movably attached within the outlet for sealing the passageway, and a second member having an inlet with at least one finger which releasably engages the passageway and displaces the umbrella valve when the first and second members are removably engaged, thereby unsealing the umbrella valve from the passageway and allowing open communication from the outlet to the inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking together male and female coupling members for use in undersea production and drilling applications is disclosed. A lock pin engages a circumferential groove around the body of the female coupling member. The lock pin may be released to allow partial separation of the male and female coupling members while the valves of each coupling member are closed, allowing the coupling members to remain connected subsea while the flow of hydraulic fluid is shut off.

Abstract: A connector for a rigid electrical conduit has an internal cylindrical socket sized to snugly receive the end of the conduit. A spring leaf detent is externally mounted on the connector body, with a free end of the leaf extending through a slot in the connector body side wall. Inserting a conduit into the socket deflects the spring leaf away from the socket axis, thereby generating a resilient stress in the leaf that enables the free end of the leaf to exert a gripping action on the conduit. The grip action can be removed by unloosening a screw that is used to mount the leaf spring on the connector body.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector having an inner member with first and second open ends and a bore extending therebetween. The inner member is formed of a material which is impervious to a particular fluid to flow through the connector assembly. An outer member encapsulates the inner member and is formed of a material dissimilar from the material of the inner member, which material resists abrasions and other deleterious elements to which the connector is exposed. Flexible retaining latches are formed integrally on the outer member of the connector and snap over an annular projection formed on a tubular conduit upon insertion of the conduit through the first open end and into the bore of the inner member. An elastomeric seal disposed in the bore of the inner member provides a fluid tight seal between the conduit and inner member. Another elastomeric seal is located within the bore of the inner member adjacent the second open end, and provides a fluid tight seal with a tubular member inserted therein.

Abstract: A quick-action coupling, in particular for refrigerant lines, is provided with a sleeve (1) and a nipple (2) which can be pushed thereinto, with a set of seals (5) having at least one seal (6) of elastomeric material. It has furthermore a locking device (10, 11, 15) for the coupled position between sleeve (1) and nipple (2), which locking device has a bead (15) on the nipple (2) projecting in particular radially outwards and a cage (10) mounted in the sleeve (1), with retaining fingers (11) which can be opened out and engage behind the bead. A releasing tool (25) for opening out the retaining fingers (11) of the cage (10) is provided, which tool can be fitted onto the nipple (2) and can be pushed in in the direction of the sleeve (1). There is provided on the outer circumference of the sleeve (1) a radially outwardly projecting border (30). The releasing tool (25) had a radially inwardly directed collar (29), serving as a stop.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus with a suction hose. The hose has a first end connected to a suction inlet of the apparatus and an opposite second end removably connected to a docking section on a housing of the apparatus. The docking station has an aperture for receiving the second end. Located in the aperture is a latch with a ring shaped section and an integral ejecting spring. The latch also has a button section that extends through the housing and is adapted to be depressed by a user. Pressing the button section spreads the ring shaped section and allows the ejecting spring to eject the second end of the hose from the docking station.

Abstract: The extension coupling for fluid distribution equipment has a first external tubular body, a second internal tubular body for the passage of said fluids, and a coupling for its connection, in series, to other similar elements and/or handle connected to the distribution equipment and/or accessories. The first body and the second body are monolithic, and are obtained from one single molding process of plastic material.

Abstract: A telescopable vacuum cleaner suction pipe has an outer pipe, an inner pipe having arresting depressions, and arresting element coupled with the outer pipe and engaging in the arresting depressions, a manually actuatable slider unblocking the arresting element, a pressure-loaded blocking spring which when the slider is not actuated holds the arresting element in a locking position and when the slider is actuated the arresting element is movable against the blocking spring to unlocking position for a relative displacement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe, the arresting element being formed as two clamping bodies engaging in separate arresting depressions and inclined at acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the out pipe, a guiding body form-lockingly received in the outer pipe and having inclined sliding planes on which the clamping body are displaced, one of the blocking bodies which blocks a relative movement of the inner pipe and the outer pipe is displaceable for releasing its blocking positi

Abstract: A rotary union assembly includes a rotor with a housing rotatably mounted on a forward end thereof, the rotor being selectively releasably mounted in one end of a tubular support member. The rotor includes a socket extending radially from a central shaft and a spring loaded plunger within the socket having a pin cooperable with a hole in the tubular member side wall to releasably secure the rotor in position in the tubular member. A hose barb on the rearward end of the rotor shaft permits easy installation of a resilient, flexible hose on the rotor.

Abstract: A quick change PVC pipe connection system (10) comprises a pipe (12) having a pair of opposite spaced apertures (14) extending through one end (16). A fitting (18) has a flange (20) with a pair of opposite spaced orifices (22) extending through the flange (20). A pair of pins (24) are provided. A facility (26) within the pipe (12) is for forcing each pin (24) through one aperture (14) in the pipe (12) and into one orifice (22) in the flange (20) of the fitting (18), when the end (16) of the pipe (12) is inserted into the flange (20) of the fitting (18), so as to retain the pipe (12) to the fitting (18).

Abstract: A coupling, which may be an ostomy coupling but could be any kind of tube or pipe coupling, includes a first coupling member 10 and a second coupling member 30 which are mutually interengageable and which surround an orifice 70. The coupling also includes a resilient split ring 50 which encircles the two coupling members and has a handle member 51 which can be manipulated to cause the split ring to be deformed. This causes the radially-inwardly extending tabs 52 on the ring to be shifted between respective first positions in which the split ring is undeformed and the tabs lock the two coupling members together and respective second positions in which the split ring is deformed in such a way as to shift the tabs radially outwardly to positions where they permit separation of the two coupling members.The split ring is desirably made of a relatively rigid but springy plastics material, for example an acetal resin.

Abstract: A motion-transmitting remote control assembly (10) comprises a flexible conduit (14) with a flexible core element (12) passing therethrough. The flexible conduit (14) has a male coupler (22) attached to one end of the flexible conduit (14). The male coupler (22) comprises a leading chamfered surface (24) and a relief (26) for being locked into a first type of female housing (28) via a spring biased locking ring (32). The male coupler (22) also includes a truncated convex surface (29) which, along with the relief (26), allows the male coupler (22) to be locked into a second type of female housing (110) having removable bolt (116) passing therethrough. The long cylindrical body portion (118) of the bolt (116) positively abuts the relief (26) to lock the male coupler (22) in the female housing (110).