Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect faucet water conduit assembly includes at least one valve body and a spout nipple. There is a water tube extending from the valve body and a water tube extending from the spout nipple. A conduit has first and second terminations and there is a quick connect adapter attached to each of the first and second terminations. There are cooperating elements on each of the tubes and the quick connect adapters for locking the tubes to the adapters to thereby attach the valve body to the spout nipple.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for stabilizing a joint between two sections of corrugated pipe. A first section of corrugated pipe is associated with a second section to form a joint. One flexible member with two ends is looped around the first section of pipe, secured against a corrugation, and the two ends are associated and tightened. A section of the flexible member is left as a tail. A second flexible member is installed the same way on the second section of pipe, again with a section left as a tail. Each tail is then stretched across the joint, threaded between the other flexible member and pipe, brought back across the joint, and cinched forming two axially aligned supports secured against a corrugation, such that two axially aligned support are formed.

Abstract: A drain connector includes a fixed unit (2) having a first drain conduit for permanent attachment to a drain pipe and a detachable unit (6) having a second drain conduit for attachment to a removable appliance (8). The fixed unit (2) includes a first drain connector element (36) and the detachable unit includes a second drain connector element (18) for detachable connection with the first drain connector element. The fixed unit (2) further includes a closure member (44) that is adjustable between an opened condition and a closed condition in which it substantially closes the first drain conduit, to prevent the passage of rodents through the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention an improved quick connect hose coupling for connecting a hose to a fixture of the type having a hose stem portion including a hose insert portion, having a fixture portion including a fixture connection portion, and having a joinder portion. The joinder portion includes a male connection portion and a female connection portion. Each of the male connection portion and the female connection portion are adapted to join in a sealing and locking manner upon being pushed together. The coupling further includes threads and wrench mating flats adapted to disconnect the hose from the fixture. It is improved by the male connection portion being a unitary structure having a leading support cylindrical surface, a following support cylindrical surface, and a transition surface intermediate therein between. The leading support cylindrical surface has a leading radius. The following support cylindrical surface has a following radius. The following radius is larger than the leading radius.

Abstract: A connecter (30) for connecting a pair of pipe sections (32,33) together. The connector (30) includes three internally threaded segments (58) which are mounted for sliding radial movement in the connector (30). The connector (30) is first mounted on an internally threaded female end (34) of one pipe section (32) and then the male end (40) of the other pipe section (33) is forced within the internally threaded segments (58) for threaded engagement.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for a female screw to be connected to a female screw port formed in a fluid device, comprising a cylindrical main body. The main body includes a plurality of arm members having a male crew portion at a distal end to be connected to the female screw port. Also, the main body comprises a sliding member that slides from a close to an open position with respect to the arms members. The main body is provided with a lock member for stopping the movement of the sliding member.

Abstract: A coupling comprises a tubular insert (20), having an external shoulder (22) and external circumferential projections (26) separated by circumferential grooves (28, 30), and a tubular sleeve (14) having a largest internal diameter less than the external diameter of a pipe (10). The sleeve is advanced over the end (12) of the pipe and along the pipe away from the end. The pipe is constricted as the sleeve passes over it and then subsequently recovers to establish an end portion (18) which is unconstricted. The outside diameter of the insert is preferably not greater than the inner diameter of the pipe and the insert is inserted into the end portion of the pipe, the end of the pipe engaging the shoulder. The sleeve is then subjected to relative movement between said sleeve and said end until the end portion is gripped between the projections and the sleeve. The end of the sleeve preferably engages the shoulder (22). The coupling enables the pipe to be connected to other pipework.

Abstract: The connector comprises two body members for respective connection first and second entities, such as tubes, to be connected. The body members are mutually coupled by a first coupling arrangement on the first body member and a second coupling arrangement on the second body member. The first coupling arrangement comprises a number of discrete segments with surfaces defining formation engageable with formation of second coupling arrangement. It also has supports to support the segments in the respective connection positions on the first body member. It also has a release member selectively operable to disable the support to cause or allow the segments to be displaced from their respective connection positions and disengage from the second coupling arrangement thereby mutually disconnecting the first and second body members of the connector.

Abstract: A union fitting replacement nut having a nut body and a peripheral strap. The nut body is formed from a pair of C-shaped members. The nut body is internally threaded to cooperate with the external threads of the union fitting to which the union replacement nut is to be installed. The peripheral strap is typically a steel strap having opposed first and second ends. Attachment means, such as an adjustment screw, is provided to incrementally adjust the tightness of the peripheral strap to rigidly retain the two C-shaped members of the nut body. Once assembled, the union replacement nut can be used in the same way as a prior art integral union nut.

Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling fluid flow lines to a mobile sink unit or appliance. The apparatus includes a first part (2) for mounting on the mobile sink unit or appliance and a second part (4) for mounting on a wall. The first and second parts being separable by relative movement in a first direction that is substantially horizontal. The first part (2) including a plurality of first connector elements (6) mounted on a first support member (10). Each first connector element (6) has a longitudinal axis that is substantially vertical. The first support member (10) is mounted for vertical reciprocating movement. The second part (4) includes a plurality of second connector elements (20) mounted on a second support member (22), each second connector element (20) having a longitudinal axis that is substantially vertical. Each second connector element (20) is connectable to one of the first connector elements (6) to make a fluid flow connection by axial movement relative thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device, in particular for a male coupling, with a substantially cylindrical housing, a clamping member mounted to be axially displaceable therein, and an actuation member which is arranged on the rear end of the housing, linked to the clamping member for axial displacement, pressurized by a compression spring and can be actuated by a hand lever. To increase the axial clamping force while operational force and production costs are kept low, it is provided that the actuation member has a holding bolt arranged centrally on the rear of the housing. A radially expanded stop flange for supporting the compression spring is provided on that end of the holding bolt which is inside the housing, and the hand lever is pivotably mounted on that end of the holding bolt which is outside the housing.

Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal disposed in the bore for providing a fluid-tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer detachably secured to the housing and cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.

Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer detachably secured to the housing and cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore. The retainer is a one piece metal retainer element which includes at least two circumferentially spaced leg members which extend from an integral collar member at one end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a simple and convenient hose end expansion device which slides within the hose end and is then quickly expanded by means of mechanical or hydraulic pressure, thereby stretching the hose end to a larger diameter. The device is then quickly collapsed and removed from the hose end, and a barbed coupling is inserted within the hose before it has sufficient time to return to its original diameter. As the hose returns to its original diameter, the hose coupling becomes secured within the hose end. External hose clamps may be added for increased security and safety.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling to a free-standing washing unit feed lines for hot and cold water and a waste line for waste water includes a wall mountable connection unit supporting first and second service line base connector elements extending away from the wall, each for connection to a different hot and cold water service line at the wall, and a waste line base connector element for connection to a waste line at the wall. First and second satellite connector elements are provided, each being engageable in fluid-tight manner to a different one of the service line base connector elements. A satellite waste line connector engageable in fluid-tight manner to the waste line base connector element.

Abstract: An improved faucet having a quick disconnect adapter, fitting for connecting a sink faucet, to a water purifier which has a body (22) defining three passageways for receiving and retaining three jointly sheathed resilient tubes. Each passageway has a separate function, i.e., supplying water to the purifier receiving and dumping overflow and metering waste flow. The tubes are held in place on a side connector (28) with a tube retainer (72). A quick-disconnect assembly attaches the fitting to the faucet adapter and includes a sleeve (50) with inwardly facing jaws (56) and a retracting collar (66) with a compression spring (68) permitting manual release or attachment by withdrawal of the jaws. A two-position valve (82) provides volume control for the waste flow and allows periodical flushing of deposits from the purifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for quickly disconnecting two tubular flow lines comprising first and second units including first and second tubular members which have mutually tapering interengagement surfaces, and end terminals, the members respectively associated with the two flow lines and the members being axially interfittable; the first and second units including first and second protectors respectively associated with and extending about the end terminals, the protectors positioned to radially and axially overlap when the members are brought into interfitting interengagement at the tapering surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting the end of a tubular body, particularly a chromatographic capillary tube, to a detection or injection device fitting comprises a holder having a ferrule for holding said tubular member and an insertion assembly to engage said device fitting. The assembly is adapted to contain the holder and force the ferrule into a seated relation with the device fitting. A method for connecting a tubular member to a device fitting is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid conduit coupling adapted for quick connect and disconnect without special tools, and in which a safety latch is provided, comprises a first coupling body having a flanged end; a second coupling body sized and adapted to be joined with the first coupling body; a jacket mounted on the first coupling body and radially spaced apart therefrom; and a resilient locking element attached to the second coupling body and having fingers sized to fit into the space between the jacket and the first coupling body which have angular unions which engage the flanged end of the first coupling body when the coupling bodies are fitted together.

Abstract: A seal for a fitting adapter for fluid couplings wherein a coupling probe is received within a recess within the other coupling half and the seal prevents the creation of subatmospheric pressures during withdrawal of the probe. The seal includes a lip or flapper valve component which establishes sealing during coupling pressurization, and permits atmospheric pressure to flow around the lip during coupling disconnection.

Abstract: The invention is an improved repair device for detent cables. The repair device is made up as a kit for making such a repair to a detent cable, including the necessary instructions, a special repair component, a sealant, and a replacement O-ring. The repair is made by removing a portion of the broken or damaged end of a detent cable, snapping the special repair component in place with the sealant between the special repair component and the remainder of the detent cable after the broken or damaged end has been removed, and installing the replacement O-ring.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a quick release tube couplings in which a collet with resilient arms is arranged to co-operate with a tapering cam surface in a member surrounding the collet to force the arms to grip a tube within the collet. The member is formed from two, male and female parts each having a bore, the male part bore being tapered to provide the cam surface. The male and female parts are assembled with a pair of annular surfaces on the respective parts spaced apart by an edge or projection on one of the surfaces and ultrasonic vibration is applied to soften the ridge to cause the surfaces to weld together and to allow two other opposed annular surfaces to come together and be welded by said ultrasonic vibration to weld the two parts together at two spaced annular regions.

Abstract: A combination quick-disconnect female fitting adaptable for snap coupling to a corresponding male fitting connected to a tap water faucet, is provided which permits all the required attachments to a reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier to be made with the single snap coupling of the female fitting to the male fitting. Installation of the entire RO water purification system can be reduced to mere screwing of the male fitting to a tap water faucet and snap coupling the combination female coupling thereto. Separate lines for concentrate and overflow purified water from the water purifier to the combination female fitting and tap water therefrom to the water purifier can be conveniently manifolded into a sidearm section of the female fitting. The fitting is particularly useful for small RO water purifiers. There is also provided a single mechanism for simultaneously securely fastening three pieces of tubing to a fitting containing three nipples adapted to receive tubing.

Abstract: A device for connecting and disconnecting a first tubular conduit mobile in longitudinal translation inside a second fixed tubular conduit of the type comprising a longitudinally sliding mobile piece and which, for locking, bearing by an inclined bearing surface on a bearing surface of a mobile detent, causes said detent to swing through an opening formed in the wall of the fixed conduit into a groove formed in said mobile conduit. The means for driving the sleeve comprise a finger projecting through an aperture formed in the wall of said fixed conduit and sliding in a housing formed in the thickness of this conduit, for locking, under the effect of the thrust exerted by the downward movement of said mobile conduit onto said finger by means of a shoulder with which said mobile conduit is provided and, for unlocking, by sliding in the reverse direction under the effect of hydraulic or mechanical means such as a rod.

Abstract: This potential energy accumulating system is of the type adapted to harness multiple sources of energy, including those of non-variable input such as from fuel and those of variable input, such as from the wind, the sun, the geothermal steam, animal power or the water. The system is characterized by being made to reduce the effect of the variable input of such sources of energy by stocking the same in the form of potential energy, releasable under kinetic form, and by being compatible to be coupled to and driven by any kind or number of machines operated by variable and non-variable energy sources. This system includes a closed circuit arrangement to use and accumulate the potential energy of relatively heavy balls or bodies of water, and to mechanically regulate the output so as to compensate the variations in the energy input.

Abstract: This invention concerns the connection and disconnection of well-pipes in an articulated structure level with the articulation.The device comprises a length of flexible pipe, at one end of which is an adapter containing a sealing device, a positioning device and a locking device, and at the other end of which is another adapter containing a sealing device and a locking device, these sealing, positioning and locking devices being designed to fit into upper and lower receptacles, the upper receptacle consisting of the lower end of the tubing pipe, and the lower receptacle consisting of the upper end of the seabed pipe, the whole connection-disconnection device being able to pass through the upper receptacle.This connection-disconnection device is specially designed for use in articulated hydrocarbon-production installations.

Abstract: A releasable closure device adapted to provide sealing engagement between abutting surfaces by means of a rotatable locking ring comprising a plurality of locking lugs adapted to frictionally engage recessed locking channels disposed in said surfaces.

Abstract: A portable and lightweight suction dredge head which is held by a diver and is hand operated so as to be easily moved about in the working position. These heads are, for example of sizes from three inches to eight inches in intake diameter. The dredge head is used for excavating under water and is of the suction type wherein the material is conveyed away from a suction pipe from the dredge head. A jet digger may also be used with the dredge head.

Abstract: In the several representative embodiments of selectively-operable well bore apparatus disclosed herein for dependently coupling a well tool to a suspension cable, a collapsible assembly of two or more retaining members is arranged within an enclosed chamber and operatively positioned for normally retaining upper and lower tool-support members in a position where they are tandemly coupled or interconnected. In each of the several embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, electrically-responsive securing means normally maintaining the collapsible assembly in its initial position are cooperatively arranged to be selectively failed so as to allow collapse of the retaining assembly should it become necessary to separate the cable from the well tool while it is in a well bore. Provisions are also made for admitting well bore fluids into the enclosed chamber upon collapse of the retaining assembly so as to assure release of the cable even under extreme well bore pressures.

Abstract: A readily separable fastening structure for holding a pair of cylindrical sections together in axial alignment includes annular rim members attached to the inside surfaces near the ends of the cylindrical members, one of which has an outwardly extending flange spaced from the end of its corresponding cylindrical member to form an annular groove and the other of which is adapted to telescope within the first such rim member, the other such rim member also including an inwardly extending flange. A plurality of spaced members having spring fingers are attached to the outside of the second cylindrical member and extending beyond the end thereof, the spring fingers each having an inwardly extending ridge and a groove on the outside of the ridge. A small diameter cable is positioned in said grooves, and tensioning members are included for pulling said cable tightly around said fingers to pull the inwardly extending ridges into said annular groove to lock said cylindrical members together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-connect coupling for use with a conventional threaded male coupling member in which a female coupling member is provided of such design that the male member may be inserted and locked without moving or rotating the female member. A resilient snap ring is situated at one end thereof within a tubular shell member and is provided at said end with internal threads for engaging and holding the male member in position. The snap ring possesses a peripheral bevel on the outer surface of said threaded end which seats within a correspondingly enlarged section of said shell to hold the snap ring in locking engagement with the male member. In the event that force is applied to the coupling to pull it apart, the bevel is forced against an interior wall of said enlarged section and the ring is forced to contract in diameter to effect said locking engagement.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a nozzle or similar attachment to the threaded end of a garden hose or the like has a body with an internally threaded end connectable to the hose threads and a spring loaded retractable coaxial sleeve which extends over and protectively covers the external threads at the other end of the body to which the nozzle is connectable. When the nozzle is to be connected to the adapter, the sleeve is withdrawn over the body, compressing the spring and exposing the external threads to the nozzle. When the nozzle is disconnected, the spring expands and returns the sleeve to its protective position surrounding the threads.