Abstract: A gripping saddle and O-ring apparatus comprising a hub structure having a central aperture therethrough, resilient flanges extending from each end of said hub structure and integral therewith, and thus providing a central groove therebetween for reception of a resilient O-ring therewith. Depending upon the size of the O-ring, the flanges will be only slightly deformed outwardly or greatly deformed outwardly. When this structure is used with laboratory apparatus containing corrosive liquids, the embodiment with slightly expanded flanges is preferred, while when the apparatus is used for stop cock securing functions, the greatly deformed flange apparatus is preferred.Preferably, the saddle hub structure is made of Teflon or other fairly slippery and non-frictional plastic material, while any type of rubber or rubber composition may be employed for the O-ring.

Abstract: New and improved connector is provided for the zero dead volume connection of separate, like diameter flexible tubing lengths by direct tubing length end abutment and connection under controlled conditions. The connector is particularly adapted for use with tubing lengths of fluorocarbon or like materials in contemporary biomedical sample liquid analysis systems which utilize an immiscible isolation liquid or "oil" to minimize sample liquid carryover and maximize the accuracy of sample liquid analysis results.

Abstract: A device for connecting pipes with fittings or fixtures for mixing fluids for use in cleaning, washing and rinsing basins, sinks or the like wherein the fitting has a casing supported over an opening of the washing basin or the like by clamping means capable of being tightened against the underside of a washing table top or the like and water-conducting pipes extending through said opening, the pipes being constructed as connecting conduits capable of being plugged into the pipes and having a collar extending around the conduits at least near their ends to be plugged, and being secured in position by a molded part which can be supported on the casing of the fitting and a clamping device acting on said molded part, so as to be able to dispense with additional sealing elements within the zone of connection of the pipes, the pipes being composed of plastic material with thickened collars molded therearound and having toward the free end of the pipe a sealing surface capable of being clamped against a sealing sea

Abstract: A connector head construction for a high-pressure fuel injection tube comprises a metal tube having a relatively large wall thickness and small diameter and including an abacus-bead-shaped connector head having a front outer peripheral pressor wall for engagement with a mating connector seat and a rear outer peripheral pressure-bearing wall for engagement with a fastening nut on the metal tube. The connector head includes an integral gradual slant surface extending as a skirt from a top of said pressure-bearing wall at an angle ranging from 2.degree. to 5.degree. to the axis of metal tube and having a length equal to at least an outside diameter of the metal tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap-nut fluid type coupling wherein piping welded to said coupling is less liable to twist or does not twist at all when the cap nut is tightened. The fluid joint coupling for clamping the cap nut has a ring-shaped groove formed on the contacting surface of the sleeve with the cap nut to rotatably hold the small spheres in the groove.

Abstract: A union for joining pipes, tubing, or other fluid conduits in a fluidtight manner includes male and female parts having respective inner fluid passages. The male part has a contoured lead end that slidably engages the female lead end which has a complementary contour with respect to the male lead end. The male lead end has a circumferential recess which retains a resilient sealing member which is radially compressed between the mated, contoured lead ends when the male and female parts are joined together. Clamping means is provided to hold the male and female parts together, but the fluidtight seal is independent of the clamping means. The mated contoured lead ends substantially eliminate transverse movement at the sealing interface and permit a camming action when the male and female parts are joined so as to self-align the respective inner passages.

Abstract: The spigot end of one pipeline element is inserted in the socket end of the other pipeline element and is sealed by a gasket. To the end face of the socket end is connected a thrust preventing ring, which is secured by claws to part of a collar. A retaining ring engages on the inner surface of the thrust preventing ring and its inner face is provided with a tooth system, which is fixed to the surface of the spigot end. Between the end face of the socket end and the retaining ring is provided a thrust ring, which exerts a pressure on the retaining ring. By means of in each case one packing element on the side of the thrust preventing ring facing and remote from the socket end, said ring is located in a sealed and consequently corrosion-proof zone. Thus, the socket joint is secured without any modification to the pipeline elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved high pressure mounting for removably positioning pitot tube type flow measurement devices in a pipeline where the mounting includes a hollow tubular collar welded to the pipe in alignment with a probe-receiving opening therein and which is sized to slidably receive the body of the probe for movement into and out of the pipe, a relatively deformable and compressible ferrule encircling the probe body movable into abutting relation to an annular seat provided on the end of the collar remote from the welded end thereof, and a compression nut adapted to be screwed onto a threaded end of the collar adjacent the seat and cooperate therewith and with the ferrule therebetween to crimp the latter tightly around the probe thus sealing the probe in a fixed operative position, the improved positive lock which is characterized by adding an externally-threaded male extension to the compression nut, providing the probe body with a fixed abutment-forming projection exposed beyond said ext

Abstract: A quick-connect tube coupling includes a body member having a bore for receiving the end of a tube, a first counterbore adjacent the outer end of the body member for receipt of an annular ring portion of a gripper ring surrounding the tube, and a second smaller diameter counterbore between the bore and first counterbore for receipt of radially and axially inwardly extending gripper ring fingers. The second counterbore provides limited and controlled outward deflection of the gripper ring fingers when a pulling force is applied to the tube so that the fingers bite into the tube surface preventing the tube from being pulled out of the coupling. A hand-threaded nut on the outer end of the body member retains the gripper ring within the body member when a pulling force is applied to the tube. An O-ring seal is also desirably contained within the first counterbore axially outwardly of the gripper ring to form a seal between the tube and body member.

Abstract: A pipe joint suitable for connection with a flexible tubular member includes a joint body, a sleeve and a cap nut. The cap nut is threadably fitted over one end portion of the joint body defining a tapering axial bore communicating with a cylindrical axial bore and having a shoulder at its axial inner end. The sleeve split axially into a plurality of segments at a cutout has a flange at its axial outer end, and at least one ridge of a currugation extending from its inner surface into engagement with one of grooves of a corrugated outer surface of the flexible tubular member. To assemble, the sleeve is fitted over the outer surface of the flexible tubular member in such a manner that one to five ridges of the corrugated outer surface of the flexible tubular member extend axially inwardly of an axial inner end of the sleeve, and the flexible tubular member is inserted in the tapering axial bore while the sleeve is held between the cap nut threadably fitted over the joint body and the flexible tubular member.

Abstract: A pinch valve in which a sleeve is contained in a housing, the motive fluid is sealed between the sleeve and the housing interior, and the sleeve is fixed in position in the housing. Also, the process fluid can be sealed between the sleeve and the line piping.

Abstract: A joint assembly for use with pressurized fluid systems employs a tube that is secured to a ferrule, preferably by hydraulic swaging. During the swaging operation, a projecting end of the tube can be expanded against a die and thereby pre-sized. A sealing ring is then placed on the projecting end of the tube and enclosed within a cavity formed when a fitting is secured to the ferrule by a retainer. A spring that energizes the seal can be included in the cavity. The seal is formed between concentric circumferential surfaces and is independent of axial movement of the joint elements. A metal-to-metal backup seal can be formed by the ferrule and the fitting.

Abstract: Misaligned pipes for handling fluids under high pressure are coupled by a sealed union which, despite the angular displacement of the pipes, remains sealed during the heavy shocks which occur during high pressure service. The coupling employs a conventional annular seal, typically an O-ring, and can be made up without applying a significant bending stess to either pipe.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of a plug container or the like to a casing collar. A body of the plug container is located above the casing collar. A main seal seals between the body and the casing collar. An adjusting assembly has a variable engagement with the body. An annular locking device is connected to the adjusting assembly for longitudinal movement therewith relative to the body. The locking device locks the body to the casing string. The locking device has a lower end movable between an open position wherein the casing collar can pass through a central opening thereof, and a closed position wherein a radially inward extending lip of the lower end of the locking device is located directly below the casing collar. The main seal is hydraulically biased against the casing collar.

Abstract: End members for flexible connectors for bicycle pumps are provided, a first end member is fixed to one end of a flexible tube and to be connected to a valve of a tire and the second end member is to be connected to the other end of the flexible tube for connection to a pump. The first end member is made of one piece of molded construction and, at one side of a middle zone has an anchoring stub which carries a cap at its free and by means of at least two frangible bridges. At the other side of the middle zone the first end member has means for linking the connector with the valve of a tire. The middle portion also has resiliently deformable portions for holding the connector in a bore in the handle of the pump. For assembling the first end member with the tube, the cap is fitted over an end portion of the tube and, the bridges are severed and the anchoring stub is engaged inside the flexible tube.

Abstract: A hose coupling device comprises a first thrust surface formed on one end of an objective member having a tubular connecting portion to which a hose is to be coupled, the first thrust surface extends radially outwardly around the base portion of the tubular connecting portion; a second thrust surface formed on the end surface of an annular thrusting member adjacent to the objective member, the annular thrusting member being disposed around and coaxially with the tubular connecting portion with an annular gap therebetween and movable axially relatively to the tubular connecting portion, the second thrust surface opposing to the first thrust surface such that the space defined between the thrust surfaces is converged radially outwardly; a radially contractable and expandable annular tightening member contacted at its both sides by the first thrust surface and the second thrust surface, respectively, and disposed coaxially with the tubular connecting portion, the annular tightening member including a circular co

Abstract: An improved insulating union is provided of the type designed to prevent electrolytic corrosion in flow lines. The tail sub is physically separated from both the threaded sub and nut by a plastic layer. An annular groove is conventionally provided in the threaded sub for an O-ring to seal between the plastic layer and the threaded sub. Another O-ring groove is provided in a tail sub for sealing between the tail sub and the plastic layer to prevent leakage of high pressure gas from the union. The O-ring is inserted in the tail sub groove, and the plastic insulating layer is thereafter molded over the end of the tail sub.

Abstract: A separable electrical isolator for coupling two pieces of conductive tubing carrying high pressure cryogenic gas includes a gas-impervious dielectric spacer with a bore in which the pieces of tubing are sealed axially-aligned in fluid communication with an electrically-nonconductive gap between them. A pair of complementary coupling members are rigidly attached to the pieces of tubing to define outwardly-extending annular flanges that are each sealed about the periphery of a corresponding one of the pieces in a position slightly set back from an end of the piece. Each flange has an annular rib protruding from it toward the end of the piece. The coupling members are separably and nonconductively interconnected with the annular ribs applying compressive force to the spacer to thereby effect the seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling member for use in the liquid-tight and gas-tight connection of vessels, of different sizes to a two-way extraction system. The coupling part comprises two parts, a cylindrical adaptor part and a part comprised of a union nut. The cylindrical adaptor part has, on its side facing the extraction system, a diameter compatible with the extraction system, and the side facing the vessel mouth, a diameter compatible with the vessel mouth. Sealing elements are provided for use with the vessel mouth for sealing thereof with the coupling member. The union nut has an inner thread adapted to couple to the vessel mouth and an outer thread adapted to couple to the extraction system.

Abstract: An insulative coupling for coupling a first tube to a second tube for fluid flow therebetween. The coupling includes an insulative washer and an insulative bushing cooperating with a flange connector associated with one of the coupling body elements to provide an electrically insulative connection between the coupled tubes. An O-ring is utilized in conjunction with a face seal radially inwardly of the washer to provide a high pressure seal between the coupling elements. The washer and bushing include axially extending flange portions having snug fits with associated components of the coupling to provide for facilitated and accurate assembly.

Abstract: Hose connector adapter apparatus for an evaporative cooler float valve includes an integral ferrule for sealing the float valve to the adapter and an internal hexagonally configured passageway through which the water flows and which passageway receives a hex wrench or the like for securing the adapter to the float valve when there is insufficient external clearance for manually securing the adapter to the float valve. The adapter apparatus is able to be secured to evaporative cooler float in virtually any location on a cooler housing, regardless of the cooler housing configuration either by manually securing the adapter or by using a wrench internally.

Abstract: A valve or liquid dispenser which regulates the flow of liquid by means of the movement of its spout, consisting basically of a body of two main parts, one of which is coupled by means of an integrated tube, which may require an adapter, to the liquid outlet, and the other is coupled to the spout or final outlet tube, both parts having ducts or passages for the passage of liquid which, depending on their relative position, allow for the regulation of the desired flow rate, including a mechanism for the adjustment of pressure and for the compensation of wear between said main parts, which prevents leaks and secures the position of the spout or final outlet tube.

Abstract: A plumbing hookup kit for making water supply connections between any of numerous different fittings such as faucet shanks, toilet tank fill valve shanks, and valve, coupling and adapter compression and slip fittings in 3/8", 7/16" and 1/2" sizes. The kit includes a length of supply tubing with an annular terminal attached to each end, together with a seal ring adapted to encircle each terminal. With smaller fitting sizes, the seal ring and terminal effect a fluid tight connection in cooperation with the fitting and its associated coupling nut. Adaptor sleeves of different sizes and different configurations cooperate with the terminal and seal ring to effect a fluid tight seal with larger fittings and associated coupling nuts of either the compression or slip type.

Abstract: A gasketed pipe union has an annular connection stub on one section of pipe forced against a connection ring on a second section and held by a lock nut. A gasket and retaining and centering device, pressed between the stub and ring, insure a seal between the two sections.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling wherein the male coupler part has both threads and a groove so that it can be universally secured to a female coupler part regardless of whether the female coupler part carries a threaded nut or detent type securing or connecting means.

Abstract: A lubricator section, useful for servicing wells, requiring no welds or threads to connect the box and pin union portions to the tubular body. The box and pin union portions are formed on the tubular body ends. A shoulder, retaining the connecting collar on the pin end, is provided by circular segments lockable between the collar and tubular body. A valve may be connected to the body to permanently lock the segments between the collar and body.

Abstract: A seal for use with a conventional conical nose conduit fitting interposed between the conduit fitting parts wherein the seal includes a conical metal portion compressed between the coupling parts establishing metal-to-metal engagement, and the seal also includes an inner end to which an elastomer is bonded, the elastomer being compressed between the fitting surfaces to additionally provide elastomeric sealing.

Abstract: A non-rotatable telescoping support structure particularly suited for use in a pole lamp includes an outer elongated tubular member having a bore of cross section the shape of a convex polygon and an inner tubular component having an outer surface with a cross section of shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the outer component bore. The inner component is slidable within the bore of the outer component but relative rotation is prevented by engagement of the corner of the inner component with the inner surface of the outer component adjacent to the corner of the outer component bore. One end of the outer component has external threads on which a split ring assembly is threaded and tightened to deter relative longitudinal movement between the inner component and the outer component.

Abstract: An adapter union is disclosed which is especially useful for installation by butt welding on containers for fluids to permit a conduit of smaller internal diameter to be removably attached thereto, and also for certain other specialized uses described herein. The adapter union includes an improved butt weld adapter member. When desired, the adapter member may be installed on containers for fluids by butt welding to thereby permit a conduit of smaller diameter to be attached directly thereto. The disclosure further relates to containers for fluids having the adapter union and/or the adapter member installed thereon. When the adapter union is installed properly, the resultant structure provides for permanency of the installation when desired, and also allows future changes and modifications to be made easily and without damaging the adapter union and/or conduits or other cooperating apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: A watertight connector for jacketed metal clad armored cable includes cylindrical body member externally threaded at opposite ends and having an enlarged rear bore delineated from the front bore by an annular shoulder, the rear bore having a rearwardly facing conical face intermediate its front and rear ends. An elastomeric bushing has a front portion telescoping the conical face, a flat metal washer engages the bushing rear face and is superimposed by a relatively hard deformable plastic ring. A gland nut engages the body member rear threaded portion and has a conical forwardly facing shoulder bearing on the plastic ring. A grounding collar is located in the forward end of the enlarged bore and engages the annular shoulder and includes forwardly inwardly inclined resilient fingers.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for connecting the end portions of a pair of lengths of tubular conduit in coaxial, abutting relationship. Each end portion has external threads of the same size. The coupling assembly includes an abutment ring, locking means, and an outer coupling. The abutment ring has an internal thread sized for threading onto the end portion of one of the lengths of conduit, while the locking means prevents unthreading of the abutment ring once it is installed. The outer coupling has a first end and a second end with a bore extending therebetween sized to slidably, rotatably receive the abutment ring. The inside dimensions of the coupling ends are smaller than an outside dimension of the ring so that the ring is unable to move past the coupling ends.

Abstract: A union joint for jointing pipes comprises a union head having a male screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of an axial inner end portion thereof and provided at its end with a seat member made of a non-ferrous material, a union tail piece having a collar on the outer peripheral surface of the inner axial end thereof and provided at its end with a sealing surface constituted by a part of a sphere having an arcuate axial cross-section, and a union nut provided at its front inner portion with a female screw thread and at its rear portion with an inwardly projecting jaw. An annular groove is formed in the axially inner end portion of the union head adjacent to the inner periphery of the union head, the annular groove having a substantial axial depth and receiving a substantially ring-shaped seat member, the inner wall of the union head defining the annular groove being knurled and flared at at least the end portion thereof over the entire circumference thereof and caulked onto the seat member.

Abstract: A tube connection having a resilient seal ring captured between a support structure at the inner end thereof and a retaining structure at the outer end thereof within an outwardly opening recess of a fitting body. The support structure is retained to the distal end of the tube to be connected against axially inward displacement therefrom. Close fits are provided between the elements of the fitting so as to effectively preclude extrusion of the seal material therebetween from the sealing space. The retaining structure in certain embodiments is defined by an annular projection on the nut member extending into the recess. In certain embodiments, the retaining structure is disposed outwardly of the recess and the sealing sleeve extends outwardly into engagement therewith. In one illustrated embodiment, the sealing sleeve is defined by an O-ring. In a number of the embodiments, the support structure is formed integrally with the tube end.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of a plug container to a casing collar. A latch collar including pivotally connected arcuate collar portions is provided for engaging a lower end of the casing collar. A threaded adjustment is provided for increasing an initial compression of a seal against the upper end of the casing collar. Hydraulic biasing increases the seal against the upper end of the casing collar. An improved construction of inlet nozzles for the plug container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling for underwater upper and lower riser pipe sections and associated parallel choke and kill line pipe sections, where one riser pipe section is inserted in a second one. One of the riser pipe sections includes a threaded male end which has at least two sets of continuous threads. A female union box carried on the other riser section includes at least two sets of continuous threads interengaged with the sets of threads on the male end, the respective sets of threads being axially and radially spaced from each other, the union box engaging the other riser pipe section for preventing the sections from moving axially relaltive to each other. The sections are provided with a fluid tight seal and choke and kill line sections are also penetratingly joined and supported by the raiser pipe sections.

Abstract: A flexible spiral spring insert for a hose end segment is disclosed which insert includes an enlarged end portion for retentive engagement with a coupling component on the hose end. The enlarged end portion may be a ring-shaped retainer chamferred about its outer periphery to avoid interference with seating of a nozzle rim with the washer of the coupling assembly. A modified form of the invention discloses an enlarged conical extension formed on one end of the flexible spiral spring insert while a still further modification includes a radially enlarged end coil of the insert with the coil adapted for washer engagement. The washer may be modified to be internally recessed to receive a radially expanded end coil of the spring to confine the spring against axial displacement.

Abstract: Tubing and fittings with cast-in-place liners. Relatively thin and lightweight liners can be made of relatively expensive or inconvenient materials to provide chemical resistance or other special requirements. The liner can be cast in place in a jacket made of less expensive material to provide the necessary strength. To couple a pair of these tubings, the jacket of one is cut back to expose an end portion of the liner. The exposed end portion is flared outwardly against a sleeve to form a tapered seal surface. The liner of the other tubing has a nose that projects beyond the end of its jacket with a tapered seal surface that bears against the other tapered surface. A compression device such as a nut or a clamp holds the tubings together.

Abstract: Male and female parts (1, 2) are included in a coupling device which is provided with locking members for said parts. The locking members comprise a lock nut (3) which is adapted to be fitted on the female part and a locking ring (4) which can be inserted between two opposite locking surfaces (1a' and 3b) on the male part and the locking unit to prevent mutual pulling-apart movements between the male and female parts. An opposing member (9, 11, 12) is adapted to impart to the locking unit a first distinct longitudinal displacement position in relation to the female part. In this longitudinal displacement position, at least one sealing ring (6, 7) is inserted between the male and female parts and the male part is comparatively loosely suspended in and sealed with respect to the female part by said sealing ring.

Abstract: A fluid check valve having a cylindrical tubular body member which is symmetrical and is adapted to receive a pair of opposed head members which have suitable coupling ends formed thereon. The head members may be threaded on to the body or secured to the body with pins that prevent transmission of uncoupling torque to head retaining nuts engaged with the body. A valve closure disc is mounted on a removable support ring retained in a counterbore formed in the valve body by one of the head members. A valve seat surface may be integrally formed on a transverse face of one or both of the head members or may be provided as a separate seat insert threadedly mounted on the head members. The head members may be interchanged to accommodate particular coupling arrangements. The seat surface on the downstream head member is protected by a removable wear ring, or a removable wear ring insert is mounted in the head member in place of the seat insert.

Abstract: A coupling of the type including a flexible tube, an interiorly threaded nut member apertured to receive the tube, a cooperating exteriorly threaded nipple member, a pair of O-ring seals, and a separate tube-gripping member. The tube-gripping member includes an annular wall portion having an annular O-ring engaging end surface and a plurality of annularly spaced gripping finger portions extending axially from the end of the annular portion opposite from the annular O-ring engaging end surface.

Abstract: The invention starts from such a conventional ball valve assembly which includes a valve body, a valve ball, each pair of unions, body caps and cap nuts arranged symmetrically at the both sides of the said valve ball. There are provided retaining plates or pins extending laterally for positioning the unions relative to the valve body. These small retainer plates or pins are inserted through perforations formed through the wall of the valve body. In addition, the unions are formed with ring grooves adapted for receiving the root portions of these retainer plates or pins.

Abstract: A hose coupling is provided with metallic male and female members which are engaged by means of an internally threaded sleeve which is rotatably secured to the female member. The male and female members are provided with tapered male and female seating surfaces. The male seating surface is interrupted by a circumferential groove cut perpendicular to the axis of the bore of the male member. A deformable O-ring is carried in the groove. The cross-sectional area of the groove is greater than that of the O-ring.

Abstract: A rotary coupling for connecting tubular members is disclosed including a first tubular base member having external threads and a second tubular member with one end telescopically mounted within the first tubular member. Near the lower end of the second tubular member there is provided an exterior circumferential bead and a bearing member shown as a split ring is provided which encircles the lower end of the tubular member and holds it against relative axial movement. An O-ring seal is also fitted over the second tubular member within the bearing member. A retaining nut encircles the second tubular member and threadably engages the external threads of the first tubular member. When the nut is tightened, the bearing member axially grips the bead, with a lip on the bearing member engaging the bead flexing so that the telescoped members can still rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A fluid-receiving assembly having a pair of relatively axially displaceable structures, a torsionally deflectable seal ring for establishing a seal between the structures, and a pair of formations engaging diagonally opposite corner edges of the seal ring to torsionally deflect it to its seal establishing condition, one of the formations being formed on one of the structures and the other of the formations being formed in part by the other structure and in part by an adapter ring.

Abstract: A connector for connecting corrugated tubing to pipes or fittings permits the corrugated tubing to be used without any modification to its ends. The corrugated tubing need only be cut to length by severing at a "valley" of one of the corrugations. A ferrule in the form of semi-annular half-sections is fitted about the endmost corrugations of the severed tubing. Inwardly extending projections of the ferrule engage at least one of the valleys to prevent relative axial movement between the ferrule and the tubing. A retainer nut previously placed over the tubing is slipped over the ferrule to retain the ferrule in place. An outwardly extending portion of the ferrule engages an inner portion of the nut to prevent axial movement of the nut over the ferrule. An O-ring or other sealing member may be inserted within the retainer nut and positioned against the endmost corrugation of the tubing.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve for joining the ends of two conduits. One end is threaded, the other is unthreaded. The conduit has a female thread which engages the threaded end. The unthreaded end has a terminal portion of reduced external diameter running to an inwardly displaced groove in which a locking ring is disposed. The end of the coupling sleeve which engages the unthreaded conduit end has a recess in which the locking ring is axially slidable and a flange that engages a full diameter external section of the unthreaded end. The recess is long enough to permit the coupling sleeve to be fully received on the unthreaded conduit end when the female thread is disengaged from the threaded end of the conduit.

Abstract: In a device for interconnecting respective ends of two conduits a male connecting piece (2) is fixed on the end of one of conduits and provided on its outer periphery with annular ridges (4), while a female connecting piece is fixed to the end of the other conduit and comprises, in succession, as viewed from its end opening, a first cylindrical annular portion (5), a convergent frustoconical portion (6) and a divergent frustoconical portion (7) which is connected to a second cylindrical portion. A spherical ring member (10) slidably mounted on male connecting piece (2) engages the cylindrical portion (5) and the convergent frustoconical portion (6) of female connecting piece (3) and is subjected to a longitudinal force, so as to be locked on male connecting piece (2) under the effect of plastic deformation. This device can be used for connecting large diameter pipes used for transporting high pressure fluids, particularly in submarine installations.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquid in a pipe to prevent freezing of the liquid and for de-icing of frozen pipes includes an elongated housing constructed of plastic material and having a central bore and fittings for detachably coupling each end of the housing to the open end of a liquid pipe so that the central bore connects a first liquid pipe to a second liquid pipe. The fittings each comprise a sleeve attachable to the pipe end, a sealing gasket between the end of the housing and an annular flange on the sleeve, and a threaded coupling nut cooperating with external threads on the housing and having a flange engaging the sleeve flange. The housing includes a lateral passageway intermediate its end communicating with the central bore and closed by a sealer valve having an opening with a normally closed penetrable seal of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A universal connector is provided to secure an elongated member such as a cable, hose or pipe from relative movement of the member while allowing the member to pass completely through the universal connector. In accordance with the invention, a gripping element, having at least a pair of opposed star locking washers, is interposed between the interior surfaces of the connector and the member and surrounds the outside surface of the member to clamp the member in place upon compression of the star locking washers. The connector includes means to provide a compressive force on the gripping element to compress the star locking washers including a force transmitting ring arranged to bear upon one face of the gripping element as the ring is urged into the connector by the rotation of a knurled nut threadedly received on the connector.

Abstract: A coupling for filling and draining a waterbed comprises a tube for insertion into the male-threaded filler neck of a waterbed valve, and two female-threaded nuts rotatably mounted on the tube for connection to a garden hose and the male-threaded fill neck of the waterbed. There is a plurality of fill and drain openings through the wall of the portion of the tube inserted into the fill neck.