Abstract: The present invention discloses a knob-like collar device adapted to fit securely around the lateral displacement locking sleeve of a quick-release hose coupler. The device promotes one-hand operation of the coupler by providing purchase and grip for the thumb of the hand holding the coupler thereby facilitating the lateral displacement of the locking sleeve. The device is particularly useful when the coupler is very cold, a condition that commonly results from the high velocity passage of fluids or gasses through the coupler. The device also absorbs mechanical shock resulting from the accidental dropping of the coupler on a hard surface, thereby protecting the coupler from damage.

Abstract: A coupling device that reduces the risk of cross-contamination of dialyzers during reprocessing by providing a reusable, easily disinfected connector for coupling a dialyzer to, e.g., the blood line of a dialyzer reprocessing system. The coupling device is in the form of a one-piece adapter for being screwed to the luer connector of a dialyzer and then axially attached to a blood line of a dialyzer reprocessing device via a quick connect/disconnect coupling. The adapter is reusable and easily disinfected by soaking it in liquid disinfectant.

Abstract: A device for connecting two tubular piping parts, in particular piping parts in a motor vehicle exhaust system, has two connector pieces with a sealing device being mounted between the connector pieces. The connector pieces are stressed against each other in axial direction by a spring device. The spring device has a wire spring which surrounds one connector piece at least partially with two spring branches and is supported by this connector piece. The wire spring is stressed against a stop on the other connector with the spring branches or another area of the wire spring.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe connector connection checking assembly in which it can surely be checked that a male connector is incompletely connected with a female connector. A connection checking member is formed with an ear portion for integrally connecting a pair of claws disposed opposingly and a portion having a low strength formed at a portion except the ear portion, and the claws of the connection checking member are inserted into holes in the female connector. When the connection checking member is pulled outward in the state in which the male connector is incompletely inserted into the female connector, the portion having a low strength is broken before the engagement of the claws is released.

Abstract: An air hose coupler for use in a tractor-trailer air brake system incorporates a body with a first air passage formed therethrough and a first mating face. The first mating face includes a first air orifice which communicates with the first air passage. A grip member is attached to the body and, in preferred embodiments, extends radially outwardly therefrom. The grip member includes a proximal end and a distal end, and a second air passage formed through the grip member from the proximal end to the distal end, with the second air passage pneumatically communicating with the first air passage. Additionally, the distal end incorporates a tapered neck and is adapted to communicate with an air hose such that the air hose pneumatically communicates with the second air passage.

Abstract: A clip for use in combination with a fitting of a variety adapted for a releasable connection with the distal end of a length of tubing as including a body member, and an annular collet member received within a gland of the body member for slidable axial movement intermediate a rearward position accommodating the radial outward expansion of the collet member for the insertion and removal of the tubing end therethrough and a forward position effecting the radially inward contraction of the collet member about the outer tubing diameter delimiting the removal of the tubing distal end from the fitting. The clip includes a retaining portion configured to be received coaxially on the collet member intermediate an external forward end thereof and an opposing end of the fitting body member, and a shroud portion configured to extend over the forward end of the collet member for delimiting force-transmitting contact therewith tending to move the collet member from its forward to rearward position.

Abstract: The cuff (25) for connecting a tube (26) to two pipes (2) or two equipments together includes, at each end, a knuckle joint mechanism (31) bearing on a clamp (3) integral with the pipe (2) and which forces the end of the tube (26) against the mouth (4). The knuckle joint (31) is two pairs of rods (32, 35), whose interference produces a compressive stress on spring washers (37). The fixing force is consequently applied in simple and reliable manner and can be interrupted just as easily. The bearing surfaces of the connecting parts and the tube (26, 30, 43) with respect to one another, on the clamp (3) and the mouth (4) must be spherical and concentric in order to enable the pipes (2) to be angularly displaced by a few degrees relative to the tube (26).

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a first member for supplying fluid, a second member for receiving the fluid supplied by said first member, and a securing device for securing the first member in fluid communication with the second member. The securing device includes a locking element movable between a first position at which the first and second members can be separated and a second position at which the first member is secured to the second member. An actuator is provided for moving the locking element between the first and second positions. The actuator includes a main body secured to the first member and an actuator arm movably connected to the main body for manipulating the locking element. A guiding surface is provided on the actuator body for guiding the locking element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Threaded connection device for pipes including a cylindrical sleeve having, at both its ends, fasteners for the connection with a flexible pipe, two internally threaded rings each one screwing on one end of the sleeve. These said rings have a circular rim for the seaming and the compression of the pipe around the sleeve fasteners. The sleeve, in connection with the ring thread, has a thread part having a pitch multiple as to the thread pitch of the ring itself.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool free quick change spark plug mechanism. It includes a head insert, a spark plug and a locking housing. The head insert has a threaded base to be inserted into a spark plug port of an internal combustion engine. It is generally cylindrical and hollow, and has either a locking groove or an extended locking mechanism on its outside wall above the threaded base. The plug is generally cylindrical and elongated with an electrode for sparking and a terminal for a wire attachment, and has a seal with a greater diameter than the lower end of the plug for seating within the head insert. The locking housing is hollow and cylindrical to fit over the spark plug and head insert, and has on its inside wall, the other of the locking groove and extended locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved disconnect tool (15). In the preferred embodiment, the disconnect tool is comprised of a first member (16) and a second member (18) connected by a pivot pin (19). The tool includes an engagement means (23) and an expansion means (22) to facilitate the engagement and expansion of a retaining clip so as to permit insertion and removal of a fluid line (39) from a fluid coupling assembly (41). In the preferred embodiment, the expansion means takes the form of a castellated tube portion with a plurality of fingers (20) defining a plurality of grooves (21) therebetween. The fingers are used expand the retaining clip radially and outwardly so as to permit the fluid line to be removed from the fluid coupling assembly. In addition, the present invention is also directed to a method for removing a fluid line from a fluid coupling assembly through the use of a disconnect tool.

Abstract: A pipe joint is composed of a connection portion, two coupling handles and two auxiliary handles. The coupling handles and the auxiliary handles are fastened pivotally with two pivoting seats of the connection portion such that the coupling handles and the auxiliary handles are arranged side by side, and that the auxiliary handles can be actuated by the coupling handles in motion, and further that the auxiliary handles serve to avert the loosening of the connection portion at such time when the coupling handles are caught accidentally by a moving object or actuated accidentally by a person.

Abstract: Each of two coupling members is formed in an abutting end lace thereof with a recessed portion for accommodating a gasket and a retainer therein, and the recessed portion has a retainer holding hollow cylindrical portion formed centrally on a bottom surface thereof and provided on an end face thereof with an annular projection for clamping the gasket. The gasket comprises a small portion and a large portion having a greater outside diameter than the small portion. The retainer is attached to the cylindrical portion of the coupling member with which the gasket small portion is in contact.

Abstract: A duct hose coupling device for attaching a hose to a ductwork structure. The device selectively attaches and detaches the hose without use of fastening hardware. Attachment of a hose via the duct hose coupling device allows air to be efficiently forced into or withdrawn from the ductwork structure. The device retains its high efficiency over prolonged periods of usage by isolating critical moving components from exposure to contaminants and unwanted debris.

Abstract: A connector includes a tube-shaped male member, a female member, an engagement member, and a checking member. The male member has a ring-shaped convexity. The female member has a substantially cylinder-shaped housing. The housing has a pair of widows having a peripheral end and a peripheral edge. The checking member has a letter C-shaped portion, and a pair of engagement convexities. The engagement convexities has a first engaging portion, a leading-end contacting portion, and an inclined second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages with the peripheral end of the windows of the housing so as to inhibit the checking member from coming off from the housing in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction before the male member is connected with the female member. The leading-end contacting portion is pressed by the ring-shaped convexity to move outwardly in a radial direction so as to diametrically enlarge the letter C-shaped portion when the fitting of the male member is completed.

Abstract: On a sleeve for a gardening tool, for example a quick coupling (12), surface parts of a flexible, soft and grip-promoting material (24) are provided in differing individual sections. These are applied in a two-component injection molding method and may also comprise special bump rims (27). By a differing color design and alternating exposure of the surface of the two composite materials of base body (17) and additional element (24) lettering, marking or configuring the surface may be achieved.

Abstract: A device configured to form a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body portion having an axial lumen therebetween. The body portion is dimensioned to accommodate a length of hose within its axial lumen. The proximal end of the device has a wrench portion adapted to matingly engage at least a portion of the outer surface of a female threaded coupling fixture mounted on a terminal end of the hose. The distal end of the device may or may not be flared outwardly to prevent the hose from kinking when the female coupling fixture mounted on the hose is attached to a supply source such as a water tap. The body portion and distal end of the device is adapted to rotate freely about a length of hose housed therewithin. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the device has a stop operable for preventing the device from sliding away from the female coupling fixture mounted on the hose.

Abstract: A conduit coupling for conduit sections includes a body with a rigid, outer casing and an elastomeric inner core. The core includes a passage with annular ridges for sealing the coupling on the conduit. A pair of lock nuts are mounted on the casing ends and each receives a gripper ring with gripper ring ridges for engaging the conduit. The lock nuts are threadably mounted on the casing for tightening the gripper rings against the conduit sections to resist pull-out.

Abstract: An extensible metallic tube structure has a big hollow tube, an engaging head, a small hollow tube, a locating column, an O-shaped ring, a washer, a C-shaped fixing device, and a controlling sleeve. The big hollow tube having an inwardly indented groove at the upper periphery is engaged with the engaging head at one end. The small hollow tube fixed with locating column is led through the other end of the big hollow tube. In sequence, the O-shaped ring, the washer, the C-shaped fixing device and the controlling sleeve are led through the upper end of the small hollow tube. The controlling sleeve is screwed up to the engaging head via threads. An inner protruding flange defining the other side of the inwardly indented groove of the big hollow tube will prevent the small hollow tube from coming off when it being extended to the extreme.

Abstract: A clamp for securing ground-glass joints between first and second tubes, the first tube having a shoulder located inward of its end, intermediate the ground and unground portions thereof, adjacent the ground joint, and the second tube having an enlarged lip located at its end adjacent the ground joint and the shoulder of the first tube. The clamp has an mounting portion and an attaching portion having first and second parts for accommodating the shoulder and the enlarged lip therebetween, followed by a releasing portion. The mounting portion connects the first and second parts and has forward ends extending substantially symmetrically along a longitudinal axis of the clamp. The forward ends of the mounting portion are biased toward one another by the clamp. The first part of the attaching portion is an attaching collar for partially fitting around the circumference of the first tube adjacent the shoulder rearwardly of the transverse axis.

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 tube testing connector adapted to engage a tube for pressurization thereof including a hollow body defining an entrance aperture at one end thereof for insertion of a tube to be tested and a pressure aperture defined in an end cap positioned at the other end of the body in sealing engagement with the body. The tester further includes a chamber having disposed therein retention gripping means to initially grip the inserted tube prior to pressurization. The connector operates such that when the tube is pressurized, the components of the tube testing connector exert an increased gripping force on the outer diameter of the tube to be tested so as to secure it in place during the test procedure.

Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.

Abstract: A low profile locking mechanism for securing a lever arm of a coupler in a locked position interlocks with the side surface of the lever arm. The locking mechanism is formed from low cost resiliently deformable material that is protected against impact by the lever arm.

Abstract: A tubing connector has first and second tubular legs joined together to provide a continuous fluid pathway therethrough with the fluid pathway having a bend of about 78 to 102 degrees therein. A foreshortened retention tab extends laterally from the tubing connector at about the bend in a direction opposed to the second leg of the tubing connector. A handle extends from the tubing connector at about a right angle to both the first and second legs and the retention tab. The tubing connector may be employed as a component of a fluid delivery set used with a pump for enteral or parenteral feeding of a patient.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a tube joint, which is capable of properly limiting the degree of biting a tube. In the tube joint of the present invention, an inner section of a collet is divided into a plurality of engage pieces, each of which has a nail section capable of biting the tube. An inner tapered face section is formed on an inner wall of a joint proper. Diameter of the inner tapered face section is made greater toward an inner part. The inner tapered face section is capable of reducing diameter of the engage pieces when the collet is pulled outward. An elastic ring is capable of moving outward with rising fluid pressure in the joint proper. A tapered ring is capable of bending the engage pieces radially outward when the collet is pushed axially inward and bending the same radially inward when the collet is pulled axially outward.

Abstract: A seal for around a pipe penetrating through a wall. A rubbery reducer boot includes a flexible material-reservoir defined by a material curved-fold allowing a pipe-engaging tubular portion of the boot to be moved outward and inward from a relaxed position, and to be angled in extension relative to a stationary back portion of the boot. An end of the pipe-engaging tubular portion includes areas allowing the application of a hose clamp about the tubular portion to compress against the exterior of a secondary containment pipe adjacent the terminal end of the pipe, and the application of another hose clamp outward beyond the terminal end of the secondary pipe and clamping of the boot about a further-extending primary pipe. The back end of the boot near the material-reservoir includes an annular groove for receiving an annular first end of a tubular fitting assembly. A third and larger hose clamp is positioned about the back of the boot to compress and secure the boot sealed about the tubular fitting assembly.

Abstract: A quick release for a vacuum cleaner having a nozzle and a wand for providing suction to the nozzle comprises a tubular connector to be received by the nozzle. A resilient latch on the wand is received in an opening in the tubular connector to secure releasably the wand to the tubular connector. A biased sleeve is movable axially along the tubular connector. The sleeve has a cam surface to urge the latch inwardly to an extent to clear the opening against the bias when the sleeve is moved axially to permit the withdrawal of the wand from the tubular connector.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is constituted by a pair of couplers. The pair of couplers have substantially the same structure and are complementary to each other. A cylindrical body of each coupler has at least a pair of locking pieces projecting in an axial direction and locking pieces engageable with the locking pieces. When the pair of couplers are abutted against each other in the axial direction and the locking pieces of one coupler are engaged with the locking pieces of the other coupler, the pair of couplers are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A hose assembly, an internally threaded member therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hose assembly comprising a flexible hose having opposite ends, an internally threaded member mounted on one of the opposite ends in a manner to swivel thereon to permit the internally threaded member to be finger coupled to an externally threaded part of a liquid dispensing spigot, the internally threaded member having an outer peripheral surface, and an annular member disposed around the internally threaded member in a manner to engage the outer peripheral surface thereof and having an external peripheral surface to be finger engaged for turning the internally threaded member in unison therewith relative to the hose, the annular member comprising a SANTOPRENE material.

Abstract: A female coupling element of the Luer-Lock type for haemodialysis medical equipment comprises an outer tubular body made of a relatively rigid moulded thermoplastic material, and an inner sleeve made of a relatively softer moulded thermoplastic material and axially fitted within the outer body. The outer body and the inner sleeve are freely rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A pipe joint for joining two pipes end to end comprises a hollow cylindrical spigot portion having an annular projection on the outer periphery of a base end thereof, a hollow cylindrical socket portion having an inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of the spigot portion and formed with two opposed apertures in its peripheral wall close to a forward end thereof and with a stepped part on the inner surface of the peripheral wall for the projection to come into contact with, the stepped part being closer to a base end of the socket portion than the apertures, and a stopper having a pair of circular-arc resilient legs fittable into the respective apertures from outside to project inward and each having a slanting inner surface, the legs being opposed to each other for the inwardly curved surfaces thereof to face each other.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly for temporarily connecting large diameter vacuum hose to heating, ventilating and air conditioning ductwork for the purpose of, but not limited to, establishing a vacuum within ductwork to aid in cleaning unwanted debris and materials from the ductwork. The quick connector assembly requires that a hole be cut into the ductwork. A large diameter vacuum hose is secured to a hose attachment tube on the present quick connector assembly. The quick connector assembly includes a flat circular flange which engages the duct wall when the quick connector assembly is held up to the hole. At least two pivoting support ears are pivoted outward until they extend beyond the edges of the cut hole. As they are pivoted outward, the pivoting support ears engage the inner side of the duct wall so that a clamping effect is created between the pivoting support ears and the flat circular flange, thus securing the quick connector assembly to the ductwork.

Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.

Abstract: A quick connector formed of a housing has an internal stepped bore receiving one end of a male connector with a radially enlarged angular flange. A retainer has deflectable fingers which snap into receivers formed on the housing. A cylindrical sleeve is formed on the retainer for insertion into the stepped bore in the housing and forming a bearing seal surface for the end of the male connector. Thin tabs extend from the sleeve to pressure receiving pads which are spaced apart at one end of the retainer and interconnected by arcuate shaped ring members. A finger extends angularly inward from each pad to prevent axial disengagement of the male connector from the housing until the fingers are displaced radially outward by inward pressure on the pads to clear the flange on the male connector.

Abstract: An external tubular body of a locking joint includes an axial cylindrical passage followed by a short radially widened section to accommodate a tube. Another further radially widened section is formed to receive a hermetically sealing O-ring. A section with a short, conically tapering surface followed by a straight section leads to an inverted conically tapering section to facilitate insertion of a glove. The glove is a tubular body with a plurality of longitudinal cuts extending to a frontal ring relief. The cuts form flexible stems, externally equipped, at an opposite extremity with a back bevelled edge ring and, internally by two rows of teeth. The teeth reduce the internal size of the glove to bite into an outer surface of an inserted tube to lock the tube within the external tubular body as the back bevelled edge ring is slid along a tapered surface of the external tubular body during withdrawal of the tube from the tubular body.

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 (i) a ramp tapering in a direction away from the forward end and away from the axis at an angle in the range of 10.degree. to 25.degree., (ii) a cylindrical surface parallel to the axis extending rearwardly from the ramp a distance of at least 0.010 and preferably 0.030 inch and (iii) a shoulder tapering away from the forward end and inwardly toward the axis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a handle and wand system for a vacuum cleaner is provided which includes an enclosed electrical system which may be used to provide electrical power to a powered floor nozzle or other powered nozzles. The handle and wand system of the present invention may be employed in either a canister vacuum or a central vacuum unit. In one embodiment, the system includes a handle and suction hose assembly which permits the hose, which includes conducting wires, to be freely rotated while attached to the handle. In another embodiment, means are provided for easily attaching, locking and detaching the components of the handle and wand system of the present invention while providing both a vacuum seal and a plurality of low resistance electrical contacts between the elements of the system of the present invention. In a further embodiment, a swivel elbow is provided to attach the handle and wand system of the present invention to a powered floor nozzle.

Abstract: A composite coupling nut and method of making the same wherein a substantially rigid annular body portion with an internal threaded portion is provided with an outer annular layer of an elastomeric material formed thereon in intimate juxtaposed relation to increase the grasping coefficient.

Abstract: A release member for a quick connector engagable with a fitting. The release member includes a body formed of a resilient material and having first and second end portions, with a slot extending longitudinally through the first and second end portions for mounting of the release member over the fitting and to enable axial sliding movement of the release member through an open end of the quick connector into engagement with a retainer mounted within the quick connector to effect release of legs of the retainer from an annular flange on the fitting and disengagement of the connector from the fitting. A radially enlarged flange is formed between the first and second end portions to form a tool engagable surface on the body for forcible sliding movement of the body into the open end of the connector. Alternately, a recess or a projection may be provided on the body to form the tool engagable surface.

Abstract: An easily-assembled, heat resistant connector for releasably joining end portions of three capillary tubes for use in chromatography without interrupting flow or interfering with chromatographic results comprises a main body, and a glass insert which has first, second and third hollow legs that are connected together at a central portion, and a connector that connects each leg of the glass insert to a capillary tube. Each leg of the glass insert extends outwardly from the central portion towards an open end portion, and each leg has an inboard bore with a taper that receives and end portion of one of the capillary tubes. The taper is wider near the open end portion of the leg and narrower near the central portion. The connectors are mounted on the main body and a sealing ferrule is provided in each connector for making a seal between the capillary tubes and the legs of the glass insert.

Abstract: A quick connect coupler for interconnecting pressure sealed housings with pin and socket members where the socket member has a sealing bore and locking grooves. The pin member has a first rotatable ring assembly and a second rotatable ring assembly is mounted on the first ring assembly. A rotatable pawl member in the second ring assembly interlocks the socket member and the ring assemblies against axial and rotational movement. When actuated, the pawl member releases to permit relative rotation to an unlock position where the pawl member is used as a cam member to move the assemblies axially relative to one another to release the sealing connection as well as the locking interconnection.

Abstract: A plastic coupling for plastic tubing having a groove annulus formed between a first circumferential groove on the outer periphery of the enlarged diameter portion of a connection tube and a second circumferential groove on the inner periphery of a cap nut 5 when the cap nut 5 is mounted on a joint body, and an enlargeable split ring having an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the enlarged diameter portion and loosely fitted into the second groove, the split ring being adapted to slide on the enlarged diameter portion to the first groove until the split ring falls within the first groove and is located within the groove annulus when the cap nut is mounted on the joint body.

Abstract: This fluid coupling (10) includes a metallic tubular body (12) having an inlet end (14) and an outlet end (16), the outlet end being adapted to receive a quick-connect-disconnect plug (20). A metallic actuating sleeve (32, 38) is mounted to the body (12) for selectively permitting fluid flow through the body (12) and latching the plug (20) in place. An outer cover (60) of non-mar plastic material is provided for the coupling (10) , which is moveable with the actuating sleeve (32) and prevents the metallic parts of the coupling from marking finished surfaces.

Abstract: A grease fitting adapter for lubricating a gearbox having a grease fitting aperture in a gas operated lawn trimmer is provided, which consists of a grease source. A structure is for conveying grease from the grease source through the grease fitting aperture in the gearbox, after a grease fitting is removed from the grease fitting aperture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cylindrical collet for a tube coupling body, the collet having at least one arm of arcuate cross section which is free to flex radially under the action of an encircling tapered cam surface in the tube coupling body. The arm has a projecting tooth on its radially inner side having an inner edge to engage and grip a tube extending through the collet. The inner edge of the tooth extends linearly transversely of the arm to engage the tube tangentially and, with pressure from said cam surface, to bite into the surface of the tube.

Abstract: An end fitting for flexible conduit or the like includes a generally cylindrical conduit insert which has a retainer rim, a journal barrel, and a base ring. The retainer rim and journal barrel are inserted into the conduit up to the base ring. A crimp ring dimensioned to engage the outer surface of the conduit, press fits the conduit to the journal barrel. The retainer rim being of a diameter larger then the diameter of the journal barrel prevents removal of the insert past the crimp ring. The base ring also being of a larger diameter than the journal barrel limits the depth of insertion of the insert into the conduit. The conduit insert further has a force flange and a tip which extend outward from the base ring. A cone washer is received by the tip and abuts a first surface of the force flange. A threaded cap has an end wall with a coaxial bore which is in rotatable engagement with the base ring with the end wall engaging a second surface of the force flange.

Abstract: An end fitting for flexible conduit or the like includes a generally cylindrical conduit insert which has a retainer rim, a journal barrel, and a base ring. The retainer rim and journal barrel are inserted into the conduit up to the base ring. A crimp ring dimensioned to engage the outer surface of the conduit, press fits the conduit to the journal barrel. The retainer rim being of a diameter larger then the diameter of the journal barrel prevents removal of the insert past the crimp ring. The base ring also being of a larger diameter than the journal barrel limits the depth of insertion of the insert into the conduit. The conduit insert further has a force flange and a tip which extend outward from the base ring. A cone washer is received by the tip and abuts a first surface of the force flange. A threaded cap has an end wall with a coaxial bore which is in rotatable engagement with the base ring with the end wall engaging a second surface of the force flange.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with vacuum cleaning appliances having a pipe and hose arrangement, where the pipe is slidably mounted inside the hose. The release mechanism comprises an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and actuating buttons. The inner sleeve couples the pipe to the hose. By using the actuating buttons, the inner sleeve is operational in a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the pipe can slide inside the hose, but it cannot be removed or detached from the hose. In the open position, the pipe can be removed or detached from the hose. The outer sleeve secures the release mechanism to the hose and houses the inner sleeve and actuating buttons.

Abstract: A coupler has a locking mechanism which comprises a J-shaped blocking pin which is attached to a housing. A spring urges the blocking pin towards a locking arm so that a pin end traps the arm between the housing and the pin end to hold the arm in a locked position. The spring may be manually compressed to cause the pin end to move away from the arm so that the arm can swing outward to an unlocked position. The protruding pin end is bevelled and the locking arm has a bevelled portion which mates with the bevelled pin end. As the locking arm is swung to its locked position, the blocking pin end is pushed away from the arm allowing the arm to pass freely by the pin end. After the locking arm has passed over the pin end, the pin end is drawn toward the arm by the spring capturing the arm in the locked position.