Abstract: A duct connection system has a direct-manufactured first duct structure including a first duct section. The first duct section has a passage for conveying a substance and a first interconnect component moveably and captivity coupled to the duct section. The duct connection system also has a direct-manufactured second duct structure including a second duct section. The second duct section has a passage for conveying the substance and a first interconnect component configured to enter a locked state with the first interconnect component such that a sealing force between the first and second duct structures is substantially equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a multi-use torque fitting, a length of tubing, and a compressible ferrule, wherein the assembly is configured to couple an end of the length of tubing to a port of a fluid-handling device in a hermetically sealed or substantially leak-proof manner. Generally, the fitting is configured to provide a degree of compression to the compressible ferrule sufficient to prevent fluid leakage at the ferrule/port interface. This fitting generally comprises a threaded body portion and a torque-limiting body portion, wherein the threaded body portion and the torque-limiting body portion are arranged concentrically along a longitudinal axis of the fitting.

Abstract: A twist lock assembly includes an annular first flange at an open end of a first conduit attached to a fluid receiving component. The first flange has an alignment slot and at least one locking slot formed therein. A fluid conducting conduit has an annular second flange at an open end thereof. The second flange includes an alignment tab formed thereon. A locking ring rotatably mounts on the second flange and includes at least one locking tab formed thereon. When the first flange is attached to the component, the alignment tab engages the alignment slot and the at least one locking tab is aligned with the at least one locking slot. Rotating the locking ring relative to the second flange draws the first and second flanges into airtight engagement and locks the conduit to the component.

Abstract: A nozzle configuration for a static mixer having a retaining shoulder with a square cross-section, an inclined front face and a flat retaining face that is normal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. An undercut having a octagonal cross-section is provided immediately adjacent to the retaining face. The faces of the undercut alternately define access surfaces, that are in the same plane as and join with corresponding outer edges of the retaining shoulder, and locking surfaces that undercut the corners of the retaining shoulder for retaining a locking hub on the nozzle. Travelling clockwise around the undercut, each locking face is inclined relative to the preceding access face at an angle of 40.degree. such that it is harder to unlock a locking hub in the clockwise direction than it is to lock it.

Abstract: A collet-clamp for retaining label supply rolls on a dispensing shaft. The collet has a plurality of fingers that can be tightened against the shaft when the clamp is moved axially toward the collet. The base of the collet supports a plurality of helical wedging surfaces that cooperate with annular segments formed on the axial hub of the clamp in order to cause the clamp to be brought closer to the collet when the clamp is twisted in a predetermined clamping direction with respect to the collet. The collet and clamp are assembled by bringing the annular segments of the clamp into cooperative engagement with the helical wedging surfaces of the collet by twisting the clamp with respect to the collet in the direction opposite the clamping direction prior to placing the collet-clamp fitting onto the shaft. While on the shaft the collet-clamp fitting cannot be disassembled.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for use with flexible hose or tubing in which axial compression forces are applied to the end of the hose or tubing in order to provide the coupling action. The coupling mechanism includes a nipple having a head at the free end thereof surrounded by a collar having an inwardly extending abutment member at the opposite end thereof from the free end of the nipple. The end of the flexible hose or tube is received over the nipple and within the collar with a close fit. Upon axial movement of the collar with respect to the nipple toward the free end thereof, the abutment member on the collar will apply axial compression force to the end of the hose or tubing causing the wall at the end of the hose or tubing to expand into sealing and gripping relation with the nipple and collar. Means for forcing the collar to move axially of the nipple upon rotation of the collar and to selectively maintain the collar at a given point in the axial movement thereof are provided.