Abstract: A hose and clamp assembly comprises a hose, a band-type clamp encircling the hose, and an elastomeric envelope bonded to the hose and attaching the clamp to the hose along a section of the clamp band. The elastomeric envelope is provided with at least one discontinuity to define a removable center section whereby the removable center section can be separated along the at least one discontinuity to form an open channel in the envelope and enable removal of the clamp. The at least one discontinuity can comprise a groove or a plurality of perforations. The at least one discontinuity can comprise parallel grooves aligned with the edges of the clamp band to define the removable center section. A channel is formed in the envelope by the removal of the removable center section and the clamp to provide a receptacle for proper positioning of the replacement clamp on the hose.

Abstract: An appliance end fitting for connecting a gas operated appliance to a pressurized gas cylinder includes a simplified interior valve that acts as both a thermal valve and an excess flow control valve. The end fitting has an elongated body formed in two telescoping sections, an inner section, and an outer section. An interior opening extends through both sections and includes an enlarged center portion. A floating valve member in the center portion is movable toward a valve seat at an outer end of the center section. A spring urges the valve member away from the valve seat but excessive gas flow moves the valve member toward the valve seat and restricts the valve. The two sections of the body are held in an extended axial position by a heat activated material, such as fusible solder, where the nipple opens the cylinder shutoff valve when the body is connected to the cylinder outlet.

Abstract: A connector, a container using the connector and a method for establishing fluid communication with a container. The connector may include a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The container may attach to the first coupling member. The first coupling member may have a first passageway with a spike and a membrane located therein. The second coupling member may have a second passageway. The first coupling member may engage the second coupling member and may further pierce the membrane with the spike. The first coupling member may further have a female end of a luer-lock, and the second coupling member may have a male end of a luer-lock. The first coupling member and the second coupling member may be engaged by twisting the male end and the female end of the coupling members to form the connector and establish fluid communication with the container.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus and method for coupling two duct sections together to form a joint therebetween. The apparatus includes a catcher ring component formed coextensive with the edge of one section of duct, and a catcher finger component formed coextensive with an edge of the other section of duct being coupled to form the joint. The catcher finger component includes a catcher finger which is longitudinally aligned with a flange of the catcher ring, and that protrudes inwardly into its associated section of duct. In the event of a failure of a main clamping assembly disposed over an outer periphery of the two duct sections at the joint, the catcher finger and flange engage to limit separation of the two sections of duct to only a controlled, limited degree. This protects other subassemblies and components positioned closely adjacent the duct from any damage that might result from separation of the two duct sections, including exposure to high temperature and pressurized air.

Abstract: A seal plate includes tear out sections that leave pipe sealing openings, an externally threaded cylindrical portion that extends through a hole in a septic system distribution box wall, a resilient cup-shaped flange that faces one side of the wall around the hole, an internally threaded ring with hand grips that is screwed onto the cylindrical portion against the other side of the wall so that the wall is clamped between the ring and the cup-shaped flange and the flange bends axially, resiliently forcing concentric radially spaced axially extending ridges on the cup shape flange sealingly against the wall.

Abstract: A frangible hose connector that has a knit line at the intended point of fracture, as opposed to a circumferential groove or notch. The knit line provides a break zone which has a lower tensile strength than that of the parent material, thereby providing that the connector is relatively easy to fracture. The connector also includes finger grips which makes breaking the connector easier. The finger grips provide that the connector is configured to be fractured via a twisting or torsion force, as opposed to a bending force. As such, the connector tends to break in a manner wherein fluid does not fling or spray. The connector is formed of plastic, and the knit line is created during the plastic injection molded process, wherein two mold fronts are “squared-up” and meet in the mold cavity to form the knit line.

Abstract: A pipe joint provided with a pipe joint main body having an insertion cylinder portion inserted to an end portion of a pipe to be connected, a seal member attached to a peripheral groove on the insertion cylinder portion, a clamp ring with a slit for fastening the end portion of the pipe outserted to the insertion cylinder portion with elastic fastening force, and a diameter-extension piece detachably held at the slit as to extend the clamp ring resisting the elastic force of the clamp ring and detached by contact with a forth end of the pipe.

Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female threaded member that cooperates with a male threaded member. The female member includes a tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule that is attached to the female member by a fungible web. Upon a partial pull-up the female engages a camming surface on the male threaded member and breaks off or separates from the female threaded member to become a separate piece so that the fitting then functions as a single ferrule tube fitting. Additional features include a steep camming angle on the camming surface to cause the ferrule to grip the tube end with a bite-type action and to form a primary seal between the camming surface and a front end of the separated ferrule. The ferrule front end, and optionally the entire female threaded member including the initially integral tube gripping device, are hardened to be at least about 3.3 times harder than the material of the tube end.

Abstract: A breakaway device joins a portion of a dispensing hose that is connected to a fueling station with a portion of a dispensing hose that is joined to a coupling that connects to a vehicle during fueling. The breakaway device includes a pair of leg members that are joined by their proximal ends to the dispensing hose portions. The distal ends of the leg members are joined at an angle to a frangible member that includes a pair of inner segments that are joined in an abutting fashion by a surrounding frangible sleeve. When a driveaway occurs, the leg members are pulled apart and exert a bending moment on the frangible member. As a result, the frangible member breaks which prevents significant damage to the station. A pneumatic line that provides pressurized air to open the station dispensing valve is attached to each leg member so that when the frangible member breaks, the pneumatic line is ruptured so that pressurized air is no longer delivered to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A method for forming an integral socket to a pipe made from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material is described. The pipe has a pipe body and is provided, at one or both ends, with an integral socket. The biaxially oriented thermoplastic pipe is subjected to a socket-forming operation comprising the steps of fixing both axial ends of the unheated end part of the pipe, heating the fixed end part to a suitable socket-forming temperature in one or more steps, and expanding the axially fixed end part with the aid of a fluid pressure in the interior of the end part and/or a vacuum on the outer side of the end part, which expansion may begin as early as during the heating of the end part.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing aseptic/sterile connections including a substantially flexible, substantially transparent sterile barrier enclosing a terminal end of a conduit and a resilient, deformable support card which further includes an adhesive perimeter covered by a release paper and a rolling membrane with a continuous, removable, yieldable, flexible strip material. A portion of the rolling membrane is removably adhered to the support card and overlies the end of the conduit. A force applied to the free end of the rolling membrane withdraws the entire rolling membrane to expose the end of the conduit so that an aseptic/sterile connection is achieved by adhering opposing support cards together, removing the rolling membrane to create a sterile corridor between a first sterile barrier and a second sterile barrier, and mating the terminal end of a first conduit and a second conduit together.

Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is forced-fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.

Abstract: An improved air brake hose coupling member for a rail car including a pivotally mounted pawl. The pawl has a ramp for engaging another coupling member. The engagement causes the pawl to be raised to an unlocking position automatically during coupling of the members. The axis of rotation of the pawl is in a plane substantially parallel to an inner coupling face of the member and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a tubular body of the member. The coupling member also has a biasing element that causes the pawl to drop down into a locking position after coupling of the members is complete, thereby enabling the pawl to prevent undesired rotational decoupling of the members. A method for modifying existing non-locking coupling members with a pivotally mounted pawl.

Abstract: A one-piece overflow fitting is provided for a bathtub having a one piece overflow pipe. The one piece overflow pipe has an inverted L-shape having an elbow portion defining an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion has an outer end defining an inlet adapted to fit through a bathtub overflow port. Threads are located on an outer surface of the upper end portion and surround the inlet. A lip extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the overflow pipe between the elbow portion and the upper end portion to engage an outer surface of the bathtub end wall around the bathtub overflow port. A thin diaphragm is sealed to the outer end of the upper end portion to close the inlet to fluid flow.

Abstract: A pipe joint assembly includes a cylindrical pipe and a pipe element having a generally cylindrical terminal portion for receiving the end of the pipe. The terminal portion is formed with a roughly straight open ended channel extending in a direction tangential to, but intersecting, the cylindrical pipe. A lock pin is insertable along the open ended channel so as to cause local inward deformation of the end, thereby locking the end and the pipe element together. The lock pin has a parallel-sided shaft portion of minimum transverse dimension d and a tapered portion of length l tapering to a point, where l is no less than twice d and is no greater than four times d. This geometry facilitates insertion of the lock pin through a combined linear and rotational displacement which is highly effective for ensuring effecting and reliable interconnection.

Abstract: A pipe liner for lining an existing pipe. The pipe liner includes a first elongated portion of plastic material and a second portion extending from the elongated portion with a flexibility which is greater than the elongated portion. The additional flexibility assist the liner in its insertion through an existing pipe.

Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow conduit having a threaded end and an overflow cap threaded at one end extending through the overflow opening in the bathtub into threaded engagement with the threaded end of the conduit. The other end of the overflow cap has a test cap portion removably connected thereto for closing off an overflow passage through the overflow cap during pressure testing of the system. The test cap portion is removable from the other end of the overflow cap upon completion of the system pressure test to open up the overflow passage through the overflow cap.

Abstract: A break-away lock to secure a fire hydrant water meter to a fire hydrant so as to stop thieves and dishonest building contractors from removing the water meter from the fire hydrant. The break-away lock is advantageously adapted to permit the water meter to automatically separate from the fire hydrant in the event that a pulling force is applied to a water supply hose connected between a water tanker truck and the water meter to prevent a possible unearthing of the fire hydrant should the truck inadvertently pull away from the fire hydrant without first detaching the hose from the water meter. The break-away lock includes a swivel connected to the fire hydrant, a slide-out coupler, one end of which is connected to the water meter and the opposite end of which is slideably received by the swivel, and an outer clamping shell surrounding the swivel and slide-out coupler to deny unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A thermoformed PVC, modified PVC, CPVC, metal or coated metal cover, covering system and method is provided for covering assemblies of pipe and pipe insulation, hangers, support rods and mechanical assemblies wherein the assembly is biocide treated, covered by and completely enclosed by the cover, the cover is sealed in order to prevent bacteria growth within the cover while allowing a smooth outside surface for biocide application. The cover can be modified to facilitate the application of biocide after the assembly is covered by providing resealable openings in said cover.

Abstract: A breakaway joint for releasably connecting a first component to a second component, comprises a first member to which the first component is attached; a second member to which the second component is attached; a plurality of columnar members each having first and second ends, the first ends being coupled to the first member; and a mechanism engaged by both the second member and the second ends of the columnar members for latching the first member to the second member and for converting a tensile load acting between the first and second members into a compressive load acting on the columnar members; wherein when the tensile load reaches a predetermined level, the columnar members will buckle and the latching means will release the first member from the second member.

Abstract: A modular spa with an integrated manifold that has telescoping structure that permits easy insertion and length adjustment for installation between water inlet and outlet lines.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a connector assembly and a container for holding fluids. The connector assembly includes a first fitting defining a first aperture and a second fitting that is couplable to the first fitting and defines a second aperture. The container for holding fluids including a fitment, wherein one of the first and second fittings is directly coupled to the fitment.

Abstract: A fuel cell adapter system for a combustion tool which includes a housing enclosing a fuel metering valve. The fuel cell is provided with an adapter having a generally cylindrical nozzle and a base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell. The nozzle has a free end and defines a passageway. A frangible membrane is provided for blocking the passageway. The adapter also has a gripping formation that is configured for engagement with a latch, so that the adapter is accommodated in the housing in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch is disposed in the housing for releasably securing the adapter in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch includes a latch body having at least one locking tang movable between a closed position and an open position, and a release member for moving the locking tang to release said engagement with the adapter and permitting withdrawal of said fuel cell from said tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing aseptic/sterile connections including a substantially flexible, substantially transparent sterile barrier enclosing a terminal end of a conduit and a resilient, deformable support card which further includes an adhesive perimeter covered by a release paper and a rolling membrane with a continuous, removable, yieldable, flexible strip material is disclosed. A portion of the rolling membrane is removably adhered to the support card and overlies the end of said conduit. A force applied to the free end thereof withdraws the entire rolling membrane to expose the end of said conduit whereby an aseptic/sterile connection is achieved by adhering opposing support cards together, removing said rolling membrane thereby creating a sterile corridor between a first sterile barrier and a second sterile barrier, and mating the terminal end of a first conduit and a second conduit together.

Abstract: A pipe joint provided with a pipe joint main body having an insertion cylinder portion inserted to an end portion of a pipe to be connected, a seal member attached to a peripheral groove on the insertion cylinder portion, a clamp ring with a slit for fastening the end portion of the pipe outserted to the insertion cylinder portion with elastic fastening force, and a diameter-extension piece detachably held at the slit as to extend the clamp ring resisting the elastic force of the clamp ring and detached by contact with a forth end of the pipe.

Abstract: A frangible hose connector that has a knit line at the intended point of fracture, as opposed to a circumferential groove or notch. The knit line provides a break zone which has a lower tensile strength than that of the parent material, thereby providing that the connector is relatively easy to fracture. The connector also includes finger grips which makes breaking the connector easier. The finger grips provide that the connector is configured to be fractured via a twisting or torsion force, as opposed to a bending force. As such, the connector tends to break in a manner wherein fluid does not fling or spray. The connector is formed of plastic, and the knit line is created during the plastic injection molded process, wherein two mold fronts are “squared-up” and meet in the mold cavity to form the knit line.

Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow conduit having a threaded end and an overflow cap threaded at one end extending through the overflow opening in the bathtub into threaded engagement with the threaded end of the conduit. The other end of the overflow cap has a test cap portion removably connected thereto for closing off an overflow passage through the overflow cap during pressure testing of the system. The test cap portion is removable from the other end of the overflow cap upon completion of the system pressure test to open up the overflow passage through the overflow cap.

Abstract: A method of providing an internal circumferential shoulder in a cylindrical passageway including the steps of forming an enlarged internal diameter groove in the passageway, machining an integral unitary circumferential shoulder blank of external dimensions conforming to the groove, cutting the shoulder blank into at least segments, each segment having opposed end surfaces that match the end surfaces of adjacent segments, the opposed end surfaces of one segment being defined by parallel, spaced-apart planes forming a key segment, positioning the shoulder segments into the groove, the key segment being inserted last and securing the key segment within the groove.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting fluid lines having a unitary female body and a male coupling portion. The female body includes at least two passageways having frangible diaphragms. The male coupling portion includes at least two male coupling halves having frangible diaphragms. Cutting devices are positioned in the passageways of the female body. As the male coupling portion is moved toward the female body by a bracket and fastening device, the diaphragms are ruptured to allow fluid flow between the lines.

Abstract: In a structure for joining a first plastic part and a second plastic part, the first plastic part is composed of at least one resin such as polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), while the second plastic part is composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Between the two parts, a metamorphic polyethylene layer exhibiting a good joining property for both the first and second plastic parts is interposed to join the parts.

Abstract: A special fitting for installing a flanged nipple from the exterior of a duct. The threaded nipple has a handling stem formed integrally therewith, which is used to hold the nipple and flange inside the duct while a flexible cup seal washer is deformed and passed through the space between the handling stem and the duct. Thereafter, the fitting is drawn up with a nut and the handling stem cut off to provide a nipple.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling having a loop for receiving a connecting element. The loop includes a material reduction region. The material reduction region is formed as part of the loop such that the loop breaks at that region when placed under a pre-defined load. The coupling may be of fixed or swivel configuration. The material reduction region has dimensions less than the remainder of the loop such that-when the selected load is reached, the loop will break in that region. This design is particularly suited for those conditions when an underwater connecting element, such as a rope tied between an underwater lobster trap and a floating buoy, comes in contact with a marine animal. If the animal is of sufficient size, such as a whale, to apply the selected load to loop breakage, the connecting element will be released and the possibility of entanglement with the marine animal will be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A break-away lock to secure a fire hydrant water meter to a fire hydrant so as to stop thieves and dishonest building contractors from removing the water meter from the fire hydrant. The break-away lock is advantageously adapted to permit the water meter to automatically separate from the fire hydrant in the event that a pulling force is applied to a water supply hose connected between a water tanker truck and the water meter to prevent a possible unearthing of the fire hydrant should the truck inadvertently pull away from the fire hydrant without first detaching the hose from the water meter. The break-away lock includes a swivel connected to the fire hydrant, a slide-out coupler, one end of which is connected to the water meter and the opposite end of which is slideably received by the swivel, and an outer clamping shell surrounding the swivel and slide-out coupler to deny unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A floor flange apparatus for use with a plumbing fixture positioned on a floor surface includes a conduit section having a fixture end and a drain end and defining a bore therethrough. The conduit section is adapted to be coupled to a drain pipe proximate the drain end and to be coupled to a plumbing fixture proximate the fixture end for draining water from the plumbing fixture. A flange is positioned proximate the fixture end of the conduit, and the flange is configured to engage a plumbing fixture and couple the fixture to the conduit section. Elevation structures extend from the flange and are configured for interfacing with a floor surface to elevate the flange above the floor surface. At least a portion of the elevation structures are removably coupled with the flange for being selectively removed to allow the elevation of the flange to be selected.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a connector assembly and a container for holding fluids. The connector assembly includes a first fitting defining a first aperture and a second fitting that is couplable to the first fitting and defines a second aperture. The container for holding fluids including a fitment, wherein one of the first and second fittings is directly coupled to the fitment.

Abstract: A system for preferable use in gravel packing is disclosed which includes a plurality of transport tubes which are mounted outside of gravel pack screens. The multiplicity of shunt tubes cover a particular zone so that the tubes have a varying length to deposit gravel at different portions of the zone. The tops of the tubes are preferably sealed until ready for use and activated by applied pressure. In the preferred embodiment, rupture discs are found at the tops of each of the tubes, set for different pressures so as to open up the transport tubes to the lower most portion of a particular zone and later in sequence to the higher-most portion. The transport tubes are affixed to each section of pipe and are made up when two sections of pipe are made up to alignment marks. When the marks are aligned, the transport tube segments from each pipe section are in an aligned and sealed relation while the tool joint is properly torqued.

Abstract: A connection device includes a first connecting device and a second connecting device, which are interconnectible for the purpose of transferring an aseptic fluid. The first connecting device includes an injection needle and a protecting sleeve which has an orifice that can be punctured and which at least partially surrounds the needle and is displaceable relative thereto. The second connecting device includes a rubber-like part, which is penetratable by the needle and resealable when the needle is withdrawn.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting fluid lines having a unitary female body and a male coupling portion. The female body includes at least two passageways having frangible diaphragms. The male coupling portion includes at least two male coupling halves having frangible diaphragms. Cutting devices are positioned in the passageways of the female body. As the male coupling portion is moved toward the female body by a bracket and fastening device, the diaphragms are ruptured to allow fluid flow between the lines.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a connector assembly and a container. The connector assembly includes a first fitting defining a first aperture, a second fitting that is couplable to the first fitting and defines a second aperture, and a removable contamination containment layer sealing at least one of the first and second apertures. One of the first and second fittings is associated with the container.

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 pipe fitting comprises a fitting body with a longitudinal axis, having a pipe connection member for the sealed connection of a pipe and a thread for threadedly joining the fitting body to a connection unit, and a member on the fitting body to be driven by a tool, to which a tool for turning the fitting body about its longitudinal axis may be applied for threadedly joining the same to the connection unit. This fitting is provided with means between the tool engaging portion and the fitting body that limit the torque acting on the fitting body when the tool engaging portion is turned.

Abstract: A flange structure formed from a plurality of joined flange segments is provided. The joined flange segments form a generally circular opening for a conduit. The flange structure can be connected to a substrate by fasteners extending through two oval shaped openings connecting the two forces. At least one shim is attached to the flange segments through narrow bridge connections which can be fractured by hand or with a hand held tool.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a connector element used to connect lengths of tubing, cannulas and catheters, to a second connector element. The connector element has a conduit for conveying a flowing medium, a shut-off element by which the conduit can be sealed off, and an portion for accommodating a puncture element movable relative to the shut-off element, which is designed to open the shut-off element when the connection is established. The connector element is simple to manufacture and ensures a reliable connection, because the shut-off element is of the same material and is integral with the connector element.

Abstract: A casing slip joint has been invented that has a first tubular casing member disposed around and releasably connected to a second casing member, the second casing member within and surrounded by the first casing member. Self-destructive shear screws according to the present invention releasably hold the first casing member to the second casing member. In one aspect, a shear screw according to this invention has an outer shear screw with a central recess and an inner member therein. In one aspect the outer shear screw is made of one metal and the inner screw is made of another so that contact by a well fluid sets up a galvanic cell that produces stress corrosion cracking in the outer shear screw that weakens it and/or destroys it. The propagation of such cracks is facilitated by placing one or more notches or recesses in the body of the components.

Abstract: A connector permits separation of a submergible pumping system from its deployment system. The connector includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly that are connected by shear screws. A hydraulic separation mechanism is used to shear the shear screws and separate the upper and lower assemblies from a remote location.

Abstract: A fitting and attachment assembly including a connector having a conventional proximal end and a distal end having a barbed portion thereon; said distal end being mateable with fluid delivery tubing. The mating end portion of said tubing including a separable annular collar in abutting relationship with the end of said tubing and a severable heat-shrinkable sleeve positioned externally of said tubing. A mechanism is further provided for severing said sleeve.

Abstract: A masonry lead-in fixture having a housing (2; 102) including an axially extending through bore (10; 110), a radially protruding attachment flange (4; 104) provided at least at one end of the housing (2; 102), and a mass (11; 111) intumescible in case of a fire, with the mass (11, 111) limiting the bore (10; 110) at least regionwise and closing the bore (10; 110) upon being intumesced, and a substantially disc-shaped partition (12; 112) located in the housing (2; 102) and which elastically and springy extends over an entire inner diameter of the bore (10, 110) and has a predetermined breaking area which is broken through upon pipe cable or the like being pushed therethrough.

Abstract: A coiled tubing drilling hydraulic disconnect for use in disconnecting a tool from a length of tubing or other tool string. The apparatus has an upper housing and a lower housing with a splined ring threadingly engaged with the lower housing. A spline in the splined ring engages a spline on the upper housing so that torque may be transmitted therebetween. Lugs are disposed through windows in the lower housing below the splines, and a bushing is disposed between the splined ring and the lugs. Relative rotation between the upper and lower housings causes the splined ring to tighten against the bushing and lugs, thereby eliminating play therebetween. A lug prop disposed in the upper housing may be hydraulically actuated so that the lugs may move to a disconnect position, thereby releasing the upper housing from the lower housing. Because the windows are disposed below the splines, no torque or bending are applied to the windows, and the windows and lugs are shaped to minimize stress concentrations.

Abstract: An in-line bell pipe is provided, formed by joining at least two corrugated sections of pipe having a male portion and a female portion to connect the corrugated sections. Each corrugated section has a plurality of first corrugations having a crest and a valley, with the distance between the crest and valley of the first corrugations being a first distance. The male portion of each corrugated section has at least one second corrugation and one third corrugation, with each second corrugation and each third corrugation having a respective crest and valley and with the distance between the respective crests and valleys being a second distance and a third distance respectively. The second distance and the third distance each are less than the first distance. The crest of the third corrugation also has a recessed area that accommodates a sealing element, with the sealing element being retained the recessed area and the female portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disconnect which has the internal integrity to make it as strong as the rest of the drill string. The present invention can disconnect when desired, despite the fact that the apparatus is at that time subjected to significant tensile or compressive loads. The invention allows for disconnection by alternative methods. Accordingly, in one version of the tool, a ball can be dropped or pumped to a seat to facilitate disconnection. In another version of the tool, that may employ an internal wireline precluding the use of a ball, disconnection can be accomplished by compression of a stack of Bellville washers, in response to a tensile force, to release a collet-locking mechanism. Either design features a rotational locking component.