Abstract: A hose includes a tubular section having an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube forms a liner for the outer tube. Apart from being connected by connecting means near both ends of the tubular section, the inner tube is unconnected to said outer tube.

Abstract: A fuel line coupling component (e.g., for aircraft fuel lines) allow for axial, rotational and radial displacements. The fuel line coupling component includes outer and inner tubular members with each having coaxially aligned pairs of coaxially sleeved tubular sections that are coaxially displaceable relative to one another. A pair of terminal end connectors includes a journalled connection assembly with the respective opposed distal ends of the outer and inner tubular members to thereby allow simultaneous rotational movements of the outer and inner tubular members about a longitudinal axis thereof and simultaneous radial displacements of outer an inner tubular members relative to a reference plane. C-clamps associated with fuel tank fittings and band clamps allow coupling of the fuel line coupling component to the fuel tank fittings and thereby fluid-connect aircraft fuel tanks (e.g., the aircraft main and auxiliary fuel tanks).

Abstract: Axle assembly includes first and second axle housings extending toward opposing sides of a vehicle frame with the axle housings aligned to define an axle axis, first and second wheel ends, first and second drive shafts disposed within the first and second axle housings, a gearbox having a first surface facing one side of the vehicle frame and a second surface facing the other side of the vehicle frame with the gearbox cantilevered outwardly relative to the aligned axle housings to define a gearbox axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame and transverse to the axle axis, and an electric motor coupled to the second surface of the gearbox and extending toward the first side of the vehicle frame to define a motor axis that is parallel to and offset from the axle axis, transverse to the gearbox axis, and transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female quick connector and a male member, wherein the male member has a latching element, a sealing section and a tip, wherein the sealing section is disposed between the latching element and the tip. The quick connector includes a retainer having at least one retaining element. The male member is in a latching position if the latching element is latched onto the at least one retaining element. The quick connector includes a verifier which is axially movable along a verification path, wherein the verification path comprises at least one locking position and at least one releasing position. The verifier in the locking position limits a movement of a section of the retainer in radial direction, so that the retainer is not actuatable in the locking position but actuatable in the releasing position of the verifier.

Abstract: A pipe assembly is provided, the pipe assembly comprising a first pipe having a side opening on a side surface of the first pipe. A plate in the first pipe is arranged adjacent to the side opening and at an angle relative to a radial axis of the first pipe such that a first side of the plate may be lower than a second side. A vent hole may be proximal the side opening on the side surface of the first pipe.

Abstract: A wastewater tank arrangement for an aircraft, including a wastewater tank and a drain pipe having a first end and an opposite second end, the drain pipe fastened with its first end to the wastewater tank and having a second end for connection to a service panel in the aircraft structure. Providing a wastewater tank arrangement can effectively compensate tolerances between the wastewater tank and the service panel, and can effectively compensate installation and manufacturing tolerances during the course of the initial installation, in that the wastewater tank arrangement has a tolerance compensation device configured to connect the second end of the drain pipe to the service panel and compensate tolerances between the second end of the drain pipe and the service panel.

Abstract: A connector system for an aircraft, for connecting a hose line, includes a skin panel which has a clearance which extends between an external face and an internal face, a primary part which on the clearance is disposed on an internal side of the skin panel that is defined by the internal face, a cover mounted on the primary part and movable between a closing position in which the cover covers the clearance of the skin panel, and an opening position in which the cover releases the clearance of the skin panel, and a tubular connector port mounted on the primary part and movable between a storage position in which the connector port is disposed on the internal side of the skin panel, and a use position in which the connector port projects beyond the external face of the skin panel.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein. A medical instrument, such as an endoscope, may be placed into the sterilization tray, and the sterilization tray with the medical instrument disposed therein may be placed into a vacuum chamber of a sterilization system. The sterilization tray may also be used to transport the medical instrument to and from a point of care. Sterilization is performed with the instrument in the base component and the lid component disposed atop the base component. Transportation is performed with the instrument in the lid component and the base component disposed atop the lid component.

Abstract: An improved coupling system for joining two items together, typically in the form of copper pipes, to other copper pipes, or in the form of other fittings, includes a pair of flange couplings, each of which is independently secured to one of the items to be joined together so that when the two flange couplings are securely joined to each other by suitable fasteners received through fastening apertures in the two flange couplings, the two items are sealingly joined to one another to form a substantially water tight junction. The improvement being that the bare metal parts of the ferrous components of the coupling are coated with a protective coating, such as a copper coating, so that there is no direct contact between two dissimilar metals thereby inhibiting or preventing corrosion of the metal components of the coupling due to electrolytic or galvanic action arising from direct contact between the two dissimilar metals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member is comprised of a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member.

Abstract: A refrigerant connection structure for an air conditioner is disclosed. The refrigerant connection structure for the air conditioner includes a connection member connected with a heat exchanger, an external refrigerant pipe connected with the connection member, the external refrigerant pipe formed of a different material from a material used to form the connection member, and a coupling member which connects the connection member and the external refrigerant pipe with each other, wherein an contact area between the external refrigerant pipe and the coupling member is configured to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: A threaded joint has an interference between thread roots of the pin and thread crests of the box of between 1% and 5% of the average thickness of the connection, and a root to load flank radius R in the range of 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. In other embodiments the interference can be between thread roots of the box and thread crests of the pin. The threaded joint can also have a surface treatment that includes shot peening applied to the beginning and end of the threaded zone of the pin.

Abstract: A threaded component for connecting piping employed on motor vehicles includes a thread formed thereon and at least one unthreaded, contacting surface. A first coating having a first coefficient of friction is disposed on at least a portion of the thread, and a second coating having a second coefficient of friction is disposed on at least a portion of the unthreaded, contacting surface(s) of the threaded component. The first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction. In an embodiment an anti-corrosion coating is provided between the coatings and the component.

Abstract: A tubular assembly comprising a first iron based tubular having a first non-cladded inner surface; and a second iron based tubular having a second non-cladded inner surface, wherein the first tubular is connected to the second tubular using a non-iron based bonding material. Preferably, the non-iron based bonding material has a lower crack growth rate than the iron based tubulars.

Abstract: A rectangular parallelepipedal joint for use in fluid control apparatus comprises in its entirety two divided members which are a grooved connecting member having a groove in its center and provided in portions thereof on respective opposite sides of the groove with bolt holes each having a stepped portion for receiving therein a joint attaching bolt without permitting the head thereof to project from the joint and with female screw portions for respective male screw members to be screwed in for attaching an apparatus component; and a flat rectangular parallelepipedal communication member fitting in the groove of the connecting member and provided only with a U-shaped communication channel. The connecting member is made of stainless steel, while the communication member is made of polyamide 6. A positioning protrusion is formed on a bottom face defining the groove of the connecting member and is fitted in a positioning recessed portion formed in the bottom surface of the communication member.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing a plumbing manifold for use in a water system in which the manifold after molding is subjected to cross-linking high energy radiation. The manifold is made by polyethylene or a metallocene polyethylene.

Abstract: Industrial tools having an outer diameter surface protected from abrasion due to silicious materials present in the Earth's crust by a layer of a hard-facing alloy with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided. Additionally, a process for applying the hard-facing alloy to the surface of the industrial tools is described.

Abstract: Fuel port structure (10) of a fuel pump (20) includes a fuel port (12) having a periphery (14), an internal portion defining a fuel passage (16), and a free end (18). An electrically conductive grounding structure (22) has a first portion (24) disposed at least partially within the fuel passage and a second portion (26) extending from the free end. A fuel delivery tube (28) is coupled to the periphery of the fuel port at the free end thereof. The fuel delivery tube has an electrically conductive portion (30) in contact with the second portion of the grounding structure to provide a discharge path for static electricity created when fuel flows through the fuel passage.

Abstract: A composite reinforced line pipe is manufactured by aligning first and second pipe segments each having a composite reinforcement wrapped circumferentially about a core, attaching the line pipes at a cut-back portion of their exposed core, wrapping a joint tape circumferentially about the cut-back portion, wrapping a resin reinforcement tape circumferentially about the joint tape, and curing the joint tape and resin reinforcement tape.

Abstract: A tube fitting capable of absorbing vibration and shock resulting from a high pressure fluid passing through the tube fitting while it is used includes a connection head, a connection nipple, and an intermediate connection member. The connection head and the connection nipple are provided with an annular collar projecting from an end surface of the connection head and the connection nipple. The connection head, the connection nipple and the intermediate connection member are joined by inserting the annular collars into both ends of the intermediate connection member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in identifying or distinguishing at least one substance or article associated with the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a translucent body and an identification formation. The translucent body is for defining or engaging an opening. The identification formation is embedded in the translucent body in a predetermined relationship with the opening. At least one characteristic of the identification band is visible through the translucent body.

Abstract: Glass modules for use in the assembly of equipment, installations and for pipe works, the surfaces of which are entirely or partially coated with a conductive coating, in particular from transparent conductive polymers for the purpose of reducing surface resistance, their use, as well as the equipment, installation and pipe works made therefrom.

Abstract: A first flange and a second flange are superposed and fastened with a bolt and a nut in a fastening operation, to implement a fastening structure used at temperature lower than atmospheric temperature for the fastening operation. Assuming that the first flange has a thickness L1 and a coefficient of linear expansion &agr;1, the second flange has a thickness L2 and a coefficient of linear expansion &agr;2, superposed first flange and second flange have a thickness L, and the bolt has a coefficient of linear expansion &agr;, a relation of L·&agr;≧L1·&agr;1+L2·&agr;2 is satisfied, i.e. heat shrinkage of the bolt is not smaller than the total heat shrinkage of the first and second flanges. Thus, impairment of sealing property due to heat shrinkage is avoided at a flange junction used at low temperature.

Abstract: A coupler for joining an aluminum conduit to a steel or stainless steel conduit is described and which includes a main body which is formed from a first layer of aluminum and a layer of steel or an iron-chromium alloy which are explosively welded together, and wherein the main body has a first aluminum surface, and an opposite, second steel or iron-chromium alloy surface, and wherein the aluminum conduit is welded to the first aluminum surface, and the steel or stainless steel conduit is welded to the second steel or iron-chromium surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at an exhaust flange assembly comprising flanges formed by powder metallurgical methods for attachment to exhaust pipes. The first flange preferably comprising a first surface having a cavity and a pipe attachment surface opposite the first surface. The second flange comprises a sealing surface having a shape complementary to the cavity of the first flange and a pipe attachment surface opposite the sealing surface.

Abstract: A tube fitting capable of absorbing vibration and shock resulting from a high pressure fluid passing through the tube fitting while it is used includes a connection head, a connection nipple, and an intermediate connection member. The connection head and the connection nipple are provided with an annular collar projecting from an end surface of the connection head and the connection nipple. The connection head, the connection nipple and the intermediate connection member are joined by inserting the annular collars into both ends of the intermediate connection member.

Abstract: A percussive drilling component includes a cylindrical male screw thread formed of a steel material. The thread includes thread crests and thread roots interconnected by thread flanks. To protect the thread against corrosion, the thread is coated with a material having a higher electrode potential than the steel material. The coating is situated at least in regions located radially inwardly of the thread flanks. The male screw thread can be attached to a female screw thread of another percussive drilling component, the female screw thread also being coated with the material.

Abstract: A self-flaring fitting assembly for semi-flexible, convoluted tubes or pipes is provided. The inventive fitting assembly, which basically comprises an adaptor, a nut, and a split bushing assembly, eliminates the need for sealing gaskets, is reusable, and further facilitates the ease and speed of installation of semi-flexible piping systems. When used with jacketed tubing, the present inventive fitting assembly is capable of both preventing the undesirable movement of the jacket during installation and assembly and of reducing or eliminating exposure of the tubing located within the fitting assembly to contaminants or corrosive materials found in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A flexible entry boot assembly provides a fluid-tight fitting between a wall of a fluid containment region and a conduit passing through the wall. The flexible entry boot assembly comprises a seal member disposed within the containment region. A securing plate, disposed within the containment region, is releasably mounted to the seal member. A hollow support sleeve, integral with the seal member, extends axially into the containment region. The support sleeve has an outer surface and an inner, conduit receiving surface, and further has a degree of flexibility sufficient to allow for the insertion of the conduit at angles equal to or other than an angle normal to the fluid containment wall while maintaining a fluid-tight environment. The flexible boot assembly further comprises a mechanism for releasably attaching the hollow support sleeve to the conduit. A flexible, corrosion resistant sealing ring member is disposed outside the containment region.

Abstract: A rotary joint comprises: a joint main body constructed of a casing (1) and a housing (3); and, a rotary body (8) inserted in the joint main body and rotatably mounted therein. In the joint: a part of an outer peripheral surface of the rotary body (8) serves as a corresponding inner race of a sliding bearing; and, the sliding bearing rotatably supports the rotary body (8), and constructed of the corresponding inner race (11) and a corresponding outer race (10) incorporated in the housing (3). The sliding bearing (10, 11) may be constructed of: a plurality of units of thin-width sliding bearings; or, a single unit of a thick-width sliding bearing. A pin (12) is pounded into the joint and engaged with both the outer race (10) and the housing (3), whereby the outer race (10) is prevented from rotating in operation.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved connector for attaching flexible metallic and non-metallic conduit to electrical panel or junction boxes. The improved connector comprises a two pieces. The first piece comprises a metallic cylindrical inner body section, having an integral collar extending from the metallic cylindrical inner body section. The outer circumference of the inner body section has threads at one end thereof for grabbing the interior surface of the flexible conduit and pulling it toward the collar, while the other end of the metallic cylindrical inner body is equipped with external threads for engagement with an electrical panel or junction box. The second piece comprises a non-metallic resilient seat member or ferrule friction fit onto the conduit engaging end of the metallic cylindrical inner body that is engaged by the conduit end as the conduit is threaded onto the cylindrical inner body.

Abstract: A molded nipple connection system for permanently molding a metal nipple within a plastic container that is not susceptible to expansion/contraction forces incurred by the plastic container. The inventive device includes a metal nipple having a threaded end or a cincture surrounded end, a lumen, an immersion end positioned within the plastic during molding, and a plurality of openings adjacent the immersion end. The plurality of openings allow the liquefied plastic during molding to project through the exterior surface of the metal nipple into the lumen of the metal nipple where it is joined with liquefied plastic within the lumen of the metal nipple. After hardening of the plastic, the mold is removed and the metal nipple is captured within the plastic container because of the plastic-securing loop created through the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings are preferably slots, however they may comprise various other well-known shapes.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting pipes having unprofiled end sections includes an elastomeric sealing gasket for holding the unprofiled pipe end sections in a sealed manner. A clamping clip surrounds the sealing gasket. The clamping clip includes a clip strap having a first end and a second end. A first clamping jaw is formed at the first end. A second clamping jaw is formed at the second end. The clamping jaws are drawn together by a tensioning device. The clip strap has radially inwardly directed projecting flanges on each of its axial ends. A first C-shaped clamping ring and a second C-shaped clamping ring are each disposed between the sealing gasket and one of the flanges. Each of the C-shaped clamping rings are supported on a radially inner side of the clip strap. Each of the C-shaped clamping rings have projections projecting from its radially inner face and, when said clip strap is tensioned, the projections of the C-shaped rings engage in the pipe material.

Abstract: A pipe connection includes a pipe having a smooth-ended end portion pushed onto a sleeve-like region of a fitting. The fitting includes a stop at one end of the sleeve-like region. A seal is arranged between the sleeve-like region of the fitting and the pipe. The pipe and the fitting are formed from a plastically deformable metal. A bead like deformation formed using an externally applied pressing tool axially secured the pipe and the fitting to one another. The deformation encompasses the pipe and the fitting and is located at a small enough distance from a free end of the sleeve-like region of the fitting so that the seal in this location is included in the deformation.

Abstract: A heavy weight drill pipe member is disclosed for use in drilling high angle and horizontal well bores in a corrosive environment. The heavy weight drill pipe member consists of a tubular member with a longitudinal bore therethrough, and includes connectors or tool joints attached at each distal end for connecting additional heavy weight drill pipe members. The tubular member and tool joints are preheated, water quenched and tempered to obtain a unique combination of hardness, a yield strength and impact strength for improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement in a hydrogen sulfide environment. The tubular member includes a plurality of wear pads or protectors equidistantly spaced along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member to reduce bending stress in the pipe by limiting the degree of bend when the pipe is placed in compression in a high angle well bore.

Abstract: A rust-resistant cylindrical metal sleeve for preventing rust and corrosion from developing around the wall of a branch hole when the sleeve is rigidly fitted into a branch hole that is drilled through the wall of a metal conduit such as a water pipeline. The sleeve has a projecting portion on its outer circumference and an inner flange portion inwardly projecting at its lower end. The metal sleeve on its outer circumference is coated with a water-absorbing swelling rubber into which a synthetic resin rubber and a water-absorbing polymer are blended. Preferably, 100 parts by weight of styrene-butadiene rubber or ethylene-propylene-dienemetylene linkage rubber is blended with 10 to 40 parts by weight of the water-absorbing polymer. Since the water-absorbing swelling rubber increases its volume as it absorbs water, pressure in the rubber increases, preventing water ingress through between the metal sleeve and the wall of the branch hole.

Abstract: A first quick-coupling part can be brought into interaction with a second quick-coupling part via an interaction portion. The quick-coupling parts are held together with locking members. The interaction portion is designed with a surface layer which brings about an essentially crack-free flexibility for the locking members in spite of high actuating forces. One or more underlying layer(s) has (have) greater hardness than the surface layer, and the combination of said layers gives the necessary resistance against high media pressure.

Abstract: A fume exhaust duct joint, a clamping collar for clamping two cylindrical dual-laminate duct sections joined by an internal slip collar, and a method for assembling the joint. A first embodiment of the clamping collar has two clamp portions each including a metal outer skin spot-welded to a metal inner skin. The inner skins have bifurcated protrusions whose bifurcations penetrate the duct section outer surfaces when the collar is tightened, and, optionally, two circumferential beads of fire retardant caulking. The inner skins and slip collar are bonded to duct section surfaces using a putty-like sealant including a settable admixture of curing agent and novolac epoxy resin. A second embodiment of the clamping collar, preferred for duct sections 3-inches in diameter or smaller, has a single circumferential clamp portion.

Abstract: A welded material composed of welded ferritic stainless steel in which the outermost surface of the welded part contains a chromium oxide surface containing no iron oxides.

Abstract: A pipe couple is shown for connecting two pipelines of different materials together in a well environment which prevents deterioration of the pipe due to galvanic action. The couple achieves its purpose by coating the interior of the more noble pipe section with a wear-resistant, non-conductive coating which prevents electrolytic action between the two dissimilar metals. It also achieves high pullout resistance while maintaining minimum outer dimensions to facilitate use of the couple in all types of wells including oil, gas and waste injection wells.

Abstract: A sliding part has a film of an Ag-In alloy comprising 25 to 35 wt. % of In and the balance Ag and inevitable impurities and formed on a surface of a stainless steel main body thereof which surface is slidable on other stainless steel part. The Ag-In alloy has a close-packed hexagonal crystal structure of .zeta. phase.

Abstract: A bell and spigot slip-joint assembly comprises: a spigot having an end and a circumferential flange ring integral with the spigot and which radially and outwardly extends from the spigot, the flange ring being spaced from the spigot end to define a spigot end portion extending between the flange ring and the spigot end; a tubular member having an enlarged bell end for receiving therein the spigot end portion; a gasket ring tightly received between the exterior surface of the spigot end portion and the interior surface of the bell end; a first restraint ring positioned around the spigot on the side of the flange ring opposite the spigot end portion and contacting or closely adjacent to the flange ring, the first restraint ring having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the flange ring; a second restraint ring positioned around the tubular member contacting or closely adjacent to the bell end and having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the bell end; and connecting means for

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling comprised of a male coupling adapted to mate with a female coupling, the female coupling forming a passageway to receive the male coupling, and locking means for retaining the male coupling in said female coupling. The locking means being comprised of a locking lever pivotably mounted to the female coupling and having a cooperating projection adapted to extend through the coupling into the passageway to engage an annular cavity of the male coupling to maintain the male coupling into a mating relationship with the female coupling when the locking lever is in a closed position. The male and female couplings are provided with a reinforced annular rim, the reinforced annular rim of the male coupling extends radially of the coupling at a mid-portion thereof.

Abstract: A tubular drill pipe section to be used in a well bore is disclosed. The drill pipe section includes upper and lower tool joints, a main steel tubular portion extending upwardly from the lower joint and terminating near the upper tool joint, and an elongated steel protector tube extending downwardly from the upper tool joint and secured to the upper end of the main portion. The main portion has a much lesser wall thickness throughout substantially its entire length than the protector tube. The protector tube is made of AISI 4100 series chrome-molly steel that is quenched and tempered to give it high strength and high hardness (30-38 HR.sub.c) with a Martensite small, close knit, grain size. This hard material reduces the penetration of the slip teeth into the wall of the pipe section and increases the fatigue life of the protector to beyond that of the main steel tubular portion.

Abstract: A connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system that has a metal conduit section with a first hardness, a metal fitting member with a second hardness greater than the first hardness of the conduit section, and a metallic reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the conduit section and the fitting member to sealingly attach the conduit section and fitting member together. The metal conduit section has a first end, a second end, and a flow path between the first and second ends. The metal fitting member has a rear face proximate to the second end of the conduit section, a front face facing away from the rear face, and an opening between the front and rear faces aligned with the flow path of the conduit section. The reaction-inhibiting member also has an aperture aligned with the flow path of the conduit section and the opening of the fitting member.

Abstract: A mechanical joint tube assembly and method of creating the same is disclosed for providing an improved fluid fitting assembly. A fitting having a primary tapered bore is forced onto a tube that has a larger diameter. The tube is radially contracted in certain portions and is radially expanded in other portions of the fitting in order to create a plurality of compression seals. A collar of the fitting is crimped around the bead that is formed in the tube in order to provide an additional compression seal and means for retaining the tube within the fitting. Alternative forms of the primary bore in the fitting includes a hexagonal shaped configuration, a splined shaped configuration and a slotted collar configuration for enhancing retention of the tube within the fitting. A unique method of manufacturing is used to make these tube fitting assemblies.

Abstract: The invention comprises a non-weld coupling and method adapted to connect two conduits. The conduits may be pipes, hoses, valves or the like and may be cylindrical, rectangular or the like, in shape. The first embodiment relates to conduits where there may be a degree of misalignment therebetween and which the coupling is adapted to accommodate. In this first embodiment, the coupling comprises a seal flange, seal block and seal ring. The flange, block and ring have mating surfaces defining a radius of curvature which permit the components to be pivoted and rotated relative to the pipe while still maintaining a fluid or air tight fit therebetween. The second embodiment relates to the coupling of two conduit segments in substantial alignment.

Abstract: A thread coupling for percussive drilling has a first drill string element (2) with an internal thread (3) and a second drill string element (6) with a spigot (7) which is provided with an external thread (8) for cooperation with the internal thread (3). A contact surface (10) on the second drill string element (6) is lined with a wear resistant additional material which covers 50-100%, preferably, 50-90%, of the contact surface. The wear resistant material is preferably a stellite which has been applied by means of plasma welding, or is a ring which has been soldered to the contact surface.

Abstract: FIG. 2A shows an alignment and sealing arrangement for connecting two non-gender opposed conduit parts (20) and (20'). Seal (22) is captured by two opposed seal protrusions (20C) and (20C') residing on conduit part's end. Bore (18A) of alignment element (18) closely receives opposed alignment protrusions located on conduit parts' end. The alignment protrusions are substantially referenced to their respective passageways. Axial force is applied to displace opposed conduit parts toward one another to cause seal protrusions to compress seal, drawing conduit parts' passageways (20E) and (20E') into an aligned relation, and reducing adjacent mating faces into approximate flush relation with one intersection (30). This coupling has one seal removed from direct contact with media, eliminates any appreciable media entrapment space, and desirably reduces flow disturbance along passageways of conduits.

Abstract: A countertop decontamination unit (A) has a decontamination chamber (10) which contains items to be sterilized, disinfected, or otherwise microbially decontaminated. A catheter (60) has an initial curve shape (62A). However, the catheter (60) is straightened in use and returns to a shape (62B). During a decontamination cycle, one or more porous clips (64) are disposed into frictional contact with the catheter. The clip (64) holds the catheter in the initial or undersized shape (62A) during the decontamination process. In the decontamination process, the decontamination fluid is heated at least to a temperature that resets the shape memory of the catheter (e.g., 40.degree.-60.degree. C.). The clip (64) has a sufficient porosity that microbial decontamination fluid penetrates through the clip to wet portions of the item surface in frictional contact with the clip assuring total microbial decontamination of the catheter.