Abstract: Some connector assemblies include a female connector having a sidewall extending between first and second ends to define an interior channel, the sidewall having a cylindrical inner surface, and a plurality of lugs extending from and disposed circumferentially along the inner surface, and a male connector having a sidewall extending between first and second ends to define an interior channel, the sidewall having a cylindrical outer surface, and a plurality of lugs extending from and disposed circumferentially along the outer surface, wherein the male connector is configured to be coupled to the female connector such that the sidewall of the male connector is received through the first end of and into the interior channel of the female connector, and at least one of the lugs of the male connector is disposed between at least one of the lugs of the female connector and the second end of the female connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved safety cam lock fitting having ergonomically designed double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on the inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space therein between. Various lever locking assemblies may be used to prevent the cam levers from being inadvertently opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved safety cam lock fitting having side by side double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on the inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space therein between. A lever latching mechanism may be used to prevent the cam levers from being inadvertently opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved safety cam lock fitting having double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on the inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space therein between. Various lever locking assemblies may be used to prevent the cam levers from being inadvertently opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved safety cam lock fitting having double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on the inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space therein between. Various configurations of the cam portions relative to each other are provided. Various lever locking assemblies may be used to prevent the cam levers from being inadvertently opened.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly connects to and establishes fluid communication with a male end port. The quick connector assembly includes a female component and an internal clip carried by the female component. The quick connector assembly receives the male end port in a single predetermined rotational orientation for retaining the male end port and the quick connector assembly non-rotatable receives the male end port.

Abstract: A push-on coaxial cable connector includes a port grip, a joint, and a cable clamp.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning assembly includes a fluid conditioning device defining a passage and having a first end and a second end. A control element is supported within the passage. At least the first end includes an integral radially outwardly directed flange. The integral radially outwardly directed flange is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to a first radially outwardly directed flange of a first duct section. A technician may release the fluid conditioning device from the first duct section to remove the fluid conditioning device from the ventilation duct system for accessing the control element of the fluid conditioning device.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a floor surface includes a recovery tank having a lower portion, an air/liquid separator for separating liquid from air in a debris-containing fluid, and a mechanical coupling removably coupling the air/liquid separator to the lower portion of the recovery tank, wherein the mechanical coupling permits selective detachment of the air/liquid separator from the recovery tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an improved cam lock fitting having cooperating double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on a fork shaped inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space thereinbetween.

Abstract: A threaded coupling wherein external threads of the male body of the male coupling half are in mating engagement with internal threads of the female sleeve of the female coupling half. The female sleeve includes an interior hook and the male body includes a locking lever receptacle recessed therein. The locking lever pivotally resides in the receptacle and interlocks circumferentially spaced recesses in the generally cylindrically-shaped hook of the female sleeve uniting the male and female. A tensioning O-ring secures the locking lever to the male body. A locking sleeve extends circumferentially about the male body and prohibits the release of the hook of the female sleeve from a recess in the locking lever unless a window is aligned with the locking lever. A process for locking the threaded coupling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radio frequency interference (RFI) and grounding shield for a coaxial cable connector is disclosed. The shield comprises a circular inner segment and at least one arcuately shaped pre-formed cantilevered annular beam attached to the circular inner segment by a joining segment. The at least one pre-formed cantilevered annular beam extends angularly from a plane of the circular inner segment. The at least one pre-formed cantilevered annular beam applies a spring-force to a surface of the surface of a component of the coaxial cable connector establishing an electrically conductive path between the components. The at least one pre-formed cantilevered annular beam comprises an outer surface with a knife-like edge that provides a wiping action of surface oxides on component surfaces of the coaxial cable connector and allows for unrestricted movement when the coaxial cable connector is attached to an equipment connection port of an appliance.

Abstract: A connector with a connection verifying mechanism is made with a relatively small number of components, and to reduce movement of a locking member that undetachably fixes a counterpart for size reduction. The connector (1) includes a housing (3) having an insertion hole (4) into which a pipe (2) is inserted, a locking member (5) that is attached to the housing and driven from an initial position to a locked position by the pipe to undetachably fix the pipe at the locked position and an identifying member (6) that is provided in the housing and has display pieces (74, 74) that differ from the locking member in color, and the locking member shield the display pieces at the initial position and exposes the display pieces at the locked position.

Abstract: A threaded coupling wherein external threads of the male body of the male coupling half are in mating engagement with internal threads of the female sleeve of the female coupling half. The female sleeve includes an interior hook and the male body includes a locking lever receptacle recessed therein as well as first and second slots for receiving first and second pins of the locking lever. The locking lever pivotally resides in the receptacle and interlocks with the hook of the female sleeve uniting the male and female. A tensioning O-ring secures the locking lever to the male body. A locking sleeve extends circumferentially about the male body and prohibits the release of the hook of the female sleeve from a recess in the locking lever unless a window is aligned with the locking lever. A process for locking the threaded coupling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for using a fire engine hose connector system is reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.

Abstract: A cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes an actuatable lever having a head pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler, an angularly positioning member coupled to be turned with the head, and leading and trailing releasably retaining members independently disposed on at least one of the head and the angularly positioning member such that, during turning of the actuatable lever to an unlocked position, the trailing releasably retaining member can be held in partially locking engagement with a male tubular coupler to prevent complete removal of the male tubular coupler from the female tubular coupler while permitting gradual relief of internal pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device (10) adapted for transmitting pressurized fluids, comprising a pipe end (30) delimiting an inner flow channel (38) for a fluid, an end body (20) including an inner cavity isolated from the inner flow channel (38), and displacement means (40) for moving the pipe (30) in the body (20) between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. These displacement means (40) comprise a pivot (50), an off-centered member (60), a connecting rod (70) and a rear housing formed in the body (20), defining a first articulation diameter (?1) between the pivot (50) and the off-centered member (60) around a first axis (A1), a second articulation diameter (?2) between the off-centered member (60) and the connecting rod member (70) around a second axis (A2), and a third articulation diameter (?3) between the connecting rod (70) and the rear housing around a third axis (A3).

Abstract: A home appliance, such as a dishwasher, and a method of assembling a home appliance includes a basin with an integrally formed hose lock. The hose lock includes a slot component and a tab connected to the slot component by way of a living hinge. When the living hinge is bent, a slot in the slot component is closed-off by the tab to secure a hose in the slot component.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A connector system for use with a fire engine that includes quick disconnect connectors for connecting a water supply such as a fire hydrant to an inlet on the fire engine. Quick disconnect connectors are attached to existing inlets on the fire engine or onto existing fitting on a fire hydrant or on both. The fittings include valves positioned such that a fire hose may be charged with water from the hydrant and connected or disconnected from the fire engine inlet without first draining the hose.

Abstract: A connector for use with a coupled first hose and second hose, the second hose including a hose fastener is provided including a connector body configured to mount to a first hose end. An arm extends generally perpendicularly from the connector body. A front side of the arm has a first end arranged at an angle to the arm. The first end of the arm is configured to engage a portion of the hose fastener. A back side of the arm has a biasing mechanism extending therefrom. The arm is pivotally mounted to the connector.

Abstract: Systems for coupling tubes, pipes, conduits, ducts, and the like. In at least some embodiments, a coupling assembly includes a sleeve, a retaining member having an angled end surface, and a locking member. A tube is positioned through the locking member, the retaining member, and into the sleeve. In a first position, a first portion of the locking member contacts an angled end surface of the retaining member, and a second portion of the locking member is spaced apart from the angled end surface. The locking member is then tilted into a second position wherein the second portion is relatively closer to the angled end surface to securely engage the locking member with the tube, and the locking member is then secured in the tilted (or second) position relative to the sleeve, thereby securing the tube within the sleeve.

Abstract: A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes a housing configured for receiving at least part of the end portion of the pipe into the housing, and an insert member disposed at least partly within the housing. The insert member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe when at least part of the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing. A retention member is movable relative to the housing for selectively connecting the fitting to the end portion of the pipe. The retention member is movable to press at least part of the end portion of the pipe radially against at least part of the insert member to help secure the fitting to the end portion of the pipe when the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing.

Abstract: Connection devices for a moulding core for producing a fibre composite component are provided. Such a connection device can include a base element for receiving a coupling portion of the moulding core for subjecting the moulding core to a medium, a clamping element for fixing and sealing the coupling portion of the moulding core on the base element, and a locking mechanism for locking the clamping element with respect to the base element and the coupling portion of the moulding core.

Abstract: A detachable plug connection having a connecting element connected to a sleeve-like receiving part, the interior of which receives a tubular plug-in part which carries an outer circumferential retaining rib, and having a securing element formed of hard-elastic material and has inwardly directed retaining edges, which spring out elastically, for engaging behind the retaining rib after insertion of the plug-in part, the retaining edges being connected together via resilient webs which converge in a V shape, and spring out by application of pressure to the converged web end regions of the resilient webs, such that the retaining edges disengage from the retaining rib. The connecting element and the securing element are connected integrally together to form a molding produced from hard-elastic material, and the connecting element and the securing element are connected together via deflectable resilient bars, in the extension of which at least one retaining edge is provided.

Abstract: A wand, such as for a surface cleaning apparatus, comprises at least an upstream rigid tube and a downstream rigid tube releasably pivotally connected to the upstream rigid tube. A flexible fluid flow conduit connects the downstream, tube in fluid flow communication with the upstream tube.

Abstract: A lever arm coupling for detachably connecting hose lines has a first connection part and a second connection part, the coupling operable by way of at least one lever arm. The lever arm comprises a pressure application section that is mounted pivotably about a pivot bolt that defines a pivot axis, the pressure application section reaching through a radial opening into a receptacle space of a receptacle housing. A securing disk is pivotably disposed on the pivot bolt parallel to the pressure application section. The securing disk is mounted pivotably between stops at the second connection part and can be carried along with the lever arm, wherein a pivoting of the securing disk can be executed in such a way that a secured pressure release position of the lever arm coupling is attained.

Abstract: In a state in which a fuel pipe (11) and a connector (13) are already joined, a swing fulcrum portion (14h) of a drop-off prevention holder (14) is engaged with the fuel pipe (11), and making the drop-off prevention holder (14) swing with this portion as a fulcrum allows a U-shaped first cutout (14d) formed in a first face (14b) to be fitted onto a small diameter portion (13c) of the connector (13), thus restricting the distance between a step (13b) and a second flange (11b) and thereby restraining the fuel pipe (11) and the connector (13) so that they do not separate. Since it is necessary to carry out a snap fitting operation only once in order for the small diameter portion (13c) of the connector (13) to pass through a narrow throat portion (b) formed partway along the first cutout (14d) of the drop-off prevention holder (14), the operation becomes easy compared with a case where snap-fitting operations are required a plurality of times, and the drop-off prevention holder (14) can be installed easily.

Abstract: A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes a housing configured for receiving at least part of the end portion of the pipe into the housing, and an insert member disposed at least partly within the housing. The insert member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe when at least part of the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing. A retention member is movable relative to the housing for selectively connecting the fitting to the end portion of the pipe. The retention member is movable to press at least part of the end portion of the pipe radially against at least part of the insert member to help secure the fitting to the end portion of the pipe when the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing.

Abstract: A tubular connection structure having a tubular connection body, having a tubular space, each of the two sides of which has an open slot extended to form a pivotal base, the bottom of the tubular connection body extended to form a fastening base; a clasp lever pivotally connected to the pivotal bases, one end being a pressing portion, the other end being a stirring portion having a stirring lever accommodating base; a stirring lever accommodated in the stirring lever accommodating base, the top of the stirring lever being a stop convex portion configured to fasten the fastening base; a reset component one end of the reset component urged towards the stirring lever, the other end being urged towards the clasp lever; and at least two fixing members, connected to the clasp lever and the pivotal bases and connected to the stirring lever and the stirring lever accommodating base.

Abstract: A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes a housing configured for receiving at least part of the end portion of the pipe into the housing, and an insert member disposed at least partly within the housing. The insert member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe when at least part of the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing. A retention member is movable relative to the housing for selectively connecting the fitting to the end portion of the pipe. The retention member is movable to press at least part of the end portion of the pipe against at least part of the insert member to help secure the fitting to the end portion of the pipe when the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting a fluid joint. The fluid joint includes confronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members, each of which has a ferrule fixedly attached thereto, and a sleeve circumferentially surrounding the ferrules. The coupling assembly includes a pair of coupling members, a hinge assembly configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position where the coupling members surround the sleeve, a pair of bonding wires, each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members, and a releasable latching assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position.

Abstract: A lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for attachment to connectors, including a sleeve, nut, spring, and retaining washer. The sleeve is slidably inserted within the nut and the spring is inserted on the sleeve, grips it, and locks the sleeve with the nut. The nut includes a plurality of serrations which engage a tab extending from the spring. The spring, which is semi-anchored to the nut, can only rotate inwardly or in the clockwise direction. The tab of the spring may only ratchet over the serrations when a predetermined counter-clockwise or loosening torque is applied to the nut. The serrations allow for rotation in the clockwise direction, while preventing counterclockwise rotation until a predetermined torque is reached in order to prevent self-loosening. The spring prevents accidental loosening due to vibration of components of the system to which the fitting is attached.

Abstract: A sleeve for joining two pipes (4, 5), each configured with an end flange (2, 3), comprises a base plate (6) with a pipe receiving aperture (7) that is open on one side and is designed to receive a first pipe (4), two side walls (9, 10), and two cover plates (11, 12) between which a second pipe (5) can be interposed. Also present is a spring arm (13), which is connected to one side wall (10) and extends in the direction of the opposite side wall (9) and is able to pivot resiliently toward and away from the base plate (6) within a flexion zone (15). Configured on the spring arm (13) are an engaging claw (16) that extends in the direction of the base plate (6) and is configured to engage in a locking recess (17) introduced into at least one end flange, and a releasing element that extends away from the base plate (6). The pipes can thus be disconnected with relative ease.

Abstract: A locking system to more accurately secure the foot pedal tension spring to the desired tension every time a tension adjustment is necessary. An adjustment screw is interconnected with the tension spring for adjusting the tension of the spring. A spring tension adjustment nut is threaded onto the adjustment screw. In accordance with the invention, a locking system is provided for locking the adjustment screw at one of a plurality of selected adjustment positions relative to the support and the foot pedal assembly in general. The selected adjustment positions are radially disposed about the central axis of rotation of said adjustment screw so that the adjustment screw may be locked into one of the selected adjustment positions relative to the support. With this locking system, the user may carefully select from a plurality of highly sensitive adjustment positions.

Abstract: A falling-off preventing holder is provided to reliably connect a fuel pipe and a connector. First and second flanges project outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the fuel pipe. The connector includes a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion connected to the larger diameter portion via a step portion. A box-shaped falling-off preventing holder with an open surface is fitted to straddle the fuel pipe and the connector. First cutout of first end wall is fitted on the smaller diameter portion of the connector and abuts the step portion. Second end wall is fitted on the fuel pipe to abut the second flange. A pressure rib provided at the first end wall of the falling-off preventing holder is compressed by the step portion of the connector to be plastically deformed. A load in the connecting direction acting on the fuel pipe and the connector enables reliable connection.

Abstract: A pipe joint construction comprising an elastic seal member (4) for hermetically sealing between an inner circumferential surface of a receiving pipe section (1) and an outer circumferential surface of an inserted pipe section (2) inserted into and connected to the receiving pipe section in a pipe axis direction (X), and a lock member (7) provided in the inner circumferential surface of the receiving pipe section (1) adjacent a receiving opening thereof for preventing separation of the pipe sections by contacting an engaging projection (5) protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inserted pipe section (2) in the pipe axis direction, wherein the construction further comprises an attachment/detachment control device (A) for attaching and detaching the lock member (7) to/from the receiving pipe section (1) by rotating the lock member (7) about the pipe axis direction (X) relative to the receiving pipe section (1) and by moving, in the pipe axis direction (X), the lock member (7) placed in a speci

Abstract: A split ring assembly for maintaining a releasable pipe coupling, of the type having a female portion having two pivoted opposite cam lever arms and a circumferentially grooved male portion, in an engaged position comprising: two generally semicircular ring portions hinged together on one side and provided with a latch mechanism on a diametrically opposite side; wherein each ring portion is notched to receive a swinging end portion of one of the cam lever arms; and wherein each ring portion is sized to closely surround the female portion of the pipe coupling. Then when the ring assembly surrounds said female portion and the pivoted arms, closing the latch mechanism visibly ensures that the coupling portions remain locked together. The split ring assembly is a rugged visibly convincing assurance that a coupling will not inopportunely open. It can be manipulated by an operator wearing heavy gloves in subzero weather or during a snow storm.

Abstract: A quick connector has a connector housing, a tube connection component, a pipe body and a retainer. The quick connector further has a checking operation portion provided with a holding component. The holding component has a fitting hole and a gate component which is continuous with an opening end of the fitting hole. The holding component is adapted to cause the pipe body connected to the housing to fit in the fitting hole through the gate component in a snap-on manner and to connect with an outer circumference of the pipe body by rotary motion of the checking operation portion. The holding component is also adapted to be prevented from connecting with the outer circumference of the pipe body if the pipe body is not fully inserted into the connector housing.

Abstract: Connection verifying device for a pipe and a connector has a body portion, a stop and verification arm and an abutment finger. The body portion includes an abutment plate and a fit-on portion. The stop and verification arm extends from an outer periphery of the abutment plate in one axial direction, while the abutment finger protrudes from one axial end of the fit-on portion in one axial direction. The abutment finger is arranged so as to abut and urge an annular projection of a pipe into an engagement slit of a retainer when the pipe and the connector are in half-fitting relation.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.

Abstract: A universal hose clamp includes a universal hose locating mechanism, a hose coupling for connecting a hose to the hose clamp, and securing structure for securing the locating mechanism to a support structure. The universal hose clamp may be employed to secure a hose to an existing support structure or to a portable independent frame. The universal hose clamp is designed to be adaptable for use with a range of hose diameters and as such the universal hose clamp can be employed in a wide range of emergency situations. When deployed the universal hose clamp enables rotating the hose coupling in any direction and thereafter the hose coupling can be locked in that position. Therefore, with the aid of the universal hose clamp only one operator is required to control a hose device in an emergency situation.

Abstract: A quick connector connects a pump and a fluid container is disclosed. The quick connector includes an upper component, a lower component, at least a telescopic tube, a connector body, and a soft cover. The upper component includes a first groove and a first buckle on one side thereof. The lower component has a second grove and a second buckle at locations corresponding to the first buckle and the first groove of the upper component, so that the upper component can be fitted to the lower component with the buckles and grooves. The telescopic tube is fitted between the upper component and the lower component to fasten the two components, and is connected to the fluid container at one end. The connector body includes an inner tube corresponding to the telescopic tube, and at least a movable board. The inner tube is partially overlaid inside telescopic tube, and is connected to the pump at one end. The movable board is fitted to the connector body with a turning shaft, and is rotary.

Abstract: A coupling is designed for sealingly connecting two fluid conduits such as automotive fluid lines in axial end-to-end relationship. The conduits have respective telescopically interengaging male and female end sections and the coupling comprises a base member to be carried on one of the fluid conduits and a retaining structure mounted on the base member and having two C-shaped arms which can be interconnected around the other conduit end section. A releasable lock acts between the arms to lock the retaining structure in engagement. In the locked condition the axially oriented abutment surfaces in the retaining structure engage peripheral shoulders on the conduits to prevent axial separation of the latter. The coupling can be fabricated from integral plastic components and preferably includes a guard arrangement to shield the releasable lock against inadvertent disengagement.

Abstract: A coupling for a tube having a coupling body with a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of a tube, a sealing ring or rings mounted in the coupling body at a location spaced from said open end thereof to engage and seal with the outer periphery of the tube, and a tube latching device for locking a tube in the coupling body. The latching device comprises a first latch within the coupling body to engage automatically with a feature on the tube when the tube end portion has been inserted sufficiently into the throughway to engage with the seals to retain the tube end portion in the coupling body and a second manually operable latch disposed externally of the coupling body engageable with a feature on the tube when the end portion of the tube has been inserted into the coupling body sufficient for the first latch to engage to provide a secondary retention for the tube in the coupling body.

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 pipe jointing unit includes a cylindrical joint in which is accommodated a pipe, a ring-shaped seal member positioned in the joint, an elastic connecting member positioned in the joint and holding the pipe and the ring-shaped seal member in the joint, and a guide member detachably connected to the joint. The guide has an annular guide portion which is disposed circumferentially between the inner surface of the edge portion of the joint and the outer surface of the pipe. The pipe is thus restricted from swinging in the radial direction relatively against the joint and the reliability of the resistance force against pulling the pipe out of the connecting member by vehicle vibration, an increase of the internal pressure of the pipe and the like is improved.

Abstract: A self-locking quick release coupler includes a handle and a lever. The first distal end of the handle is adapted to be secured to a side face of the groove adapter. The handle has a head formed on the first distal end thereof. The head is extendable into a side face of the groove adapter so as to secure a tube inserted into the groove adapter. The lever partially extends through the handle to be pivotably received in the handle. The lever has a hook formed on a first distal end of the lever to adapt to hook a pin of the groove adapter and a press formed on a second distal end of the lever. The pivotable movement of the lever allows the hook of the lever to selectively hook the pin so as to secure the handle relative to the groove adapter.

Abstract: A seal mechanism for conveniently coupling bayonet-type connectors while providing stable compression of the seal therebetween. The mechanism enables a more rigid configuration providing increased resistance to deformation from lateral forces. The mechanism incorporates an internally threaded coupling nut support element which cooperates with a threaded flange projecting from the plug sleeve to maintain a hermetic seal under conditions applying lateral forces to the connection. Interaction between the support element and the threaded flange permit the support element to be installed onto or removed from the connector assembly.

Abstract: A passive locking Cam & Groove female coupling, consisting of a locking latch mounted straddling the exterior of each cam arm attached to the coupling. The latch interlocks with a stop on the coupling body to provide a passive lock when the arm is closed. To open the cam arm, an intentional movement is applied to the latch so that the latch will pivot back and clear the stop thus allowing the cam arm to open.