Abstract: An axially tensioned pipe joint for joining two pipes is disclosed. The pipe joint comprises a first PVC pipe having an outer surface. The pipe joint also comprises a second PVC pipe having a bell end which fits onto the spigot end. The bell end has a plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes extending radially through the bell end. A set of radial fasteners can be inserted into the holes so as to engage the outer surface of the spigot end to prevent relative axial movement of the first pipe with respect to the second pipe. The radial fasteners have a surface containing a hard material which is harder than the material of the second pipe and roughen the holes during insertion thereby creating a friction fit resisting removal of the radial fasteners. The pipe joint can be used for horizontal direction drilling.

Abstract: A lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for connection to a connector. The fitting includes a coupler having a series of circumferential engagement portions disposed about an outer peripheral surface, and a nut receivable coaxially over the outer peripheral surface of the coupler, and which is threadably engageable with the connector. The nut has an opening through which is received the end of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism end is interferingly engageable with the coupler engagement portions such that with the nut being received coaxially over the coupler outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut is threadably engageable with the connector urging the coupler into a sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the connector, and with the coupler being so engaged, the locking mechanism end is interferingly engaged with at least one of the coupler engagement portions delimiting the rotation of the nut relative to the connector.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Abstract: A hose coupling includes two coupling halves which take a coupling end position by relative rotation against each other about a coupling path of no more than 180°. The hose coupling further includes a locking mechanism that prevents an unintended opening of the coupling. The locking mechanism comprises a latching mechanism, in particular a latching pin mechanism. The latching mechanism is automatically activated in the coupling end position and prevents a relative rotation of the coupling halves against each other. The latching mechanism is preferably configured such that, already before reaching the coupling end position, the latching mechanism is activated so far that it counteracts a relative rotation of the coupling halves in an opening direction.

Abstract: A circulation connector that can be inserted into a fuel injection portion with a relatively weak force, a connection structure of the circulation connector, and a fuel circulation system are provided. A circulation connector is used in a fuel circulation system in an internal combustion provided with a fuel injection portion to flow a fuel back to a fuel tank from the fuel injection portion and interposed between the fuel injection portion and a fuel circulation hose while being joined to the fuel injection portion. The circulation connector includes a second groove portion locked while being inserted in a coupling portion of the fuel injection portion by a clip member together with a first groove portion provided to the coupling portion, and a tapered portion whose diameter becomes smaller from the second groove portion in an insertion direction.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. A membrane element is within the housing. The reverse osmosis system further includes (i) a first connector that is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that is connected to the concentrate port. A key is inserted between each of the first, second and third connectors. The key is configured such that the key cannot be inserted between the first, second and third connectors unless each of the first, second and third connectors is properly connected to the respective inlet, permeate and concentrate ports. In some embodiments, the key is configured such that the key cannot be removed from between each of the first, second and third connectors when there is pressure at the inlet port.

Abstract: A pipe joint provided with a joint main body having an insertion cylinder portion inserted to an end portion of a pipe to be connected, a clamp ring having a slit to fasten the end portion of the pipe inserted to the insertion cylinder portion by elastic fastening force, a diameter-expansion piece, releasable as to jump outward, held within the slit to expand the clamp ring against elastic force of the clamp ring, and a restriction sleeve covering the clamp ring as to restrict the outward jump of the diameter-expansion piece. And, a pipe-insertion detector, detecting the insertion of the pipe to a predetermined depth to release the restriction, is provided.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is disclosed which comprises a plug (14) and a socket (12). When the plug is inserted into the socket, the plug first urges sleeve actuators (28) radially outward to axially move a sleeve (22) and, thereafter, urges locking elements (20) radially outward to move the sleeve further. Eventually, the locking elements and sleeve actuators are fitted within a locking recess (14-2) of the plug to securely connect the plug and the socket.

Abstract: A tubular connection having a first joint having outer threads and an inner bore, and a second joint having outer threads and an inner bore. The tubular connection further includes an outer nut having inner threads that cooperate with the outer threads of the first joint and the second joint. The tubular connection further includes an inner sleeve positioned within the first inner bore and the second inner bore. In one embodiment, the first inner bore contains a first groove having first seal disposed therein and the second inner bore contains a second groove having second seal disposed therein, wherein the first and second seal prevents a pressure from exiting the first and second inner bore.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Abstract: A vending machine and a hose controller system for vending machines wherein the dispenser hose is axially and torsionally controlled to facilitate slight twisting, thereby minimizing applicator tool resistance, and making it easier for users to operate the remote vending tool on the hose distal end. The elongated reinforced applicator hose terminates at the controller, which bridges the hose between the outdoors and the cabinet interior. The controller has an angulated bracket mounted within the vending machine cabinet. A collar assembly secured on the bracket top above a hose feed-through orifice has a terminator, a bushing, and a cooperating yoke that are coaxially secured. The terminator anchors the hose end and is seated within the yoke. A rigid lug projects radially from the yoke. A rigid restrictor surmounts the collar assembly and limits rotation by contact with the lug.

Abstract: A plug connection for fast-fit coupling of two appliances forming part of a medical handpiece system includes a first coupling fitting on one of the appliances and a second coupling fitting on the other of the appliances. The first coupling fitting has a movable locking element and the second coupling fitting has a projecting element projecting toward the first coupling fitting. The projecting element comprises an end portion of a media line or an end portion of an electrical contact and is positioned to engage a surface of an opening in the locking element to move the locking element between lock and unlock positions when the first and second coupling fittings are moved toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a selectively releasable joint, a downhole drilling assembly including the downhole tool, and a corresponding method. In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole drilling assembly includes a downhole tool having a first body and a second body mounted for relative rotation; a joint part for use in forming a selectively releasable joint between the second body and a part of the assembly coupled to the second body; and one or more locking member(s) for locking the first and second bodies relative to one another against relative rotation so as to allow a release force to be applied through the first body to release the releasable joint and allow the tool to be separated from the part of the assembly.

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 coupling connects a first member and a second member. The first member has a first interlocking member extending radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of an axial end. The second member includes a second interlocking member extending radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of an axial end. The axial end of the first member is inserted into the axial end of the second member, such that the first interlocking member is inserted past the second interlocking member. The first and second members are then rotated relative to one another to a locked angular orientation, in which the first interlocking member is interlocked with the second interlocking member to prevent relative axial movement of the first and second members. A key is then inserted into a keyway in the first and second members to lock the angular orientation, thereby coupling the first and second members to one another.

Abstract: A disconnectable hot air nozzle device is provided with a nozzle holder 2 having an introducing portion 2c and a hook shaped retaining portion 2d, an attachment 3, and a cover 4 vertically replaceable for a predetermined amount relative to the attachment and having a retaining pin 4a, with the retaining pin being introduced from the introducing portion 2c of the nozzle holder 3 into a retaining portion 2d. The nozzle holder 2 and the attachment 3 are disconnectably fixed with each other, with the abutting surfaces provided on the nozzle holder 2 and the attachment 3 being brought into abutment with each other by a force applied from a urging member 5 to the nozzle holder 2 via the retaining pin 4a.

Abstract: A tube end having an outwardly projecting ridge is secured in a fitting having a body formed with a seat centered on an axis and open axially rearwardly. The tube end is coaxially engageable in the seat, and a retaining clip on the body extends secantally across the seat and can move between an outer spread position engaging a respective inner surface of the seat and an inner retaining position spaced radially inward from the respective inner surface. The tube end when fully axially inserted in the seat is engaged axially outward of the ridge by the clip. A latch element can move between an outer freeing position generally clear of the clip and an inner locking position engaged outward of the clip between same and the respective inner surface and preventing the clip from moving from the inner retaining position to the outer spread position.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling fluid components includes a female coupler having a receiver defined therein. A male coupler has an insert, the insert being receivable within the female coupler receiver in sealing engagement. And, a spacer is matable to both the female coupler and the male coupler when the female coupler and the male coupler are in sealing engagement, the spacer effecting positive engagement of the female and the male couplers. A method of coupling/uncoupling a coupling assembly is also included.

Abstract: A union assembly useful in a fluid flowstream includes a body portion, a pressure indicating device and a removable cover. The body portion includes a bore, an access opening and pressure indicating device cavity in fluid communication, and a first plurality of threads disposed around the access opening. The removable cover includes a passageway and a second plurality of threads disposed around the passageway. Engagement of the first and second pluralities of threads will secure the removable cover to the body portion for use of the union assembly without any additional mechanism connecting the removable cover with the body portion. When the union assembly is assembled, a cut-out portion on the removable cover is disposed at least partially around the pressure indicating device, whereby the pressure indicating device must be disengaged from the body portion before the removable cover may be disconnected.

Abstract: A quick coupler retention clip is disclosed for preventing an inadvertent disconnection of a quick coupler. The clip device includes a unitary clip having a first and a second end. The first end of the clip is of annular configuration so that the body of the coupler extends through the annular first end for anchoring the first end of the clip relative to the body. The second end of the clip is a C-shaped configuration to removably engage a groove defined between a collar and the body of the coupler. A strap extends between the first and second ends of the clip for securing the first and second ends of the clip together. The disconnection of the body from the port of the quick coupler is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is removed from engagement with the groove so that inadvertent disconnection of the body from the port is prevented.

Abstract: A high-pressure pipe element having hooped tube sections for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil drilling installations, notably offshore. The element includes several hooped tube sections (51 to 56) connected by connecting parts (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure pipe element consisting of hooped tube sections for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil drilling installations, notably offshore. The element consists of several hooped tube sections (51 to 56) connected by means of connecting parts (3).

Abstract: A locked connection comprises a circular groove around a pin or inside member. A box or outside member provides a series of passages tangential to the groove in a made up position of the box and pin. One or more locking pins extend through the passages. When the box and pin tend to move relative to each other, the locking pin is placed in shear in a path extending along the long dimension of the pin whereby a large shear area is provided by a small diameter locking pin.

Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling adapted for engagement using a key device. The coupling including first and second assemblies. The first assembly includes a latching body having a key hole, a coupling nut having an interior threaded portion and a toothed end portion, a receptacle body having an exterior threaded portion in constant threaded engagement with the interior threaded portion, and a first latch connected to the receptacle body. The second assembly includes a second latch and is adapted to engage the first assembly. The engagement of the first and second assemblies is accomplished by rotating a key device inserted in the key hole and meshing with the toothed end portion.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling adapted for engagement using a key device. The coupling including first and second assemblies. The first assembly includes a latching body having a key hole, a coupling nut having an interior threaded portion and a toothed end portion, a receptacle body having an exterior threaded portion in constant threaded engagement with the interior threaded portion, and a first latch connected to the receptacle body. The second assembly includes a second latch and is adapted to engage the first assembly. The engagement of the first and second assemblies is accomplished by rotating a key device inserted in the key hole and meshing with the toothed end portion.

Abstract: A joint for joining pipes, wherein the joint employs offset, overlapping locking tabs on a male and a female joint member, which locking tabs are spaced to permit the locking tabs on the female joint member to slide past the locking tabs on the male joint member. The joint members are then rotated to lock the joint axially. A locking pin and locking pin aperture lock the joint rotationally, when the locking tabs are aligned. The locking pin is rotatable, and has a chamfered portion whereby the female joint member can slide over the locking pin to engage the locking pin. To disassemble the joint, the locking pin is rotated ninety degrees to orient the chamfered portion circumferentially, whereby the joint members may be rotated, permitting the female joint member to slide over the locking pin.

Abstract: A coupler apparatus for hoses, etc. comprises a pair of coupler bodies 1a, 1b having no distinction between male and female and having the same structure. Front end faces of the coupler bodies are provided with seal faces 5. In addition, the front end faces of the coupler bodies are provided with a plurality of engaging projections 8 and engaging recesses 7 formed among the engaging projections. The engaging projections 8 and engaging recesses 7 are axially engaged with the engaging projections 8 and engaging recesses 7 of the mating coupler body in a complementary manner. One side face 8a of each engaging projection 8 is provided with an engaging hook portion 9, and the engaging hook portions 9 are circumferentially engaged to couple the pair of the coupler bodies 1a, 1b. At least both side faces 8a, 8b of the engaging projection 8 are defined by radially extending planes passing through a central axis of the coupler body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc provided with a watermark inside, which is visible with naked eyes from a reproduction side of the optical disc, and the producing method and the production apparatus thereof. The optical disc comprises a transparent substrate having an information signal recorded surface, a reflective layer formed on the information signal recorded surface thereof, an adhesive layer formed on the reflective layer, a mask layer on the adhesive layer and a transparent dummy substrate on the mask layer stacked in this order. The adhesive layer is made of an adhesive of which curing speed is changed according to a controlled amount of radiation of ultraviolet rays. The watermark is recorded in the optical disc by irradiating the ultraviolet rays on the adhesive through the mask layer provided with light shielding members to cause the adhesive to be cured by controlling a curing speed of the adhesive corresponding to existence or nonexistence of the light shielding members.

Abstract: A quick connector (10) has a pair of waist segments (76 and 81), a shoulder segment (163), a body segment (72) with an aperture (156) therein, and a leg segment (78). The leg segment (78) is defined by a pair of projecting elements (163) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (76 and 81) to move toward one another. Thus, a swivellable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention non-swivellable threaded coupling. The quick connector (10) may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes (410).

Abstract: An improved structure of quick coupling comprises mainly a main connecting body, press rods, stoppers and flange press portions. Each of two lateral sides of the main connecting body is extended to form a pair of flanges, which is provided with circular holes. A traverse pin is used to penetrate these two flanges and the press rod to fix the press rod at the main connecting body. When another connector is jointed to the improved quick coupling, the press rods are in parallel with the main body and meanwhile, an arc head at front end of the press rod is fastened to another connector for consolidating the combination, and the stopper in a reception cavity at front end of the press rod will insert in a circular hole that accommodating the flange press portion to ensure the press rod will not bounce up owing to pressure of flowing liquid in pipe or external vibration.

Abstract: A connection assembly for an exhaust extraction system which is designed to vent the exhaust from a vehicle tail pipe includes, in combination, three primary components. The first component is an annular sleeve which is constructed and arranged to assemble onto the vehicle tail pipe. A band clamp is used for this connection in order to establish a leak-free interface. Next, there is a nozzle locator ring which slides onto the annular sleeve such that one end of the sleeve extends beyond one side of the nozzle locator ring and the opposite end of the sleeve extends beyond the opposite side of the nozzle locator ring. There is an offset portion intermediate the ends of the annular sleeve which serves as an abutment for the nozzle locator ring.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for male and female coupling members for use in undersea production and drilling applications is disclosed. At least one pin extends radially from the female member. Each pin enters a slot in a guide sleeve extending longitudinally from the male member. The guide sleeve also contains a spring and spring plate. The female member is inserted into the guide sleeve, compressing the spring, and the pin enters the first longitudinal portion of the slot. The female member may be rotated with respect to the male member when the pin is in the circumferential portion of the slot. The pin then may enter the second or third longitudinal portion of the slot. When the pin is in the second portion of the slot, the female member is "parked" or secured to the male member while coupling member valves remain closed, and when the pin is in the third portion of the slot, the valves are open.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling hoses comprising a pair of coupling main bodies that are structurally identical and undiscriminable for male and female. Each of said coupling main bodies is provided at the front end surface with a sealing surface for mutual abutment and at the front end with a plurality of engaging projections and engaging recesses, each of said engaging recesses being arranged between any two adjacent engaging projections, so that the engaging projections and the engaging recesses of the two coupling main bodies can be complementarily engaged with the corresponding engaging projections and engaging recesses of the other coupling main bodies. The engaging projections are provided with respective hooked anchor sections that are peripherally engaged to restrict axial movement and consequently couple the pair of coupling main bodies.

Abstract: A quick connector (10) has a pair of waist segments (76 and 81), a shoulder segment (163), a body segment (72) with an aperture (156) therein, and a leg segment (78). The leg segment (78) is defined by a pair of projecting elements (163) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (76 and 81) to move toward one another. Thus, a swivellable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention non-swivellable threaded coupling. The quick connector (10) may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes (410).

Abstract: A method and product for making non-reproducible documents, in which a nearly invisible indicia on the document is printed by continuous screened lines of a desired pitch, and a background that will not reproduce by copying that is formed by orthogonal reproduction of positive/negative images of continuous lines to produce broken lines of a desired width and pitch.

Abstract: A tamper and counterfeit resistant security maker comprises relief impressions having a plurality of distinct and contrasting relief structures, wherein a first relief structure comprises a background pattern and at least a second relief structure comprises a latent image pattern containing informational content. The relief patterns comprise different optical properties which facilitates the viewing of a latent image pattern at certain angles.

Abstract: A method and product for making counterfeit resistant security document. The document has a first set of printed lines which form a latent image and a second set of printed lines at an angle relative to the first set which forms a background image. One of the sets of lines is embossed so as to render the latent image visible only when viewed from pre-determined non-perpendicular angles relative to said document.

Abstract: A fitting is adapted to connect two hoses and includes first and second tubular members which include interconnecting end portions that enable the tubular members to be rotated relative to each other. The first tubular member includes a receiving end portion which receives an insert end portion of the second tubular member. An arrangement of flanges on the respective end portions of the tubular members defines cooperating grooves which receive a C-shaped retaining ring. When two hoses connected by the fitting are twisted relative to each other, the twisted hoses can be straightened by relative rotation of the first and second tubular members, thereby permitting smooth flow of fluid through the fitting.

Abstract: An emergency exhaust system is couplable to a vehicle for conducting exhaust fumes from the vehicle exhaust pipe to an enclosure ventilation system to be exhausted from the vehicle enclosure when the vehicle is normally parked when not being used. The exhaust system includes an elongated flexible hose assembly that is connected to the ventilation system and to an adaptor conduit which at its terminal end has a ring mounting electromagnets for magnetically attaching to a mount plate dependingly secured to the vehicle to have the vehicle exhaust pipe extend therethrough. An intermediate portion of the hose assembly is connected through a balancer assembly to a trolley movable along a rail in a forward direction as the vehicle moves to exit the enclosure. As the trolley moves adjacent to the rail front end, through automatic controls, the magnetic coupling to the mount plate is disengaged.

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

Abstract: A moderately high pressure, sliding vane pump is fabricated from low modulus plastic by routing high pressure fluid away from the central pump perimeter and into a bearing gland chamber for discharge porting. Port fittings are push socket connections that are sealed by O-rings and held in place against fluid pressure ejection by a saddle plate that cross-pins to the port boss.

Abstract: A magnetically-attached exhaust nozzle assembly for use as part of an exhaust extraction system for a fire truck includes an annular nozzle locator ring which is designed to slide over and secure to the exhaust pipe of the fire truck. The nozzle locator ring includes an inner sleeve which fits closely against the outside diameter of the exhaust pipe and an outer sleeve which receives a flexible exhaust nozzle. The exhaust nozzle is integrally connected with a flexible hose of the extraction system and establishes sealing engagement at two locations on the nozzle locator ring. There is axial sealing by abutment up against a flange of the nozzle locator ring and circumferential or radial sealing due to the fit of the nozzle on the outside surface of the outer sleeve. The flexible exhaust nozzle includes a guide rail which helps with the initial alignment and a magnet housing which ultimately attaches by magnetic attraction to the surface of the exhaust pipe for securely holding the nozzle in position.

Abstract: A clamp for quick release of a generally rectangular bonnet to the flange of valve body is disclosed. The upper side of the edge of the rectangular bonnet is formed with a bevel of about 20 degrees and the lower side of the edge of the body flange is formed with a similar bevel. The clamp consists of semi-circular ends and straight sides hinged together. One side is split and connected by a toggle latch. In cross-section, each clamp section is generally C-shaped, with the top and bottom arms of the C being beveled so that as the clamp sections are drawn inward the bevels wedge the bonnet against the flange. Locating pins fitting into holes in the plate and flange locate the parts and resist implosion when the valve body is subjected to vacuum. To maintain uniform clamping force around the circumference of the bonnet the bevels at the middles of the sides may be less wide than at the ends.

Abstract: A low profile swivel coupling having a main body with a hollow cylindrical bearing surface, a front swivel member internally threaded to be screwed onto a threaded bearing seated on the bearing surface and rotatable on it whereby the front swivel member rotates about bearing surface of the main body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a fluid passage provide at least one sliding gate movable transversely to that fluid passage. The fluid passage or the gate is maintained open in a first position of the gate, and is closed in a second position of that gate. A detent detains the gate in one of its first and second positions against a bias acting continuously on that gate. Upon release from that detent, the gate slides by virtue of its bias to the other of its first and second positions. The gate and fluid passage may be incorporated in a frangible connection and the gate may be released from its detent for automatic closure by its bias upon breakage of that frangible connection. Alternatively, the gate may be provided with a slanted surface which abuts another slanted surface around the fluid passage in the first position of the gate.

Abstract: A tube coupler has a main tubular socket body connected to a first tube, a main tubular plug body connected to a second tube and removably connected to the main tubular socket body, and a locking mechanism for locking together the main tubular socket body and the main tubular plug body in a state in which the main tubular plug body is inserted in the main tubular socket body. The tube coupler further includes an operating ring threadably engaging the outer peripheral surface of the main tubular socket body, a slide ring mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the main tubular socket body and being moved axially by the operating ring, and a cylindrical holder slidably fitted in the main tubular socket body and engageable with the main tubular plug body. The holder has a groove open radially outward, and the main tubular socket body has axially elongated holes. The slide ring is provided with pins each having a distal end portion extending into the groove through the corresponding elongated hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving a fluid tight seal of a fluid coupling having an axis, wherein a spring interposed between a coupling nut and an inner member of a first coupling element is compressed when the coupling nut is engaged with a second coupling element and rotated in a tightening direction such that complementary sealing surfaces between the first and second coupling elements are axially pre-loaded to achieve a fluid tight seal. A fluid tight seal is dependent on the axial compression of the spring, indicated by the axial location of the coupling nut with respect to the inner member and second coupling element, and is visually indicated by the rotational relationship of the coupling nut and the second coupling element.

Abstract: A quick connect device for coupling a vent or exhaust hose to the exhaust pipe of a clothes dryer or the like, the device having a tubular member of unitary construction with a first, female end portion and a second, male end portion; the first portion including magnetic material for magnetically engaging with a exhaust pipe of dryer, the second portion threadably engaged with an exhaust hose.

Abstract: A motion-transmitting remote control assembly (10) comprises a flexible conduit (14) with a flexible core element (12) passing therethrough. The flexible conduit (14) has a male coupler (22) attached to one end of the flexible conduit (14). The male coupler (22) comprises a leading chamfered surface (24) and a relief (26) for being locked into a first type of female housing (28) via a spring biased locking ring (32). The male coupler (22) also includes a truncated convex surface (29) which, along with the relief (26), allows the male coupler (22) to be locked into a second type of female housing (110) having removable bolt (116) passing therethrough. The long cylindrical body portion (118) of the bolt (116) positively abuts the relief (26) to lock the male coupler (22) in the female housing (110).