Abstract: A bearing rotary swivel joint preferably includes a swivel housing, a rotary swivel, an end plate, a solid bearing, a plurality of wear rings, a spring clip and a swivel seal. The swivel housing includes a threaded tube inlet and a swivel receiver bore. The rotary swivel includes a through bore, a threaded swivel inlet, a bearing diameter and an outer diameter. An O-ring groove is formed in the rotary swivel to receive the O-ring. The solid bearing is retained on the bearing diameter, terminated on each end with wear rings and axially retained with a spring clip against a bearing shoulder of the rotary swivel. The swivel seal is retained on the bearing diameter. The rotary swivel is inserted through a center bore in an end plate. The end plate is preferably fastened to the swivel housing with a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A pipe unit coupling structure includes a first member in which a first hole is formed, a second member including a pipe unit which is coupled to the first member by being inserted into the first hole, and a third member coupled to the second member by a coupling unit. The second member has an inclined surface formed at a tip of the pipe unit. The inclined surface is configured in such a manner that, when the inclined surface is pressed against the first member when the pipe unit of the second member is inserted into the first hole of the first member in a state where the second member and the third member are coupled to each other, a force is applied from the second member to the third member at the coupling unit, in a direction opposite to a direction of separation of the second member.

Abstract: Swivel joints comprise a male sub, a female sub, annular races, ball bearings, a replaceable sleeve, and first and second pressure seals. The male sub is rotationally coupled to the female sub at, respective, generally tubular joint ends thereof. A passage extends through the subs. The female joint end and male joint end are rotationally coupled by ball bearings in the annular races. The replaceable sleeve is received in enlarged inner diameter portions of the male joint end and the female joint end. The first pressure seal ring is mounted between the replaceable sleeve and the enlarged diameter portion of the male joint end. The second pressure seal ring is mounted between the replaceable sleeve and the enlarged diameter portion of the female joint end.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a rotatable coupling (60) for connecting pipes, comprising a first hollow female element (61) suited to be connected, for example, to a first pipe portion (51), and a second tubular male element (6) with a first end portion at least partially housed inside the first female element (61) so as to define an inner space for the passage of a fluid, and with a second end portion suited to be connected to a second pipe portion (52). Said first and said second element (61, 6) can be rotated with respect to each other, said second tubular male element (6) comprising a first abutment surface (6S).

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating joint for transferring a first fluid, comprising a male member and a female member which are mounted movably in relation to each other and concentric, and one or more annular seals accommodated inside cavities arranged in the female member and optionally pressurized by means of an insulation fluid. The invention also relates to a fluid transfer system comprising one or more rotating joints according to the invention.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant frictionless connector assembly includes an outer sleeve with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end along an axis. A first sealed ring bearing has first outer ring, inner ring, and bearings, where the first outer ring is directly coupled to the outer sleeve at the first end. An inlet adapter directly coupled to the first inner ring and not directly coupled to the outer sleeve. A second sealed ring bearing has a second outer ring, inner ring, and bearings, where the second outer ring is directly coupled to the outer sleeve at a second end. An outlet adapter directly coupled to the second inner ring and not directly coupled to the outer sleeve. A thrust axial bearing abutting the inlet and outlet adapters, where the sealed ring bearings, the inlet adapter, and the outlet adapter are aligned along the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling or disassembling a pipe in a pipe holder, includes: a washer having a body having an annular portion and an extended portion having central bore passing therethrough, the body made of a memory material; a compression fitting for insertion into the pipe holder, the extended portion fitting in the compression fitting; and, a lock for insertion into the pipe holder. The lock is for moving the compression fitting to deform the annular portion against the holder if inserted to form a seal between the pipe, the compression fitting and the holder. The lock also is for allowing the annular portion to reform and move against the holder if the lock is removed such that the compression fitting may be removed if the lock is removed.

Abstract: Quick-install three-way pipe connector with a valve body, a lower pipe assembly and a switching element. The valve body has a fitting opening, a water inlet and a lower pipe orifice; the lower pipe assembly has an on-flow pipe and a counter-flow pipe; the upper ends of the on-flow and counter-flow pipes pass through the lower pipe orifice and fix inside the valve body by an upper connector; the switching element fixes on the lower end of the on-flow and counter-flow and has a lower water outlet; the fitting opening has an upper cover sealing a water inlet cavity. The water path includes: water in-flow from a support arm joint flowing sequentially through the water inlet, the on-flow pipe, the switching element, the counter-flow pipe and the water outlet. This is simple and quick to assemble, and avoids welding a threaded part on the counter-current pipe, thus saving costs.

Abstract: A positive swivel fitting provides for a system flow transmitting portion and a separate lock-down portion. The flow transmitting portion is configured to be receivable within the lock-down portion. When the flow transmitting portion is properly and “positively” positioned, then the lock-down portion can be secured and the position of the flow transmitting portion is maintained, thus making alignment with other parts of the flow device variable. The fitting can be used within any air, other gas or liquid flow system.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing an annulus between inner and outer wellhead members includes an energizer ring formed of a high strength elastic material having inner and outer legs. An annular inner recess with grooves on its base is formed on an inward facing surface of the inner leg. An inner diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engages the grooves of the inner recess. An annular outer recess with grooves on its base is formed on an outward facing surface of the outer leg. An outer diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engages the grooves of the outer recess. When the energizer ring is coaxially inserted in the annulus, the inner diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the inner wellhead member, and the outer diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the outer wellhead member.

Abstract: A swivel fitting used to connect to various components in a fluid handling system is provided. The swivel fitting incorporates an annular chamfer surface to reduce the affect that the fitting has on the flow properties of the fluid when the fluid is caused to flow through the fitting. The use of the swivel fitting in a paint supply line is also described.

Abstract: A spray gun attachment is provided for fluid supply lines in a fluid handling system. A fluid input portion of a gun body is coupled wife a swivel connector, which includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled with a housing stem. In various embodiments, a bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the housing stem and anchored at an opposite end with the rotor. An O-ring seal is positioned between the rotor and the exterior surface of the housing stem. A bearing assembly residing within a raceway that is defined by flat surfaces on each of: the rotor, the housing stem, and ah interior bearing wall within the bearing cup.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid coupling for attaching two hydraulic hoses that comprises an inline swivel joint to prevent twisting of the hoses. The coupling comprises a first and second coupling portion, with the second coupling portion rotatable relative to the first coupling portion. There are two bearings and a ring shaped piston that slides toward the second bearing in response to fluid pressure inside the coupling. Engagement of the piston with the second bearing urges the second coupling portion towards the first coupling portion, against the action of fluid pressure between the first and second couplings. This reduces the load on the first bearing and transfers some of that load to the second bearing, thereby making it easier to rotate the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A fluid conducting swivel assembly permits selective transmission of control fluid under pressure through the swivel assembly, while reducing rotational friction and protecting the integrity of fluid pressure sealing elements of such swivel assembly during rotation. The fluid conducting swivel has sufficient strength to accommodate high axial loading and torque forces, while permitting high speed rotation.

Abstract: A rotary union is provided. The rotary union includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a sealing member. The first housing portion has a first fluid passage formed therein and the second housing portion has a second fluid passage formed therein. The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. The sealing member is disposed on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and is sealingly engaged with a remaining one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a substantially similar direction to an axis of rotation of one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The rotary union permits axial deviation between a rotating component and a non-rotating component, reduces friction generated within the rotary union, and permits an increased flow rate of a fluid through the rotary union.

Abstract: A swivel fitting used to connect to various components in a fluid handling system is provided. The swivel fitting incorporates an annular chamfer surface to reduce the affect that the fitting has on the flow properties of the fluid when the fluid is caused to flow through the fitting. The use of the swivel fitting in a paint supply line is also described.

Abstract: A rotating union (10) comprises a housing (12), a bushing (14), a fluid conduit (16), an annular seal (18) and a cap (20) secured to the housing and having a fluid inlet. The bushing is received within a cylindrical recess (32) in the housing, and the fluid conduit is rotatably received by the bushing and passes through the bushing and a bore (40) in the housing. The annular seal is received within the housing recess, and sealingly engages a cylindrical outer surface (80) of the fluid conduit and the cylindrical wall (46) of the housing recess. The cap has a circular recess (104) and surrounding annular projection (106) which receives the input end of the fluid conduit. The annular seal is sandwiched between the bushing and the annular projection. When the fluid conduit rotates, its outer surface rotates under friction against the annular seal to maintain the seal.

Abstract: A self-lubricating swivelling coupling for interconnecting lines, includes a housing with internal surfaces defining a cavity. It also includes a male component, including a shank and a flange provided on the shank, insertable within the cavity to enable the flange to be abuttable on the internal surfaces. The coupling also includes a nut securable within the cavity, to abut axially via an internal axial projection on the flange, and to surround the shank, allowing the male component to rotate. The fluid leaks between the components to lubricate the coupling. Lines are connectable to ports to be swivellably interconnected without needle- or ball-bearings. There is high surface contact and support between the flange, shank and nut, to withstand and distribute forces. Hydraulic fluid is preferred. A seal-unit between the male component and the nut, and a slide-ring between the flange and the nut, are also preferred.

Abstract: A rotary joint and a housing for a rotary joint include an insertion hole for receiving a rotary shaft, a plurality of housing segments arranged along the shaft, and a housing communicating hole formed in at least one of the housing segments. An annular groove permits communication between the shaft communicating hole and the housing communicating hole. An annular leakage-preventing member between the shaft and the housing blocks fluid movement in an axial direction of the shaft. The shaft includes a cylindrical shaft portion and a small-diameter portion formed at one end. At least one pair of rotating supports support the shaft and the housing. One of the rotating supports is disposed on the small-diameter portion. An outside diameter of one of the rotating supports is smaller than an outside diameter of the shaft and also is smaller than inside diameters of the plurality of housing segments.

Abstract: A rotary compensating device used in a pipe under high pressure comprises an inner pipe (1), a sealing gland (3), a sealing seat (5) and a connecting pipe (7). One end of the inner pipe (1) is inserted into the connecting pipe (7), and the connecting pipe (7) is fixedly connected with one end of the sealing seat (5) and is installed on the outer surface of the inner pipe (1). The inner pipe (1) is provided with an annular outer flange (8), and the sealing seat (5) is provided with an annular inner flange (9). The sealing gland (3) is installed on the outer surface of the inner pipe (1) and inserted into the other end of the sealing seat (5) to abut against a torus sealing member (4). The sealing gland (3) connects with the sealing seat (5) via a connecting member (2). A sealing cavity is formed between the sealing seat (5) and the inner pipe (1), and an end face sealing member (6) is installed in the sealing cavity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a rotary feed-through for supplying a fluid to a rotating machine part with a hollow shaft (3) that is rotatably supported in a housing (1, 2) and has a first sliding surface (29), with a sealing bushing (31) that is arranged in a rotationally fixed fashion within the housing (1, 2) coaxial to the shaft (3) and has a second sliding surface (30) for contacting the first sliding surface (29), and with a collecting chamber (27) that is arranged within the housing (1, 2) and serves for collecting the leakage fluid escaping between the two sliding surfaces (29, 30). The leakage fluid collected within the rotary feed-through can be monitored with the aid of a detection channel (26, 33, 34, 37, 39, 47) in the housing (1, 2) that is connected to the collecting chamber (27) and contains a leakage sensor (41).

Abstract: The invention provides an improved seal structure of cutting fluid supplied to a spindle of a milling spindle. The milling spindle 100 comprises a spindle 20 supported within a housing via a bearing 16, and a drawbar 24 having a through coolant passage 22. The cutting fluid C1 passing through the rotary joint 40 and 50 is sent to the through coolant passage 22, but a portion thereof is collected in a drain chamber 105. A rotation member 110 is attached to a rear end portion of the spindle 20, which is equipped with a labyrinth device 150 having a lip seal member 152. An air supply member 120 has two air seal members 142 and 144, and air A1 is sent toward the labyrinth device 150, by which an air seal is formed.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved drain structure of a cutting fluid supplied to a spindle of a milling spindle. The milling spindle 100 comprises a spindle 20 supported within a housing via a bearing 16, and a drawbar 24 having a through coolant passage 22. The cutting fluid C1 passing through the rotary joint 40 and 50 is sent to the through coolant passage 22, but a portion thereof is collected in a drain chamber 110. When the pressure within the drain chamber rises, the drain device 150 pushes open the ball 160 resisting against the spring 170, and the cutting fluid C1 is discharged to the exterior.

Abstract: A plug in fitting for direct connection into an aperture in a housing. The fitting includes an inner cylindrical member having a body with an external diameter, a first end, and an opposed, second end having an radially extending cam. An outer sleeve includes a body and an inner diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the inner body. A first end of the outer sleeve terminates in a radially extending flange larger than the aperture. A second end of the outer sleeve is opposed to the first end.

Abstract: A swivel fitting used to connect to various components in a fluid handling system is provided. The swivel fitting incorporates an annular chamfer surface to reduce the affect that the fitting has on the flow properties of the fluid when the fluid is caused to flow through the fitting. The use of the swivel fitting in a paint supply line is also described.

Abstract: A rotating table provided with a determined gap Db and serving as a rotating body is rotatably mounted on a fixed base. Seal-member accommodating spaces serving as annular grooves are partitioned and formed in a fixed surface. Annular seal members are disposed in the seal-member accommodating spaces. When a vacuum is supplied to a communication passage, the absorbed seal members contact with the fixed surface and a rotated surface to seal gaps therebetween. When a positive pressure is supplied to the communication passage, the seal members are relocated in the seal-member accommodating spaces. The seal-member accommodating space has a taper portion, thereby preventing the seal members from biting. While the rotating table is being rotatably driven, no vacuum is supplied to the communication passage.

Abstract: The rubber foot mounting structure has a base 20b equipped with a boss hole 30 in the shape of substantially a cylinder and a rubber foot 40 that is formed on an outer side face of a body section 40d in the shape of substantially a column and is made capable of being press-fit to the boss hole 30 by means of flanges 40a1 to 40a4 formed on the outer side face of the body section 40d. Four flanges 40a1 to 40a4 formed on the outer side face of the rubber foot 40 contact the boss hole 30 and the rubber foot 40 gets inserted into the boss hole 30 while the four flanges 40a1 to 40a4 are being compressed.

Abstract: A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit.

Abstract: A device for a pressure-compensated swivel comprising a swivel housing and a swivel pipe rotatably arranged in the swivel housing, wherein pressure from fluid in the swivel acts on opposing compensating areas in the swivel, whereby an axially compressive force is established between the swivel housing and the swivel pipe.

Abstract: A coolant union includes a seal assembly having a first seal member and a non-rotating second seal member. At least one of the annular sealing surfaces presented by the rotating seal member and the non-rotating seal member is chamfered such that the chamfered sealing surface presents a sealing surface width less than the width of the dimension of the other sealing surface. The fluid coolant union further includes a U-shaped annular secondary seal member having a chamfered portion structurally arranged to receive a triangular back-up ring which stores sufficient relative displacement of the floating seal assembly to create a separation between the first rotating seal and the second non-rotating seal members during the unpressurized condition.

Abstract: Systems for actuating a pair of pipe flanges to cause the flanges to be sealingly engaged. In one embodiment, a connection includes a first flange, a second flange and a coupling. The first and second flanges have complementary mating surfaces. The coupling engages both the first and second flanges, with the flanges oriented so that their mating surfaces face each other. The coupling movably engages the first flange to form a cavity between the coupling and the flange. When fluid is forced into the cavity, expansion of the cavity moves the first mating surface toward the second mating surface. This is continued until the mating surfaces make contact and a desired amount of pressure is applied between them to create a seal. The pressure of the fluid is distributed evenly through the cavity, so the contact pressure between the mating surfaces of the flanges is also evenly distributed.

Abstract: A machining center having a draw bar extending through a spindle with coolant positioned inside the draw bar for cooling a tool comprises a piston rod movable between an operating position and an extended position, a drive post rotatable about an axis of rotation, operatively connected to the draw bar, a coolant union comprising a non-rotatable portion and rotatable portion, wherein the drive post is attached to the rotatable portion such that the rotatable portion is rotatable with the drive post about the axis of rotation, and a bridge, wherein the drive post extends through the bridge to attach to the coolant union and the bridge permits rotation of the drive post but resists dislocation of the drive post from the axis of rotation. Movement of the piston rod from the operating position to the extended position moves the drive post and coolant union to an extended position.

Abstract: A suction coupling includes a first union coupled to a second union. The first union includes a first tubing joint extending from a side of the first union and a male flange extending from an end of the first union. The second union includes a second tubing joint extending from a side of the second union and defines a female receptacle formed in an open end of the second union. The male flange is rotatably coupled with the female receptacle such that when suction is applied to the second union, the first union forms a liquid seal relative to the second union.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiments, a hollow shaft rotary fluid joint assembly includes: (a) a hollow shaft through which electrical cables are passed; (b) a rotary fluid joint surrounding an outer diameter of the hollow shaft through which a fluid medium is passed, the rotary fluid joint including inner and outer races defining an interior chamber that are rotatably connected together and that include one or more respective inlet or outlet port.

Abstract: A quick insert nozzle structure has a pipe connector connected to an insert nozzle. An end of the pipe connector has a containing groove for connecting a joint of a quick insert nozzle that has three circular grooves. An external circular groove installs a washer; a middle circular groove embeds balls, and an internal circular groove embeds a dust resisting cover. The balls match the joint for installing the balls and the washer. The wide groove diameter is coupled to the narrow groove diameter to form a guiding cambered surface, and the thickness of the wide groove diameter is reduced to form a thin covering plate. After the joint is installed, the thin covering plate is stamped to limit the balls, and a dust resisting cover is installed to complete assembling the quick insert nozzle. This invention not only makes the assembling process easy, but also prevents possible leaks.

Abstract: An adapter assembly having an intermediate ring and a screw-in part for a fluid plug-in system. The adapter assembly includes an externally threaded portion for threading into a threaded bore and an actuating shoulder. A receiving groove is formed in the transition between the actuating shoulder and the externally threaded portion with a first sealing ring is disposed therein. The intermediate ring fits onto the externally threaded portion and has opposing axially spaced annular portions. A first annular portion cooperates with the receiving groove and the actuating shoulder to form a first sealing chamber for the first sealing ring. A second sealing seat of a second annular portion facing away from the actuating shoulder cooperates with a surrounding surface adjacent to the bore and the externally threaded portion to form a second sealing chamber for the second sealing ring axially spaced from the first sealing chamber.

Abstract: A coolant union includes a seal assembly having a first seal member and a non-rotating second seal member. At least one of the annular sealing surfaces presented by the rotating seal member and the non-rotating seal member is chamfered such that the chamfered sealing surface presents a sealing surface width less than the width of the dimension of the other sealing surface. The fluid coolant union further includes a U-shaped annular secondary seal member having a chamfered portion structurally arranged to receive a triangular back-up ring which stores sufficient relative displacement of the floating seal assembly to create a separation between the first rotating seal and the second non-rotating seal members during the unpressurized condition.

Abstract: A rotatable vacuum has a passage through a spindle (32). The spindle protrudes through a bushing (30) and forms an annular chamber (46) therebetween that is connectable to a vacuum source through 360° of rotation.

Abstract: A swivel coupling comprises a male member having an annular groove formed on an outer surface and a female member overlapping the male member to form a central flow passageway. An annular groove is defined at an end of the female member and the annular groove of the female member is positioned adjacent the annular groove of the male member. A locking member is movably mounted around the male and female members and an annular groove on the locking member is positioned adjacent the annular grooves of the male and female members. The grooves together define an annular ball race. A plurality of ball bearings are trapped in the ball race and the male member is rotatable relative to the female member about the ball bearings.

Abstract: A swivel coupling comprises a male member having an annular groove formed on an outer surface and a female member overlapping the male member to form a central flow passageway. An annular groove is defined at an end of the female member and the annular groove of the female member is positioned adjacent the annular groove of the male member. A locking member is movably mounted around the male and female members and an annular groove on the locking member is positioned adjacent the annular grooves of the male and female members. The grooves together define an annular ball race. A plurality of ball bearings are trapped in the ball race and the male member is rotatable relative to the female member about the ball bearings.

Abstract: A swivel (40) includes an outer (41) and inner annular wall (42). A toroidal chamber (44) is defined between the outer and inner walls and opposing peripheral faces of the walls define an upper (45) and lower gap (52) extending respectively upwardly and downwardly from the toroidal chamber. The upper and/or lower gap has a first section (46) extending axially, a second section (47) transverse to the first section (46) and a third section (48) extending substantially parallel to the first section (46). A seal (50, 51) is placed in the second (47) or the third (48) section of the upper and/or lower gap (25, 52), the seal having two flexible legs (61, 62) arranged in a generally u-shaped or v-shaped orientation. The gap near the area of the seal is filled with a sealing fluid during use.

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting two ceramic material tubes has a cup-ball interface. One of the tubes has at a first end a cup shaped member, and the other tube has at a first end a ball shaped member adapted to be received in the cup shaped member. The ball shaped member and the cup shaped member define the cup-ball interface. The cup shaped member is provided with a gas feed channel discharging at a first end into an annular groove at the cup-ball interface. At the other end, the cup shaped member is connected to a conduit outside the cup shaped member. The conduit is connected to an inert gas source having a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for assembling a pressure pipe to an oil pump in a power steering system, for allowing the pressure pipe to guide oil discharged from the oil pump to a power boosting mechanism.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a swivel (1) comprising inner and outer mutually rotatable swivel members (2, 3), wherein the swivel members have respective inner fluid paths communicating with each other through one or more associated annular spaces (7) at the interface between the swivel members. A first one (3) of the swivel members on each side of the annular space (7) is provided with a peripheral groove (16) receiving a radially displaceable ring element (17) provided with sealing means (18, 19) which are arranged for static sealing against the other swivel member (2) and for dynamic sealing between the ring element (17) and the side walls of the peripheral groove (16), so that the first swivel member (3) apart from the ring elements (17) is rotatable in relation to the other swivel member (2).

Abstract: A swivel joint for coupling a first conduit to a second conduit includes a swivel bearing comprising a body of fluid. The swivel bearing eliminates the creation and transmission of torsional and shear loads when one or both of the conduits are axially loaded.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel, the hydraulic swivel including a female component that is capable of being placed in fluid connection with a first line, a male component rotatably positioned within the female component and capable of being placed in fluid connection with a second line, the male component having one or more radial surfaces proximate the female component and the female component having one or more radial surfaces proximate the male component, and one or more split rings, at least one split ring located in a radial recess defined by one of the radial surfaces of at least the male component or the female component.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement (6, 20, 37) to be positioned between two adjacent members (2, 3; 12, 13; 26, 27) between which a fluid cavity (4) is defined. Such a sealing arrangement is by example used in a swivel structure. If the exerted pressure is considerable two members will move from each other resulting in a larger spacing of the gap between them. During increasing of the pressure the requirements set to sealing do increase. According to the invention it is proposed to provide the members (2, 3; 12, 13; 20, 27) with L-shaped extensions and inverted L-shaped extensions (10, 11; 19, 21; 29, 30; 34, 35) which engage into each other and in between a spacing is defined for accommodating the sealing. If the pressure of the fluid in the cavity arises the spacing for the sealing will substantially decrease.

Abstract: A fluid-carrying swivel joint has a stepped bearing race arrangement on interconnecting hubs having an improved bore seal capability. The stepped arrangement allows more ball bearings per adjacent race which allows equal distribution of hydrostatic end loading to each bearing race, thereby enabling maximum total end loading while minimizing load concentration on a particular bearing race section due to increased total ball and race contact area. A straight bore type seal is used to reduce surface area subject to axial pressure and to minimize rotational friction.

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: A swivel joint comprises a tubular male member having at least first and second outer annular grooves formed on an outer surface, a tubular female member having at least first and second inner annular grooves formed on an inner recess, and a plurality of balls disposed in at least first and second annular races which are formed by the alignment of the first and second outer grooves with the first and second inner grooves when a first end of the male member is received within the recess of the female member. In addition, the radius of the first race is greater than the radius of an adjacent race closer to the first end of the male member, and the number of balls in the first race is just one more than the number of balls in the adjacent race closer to the first end.