Abstract: A self-piercing rivet is disclosed. A self-piercing rivet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a head portion; a shank portion integrally connected with the head portion; a plurality of ribs formed to an external circumferential surface of the shank portion along a length direction of the shank portion in a spiral form and integrally connected to the head portion; and a straight portion integrally formed in a connecting portion in which the head portion and 50 are connected.

Abstract: Punch foot and micro-stop foot for use in removing rivets from joined work pieces. Blades in the punch foot create indentations in a rivet head, and blades in the micro-stop foot engage the indentations in the rivet head to prevent the rivet from spinning during the removal process.

Abstract: An insert tube is used for the repair or improvement of a pre-heating tube for air arranged in an exhaust gas pathway of a fuel burner. A pre-determined radial gap exists between the outer surface of the insert tube and the inner surface of the pre-heating tube for air such that the insert tube can be slid into the pre-heating tube for air. The insert tube is provided in the vicinity of each end with at least one groove that runs around its circumference. In the groove there is arranged at least one sealing ring of an elastic material. The sealing ring mounted in the groove has an external diameter that exceeds the internal diameter of the preheating tube for air. The sealing ring forms a seal against the inner surface of the pre-heating tube for air and prevents leakage through the sealing ring.

Abstract: An engaging dented portion is formed in a region from an axially intermediate portion of the pipe insertion hole to a position of a connecting surface of a flange on an inner peripheral surface of the pipe insertion hole. The end portion of the pipe is inserted into the pipe insertion hole of the flange so that the end face of the pipe is positioned within a range from the axially intermediate portion of the pipe insertion hole to a position of the connecting surface of the flange. Next, each die segment of an expanding die arranged in the hollow portion of the pipe is moved radially outward of the pipe to thereby subject the end portion of the pipe to an expanding process so that the end portion of the pipe is engaged with the engaging dented portion. With this, the flange is connected to the end portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of forming a leak tight connection between a pipe and a port made of different metals is described. A leak tight connection between a pipe made of a first metal and a port made of a second metal is also described.

Abstract: A fitting (58) is inserted into an opening (56) in a wall (50). The fitting (58) includes a ring portion (64) where it extends through the opening (56). It also includes one or two end portions (66, 68) that extend axially outwardly from the ring portion (64). The ring portion (64) has an inside diameter (76) that is smaller than the inside diameters of the end portion or portions (66, 68). The fitting (58) is positioned within the wall opening (56). Then, an expansion tool is moved through the interior of fitting (58) for the purpose of expanding the ring portion (64). The ring portion (64) is expanded to such an extent that it makes a tight fit with the opening (56). Also, the degree of expansion may result in a cold working of the wall material surrounding the opening (56). The expansion tooling only expands the ring portion (64) and does not exert a substantial expanding force on the end portions (66, 68).

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector for tubing, in particular, expandable tubing sections. There is also disclosed a method of sealing a connection between tubing sections, in particular, expandable tubing sections. In one embodiment of the invention, a connector (10) is disclosed which is suitable for coupling expandable tubing sections (11,13) together. The connector (10) comprises first and second portions (12,14) adapted to be provided on respective expandable tubing sections (11, 13), at least one of the portions (12,14) including a seal profile (16) which is adapted to be urged into sealing engagement with the other portion (12,14) on expansion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of coupling standard exhaust tubing of a circular cross-section with irregular or non-circular exhaust ports of an internal combustion engine in an efficient, economic, and robust manner. The nature of the connection allows for irregular or non-circular exhaust ports to be mated to round tubing with minimal air flow impact and a high strength welded connection, with reduced manufacturing scrap and increased CNC manufacturing capability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making a connection that can be rotationally locked by expansion are disclosed. Threaded tubular ends include a slot cut across a thread at a location along the circumference of the thread. Threading two tubular members that have the slot disposed in either or both of a pin or box end of the tubular members establishes the connection. The slots represent no impediment to the make-up or break-out of a box by pin connection prior to expansion. During expansion of the connection, the threads of either the box or pin end are forced via plastic flow into the slot in the corresponding thread. This results in locking the connection and preventing relative rotation between the two tubular members, which could otherwise loosen the connection.

Abstract: A flange connection for pipes, especially for sanitary installations. The flange connection comprises a connecting piece which can be joined at each end to a pipe to produce a sealed connection. The flange connection further comprises a flange which is arranged radially outside on the connecting piece and which is fixable to a further component to make an indirect connection between the connecting piece and the further component. The flange has an opening through which the connecting piece is guided and the flange is fixed on the connecting piece by a retaining element.

Abstract: A fitting is inserted into an opening in a wall. The fitting includes a ring portion where it extends through the opening. It also includes one or two end portions that extend axially outwardly from the ring portion. The ring portion has an inside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameters of the end portion or portions. The fitting is positioned within the wall openings. Then, an expansion tool is moved through the interior of fitting for the purpose of expanding the ring portion. The ring portion is expanded to such an extent that it makes a tight fit with the opening. Also, the degree of expansion may result in a cold working of the wall material surrounding the opening. The expansion tooling only expands the ring portion and does not exert a substantial expanding force on the end portions.

Abstract: An insulated transition spool apparatus for mounting unheading devices to pressure vessels, such as coker vessels, and enabling repetitive operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, an inner housing that encloses an insulating space between the inner and outer housing, a side feed entry aperture in each housing and a spool adapter flange to facilitate attachment of the spool to the vessel.

Abstract: A filler neck assembly includes a plastic fuel tank having a wall with an opening extending therethrough. The filler neck assembly also includes a filler neck tube extending through the opening in the fuel tank and having an annular stop flange projecting radially outward from the filler neck tube outside the wall and an annular lock flange projecting radially outward from the filler neck tube formed inside the wall to lock the filler neck tube to the fuel tank. The stop flange and the lock flange provide the sole means for securing the filler neck tube within the opening. The filler neck assembly further includes a seal interposed in the opening between the wall and the filler neck tube and a washer disposed inside the fuel tank between the wall and the lock flange to engage the seal.

Abstract: A connection and a method of providing a connection includes a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, a cavity, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion between the first and second portions. The first portion penetrates the first surface and extends through the aperture into the cavity. The third portion is deformed so as to engage the second surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tube and connector assembly. The tube is formed in a co-extrusion process to provide a multi-ply tube and the multi-ply tube is thereafter delivered to an injection die assembly where a connector is molded onto the end of the tube. The molded on connector provides a ready and efficient means of providing a connector for the tube and further encapsulates the tube end so as to preclude separation of the plies of the tube even in a heavy duty usage environment. The connector may comprise a coaxial connector in which the central axis of the connector is coaxial with the central axis of the tube end portion over which it is molded or may comprise a right angle connector in which the central axis of the connector is at a right angle to the central axis of the tube end portion over which it is molded.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a pipe fitting for a panel, especially for a panel of a lid for a container, as on a container wall. A pipe section protruding from the panel is provided wherein the front of the pipe fitting is fastened to the panel in the assembled state. A flange having a groove for a seal and a pipe socket extend from the pipe section for passing through an opening in the panel. The pipe socket forms a positive fit connection to the panel through deformation to the assembled state and the seal provides a non-positive fit against a surface of the panel.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for fluid and vapor connection comprising a first tube, a second tube and a thin strip of polymeric material. A male member is formed at the end of the first tube. A hollow female body is formed at end of the second tube. The male member is received in the female body. The strip of polymeric material has a layer of adhesive applied to one surface of the strip. The strip is bonded to the male member and unbonded to the female body. The strip is compressed between the male member and the female body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved handle for a clothing steamer which solves the problem of steam delivery hose working free of a barbed fitting. The handle is fitted with a plurality of protrusions that impinge the outer diameter of the hose, thereby securing it in place through friction with the protrusions and also by forcing the inner diameter of the hose against the barbs of the barbed interference fitting.

Abstract: An expansion section for expanding the distance between longitudinal side surfaces of an opening of a tube when being inserted a predetermined depth into the opening is formed an expansion wedge body, and guide protuberances are protrusively formed on the respective longitudinal sides of the expansion section. The guide protuberances are inserted into the spaces provided on the respective sides of the opening of the tube, thereby guiding the expansion section into the opening.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a tube to a header member of heat exchanger is such that the header member has a tube hole and the tube is disposed through the tube hole so that a portion of the tube projects out of and beyond the header member. The portion of the tube which projects outwardly is expanded via the insertion of an expansion wedge to establish a tight contact between the tube and the tube hole.

Abstract: A device for connecting a first tube (10) with a connection tube (14) whose end segments (22, 24) extend through an opening (12) of the first tube and to establish in a simple manner, a force-fit connection between the tubes, a tool (34) is proposed which comprises at least two segments (36, 38) axially displaceable relative to the other and extending within the connection tube(14) up to or nearly into the first tube (10), with one of the segments (36) having a radially projecting protrusion (42) which engages the end segment (22, 24) with the segments disposed within the tube (10), and external to the projecting protrusion the segments have a total effective diameter which is adapted to the inner diameter of the connection tube (14) in the region of the opening (12) of the first tube (10).

Abstract: A fitting assembly for fluid and vapor connection comprising a first tube, a second tube and a ring. The first tube has a male member at the end of the first tube and a radially enlarged upset formed at a distance from the end of the first tube. The second tube has a hollow female body formed at the end of the second tube. The male member is received in the female body. The ring surrounds the female body. The ring has an axial bore with an innermost diameter smaller than the outermost diameter of the female body for deforming the female body radially inward. The innermost diameter of the axial bore is smaller than at least a portion of the upset of the first tube.

Abstract: A body that slides over an end, opposite end, and outer diameter of a conduit is presented. A passage through the body has a groove in which a seal is located. A portion of the conduit is expanded to create an interference fit with the passage, groove, and ends of the body. As a result, an enlarged outer diameter of the conduit axially interlocks with the groove and compresses the seal therein to create a fluid-tight seal. In one embodiment of the present invention, a second enlarged outer diameter of the conduit is displaced outward over the opposite of the body to help lock the body to the conduit. Additionally, an outside diameter of the body can accommodate grooves for retaining seals. These seals can create a sealed engagement to a housing or another fitting, to form a complete conduit connection. The body can take the form of a housing, a male fitting, or a female fitting.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for vehicles comprises firstly a heat-exchanger assembly consisting of flat liquid-conveying tubes and surface-enlarging means, secondly an inlet tank, and thirdly an outlet tank. The inlet tank and the outlet tank have a connection plate with a number of connection holes for the tubes. At each hole, the plate has a projecting connecting sleeve element. Each tube has at its ends a widened main portion which is accommodated on said connecting sleeve element. A rounded transitional area is formed between the connection plate and each connecting sleeve element, and the main portion is inserted in the conecting sleeve element and is applied with its outside against the inside of the connecting sleeve element. Each tube has at its ends an end portion which is widened in relation to the main portion, merges with the main portion and is applied against the transitional area.

Abstract: A collar for connecting a duct to a wall having a hole therein bounded by an edge having a predetermined thickness. The collar is constructed from a sheet of material having top, bottom, left and right edges, the sheet forming a tubular structure in which the left and right edges overlap. The sheet includes a groove for engaging the edge of the hole. The sheet also includes first and second detents spaced apart thereon. The overlap of the left and right edges at the top edge changes when the spacing between the first and second detents is changed. The collar also includes a first fastener for fixing the overlap of the left and right edges at the top edge when the edge of the hole is engaged in the groove and a second fastener for fixing the overlap of the left and right edges at the bottom edge. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the groove includes a layer of a sealing material for forming a seal between the sheet of material and the edge of the hole.

Abstract: A device inserted through a tubular wall by means of a cylindrical flange surrounding a through-bore which is used to insert a tool for flaving the annular region defined by the flange around the bore on the inside of said wall, so that the device may be mechanically secured thereto. The bore is then plugged with a disc and the whole assembly is sealed by brazing.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a first tubular conduit to be in flow communication with a second tubular conduit includes an adapter and a generally cylindrical wedge. The adapter defines an upper, generally cylindrical surface and a lower, generally cylindrical surface with an inner ledge therebetween. The adapter is configured for connection to: (i) the first tubular conduit such that a portion of the adapter is substantially flush with an inner surface of the first tubular conduit, and (ii) the second tubular conduit such that there is flow communication therebetween. The wedge has an outwardly extending flange portion and a generally cylindrical depending portion. The wedge is configured for insertion into the adapter such that the flange portion abuts against the ledge of the adapter and the cylindrical portion is substantially flush with the inner surface of the first tubular conduit.

Abstract: A sheet-metal elbow is coupled by direct attachment to a flat sheet-metal air inlet panel of an air distribution boot or register box by roll-formed flange portions that are mated in interlocking, overlapping engagement with each other. The air inlet panel includes an outwardly flared coupling flange bordering an air inlet opening. The neck of the sheet-metal elbow includes a folded coupling flange that is dimensioned for interfitting, overlapping engagement with the outwardly flared elbow coupling flange. The coupling flanges are clasped together by a hydraulic ram that drives an expandable mandrel into a V-shaped die cavity. The tightly clasped, overlapping flange portions permit smooth, continuous rotation of the elbow through 360.degree. with respect to the register box for alignment with a branch conduit. The interlocked flanges also provide a strong mechanical union that is virtually leak-free under normal ventilation air flow conditions.

Abstract: An oil strainer head is attached to an oil suction pipe using a machined bulge flange in the pipe. A connection flange on the oil strainer head is fitted over the lower end of the pipe below the bulge flange. The bulge flange is then crimped in an outward curve to deform the connection flange into a corresponding outward curve captured within the crimped lower end. This structure eliminates the need for reinforcement and welding and produces a strong, non-leaking joint that reduces the number of parts and manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A suction accumulator for a refrigerant compressor which is mounted to the compressor in such a way as to reduce the metal fatigue at the joint between the inlet tube and the suction accumulator, and reduce the potential for rust or oxidation of the metal of the suction accumulator. The suction accumulator includes a cylindrical housing with two domed ends, wherein an inlet tube extends into the inlet of the suction accumulator and is provided with a flared end. The flared end is attached to the inlet of the suction accumulator and the flared end matches the contour of the inlet such that when the two parts are joined they are congruent with each other to thereby reduce the vibration therebetween. The suction accumulator is also provided with an outlet which communicates refrigerant from the suction accumulator back to the compressor. The suction accumulator is secured to the outside wall of the compressor using a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a tank having a pipe insertion hole disposed in a tank wall and a fluid pipe connected to the tank wall for introducing a fluid into the tank or discharging the fluid from the tank. The tank wall has a burr formed around the pipe insertion hole extending toward an interior of the tank. The fluid pipe has a flange formed on its periphery by bending the fluid pipe onto itself. An end portion of the fluid pipe is inserted into the pipe insertion hole so that the flange contacts an outer surface of the tank wall, and the inserted end portion is expanded and caulked together with the burr. A brazing material may be fixed between the flange and the tank wall during brazing even during vibration. The length of the pipe inserted into the tank may be minimized. The contact area between the fluid pipe and the tank is thereby enlarged.

Abstract: A corporation stop for use with standard tapping equipment includes a threaded stem with an enlarged, conical head for forming a blind side seal. A resilient sleeve member coaxially surrounds a narrow portion of the stem, and a flat compression ring rests coaxially above the sleeve member and has a notch formed radially in its outer edge. A standard saddle having a radially-inward tab is placed on the external sidewall of the conduit about the opening and receives the compression ring, the tab engaging the notch in the compression ring. A clamp nut is engaged with the threaded stem, forcing the compression ring against the resilient sleeve member to forcibly move the upper end of the sleeve member towards the compression ring to form an external seal between the compression ring and the external sidewall of the conduit and force the sleeve member over the enlarged, conical head of the threaded stem to form an internal seal within the lined conduit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connection of a plate and a pair of tubular members. The plate has an aperture defined therein, and a tubular flange portion which is formed around the aperture and which extends away from a plane of the plate. A first opening end portion of a first tubular member is fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the flange portion of the plate. And, a second opening end portion of a second tubular member is inserted into the flange portion, with a region of the second opening end portion axially remote from an end thereof pressed into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the flange portion. It is arranged that at least a part of an outer surface of the second opening end portion between the end of the second opening end portion and the region is pressed into contact with an inner surface of the first tubular member.

Abstract: A corporation stop has a threaded stem with an enlarged, conical head portion and a neck portion of reduced size coaxially surrounded by a resilient sleeve member. A flat, annular compression ring rests above the sleeve member and has at least one notch formed radially in its outer edge and has on its lower side a sleeve receiving recess of a diameter greater than that of the annular opening to receive the upper end of the sleeve member. A clamp nut is engageable with the neck portion of the threaded stem. A saddle member having at least one tab projecting radially engages the notch in the compression ring.

Abstract: A three-piece air horn assembly is provided including a die cast base configured for attachment to a vehicle, an intermediate tube, and a die cast bell, which pieces are interconnected by mechanical connections. In particular, the base includes a cylindrically-shaped hole with front and rear shoulders at each end, the rear shoulder being circumferentially non-uniform, and the tube includes a circumferentially extending ridge engaging the front shoulder and a flared end engaging the rear shoulder. The tube is extended into the hole in the base and the end is then flared into engagement with the non-uniform rear shoulder. Engagement of the flared end into the non-uniform rear shoulder prevents rotation of the tube on the base while the engagement of the flared end and the ridge with the front and rear shoulders, respectively, provides an axially secure connection.

Abstract: A duct coupling pad for joining flexible ducts includes an outer section surrounding a central opening. An adhesive coating is applied to one surface of the coupling pad for adhering the pad to a first one of the ducts to be joined. An opening is formed in the first duct within the area of the central opening of the coupling pad. Securing tabs integrally formed with the outer section of the coupling pad are folded inwardly into the opening in the first duct and adhered to the inner surface thereof. The coupling pad binds the edge of the opening in the first duct to prevent splitting and tearing of the linings. A collar is inserted into the central opening of the coupling pad and the second duct is connected to the collar.

Abstract: A muffler designed at least about the exterior surface by a barrel with end plates. An inlet tube and an exhaust pipe are associated with the end plates, respectively. The external joints are formed by locked seamed roll joints and S-shaped deformed joints to avoid welding at the exterior of the muffler. Tubes extending between baffle plates may also employ the S-shaped deformed joints. Joint tubes having some ability to telescope axially with the other internal components provide thermal stress relief.

Abstract: A method of forming a tube joint which can be used in a desalination plant includes providing a fluted tube, applying a sealant to the tube end and inserting the tube end into a tube sheet or plate to form a joint therebetween. After insertion, the inner surface of the fluted tube is worked to deform external ridges of the fluted tube and uniformly distribute the sealant throughout the joint area. The fluted tube is deformed using a roll expanding method. The fluted design of the tube retains sealant in the joint area during tube insertion and expansion and takes advantage of the heat transfer characteristic of the flutes to provide an improved joint construction especially adapted for heat exchange use.

Abstract: A single piece duct fitting of generally cylindrical configuration for attachment to a large cylindrically-shaped flexible duct having a curved, easily deformed sidewall in which a hole has been created. This novel duct fitting is constructed of deformable sheet material that, before being assembled into a cylindrical configuration, was defined by an elongate sheet of material having a long edge of a generally sinusoidal configuration, with a plurality of short lateral slots defining teeth in this long edge. A pair of relatively closely spaced curves of generally sinusoidal configuration are disposed adjacent the teeth, which curves bear a closely aligned relationship with the first long edge of generally sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of evenly spaced slits extend between the pair of sinusoidal curves, with these slits defining a plurality of substantially identical tab members intended to bend outwardly when lengthwise compression is applied to the duct fitting.

Abstract: A method of forming a tube joint which can be used in a desalination plant includes providing a fluted tube, applying a sealant to the tube end and inserting the tube end into a tube sheet or plate to form a joint therebetween. After insertion, the inner surface of the fluted tube is worked to deform external ridges of the fluted tube and uniformly distribute the sealant throughout the joint area. The fluted tube is deformed using a roll expanding method. The fluted design of the tube retains sealant in the joint area during tube insertion and expansion and takes advantage of the heat transfer characteristic of the flutes to provide an improved joint construction especially adapted for heat exchange use.

Abstract: A pipe flange is formed with an opening into which is fitted a pipe, and an annular groove which is coaxial with the opening and surrounds the same. A cylindrical is defined between the opening and the annular groove coaxially. A folding-back portion is led to the cylindrical portion and is adapted to retain one leading end of the pipe fitted into the opening. A pipe retaining portion is led to the folding-back portion and is folded back radially inwardly over the cylindrical portion in parallel therewith and is spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the joining process can be simplified, and the work environment will not be contaminated. In addition, the joint strength and the air tightness can be enhanced. The pipe integral with the flange for pipe fitting is light in weight. Furthermore, the present invention is adapted for the mass production by the simple joining method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filler tubes and, more particularly, to fuel filler tubes and methods of attaching them to automobile fuel tanks. The fuel filler tube of the present invention includes an inlet tube, a retainer member, sealing means and a fuel tank having a downwardly extending diameter portion. The retainer is disposed over the downwardly extending diameter portion and adhered to the tank. The inlet tube is then inserted into the fuel tank aperture until the inlet tubes annular flange engages the fuel tank's annular lip. A crimping tool is then inserted through the axial bore of the inlet tube and a plurality of bearings contained on the crimping tool are forced radially outwardly to thereby crimp the inlet tube and downwardly extending diameter portion together. The retainer member includes a plurality of recessed areas for hosting the expanded inlet tube and tank portions.

Abstract: A method of upsetting and flaring a thin-walled metal tubular probe with one closed end onto a non-metallic plate in a single tooling set-up. The closed end of the tubing probe is inserted in a hole in the plate and a mandrel inserted in the open end of the tube and spring biased to register against the interior of the closed end of the tube which has an anvil washer received thereover which supports the tube wall. A pilot tool is registered against the closed end of the tube; and, an annular tool is received over the mandrel and registers against the open end of the tube. With the annular tool supporting axially the open end of the tube, the pilot tool is moved against the closed end of the tube and bulges a portion of the tube in a recess provided in the plate or in the anvil washer against one side of the plate. The annular tool is then moved axially to flare the open end of the tube against the opposite side of the plate.

Abstract: An inner half cylinder and an outer half cylinder are brazed to each other to form a cylindrical header tank. Both ends of tubes are connected to the inner half cylinder. An opening of the outer half cylinder is communicated with an opening of a joint pipe. A tongue portion which is provided on the periphery of the opening of the outer half cylinder is inserted and curled in the opening of the joint pipe so as to fix the joint pipe on the outer half cylinder firmly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conduit collar and method for installing the conduit collar in a circular hole through concrete and stone structures used in industrial construction work. The conduit collar includes at least one circumferential rib with an outer perimeter having a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole before the collar is installed into the hole. The outer perimeter of at least one of the circumferential ribs conforms to fit inside the hole when the collar is installed into the hole.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed having a first part constructed or powdered metal and having a lip which extends outwardly from one end of the first part. A second part, for example a steel stamping, has a first side, a second side and an opening extending between its sides. The opening is dimensioned so that, with the second part positioned on the end of the first part, the lip extends through the opening and outwardly from the second or outer side of the second part. The first and second parts are then mechanically secured together by deforming the lip so that a portion of lip overlies and entraps an edge portion of the second part between the deformed lip and the end of the first part.

Abstract: A pipe connection comprising a tube of plastically deformable material has an expanded end section received in a hole in a tube plate with a sealing ring received in an annular seat in the hole sealing the tube to the plate. The extreme end of the tube may be deformed conically into contact with one side of the plate to provide a rigid structural joint therebetween. More than one sealing ring may be employed. Methods of making the pipe connection may involve constricting a portion of the end section to provide a space between the end portion and the tube plate hole to permit the seal to be inserted, followed by expansion of the tube end to compress the seal and engage the tube plate wall in metal-to-metal contact. Other variations of the process are disclosed.

Abstract: A duct fitting of generally cylindrical configuration for attachment to a relatively large, generally cylindrically-shaped flexible duct having a curved sidewall of easily deformed material, in which sidewall a hole of particular size has been created. This duct fitting is constructed of deformable sheet material and has first and second open ends, with the first end having a curvature conforming to the configuration of the curved sidewall of the flexible duct. The second end of the duct fitting is adapted to receive thereon, a relatively small branch duct to be connected in a leak-free manner to the flexible duct. In accordance with this invention, the first end of the duct fitting has a plurality of short, lateral slots disposed at spaced locations around its circumference, thus to define a plurality of bendable teeth arranged in a non-planar array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filler tubes and, more particularly, to fuel filler tubes and methods of attaching them to automobile fuel tanks. The fuel filler tube of the present invention includes an inlet tube, a retainer member, sealing means and a fuel tank having a downwardly extending diameter portion. The retainer is disposed over the downwardly extending diameter portion and adhered to the tank. The inlet tube is then inserted into the fuel tank aperture until the inlet tubes annular flange engages the fuel tank's annular lip. A crimping tool is then inserted through the axial bore of the inlet tube and a plurality of bearings contained on the crimping tool are forced radially outwardly to thereby crimp the inlet tube and downwardly extending diameter portion together. The retainer member includes a plurality of recessed areas for hosting the expanded inlet tube and tank portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion-preventive sleeve for preventing corrosion of a drilled hole in a metal pipe, and also to a mounting tool for mounting this corrosion-preventive sleeve in such drilled hole. The corrosion-preventive sleeve comprises an elastic sleeve and a corrosion-resistant metal sleeve to be inserted into the elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve with the corrosion-resistant metal sleeve inserted therein in its diametrically contracted state is inserted into the drilled hole. Subsequently, the tapered member of the mounting tool is passed through the metal sleeve, whereby the latter is diametrically expanded. Then, with this, the elastic sleeve is also diametrically expanded and is intimately contacted with the inner surface of the drilled hole.