Abstract:
An improved modular coupling assembly (10) having a first member (12), a first valve member (40) positioned in the first member (12), a second member (56), a second valve member (80) positioned in the second member (56), a first annular seal (110) positioned between the first member (12) and the second member (80) and a second annular seal (112) positioned between the first member (12) and the second member (80). The assembly provides a redundant seal to prevent leakage of fluid from the assembly.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the accurate formation of a free-form three-dimensional article (38) comprises providing a supply of substantially uniform size droplets (36) of a desired material wherein each droplet has a positive or negative charge in an enclosed environment. The supply of droplets is focused or aligned into a narrow stream by passing the droplets through or adjacent an alignment means (30) which repels each droplet toward an axis extending through the alignment means. The droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate onto a target to form the three-dimensional article.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the accurate formation of a three-dimensional article. A three-dimensional article (38) is formed by suppling droplets (36) of a material with a uniform size and charge. The supply of droplets is focused into a narrow stream by passing through or adjacent to an alignement means (30). The droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined rate onto a target to form the three-dimensional article (38) without the use of a mold.
Abstract:
A coupling assembly including a female member (30) having a receiving end (50) with an axially extending passageway (53) and inwardly facing groove (54) extending outwardly from said passageway (53) in a position spaced from the receiving end (50). A split metal locking ring (60) is positioned in the groove (54). A male member (20) is sized to be received in said receiving end (50) and includes a rib having (i) a ramp (28) tapering in a direction away from the forward end (21) and away from the axis (A) at an angle in the range of 10 to 25 degrees, (ii) a cylindrical surface (29) parallel to the axis (A) extending rearwardly from the ramp a distance of at least 0.010 and preferably 0.030 inch and (iii) a shoulder (31) tapering away from the forward end (21) and inwardly toward the axis (A). Upon insertion of the male member (20) into the female member (30), the split metal ring (60) is expanded as it rides over the ramp (28), engages the cylindrical surface (29) and retracts to a smaller diameter approaching its original size to engage the shoulder (31) thereby locking the male member (20) into engagement with the female member (30).
Abstract:
A valve assembly (10) for use in the coupling of two members. The first member (12) has an exterior surface (14) and an interior surface (16). The interior surface (16) defines a coupling sleeve (20) and a valve sleeve (22). A fluid passageway (24) is in communication between the coupling sleeve (29) and the valve sleeve (22). A valve (70) is positioned in the valve sleeve (22). The valve (70) is biased toward the fluid passageway (24) by a coiled spring (72). A valve pusher (82) having a first end (84) and a second end (86) is positioned in the coupling sleeve (20) and the fluid passageway (24). The assembly (10) has a second member (92) having an outer surface (94), an inner surface (96) and a terminal portion (98). When the second member (92) is inserted in the coupling sleeve (20), the terminal portion (98) engages the first end (84) of the valve pusher (82) causing the second end (86) of the pusher (82) to engage the valve (70) to unseat the valve (70) to allow unrestricted fluid flow between the first member (12) and the second member (92).
Abstract:
A flexible connector (10) for joining lengths of rigid tubing (11, 12) is disclosed. A bell-shaped housing (14) is connected to one length of tubing (12). An elastomeric seal member (16) is received in the housing (14). The seal member (16) includes a pair of diverging flanges (22, 23) and defines a circular groove (20). An insertion member (26) is connected to the other length of tubing (11) and includes a raised portion (27) received in the seal member groove (20) upon insertion in the seal member (16) and in the bell-shaped housing (14). The diverging flanges (22, 23) are compressed toward one another. A wedge member (41) may be used to retard relative rotation between the bell-shaped housing (14) and the insertion member (26).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for molding glass fiber reinforced plastic articles using a flowable liquid molding compound includes placing a mat of glass fiber reinforcing material in a mold half (14) while the molds are open, rapidly closing the mold halves (13, 14) until they reach a distance of approximately 2 inches from a fully closed position, injection the liquid molding compound which has been maintained at a temperature in the range of 75 DEG to 77 DEG F. into the space between the mold halves while the mold halves continue to close at a slower rate of speed, completing the closing of the mold halves after the injection step to compression mold the molding compound into conformity with the mold cavity while trimming excess glass reinforcing material and heating the shaped molding compound to a temperature causing it to set.
Abstract:
A hose fitting (10) is disclosed. The hose fitting (10) includes a body or nipple (11) having a central opening (12), a socket (26) surrounds the body (11) and together with the body (11) defines an opening (29) for receiving a hose (30). One or more inverted knurl bands (35) are provided on the body (11). The hose (30) is positioned tightly against the inverted knurl bands (35).
Abstract:
A flexible joint (10) for the connecting and sealing of tubular sections (12, 14) that includes a flexible pad (20) having inner (24) and outer (22) surfaces. A contoured portion (30) extends around the inner surface (24) of the pad (20). The flexible joint (10) further includes a first tubular section (12) having a raised portion (46). The raised portion (46) engages the contoured portion (30) on the inner surface (24) of the pad (20). A second tubular section (14) includes a housing (58). The housing (58) has exterior (60) and interior (62) surfaces. The interior surface (60) of the housing (58) engages the outer surface (22) of the pad (20) for retaining the pad (20) in a sealing relationship with the first tubular section (12).
Abstract:
A needle protector having a body, a needle hub and a needle. The body includes a first end and a second end. The body consists of a hollow elongated cylinder defined by a continuous wall having a channel extending between the first and second ends. The continuous wall defines a recess adjacent the first end. The needle hub is movably mounted on the body. The needle hub has an external portion, an internal portion and a tracking member extending between the external portions. The tracking member is positioned in the channel. The external portion includes a single locking arm adapted to be received by the recess and the second end. The needle is mounted in the internal portion of the needle hub. Movement of the needle hub from the first end to the second end results in corresponding movement of the needle into the body until the locking arm engages the second end thereby preventing movement of the needle hub and the needle from the second end to the first end of the body.