An enhanced union connection for connecting tubular members together. The enhanced union connection may include a male end member, a female end member, a wing nut, and nut retaining segments. The union connection

A fitting element, in particular for an HPLC application, is configured for providing a fluidic coupling of a tubing to a fluidic device. The fitting element comprises a gripping piece to exert—upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device—a grip force (G) between the fitting element and the tubing. The gripping piece comprises a hydraulic element configured to transform an axial force (S) into a hydraulic pressure (P) within the hydraulic element. The hydraulic pressure (P) in the hydraulic element causes the grip force (G).

A fitting element, in particular for an HPLC application, is configured for providing a fluidic coupling of a tubing to a fluidic device. The fitting element comprises a gripping piece to exert—upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device—a grip force (G) between the fitting element and the tubing. The gripping piece comprises a hydraulic element configured to transform an axial force (S) into a hydraulic pressure (P) within the hydraulic element. The hydraulic pressure (P) in the hydraulic element causes the grip force (G).

A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe. A plurality of sealing members is positionable in a stacked configuration within the axial bore. The sealing members define a first opening through which the length of pipe can pass and are arranged to form a seal between the length of pipe and the housing body. A locking member is positionable in the axial bore above the sealing members. The locking member defines a second opening. The length of pipe is movable through the second opening in a first direction and the locking member engages the length of pipe when the pipe is forced in a second direction opposite the first direction to form a one-way stop.

Embodiments of a retaining ring for a pipe joint assembly comprise a unitary, ring-shaped body having radially inner and outer surfaces and axially inner and outer surfaces, wherein the radially inner surface is provided with a gripping segment comprising one or more fins, with each of the fins extending radially inwardly. Embodiments further include a wing formed therewith, extending radially outwardly from the radial outer surface to the radially outermost surface. In various embodiments, the retaining ring can be split.

A plumbing fitting includes a housing defining a socket with an internal annular shoulder for sealably receiving a cartridge. A two-piece cylindrical cartridge has semi-cylindrical interlocking halves that lockably engage a grab ring positioned between the interlocking halves of the cartridge. The grab ring has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing and cartridge past the grab ring. The cartridge includes a ring seal positioned against the annular shoulder and internal wall of the socket for sealably coupling the cartridge to the socket and sealably coupling a fluid conduit to the cartridge. The cartridge may be held within the housing socket by a crimped-over end. Also, an integral release ring may be coupled to the cartridge, such that a separate tool is unnecessary to disconnect a fluid conduit from the fitting.

A fitting includes first and second fitting components adapted to be joined on a conduit to a first relative axial position to effect a seal between the conduit and a sealing element, sealing the conduit from a non-wetted fitting interior volume at least partially defined by the first and second fitting components. When the first and second fitting components are joined to the first relative axial position, first and second annular surfaces of the fitting axially engage, resulting in resistance to additional axial stroke of the first and second fitting components. At least one of the first and second annular surfaces includes a recess extending from an inner diameter to an outer diameter of the corresponding annular surface, and defining a leak detection port in fluid communication with the fitting interior volume when the first annular surface is in engagement with the second annular surface.

A pipe coupler includes a first jaw member, a first jaw extension, a second jaw member defining an open channel, a mounting board, a ratchet, and a first biasing member. The first and second jaw members are hinged to each other. The mounting board extends outwardly from the open channel of the second jaw member. The first jaw extension extends from the first jaw member, and is configured to extend into the open channel. The first jaw extension has a plurality of rack teeth. The ratchet is rotatably mounted on the mounting board, and has a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to mesh with the rack teeth. The first jaw extension is permitted to drive the ratchet to rotate unidirectionally against a first biasing force of the first biasing member.

A nut and ferrule assembly including a nut having an internal-threaded bore along a nut axis and a nut sealing surface, the threads of the internal-threaded bore having a nut thread pitch and a nut thread minor diameter, a ferrule having an annular body forming an axial bore and a ferrule sealing surface, the ferrule sealing surface corresponding to the nut sealing surface, the ferrule further having a protrusion extending outwardly from the body around at least a portion of the body, the outside diameter of the protrusion being greater than the nut thread minor diameter, and the ferrule positioned within the internal-threaded bore.

An air conditioner includes an outdoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air; an indoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air; a first pipe configured to provide a channel for the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger and having a first inner diameter; a second pipe configured to provide a channel for the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger; a coupling member configured to couple end portions of the first pipe and the second pipe; and a first insertion pipe inserted in the second pipe at the end portion of the second pipe and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter of the first pipe.