A coupling component having a first end and a second end, the fitting having a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first end of the component including a first tubular portion having a first internal diameter adapted to form a sliding fit with a first pipe section, and a first sealer adapted such that the first end can be sealed in use to the first pipe section; the second end having a second diameter or cross-sectional area which is larger than the first diameter and wherein the second end incorporates a flange, wherein at least part of the face of said flange is in a plane substantially non-perpendicular to, or offset from, the longitudinal axis of the component.

A device for transferring a pressurized fluid from a stationary source into a rotating spindle shaft includes a stationary housing including an internal socket having a socket wall and a rotatable shaft extending into the socket. The shaft includes an outer surface and a shaft bore having inlet and outlet ends. The device includes a washer positioned over the shaft and including a first flat side surface and a second side surface having at least a portion angled with respect to the first flat side surface in operative contact with the socket wall. The device includes a bushing positioned over the shaft and including a bore having an inner surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the shaft by a gap. The bushing includes a first end surface proximate the inlet end and a second end surface in operative contact with the first flat side surface of the washer.

The invention relates generally to natural gas plumbing systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plumbing system that is preassembled to a large extent at a manufacturing site prior to shipping to the site of installation. The pre-assembled plumbing system may be used to convey gas to, for example, a fire pit, outdoor gas grill, fire bowl, gas lighting, and fire tables. The pre-assembled plumbing system may be easily installed and may include a flexible gas pipe, a transition riser, and a lead-in assembly. Further, the lead-in assembly may include a swivel joint configured to provide 360 degrees of multi-plane range of motion. The plumbing system may be coiled for storage and then transported to a site. Advantageously, the plumbing system is manufactured and sold as a single pre-assembled unit, thereby facilitating the ease and speed with which the plumbing system can be installed.

A greaseless pivot center swivel and bearing device includes an outer housing having a sidewall with top and bottom portions, a top plate coupled with the top portion that includes an opening therein, and a bottom plate coupled with the bottom portion that includes an opening therein. The sidewall cooperates with the top and bottom plates to define an interior volume. A single, unitary bushing member formed of a low-friction material is positioned within the interior volume and includes a surface cylindrically curved about an axis extending between the top and bottom plates of the housing. The cylindrically curved surface cooperates with the openings in the top and bottom plates to define a cylindrical passage through the interior volume sized and shaped for receiving a cylindrical tube that rotates therein, e.g., a tube configured to connect with a water supply column of a mechanized irrigation system.

An articulating flow line connector for connecting two sections or portions of a flow line, which may be a pressurized flow line. The connector may be configured to provide a sealed connection between the two sections or portions of the flow line, and may provide for a rotating or swiveling connection between the two sections. The articulating flow line connector may generally have a seal carrier ring arranged between two flow lines hubs. Each flow line hub may connect to an end of a flow line section. The seal carrier ring may be configured to provide both a sealing surface and at least one bearing surface. The seal carrier ring may have a sealing flange, a bearing flange, and a web portion extending between the flanges. The connector may additionally have a clamp arranged around or over the seal carrier ring and a portion of the two hubs.

A greaseless pivot center swivel and bearing device includes an outer housing having a sidewall with top and bottom portions, a top plate coupled with the top portion that includes an opening therein, and a bottom plate coupled with the bottom portion that includes an opening therein. The sidewall cooperates with the top and bottom plates to define an interior volume. A single, unitary bushing member formed of a low-friction material is positioned within the interior volume and includes a surface cylindrically curved about an axis extending between the top and bottom plates of the housing. The cylindrically curved surface cooperates with the openings in the top and bottom plates to define a cylindrical passage through the interior volume sized and shaped for receiving a cylindrical tube that rotates therein, e.g., a tube configured to connect with a water supply column of a mechanized irrigation system.

A coupling structure includes a first coupling portion formed by one end portion of a first tube, and a second coupling portion formed by one end portion of a second tube, and is configured such that the first coupling portion is inserted in the second coupling portion, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are coupled, with the second tube being pivotable with respect to the first tube, and a gap is formed between an outer surface of the first coupling portion and an inner surface of the second coupling portion in a first state in which a fluid is not flowing through the flow path, and in a second state in which the fluid is flowing through the flow path, pressure of the fluid causes the first coupling portion to deform to expand toward an outer side of the flow path to reduce the gap.

Methods, systems, devices, and products for use in a pole support system. Apparatus include a hinge joint comprising: a base having an insertion end with a longitudinal slot and with a fulcrum protrusion on an inner surface; a cup having a receiving end selectively receiving the insertion end of the base; a securing assembly configured to selectively release the cup from the base, the securing assembly comprising a rotatable shaft that translates along the longitudinal slot between at least i) a lower relative position corresponding to an engaged state in which the insertion end is received by the receiving end, and ii) an upper relative position corresponding to a released state in which the insertion end is free of the receiving end; the shaft having a cam projection positioned to contact against the fulcrum protrusion and displace the shaft toward the upper relative position when the shaft is rotated.

Methods, systems, devices, and products for use in a pole support system. Apparatus include a hinge joint comprising: a base having an insertion end with a longitudinal slot and with a fulcrum protrusion on an inner surface; a cup having a receiving end selectively receiving the insertion end of the base; a securing assembly configured to selectively release the cup from the base, the securing assembly comprising a rotatable shaft that translates along the longitudinal slot between at least i) a lower relative position corresponding to an engaged state in which the insertion end is received by the receiving end, and ii) an upper relative position corresponding to a released state in which the insertion end is free of the receiving end; the shaft having a cam projection positioned to contact against the fulcrum protrusion and displace the shaft toward the upper relative position when the shaft is rotated.

An externally driven conveyor pulley with an integrated thermal control system by which the temperature of the pulley may be controlled whether the pulley is rotating or stationary. The present invention includes a rotary connection device (or plurality of such devices) designed to transfer fluid (liquid or gaseous) or electrical current into/out of a rotating object. The rotary connection device may be a slip-ring for electrical power transfer or a rotary union for liquid transfer, but any device designed to transmit fluid or electricity into a rotating object could be utilized. In one embodiment, temperature control is achieved by transmitting temperature controlled fluids through the pulley via at least one rotary connection device. In an alternative embodiment, temperature control is achieved by transmitting electricity via the rotary connection device to a temperature regulating device in the rotating object. The temperature regulating device could be any electrical heating or cooling unit.