Imperial-Eastman Corporation

Mike D Kotsakis

Albert J Schwarz

A tube fitting of the push-pull type wherein the tube end is connected to the fitting by a simple inward insertion thereof, and withdrawal of the tube is effected by a simple withdrawal movement thereof upon manual rearrangement of the fitting components. The fitting includes a spring finger locking element adapted to engage the tube end when inserted and effectively prevent outward axial withdrawal movement of the tube end. A manipulating device is provided for selectively disengaging the spring finger from the tube end to permit axial withdrawal of the tube end when desired. The disengaging device is a one-piece element and is associated with suitable seals for providing an accurately preselected prestressing thereof against the tube end and body to provide an improved seal of the tube end to the body. The spring fingers are defined by an annular element. In one form, additional structure is provided for providing different spring constants relative to axial outward and inward movement of the spring fingers.

Push-pull fitting

A one-piece nut and sleeve coupling element is provided with an improved frangible connector for effective and reliable shearing of the sleeve member. An interior shear groove is flanked by exterior shear grooves to define a pair of break point webs, one web becoming thinner as the other web is widened upon axial displacement of the interior shear groove from a preselected placement. A shearable break point web is therefore assured when making up a tube fitting utilizing such a one-piece nut and sleeve coupling element.

One-piece nut and sleeve for improved tube fitting

An adjustable ratchet wrench adapted for one-hand manipulation in originally engaging an element to be turned, and subsequently effecting a ratchet action in turning the element wherein the jaws of the wrench are caused to grip the element when the wrench is swung in a first direction and release the element when the wrench is swung in the opposite direction. The mechanism for adjusting the jaws is further arranged to prevent overtightening of the jaws which could otherwise prevent the desired ratcheting action in the subsequent turning of the element. The jaw adjusting mechanism includes a ratchet and manual operating structure permitting free movement of the jaws to the element-engaging disposition and subsequent releasable locking of the jaws in such disposition to provide the improved ratcheting action in turning the element.

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Mount Prospect, IL, United States of America

Mike D Kotsakis