Coupler device for tubing ends providing mechanical and electrical connections therewith

Claim 1

The combination in a coupler for interconnecting the adjacent ends of tubing members in end-to-end axially aligned relation, comprising: a. a generally tubular body structure including axially movable opposite end sections adapted to respectively receive endwise therein the end portions of tubing members which are to be interconnected; b. an annular reinforcing member grippingly engaged around the received end portion of each of said tubing members, said reinforcing member comprising a ferrule having an inner circumferentially extending groove in communication with a side entrance slot; c. abutting means extending between each annular member and its adjacent associated body end section; d. means operable to axially contract said body structure and move said opposite end sections toward each other to mechanically interconnect said tubing members; and e. an electrical conductor at least at one end of said body structure, said conductor having an inner end extending through said slot and being grippingly anchored in said groove by the adjacent annular member in electrical conducting engagement wiTh the tubing at such end.