Multiple unions for simultaneously joining a plurality of pneumatic or hydraulic pipes

In a multiple union device for simultaneously joining the complementary male and female elements of a plurality of elementary unions equipped with seals, said union device comprising:

• (a) first and second plates for supporting the male and female elements and operative to be brought close together so as to compress the seals associated with the elements carried by said plates, said second plate having fixed thereto paired toothed columns which project from its surface toward the first plate, and said first plate supporting opposite each pair of columns a block having bores disposed to slidably receive said columns;
• (b) automatic latching means to retain said plates in an operative position in which the seals would be compressed between the male and female elements of the elementary unions, said latching means comprising pillar means fixed to said second plate and projecting toward the first plate, each pillar means being formed with a transverse depression, said first plate and block having a perforation disposed to slidably receive said pillar means, and bolt means slidably carried by said block and having a tooth operative to engage said transverse depression of said pillar means to retain said plates in said operative position, the bolt means being displaceable to disengage the tooth from said depression to permit separation of said plates;
• (c) a shaft rotatably supported by each block and passing adjacent to each bore, a pair of pinions mounted on each shaft and respectively extending into each bore and disposed therein to mesh with one of said toothed columns, the pinions being operative when rotated in a first locking direction to displace said first plate toward said second plate and being operative when rotated in a second unlocking direction to urge said first plate away from said second plate;
• (d) release means carried by said shaft and operative to displace said bolt means to disengage said tooth from said depression when said shaft is rotated in said second unlocking direction;
• and
• (e) lost-motion connecting means coupling said shaft and said pinions, said connecting means allowing said pinions a predetermined angle of freedom of rotation with respect to said shaft.