Patent ID: 7083200

Claim:
A multiple-pass fluid rotary union, comprising: a first member including a plurality of spaced longitudinally directed bores of different lengths extending from one end of the first member and terminating at an associated radially directed bore communicating the longitudinally directed bores with an outer surface of the first member; and a second member including: a housing positioned adjacent to a first end of the second member, and rotatably connected with the first member; an end plate positioned adjacent to a second end of the second member, and operably connected with the first member; a plurality of longitudinally adjacent segments positioned between the housing and the end plate, wherein each of the segments has opposite end surfaces, an outer surface, an annular inner surface with at least one circumferential groove therein for providing fluid communication with one of the associated radially directed bores of the first member, and a radially directed bore extending from each of the grooves to the outer surface of the segment; and a plurality of couplers having ungrooved inner surfaces without fluid communication with the radially directed bores of the first member, and opposite faces which abuttingly engage the end surfaces of the segments to transmit torque between the segments without rigid connection therebetween, and thereby accommodate for some misalignment between the segments, wherein the couplers are positioned between adjacent ones of the segments, and wherein the first member is positioned concentrically within the second member and is rotatable relative thereto.