Abstract: A multiple connector comprises a stack of slidably interconnected modular housing sections of insulating material each containing several electrical connectors. Each housing section has a first stop cooperating with a second stop of an adjacent section to allow relative sliding of the sections between a piled position for connection of all the connectors with complementary connectors of a washing machine programmer for example, and a stepped position defined by coaction of said first and second stops and in which one section may remain in its piled connection position and the adjacent slid section is displaced by an amount sufficient to ensure disconnection of the connectors therein from the corresponding complementary connectors. Preferably, each connector slides in its housing section between disconnected and connected positions in response to sliding of the adjacent housing section between its stepped and piled positions.

Abstract: A fly fishing reel comprising a spool rotatably mounted in a casing and braking means for impeding rotation of the spool in one direction. The braking means comprises a ring mounted within the casing for rotation with the spool, a pawl pivotally connected to the ring, and a rotatable plate having a ratchet engageable with the pawl whereby the pawl and spool effect rotation of the plate. A washer is disposed between the casing and the plate for frictionally impeding rotation of the plate. A spring is provided for urging the plate against the washer and toward the casing and thereby preventing rotation of the plate when the spool and ring rotate in one direction, and causing the plate to rotate with the ring and spool when the spool is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A lawn sprinkling installation has a series of dosing valves arranged in cascade to each successively deliver a set quantity of water to a sprinkler. Each dosing valve has a hinged clapper biased to normally open a first outlet leading to the sprinkler and close a second outlet connected to the inlet of the successive dosing valve. Volumetric dosing means hold each clapper to close the first outlet and open the second after delivery of a regulated quantity of water and hold the clapper as long as the water pressure is maintained. When the last dosing valve shuts off supply to the last sprinkler, a gate valve supplying the first dosing valve is automatically or manually closed to allow water in the pipes joining the dosing valves to drain through a discharge orifice, thus enabling automatic resetting of the clappers.

Abstract: A valve includes a membrane carrying a clack, an inlet and an outlet of the valve facing one face of the membrane whereby the valve can be seated to close the outlet. A main or pilot operated chamber delimited by the other face of the membrane permanently communicates with the inlet via a first passage, and may communicate with the outlet via a second passage of greater cross-sectional area than the first. When the main valve is seated to close the valve, temporary opening of the second passage for example by an electromagnet reduces the pressure in the chamber and thus actuates opening of the valve and the valve. A third passage, of greater cross-sectional area than the first, and also communicating the chamber with the outlet, is opened in response to opening of the valve and is held open against the action of a biasing spring as long as liquid flows through the valve. If the throughflow drops, the valve closes the valve.