Abstract: A flexible connection for use between a vertical, large diameter cold water conveying pipe and a floating platform that supports the cold water conveying pipe or another pipe to permit the pipe and the platform to rotate in roll and pitch directions relative to one another without imposing excessive bending moments or strain on the cold water pipe. The flexible connection also contains internal and external pressure across the connection. The flexible connection includes an articulation mechanism that interconnects the vertical cold water conveying pipe and the platform or a pipe on the platform, and a flexible, fluid impermeable bellows.

Abstract: An elastic joint, in particular for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The joint includes an inner armature, an outer armature surrounding the inner armature, wherein the armatures define an axial direction and two radial directions perpendicular to the axial direction as well as perpendicular to each other and disposed in a circumferential plane, and an elastomeric body for the mutual elastic retention of the armatures, wherein the elastomeric body consists of at least four connecting columns respectively extending from the inner armature to the outer armature.

Abstract: A locking pipe joint assembly, device and method can employ a center body connector, one or more sealing elements, such as a wiper seal and a sealing ring, a sealing ring retainer and a retaining cap. In various embodiments, primary and secondary fastening rings are employed along with a retaining cap sleeve. In embodiments, the retaining cap includes an internal or external thread that mates with an external or internal thread on one side of the center body connector, which allows the retaining cap to tighten the packing arrangement components around an inserted piping or tubing element, and in secure engagement with the interior of the center body connector. In embodiments, a bolt element is provided for further securing of the retaining cap to the center body connector.

Abstract: A closure device for connecting two parts is provided.

Abstract: A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.

Abstract: This invention concerns a partially discontinuous inner sleeve for use in a rigid flange coupling. The partially discontinuous sleeve has an internal cylindrical passage for, in use, receiving an end of a shaft. The partially discontinuous sleeve further has at least two partial discontinuities along the length of the sleeve in the form of two discrete axial slits in the sleeve. These slits are displaced from each other to form a connecting formation between them. The invention further concerns an internal connection assembly including the partially discontinuous in the sleeve, and a rigid flange coupling including such internal connection assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a possibly reversible mechanical assembly, comprising a first component (1), a second link itself comprising a stud (3) linked to the first component (1) and formed of a stock (30) terminated by a radial bulge (31), and holding means (4) linked to the second component (2) and comprising a housing (40) dimensioned to receive the stud (3) and at least one elastic lock (41) designed to elastically hold the radial bulge of the stud in the housing (40). According to the invention, the housing (40) is formed by drilling of the second component (2) along its thickness, and each elastic lock (41) is essentially formed by an elastically flexible lug (41) formed in the thickness of the second component (2) and exhibiting a degree of radial play of non-zero amplitude.

Abstract: A frictional weld joint couples together first and second body portions of an article. The first body portion has a first nominal wall thickness and a first joint surface. The second body portion has a second nominal wall thickness and a second joint surface. A total bead height is defined between the joint surfaces. A first bead extends from the first joint surface defining a first bead height. A second bead extends from the second joint surface and is coupled to the first bead. A final second bead height is defined between the first bead and the second joint surface. A ratio of the first bead height to the final second bead height is of from about 0.40 to about 1.70. A ratio of the total bead height to at least one of the first and second nominal wall thicknesses is equal to or less than 6.00.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter for increasing exterior dimensions of a post mount support block includes a base having two sides that meet to form an angle of approximately ninety degrees, two legs, wherein each of the two legs extends from an outside edge of a different one of the two sides of the base, and two flanges, wherein each of the two flanges extends from an inside edge of a different one of the two sides of the base, such that each of the two flanges is positioned in a substantially parallel orientation relative to one of the two legs.

Abstract: A force-applying element for fixing radomes provides an annular flange region. The force-applying element provides at least one fixing region, which extends from the flange region in the direction towards the radome to be fixed, and its outer surfaces are surrounded by the radome in a form-fit manner.

Abstract: A fastening of a support rail for a photovoltaic module to a trapezoidal rib of a trapezoidal sheet. The support rail comprises an undercut groove with a groove opening. The trapezoidal rib comprises an upper side and a slanted side. The support rail is positioned transversely to the trapezoidal rib. The fastening includes at least one retaining element comprising a fastening section fastened to the slanted side of the trapezoidal rib, and an engaging extension non-detachably arranged thereon. The engaging extension engages the undercut groove in an engaging position. The engaging extension is insertable through the groove opening into the undercut groove of the support rail in a loose position that is rotated relative to the engaging position. The support rail is held down against the upper side of the trapezoidal rib by the engaging extension. The at least one retaining element is arranged either left or right of the trapezoidal rib.

Abstract: A locking quick connect assembly is provided for removably coupling a first tube and a second tube. A quick connect housing presents a central bore for receiving the second tube. A redundant latch component positionable between an unlocked position and a locked position may be provided to slidingly engage the quick connect housing. A twist lock retainer surrounds the quick connect housing and the redundant latch component. The redundant latch component includes an axially extending redundant latch retaining arm and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the redundant latch retaining arm. The twist lock retainer also includes a twist lock retaining arm that locks against a bead of the second tube to resists separation. The twist lock retaining arm extends perpendicularly to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to interleavingly engage the redundant latch retaining arm thus preventing unwanted decoupling of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing rotation of a conduit has a housing that has a keyway and envelops the conduit. A gripper holds the conduit and opposes rotation of it. The gripper has a key for cooperating with the keyway such that the housing does not rotate about the gripper.

Abstract: A snap fastener which secures a first thin wall with a through-opening. A base part includes a plate which overlaps the longitudinal edges of the through-opening. A head part is provided as a housing with fastening projections such as fastening cams or leaf spring devices having flexible fastening surfaces. The housing is snapped into the through-opening so that it grips only the first thin wall. Unlocking devices are provided in the housing, via which the push elements can be pulled back into the housing from the front, and the housing can be disengaged from the other thin wall (e.g., a wall support). The dimensions between (1) the holding area of the fastening projections and the push members, and (2) the supporting plane of the base part are selected in such a way that, when the push elements are pulled back, the fastening projections lie on the front panel with clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a length of flexible tubing in alignment with the exhaust pipe of an automotive vehicle located in an enclosed space. The apparatus includes a length of flexible tubing having an adapter or boot at its inner end. The boot is adapted to be positioned in operative alignment with the exhaust pipe to receive the exhaust gases therefrom and to direct them through the length of flexible tubing. A suction cup is secured to the rear bumper of the vehicle in the vicinity of the end of the exhaust pipe and a length of cord is connected between the boot and the suction cup. The cord is tightened and retained in a tensioned condition by means of a gripping device or keeper. This causes the boot to be retained in an operatively aligned position relative to the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A high-pressure bi-directional sealing system having outer support rings (30, 32), annular, axial seals (100, 300) between the outer support rings (30, 32), inner support rings (150, 160) located between the annular, axial seals (100, 300) and a redundant seal (200) that is located between the inner support rings (150, 160). The outer support rings (30, 32), the seals (100, 300), the inner support rings (150, 160) and the redundant seal (200) are located within a space between an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14) that is telescopically disposed within the outer tube (12). The seals (100, 300) are oriented in opposite directions. Specifically, the opening of the seal (100) is facing in a first direction and the opening of the seal (300) is facing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. This configuration enables the high-pressure bi-directional sealing system to handle pressure in both directions.

Abstract: An accent top panel is selectably installed on a base panel. The installation is made using one of a number of techniques, including, press-fit, clamp fit and clip fit. The base panel can be one of a fence panel, railing panel or gate.

Abstract: A first component is coupled to a second component by one or more joints. Magnetic force between at least a first magnetic and second magnetic unit preloads the joint by placing the joint in compression. The first and second magnetic units may be respectively coupled to the first and second components. The magnetic force acts as a retentive force between coupled components and/or the joint and operates to resist one or more tensile and/or other opposing forces. In some cases, the first magnetic unit may be a shield, such as a direct current shield, that protects one or more components from a magnetic field of the second magnetic unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device for formwork boards having a formwork lining and elements supporting the formwork lining for producing concrete structures, wherein the connecting device comprises two claws and a clamping means, particularly a wedge or a clamping screw, in order to move the two claws towards one another for connection of two formwork boards, in such a manner that the supporting elements of two formwork boards are held in the desired position. The connecting device is characterized by a pivotable claw, which is formed such that the pivotable claw can be pivoted between a starting position and a final position, particularly about a shaft of the connecting device. This permits particularly simple assembly of the formwork boards to form a formwork and/or disassembly of a formwork.

Abstract: A liquidtight conduit fitting has a body with an end wall with an opening formed therein; a hollow threaded nipple attached to the end wall, for passage into an electrical box, the body having an outer shell extending from the end wall in a direction opposite the nipple, the outer shell defining an open-ended chamber; a ferrule positioned within the outer shell, a foam gasket positioned within the open-ended chamber adjacent the end wall and around the ferrule, and a conduit locking device having tabs protruding inwardly toward the outer surface of the ferrule so as to contact a conduit positioned around the ferrule, terminating ends of the tabs forming a helical-type pattern so that a conduit positioned around the ferrule is securely held in place by the tabs and so that the conduit can be removed from the conduit fitting by rotating the conduit fitting relative to the conduit.