Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting two fluid flow lines includes a first coupling member (1) having a male end (4) and a second coupling member (2) having a female end (17) within which a rotatable collar (3) is held captive. The male end (4) includes four equally circumferentially spaced lobes (16) and the collar (3) has a cylindrical portion (3) that is shaped at its inner end to provide a square cross-section (35) to allow passage of the lobes (16) therethrough. The end rim (33) of collar (3) is recessed (37, 38) whereby upon insertion of male end (4) through collar (3) and rotation of the collar, the lobes (16) can seat within the recesses (37, 38), thereby releasably interconnecting the first and second coupling members (1, 2).

Abstract: A multi-stage hydraulic ram assembly for the accumulator drive system of an elevator assembly includes a plurality of piston-cylinder arrangements connected hydraulically in parallel and mechanically in series. The piston-cylinder arrangements are disposed in substantial side-by-side relationship, constituting adjacent or successive stages of the ram assembly. A bracket is fixed to one of the cylinders and is slidably connected to the adjacent cylinder, for interconnecting adjacent cylinders of the piston-cylinder arrangements, and a drive system is provided for operating the ram assembly. Steps are taken to control the direction and speed of movement of adjacent stages of the assembly, and to ensure that all of the stages of the assembly move at substantially the same speed.