Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: A coupling assembly to releasably couple two or more tubes together. The tubes can be assembled and disassembled with conventional hand tools. A line or cable can be routed through the tubes. The coupling assembly can prevent snagging of lines on the exterior of the tubes. The coupling assembly can flex with the tubes under load, and the line can be fed through the coupling assembly without snagging.

Abstract: An elevator car of an elevator system includes a car body and a car frame supportive of the car body. The car frame includes two opposing side frames, each side frame formed from a plurality of side frame segments, including two upright members and one or more upright braces connecting the two upright members, adjacent side frame segments secured to each other via a joint. A method of installation of an elevator car of an elevator system includes positioning a first side frame segment of a plurality of side frame segments adjacent to second side frame segment of the plurality of side frame segments, and securing the first side frame segment to the second side frame segment via a splice joint thereby constructing a car frame of the elevator car. One or more car bodies are installed into the car frame.

Abstract: A method of forming a stairlift rail from individual tubular sections. Juxtaposed sections are joined using an internal joint, the internal joint and the tubular sections being provided with complimentary locking surfaces that can be manipulated from outside the rail to lock the rail sections together.

Abstract: A storage rack device for storing, shaping, and displaying baseball caps includes a bottom plate, a top plate, and a pair of rods. The rods are coupled to and extend between the bottom plate and the top plate. The rods are opposingly positioned proximate to a lower circumference of the top plate and extend in parallel to the bottom plate. The pair of rods is configured to selectively insert a bill of a cap to couple the cap to the pair of rods so that the bill is selectively positionable in a curved configuration and a flat configuration.

Abstract: A mechanical framework (168, 187) is formed with a basic tube nut (1, 63) and channel tube (124, 137) geometry. A threaded faster (170) is used to attach the elements. Orthogonal elements can be strengthened by an angle bracket (163) and nut plate (168). The edges (126) of the channel tube (124) are scalloped by a series of indentations (129, 130) which engage the fastener (170) and resist rotation of the tube nut (1, 63) within the channel tube (124, 137). Additional tube nuts (82, 100) provide an additional single flange (87) and pair of flanges (101, 102) respectively. The tube nut (1, 63) includes a turret (2) that fits between guide rails (152, 153) so as to form a continuous planar surface when mounted within the channel tube (124, 137).

Abstract: An assembly of two profiled elements that each have a medial longitudinal edge and two longitudinal edges which are joined together by their medial edge and are kept movable apart from one another through a predefined limited travel. A cylindrical orifice passes perpendicularly through the medial longitudinal edge and a cylindrical element having dimensions that match the cylindrical orifice butts against the medial longitudinal edge such that the spacing of the medial edges causes the longitudinal edges to butt against the inner wall of the tubular element. A further embodiment is a connection kit for tubular elements and a tubular structure joined together by way of connection devices. The connection produced is either reversible or permanent.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endoscopic colectomy are described herein. A colectomy device having a first and a second tissue approximation device is mounted on a colonoscope separated from one another. During deployment of the colectomy device, a diseased portion of the colon is positioned inbetween the tissue approximation devices. The tissue approximation devices are radially expanded such that they contact and grasp the colon wall at two sites adjacent to the diseased portion of the colon. The diseased portion is separated from the omentum and is transected using a laparoscope or is drawn into the colonoscope for later removal. The tissue approximation devices are then urged towards one another over the colonoscope to approximate the two free edges of the colon into contact together where they are fastened to one another using the tissue approximation device as a surgical stapler to create an end-to-end anastomosis.

Abstract: Expandable splice blocks can be configured to mechanically couple a first rod to a second rod. Expandable splice blocks can include a top plate and a bottom plate. Bottom plates can include a first side coupled to a second side by a neck.

Abstract: Coupling piece (1) for an outer end of a multilayered conduit (26), comprising a coupling pipe (2) which is provided on the outer side with a radially upright wall (4), wherein the wall is widened in axial direction at a radial distance from the outer side of the body, wherein the outer side of the coupling pipe (2), the upright wall (4) and the widened portion enclose an annular insertion space into which the outer end of the conduit can be directly inserted, and wherein the radial distance between the widened portion of the wall and the outer side of the coupling pipe at the position of the entry to the insertion space is such that it is equal to or greater than the wall thickness of the conduit (26), wherein the inner wall of the coupling pipe is reinforced with an adjacent reinforcing layer of reinforced plastic or of metal which has a greater strength than the material of the coupling pipe (2), wherein the outer layer of the reinforcing layer which is adjacent to the inner wall, is provided with a relief

Abstract: An improved coupling system for joining two items together, typically in the form of copper pipes, to other copper pipes, or in the form of other fittings, includes a pair of flange couplings, each of which is independently secured to one of the items to be joined together so that when the two flange couplings are securely joined to each other by suitable fasteners received through fastening apertures in the two flange couplings, the two items are sealingly joined to one another to form a substantially water tight junction. The improvement being that the bare metal parts of the ferrous components of the coupling are coated with a protective coating, such as a copper coating, so that there is no direct contact between two dissimilar metals thereby inhibiting or preventing corrosion of the metal components of the coupling due to electrolytic or galvanic action arising from direct contact between the two dissimilar metals.

Abstract: A connector member according to this disclosure includes: a hollow pipe-shaped portion molded by injection molding of a synthetic resin; two ring-shaped seal grooves disposed at an outer peripheral surface of the pipe-shaped portion; and a ring-shaped gate mark formed at a region close to a pipe end with respect to the seal groove, the ring-shaped gate mark being formed at an inner peripheral surface side of the pipe-shaped portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum pump comprising a cup-shaped housing, a rotor eccentrically mounted for rotation in the housing, and a housing cover closing the cup-shaped housing, wherein the rotor has a rotor shaft that passes through the cup-shaped housing and by which the rotor is driven, wherein the rotor shaft is provided with a bore for delivering a lubricant, and a connection nipple is seated in the free end section of the bore.

Abstract: An intake flow device and system for coupling a turbocharger's compressor intake to an air intake is disclosed. The flow device may be cylindrically shaped, flexible, and configured to fit on an intake flange of the compressor. An intake conduit may be fitted around the flow device, such that the intake conduit may retain a large diameter for increased air flow, rather than necking down to mate with the intake flange. The flow device may incorporate compression ribs around its outer circumference for positively mating with the air intake conduit and may incorporate a recess within its interior for securely mating to a lip on the intake flange. The flow device may also be graduated to direct air from the intake conduit to a smaller diameter compressor intake. Guide vanes may also be provided within the flow device to control and direct air to the inlet of the turbocharger.

Abstract: A connector assembly (2100,3100) includes a unitary female connector portion (100) manufactured from a singular material that includes a waisted, tapering intermediate section (101) disposed between a compression ring (102) and a luminal connector (103) and one or more finger-grasping surfaces (108,109) disposed along the waisted, tapering intermediate section. A unitary male connector portion (1200,2200), which can be single ended or double-ended, includes a protruding male connector portion (1202,2202), one or more luminal connectors (1203,2203,2233) and a convex frustum (201,1201) disposed between the protruding male connector portion and the single ended luminal connector.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is provided with inner and outer diameter dimensions and structures optimized for connection with at least three different sizes of pipe or tubing.

Abstract: A connecting device comprising at least a telescopic connecting system mounted on a carrier housing and capable of being actuated by an actuating mechanism for deployment and connection to a pipe. The telescopic connecting system is connected to a first portion of the actuating mechanism arranged inside the carrier housing and the actuating mechanism comprises a control rod crossing at least one wall of the carrier housing and connecting said first portion to a control system arranged on the outside of the carrier housing.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing includes a tubular member with a first engagement means and an adjustment ring with a second engagement means. The first engagement means has a plurality of sockets in a first region of the annular end face of the tubular member, and a plurality of locking pins projecting from a second region of the end face. The second engagement means has a plurality of sockets in an annular end face of the adjustment ring, configured to receive the locking pins. The second engagement means further includes an indexing pin projecting from the adjustment ring end face, and receivable within any socket of the first engagement means when the locking pins are disposed within corresponding sockets of the second engagement means. The adjustment ring is longitudinally movable relative to the tubular member to permit relative rotational adjustment therebetween and configured to prevent over-rotation of the adjustment ring.

Abstract: A system includes an adapter configured to provide an interface between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. The adapter has an inner wall and an outer wall. The adapter has a first end configured to fit against a first inside wall of the first fluid conduit. The adapter also has a second end configured to fit against a second inside wall of the second fluid conduit. The inner wall of the adapter has a first curvilinear transition from a first inside diameter at a first opening of the first end to an intermediate diameter between the first and second ends. The inner wall of the adapter has a second curvilinear transition from a second inside diameter at a second opening of the second end to the intermediate diameter.

Abstract: A wellhead safety device can include a tubular with outer surface portions having different diameters. A first seal groove can be disposed on a first outer diameter. A locking groove can be formed in a first outer surface portion, and can have sloping sides that taper to a center for receiving locking pins of a tubing head. A sloping guide can extend from a first end towards a central bore of the wellhead safety device. A second seal groove can be disposed on a second outer surface portion for containing a second seal. A guide shoulder can be formed on a second end, and can taper from the second outer surface portion to the central bore. A J-latch can be formed in the first end. A landing shoulder can stop the wellhead safety device from slipping into wellbores.

Abstract: An electrofusion fitting includes a tubular length of thermoplastic material, of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe, there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A connecting piece for a duct such as a ventilation duct is provided and includes an inner flow space in communication with the interior of the duct, the connecting piece having at least one joining portion on which an end region of the duct is slidable and fixable. The connecting piece includes a compressed fiber material and a binder. The connecting piece displays a substantially configurationally stable portion in association with the joining portion, and the connecting piece displays, at least interiorly, a layer which is impervious to a fluid, in particular a gas, this layer being adjacent the inner flow space of the connecting piece.

Abstract: A coupling (20) capable of connecting together two piping sections (30, 30) having the same outer diameter, two piping sections (40, 40) having the same inner diameter, or two piping sections (30, 40) having different diameters. The coupling (20) can have a unitary tubular structure and it can be made of the same material and in the same manner as conventional PVC piping. Installation of the coupling (20) during construction of a passageway can be accomplished in same manner as is conventionally accomplished with three distinct types of coupling.

Abstract: An integration ring is configured to interconnect two components, such as an exhaust manifold and a turbine housing. The integration ring may include an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from one another. A spacer may be positioned between the inner wall and outer wall. A first and second pocket may be formed between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A rigid fastener, for securing to one another adjacent portions of a cover member made of resiliently deformable material, has an end portion with an outward end section of relatively small outside diameter and an axially adjacent inward section of relatively large outside diameter. The end portion of the fastener is engagable in either of two positions in a corresponding recess formed into at least one of the adjacent portions of the cover piece, affording a high level of holding power in its fully inserted position and affording a low level of holding power in a partially inserted position.

Abstract: A coupling ring is provided, including a series of unit members with adjacent unit members rotatably coupled to each other, and a fastener coupling unit members on both ends to each other. A concave groove provided to extend circumferentially is externally fitted into an outer circumference of each of two opposing flanges. The unit members on the both ends are coupled to each other by the fastener to be turned into an annular state. The fastener is fastened to thereby press an inclined surface. The flanges are pressure-bonded to each other by forces generated during pressing. A stopper member is provided to restrict a separation angle between the unit member on one end and an adjacent unit member to fall within a certain angle in an open state in which the unit members on the both ends are not coupled to each other provided on at least one of the unit members.

Abstract: A press connection which includes a carrier and at least one sleeve-like structural component of sheet metal seated at least with a press seat on the carrier. At least one indentation is formed on the surface of the carrier and the indentation is at least covered by at least one wall section of the sleeve-shaped structural component.

Abstract: A connector for gas or liquid lines has a core piece with a core and a sleeve piece with a sleeve. A pressure space surrounds the core and the sleeve when the two are connected to one another. The pressure space is set at an overpressure with respect to a line space of the connector. The connector is useful, for example, in connecting a diffusion tube of a low-pressure diffusion furnace to a gas outlet lance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a line connector having a junction part and hose connection piece for attaching and fastening a media hose-line, the hose connection piece having at its free front end a sealing portion with a circumferentially smooth sealing surface, free of molding seams, and, thereafter, a holding portion. The invention further provides a line assembly having at least one line connector and at least one hose-line attached and fastened thereto. The hose-line is clamped radially over its circumference in two axially spaced regions of its attached end, specifically, in a region of a sealing portion and in a region of a holding portion of the hose connection piece.

Abstract: A coupling for non-metallic flexible electrical conduit is formed of a one piece lightweight molded thermoplastic cylindrical sleeve having a pair of threads extending inwardly toward opposite ends. Spaced axially inwardly from the inner end of each thread is an annular sealing ring having a sloped leading face and a perpendicular trailing face with the faces intersecting at a sharp annular edge. Lengths of conduit are engaged over opposite ends of the coupling and rotated to advance the conduit lengths over the sleeve. A liquid tight engagement is effective between each conduit length and the coupling when the conduit length advances past the sealing ring.

Abstract: A pipe-connector molded part for pre-insulated pipe conduits consisting of plastic, whereby the pipe conduit is pre-insulated with polyurethane foam and the pipe-connector molded part is positioned so that it can be connected to the internal wall of the pipe conduits to be connected by a method for connecting pre-insulated pipe conduits consisting of plastic by way of the molded part.

Abstract: A connector for pipe or tubing. The connector includes a unitary expansion member, formed from a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, an optional second expansion leg extending from the body, and at least one opening extending through the body. In use, the connector is fastened in place by a fastener that is inserted through the at least one opening to contact at least one of the first and second expansion legs and force at least one of them to deform and contact the inside of the pipe or tubing, thereby securing the connector within the pipe or tubing.

Abstract: A safety type quick connector has a body, a socket base, a moving base, a pushing assembly, an outer sleeve, multiple springs, multiple first balls and second balls. The socket base is connected to the tubular body and has an inserting end, a connecting end, multiple ball slots and ball bores. The moving base is movably mounted in the socket chamber and has a closed end, an open end, a sealing flange, multiple ball holes and at least one vent. The sealing flange is formed around the closed end and abuts against and closes the connecting end of the socket base. The pushing assembly is movably mounted in the moving base. Accordingly, the moving base can be kept stationary when a plug is inserted into the connector and pushes the pushing assembly to move, and this can keep air from leaking.

Abstract: A connector which joins two opposing sections of coil tubing or coil tubing to coil tubing tools so as to enable torque applied from one section to be transmitted to the other section is provided. The connector employs varying width and depth grooves into which portions of the sections of coil tubing are deformed so as to create the torque transmitting connection between the connector and sections of coil tubing. Each of the grooves have a narrow width portion and a wide width portion and corresponding shallow depth and deep depth portion. The narrow width portion of one of the grooves is approximately 180° out of phase from the narrow width portion of the other varying width groove.

Abstract: A pipe connection for exhaust pipes of internal-combustion engines. The pipe connection includes an axial and radial plug and an angle compensation. The pipe connection further includes a first pipe, a second pipe and an interior part at an end of the first pipe. The interior part is enveloped by a bell part at an end of the second pipe. The pipe connection further includes at least one lamellar ring held in an annular groove in either a) a radially outer surface of the interior part or b) a radially inner surface of the bell part. The at least one lameller ring is tensioned against either a) the radially outer surface of the interior part or b) the radially inner surface of the bell part. Either a) the radially outer surface of the interior part or b) the radially inner surface of the bell part is constructed as a concave surface. The at least one lameller ring is tensioned against the concave surface.

Abstract: An adapter tube for strengthening pipe connections between a supply pipe and an apparatus mounted to the supply pipe having a first outwardly tapered section, a second inwardly tapered section and a threaded female adapter wherein when the adapter is threadably secured to a supply pipe a frictional fit between the supply pipe and adapter is created. An O-ring may also be provided on the first tapered section which is modified to have a steeper angle to improve the water tightness of the device.

Abstract: A sleeve connecting a refrigerant pipe to a sealed compressor container has a reduced outer dimension and an inner step that accommodates the refrigerant pipe. An end of the refrigerant pipe abuts the inner step to accurately locate the refrigerant pipe to permit the refrigerant pipe to be secured in an desired relationship with the sleeve. The sleeve is attached to the container with increased accuracy and less chance of damage to the container through deformation during the attachment process. The sleeve and container may be composed of iron, while the refrigerant pipe may be composed of copper, so that the more rigid sleeve can accurately couple the less rigid refrigerant pipe to the container.

Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in connecting a pair of automotive exhaust pipe ends each having a circumferential rib. The pipe coupler includes a ribbed band and internal split sealing sleeve along with a tightening mechanism for clamping the band and sleeve over the pipe ends. The sealing sleeve fits within the band and both the sleeve and band have a pair of ribs positioned to fit over the ribs on the pipe ends. The sleeve extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end, and includes a tongue-and-groove sealing configuration located axially inwardly of the ribs at the first and second ends. Each tongue has a particular construction that accommodates larger clamp opening dimensions required to fit the coupler over the pipe ribs during assembly. The sleeve can include inwardly protruding sealing beads that help prevent leakage of exhaust gases from the pipe junction.

Abstract: A snap-fit arrangement for joining component parts, such as tubular sections and fittings includes a male coupling and a female coupling. A portion of the male coupling extends from one component part and includes cantilever prongs with enlarged heads. The exposed portion of the male coupling and prong heads are structured and disposed for insertion into another component part and through the female coupling until the prong heads exit the inner end of the female coupling and snap outwardly into locked engagement, thereby releasably connecting the two component parts.

Abstract: A tubular product has a tubular base layer, a tubular innermost layer made of plastic by continuous extrusion, and a tubular tie layer of foamed plastic between and adhered to the base layer and the innermost layer. The tie layer is made of melt processable adhesion plastic, is extruded simultaneously with the innermost layer against the base layer, and has better adhesions to the base and innermost layers than the base and innermost layers have to each other.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a terminal end of a heating duct to a heating duct board, the connector including an annular cylindrical portion with an outer surface and a maximum outer diameter and a flange extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the annular cylindrical portion. The flange has a dimension greater than the maximum diameter forming an abutment against which a lower edge of the heating duct board abuts. The flange also has at least one sleeve for receiving a zip tie. The connector includes retention means for securing the connector to the heating duct board with the heating duct board encircling the annular cylindrical portion and being in abutting engagement with the flange. The retention includes at least one zip tie mounted through the at least one sleeve of the flange and engageable in a mouth of the heating duct board to which the connector is secured.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting separate sections of tubing, e.g., medical tubing. Connector assemblies are a two-piece construction having a connector pin and a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve includes a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending between the first and second ends. The passageway is stepped, e.g., defined by both a bore of a first diameter and a bore of a second diameter.

Abstract: A corrugated pipe connection joint structure and method for connecting two sections of corrugated pipe. The joint structure includes opposing bell-formed ends with reduced corrugations, a connector insert including a gasket on either end and a push-ring. The gasket(s) form a seal sufficient to keep fluid inside the pipe, and to help keep the joint structure from separating under normal use.

Abstract: A pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, a clamping ring, a clamp and the forming of a flange on an end of two adjacent pipes. A clamping ring includes an inner groove sized to receive the flanges of the two adjacent pipes. A first end of the inlet insert is inserted into a first pipe and the second end of the inlet insert is inserted into a second pipe. The clamp is placed over the clamping ring. The clamp is tightened to secure the two pipes. A second embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, and a pair of latch clamps for joining a pipe to a sprinkler pipe. A third embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, two collars, a peripheral clamp and enlarging a perimeter of two coupled pipes.

Abstract: A connector useful for combining the contents of a pair of containers which includes a hollow body for passing fluids between the containers. The body includes top and bottom end portions dimensioned to receive open-ended containers in an interference fit. The top end portion includes one or more recesses sized and arranged to facilitate drainage of a fluid from the first container into the second container when the first container is positioned above the second container. A middle portion is positioned between and adjoins the end portions of the body. A system for combining the contents of a pair of containers is formed when containers having substances to be combined are fitted onto the end portions of the connector.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.

Abstract: A molded plastic tubular coupling including a plastic sleeve having an integral head at one end. The sleeve provides a cylindrical outer surface to engage in a corresponding bore of another component. The cylindrical outer surface has an encircling annular recess and an integral radially extending flexible annular diaphragm formed in the recess. The diaphragm has an outer periphery extending outwardly from the cylindrical surface to engage and grip the corresponding surface of another component.

Abstract: A stent is constructed using interconnected links having micro-mechanical latching mechanisms. The micro-mechanical latching elements allow relative rotational movement of interconnected links in one rotational direction but restrict relative rotational movement of the two links in the opposite direction. The micro-mechanical latch surface features are formed using microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing methods. The male surface of the latching components contains an array of ridges or protrusions, and the receiving surface contains a matching array of recesses. The array of ridges or protrusions and the corresponding recesses have uniformly dissimilar slopes that result in a substantially greater frictional force in one direction than in the opposite direction. The separation distance between the two surfaces is such that the male latch surface is engaged with the receiving surface recesses in the low stress “locked” state, preventing motion in the undesired direction.

Abstract: A sealing installation mountable in the interior of a conduit. The installation includes a resilient connector sleeve having connector sealing assemblies at opposite ends of the sleeve. A first seal sleeve has seal sleeve sealing assemblies on opposite ends thereof has one seal sleeve sealing assembly engaging one of the connector sealing assemblies and the other seal sleeve sealing assembly in sealing contact with the interior of the conduit. A second seal sleeve has second seal sleeve sealing assemblies on opposite ends. One second seal sleeve sealing assembly engages a connector sealing assembly and the other seal sleeve sealing assembly is in sealing contact with the interior of the conduit.

Abstract: A cylindrical thin walled tube with a through bore extending its entire axial length between first and second opposed ends is individually mounted in a bore in a fitting, with an end portion of the tube extending outward from a land surface on the fitting. A groove is formed on the exterior of the tube between the first and second ends and receives a seal element which is engageable with the land surface on the fitting. At least one mounting barb is formed on the body, generally adjacent one of the ends of the body, for fixedly mounting the tube in the bore in the fitting. The tube may also be formed with multiple mounting barbs and multiple grooves, each groove receiving a separate seal element. The outwardly extending portion of the tube acts as a male pilot for guiding the precise alignment of a bore in a complimentary fitting into alignment with the bore in the fitting in which the tube is mounted.