Abstract: An exhaust finisher attachment structure includes a bracket attached to a rear bumper assembly, and an exhaust finisher attached to the bracket. The rear bumper assembly has a fascia that defines a forward-facing surface, a rearward facing finished surface and a recessed area along a lower portion of the fascia. The bracket is attached to the rear bumper assembly within the recessed area of the fascia. The bracket has at least one tab receiving structure with an opening open to a rearward facing side of the bracket. The exhaust finisher has at least one tab extending from an upper portion of the exhaust finisher. The tab extends in a vehicle forward direction from the upper portion. The tab is dimensioned and shaped to insert into the tab receiving structure of the bracket during installation from the rearward facing side of the bracket and the fascia.

Abstract: A tube connector comprising a male portion having a male portion thread on an outer surface, a first tube having a first tube surface disposed at a seat angle (?) of approximately 37° to a tube connector centerline, the male portion having a clearance engagement with the first tube, a nut having a clearance engagement with a second tube, the nut engagable with the male portion thread, the second tube having a second tube surface disposed at a seat angle (??) in the range of (??)=(?+x)°, were x=+0° up to 1°, and the first tube surface compressed by the nut and the male portion against the second tube surface for a sealing engagement between the first tube surface and the second tube surface.

Abstract: A brake line assembly including a brake hose and a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a tube having a portion thereof the tube externally threaded; a flare nut defining a bore and through which the tube is inserted; and a fitting defining a bore configured to receive an end of the brake hose therein. A portion of a wall defining the fitting's bore is disposed adjacent the fitting's first end and is internally threaded. The threaded portion of the tube is engaged therewith. The fitting is disposed a distance from a flare on the tube adjacent a first end of the flare nut and when the flare nut is fixedly engaged with a component of the braking system, the distance between the fitting and the second end of the flare nut is sufficiently large enough to permit a head of a flare-nut wrench to be received therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that mounts both a pump and either an inlet hose or an outlet hose for the pump to vehicle support structure. The pump has a pump housing with a pump inlet and a pump outlet. An inlet hose is attached to the pump inlet, and an outlet hose is attached to the pump outlet. The apparatus includes a compliant pump hose mount that has a hose attachment portion with a hose opening sized so that one of the inlet hose and the outlet hose is supportable by the pump hose mount at the hose opening. The pump hose mount also has a mount portion mountable to the vehicle support structure. The pump is thereby mounted to the vehicle support structure by the pump hose mount so that noise and vibration of the pump are mitigated by the pump hose mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic connector, particularly for a motor vehicle windscreen wiper system. The connector is designed to be mounted on a wiper blade fitted with a perforated pipe carrying cleaning and de-icing fluid, and comprises at least one inlet coupling suitable for connection to a fluid feed, and at least one distributor provided with at least one outlet coupling designed to be connected to the perforated pipe. The connector also includes at least one internal path for carrying the fluid from the inlet coupling to the distributor. Thus, by means of the presence of the internal path through the connector, the inlet coupling can be positioned at various locations on the connector, without feeding directly into the distributor.

Abstract: For a hydraulic system of a work vehicle, a fixed connector part fixedly arranged thereon. A fixed connector part has a plurality of hydraulic couplings. A hydraulic work system of a work equipment has hydraulic couplings which are either a movable part having a plurality of hydraulic couplings or a plurality of individual hydraulic connections, each having a hydraulic coupling. The movable connector part is connectable to the fixed connector part by a locking device. The hydraulic couplings of the fixed connector part are constructed to be hydraulically coupled to the hydraulic couplings of the movable connector part and alternatively to the hydraulic couplings of the plurality of individual hydraulic couplings.

Abstract: Piping unit for transporting a fuel is constructed by connecting a resin tube and a connector for connecting the resin tube to a mating pipe. The connector has a connector body including a retainer holding portion and a retainer for engaging with the mating pipe. The resin tube has a multilayered construction including an inner fuel barrier layer and an outer layer covered with a protective layer. The outer layer has a small outer diameter (od) up to 6 mm, the fuel barrier layer and the outer layer have a wall-thickness (t), and a ratio of the outer diameter (od)/the wall thickness (t) is in a range of 4 to 8.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fastening device (10) for a fluid transport circuit to an element of the structure of an aircraft, with the fluid transport to circuit containing several portions (23, 42), each of which is made up of an external tube (22, 44) positioned around an internal tube (21, 43). The fastening device (10) is characterized in that the fastening device (10) is positioned at a connection (40) between two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit, and it contains a body (26) with a plate (27) intended to attach the fastening device (10) to the element (61) of the structure of the aircraft, this body (26) providing at least one sealed connection between the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) and a support system guaranteeing appreciably constant radial clearance between the internal tube (21, 43) and the external tube (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for washing a jet engine of an aircraft are disclosed. The method comprises creating a collecting bowl under the jet engine by coupling a suit to the jet engine to the aircraft and coupling an apron of the suit to the jet engine. After the suit is coupled to the jet engine, a cleaning cycle is performed, which includes injecting cleaning fluid into the jet engine, turning over the jet engine, and collecting resultant effluent in the bowl. Further, the effluent remains in the bowl until actively removed by a user. The suit may be coupled to the aircraft by wrapping a strap around a pylon that couples the jet engine to the aircraft.

Abstract: An exhaust module made of a thermoplastic material which is connected to a fascia or bumper of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the hybrid fascia mounted exhaust tip assembly includes a bracket. The bracket has a large diameter portion which surrounds, but is not in contact with, an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is free to move around as a result of the vehicle traveling over bumps in the road and around turns. The bracket also has a small diameter portion which is connected to the large diameter portion. A ring tip has a portion that slides onto a bezel portion of the small diameter portion.

Abstract: A joint for a fluid line of a vehicle for conveying a fluid through a vehicle frame member includes a unitary body having a first end adapted for engagement to a first fluid conduit and a second end adapted for engagement to a second fluid conduit. The body is sized to span between first and second walls of the vehicle frame member. A bore extends axially through the body and fluidly connects the first and second fluid conduits. The joint includes at least one connector configured to engage the vehicle frame member for releasably mounting the joint to the vehicle frame member.

Abstract: Embodiments include a clamp apparatus for use in facilitating repair of an exhaust manifold. Some exemplary embodiments of the clamp may include a frame that includes an aperture that is adapted to be secured around a protrusion of an exhaust manifold. Additionally, the clamp may include a fastener secured to the frame that is adapted to join with an exhaust pipe flange having mating holes for receiving the fastener or each clamp. Two clamps are used in one exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel pipe construction for an internal combustion engine, such as a direct injection engine. A conduit for the fuel is open at each end and a ball having a throughbore is slidably positioned over one end of the conduit. A reinforcing sleeve is positioned inside the end of the conduit so that the sleeve extends entirely through the ball. The sleeve, ball and the end of the conduit are then brazed together to attach the ball and conduit together. A double chamfer is provided at one end of the ball throughbore to facilitate inspection of the brazing quality. Additionally, a loop is formed in the conduit and a dampener is attached to the loop.

Abstract: A fire engine hose connector system and a method for using the system are reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector arrangement includes a shaft member, a banjo fitting, a pair of sealing members and a banjo fixing member. The shaft member has a hydraulic passageway and an opening that extends from the hydraulic passageway to an outer surface of the shaft member. The banjo fitting rotatably extends around the shaft member covering the opening. The pair of sealing members are disposed between the shaft member and the banjo member and on opposite sides of the opening. The banjo fixing member is coupled to the shaft member to retain the banjo fitting to the shaft member. Further, the banjo fixing member is dimensioned to allow rotation of the banjo relative to the shaft member and the banjo fixing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits. An aircraft configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a fuel tank carried by least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The aircraft also includes a spar carried by at least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The spar includes a first spar rib and a second spar rib spaced apart from the first spar rib. The aircraft further includes a fluid conduit proximate to the spar and operably coupled to the fuel tank. A support member carrying the fluid conduit is operably coupled to the spar. The support member can be positioned to transfer at least approximately all of the axial loads from the fluid conduit to at least one of the first spar rib and the second spar rib.

Abstract: A fire engine hose connector system and a method for using the system are reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.

Abstract: A flow measurement system uses conduits adapted to be coupled to and throughout a liquid or gaseous fluid flow distribution system. Each conduit is instrumented to measure parameters associated with the liquid or gaseous fluid moving therethrough, and wireless transmit a unique code and data indicative of the parameters so-measured. A remotely-located receiver and output device(s) may be used to provide the data and unique code associated with each of the conduits in a human-discernable format. Each conduit may also receive data resulting in adjustment of fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: A fire engine hose connector system and a method for using the system are reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for removably coupling a sleeve of a vehicle exhaust extraction system to a vehicle tailpipe. This apparatus includes an adapter which is secured to the vehicle tailpipe with a removable collar. After the removable collar is tightened around the exterior of the adapter, the adapter is fixed to the vehicle tailpipe so the adapter moves with the vehicle. The collar is configured to mate with the adapter so it may quickly and easily separate from the adapter when the vehicle pulls away.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing hydraulic pipes for a zero tail swing excavator is provided, which can simplify an assembling process of hydraulic pipes and improve the workability by dividedly forming intermediate sides of the hydraulic pipes for supplying hydraulic fluid from a main control valve to hydraulic cylinders and jointly fixing the dividedly formed intermediate sides of the hydraulic pipes by a connection means in a narrow space between a boom and an upper swing structure due to the characteristic of the zero tail swing excavator.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for a fluid distribution system such as a manure distribution inlet. The invention provides an improved coupling between a supply hose and the newer distribution implement includes an angled pipe coupled to a first collar and a second collar. The collars define keyways within which rotate an annular key provided around an inlet pipe and an annular key provided around an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe, outlet pipe and angled pipe are preferably constructed of polished steel to reduce the wear associated with constant rotation of the pipes relative to one another. The combination of the keyways and polished steel construction allows the pipe to be rotated constantly with only a minimum amount of wear, and improved maintenance and failure characteristics.

Abstract: “An air brake hose coupling member includes a locking device having a housing with a first aperture for attachment to the air brake hose coupling member and a second aperture for attachment to a hose support member which is adjusted to provide a predetermined clearance between the air brake hose coupling and a rail track. A locking pin is mounted for reciprocal movement within the housing and is being urged. by a resilient member in one direction for preventing undesirable complete rotational uncoupling of such pair of mating air brake hose coupling members. The locking pin is manually movable in the opposite direction during coupling and uncoupling under normal operating conditions. Alternatively, the housing is provided as a boss formed on a body of the air brake hose coupling.

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: A differential mounting structure includes a pipe into which a bushing coupled to the differential is forcibly inserted. The pipe is inserted into a through hole of a cross member and is fixedly attached at one end thereof to a flange. Coupling bolts penetrating the flange are connected to nuts welded to the cross member. When the bushing used for installing the differential to the vehicle body is worn down and can no longer do its job, only the bushing mounting assembly is replaced or repaired in the present invention.

Abstract: Front side members as a platform member of a vehicle are provided in a vehicle body on a lower side of an engine compartment to extend in a vehicle front-rear direction. A piping arrangement portion such as a piping recess is provided in an inner wall of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction. A liquid tube and a suction tube of a refrigerant piping are provided in the piping arrangement portion along the front side member. The liquid tube is for introducing refrigerant to an evaporator in an air conditioning unit provided in a passenger compartment, and the suction tube is for introducing refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor provided in the engine compartment.

Abstract: An improved de-coupling device for vehicle exhaust systems specifically emergency vehicle exhaust systems. In this application, flexible hoses are normally utilized as a conduit for exhaust fumes. This invention incorporates a tether inside the flexible hose thereby alleviating tension on the flexible hose. The weight of the nozzle elbow and the natural moment that is produced when a fire truck leaves the fire station with the nozzle on offers an ideal application for the snap ring assembly. The tether and the flexible hose are typically straight or near straight and when the fire truck leaves the station, tension is supplied by the cable, and when a sufficient moment is generated, the nozzle breaks free.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permanently mounted hose fitting for filling tank cars that facilitates the insertion of the hose into the top of the tank car to disperse material, pellet-like particles for example, throughout the tank car. The secured hose fitting of this invention is permanently affixed to the top of the tank. One preferred embodiment of a hose fitting for filling tank cars with particulate matter comprises a t-shaped pipe that defines a bore there-through. The t-shaped pipe comprises a tubular member and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the tubular member. The intermediate leg has an intermediate leg end that is adapted to couple with a hose. A securing flange radiates outwardly from the intermediate leg and is adapted to fixedly attach the hose fitting to the top of the tank car.

Abstract: A connection assembly for an exhaust extraction system which is designed to vent the exhaust from a vehicle tail pipe includes, in combination, three primary components. One component is an annular sleeve which is constructed and arranged to assemble onto the vehicle exhaust pipe. Next, there is a nozzle locator ring which slides onto the annular sleeve such that one end of the sleeve extends beyond one side of the nozzle locator ring and the opposite end of the sleeve extends beyond the opposite side of the nozzle locator ring. The third component is an exhaust nozzle assembly which includes a generally cylindrical nozzle and a pair of magnet packs located circumferentially 180 degrees apart. An extension sleeve inserted into the annular sleeve includes a series of baffles to deflect and direct vehicle exhaust.

Abstract: An improved system and method for mounting an air dryer is provided. The improved system and method employs a single centralized special fitting that secures the air dryer manifold to a reservoir. The bore in which the fitting is disposed is used to communicate air from the reservoir to the air dryer in order to purge the desiccant in the air dryer. The mounting assembly includes anti-rotational mechanisms which prevent the air dryer from rotating about its axis. The mounting assembly may also include a reservoir and a mounting bracket for the reservoir which uses less than 75 percent of a truck mounting rail height.

Abstract: An air dryer assembly and mounting bracket for mounting an air dryer to a vehicle. The air dryer assembly has a manifold and a canister which seal against the surface of the mounting bracket. Orientation pegs are provided along the sealing surface of the air dryer manifold and receive corresponding indented regions in a cut out region in the mounting bracket. By providing a number of orientation pegs on the surface of the manifold, a number of mounting orientations for the air dryer assembly can be achieved.

Abstract: A system for coupling the end of a fuel feed hose with the opening of feed equipment placed inside a motor vehicle fuel tank. The end of the hose and opening have resiliently snap-fastening complementary locking mechanisms provided with an elastically-deformable tongue which can be moved to perform unlocking. The tongue is positioned in such a manner that when equipment is mounted inside the tank, it comes into contact or nearly into contact with a wall zone of the tank in such a manner that unlocking the coupling system is not possible.

Abstract: A vibration-proof clamp capable of achieving high vibration-proof performance with high reliability.

Abstract: Hydraulic fluid is supplied to hydraulic brake cylinders for calipers and brake shoes of a motor vehicle through brake line assemblies each including a flexible multi-layer high pressure brake hose having opposite end portions each receiving an inwardly forged or swaged ribbed end portion of a small diameter high pressure steel tube. A metal collar receives each tube and is locked on the tube by a crimp or threads and/or a spring retaining washer or push nut and is crimped onto the end portion of the hose to form a direct tube-to-hose connection having high tensile strength. The opposite end portion of each metal tube is flared and receives an externally threaded tubular flare nut. The flare nut on one tube is threaded directly into a brake caliper, and the flare nut on the other tube is threaded into a brake control valve.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a tubular member is disclosed. At least a claw (11) making up a protrusion is formed on the outer surface of a drain hose (1) making up a tubular member. At least an annular depressed portion (22) is formed on the inner surface of a holding hole (21) of a grommet (2) making up a holding member. The claw (11) and the depressed portion (22) are fitted with each other, so that the drain hose (1) is securely held in a manner such that it cannot come off from the grommet (2) supported by a body panel (3). The outer surface of the drain hose (1) is formed with a mark (12) providing an indication of the amount of insertion.

Abstract: A piping structure of a working machine, which prevents damage to the hoses that are so arranged as can be flexibly bent on the working machine. The piping structure of a working machine comprises a guide cylinder in which is slidably inserted an intermediate portion of hose to define the bending position of the hose.

Abstract: A first joint block 30 and a second joint block 40 are connected to an end of a refrigerant inlet pipe 6a and that of a refrigerant outlet pipe 6b, respectively. Both the joint blocks 30 and 40 are connected each other. A predetermined face of the first joint block 30 constitutes a first flange face 31, and a face of the second joint block 40 facing toward a direction different from the predetermined face constitutes a second flange face 41. At the end of a first external pipe 50a and that of a second external pipe 50b, flange members 51a and 51b are attached. When connecting these flange members, the first and second external pipes 50a and 50b are connected to the joint blocks 30 and 40 from different directions.

Abstract: The invention provides a piping structure of a crawler driving hydraulic motor able to reduce a reduction in strength of a vehicle body frame and shorten the exposure length of a hydraulic piping in the exterior of the vehicle body frame, and reduce a damage opportunity due to an external obstacle, etc. Therefore, the hydraulic piping is connected from a hydraulic pump arranged within the vehicle body frame to left-hand and right-hand crawler driving hydraulic motors respectively attached to one-end sides of left-hand and right-hand crawler track frames arranged on left-hand and right-hand outsides of the vehicle body frame. The hydraulic piping extends through a frame rear wall constituting the vehicle body frame, and is taken out to the exterior of the vehicle body frame, and is connected to the left-hand and right-hand crawler driving hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component or to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component over and to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component or to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: Quick connect couplings for connecting a small internal diameter brake hose to a formed metal tube in a brake system includes a connector body having a crimp collar at one end and a stepped bore with an entry opening at the other end. The stepped bore includes a first step which is abutted axially by a seal. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a retaining element axially engages an inwardly extending radial surface in the bore and an annular groove in the tube. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the retaining ring is integral with the tube and the seal is accomplished by a three lobed seal which is held in abutment with the first step by a Teflon.RTM. spacer, the Teflon.RTM. spacer being engaged by a bead on the formed metal tube.

Abstract: A flexible coupling suitable for use in an automobile exhaust system having axially spaced conduit sections. Upstream and downstream conduit sections are held end to end by an intermediate coupling member. The upstream conduit has a part-spherical end connector that fits within a complementary part-spherical socket of the coupling member. Similarly, the coupling member has a part-spherical end connector that fits within a complementary part-spherical socket of the downstream conduit. The part-spherical connectors permit relative pivotal and rotational movement of the upstream and downstream connectors relative to the coupling member. Each of the part-spherical connectors tapers internally to an annular lip, so that the flow of gas increases to create a venturi effect. The venturi effect establishes a relative vacuum at the junctions between the coupling member and the conduits to oppose escape of gas (such as exhaust fumes) from the coupling.

Abstract: A fluid conduit system, including silencer systems, including intake and exhaust systems for engines, blowers, compressors, pumps, and the like, includes first (16), second (22), and third (28) pipes, and first (34, 36) and second (38, 40) flex joints each flexibly and sealingly interconnecting respective outlets and inlets of respective pipes. The flex joints include double O-ring sealing gaskets provided by first and second annular meshes (46, 48) received in respective annular grooves (50, 52) separated by a land (54), and a cloth (56) wrapped around the annular meshes and having a central web portion (58) spanning the land.

Abstract: A connection assembly for an exhaust extraction system which is designed to vent the exhaust from a vehicle tail pipe includes, in combination, three primary components. The first component is an annular sleeve which is constructed and arranged to assemble onto the vehicle tail pipe. A band clamp is used for this connection in order to establish a leak-free interface. Next, there is a nozzle locator ring which slides onto the annular sleeve such that one end of the sleeve extends beyond one side of the nozzle locator ring and the opposite end of the sleeve extends beyond the opposite side of the nozzle locator ring. There is an offset portion intermediate the ends of the annular sleeve which serves as an abutment for the nozzle locator ring.

Abstract: A piping joint structure has a block joint disposed in a passenger's compartment and communicating with an evaporator, a first holder mounted on an end of a maintenance lid in the passenger's compartment closer to a dashboard panel, and a second holder combined with the first holder to hold the block joint on a side panel of a heater unit housing which confronts the dashboard panel.

Abstract: An emergency exhaust system is couplable to a vehicle for conducting exhaust fumes from the vehicle exhaust pipe to an enclosure ventilation system to be exhausted from the vehicle enclosure when the vehicle is normally parked when not being used. The exhaust system includes an elongated flexible hose assembly that is connected to the ventilation system and to an adaptor conduit which at its terminal end has a ring mounting electromagnets for magnetically attaching to a mount plate dependingly secured to the vehicle to have the vehicle exhaust pipe extend therethrough. An intermediate portion of the hose assembly is connected through a balancer assembly to a trolley movable along a rail in a forward direction as the vehicle moves to exit the enclosure. As the trolley moves adjacent to the rail front end, through automatic controls, the magnetic coupling to the mount plate is disengaged.

Abstract: A user friendly engine delivery system is provided which employs a wheeled engine pallet assembly for transferring a dressed engine to a dynamometer room where the engine will be subsequently tested. A set of guide rails work in conjunction with a self-centering pallet locating system in order to strategically locate the engine pallet relative to the centerline of the dynamometer. Once the engine pallet is properly aligned, a clamping system is used to secure the engine pallet assembly to the bed plate of the dynamometer. A flexible fluid manifold is attached to the pallet assembly and allows a test engineer to uniquely design a fluid manifold to have the proper fluid fittings that are needed for a particular test application. The engine delivery system is versatile in that it can accommodate both front and rear wheel drive engines and further offers the flexibility of dual side entry ways.

Abstract: A three-piece air horn assembly is provided including a die cast base configured for attachment to a vehicle, an intermediate tube, and a die cast bell, which pieces are interconnected by mechanical connections. In particular, the base includes a cylindrically-shaped hole with front and rear shoulders at each end, the rear shoulder being circumferentially non-uniform, and the tube includes a circumferentially extending ridge engaging the front shoulder and a flared end engaging the rear shoulder. The tube is extended into the hole in the base and the end is then flared into engagement with the non-uniform rear shoulder. Engagement of the flared end into the non-uniform rear shoulder prevents rotation of the tube on the base while the engagement of the flared end and the ridge with the front and rear shoulders, respectively, provides an axially secure connection.