Abstract: A flexible connector to be used individually or in an assembly of connectors. The connector includes a collar comprised of a wall having a cylindrical inner surface. The collar wall defines two opposed openings. Two flanges extend radially inwardly covering a portion of each opposed opening. The connector further includes a link comprised of a link wall having at least one spherically-shaped outer surface. The link wall defines at least one open end to allow for the passage of a fluid. The link wall is positioned within one of the opposed openings in spaced relationship to the cylindrical inner surface of the collar wall. Bearing means and gasket means are positioned in the space defined by the spaced relationship to allow the link to articulate with respect to the collar and also to seal the space between the outer surface of the link and the inner wall of the collar.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having a flange, at least one tube and a tube connection. The flange has an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one tube receiving opening. The inner surface also defines a flange groove. A tube connection hole extends through the flange from the outer surface to the inner surface. The hole is in communication with the flange groove: The tube has an exterior surface. A groove is defined by the exterior surface. The tube is inserted in the tube receiving opening of the flange. The tube groove is aligned with the flange groove. A tube connection means, such as wire, is inserted in the tube connection hole. The tube connection means mates the flange groove and the tube groove. This engagement retains the tube in the flange and also allows it to move within the flange.

Abstract: A fluid flow circuit intended for use with heat pumps having a flow control valve comprising a pair of restrictor assemblies positioned in opposed relationship. The first restrictor assembly provides for restricted flow in a first direction and unrestricted flow in the opposed and second direction. The second restrictor assembly provides for restricted flow in the second direction and unrestricted flow in the first and opposed direction.

Abstract: A combined switch and light assembly having a socket body. The socket body has a mounting plate and a cylindrical body member. The assembly further includes a plunger consisting of a cylindrical tube. The plunger has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the body member of the socket body. The plunger is in sliding engagement with the body member of the socket body. A spiral spring is mounted in the socket body to slide the plunger with respect to the socket body. A metallic contact pin is attached to the plunger. A light bulb is mounted in the plunger and connected to the contact pin. A metallic plate is mounted on the socket body. The plate is connected to electrical leads. When the assembly is activated, the spring slides the plunger until the contact pin is in communication with the metallic plate. The electricity running to the plate flows to the contact pin connected to the light bulb. This energizes the light bulb to provide light.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is disclosed. The coupling includes a pair of hub members and a pair of coupling members surrounding the hub members. A plurality of projections extend outwardly from the coupling member and are received in receiving recesses in the other coupling members. Relative rotation of the coupling members moves the projections behind locking flanges into a locking position. A pivotally mounted lever on each connecting member is received by a locking recess on the other connecting member when in the locking position.

Abstract: A stackable container having excellent resistance to impact breakage includes (1) a plastic tank for containing liquids having at least one opening in its upper end and upper and lower abutments extending around sidewalls, (2) a top member engaged to the upper end of the tank having a downwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said upper abutment and (3) a bottom member engaged to the lower end of the tank having an upwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said lower abutment and having a plurality of downwardly extending legs. Clip means cooperate with serrated areas on the tank and top member and with additional serrated area on the tank and bottom member to secure said top and bottom members to the tank.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing, noise attenuating connector utilizing threadless coupling connecting means including a quick disconnect feature for use in hydraulic, pneumatic and refrigeration conduit systems.

Abstract: A gear pump for use in a metered liquid dispensing system utilizes a pair of carbon graphite wear plates to increase pump vacuum or suction lift capabilities. The wear plates are disposed on opposite sides of the pump spur gears and are biased against the sides of the gears to reduce internal pump clearances. The biasing force is provided by a resilient O-ring positioned between a surface of the pump housing and one of the wear plates. The gears are mounted for limited movement so the urging of the one wear plate is transferred through the gears to the other wear plate. The gear pump is driven through a gear reducer unit by a reversible electric motor. The use of a gear pump assures accurate metering of the amount of fluid delivered by the system.

Abstract: An improved decorative automotive vehicle trim strip and method and apparatus for forming are provided by reshaping an end of a previously extruded length of thermoplastic material. The surface of the length of thermoplastic material intended for viewing is maintained at a cold temperature, well below the softening point of the thermoplastic material, during the reshaping operation. The length of thermoplastic material is heated during reshaping by a mold section heated to 400.degree. to 410.degree. F. pressed against the surface intended to be affixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A restrictor valve functions as an outlet valve in a metered liquid dispensing system and utilizes a spring biased, shiftable anti-siphon check valve to prevent fluid flow back from the receiving tank into the system. The restrictor valve is attached to the delivery end of the system discharge hose. The dispensing system is controlled by a central electronic unit and the restrictor valve includes a sensing unit for signalling the electronic control when liquid is present at the outlet. The restrictor valve is connected to the receiving tank by a low spill coupling to minimize escape of the liquid into the environment. The restrictor valve may also include a vacuum breaker valve which admits air into the discharge hose when the system pump is run in reverse to remove the prime from the discharge hose.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system utilizes a microprocessor based electronic control and a positive displacement gear pump to accurately meter predetermined batches of liquid pumped from a supply tank. The gear pump is driven by a reversible motor through a gear reducer, and is operative to pump a predetermined fixed volume of liquid for each revolution or fraction of revolution of the pump drive shaft. A passive magnetic sensor is positioned adjacent the toothed periphery of a target wheel, which is mounted on the motor shaft, and generates a signal representative of the amount of rotation of the pump drive shaft. The electronic control is responsive to this signal for calculating the total volume of liquid dispaced by the pump. The electronic control includes a keyboard which enables a user to preprogram the precise amount of liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members that includes an annular locking ring. The assembly further includes a first member and a second member. The first member has an exterior surface having a groove for receiving the locking means. The second member has an inner surface having a cavity for receiving the locking means. The first and second members are secured together when the locking ring is engaged in the groove and the cavity.

Abstract: A tube connector for sealing a flareless tube to a fitting having a flat sealing face perpendicular to the fitting axis. The tube connector incorporates a ferrule engaged by a sleeve mounted on the end of the tube and having a flat radial surface for engaging the fitting sealing face. The ferrule is deformable and establishes a primary wedge type metal-to-metal sealing engagement with the tube by a compression nut threaded upon the fitting. The ferrule radially bows under axial and radial compression and this deformation suppresses vibration while the shape of the ferrule end engaged by the nut increases the radial forces on the ferrule as the nut is tightened to provide firm tube support remote from the seal region. The sleeve is provided with an internal undercut adapted to outwardly flare the end of the tube to lock the tube to the sleeve, and radially support the tube end as the tube is compressed during connection.

Abstract: A quick disconnect fluid coupling for a liquid-cooled, preprogrammed card for an aircraft communication or navigation system, the coupling being made up of male and female coupling elements which are closed to flow in the free or uncoupled state and which are open to flow when coupled. The male coupling element has an integral pressure relief feature which operates in two phases. In a first phase the male coupling element remains closed to fluid flow, but accommodates an increase in fluid pressure by movement of an annular valve sleeve within an outer annular member to increase the fluid volume within the annular member.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for a liquid line, the coupling having male and female coupling elements each of which is closed to flow in an uncoupled state and opened to flow when coupled. The male coupling element is made up of an outer annular member and an annular body which is positioned within the annular member and which is slidable with respect thereto, an annular retainer being positioned concentrically between the annular member and the annular body and being affixed to the annular member to be non-slidable with respect thereto. The annular body is resiliently biased against an internal shoulder of the annular member by a wave spring which is trapped between an external shoulder of the annular body and an inturned flange of the annular retainer, A valve member is positioned within the annular body and is slidable with respect thereto.

Abstract: A stackable container having excellent resistance to impact breakage includes (1) a plastic tank for containing liquids having at least one opening in its upper end and upper and lower abutments extending around sidewalls, (2) a top member engaged to the upper end of the tank having a downwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said upper abutment and (3) a bottom member engaged to the lower end of the tank having an upwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said lower abutment and having a plurality of downwardly extending legs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an improved automotive air-conditioning system wherein the refrigerant transport system connecting the compressor to the evaporator and condenser comprises rigid tubing therby minimizing the loss of refrigerant otherwise experienced by use of flexible hose connections.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an improved automotive air-conditioning system wherein the refrigerant transport system connecting the compressor to the evaporator and condenser comprises rigid tubing thereby minimizing the loss of refrigerant otherwise experienced by use of flexible hose connections.

Abstract: A fluid coupling is disclosed. The fluid coupling includes first and second coupling parts which define a passageway. A valve is provided in the passageway. The valve is adapted to open upon interconnection of the coupling parts. One of the coupling parts includes at least one guide groove, while the other coupling part includes at least one key pin receivable by the guide groove. The coupling parts can only be interconnected upon alignment of the key pin with the guide groove.

Abstract: A roof drip edge for application between the outer roofing material and roof board along the roof edge fascia board having a depending web which is connected by a flexible joint to the cover flange of the drip edge which fits between the roofing material and roof board. In this manner the web may be folded against the cover flange with the cover flange and web being formed of a material sufficiently flexible to allow the flange to be coiled upon itself with the web folded against the flange.