Abstract: An electrical connector assembly, such as for use with a tractor-trailer, comprises a socket and a plug. The plug can comprise a resilient seal configured to surround mating electrical terminals on the socket and the plug. A coupler can be configured to retain the plug in the socket and compress the resilient seal against the socket. The plug can further comprise a knob having a bulbous portion sized to fit in a palm of a user's hand for ease of grasping by the user. The knob can include a drip edge.

Abstract: A compression sleeve comprises a rolled blank having opposing ends coupled together to form a tubular body. A method of forming a compression sleeve comprises forming a blank having opposing ends. At least one notch with at least one relief portion is formed in the blank. The blank is rolled to form a tubular configuration, and the opposing ends are coupled to maintain the tubular configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid coupling for coupling a fluid source with a fluid supply line. The fluid coupling comprises a gladhand mounted to a body via a swivel connection. The gladhand is movable between a stored and protected position, wherein an outlet of the gladhand rests against a rubber cup to prevent fluid flow therefrom, and a use position, wherein the gladhand is removed from the rubber cup and can be connected to a fluid supply line. Additionally, the fluid coupling comprises a valve assembly preferably disposed in the body. The valve is operable between open and closed positions to effectively turn the fluid coupling on and off.

Abstract: A fluid control valve comprising a valve housing in which there is a reciprocating shaft on which is mounted a valve body that is brought into and out of contact with respect to a valve seat disposed within a fluid flow passage to permit or prevent fluid flow through the passage. The valve includes a vibration retarding mechanism comprising a sleeve mounted on the shaft and a guide mounted to the housing with an axial opening sized to receive the sleeve. Either the sleeve or guide has slots and the other has corresponding grooves that receive the slots to limit the radial movement of the shaft to retard or dampen reciprocation-induced vibrations.

Abstract: A vacuum control assembly wherein a vacuum motor is operated at a delayed rate in one direction under the control of a valve assembly holding a filter and valve closure element all supported in operating position without requiring the use of fasteners, press fits or welding and providing the multiple functions of a seal, a filter compartment, a valve housing, and spring seat.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for servo motors has been provided wherein a pair of backing elements have opposed portions acting on opposite sides of a diaphragm assembly and are held in fixed relationship to each other through the means of a sonic weld located at a point remote from the diaphragm to provide a leak-proof diaphragm assembly which lends itself to ready modification to accept valves or diaphragms to change the operating characteristics for different applications.