Abstract: The specification discloses a watercraft drain plug system that includes two or more drain plugs, an actuator, and a cable assembly interconnecting the drain plugs and the actuator. The actuator may be operated to move the drain plugs between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for securing the actuator in the closed position to prevent inadvertent opening of the drain plugs.

Abstract: The specification discloses a monitor, a system, and a method for monitoring the electrolyte level in a cell of a multi-cell battery. The system may be powered by leads attached across any one or more cells of the battery. The system includes an electrically conductive probe, having its own wire, that may be installed in any battery cell. The probe is current sampled to provide one or more signals used to determine if the probe is in physical contact with the electrolyte (indicating acceptable electrolyte level). The probe may be sampled as a cathode and as an anode. The probe may be sampled using PWM (pulse width modulation). The probe may be sampled using current limiting.

Abstract: The specification discloses a hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control (NAFC) device and system, which both aerates and controls the flow of the hydroponic nutrient solution. The NAFC device has no moving parts. Each NAFC device mixes and aerates the nutrient from the nutrient reservoir with air and/or nutrient from one of the grow tanks. Each NAFC device additionally controls the flow of the aerated nutrient solution to the grow tank and the nutrient reservoir. The vertical position of the end of the nutrient return line in each grow tank may be adjusted to adjust the level of the nutrient solution within the grow tank.

Abstract: The specification discloses a marine fluid connection system including a fitting and a connector. The fitting is cylindrical and includes a radially extending flange. The connector includes a cylindrical body, a plurality of levers on the body, and a locking ring on the body. The levers are movable between a latched position, in which the levers are closed on the flange to lock the connector on the fitting, and an unlatched position, in which the levers are open so that the connector may be removed from the fitting. The locking ring is axially movable with respect to the body to move the latches between their latched and unlatched positions.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for a liquid electrolyte battery is provided. The liquid level sensor includes a probe having a reference electrode and an electrode array. The electrode array includes a plurality of electrodes that are serially disposed in a lengthwise direction of the probe. The reference electrode is capacitively coupled to each electrode within the electrode array, such that the probe provides a capacitance that varies when the probe is immersed in a liquid level that varies in relation to the probe. The liquid level sensor can alert a user of the need to refill the battery or alert a user of the need to refill the battery in the near future. The liquid level sensor can include a series of LEDs that selectively illuminate to indicate each such condition to the user.

Abstract: An improved battery monitoring system for liquid electrolyte batteries is provided. The battery monitoring system includes a network of sensors for monitoring the condition or performance of a plurality of liquid electrolyte batteries, for example lead-acid batteries. The sensors are adapted to share data regarding battery condition or battery performance to a standalone device over a wireless local area network. A server in electrical communication with the standalone device receives some or all of the data for analysis, which can result in maintenance alerts and other alerts being sent to the standalone device. The improved battery monitoring system can reduce or eliminate the manual inspection of lead-acid batteries and can improve battery operation and longevity by ensuring an appropriate level of maintenance for each lead-acid battery.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and a method for powering electrical devices using the voltage difference between the cells of a wet cell battery. The system includes probes inserted into the electrolyte in different cells of the battery. The probes are electrically connected to the devices to power the devices. The probes, the devices, and/or the connecting wires may be incorporated into, or otherwise installed with, vent caps or single-point watering systems.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fastener assembly including two elements. One element is an elongated body including that a gear rack and a radial stop. The other element is a nut fitted over the elongated body and including a pawl engaging the gear rack. The current embodiment includes two pairs of gear racks and two pairs of pawls. The two pairs of pawls are axially offset from one another. The elongated body and the nut are keyed to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The elongated body defines a conduit through the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A locking fastener includes a thermoplastic fastener body, a locking coil, and a support collar. The fastener body defines a cylindrical cavity and a radially extending slot communicating with the cavity. The support collar has an arcuate portion and first and second tabs extending radially outward from the arcuate portion. The support collar is disposed within the fastener body with the arcuate portion adjacent the cavity wall and the tabs extending into the slot. The locking coil has a helical portion and first and second tangs extending radially outward from the helical portion. The helical portion of the locking coil is positioned within the support collar, and the first and second tangs extend into the slot and between the first and second tabs.

Abstract: The specification discloses an electrical connector assembly including a conductive clip and cover. The conductive clip may be snap-fitted onto an intercell connector in a multi-cell. The cover is nonconductive and may be snap-fitted over the conductive clip to protect the clip and wires connected to the clip. The cover may include a wire management device to guide and protect wires such as those connected to the clip.

Abstract: A single point watering assembly for a monobloc battery having a plurality of cell access ports each have a top edge. The assembly includes a manifold and a plurality of valve cartridges. The manifold overlies the access ports and includes extensions each extending into one of the access ports. Each valve cartridge is supported by one of the manifold extensions and is located below the top edge of the respective access port. Consequently, the assembly presents a low profile extending above the battery.

Abstract: A locking fastener includes a fastener body, a locking band within the fastener body, and a retainer secured to the fastener body to retain the locking band within the fastener body. The locking band includes first and second tangs that fit within recesses in the fastener body to limit angular movement of the tangs. The tangs and the recesses are dimensioned to control the torque required to remove the fastener from a threaded member. The retainer defines a central circular hole corresponding to the diameter of a threaded member on which the fastener is mounted.

Abstract: A battery vent cap capable of push-in installation and turn-out removal. The cap includes bayonet tabs. The tabs in turn each include a ramp portion to facilitate movement of the cap bayonet tabs past bayonet tabs in a battery vent port as the vent cap is inserted into the port axially without substantial rotation. The interfitting bayonet tabs retain the vent cap within the vent port and also permit the vent cap to be unscrewed and removed from the vent port. In a preferred embodiment, the vent cap includes a swivel connector to which a watering hose may be connected. The swivel enables the vent cap to be unscrewed from the vent portion without having to remove the watering hose from the swivel connector.

Abstract: A locking fastener includes a fastener body and a locking band. The body includes a tangential slot. The locking band includes a coil portion and first and second tangs extending tangentially from the coil portion. The first tang extends into the slot to limit angular movement of the first tang with respect to the body. When the locking fastener is turned in a loosening direction with sufficient torque, the second tang contacts the fastener body to open the coil portion and to allow removal of the locking fastener.

Abstract: A self-locking threaded fastener that can be driven using conventional driving tools. The threaded fastener includes a fastener body and a locking band. The body includes a) a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion and b) an aperture extending radially from the unthreaded portion. The locking band includes a curved portion within the unthreaded portion of the fastener body and a tang extending into the aperture to limit angular movement of the tang with respect to the body. The curved portion terminates at an end having a range of radial movement with respect to the fastener body. When the threaded fastener is turned in a loosening direction, the locking band inhibit loosening of the threaded fastener.

Abstract: The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key.

Abstract: A locking fastener includes a fastener body and a locking band. The body includes a tangential slot. The locking band includes a coil portion and first and second tangs extending tangentially from the coil portion. The first tang extends into the slot to limit angular movement of the first tang with respect to the body. When the locking fastener is turned in a loosening direction with sufficient torque, the second tang contacts the fastener body to open the coil portion and to allow removal of the locking fastener.

Abstract: A locking fastener includes a fastener body, a locking band within the fastener body, and a retainer secured to the fastener body to retain the locking band within the fastener body. The locking band includes first and second tangs that fit within recesses in the fastener body to limit angular movement of the tangs. The tangs and the recesses are dimensioned to control the torque required to remove the fastener from a threaded member. The retainer defines a central circular hole corresponding to the diameter of a threaded member on which the fastener is mounted.

Abstract: A locking threaded connection (a) providing free relative rotation in a first direction, (b) preventing unintended relative rotation in a second opposite direction, and (c) enabling intended relative rotation in the second direction. The connection includes male and female threaded portions and a helical spring therebetween. The spring is sized and configured to interfit with the male and female threads. The spring enables relative rotation in the first direction, but prevents relative rotation in the second direction. If removability is desired, the spring is provided with an accessible tang, enabling the locking force of the spring to be released.

Abstract: The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key.