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. The regulator preferably includes a cap removably sealed over the air inlet and the air vent to prevent the undesired loss of air.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing plumbing kit specifications for kits containing plastic hose or tubing for installation on boats, RVs or other uses where ruler markings are imprinted longitudinally along the outside surface of stock hose. The ruler markings can be spaced approximately one inch, or other distance, and can include a series of numerals such as 1-12 or 1-11 followed by a repeat symbol. The sequence can repeat indefinitely along the length of the hose. The method allows a length specification for a particular hose segment to be generated by cutting a piece of stock hose at a particular starting ruler mark, clamping or connecting it in place, and then completing the installation of the segment by cutting the second end to the correct length and clamping or connecting it in place. The length can then be computed by reading the ruler marks on the installed hose. This information can be entered as part of the specification for a hose kit.

Abstract: The specification discloses a locking threaded fastener including a body, a coil spring, and a compression ring. The body is hex-shaped and defines a partially threaded bore, an external circumferential groove, and a passage extending radially between the bore and the groove. The coil spring is located within the bore and includes a first end angularly fixed with respect to the body and a second end extending through the passage and into the groove. The compression ring is located within the groove and defines an opening receiving the second end of the coil spring. The compression ring is free to move within the groove and includes portions that extending radially outwardly beyond the flats of the hex shape. When a conventional wrench is engaged with the hex shape, the wrench compresses the compression ring to prevent relative angular movement between the ring and the body. The “locked” compression ring thereby prevents relative angular movement between the second end of the coil spring and the body.

Abstract: A battery electrolyte monitor including a probe and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a capacitive element within the probe. The probe is acid resistant, and therefore the probe protects the capacitive element from contact with the battery electrolyte. The control circuit periodically charges and discharges the capacitive element using direct current. Depending on at least one of a charging characteristic and a discharging characteristic, the control circuit determines the electrolyte level. If the electrolyte is below a desired minimum level, the control circuit illuminates an indicator light.

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: The specification discloses a locking threaded fastener including a body, a coil spring, and a compression ring. The body is hex-shaped and defines a partially threaded bore, an external circumferential groove, and a passage extending radially between the bore and the groove. The coil spring is located within the bore and includes a first end angularly fixed with respect to the body and a second end extending through the passage and into the groove. The compression ring is located within the groove and defines an opening receiving the second end of the coil spring. The compression ring is free to move within the groove and includes portions that extending radially outwardly beyond the flats of the hex shape. When a conventional wrench is engaged with the hex shape, the wrench compresses the compression ring to prevent relative angular movement between the ring and the body. The “locked” compression ring thereby prevents relative angular movement between the second end of the coil spring and the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refill valve for use in single point battery watering systems for refilling wet cell batteries. The refill valve comprises a porous internal flame arrestor that is in the path of the liquid. Such a design is advantageous because it prevents the internal propagation of flames between battery cells through the battery watering system under dry conditions.

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 method and apparatus for performing a manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of a previously fabricated flexible conduit. The apparatus comprises a driving mechanism, a manufacturing station, and a support device. The conduit is first fed through the manufacturing station. The manufacturing station then performs the manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of the conduit. The support device within the conduit is not attached to any other structure and provides structural support at the manufacturing station during the manufacturing operation and remains at a generally fixed axial and functional location while the conduit continues to move axially.

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. The regulator preferably includes a cap removably sealed over the air inlet and the air vent to prevent the undesired loss of air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for use with a lead-acid battery having a plurality of battery cell access ports. The system comprises a plurality of refill valves and a plurality of refill valves and a manifold having (i) a water feed tube with at least one external port and a plurality of outlets each communicating with one of the plurality of refill valves, and (ii) at least one passageway housing a flame arrestor to permit the discharge of gases from the battery cells to the surrounding environment only through the flame arrestor. The manifold is removably and sealably mountable to the battery so that each refill valve is in fluid communication with one of the battery cell access ports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector, comprising a first connector segment having a laterally extending flange, and a second connector segment having a body and a pair of opposed retainers adapted to releaseably maintain the first and second connector segments in mated relationship. Each of the retainers has a lever spaced laterally from the second connector segment body, the lever being joined to the second connector segment body at a base end and having a latch at a free end. The lever is also joined to the second connector segment body by a fulcrum wall positioned intermediate the ends of the lever, an outwardly facing cam surface is provided on the lever between the fulcrum wall and the base end. A slide ring is disposed over the second connector segment retainers, the slide ring being moveable from a first position adjacent the latch of each retainer to a second position of engagement with the cam surface of each retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for refilling individual cells of a multi cell monobloc lead-acid battery wherein each battery cell is fitted with a refill control valve. The system includes a manifold and a swivel connector fitting. The manifold has (i) a plurality of outlet bosses positioned at a predetermined spacing to permit the manifold to be assembled to the battery with each outlet boss in sealed fluid communication with one of the refill control valves, (ii) at least one inlet port adapted to receive the swivel connector fitting, and (iii) a longitudinally extending passageway for fluid communication between the inlet port and each outlet boss. The swivel connector fitting has an outlet boss which is mounted within the manifold inlet port in sealed fluid communication and is rotatable within the inlet port through 360 degrees. The swivel connector fitting also includes ports to communicate with other components of the single point watering system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for refilling individual cells of a multi cell monobloc lead-acid battery wherein each battery cell is fitted with a refill control valve. The system includes a manifold and a swivel connector fitting. The manifold has (i) a plurality of outlet bosses positioned at a predetermined spacing to permit the manifold to be assembled to the battery with each outlet boss in sealed fluid communication with one of the refill control valves, (ii) at least one inlet port adapted to receive the swivel connector fitting, and (iii) a longitudinally extending passageway for fluid communication between the inlet port and each outlet boss. The swivel connector fitting has an outlet boss which is mounted within the manifold inlet port in sealed fluid communication and is rotatable within the inlet port through 360 degrees. The swivel connector fitting also includes ports to communicate with other components of the single point watering system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector for joining fluid flow passegeways in a fluid handling system. The connector may be manually manipulated, without using any tools, to quickly and easily couple or decouple the mating connector components. Those components include a plug having a cylindrical plug wall and a radially extending flange, and a mating socket having a cylindrical socket wall and a pair of diametrically opposed retainers. The retainers each comprise an axially extending flexible lever spaced from the socket wall. The lever is joined to the socket wall at a base or proximal end and has a latch at its free or distal end. The lever is also joined to the socket wall by a fulcrum wall or living hinge positioned intermediate the ends of the lever. A split lock ring is disposed between the socket wall and each retainer and is movable from a position adjacent the base of each retainer to a position remote from the base of each retainer.

Abstract: A valve having a port defining a first internal passageway and a body portion defining a second internal passageway. Also provided is a first aperture and an opposingly located second aperture which are in communication with the second passageway. The first aperture is adapted to permit water to flow into the livewell for recirculation and the second aperture is adapted to permit water to pump out of the livewell. A diverter is position in the location where the internal passageways merge. The diverter is moveable between first and second positions. In the first position, the diverter directs water flow through the first aperture and prevents water from flowing through the second aperture to effectuate recirculation. In the second position, the diverter directs the flow of water through the second aperture and prevents water from flowing through the first aperture to effectuate pump out of the livewell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector for joining fluid flow passegeways in a fluid handling system. The connector may be manually manipulated, without using any tools, to quickly and easily couple or decouple the mating connector components. Those components include a plug having a cylindrical plug wall and a radially extending flange, and a mating socket having a cylindrical socket wall and a pair of diametrically opposed retainers. The retainers each comprise an axially extending flexible lever spaced from the socket wall. The lever is joined to the socket wall at a base or proximal end and has a latch at its free or distal end. The lever is also joined to the socket wall by a fulcrum wall or living hinge positioned intermediate the ends of the lever. A split lock ring is disposed between the socket wall and each retainer and is movable from a position adjacent the base of each retainer to a position remote from the base of each retainer.

Abstract: The valve assembly of the present invention includes a body portion having one or more inlets and two aligned outlets. The outlets are located on opposing faces of the body portion, one having a generally rigid valve seat defining a first valve outlet port and the other having a generally flexible valve seat defining a second valve outlet port. The valve assembly also employs a valve support assembly configured to move relative to the body portion generally along the axis of the aligned outlets. The support assembly has a flexible valve member at one end positioned inside the body portion and configured to engage the rigid valve seat to block flow through the first valve outlet port. The support assembly also has a generally rigid valve member positioned outside the body portion and configured to engage the flexible valve seat to block flow through the second valve outlet port.