Abstract: A flexible connector is used to connect a source of liquid to a dispenser so that the position of the dispenser may be adjusted or the line leading to a fixed dispenser may be adjusted. A typical use is in connecting underground pipe to a sprinkler head, but the invention may be used in other installations. Examples are to provide a connector for a light-weight, non-kink garden hose; sewer pipe fittings and ABS drain pipe. A very flexible tubing, such as light vinyl tubing, is encased in a tough outer protective tubing, such as convoluted tubing. At either end is a fitting into which the flexible tubing fits. A bushing inside the fitting expands the end of the flexible tubing and thus retains it within the body of the fitting. The end of the protective fitting is received in a counterbore in an end of the fitting. The upper end of the fitting may be attached to a sprinkler head or other device and hence may be shaped with an internal thread, an external thread, or a smooth cylindrical shape for a slip fit.

Abstract: An underground branch connector assembly for water feed from a main supply pipe to a sprinkler head which permits a range of locations of the sprinkler head independent of the location of the supply pipe, comprising a flexible hose having an anti-kinking feature and special terminal fittings (preferably both male) for connection at one end to a sprinkler head and at the other end to the water supply pipe. The anti-kink feature comprises either an external corrugated sheath or internal reinforcing, such as fiberglass roving, or a steel or plastic coil embedded in the hose wall. The hose is preferably of predetermined length, selected to be somewhat longer than the reach required from the main supply pipe to the desired sprinkler head location. The preferred assembly also includes a plate adjacent the sprinkler head end that permits stable emplacement of the sprinkler head. The flexible non-kink hose of excess length allows imprecise trenching yet precise head location in a proper watering array.

Abstract: A sampling nozzle is operatively coupled to a vacuum device and has a tubular coring member removably mounted at its upper end for extracting a sample of material from goods suspected of being hazardous. A canister is removably carried in the nozzle beneath the coring member in co-active, in-feed relation therewith for receiving the extracted sample. Air passages through the nozzle sidewall cooperate with a conical shroud carried on the upper end of the nozzle to create a blanket of air vacuum surrounding the coring member and the area around which the sample has been extracted. A high efficiency particulate filter may also be provided between the nozzle and the vacuum device. The sample is extracted while the surrounding blanket of air vacuum is active by placing the sampling nozzle against the goods to be sampled with the coring member in firm contact with the surface of the goods and pressing the nozzle causing the coring member to penetrate the material.