Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a tubular member having first and second sockets, each configured to receive an end of a pipe section such that a gap exists between an outer surface of each pipe section and an inner surface of the sockets. A pair of ports extend through the tubular member in each socket and are in fluid communication with each gap. Each socket may include one or more annular sealing members therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a pipe joint between a pipe section and a pipe fitting includes inserting an end of the pipe section into a socket of the pipe fitting, and attaching a removable clamp to the pipe section and pipe fitting. The socket includes a centering device and a pipe stop that is configured to receive the end of the pipe section. The clamp includes a plurality of arcuate segments and a tightening mechanism, and each arcuate member has a removable/replaceable sealing member. The arcuate members are radially compressed via the tightening mechanism to cause the respective sealing members to seal an open end of the gap. A bonding agent is then injected into the gap via a port that extends through the pipe fitting. Once the bonding agent has been injected, the clamp is removed and can be reused.

Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a socket that receives an end of a pipe section therein such that a gap exists between an outer surface of the pipe section and an inner surface of the socket. A pair of ports extend through the socket and are in fluid communication with the gap. A clamp secures the pipe section within the socket as a bonding agent is extruded into the gap via a port. The clamp includes a pair of arcuate segments, each having an inner circumferential wall, first and second end portions, and an elongated sealing member. Each arcuate segment includes a plurality of spring-loaded devices, each having a distal end portion extending through the inner circumferential wall that is urged into contact with the pipe section outer surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a pipe joint between a pipe section and a pipe fitting includes inserting an end of the pipe section into a socket of the pipe fitting, and attaching a removable clamp to the pipe section and pipe fitting. The socket includes a centering device and a pipe stop that is configured to receive the end of the pipe section. The clamp includes a plurality of arcuate segments and a tightening mechanism, and each arcuate member has a removable/replaceable sealing member. The arcuate members are radially compressed via the tightening mechanism to cause the respective sealing members to seal an open end of the gap. A bonding agent is then injected into the gap via a port that extends through the pipe fitting. Once the bonding agent has been injected, the clamp is removed and can be reused.

Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a socket that receives an end of a pipe section therein such that a gap exists between an outer surface of the pipe section and an inner surface of the socket. A pair of ports extend through the socket and are in fluid communication with the gap. A clamp secures the pipe section within the socket as a bonding agent is extruded into the gap via a port. The clamp includes a pair of arcuate segments, each having an inner circumferential wall, first and second end portions, and an elongated sealing member. Each arcuate segment includes a plurality of spring-loaded devices, each having a distal end portion extending through the inner circumferential wall that is urged into contact with the pipe section outer surface.

Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a tubular member comprising a socket and a centering device within the socket. The socket is configured to receive an end of a pipe section therein such that a gap exists between an outer surface of the pipe section and an inner surface of the socket. An annular pipe stop extends from the inner surface of the socket and is configured to matingly engage with the end of the pipe section. A pair of ports extend through the tubular member in circumferentially spaced-apart relationship and are in fluid communication with the gap. The centering device is configured to maintain a coaxial relationship between the pipe section and the socket and such that the gap is substantially circumferentially uniform. A removable and reusable clamp secures the pipe section within the socket as a bonding agent is extruded into the gap via one of the ports.

Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a tubular member comprising a socket and a centering device within the socket. The socket is configured to receive an end of a pipe section therein such that a gap exists between an outer surface of the pipe section and an inner surface of the socket. An annular pipe stop extends from the inner surface of the socket and is configured to matingly engage with the end of the pipe section. A pair of ports extend through the tubular member in circumferentially spaced-apart relationship and are in fluid communication with the gap. The centering device is configured to maintain a coaxial relationship between the pipe section and the socket and such that the gap is substantially circumferentially uniform. A removable and reusable clamp secures the pipe section within the socket as a bonding agent is extruded into the gap via one of the ports.

Abstract: An example vehicle gate assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle gate hinged to a vehicle body. The vehicle gate pivots about a lateral axis between a first position and a second position. A spring mounted within the vehicle gate provides lift assistance as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position. The spring pivotally moves with the gate about the lateral axis. A dampener mounted within the vehicle gate and connected to the spring controls the speed of the vehicle gate as the vehicle gate moves from the second position to the first position. The dampener pivotally moves with the gate about the lateral axis.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling movement of a vehicle gate between a first and a second position comprises a dampener assembly and a lift assembly that are incorporated within the gate. The dampener assembly has a first component mountable to a vehicle structure and a second component supportable by the vehicle gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle structure. The first and second components cooperate to control vehicle gate speed as the vehicle gate is moved from the second position to the first position. The lift assembly includes a spring operatively coupled to the dampener assembly to reduce lifting effort as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle decklid system uses a planetary gear drive to move a decklid relative to a vehicle body. The planetary gear drive includes a rotatable gear that is disposed between two fixed gears. One fixed gear is rigidly mounted to the decklid and one fixed gear is rigidly mounted to the vehicle body. A rotating link connects centers of the rotatable gear and two fixed gears. The combination of the planetary gear drive and rotating link make it possible to provide powered complex, two-dimensional motion of the decklid requiring a four-bar linkage.

Abstract: A power mechanism for opening and closing a vehicle trunk decklid includes power-operated guides that move the linkages on the decklid. The guides are moved by push-pull cables operated by a motor and disposed in a guide rail located in a trunk sill. The motor may be controlled by a controller that receives a user signal and operates the motor based on the signal.

Abstract: A powered system to selectively position a vehicle liftgate at a multiple of positions intermediate a fully open and a fully closed position. A controller receives commands from a remote, such as a key fob, and/or from a selector located within the vehicle to selectively operate the liftgate to move the liftgate through a multiple of liftgate positions through a combination of button presses or selector positions.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a gas spring and a linear electric motor which assists in operation of the gas spring. A coil assembly for a linear electric motor is mounted to a body of the gas spring. The coil assembly generates a magnetic field which interacts with a magnet mounted to a piston. Driving the magnet within an electric field assists in driving the piston of the gas spring. To assist in operation of the gas spring while reducing the packaging space of the gas spring.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling movement of a vehicle gate between a first and a second position comprises a dampener assembly and a lift assembly that are incorporated within the gate. The dampener assembly has a first component mountable to a vehicle structure and a second component supportable by the vehicle gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle structure. The first and second components cooperate to control vehicle gate speed as the vehicle gate is moved from the second position to the first position. The lift assembly includes a spring operatively coupled to the dampener assembly to reduce lifting effort as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling movement of a vehicle gate between a first and a second position comprises a dampener assembly and a lift assembly that are incorporated within the gate. The dampener assembly has a first component mountable to a vehicle structure and a second component supportable by the vehicle gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle structure. The first and second components cooperate to control vehicle gate speed as the vehicle gate is moved from the second position to the first position. The lift assembly includes a spring operatively coupled to the dampener assembly to reduce lifting effort as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A centrifugal feeder for rectangular items with one of its upper or lower surfaces having luminescent characteristics which are greater than the other surface. It is desired to orient the items with its elongated axis in the direction of the output and its luminescent surface downward. The feeder has a rotating bowl surrounded by a rotating rim. Items are placed on the rotating bowl by any suitable device. A sweep pushes the items randomly onto the rim and a pair of sweeps then insure that the items are flat and only one layer high. The rim then narrows so that items not disposed with their elongated axis tangentially will over balance and fall off the rim. A sensor then determines the space between items, and if the space exceeds a preselected interval, signals for more items to be placed onto the bowl. A luminescence sensor then determines if the item thereunder is disposed with its greater luminescent surface up and a kick off device kicks off items with the greater luminescent side up.