Abstract: A lifting assembly (10) having a structure (11) with three or more receptacles and a two or more connectors (1). The structure comprises one or more receptacles (12). Each receptacle comprises one or more circumferential grooves (17) in its inside surface. The connector comprises a male element (4) for insertion into a receptacle, an attachment point (2), and one or more locking elements (6) provided on the outside surface of the male element for engaging with the or each groove in the inside surface of the or each receptacle so as to rotatably mount the attachment point relative to the structure. The connectors may be rotationally positioned within the receptacles to permit different lifting configurations to be used.

Abstract: A connector adapted for release under load from a complementary connector. The connector having a locking element for engagement with the complementary connector to lock the complementary connector to the connector; and a locking member moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking member operative to permit the/each locking element to lock the complementary connector to the connector when in the locked position and operative to allow the/each locking element to release the complementary connector when in the unlocked position. The locking member and locking element arranged such that when the connector is locked to the complementary connector and the locking member is in a partially unlocked position, a load applied to the/each locking element causes the/each locking element to urge the locking member towards its fully unlocked position, thereby unlocking the complementary connector from the connector.

Abstract: A connector adapted for release under load from a complementary connector. The connector having a locking element for engagement with the complementary connector to lock the complementary connector to the connector; and a locking member moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking member operative to permit the/each locking element to lock the complementary connector to the connector when in the locked position and operative to allow the/each locking element to release the complementary connector when in the unlocked position. The locking member and locking element arranged such that when the connector is locked to the complementary connector and the locking member is in a partially unlocked position, a load applied to the/each locking element causes the/each locking element to urge the locking member towards its fully unlocked position, thereby unlocking the complementary connector from the connector.

Abstract: A lifting assembly (10) having a structure (11) with three or more receptacles and a two or more connectors (1). The structure comprises one or more receptacles (12). Each receptacle comprises one or more circumferential grooves (17) in its inside surface. The connector comprises a male element (4) for insertion into a receptacle, an attachment point (2), and one or more locking elements (6) provided on the outside surface of the male element for engaging with the or each groove in the inside surface of the or each receptacle so as to rotatably mount the attachment point relative to the structure. The connectors may be rotationally positioned within the receptacles to permit different lifting configurations to be used.

Abstract: A male connector (3) to be inserted into a female connector (5). The male connector defines a conduit and comprises a locking means (39) operable to engage the female connector to thereby lock the male connector relative to the female connector. The male connector also comprises a release means (17) for unlocking the male connector to permit the male connector to be separated from the female connector. The release means is accessible from within the conduit. There may be a release tool (50) operable to disengage the male connector from the female connector and retain the male connector after the male connector has been disengaged from the female connector.

Abstract: A male connector (3) to be inserted into a female connector (5). The male connector defines a conduit and comprises a locking means (39) operable to engage the female connector to thereby lock the male connector relative to the female connector. The male connector also comprises a release means (17) for unlocking the male connector to permit the male connector to be separated from the female connector. The release means is accessible from within the conduit. There may be a release tool (50) operable to disengage the male connector from the female connector and retain the male connector after the male connector has been disengaged from the female connector.

Abstract: A radial lip seal including an annular support with a radially extending portion having an inner periphery. An annular seal lip formed of elastomeric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene is connected to the inner periphery. The lip has an inner side adapted to seal a circumferential surface of a shaft and an outer side. The outer side of the lip has a plurality of grooves or protrusions to vary the diameter of the lip. The varied diameter creates a substantial leak between the outer side of the lip and the circumferential surface. The leak created is sufficient to be detected by a low-pressure air test.