Abstract: A self-assembly furniture system including a self-assembly table comprising a generally planar table element defining a plurality of first mating portions; and a plurality of legs arranged to support the table element, each of the legs defining a second mating portion configured to lockably engage a selected one of the plurality of first mating portions so as to define therewith a self-locking joint arranged to prevent substantial relative movement between the first and second mating portions.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is described comprising a split-ring having an outer conical surface defined by the top lands of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced axially-extending ribs, the higher end of each rib being formed with an outwardly-projecting step. The coupling further includes a sleeve formed with an internal conical surface engageable with the outer conical ribs of the split-ring to cause the ring to tightly clamp the pipe within the housing, the sleeve further including an internal annular shoulder engageable with the outwardly-projecting steps of the split-ring converting tensile stresses in the split-ring to shear stresses.

Abstract: A split-ring for use in a pipe coupling comprises an outer conical surface defined by the top lands of a plurality of spaced axially-extending ribs formed on its outer surface. Also described is a pipe coupling comprising a housing for receiving one end of the pipe, the split-ring, and a sleeve formed with an internal conical surface engagable with the outer conical ribs of the split ring to cause the ring to tightly clamp the pipe within the housing. In one described embodiment, the split-ring is constituted of a single unit formed with an axially-extending slit; and in a second described embodiment, it is constituted of two hinged sections.

Abstract: An actuator is described for a float-type valve, in which a screw and nut assembly is used to preset the position wherein the float arm engages the valve operator.