Abstract: A reinforced hose according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first reinforcing layer having a reinforcement material with a first tensile strength. A second reinforcing layer overlays the first reinforcing layer and includes a reinforcement material with a second tensile strength. The second tensile strength is substantially greater than the first tensile strength. In another embodiment of the present invention, a reinforced hose includes a first reinforcing layer including a reinforcement material having a first level of fatigue resistance and a second reinforcing layer overlaying the first reinforcing layer and including a reinforcement material having a second level of fatigue resistance. The first level of fatigue resistance is substantially greater than the second level of fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member is integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and includes a duct therethrough for receiving the first member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a recessed seat portion of the second member to substantially inhibit the ingression of contaminates into the duct when the first and second members are connected. The foregoing coupling assembly is advantageous because it allows the second member to be formed directly into an apparatus. In other embodiments, the coupling assembly provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both a conventional female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member is integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and includes a duct therethrough for receiving the first member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a recessed seat portion of the second member to substantially inhibit the ingression of contaminates into the duct when the first and second members are connected. The foregoing coupling assembly is advantageous because it allows the second member to be formed directly into an apparatus. In other embodiments, the coupling assembly provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both a conventional female member and an integral female member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.