Abstract: A coupling assembly for a first tubular member, comprising: a receiving member defining an opening adapted to receive the first tubular member, and having an inner portion defining an inner bore dimensioned to receive an end portion of the first tubular member, and an outer portion defining a first internal annular cavity communicating with the inner bore and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the inner bore; an annular locking member having an outer rim portion fitted within the first internal annular cavity, and having an inner portion of generally frustoconical shape angled inboard from its outer rim portion such that its inner rim extends in its relaxed position into the inner bore so that the inner rim contacts and penetrates the outer surface of the first tubular member when the first tubular member is inserted into the inner bore, to inhibit separation of the first tubular member from the receiving member; a stop member abutting the outboard side of the outer rim portion of the locking memb

Abstract: A disengagement tool for a coupling assembly including a receiving tubular member for receiving a first tubular member, the receiving tubular member having an inner portion defining an inner bore dimensioned to receive one end of the first member and an outer portion defining an internal annular cavity intersecting the inner bore and projecting radially therefrom and a split lock ring disposed in the annular cavity and adapted to expand circumferentially therein during insertion of the first tubular member into the receiving tubular member. Forming the tool are parts with actuator end portions for engaging circumferential edge portions of the split ring and a driver portion for engaging an end thereof to facilitate axial rotation thereof on the first tubular member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting one end of a first tubular member to a component of a piping system includes a receiving tubular member defining an opening adapted to receive the first tubular member, the receiving tubular member having an inner portion defining an inner bore dimensioned to receive the one end and an outer portion defining an internal annular cavity intersecting the inner bore and projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the annular cavity comprising an annular wall portion tapered radially inwardly and projecting longitudinally toward the opening. Also included in the assembly is an annular seal member and a lock ring both disposed in the annular cavity between the first tubular member and the receiving tubular member, the lock ring having an outer circumferential surface portion adapted to engage said tapered wall portion and an inner circumferential surface portion adapted to engage an external wall portion of the first tubular member.

Abstract: A first tubular member is coupled to a pipe fitting or the like having a specially adapted embracing tubular member thereon. The embracing member has an inner bore dimensioned for snugly receiving the first tubular member, and the inner bore is provided with first and second shoulders. An annular locking member is seated against the first shoulder within the bore and engages the first tubular member so as to prevent its withdrawal from the embracing member. A deformable annular sealing member is disposed between the locking member and the second shoulder for sealing the first tubular member to the embracing member. A rigid annular member is interposed between and engages the sealing member and the locking member and is formed to urge the locking member into tighter locking configuration when the sealing member is deformed thereagainst.

Abstract: A load carrying body for a truck or truck trailer, including a flat rigid bottom panel assembly and two flat rigid side panel assemblies respectively secured along their bottom edges to the respective side edges of the bottom panel assembly, all enclosed across their rear ends by a selectively latched or unlatched pivotally supported load retaining door assembly.A load manipulating door assembly, initially positioned to enclose the front end of the load carrying body, having a bottom and two side edge portions all supporting uninterrupted elongate flexible wiper strips respectively continuously maintained in uninterrupted sliding engagement with the inner surfaces of the load carrying body.

Abstract: A fluid friction heater is disclosed. The heater includes a housing having a cylindrical inner surface. At least nearly circumferential, closely spaced grooves are formed in the inner surface of the housing, the depth of the grooves being small relative to the diameter of the surface itself. A drum is mounted within the housing and has a cylindrical outer surface in close proximity to the inner surface of the housing. The outer surface of the drum has at least nearly circumferential, closely spaced grooves formed in it as well. The pitch of the grooves in the respective surfaces are different from one another. A liquid is injected into the space between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the drum. The housing and the drum rotate relative to one another so that the liquid passing between their respective surfaces is sheared and agitated by the respective grooves in the surfaces.

Abstract: A hardened steel pavement marker having a base with raised protective cross ribs and reflectors thereon, and a depending skirt for embedment in the pavement, the skirt being scalloped and having holes therein.

Abstract: A fluid friction heater is disclosed. The heater includes a housing having a cylindrical inner surface. At least nearly circumferential, closely spaced grooves are formed in the inner surface of the housing, the depth of the grooves being small relative to the diameter of the surface itself. A drum is mounted within the housing and has a cylindrical outer surface in close proximity to the inner surface of the housing. The outer surface of the drum has at least nearly circumferential, closely spaced grooves formed in it as well. The pitch of the grooves in the respective surfaces are different from one another. A liquid is injected into the space between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the drum. The housing and the drum rotate relative to one another so that the liquid passing between their respective surfaces is sheared and agitated by the respective grooves in the surfaces.

Abstract: A flush valve including a housing, a removable partition sealingly engaging said housing and defining a primary chamber and a control chamber; the housing including an inlet port in the primary chamber for connection with a source of flushing fluid, and an outlet port in the primary chamber for dispensing the fluid; a valve element connected with the partition for closing the outlet port; first biasing means for producing a force on the partition to urge the valve element to close the outlet port; a passage interconnecting the primary control chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therebetween; an actuator mechanism including an actuator valve connected with the control chamber and an actuator member for setting the actuator valve to the open position to vent the control chamber and enable the valve element to move away from the outlet port and open the flush valve; and an actuator control mechanism driven by the partition as the valve element moves away from the outlet port, for driving the actuator

Abstract: In a flush valve having a housing, a moveable partition sealing engaging the housing, and defining a primary chamber and a control chamber; an inlet port in the primary chamber and an outlet port in the primary chamber; and a valve element connected with the partition for closing the inlet port and the outlet port; the improvement including: an actuator mechanism including an actuator valve connected with the control chamber; an actuator member for setting the actuator valve in the open position to vent the control chamber and enable the valve element to move away from the outlet port and open the flush valve; and an automatic release member moveable with the actuator member for setting the actuator valve to the open position and moveable independently of the actuator member to reset the actuator valve in the closed position; and an actuator control mechanism driven by the partition as the valve element moves away from the outlet port for driving the automatic release member to reset the actuator valve to the

Abstract: In a flush valve having a housing, a movable partition sealingly engaging the housing and defining a primary chamber and a control chamber, an inlet port in the primary chamber and an outlet port in the primary chamber, a valve element connected with the partition for closing the outlet port, an actuator mechanism including an actuator valve for venting the control chamber, and an actuator member for operating the actuator valve, the improvement including a flow control mechanism including an auxiliary chamber communicating with the control chamber through the actuator valve; a flow regulating outlet communicating with the outlet port and the auxiliary chamber for discharging fluid vented through the actuator valve; a flow regulating inlet in the auxiliary chamber for conducting into the auxiliary chamber, when the flush valve is open and the valve element is separated from the outlet port, a portion of the fluid passing from the inlet port to the outlet port; and a unidirectional flow regulator valve for per

Abstract: A valve comprising a resiliently expansible and compressible plug movable in a valve chamber to open and close a flow passage intersected by the chamber. The plug has a sealing portion which is expanded outwardly against the walls of the chamber, e.g., by being compressed in a different direction to maintain a fluid type seal when the plug is moved in a chamber between open and closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: A valve comprising a resiliently expansible and compressible plug movable in a valve chamber to open and close a flow passage intersected by the chamber. The plug has a sealing portion which is expanded outwardly against the walls of the chamber, e.g., by being compressed in a different direction to maintain a fluid type seal when the plug is moved in a chamber between open and closed positions of the valve.