Abstract: A rotation shaft seal provided with a rubber sealing portion which contacts a surface of a rotation shaft and an outer case to which the rubber sealing portion is unitedly fixed. The outer case has an inner brim portion on an inner end portion on a sealed fluid side. The inner brim portion is covered by the rubber sealing portion. A sliding portion is disposed on an axis-orthogonal face including the inner brim portion.

Abstract: The gasket assembly includes a gasket layer and a separately formed shim layer. The shim layer and gasket layer are formed with at least one media-conveying opening that correspond to media-conveying passages communicating between first and second members to be clamped together and sealed by the gasket at the joint between members. The shim layer has an adhesive layer applied to its back surface 36 to enable the shim layer 14 to be adhered to original clamping face of the one of the first or second members in order to build up the surface or to cover up damage on the clamping face that could impair proper sealing with the gasket.

Abstract: A manifold gasket includes a carrier frame with a plurality of media-conveying openings corresponding to openings communicating between two parts to be clamped, such as an intake manifold and a cylinder head. Elastomeric sealing material is molded to the carrier frame about the openings to seal the openings when clamped. A compression limiting device is disposed on the carrier frame and is isolated from direct contact with the carrier frame by intervening elastomeric bonding material to limit compression of said elastomeric sealing material when the gasket is clamped between the head and block. The elastomeric bonding material renders the compression limiting device free-floating relative to the carrier frame.

Abstract: A tongue and groove design provides a thermally stable hermetic seal for a laser housing. A sealant, such as a metal o-ring, is placed between the tongue of a flange member, or end piece, and a groove formed in an open end of a housing to provide a hermetically sealed environment. The groove can be a double groove, having a wider first portion and a narrower second portion. The sealant can be placed in the narrower second portion such that when the tongue is placed at least partially within the narrower second portion, the sealant fills the space between the tongue and groove.

Abstract: A chuck for a mechanized, at least partially percussively driven, along a percussion axis (A), percussion tool (2), includes a tool guide (3), a retaining stirrup (5) having at least one stirrup arm (6) which is supported in a drag bearing (7) for a pivotal movement about a pivot axis (S) extending transverse to the percussion axis (A) and at least one elastomeric insert (B) provided between the tool guide (3) and the retaining stirrup (5).

Abstract: A chuck for a percussively driven working tool includes at least one radially displaceable, locking member (3) and a locking element (5, 6) for blocking radial displacement the at least one locking member outwardly. The locking member has a locking surface (4) located radially adjacent to the at least one locking member (3) and formed as a radially damping surface.

Abstract: A handcart includes a main body section, a pair of wheels provided to the main body section, and operation sections provided at the rear in the traveling direction of the main body section. A holding section is rotatably fitted to a vertical portion of an arm section of each of the operation sections. A user can change the direction of the handcart by making a pushing-forward motion or a pulling-back motion while holding the holding sections. This saves the user from having to move his or her body when make a direction change, thereby allowing the user to easily direction-change the handcart in a narrow space as well as reducing labor necessary for making the direction change.

Abstract: A support chair for a patient in a body cast, such as a child or toddler wearing a spica cast, is disclosed. The support chair may hold the patient in a generally upright position and the seat may include a cut-out portion positionable over a commode. The chair may include stationary or adjustable leg support stirrups which support a portion of the body cast. The seat, back and/or legs of the support chair may be adjustable in order to change the height or inclination angle of the chair. Optional attachments include removable armrests, bed pan, splash guard and activity tray.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a carriage includes a first torsion assembly connected to a second torsion assembly in parallel such that force delivered to the first and second torsion assemblies through the wheels is distributed between the first and second torsion assemblies.

Abstract: An improved locking mechanism for a movable subframe of a tractor-trailer has a pair of transversely-spaced main members extending longitudinally beneath a body of the tractor-trailer, at least one cross member extending between and being attached to the main members, and an axle/suspension system attached to and depending from the main members. At least one clamping mechanism is attached to the subframe and mechanically engages a longitudinally extending rail of the body of the tractor-trailer to enable efficient selective positioning of the subframe relative to the body. Undesirable movements between the subframe and the tractor-trailer body are minimized by fore-aft and/or vertical clamping loads exerted on the body rail and the subframe by the clamping mechanism. This secure positioning allows portions of the trailer body and/or subframe to be constructed of lightweight materials which in turn permits the tractor-trailer to carry larger payloads.

Abstract: A motorcycle that prevents attachment of splashed water to the entire periphery of the front fork. A front fender is separated into a front fender half and a rear fender half. The front fender half has left and right sidewalls (rear end portions), and the rear fender half has left and right sidewalls (front end portions). The front and rear fender half sidewalls enclose the outer periphery of left and right fork bodies. The sidewalls have extended portions extending downward along the left and right fork bodies and lower rear end faces that extend generally linearly from the lower front ends of the extended portions to the upper rear ends thereof obliquely upward.

Abstract: Step Scooter with a longitudinal support bar, a twelve inch wheel assembly attached to the back end of the longitudinal bar, a six inch wheel and steerable front fork at the front end of the longitudinal bar, a handle bar and support tube, an eight and one half inch diameter crank gear attached by a shaft to the longitudinal support bar, a two and one half inch diameter back wheel gear, a drive chain attaching the small gear to the large gear, a left and right drive disk each having a shaft protruding outwardly from near the perimeter of the disk, a pair of step support bars including step platforms, each attached to the perimeter disk shaft, the end of each step support bar terminating in a roller wheel and corresponding tracks for each roller wheel to travel in.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus (20) which can be mounted to a wheel (8) (or integrally formed therewith) of a vehicle, for example a wheelchair. The propulsion apparatus (20) has a first portion which can be statically attached to either a rim of the wheel (8) or structural member which is rigidly attached to the wheel (8) projects therefrom. The propulsion apparatus (20) also has a second portion (23), which is pivotal about the rotational axis of the wheel (8). Furthermore, the propulsion apparatus (20) comprises coupling means which are interposed between the first and second portions so that when the second portion (23) is rotated about the axis of the wheel (8) it causes the first portion, and therefore also the wheel (8), to rotate.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a wheelchair having a frame; a seat attached to the frame and supporting a user; two lateral drive wheels mounted on essentially horizontal axes; and a propulsion system including a handle, an operating lever supporting said handle and having a friction element mounted onto the operating lever. The operating lever is movable axially with respect to one axis between a first and second position and radially. The friction element is arranged and constructed to frictionally engage said drive wheel in the first position and radial movement of the propulsion system propels the chair in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system having under powered acceleration a squat response that begins in the realm of anti squat and passes through a point of lessened anti squat at a further point in the travel.

Abstract: Provided is a folding bicycle comprising two auxiliary rear wheels at both sides of a rear wheel; a seat including a seat tube extended downward; a first crossbar having a front end pivotably connected to a lower portion of a handle above a front wheel, and a rear end fixedly connected to an intermediate portion of the seat tube; a pair of second crossbars having two front ends pivotably connected to an intermediate portion of the handle, and two rear ends fixedly connected to both ends of an hub of the rear wheel. The first crossbar passes an intermediate portion of the second crossbar and is pivotably connected thereto. A flexible shock absorbing means is provided at a joining portion of the seat tube and the second crossbars. The shock absorbing means is adapted to elastically deform when a downward force is exerted on the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing at least one wheeled vehicle includes a frame including at least one generally vertically oriented support member and at least one generally horizontally oriented support member, the horizontal support member being at least partially hollow and formed with a ramp in a distal end thereof; a mounting arrangement for selectively mounting the frame to a towing vehicle; a vehicle support assembly for receiving and holding a vehicle tire, including at least one generally curved forward tire support member mounted to the horizontal frame member, and a rear support assembly, the rear support assembly including a generally L-shaped frame and a generally curved aft tire support member for removable telescopic engagement with the horizontal support member; and a lifting assembly for moving the vehicle support assembly generally vertically between a first position for loading a vehicle and a second position for towing a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyurea composition coated trailers and methods of making the same. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a trailer comprising a frame having a front side and a back side, at least one axle coupled to the frame, a plurality of wheels coupled to the at least one axle, and a polyurea coating, wherein the polyurea coating encapsulates at least a portion of the frame. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for protecting a metal trailer from corrosion comprising cleaning the surfaces of a metal trailer and applying a layer of a polyurea composition to the surfaces of the metal trailer.

Abstract: A quick attach/detach adjustable hitch which allows the operator of a towing vehicle to connect to a trailer without leaving the driver seat. The preferred embodiment includes a lifting carriage connected within a frame by a hydraulic cylinder. Guiding members are used to ensure correct alignment of the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball, and a hold-down bar is used to prevent accidental detachment of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The preferred embodiment also includes an alarm to inform the operator when the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball are in correct alignment.

Abstract: In one embodiment a detachable tow hook assembly comprises a housing defining a passageway for detachably receiving a locking end portion of a tow hook for use in towing a vehicle. Desirably, the tow hook is inserted and rotated to a locking position for retention in place during towing of a vehicle without requiring fasteners or any retaining pins to retain the tow hook in place. Exemplary configurations for tow hooks, tow hook locking portions and tow hook receiving housings are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monoski, consisting of a front and a back board connected to each other by means of a hinge, in which the hinge is constructed in such a way that the back board can be folded over the front board through which a less large package is created and also the two board parts can be moved in a horizontal plane in a limited angle. During skiing the skier stands with one foot on the front board and the other on the back board. During skiing, the skiers feet are not fixed to the boards. In order to keep sufficient contact with the ski, a foldable supporting instrument is mounted on the front board part. The back board part has a surface relief at the bottom to track better.

Abstract: An adjustable handle assembly is configured for a device that supports and carries a child and that can be moved along a surface. The handle assembly is coupled to a handle extension that extends from a part of the device and that has an end with an extension axis. The handle assembly has a stem configured to attach to the end of the handle extension. The handle assembly also has a grip body coupled to the stem. The grip body is independently movable relative to the handle extension both longitudinally along the extension axis and rotationally about the extension axis. An actuator is provided on the handle assembly and can be actuated between a lock position and a release position. In the lock position, the grip body is in affixed position relative to the handle extension. In the release position, the grip body is permitted to move both longitudinally and rotationally relative to the extension axis between a plurality of selectable longitudinal and rotational positions.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly of present invention becomes a balancing mechanism for a foldable telescope golf cart. The swing arm assembly adjusts the inclined angle of the golf beg on the golf cart, and thus adjusts the location of the center gravity of the cart. The golf cart is maintained in a balanced state when the center gravity fills upon the centerline of the cart wheels. The golf cart and swing arm assembly can be converted from compact size to full size, or vice versa, by a single action.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an inflatable curtain airbag having one or more multi-layered tabs to facilitate mounting of the curtain to a vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the tabs comprise at least two layers attached to one another along at least one side of the two layers such that an axial opening is created between the layers. A rigid insert, such as a bracket, may be inserted into the axial opening so as to facilitate mounting the tab inside a vehicle.

Abstract: An airbag device is provided wherein the airbag device is made by folding an airbag having a left airbag section and a right airbag section by a new folding method. In one form, an airbag includes a left airbag section and a right airbag section that are inflated on the left and right, respectively, in front of a passenger, and a base chamber that communicates one ends of the airbag sections and with each other. The left airbag section and the right airbag section are made to a secondary folded body that is flat in the right-and-left direction and is elongated in forward and rearward directions. Then, the bags are finally folded by being roll-folded from the leading ends toward the base end parts thereof.

Abstract: A side airbag apparatus includes an inflator and an airbag. The airbag that is deployed and inflated in a space between a body side portion of a vehicle and an occupant seated on a front seat in a passenger compartment by the pressure of gas injected from the inflator. The apparatus also includes a pair of hook devices and tethers. The hook devices are located at the rear end in the airbag. Each tether extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and has an end hooked to one of the hook devices and an end fixed to the front inner end of the airbag. The tethers suppress the expansion of the airbag in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, thereby promoting the expansion of the airbag in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Further, the apparatus includes an occupant size detector for detecting the size of the occupant.

Abstract: An air bag cover includes a mounting leg having an enlarged foot captured between the base plate and the inner plate. The base plate has a channel formed along its outer edge. The inner plate overlies the base plate and has an outer end portion that partially overlies the channel to capture and retain the foot of the mounting leg within the channel both prior to and upon opening movement of the air bag cover during air bag deployment. The base plate, the inner plate and the leg are configured such that the initial opening movement of the airbag cover is obtained by rotation of the enlarged foot within the channel, and then the continuing opening movement of the cover is obtained by bending of the mounting leg while the enlarged foot is constrained against further rotation within the channel. Auxiliary tear lines may be provided in the cover, particularly at or near the corners of an air bag flap to further enable low force opening of the cover.

Abstract: A ring portion of a steering wheel is disposed to be inclined relative to a vertical direction with an inclined angle between 40 and 90 degrees, when viewed from a vehicle width direction, and a bag portion has a larger configuration than the ring portion so as to cover over the ring portion when an airbag inflation is completed. Accordingly, there can be provided the steering wheel equipped with the so-called donut type of airbag portion of a airbag device that can perform its advantages fully and thereby improve the driver's protection.

Abstract: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion adjacent the windshield and a mid-portion with a surface that extends away from the top portion. The system includes a top-mounted airbag having a housing disposed in the top portion of the instrument panel and a mid-mounted airbag having a housing disposed in the mid-portion of the instrument panel. Each airbag has a cushion deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The mid-mounted airbag is deployable for direct contact with the torso of an adult occupant.

Abstract: A passenger protecting system is provided with at least two sensors which detect an impact to a vehicle, a determining unit for determining a collision with the vehicle based on detection signals of the sensors, and a communication unit through which the sensors are connected with the determining unit so that the detection signals of the sensors are transmitted to the determining unit. The detection signal of one of the sensors has a reverse polarity with respect to that of other of the sensors. Thus, the determining unit can be restricted from a faulty determination due to a fault of the communication path or the sensors, so that a misoperation of the passenger protecting system can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention is a gas generator, including: a tubular housing having a gas discharge port, a combustion chamber provided inside the tubular housing and charged with a solid gas generating agent and a flame transmission tube disposed in an axial direction of the tubular housing inside the combustion chamber and provided with a plurality of communication holes that communicate with the combustion chamber, the flame transmission tube having an ignition region provided with an ignition device and a flame transmission region for transmitting flame generated by the actuation of the ignition device, the ignition region and the flame transmission region meeting the following requirements (a) and (b): (a) a mean inner diameter of the ignition region>a mean inner diameter of the flame transmission region; (b) a total opening surface area of the communication holes in the ignition region<a total opening surface area of the communication holes in the flame transmission region.

Abstract: An air bag device of the present invention includes an bag member formed by a circular front-side cloth and a circular reverse-side cloth which are sewn together at their outer peripheral edge portions. The air bag device is provided with an annular lid member for closing a plurality of gas discharge portions formed in the reverse-side cloth. Therefore, in this air bag device, the bag member can be instantaneously inflated and expanded to effectively restrain the passenger arid also to effectively absorb an impact energy acting on the passenger.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bag device in which an airbag member can be quickly and positively inflated and expanded, with its central portion instantaneously inflated. The present invention describes an air bag device 10 in which an intermediate cloth of a polygonal shape, having a gas inlet port leading to an inflator, is disposed between a front-side cloth and a reverse-side cloth which are sewn together at their peripheral edge portions. Part of a peripheral edge portion of the polygonal intermediate cloth is sewn to the front-side cloth, and gas outlet ports are provided respectively at those portions or this peripheral edge portion which are not sewn to the front-side cloth. With this construction, an airbag member can be quickly and positively inflated and expanded, with its central portion instantaneously inflated.

Abstract: An air bag system for protecting a passenger seated on the front passenger seat of a vehicle. In an initial stage, the air bag is inflated mildly. In the subsequent stage, the bag is inflated also mildly. The directivity of produced gas can be reduced. The air bag can be inflated mildly while maintaining a large area. The air bag system comprises an inflator, the aforementioned air bag being folded, and a diffuser mounted about the inflator. The air bag is placed in a side-by-side relation to the inflator and located behind the inflator. The diffuser is provided with numerous holes for supplying the gas. The diffuser acts to regulate flow of the gas from the inflator.

Abstract: An airbag inflating vertically in front of an occupant includes a front portion facing the occupant upon inflation. The front portion has a lower part, a middle part and an upper part. The lower part has a lateral width greater than that of the middle and upper parts. The airbag can receive the occupant's arms at low cost.

Abstract: An airbag whose interior is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber, and an airbag apparatus, wherein when an occupant strikes against the airbag, the side periphery of the airbag is prevented or restrained from expanding laterally outward. The airbag includes therein first and second inner panels operable to partition the interior of the airbag into a first chamber and a second chamber enclosing the first chamber. The second inner panel has communication holes for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber with each other. A tether belt extending integrally from the first inner panel may connect to the side periphery of the airbag.

Abstract: A front cross member 202 of a rear subframe 53 has a recessed portion 221 which is recessed continuously over a longitudinal direction thereof. The recessed portion 221 is formed at a lower portion of the cross member 202 and is recessed upwardly, and an elastic bush 240 is fitted in a resulting recess. The elastic bush 240 has an elastic element 243 which connects together an inner tube 241 and an outer tube 242 which surrounds the inner tube 231 and is mounted on the rear subframe 53 at the recessed portion 221 as a bracket. The bracket 221 has bracket plate portions 263a, 263b which each have a plane which is brought into contact with an end face of the inner tube and folded-back portions 235, 235. The bracket 221 is disposed in such a manner as to hold therein both ends of the inner tube 241 and is configured such that the elastic bush 240 is mounted thereon by passing a bolt 224 through the inner tube 241.

Abstract: An anchorage device for a motor vehicle is provided, including a pretensioning wheel, a pulley connected to the pretensioning wheel via a torsion bar first portion, a seat belt connecting member connected to the pulley, and a locking device coupled with the pulley via a torsion bar second portion. The torsion bar first portion provides resistance to rotation of the pulley during outward locking travel of the seat belt connecting member.

Abstract: A board book is provided with an at least one moveable object subassembly which is more appealing than the conventional plain hard cover. Each moveable object may be adorned with illustrations and the like to represent the contents of the book.

Abstract: A dual notebook including a sheet of backing material, a first set of papers bound to the backing material and having a thickness, and a second set of papers bound to the backing material and having a thickness. The backing material is configured to be folded into a folded position wherein the folded backing material is positioned between the first and second set of papers in a thickness direction of the notebook. The backing material is movable to a flat position wherein the backing material is generally flat, and wherein when the backing material is in the flat position the first and second sets of papers are spaced apart by a distance less than the combined thickness of the first and second sets of papers.

Abstract: A scrapbook component customizing system includes a scrapbook cover having a cavity and a group of interchangeable inserts that may alternatively be placed in the cavity to customize the appearance of the scrapbook according to the contents of the book. The system provides a variety of different inserts to allow for many different possible finished scrapbook appearances, and the size, shape and design of the inserts is coordinated with the scrapbook cover so that the scrapbook presents a pleasing finished appearance when the selected insert is installed.

Abstract: A vehicle maintenance calendar with a personalization portion and a scheduling portion wherein the scheduling portion has at least one recommended vehicle maintenance service printed on a particular date. The personalization portion and the scheduling portion may be secured together using sewing, staples, adhesives, tape, spiral bound, Velcro™, tacks, brads, prongs, glue, pins, paper clips, and so on. Printed on a page is the personalization portion that includes a photograph, the date of purchase of the vehicle, the type of vehicle purchased, the name of the seller/dealership of the vehicle, and contact information for the seller/dealership. The photograph shows the vehicle, an owner of the vehicle, and background environment that the owner is familiar with and finds pleasing. A customer inducement appendix is attached to the personalization portion in the calendar. The customer inducement appendix comprises a picture, wherein the picture includes a vehicle owner superimposed on a vehicle.

Abstract: A security arrangement (10) for application to a support. The security arrangement (10) comprises a carrier (12). A first layer (14) of a first material is provided on the carrier. The first layer (14) defines an affixing region (16) substantially devoid of the first material. A second layer (18) of a second material is provided on the first layer (14). An affixing portion of the second layer (18) adheres to the carrier (12) via the affixing region (16).

Abstract: An end fitting (200) for terminating an end of a hose comprising a tubular body of flexible material arranged between inner and outer helical wires, characterised in that the end fitting comprises: an inner member (202) adapted to be disposed at least partially within the hose; and a hose engaging member (208) adapted to press against the inner member 202 to retain the hose between itself and the inner member (202). The end fitting also includes a separate means for retaining one or more layers of the hose, the retaining means comprising an outer retaining member (232) adapted to press against an inner retaining member (230) to retain the or each layer of the hose between the outer and inner retaining members (232, 230) of the retaining means.

Abstract: A swivel joint for a construction machine, is mounted to an upper track frame, and a body is rotatable together with a swing structure main frame in an opening through engagement between a stopper projection and a stopper plate. Tubes on the swing structure side are connected to an upper end surface of the body by using fittings in concentrated layout, and tubes on the travel structure side are connected to a lower portion of the spindle by using fittings. The body has thicker wall portions in sidewalls thereof, and a plurality of axial passages communicating with a plurality of circumferential grooves are formed inside the thicker wall portions. The plurality of axial passages are opened at the upper end surface of the body, and the tubes on the swing structure side are connected to the upper end surface of the body in concentrated layout.

Abstract: An expandable tubular connection includes a pin member and a box member. The pin member includes a pin thread formed on a small step and a large step and a first seal surface formed between the small step and the large step. The box member includes a box thread formed on a small step and a large step and a second seal surface formed between the small step and the large step. The pin thread and the box thread are wedge threads. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member a selected gap exists between the first seal surface and the second seal surface. The gap is selected such that, when plastically radially expanded by a selected amount, a seal is formed between at least a portion of the first seal surface and the second seal surface.

Abstract: A tube connection structure comprises a connector, a tubular sleeve, a coupling tube, and a washer wherein the connector has an internal screw-threaded section, and the tubular sleeve has a connecting hole and a connecting section defined by a flat-type abutment face disposed at one end. The coupling tube is provided with a multi-layered engagement portion having flat abutting faces disposed at both side surfaces thereon to be respectively connected with the abutment face of the tubular sleeve and a flat abutted surface of the washer thereby. Therefore, the coupling tube can be closely engaged with the tubular sleeve and the washer, and formed a flat-type connecting joint therewith to provided a reinforced and securely tight tube connection structure thereby (especially when to seal off the water discharge under high pressure), efficiently avoiding any gaps or leaking produced therein to achieve better water-sealing and anti-leakage effect thereby.

Abstract: A coupling device is disclosed for releasably interconnecting conduit elements. The device includes a first coupling member having a first central opening therethrough, and a second coupling member having a second central opening therethrough. The second coupling member is sized and shaped to slidingly engage the first coupling member. A first collar element is coaxial with the first central opening and extends outwardly from the first coupling member. A second collar element is coaxial with the second central opening and extends outwardly from the second coupling member in a direction opposite that of the first collar element when the coupling members are interengaged. A tapered pocket is defined in the first coupling member to act as a seat for slidingly receiving the second coupling member, the second coupling member being substantially in the form of a wedge-like element. An alignment mechanism is disposed in the upper portions of, respectively, the first and second coupling members.

Abstract: A conduit coupler and method of coupling conduits includes a link member; a circumferential, flexible sealing element,; and a constricting element. The constricting element surrounds at least a majority of the outer radius of the sealing element and adapted to slidably engage the sealing element and the outer surface of link member. The constricting element and the link member compress the sealing element radially and axially as the constricting element constricts. The constricting element comprises at least two section members, each section member coupled to at least one other section member by engagement between a male fitting on one of the coupled members and a female fitting on the other of the coupled members.

Abstract: A conduit assembly and method of making same is disclosed. The conduit assembly may include a retainer and a fitting. The fitting may have an accommodation in the nature of a rebate. A conduit having an end may be axially inserted into the accommodation. The accommodation may have a portion defining a profile of varying radius as a function of axial location. The conduit end may conform to a radially inner surface of the accommodation, and the retainer may conform to a radially outer surface of the accommodation and to the end, in order to retain the end within the accommodation.