Abstract: In an image generating apparatus, a push-up member for pushing up a paper and bringing the same into contact with a paper feed roller includes a first push-up member, a second push-up member and a torsion coil spring, a second engaging portion of the second push-up member is rotatably engaged with a first engaging portion of the first push-up member, a second spring engaging portion of the second push-up member is engaged with a coil portion of the torsion coil spring, and a first spring engaging portion of the first push-up member is engaged with a first arm portion of the torsion coil spring.

Abstract: A register roller conveys a recording sheet to a transfer position. A sheet feed roller conveys the recording sheet toward the register roller. A conveyance control unit controls rotation-start timings of the register roller and the sheet feed roller in such a manner that a rotation-start timing of the sheet feed roller is prior to a rotation-start timing of the register roller at a time of starting a registering process to convey the recording sheet to the transfer position at a right timing with the image formed on the image carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) suitable to process sheets (13), in particular comprised of an validating machine (10) for the validation of documents (13) such as cheques or similar documents, comprising a vertical guide (11), and a pair of arms (22a, 22b) suitable to hold and support a cheque (13) along a respective lower edge (13a) in a first hold position (Pi), when the cheque (13) is inserted into the vertical guide (11), wherein in response to the presence and alignment of the cheque (13) in said first position (Pi), two pairs of rotating rollers (42a, 42b, 44a, 44b) automatically engage the cheque (13) from opposite sides, the arms (22a, 22b) are moved out of contact with the lower edge (13a) of the cheque (13), in order to free the feeding path of the cheque towards the interior of the validating machine, and the cheque is also fed vertically, in a downward direction, by means of the two pairs of rollers from the said first position (P1) to a second processing position (P2) in the validation zone for being validate

Abstract: The invention is related to an automatic dice-throwing method and its device. The method is mainly to achieve dice throwing by an automatic device, which consists of; driving the dice container to rotate 180 degrees, driving the arm to capture the dice, driving the dice container to rotate and return and riving the arm to return and throw the dice; the device has a large driving motor to control the rotation and return of the dice container and uses a small driving motor to control the swinging and return of an arm; to facilitate the operation a controller is installed, to facilitate getting the result a small camera records the process and a display shows the points.

Abstract: A method of playing a chess-like board game with four players. The method includes the providing of a game board having a primary grid of one-hundred forty-four playing spaces arranged as a square surrounded by four secondary grids each having sixteen playing spaces and providing a set of sixteen chess pieces to each of the four players. Afterward, the players alternatingly move one of the chess pieces from each of the sets of chess pieces according to the rules of chess. Next, the players attempt to reach a checkmate position against the Kings of their opponents. Any player having a checkmated King is eliminated from the game and the checkmated King is removed from the game board. The chess pieces on the game board forming part of the set with the checkmated King are combined with the set of chess pieces that established a checkmate position against the checkmated King. The players continue in the above manner until only one King remains free of checkmate, thereby establishing the winner of the game.

Abstract: A game piece used in playing a game includes a depiction of a character and a random outcome generator attached to the depiction of the character.

Abstract: A game in which one stand is used for each team, the stand having at least two cross bars. Teams take turns throwing a game piece, a “bola,” at the stand(s), trying to hang the bola on one or more bars, and are awarded points based on which bars are engaged by the bola(s). Teams can be individual players or multiple players, and each team or even each player can have multiple bolas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compliant seal arrangement 50 for restricting leakage through a gap between a first 54 and second 56 component. A seal assembly 58 is formed by stacking leaf strips 70 flat and sandwiching the stacked leaf strips 70 between a back plate 76 and a side plate 78. The leaf strips 70 are secured to the plates at a joint 84 along an edge 86 of the strips 70 that are in contact with the plates 76, 78. The seal assembly 58 is installed across the gap 52 to form the seal arrangement 50. The strips 70 extend from the first component 54, bridge the gap 52 and contact the second component 56, thereby restricting the leakage of fluid through the gap. Because the strips 70 are compliant, relative motion between the components 54, 56 deflects the strips 70, not causing permanent deformation.

Abstract: A leaf seal arrangement is provided in which within a housing there are edge portions to inter associate with non parallel chamfer edges in leaf seal elements. In such circumstances, deflection of the leaf seal elements in an outward direction or inward direction relative to a rotating shaft creates variation in a control gap X, XX between the edges and the chamfer edge. Such increase or decrease in the control gap X, XX adjusts the aerodynamic radial force that is presented to the leaf seal elements whereby those elements can be more accurately maintained at a desired leaf position for optimizing leakage whilst achieving better wear resistance performance.

Abstract: A mechanical face seal includes an elastomeric boot including a bellows portion extending radially from a tube portion. The tube portion includes a flanged end having a tapered surface on a leading end and a flat surface on a trailing end. A spring is disposed around the tube portion and has a first end disposed against the boot. A seal washer is disposed around the tube portion and engages a second end of the spring. The seal washer includes a radially outwardly extending portion that engages the bellows portion. A seal seat is disposed around the tube portion and has a face surface that is engaged by the seal washer. The seal seat is supported by a grommet having a retention lip for engaging the tube portion.

Abstract: Cylinder head gasket whose gasket plate comprises a single sheet metal layer, combustion chamber openings, and for each combustion chamber opening a ring-shaped combustion chamber sealing element, which is a sheet metal ring that is arranged on the sheet metal layer and is joined to the latter by welding; to avoid the risk of damage to a combustion chamber sealing element as a result of sliding movements occurring between a cylinder head sealing surface and the cylinder head gasket while the engine is in operation, all sheet metal rings are arranged on that side of the sheet metal layer which is to face an engine block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic flat gasket having at least one through-opening comprising at least two metallic layers (1, 4) made of spring steel, there being disposed, in the layer (1), at least one stopper (11) which surrounds the through-opening and a bead (12) which is assigned to the stopper (11) and, in the at least one layer (4), a bead (12). In the at least one layer (4), outwith the stopper region or between the stopper region and the bead (12), at least one cranking (13) is configured adjacent to the bead (12).

Abstract: Actuator levers, collets and collet tools for use in process control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator lever, a collet coupled to the actuator lever, and a collet tool. In the example apparatus, the collet tool is removably coupled to at least one of the lever or the collet, and the collet tool applies a force to at least one of the actuator lever, the collet, a valve shaft, or an intervening structure to couple or decouple the collet to or from the lever.

Abstract: A work holder assembly for use in clamping a workpiece being machined. A chuck includes a fixed sleeve about which is mounted a rotatable collet. A plurality of individual clamps extend from circumferential spaced locations associated with the collet. The clamps each include a first spring biased and linear traveling component actuating a second radially traveling and adjustable component into engagement with annular disposed locations of the workpiece. Each the clamps exhibits a wedge shape at an interface between the linear and radial components, both in order to minimize clamping forces and to prevent backdriving of the clamps by the tooling. A fluid pressure extends through a location in the chuck, the collet further having a fluid delivery component in communication with the fluid supply and which is in contact with workpiece engaging locations, to overcome the spring bias of said pin in a fluid actuated release condition.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system having a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member. The liquid spring uses a compressible liquid to seamlessly generate spring and/or damping forces in the suspension system in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid is located in a second chamber. The second volume is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage. A valve is coupled to the fluid passage, the valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emitting a control signal to control the valve.

Abstract: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded body that has a tread surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The body may be configured to rotate about the axis. The tread surface may extend circumferentially around the body and may extend between the first and second sidewalls. A first region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first sidewall and a part line of the blow-molded body. A second region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first region and the part line. A first radial distance from the axis to the first region may exceed a second radial distance from the axis to the second region by at least a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A cart is described for use in transporting and loading kayaks and similar watercraft. The cart includes first and second side frame members having forward and rear ends; a support member extending between the frame members adjacent the frame member rear ends; a bracing member extending between the frame members adjacent the frame member forward ends; a wheel assembly adjacent the rear ends of the frame members, the assembly including first and second axle ends and wheels carried on the axle ends; and an anti-reverse braking means preventing rearward movement of the cart upon tilting of the cart upward. The braking means may include a first component attached to a frame member and a second component attached to a rotatable component of the wheel assembly, the first and second components being moved into locking engagement upon upward tilting of the cart.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes at least one leaf spring with first and second spring ends that are adapted for mounting to forward and rearward vehicle frame portions, respectively. A center portion of the leaf spring is clamped to an axle beam with a clamp. The suspension assembly includes a brake torque reactor that has one end mounted to the center portion of the leaf spring at the axle beam and an opposite end that cooperates with only one of the first and second spring ends to provide resistance for the leaf spring from deforming due to wind up generated during braking applications.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension structure includes a frame member having a first side portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion extends in a first direction relative to the first side portion. The structure also includes a suspension mounting member attached to the first side portion of the frame member. The suspension mounting member extends in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The structure also includes a support bracket attached to the bottom portion of the frame member and the suspension mounting member. The structure further includes a suspension member rotatably coupled to the suspension mounting member and supporting a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle tube connector is a hollow body formed by the coupling of a left shell and a right shell. The tube connector further comprises a transverse rotational shaft connected with two branches of a chain stay, a down tube hole for retaining an obliquely downward down tube. When the bicycle tubes are connected within the tube connector, the left and the right shells are soldered together along the engaged border therebetween. Therefore, the various tubes of the bicycle are more firmly secured and the outlook of the bicycle frame is slick.

Abstract: A collapsible, foldable support structure and conveyance has a frame assembly with multiple interconnected frame members, junction blocks located at intersecting ends of some of the frame members, and wheels attached to the junction blocks or directly to frame members. Fixtures are attached to or integrally formed with the junction blocks for mounting of wheels or other conveyances or components to the frame assembly. A support structure is attached to the frame assembly to support a load such as a human or cargo or both. In a folded configuration, the frame members are moved into a generally parallel arrangement and the junction blocks and conveyances attached to the junction blocks or frame members are drawn together.

Abstract: When combined in a two-wheel pedal powered scooter, the features of the present invention provide a vehicle that is small and compact. The reciprocating pedals allow for a low center of gravity since there is no need to allow for the full turn of regular pedals The incorporation of a shiftable transmission in the scooter body provides the rider with speed when appropriate and power when needed, while eliminating the need for a large front sprockets Since the drive mechanism is substantially fully enclosed by the body of the scooter, there is less of a problem with dirt and debris disturbing the operation of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle structure comprising a front support (1) integrally fixed to a frame (11) of the bicycle in an advanced position with respect to the handlebar (10), and a rear support (2), also integral with the frame (11) and in a back position with respect to a seat (12) of the bicycle. Located between both supports (1,2) are two flexible rods (3) used as a support to a roof (4) providing protection with respect to the elements of the weather. A plurality of tensioning devices (5) ensures the relative position of the rods (3) and ensures that the roof (4) is tensioned at all times.

Abstract: An oscillating in-line steering system for a pulled agricultural implement includes first and second in-line axles pivotably coupled with a frame. The system also includes at least first and second in-line wheel arrangements pivotably coupled with the first and second axles respectively. Each wheel arrangement has a plurality of pivotable wheel assemblies arranged in-line and wheel linkages coupling the in-line wheel assemblies such that in-line wheel assemblies oscillate together. A right-to-left linkage couples the wheel linkage of the first in-line wheel arrangement to the wheel linkage of the second in-line wheel arrangement so that the first in-line wheel arrangement oscillates at a steering angle proportional to that of the second in-line wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A springloaded snowblade unit with complimentary binding complexes consisting of a snowblade with a skiboot support plate affixed thereto with spring components affixed to the snowblade and support plate with a clearance therebetween and with the binding complexes both anterior and posterior being made up of square u-bolts and binding plates with means for tightening the u-bolts and binding plates together fast to the toe and heel portions of a skiboot with the u-bolts being held by clips located between the snowblade and support plate when the clips are held by screws inserted through holes in the support plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: An amphibious utility cart aids an outdoorsman in transporting equipment from home to a hunting site, and may further provide seating. The apparatus comprises framing to which a molded plastic platform is attached. The entire unit is designed to be rolled on land with wheels and to float on water with the buoyant seat platform. The platform, in a lounge chair design, is used as an equipment tote platform while going to a destination, and then as a chair for an outdoorsman or his dog when at the destination. The chair is designed for maximum floatation for water crossings and shallow-water seating. The two wheels provide the rear seating base and two retractable poles extend downward to provide frontal leg braces for a stable seating base. A handle is extended for the cart for either land or water transportation, and slides into the metal frame while in the chair mode.

Abstract: An airbag module is provided with a means for securing a leadwire. In one embodiment, the means for securing a leadwire comprises at least one self-closing leadwire clip for securing the leadwire within an airbag housing. As the cover of the airbag housing is closed, the self-closing clip(s) close and secure the leadwire in place.

Abstract: Disclosed are a passenger airbag door structure in which a pad deploying part and an airbag door part are integrally formed and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A driver-side airbag device includes an airbag folded and housed within a boss portion of a non-circular steering wheel. The airbag is deployed in conformity with a shape of the steering wheel. Further, the airbag is formed of a top and a bottom portion, at least one of which has a non-circular inflated shape that conforms to the shape of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An airbag module arranged in or mounted to a vehicle ceiling alongside the left or right side of the passenger compartment and including an airbag having a first portion for deploying to one side of an occupant and a second portion for deploying to a perpendicular side of the occupant. An inflator is arranged in flow communication with an interior of the airbag and generates an inflating medium to inflate the airbag to provide the airbag with an inflated state in which the compartments contain the inflating medium. The first portion can deploy in front of the occupant and the second portion can deploy to a lateral side of the occupant, e.g., between the occupant and the windows on the right or left side of the vehicle, such that the second portion is situated alongside the one or more windows along the left or right side of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a front-end structure, a front bulkhead separates the front-end structure from an interior space, and a braking unit fixed to the front bulkhead has a master brake cylinder and a brake booster. The braking unit is pivotable about a pivot axis which runs through the front bulkhead, with an arrangement for pivoting the braking unit being arranged at a distance from the pivot axis and interacting with components arranged in the front-end structure in the event of a vehicle collision. In order to reliably reduce the risk of injury to a driver of a motor vehicle in the footwell region in the event of a vehicle collision, a transmitting element is provided to prevent a relative movement between the arrangement for pivoting the braking unit and the pivot axis.

Abstract: A safety arrangement is provided in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a floor pan (1) terminating at its forward end with an inclined splash-wall (3, 4, 5). There is a moveable floor element (10) which has regions (12, 13, 14) which initially conform to and lie adjacent the splash-wall. There is a drive arrangement (15) associated with an accident sensor (16) to drive the moveable floor element rearwardly to a predetermined position. There is a fixed platform (17) located above a horizontal part of the floor pan to be located beneath the foot of a vehicle occupant and to provide a secure point for operation of a pedal. The movement of the moveable floor element (10) is restricted so that no part of the movable floor element impedes movement of a foot pedal (6) to the fully depressed condition.

Abstract: A novel safety device for the driver's cabin of a vehicle, wherein the driver's cabin demonstrates at least one driver seat with a first side facing a side window and a second side opposite the first side. The safety device comprises a safety net, which is spread next to the second side of the driver seat. The safety net can be permanently spread next to the driver seat. The safety net may prevent the person sitting on the driver seat from falling to the opposite inner structure of the driver's cabin the driver's cabin rolls over.

Abstract: An impact absorbing knee bolster is provided with an impact absorbing structure and a knee bolster main body plate. The impact absorbing structure includes a pair of upper brackets having a first impact deformation load threshold and a pair of lower brackets having a second impact deformation load threshold that is lower than the first impact deformation load threshold. The knee bolster main body plate includes bracket attachment parts contacting the upper and lower brackets with a prescribed gap formed between rear end parts of the upper and lower brackets. The knee bolster main body plate includes a deformation load reducing structure at a location adjacent at least one of the bracket attachment portion to reduce an impact deformation load threshold of the knee bolster main body plate so that a resulting receiving reaction force of the impact absorbing knee bolster is reduced when the lower brackets are deformed.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a roll-over protective structure mounted to the frame. The roll-over protective structure includes a plurality of upright support posts supporting a roof. Each support post includes a lower post section and an upper post section detachably coupled together in an end-to-end arrangement.

Abstract: A stabilizer pad construction is shown in which a pair of resilient laminated pad assemblies are mounted outboard on a weldment that is pivotally supported from a stabilizer arm of a vehicle. A latch device is also illustrated in two different embodiments that prevent self-flipping of the pad, particularly from the grouser side to the resilient pad side. The latch device uses either a capture recess or a capture tab for preventing rotation and includes a handle to permit the user to manually rotate the pad.

Abstract: A storage system 84 provides facility for storing a support mat 62 on a crane 20, for transport with the crane to and from work sites, and for placement of the mat on a terrain 22 for receipt of a pad 40 extendable from an outrigger beam 26 of the crane, to support and stabilize the crane during heavy duty operation thereof. The storage system 84 includes a carrier 86 formed with a nest 88 for storing the mat 62, a support mount 154, mountable on, and for attaching the storage system to, the crane 20. A linking couple 171 attaches the carrier 86 to the support mount 154. A cable 184, or a drive chain 228, is attached to the mat 62, and is movable by operation of a hoist 182, or a powered cylinder 190, to move the mat 62 into and out of the nest 88.

Abstract: Protective covers for cab guards or racks which extend vertically from the front rail of a truck bed behind the rear window of the truck cab are disclosed. The protective covers may be molded to fit any shape or size of truck bed rack. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a generally horizontal top section which extends to two generally vertical side sections. Additional sections are typically provided between the side sections to provide a barrier that protects the rear window of the truck cab. When the protective cover is installed, it covers most of the surfaces of the truck bed rack, except the forward-facing surface of the rack located adjacent to the truck cab. Thus, the protective cover provides protection to essentially all exposed surfaces of the truck bed rack, while allowing easy installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot-retaining unit of a ski binding for securing one end, in particular the toe end, of a ski boot by way of two boot or sole holders which can be pivoted about vertical axes, engage around an end region of the sole periphery or ski boot from the side, front and/or top and interact with a spring arrangement, which biases the boot or sole holder against the boot or sole periphery and allows the ski boot to be disengaged counter to a disengaging resistance, wherein the sole holders are designed as double-armed levers, those lever arms of the sole holders which are remote from the sole interacting with pistons which are guided in a displaceable manner in the direction of the transverse axis of the ski binding and, by means of a spring which is common to both pistons and is clamped in between the pistons, are forced against the lever arms which are remote from the sole.

Abstract: A method of advertising using a mechanical fastener comprising a pair of cooperating strips, including the steps of: fabricating the mechanical fastener comprising the pair of cooperating strips, wherein one strip is a stationary strip and the other strip is a removable strip; annotating the stationary strip with the advertising; attaching the stationary strip to a stationary object and the removable strip to a removable object; and concealing the advertising on the stationary strip by the removable strip so as to allow the advertising on the stationary strip to not be visible when the removable strip is engaged with the stationary strip, but when the removable strip is removed from the stationary strip, the advertising on the stationary strip is allowed to be visible.

Abstract: A printed matter inspection system, which includes: an image forming device including; a first identification information generation section that generates identification information for each printed matter based on user data, an identification information conversion section that converts the identification information into a printable identification image, a variable printing section that performs variable printing of the printed matter to which the identification image is added, using the user data, and a list printing section that prints out a list having the user data and the identification information both of which are associated with each other, and an inspection device including; an identification image read section that reads the identification image, and an inspection processing section that converts the identification image into identification information to inspect a printed matter.

Abstract: A verifiable/copy-protected document features a combination of nearly identical line-screen patterns for embedding latent images within visually integrated settings. The latent images can be detected for purposes of verification with a matching viewer but are indistinguishable from their visually integrated settings under ordinary viewing conditions. The line-screen patterns, which can be incorporated into document artwork, are printed at certain combinations of line frequencies and print densities so that the line-screen patterns digitally reproduce as a largely undifferentiated solid tint.

Abstract: A fault protection device such as a fuse may have a body portion and a displaceable portion mounted to the body portion and displaceable from the body portion as a result of use or operation of the fault protection device. An authentication device is secured to the fault protection device. The authentication device may have a first portion secured to the body portion and a second portion secured to the displaceable portion in a manner that removal of the first portion or the second portion from the body portion and the displaceable portion, respectfully, results in irreparable damage to the authentication device. Furthermore, displacement of the displaceable portion from the body portion as a result of use or operation of the fault protection device results in irreparable damage to the authentication device. The authentication device may also include verifiable indicia authenticating a characteristic of the fault protection device as being genuine.

Abstract: A pipe coupling and clamp effective for attaching to pipes for repairing clogs and/or leaks, that can be used for connecting pipes together, that has a relatively low profile, is relatively easy to install, that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and which can be used with a variety of pipes.

Abstract: A method of making a sterile connection comprises mating a first fitting having an aperture and a second fitting having an aperture, removing first and second strip out layers from between the end surfaces of sealed first and second resilient sealing members, and contacting the end surfaces of the resilient sealing members to provide fluid communication between the aperture of the first fitting and the aperture of the second fitting. A connector assembly comprises first and second fittings, a stem mounted for axial movement through the first fitting into the second fitting, and a deformable locking device which selectively prevents axial movement of the stem in the first fitting.

Abstract: A coupling assembly including a protruding annular nose portion having a longitudinal axis and a bore extending coaxially therethrough extending from a first component. The nose portion includes a frustoconical outer surface tapering radially inwardly toward the distal end thereof where the frustoconical outer surface meets the wall of the first component bore. A second component comprises a body carrying an annular skirt extending coaxially about a longitudinal axis and defining an entry bore, the annular skirt being separated from a surrounding, annular coupling bore wall of the second component by an annular recess therebetween. At the bottom of the annular recess may, optionally, be disposed a skirt compression adjustment ferrule, which may be integral with the body or formed as a separate component. A method of coupling component bores end-to-end is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plumbing apparatus that includes an offset or tangential T-fitting providing for offsetting a branch pipe from a run pipe in end elevation view, and for the branch pipe to intersect the run pipe orthogonally in side elevation view. That is, the branch pipe may intersect the run pipe substantially tangentially, so that an arrangement of plumbing fittings and devices may be nested into a thinner wall or into a smaller dimension of space than would be the case if a conventional T-fitting were employed. By use of the inventive T-fitting a considerable savings in materials of construction may be realized in the construction of swimming pools and spas, for example. Particularly, the present inventive offset or tangential T-fitting provides for the installation of bubble jet fittings and associated piping into a comparatively thin (i.e., about 6 inches thick) dam wall between a swimming pool and spa.

Abstract: A multi-layered pipe includes at least an outer and an inner layer of thermoplastic material and a coupling comprising a thermoplastic material. A method for joining the multi-layered pipe to the coupling includes providing a coupling including a recess for receiving an end of a multi-layered pipe, the recess being configured, in use, to permit the coupling to contact the inner and outermost layers of a multi-layered pipe received in the recess; fitting an end of the multi-layered pipe into the recess R of the coupling; introducing heat to both the coupling sufficient to cause local melting at the interface between the coupling and either the inner layer alone or both the inner and outer layers of the multi-layered pipe.

Abstract: A direct port connection for connecting a tube to a port without the use of an adapter fitting. A modified port design permits the use of prior art adapter fittings as well as the direct port connection of the present invention. Consequently, the invention permits the most efficient tube-to-port connection to be determined on an application-by-application basis at the time of making the connection.