Abstract: A mechanical seal device that creates a positive seal between a shaft and machine while allowing a cylinder to move its full motion and at the same time allowing movement in additional directions to maintain a seal due to operational movement or wear of the machine. The subject seal secures a housing/shaft area of a low or non-pressurized unit containing solid media where the shaft penetrates the machine housing and does not rotate but moves in multiple directions during normal operation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the face seal described herein includes a seal seat and a seal element carried by a seal housing. The seal element cooperates with the seal seat to establish a seal. The housing includes a seal element support and a shroud. The seal housing is made of a parent material and the shroud has a tip impregnated with a second material.

Abstract: A seal device for a rotary shaft includes a sleeve, a gland, a ring, a guide block, and a fixing member. The guide block has an outer block surface extending circumferentially and abutting against a portion of an inner gland surface of the gland, and an inner block surface extending circumferentially and opposite to the outer block surface. The outer block surface has two circumferentially opposite outer ends. The inner block surface has two circumferentially opposite inner ends. The guide block further has two opposite end faces each of which connects one of the outer ends to one of the inner ends. The inner ends subtend an angle of not larger than 90° at a center line of the gland. At least one of the end faces lies in a plane line that is substantially tangent to an outer peripheral face of the ring.

Abstract: The present invention is a generally circular rotary seal that establishes sealing between relatively rotatable machine components for lubricant retention and environmental exclusion, and incorporates seal geometry that interacts with the lubricant during relative rotation to distribute a lubricant film within the dynamic sealing interface. A preferably curved elevated contact pressure zone serves to maximize interfacial lubrication in critical areas during severe operating conditions by utilizing lubricant that would otherwise escape at the trailing edge of the hydrodynamic waves. The zones are produced by geometry that serves to minimize lubricant shear area, seal torque, seal volume, and wear, while ensuring retrofitability into the seal grooves of existing equipment.

Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly is provided including a dynamic seal for engaging a rotary shaft. The dynamic seal includes a base portion that is mounted within a casing and has an axially extending barrel portion extending from a radially inner end of the base portion. The axially extending barrel portion terminates in a radially extending leg portion which extends inwardly from an end of the axially extending portion. A generally conically shaped seal portion extends from an end of the radially extending portion and the seal portion includes a radially inner face engaging the shaft and a radially outer face having a stiffening bead integrally formed thereon. The stiffening bead reduces the seal's propensity for “bell mouthing” while the axially extending barrel portion provides improved shaft followability for the dynamic seal.

Abstract: A sealing device (1) for a tubing arrangement (2), preferably for use in an offshore facility, such as an offshore wind turbine or an oil rig. The tubing arrangement (2) has a cable (3) or an inner tube arranged in an interior part thereof. The sealing device (1) comprises a substantially rigid housing (4) and a flexible plug part (5) arranged in an interior part of the housing (4). The housing (4) is mountable on or forms part of the tubing arrangement (2) in such a manner that the interior part of the housing (4) communicates with the interior part of the tubing arrangement (2). The flexible plug part (5) comprises an inlet opening connectable to a grout source. When grout material (7) is supplied to the flexible plug part (5), the flexible plug part (5) expands, thereby providing sealing between the housing (4) and a cable (3) or inner tube arranged in the interior of the tubing arrangement (2).

Abstract: To provide a gasket (1) mounted in a mounting groove (13) formed in one of two mutually opposite members in contact with the bottom face (13a) of the groove (13) and the opposite face (12a) of the other of the two members without falling in the groove (13) and without increase of its filling rate and reaction force, the gasket (1) is provided on its side faces with protrusions (3) interfering with the side faces (13b) of the groove (13) to prevent falling, where the height of the upper portions of the protrusions (3) is more than 80% of the groove depth and is 70 to 95% of the gasket height, the height of the lower portions of the protrusions (3) is 40% or more of the gasket height, and the gasket (1) is used mainly as a waterproof seal for a mobile device.

Abstract: A gasket having a concentrically waved metal sheet, i.e., a core member, which has a PTFE sheet or an inorganic sheet of sealing-property layered and bonded on each of its opposite surfaces. The gasket makes it possible to ensure a stable sealing-property for a long period of time with a low to a high fastening-load applied. The metal sheet has valley portions, which were conventionally vacant gaps, and are filled with powdered sealing member to be embedded from the beginning. Therefore, the PTFE sheet or the inorganic sheet at the valley portions of the metal sheet that conventionally could not be compressed with a low fastening-load applied is compressed and even with the low fastening-load applied can secure a fastening surface-pressure over the entire surface.

Abstract: A chuck assembly, an assembly for an earth-boring drill assembly, and a method of retaining a drill bit for an earth-boring drill assembly, the drill assembly including a casing. The assembly includes a drill bit having a generally cylindrical head, a chuck connectable to the casing and operable to support the bit, the chuck having an outer surface with a radially-outwardly extending chuck ridge, an axially-extending first slot being defined in the ridge, a sleeve having an inner surface with a radially-inwardly extending sleeve ridge engageable with the chuck ridge to limit axial movement of the sleeve relative to the chuck, the sleeve having a first lug supported on the inner surface, the first lug being positionable in the first slot to limit relative rotational movement between the sleeve and the chuck. The assembly may also include a retainer assembly provided between the sleeve and the bit.

Abstract: An arrangement of a roll stabilization system equipped with a split lateral stabilizer and an arrangement of a steering system on a double track motor vehicle is provided. A gear of the roll stabilization system is arranged essentially coaxially between two halves of the lateral stabilizer rotatable with respect to one another, and a motor for introducing a stabilization torque is arranged at the side of this gear and the lateral stabilizer. The steering system has, in addition to a steering gear, with which steering arms can be moved essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, a motor, which is arranged at the side of the steering gear and a movement axis defined by the movable steering arms.

Abstract: A tire for an axle of a private passenger vehicle having two axles. The axle comprises a suspension device for positively controlling the camber of the wheels relative to the ground in the case of transverse acceleration. The tire develops a contact patch on the ground, said contact patch having a length at the left shoulder (Leg), a length at the right shoulder (Led) and a central length (Lc), a contact patch ratio (Rep) being defined by the quotient of the average of the shoulder lengths divided by the central length. The tire contact patch ratio is greater than 0.65.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller skate (2), in particular an inline roller skate, comprising a plurality of rollers (4, 6, 8, 10). In order to simplify braking and to improve the dosage of the braking force and the driving stability of essentially inline roller skates during braking, the roller skate (2) comprises a first frame part (12), which is or can be rigidly connected to a shoe and in which at least one of the front rollers (4, 6) is rotatably mounted, a second frame part (14), in which at least two rear rollers (8, 10) are rotatably mounted, the two frame parts (12, 14) being pivotable about a pivoting axis (24) which is parallel to the rotational axes of the rollers (4, 6, 8, 10), and a braking element (34) that can be pressed against at least one of the rear rollers (8, 10) during pivoting of the two frame parts (12, 14) relative to one another.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a person, in particular a disabled person, has a plurality of skis or other ground engaging elements for movement with respect to the ground. A support structure is provided with a seat, a support for the limbs of the vehicle user, a mechanism for steering the vehicle. A companion to the vehicle user is supported separate from the seat and from the skis, and connection element or base to which the support structure and at least one of the ground engaging elements are attached in an oscillating manner to take inclined positions with respect to the base connecting element.

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a frame comprising a first side suspension opposite a second side suspension, the first side suspension having a complete parallelogram suspension proximate the first side, and the second side suspension having a complete parallelogram suspension proximate the second side. The suspension system also includes a cross tube disposed at least partially between the first side and the second side, as well as at least one spring for resiliently controlling the vertical movement of the first and second side suspensions.

Abstract: The cross-member (12) comprises first and second beam elements (20, 22) having an open cross-section and firmly secured to each other so as to enclose a closed cross-section chamber (32) having such shape and sizes as to provide the cross-member (12) with the desired torsional stiffness. A free edge (20a) of the first beam element (20) is firmly secured to the outer surface of an intermediate portion (22c) of the second beam element (22) and a free edge (22a) of the second beam element (22) is firmly secured to the inner surface of an intermediate portion (20b) of the first beam element (20). The two beam elements (20, 22) are advantageously made as stamped sheet metal pieces.

Abstract: A structural element comprising a vehicle suspension control arm is constructed from a complex, single piece, sheet metal stamped component formed from a material of uniform thickness. The stamping is configured with the correct plan view shape and formed into an I-beam cross-section comprising a central web portion and two flange portions. The central web portion is configured as a single material thickness and the flange portions comprise upstanding and downstanding closed sections with a continuous double returned segment. The open ends of the sheet metal terminate at or near the central web portion and are welded to the web portion, and in an alternative embodiment also to the continuous double returned segment, to create a favorable structural I-beam section with flange portions twice the thickness of the web portion.

Abstract: An independent wheel suspension with a rotating steering knuckle which supports itself on a spring carrier is connected with the vehicle frame via a damper. The steering knuckle is connected with the spring carrier via a kingpin, and the wheel suspension has upper and lower transverse links which are positioned at the upper or lower ends of the kingpin. The steering knuckle and the transverse links are pivotally positioned relative to the kingpin and the spring carrier is connected with the kingpin in a rotationally fixed manner. The kingpin connects the spring carrier, the steering knuckle, and the upper end lower transverse links and is a two-piece part which comprises upper and lower parts. Axially, radially and rotationally fixing the upper and the lower parts and the spring carrier is achieved by a combination of the upper and the lower parts with the spring carrier.

Abstract: A clamp assembly of a vehicle leaf spring suspension is disclosed. The clamp assembly has an axle bracket secured to a vehicle axle and a top cap secured to the axle bracket by mechanical fasteners to define an axle seat. The axle bracket and top cap may include interlocking keys and keyways to cooperate with the mechanical fasteners in transmitting the load from the vehicle axle. A spring seat of the leaf spring is received within the axle seat and is tapered. The tapered spring seat, when combined with a deformable liner in the axle seat, effectively eliminates the inactive portion of the leaf spring to increase the effective length of the spring and minimize the spring rate.

Abstract: A retractable step construction with a drive means for achieving powered or automatic retraction and deployment in motor vehicles to provide access onto or into the motor vehicle such as an emergency apparatus, for example a fire truck, usable in areas having limited vertical dimensions. This construction includes a housing assembly with guide channels adapted to receive a step assembly movably mounted thereinto controlled by the inclusion of a linkage assembly connected to the drive means and the step for powering deployment and retraction thereof.

Abstract: The bicycle pedaling system includes a weighted outer disc having a bicycle chain sprocket(s) mounted on one side, the outer disc having a central bore with a plurality of ratchet teeth projecting inwardly at an angle from the interior surface of the central bore. An inner disc is coaxially mounted in the central bore, the inner disc being journaled to bicycle pedals, the inner disc having at least one pawl projecting from its periphery to selectively engage the ratchet teeth. When pedaling, the pawl engages the ratchet teeth and propels the bicycle, and when pedaling is stopped, the outer disc freely rotates about the inner disc to thereby provide continuous momentum to ease subsequent resumption of pedaling effort.

Abstract: A system for providing an automated axial force to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a wheelchair. An electronic transmission control receives one or more input signals generated by throttle position or other variables. The microprocessor generates an output signal that adjusts the axial force applied to a CVT thereby automatically adjusting the input to output ratio. The invention also provides a manually controlled variator is designed for use on a wheelchair. The manual shifter hydraulically adjusts an axial force imparted on a variator in communication with a wheelchair wheel and a hand rim. Application of the axial force causes the hand rim input and wheelchair wheel output ratio to change, permitting a wheelchair operator to manually adjust the input to output ratio to more easily operate the wheelchair.

Abstract: A mechanism for manually powering a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a frame and a first driver attached to the frame. The first driver rotates a driven wheel. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the frame and includes a first end having a pair of handles sized to be grasped and moved in a rowing motion by both hands of a person and a second end that rotatably attaches to a disk shaped second driver. A linkage is moved by the second driver when the person pivots the first end of the lever arm and the linkage rotates the first driver and the driven wheel. A steerable wheel and a steering member that are operated by the lever arm steer the steerable wheel. The steering member communicates moveably with a telescoping universal joint, the telescoping universal joint enabling the lever aim to be pivoted and steered.

Abstract: A bicycle, provided with wheels rotatable about axles, which axles are detachably coupled, in a manner secured against rotation, to a frame (3) of a bicycle (1), wherein the detachable coupling of at least one of the axles (5) is provided with a sensor (S). The invention further provides a method for determining at least one bicycle use parameter, for instance a pedal force, torque and/or chain force generated by or under the influence of a cyclist, wherein the bicycle is provided with a sensor for producing a measuring signal, which measuring signal is processed for the purpose of determining the bicycle use parameter.

Abstract: A dual-lever compression system comprising a shock absorber, a first lever, and a second lever. The shock absorber first end is pivotally coupled to a frame. The shock absorber second end is pivotally coupled to a first lever first end and the first lever second end is coupled to the frame. The second lever first end is pivotally coupled to the shock absorber second end and the second lever second end is coupled to a swing-arm. The compression performance control provided by embodiments of the dual-lever compression system is directly related to the incorporation of dual levers coupled to the shock absorber; that is, the first lever and the second lever. Angles, position, and pivotal rotations of the dual levers provide for controlled shock absorption.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A children's vehicle includes a body and a cross member attached to the body. A tongue assembly features a leading portion, a central portion and a trailing portion, with the central portion pivotably connected to the cross member. A handle is pivotally attached to the leading portion of the tongue assembly. A tie rod is pivotally attached to the trailing portion of the tongue assembly. A pair of axle spindles are pivotally attached one each to opposite ends of the cross member. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted one each on the pair of axle spindles. A pair of generally S-shaped torque arms are connected one each to the axle spindles and pivotally connected one each to opposite ends of the tie rod.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide device may include a guide ramp, a guide ramp release, a hitch guide base, and a bottom metal layer. The trailer hitch guide device may enable a person to couple a trailer and a towing vehicle with ease.

Abstract: A receptacle device that is attachable to a motor vehicle includes a receiving tube into which an insertion tube of an adapter having a trailer ball can be inserted. The insertion tube is held in the receptacle tube with the help of a splint. In order to eliminate play between the insertion tube and the splint, the insertion tube is pressed against the splint by a pressure piece. A first segment of the pressure piece fits the inner diameter of the receiving tube, so that the pressure piece can be held by said receiving tube, while a second segment engages precisely in the insertion tube in order to be held thereby.

Abstract: A foldable pushcart includes: a pair of first vertical frame members extending vertically and parallel to each other on a back side of the pushcart; a first cross member including two bar members, which cross each other in an X shape, and which have their respective upper ends slidably supported by the pair of first vertical frame members, respectively, and have their respective lower ends pivotally coupled to the pair of first vertical frame members, respectively; a first link member having its one end pivotally coupled to one of the two bar members of the first cross member; a second link member having its one end pivotally coupled to the other bar member of the first cross member, and having the other end pivotally coupled to the other end of the first link member; a first open-state lock mechanism for fixing a crossing angle between the two bar members of the first cross member by inhibiting bending between the first link member and the second link member; and a second open-state lock mechanism for fixing

Abstract: Adjustable airbag systems for a vehicle may comprise an airbag assembly having an inflatable airbag within a housing and an actuator associated with the housing, a sensor operable to measure a physical characteristic of an occupant of the vehicle, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the actuator such that upon receiving a feedback signal from the sensor relating to the physical characteristic of the occupant, the controller sends a control signal to the actuator to adjust a position of the housing with respect to the occupant.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag can be used to cushion an occupant during a vehicle collision as well as retaining the occupant within the vehicle during a rollover event. Curtain airbags that do not extend to the vehicle's waist line may allow the occupant to fit between the bottom of the curtain airbag and the waistline, and thereby be ejected from the vehicle. This risk is increased with vehicles that do not have vertical pillars between the doors and windows of the vehicle. Increasing an inflation gas volume capacity of a lower portion of the airbag, may mitigate the risk of occupant ejection, if the increased volume portion of the curtain overlaps the vehicle pillars. The lower portion of the curtain airbag may have a first chamber and a separate second chamber.

Abstract: At the inflation thereof, an airbag (10) has a three-dimensional shape composed of a front face (11), a back face (12), left and right side faces (13L, 13R), a ceiling face (14), and a bottom face (15). The front face (11) and the back face (12) have a trapezoidal shape in which the upper bottom is wider than the lower bottom. The upper edge of the front face (11) is formed to be wider than the upper edge of the back face (12). At a side collision, the airbag (10) inflates between seats (20L, 20R) so that the airbag face opposed to an occupant (P) falls to the occupant side. This can allow, when the occupant (P) moves to the collision side, the shoulder of the occupant to strike the airbag while simultaneously or substantially simultaneously allowing the head to strike the airbag. An airbag can be provided that blocks, at a side collision, the move due to the impact of the side collision of the occupant in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system having an airbag prevents an excessive force from acting upon the thorax of an occupant who has fastened the seat belt, in the event of an impact. The vehicle occupant safety system comprises an airbag, a sensor device for sensing at least one situation parameter and a control device for controlling the inflation and/or deflation and/or unfolding and/or positioning of the airbag in dependence of the at least one situation parameter. The unfolding, position or shape of the airbag and/or distribution of pressure within the airbag at the end of the filling phase, is directly or indirectly controlled in a targeted manner by a control device based on the at least one situation parameter. A modification of the shape of the airbag in the thorax region can be obtained in particular by a releasable constriction.

Abstract: A rear-view unit with an airbag device is presented, wherein the rear-view unit is set up in such a way that it has expected break points and/or flexible connections in different positions. The rear-view unit is completely clad by an air pocket of the airbag device.

Abstract: An airbag for a vehicle occupant protective system comprises an inflatable cushion, a cinch tube circumventing a vent aperture disposed in the cushion, and a draw element guided in a circumventing channel of said cinch tube and being coupled to a surface of said cushion such that deployment of said cushion causes said draw element to contract said cinch tube. The airbag comprises a contraction limiting arrangement adapted to limit the contraction of said cinch tube by said draw element to a predetermined minimum free diameter d of at least 20% relative to the free diameter D of the open cinch tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheeled working machine, particularly a truck-mounted concrete pump, comprising a chassis (10) that is designed as a semi-trailer. The semi-trailer encompasses a tractor (12) and a multi-axle trailer (14) which is connected to the tractor (12) by means of a fifth wheel (16) and carries the working machine. A support structure (38) located in the area of the trailer (14) can be supported on a ground (40) while the semi-trailer is lifted. The support structure (38) comprises two front support booms (42?, 42?) and two rear support booms (44) which can all be swiveled relative to the trailer (14) between a transported position and at least one supporting position. Furthermore, means for lifting and blocking the tractor (12) are arranged on the trailer (14) such that the tractor (12) forms a ballast in the supporting position in order to stabilize the trailer (14) that is supported on the ground (40) with the help of the support structure (38).

Abstract: An under-frame shield, particularly useful with crop sprayers and other implements which traverse fields of plants, includes one or more flexible sheet material shields connected to axle structure and to a central rigid shield by resilient connectors to facilitate suspension system movement in all directions without sacrificing ground clearance. The connection structure and sheet material shields maintain a smooth, seamless protective surface on the under side of the machine to reduce vehicle and crop damage.

Abstract: There is provided an underbody structure capable of exactly distributing and transmitting a front collision load to front and back skeleton portions of an underbody even in a case where the front collision load to be input from the front of a vehicle is concentrated on one side in a vehicle width direction. When a power unit 1 moves rearward due to an offset collision load of a right front face of a vehicle, a right connecting arm 7G of a sub-frame 7, an engine rear mount 7E, and right and left stoppers 7H and 7I receive an offset collision load from the power unit 1, thereby suppressing generation of an unintended rotative force in the power unit 1. The sub-frame 7 distributedly transmits an offset collision load to a rear portion 4A of a right front side member 4, and right and left tunnel reinforcements 5 and 5 mainly through four paths of a right beam 7D, a right load transmission beam 7J2, and right and left load transmission beams 7J3 and 7J4 of an intermediate portion.

Abstract: A frame for a clap skate comprises: a lower frame part; an upper frame part with means for coupling to the sole and heel of a skate shoe; hinge which couples the two frame parts hingedly to each other and which are situated at a distance above the foremost zone of the lower frame part and define a first free degree of freedom of rotation, or a plane varying a maximum of about 30° therefrom of the runner; and resetting means for urging the upper frame part to a rest position determined by positioning means, in which rest position the frame parts have the smallest possible mutual distance. The hinge defines a second free degree of freedom of ±30° perpendicularly of the first free degree of freedom. The upper frame part performs an up and downward and lateral pivoting movement relative to the lower frame part.

Abstract: An embellished album covering is configured to appear as an article of clothing. An album covering can enhance the appearance of a photo album, scrapbook, memory book, and the like, be customizable, and can commemorate an event or time period. An album covering can be configured to have the appearance of a military uniform, comprising authentic military service fabric, and having embellishment consistent with an authentic military uniform, such as a collar and front pockets. A military service album covering can be personalized with proper placement of name tape, rank insignias and various military uniform adornments. An album covering can be configured to slidingly receive an album, and be removable from the album. A kit can include an album, an album covering configured to cover the album, and various adornments for personalization of the album covering.

Abstract: A device for obscuring printed indicia includes a printable substrate, an indicia printed on a first surface of the substrate, an irreversible thermochromic material operably associated with the printable substrate which does not affect readability of the indicia when not subjected to a predetermined critical temperature and when subjected to the predetermined critical temperature renders the indicia unreadable by virtue of a color change surrounding the indicia. The indicia can be a barcode. Methods of obscuring and use include the device.

Abstract: A certificate and method is provided that reduces the likelihood of counterfeiting via photocopier by providing various features that would require the use of a color duplex copier in order to effectively copy the certificate. Requiring the use of a color duplex copier is an effective deterrent because the use of such a device significantly reduces the profit margins of counterfeiting efforts.

Abstract: A sheet including a fiber substrate including at least one watermark and having at least partially incorporated therein a ribbon that is narrower than the substrate and that overlies the watermark in part.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fitting for joining a corrugated conduit to a structure associated therewith is disclosed. The fitting comprises a hollow body having an inner chamber and at least two body resilient tabs extending from an end. The at least two body resilient tabs define at least two body gaps therebetween. Each of the at least two body resilient tabs defines an outwardly extending detent. The fitting also comprises a retaining ring including a flange and at least two ring resilient tabs extending from the flange and defining ring gaps therebetween. Each of the at least two ring resilient tabs defines an inwardly extending detent adapted to engage a corrugated conduit. Each of the at least two body resilient tabs is selectively inserted in a corresponding one of the at least two ring gaps, and the outwardly extending detents selectively engage an end of the flange of the retaining ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining plastic pipe against both internal and external forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved restraining and sealing mechanism. The restraining and sealing mechanism includes a circumferential housing and a companion sealing ring which are received within a mating groove provided in the belled end of a female pipe. The circumferential housing has an interior region which contains a gripping ring insert. The sealing ring and housing are integrally located within a belled pipe end during belling operations. Either the exterior of the gripping ring or the interior of the housing is provided with a low friction coating.

Abstract: A wire routing structure for a pipe joint includes a conductor conduit extending from one tool joint of a pipe joint to another tool joint of the pipe joint in a pattern having at least one component not aligned with a longitudinal axis of the pipe joint. In one example, the length of the conduit is selected such that the conduit is in axial compression. In another example, the conduit is disposed in a composite material structure affixed to an interior wall of the pipe joint. In another example, at least one tool joint in the pipe joint has a bore subtending a selected angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool joint selected to induce the conduit when inserted therethrough to follow a helical pattern about the interior of the pipe joint.

Abstract: A spray shield for a quick-disconnect fitting of a liquid cooling system for a computing system. The spray shield includes a first shield element and a second shield element. The first shield element and the second shield element having interlocking members for removably engaging the first shield element to the second shield element, forming a shield sleeve suitable for surrounding a connection between a quick-disconnect fitting and an actuator fitting. The shield sleeve substantially shields surroundings from cooling liquid spray from the connection.

Abstract: Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lubricating coating which is free from harmful heavy metals is formed on a premium threaded joint for pipes constituted by a pin and a box each having a contact surface comprising a threaded portion and an unthreaded metal contact portion (a sealing surface and shoulder) in order to provide the joint with galling resistance, gas-tightness, and anticorrosive properties such that the unthreaded metal contact portion is prevented from yielding even when the joint is made up with a high torque. The lubricating coating comprises one or both of a rosin and calcium fluoride; metal soap; wax; and a basic metal salt of an aromatic organic acid, and preferably it further includes a lubricating powder, magnesium carbonate, and/or a carbohydrate, particularly a cyclodextrin.