Abstract: A paper output structure includes a printer enclosure and a paper output extending device. The paper output extending device includes a pivot shaft, a drive gear, and a toothed bar which is capable of internal telescopic extension by means of a drive gear which includes a great gear portion and a first small gear portion. A printed sheet of paper is slightly stretched so as to be dropped uncrinckled and perfectly flat into the output tray.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking portion on which sheets are stacked, a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking portion, a slope portion arranged downstream of the sheets in a feeding direction of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking portion and configured to separate the sheets from each other, the sheets fed by the sheet feeding unit being bent when contacting the slope portion, and a contact width variable mechanism configured to change a contact width in which the slope portion and a leading edge of the sheet, in the feeding direction, fed by the sheet feeding unit are in contact with each other by moving part of the slope portion in the feeding direction or in a direction opposite to the feeding direction.

Abstract: A paper aligning apparatus includes a paper tray, a plurality of blocking tabs, and an ordering block. The paper tray includes a stack of paper. The paper tray includes a first edge and a second edge. The plurality of blocking tabs is located on the paper tray and adjacent the first edge. The plurality of blocking tabs is aligned in a line. The ordering block is movably mounted on the paper tray and adjacent to the second edge. The ordering block pushes the stack of paper in the paper tray so that the plurality of blocking tabs resist against the stack of paper.

Abstract: A cover opening-closing mechanism is provided, which is configured to allow a cover to rotate around a rotational axis with respect to a housing, the cover opening-closing mechanism including a connecting member configured to connect the housing with the cover, a first contact portion disposed at the cover, and a second contact portion disposed at the housing, the second contact portion configured to contact the first contact portion of the cover so as to hold the cover in a hold position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A paper pressing apparatus for a printing apparatus includes a bracket, a paper pressing member, a first gear, a first rolling arm, a second rolling arm, and a first elastic member. The paper pressing member is lifted up from the bracket to accommodate heavily creased or buckled papers, and then released to press the papers flat as they are drawn into the printer.

Abstract: A remaining amount detector measures beforehand a distance H where there is one sheet. A motor displaces a lifting plate to a paper-feeding position upon storing paper in the feeding unit. The remaining amount detector measures a distance y1 to the lower face of a paper stack. Thereafter, upon transport of paper from the stack, a control unit causes the remaining amount detector to measure a distance y2 for every predetermined number n of fed sheets. A remaining sheet calculation unit calculates a displacement y1?y2=?y to the bottom of the paper stack S, and calculates the thickness of one sheet on the basis of the displacement ?y and the number n of fed sheets (t=?y/n). The remaining sheet calculation unit divides the thickness (H?y2) of the paper stack by the thickness t of one paper sheet, and calculates the number of remaining sheets m as (m=((H?y2)/t)+1).

Abstract: A chess-like game involving a board and a plurality of pieces that follow chess based movements. In addition each piece has an attack and defense value which is used to determine if one piece can capture another. Game play may be enhanced with game cards which enhance some aspect of a piece's qualities when capturing or defending. Game play may further be enhanced by board enhancement features. The game may be implemented in physical form as well as using a computer and computer based interface.

Abstract: An educational card game comprises a set of cards and rules for playing card games using them to facilitate Game Based Teaching and Learning is presented. Each card represents a respective one of the chemical elements listed in the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. The rules prescribe for cards to be distributed to the players who, in their turns in a particular round of the game, attempt to use the cards to win the round by creating meaningful patterns using the played card or by playing the highest value card in that round, or to spoil the round or to save a round from being spoiled by an opponent and optionally using the earned card to form chemical compounds or to form ironing equations, points being scored according the nature of the cards used or the nature of the compound formed, or both.

Abstract: In a shooting target (2) and a method to manufacture such a shooting target (2), the shooting target (2) has an insulating body member (4), to which body member (4) a covering layer (6) is attached. The insulating body member (4) is made of a material that is capable of allowing a projectile (14, 16) to penetrate the insulating body member (4) and keeping that portion of the insulating body member (4) that has been in contact with the penetrating projectile (14, 16) mechanically connected to the remaining portion of the insulating body member (4).

Abstract: An aerodynamic seal assembly for a rotary machine is provided. The assembly includes multiple sealing device segments disposed circumferentially intermediate to a stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the segments includes a shoe plate with a forward-shoe section and an aft-shoe section having multiple labyrinth teeth therebetween facing the rotor. The shoe plate is configured to allow a high pressure fluid to a front portion of the plurality of the labyrinth teeth and a low pressure fluid behind the plurality of the labyrinth teeth and further configured to generate an aerodynamic force between the shoe plate and the rotor. The sealing device segment also includes multiple bellow springs or flexures connected to the shoe plate and to a top interface element, wherein the multiple bellow springs or flexures are configured to allow the high pressure fluid to occupy a forward cavity and the low pressure fluid to occupy an aft cavity.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided with a floating ring between an outer periphery of a rotating shaft and an inner periphery of a casing and is characterized in that a turn-stopping means is provided to a single point in a circumferential direction of the floating ring, and a groove for generating dynamic pressure is provided in unequal distribution in the circumferential direction to an inner peripheral surface of the floating ring, wherein a dynamic pressure is generated by a dynamic pressure groove provided to the inner peripheral surface of the floating ring and is employed to thereby match together the center of the rotating shaft and the floating ring.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided with a floating ring between an outer periphery of a rotating shaft and an inner periphery of a casing and is characterized by including a plurality of inversely directed dynamic pressure generation grooves for creating an action whereby a sealed fluid attempting to leak out is pushed back. The plurality of inversely directed dynamic pressure generation grooves are provided in a circumferential direction to the inner peripheral surface of the floating ring, and thereby the amount of leaking of the sealed fluid is reduced and the center of the floating ring and the center of the rotating shaft are matched together.

Abstract: A method for producing a recessed steel piston ring provided with a wear-resistant layer includes generating a main body that has a recess on the running surface side and that, in the region where a lower flank of the main body transitions into the running surface is worked so that a chamfer is created, providing the running surface and at least portions of the chamfer with at least one wear-resistant layer, nitriding the circumferential surface and the lower and upper flanks of the main body that are not provided with the wear-resistant layer so that a section having a defined width and having no nitride layer remains on the flank adjacent the chamfer, and removing the at least one wear-resistant layer to such an extent that a substantially sharp, but unnitrided functional edge is created in the region where the lower flank transitions into the running surface.

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. The features of a variable inlet size, a variable dynamic lip flank slope, and a reduction in the magnitude and circumferentially oriented portion of the lubricant side interfacial contact pressure zone at the narrowest part of the lip, individually or in combination thereof, serve to maximize interfacial lubrication in severe operating conditions, and also serve to minimize lubricant shear area, seal torque, seal volume, and wear, while ensuring retrofitability into the seal grooves of existing equipment.

Abstract: Provided is a seal ring which has low-friction characteristics and low-leakage characteristics, reduces drive loss of the automatic transmission of an automobile, and contributes to improvement in fuel consumption of the automobile. The seal ring is attached to a shaft groove on the outer peripheral surface of a shaft. A plurality of recessed sections circumferentially spaced apart from each other with pillar sections interposed therebetween are formed at least on the inner peripheral side of a side surface of the seal ring in contact with the shaft groove. The circumferential opposite ends of each of the recessed sections are formed as squeezing portions formed of curved surfaces convex toward the pillar sections. The depth “h” of a deepest portion in which the axial width of the recessed section is the largest is set in the range of 2 to 17 where the axial width of the seal ring is 100.

Abstract: Provided is a seal bead structure of a gasket capable of reducing the reactive force generated in a common bead portion provided between multiple through-holes and thereby capable of achieving a stable sealing function by means of aligning the compression property over the entire bead. In order to achieve this, two through-holes are provided in a row in the flat portion of a metal gasket, with one seal bead provided on the edge of one through-hole, the other seal bead provided on the edge of the other through-hole, and a common bead portion for the both seal beads provided in the intermediate position between the both through-holes, the common bead portion having a two-stage half bead shape in which the half beads are formed on two stage in the same direction.

Abstract: A partition for fluid tight sealing between a motor compartment and a coupling compartment of an immersible machine is described. The partition includes a partition wall having a seat, and at least one coupling terminal arranged in the seat, the coupling terminal being accessible from a primary side of the partition, and from a secondary side of the partition. A sealing member is located in at least a part of the interface between the seat of the partition wall and the coupling terminal, and a retention means is arranged to retain the coupling terminal in the seat. The coupling terminal includes a primary spring clip engageable from the primary side and a secondary spring clip engageable from the secondary side. Also disclosed is an immersible machine including such a partition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement for passing a line in a load-free manner through a pressure frame of a fuselage of an aircraft or spacecraft, including an opening penetrating the pressure frame, through which opening the line is passed, the line being mechanically decoupled from the pressure frame; and a flexible sealing device arranged outside the opening at least in portions, which sealing device is simultaneously operatively connected to the line and the pressure frame for the pressure-tight separation of a first side from a second side of the pressure frame. The present invention also provides a fuselage for an aircraft or spacecraft having an arrangement of this type and an aircraft or spacecraft having an arrangement of this type or having a fuselage of this type.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck device (1) according to the invention includes an electrostatic chuck section (2) that has a principal surface as a placement surface on which a plate-shaped sample is placed, and is made to have an internal electrode for electrostatic adsorption built-in, and a cooling plate section (3) that cools the electrostatic chuck section (2), wherein a heating member (5) is bonded to a principal surface on the opposite side to the placement surface of the electrostatic chuck section (2) through a first adhesive material layer (4), and the electrostatic chuck section (2) and the heating member (5) are bonded to and integrated with the cooling plate section (3) through an acrylic adhesive layer (9) having flexibility and insulation properties.

Abstract: A conveying device comprising a first support element, a second support element having a seat surface, and a support structure for mounting the second support element in a pivotable lockable configuration on the first support element.

Abstract: A foldable scooter includes a pedal, front and rear wheel assemblies, a riser and two handlebars. The pedal includes front and rear parts hinged together and has a latch rod at an underside thereof to prevent the two parts from rotating toward each other. The front and rear parts respectively have a front shaft and a rear shaft extended in a front-rear direction along the pedal. The front wheel assembly includes a head tube, a front fork, a front wheel and a connecting base positioned to a rear side of the head tube and the front shaft. A positioning lever between the connecting base and the front part secures the front wheel assembly. The rear wheel assembly is positioned to the rear shaft, and a locking mechanism between the rear wheel assembly and the rear part prevents them from rotating relative to each other about the rear shaft.

Abstract: A baby stroller provides upper body exercise for a person while pushing the stroller. The stroller has: a) a frame, b) at least three wheels, with at least one forward wheel and at least two rearward wheels, c) a baby seat and d) a fixed upright handle attached to the frame and extending above the baby's seat. There is also an exercising device positioned behind the baby seat and attached to the frame comprising: e) a pair of handles; f) each handle having an proximal gripping end and a length of structural material extending to a distal end of the handle; g) a sliding or rotating system that provides a horizontal resistance component to movement of the handle as the handle moves forward relative to the frame; and h) a separate sliding or rotating system attached to each handle.

Abstract: A dolly has a frame with a pair of risers connected thereto. Connecting bolts extend partially through the risers and through the frame to connect the risers and casters to the frame. The risers have an outer riser body with a core disposed therein. The outer riser body may be a thermoplastic injection molded riser body that is molded around a riser core which may be a metal riser plate core.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a steering device for tractor and, more particularly, to a steering device for a tractor for enabling front wheels of the tractor to be turned to an angle over or approximate to a right angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tractor by means of a driver manipulating a steering handle, thus making it possible to increase the steering angle of the front wheels and making the turning of the front wheels smoother, whereby the tractor can turn around in place and easily perform different kinds of tasks, for example, a task required in a limited space, a task where there is a need for turning the tractor around in place, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suspension arm component for vehicles with sufficient strength or rigidity to withstand repetitive compressive and tensile forces, and a method for manufacturing such a component by pressing or hemming process alone, without recourse to any welding process, forming quickly and simply, a process with advantages in terms of material yield and cost. The suspension arm component for vehicles includes first flange pieces as well as second flange pieces, and a pair of half members, each having a hat-like shaped cross-section perpendicular to its axis, are joined together to protrude the first flange part and the second flange part from an expanded part, where both the first flange part and the second flange part extend linearly along the axis of the main body part. The main body part presents a rectangular shape in its side view.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for a vehicle including a leaf spring element having a substantially longitudinal configuration. Also included is a deflection limiting element coupled to said leaf spring element at an intermediate location thereof, wherein said deflection limiting element comprises a J-shaped spring element. Further included is a resilient element attached to said J-shaped spring element.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a guard assembly for securement to a wheeled base. The guard assembly comprises a central support, a plurality of wheel guards positioned in an array around the central support, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of support struts. The struts are connected to and extend between a respective pair of the adjacent wheel guards in the array. Each of the support struts are connected to and extend between the central support and a respective one of the struts. The invention also envelops a method of retrofitting an existing wheeled base with the guard assembly.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member.

Abstract: A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be easier and quicker than prior art systems. Furthermore, the apparatuses and method disclosed herein may be more effective over rough terrain. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein include a tongue attached to the conveyance, a floating hitch attached to the motor vehicle, and a compression-hitching pin. A conveyance can be hitched to a motor vehicle simply by inserting the hitching pin through the tongue of the conveyance and the floating hitch of the motor vehicle and then pushing down on the handle of the hitching pin and turning the handle to lock the hitching pin in place.

Abstract: A baby stroller includes a front frame and a rear frame, and the front and rear frames are connected to two connection units. A tray support is connected between the connection units. One of the connection units has a folding device which has a first positioning plate connected to the front frame and a second positioning plate connected to the rear frame. The first and second positioning plates respectively have first and second teeth which are respectively engaged with a front gear and a rear gear located in the connection unit. The front and rear gears are respectively engaged with each other. By the engagement between the first and second teeth and the front and rear gears, the baby stroller is folded by one hand.

Abstract: A cart (20, 50, 90) includes a plurality of removable baskets (24, 54, 94) having respective rims (40, 76). A foldable frame (22, 52, 92) has folded and unfolded configurations, and includes multiple wheels (32, 65, 108, 110) and an upper supporting structure (36, 58, 98), which is capable, when the frame is in the unfolded configuration, of supporting the baskets side-by-side by the respective rims.

Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable vehicle, which comprises a platform of pivoting and non-pivoting plates arranged such that the spacing between a pair of the non-pivoting plates is changed to dimensionally adjust the vehicle upon application of an initiating force to a plurality of the pivoting plates which causes a pivoting motion. A section of the platform includes a pair of laterally adjacent and laterally pivoting plates which is interposed between a pair of the non-pivoting plates such that a lateral side of each of the laterally pivoting plates is pivotally connected to a lateral side of an adjacent non-pivoting plate. Application of the initiating force the pair of laterally adjacent and laterally pivoting plates causes a lateral dimension of the vehicle to be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat air bag assembly (17) has an air bag module (18) including an inflator (38), an air bag (40) and a soft housing (44) enclosing the inflator and air bag. An eternal rigid deflector sleeve (50) receives an inner extremity (46) of the air bag module (18) and ensures air bag movement toward a deployment location (34) of the seat during inflation. The rigid deflector sleeve (50) may be made from metal, a synthetic resin and may have open ends (52), closed ends (54) or one open end (52) and one closed end (54).

Abstract: An exemplary airbag case includes a floor that is configured to receive an airbag module, a wall extending away from the floor, and a plurality of reinforcement features each extending without interruption from the floor to the wall.

Abstract: There are provided an airbag device and a steering wheel that can reduce the number of components and weight and allow a retainer to be easily positioned relative to an airbag cover. An airbag cover 4 includes a side wall portion 41 standing on an inner side, a recess 42 formed in an end face at almost the center of the side wall portion 41, and retaining holes 43 and 43 formed in the side wall portion 41 on both sides of the recess 42. A retainer 3 includes a first hook 31 that is fittable in the recess 42 and contactable with a bottom face 42a of the recess 42, and second hooks 32 that are contactable with inner faces 43a of the retaining holes 43. The retainer 3 is centered in a width direction by fitting the first hook 31 in the recess 42, and the side wall portion 41 is clamped in a standing direction by the first hook 31 and the second hooks 32 by contacting the first hook 31 with the recess 42 and contacting the second hooks 32 with the retaining holes 43.

Abstract: An airbag unit with an airbag (10) encloses a gas compartment, an inflator, and a housing (20) containing the folded airbag. A holding device (40) having a first and a second section (42, 44) is provided, the first section (42) is connected to the housing (20), and the second section (44) can be detached from, the first section (42) upon an electrical signal. The holding device detachably fastens a tensioning element, whose first end is connected to the airbag, and its second end is connected to the housing (20) via the holding device (40) when the first and second sections (42 or 44) are connected. The holding device second section (44) is arranged inside the gas compartment, and a hole (13) is provided in the airbag (10), through which an ignition cable plug socket, an ignition lead (50) or the holding device first section (42) protrudes.

Abstract: A frontal airbag has a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being in fluid communication with both the first and the third section. The first, second and third sections form a triangular structure upon inflation of the airbag. A gas generator is attached to the first section and in fluid communication with the first section. An end portion on the third section remote from the second sections attached to the first section in an area between the gas generator and the second section. Two side tethers attached to the first section and to one of the second and third sections or near transitional bend between the second and third section provide resistance against flattening of the airbag after inflation. The first section and the third section are directly attached to each other by a seam, by an adhesive, or by lamination.

Abstract: An airbag includes a high pressure expansion chamber, a low pressure expansion chamber, and a communication passage, which connects the high pressure expansion chamber and the low pressure expansion chamber to each other. A gas supply port, which supplies inflation gas into the airbag, is located inside the low pressure expansion chamber to discharge the inflation gas toward the inside of the communication passage. The communication passage extends from the edge of a communication port, which connects the high pressure expansion chamber and the low pressure expansion chamber, toward the inside of the high pressure expansion chamber. At deployment and inflation of the airbag, the communication passage is located between a seam formed at the outer periphery of the base fabric sheet of the airbag and the gas supply port.

Abstract: A structure for reducing knee injury in a vehicle, may include a toe stopper disposed on a bottom of a vehicle interior at a driver's seat or a passenger's seat in a traverse direction of a vehicle body, wherein the toe stopper is protrusively disposed from the bottom of the vehicle interior to have a height such that a front tip of a foot of the driver or the passenger is stopped from moving forward and thus a knee part of the driver or the passenger contacts a crash pad earlier than a shin part of the driver or the passenger.

Abstract: A support device for work vehicles, including a support post (8, 46) to be provided on the work vehicle, the lift element (11, 15b) thereof being displaceable along a lift axis for supporting on a support area, wherein the support post (8, 46) has an actuating drive for actuating the lift element (11, 15b), and the actuating drive is designed as a planetary roller screw drive (1, 14).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for magnetically transferring indicia, such as a design or an image, to a wet coating layer applied on a substrate, such as a sheet or a web, wherein the said coating layer comprises at least one type of magnetic or magnetizable particles; said device comprising a) at least one magnetized permanent-magnetic plate (2) carrying relief, engravings or cut-outs, mounted such that its relief surface remains accessible, b) at least one additional magnet (3), disposed below said at least one permanent-magnetic plate, facing the surface of the magnetic plate which is opposite to the relief, engraving or cut-out, and c) a holder (1), which has the mechanical function to hold the pieces together in fixed positions. A method for producing the device, the use of the device, and magnetically induced designs obtained with the device, which are useful for protecting currency, value—and identity documents, are disclosed as well.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and a coupler for joining polymeric tubular objects, such as pipe. The coupler includes (a) a rigid, electromagnetically inductive carrier, (b) a temperature-responsive expandable material on the carrier, and (c) a polymeric material on the expandable material. The method includes the steps of (a) inserting the coupler into the ends of two adjacent polymeric tubular objects, (b) creating an electromagnetic field about the coupler causing the carrier to heat, in turn causing the expandable material to expand and force the polymeric material against the tubular objects, and further in turn causing the polymeric material to melt, soften, or liquefy, and (c) terminating the electromagnetic field allowing the polymeric material to cure or solidify to bond to the tubular objects.

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly has a single fluid connection, including a plate and at least a pair of nipples extending away from the plate in a first direction, and at least a pair of connection pipes connected to each of the nipples extending from the plate in a second opposed direction. The nipples include a thread at an outer periphery, a ramped surface spaced in a direction beyond the thread and towards the plate, and a ditch beyond the ramped surface. A fluid coupling has a thread at an inner periphery received on the thread on the nipple, and the coupling has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers spaced by grooves, with the fingers being snapped into the ditch and is biased against the ramped surface. The plate, at least a pair of nipples and at least a pair of connection pipes are all formed of an integral piece of metal.

Abstract: A connection of concentrating solar power plants is described. The connection of concentrating solar power plants has two terminals for coupling respectively with internal metal tubes of two solar pipes to be connected, the two terminals being provided with coupling means for reciprocal rigid mechanical movable coupling.

Abstract: An adjustable pipe connector device for connecting two pipes, each of the pipes having a central axis, includes at least three disks. Each of the disks has a bore extending between opposite surfaces of that disk. The disks include two opposite external disks and a central disk between the two opposite external disks. The bore of each of the opposite external disks is connectable to one of the pipes. Each of the opposite external disks is rotatable relative to the central disk so as to achieve a configuration wherein the device matchingly connects between the pipes when the central axes of the pipes are laterally offset, angularly misaligned or both, the bores of the disks forming a flow path between the pipes.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasably connecting fluid-carrying duct ends of ducts is provided. The duct ends, respectively, each carry a jacket having at least two annular ribs housing a first annular sealing element. The first annular sealing element is engaged by the inner shell. The coupling device includes an outer shell that has radially inward extending ribs or rib portions, which are either arranged in an axial distance with respect to a further annular rib of the jackets or engage an axial recess provided on the jackets defined between the further annular rib and a fourth annular rib.