Abstract: A double seat valve having a seat for cooperation with two valve disks which are linearly adjustable relative to each other and together relative with respect to the seat, for a seat valve function and a sliding valve function, each of the valve disks containing a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring in a ring groove, both sealing rings being manufactured with the same shapes and dimensions, each sealing ring being positioned in the ring groove with a backup ring, and both sealing rings being arranged in rotational positions differing with respect to the respective sealing function relative to the direction of adjustment of the valve disks.

Abstract: A hoist or capstan fitted with a driving pulley. The latter comprises a peripheral groove for taking a cable and two substantially parallel pulley halves, each pulley halve comprising a flank forming the lateral side of the peripheral groove and being axially pulled toward each other so as to prevent the slipping of a cable by elastic means formed of a continuous polymer ring.

Abstract: A dumpster screen comprising a fenced enclosure around one (1) or more trash dumpsters commonly found by commercial establishments. The fence material is made of an outdoor weather-proof textile material supported on its vertical sides using fence posts and along its horizontal edges using cables. A front portion of the enclosure, typically accessed by trucks to empty the dumpsters, comprises a gate portion. This enables the incoming truck to lower its forks across the reinforced top of said gate and continue lowering it until it can remove the dumpster in the normal manner. After emptying, the dumpster is replaced in the same manner and the front barrier automatically returns to position.

Abstract: The integrated aeration system utilizes a water pump for aeration. Ambient air/gas is entrained by a circulating water jet induced by the pump. The circulating water jet enters a sealed tank. The entrained gas is broken into bubbles after the impingement between the jet and a receiving pool occurs, aerating the receiving pool by water jet spray. The entrained gas/air builds up headspace pressure above the water pool, the headspace pressure being measured by a pressure gauge. The trapped air above the water pool is released when the headspace pressure increases to reach a desired value to aerate a separate tank/container as a diffused aeration or any other aeration process.

Abstract: A vibration damping device adapted to receive an electronic component and reduce vibration is provided. The vibration damping device includes a spring body extending along an axis, one or more slots formed in the spring body, and a shaft extending substantially coaxially within the spring body. The shaft may include an internal bore configured to extend substantially coaxially through the spring body and shaft. The vibration damping device further includes a damping mechanism configured to be positioned between the spring body and the shaft, wherein the one or more slots provides flexible movement of the spring body and the damping mechanism provides the damping of motion within the internal bore.

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing structure includes a vertical hollow column that telescopically receives a post. A coil spring surmounts a centrally apertured support plate that receives and is secured to the hollow column. A coil spring stands atop the support plate and the upper end of the coil spring is secured to a top plate that surmounts the post. A centrally apertured spacer plate is parallel to the top plate and is downwardly spaced apart from it. A plurality of bolts interconnects the top plate and spacer plate. The post retracts within the hollow column and the coil spring is compressed when a downwardly directed force is applied to the top plate. The coil spring unloads and restores the top plate and the spacer plate to their respective positions of repose when the downwardly directed force is removed. Each bolt is engaged by an eye loop at the end of a cable.

Abstract: Because an electromagnetic chuck supplies current to a specific microcoil among a plurality of microcoils and makes an object exert an electromagnetic force working together with a magnet of the object, the object can be held in a state where the object is set at a desired position (a position that corresponds to the microcoil to which current has been supplied) on a base surface. Further, by gas that blows out from a gas supply passage, a levitation force is given to the object, which can reduce effects of a friction force that acts between the object and an upper surface of the electromagnetic chuck when the position of the object is set.

Abstract: An insertion system includes a folding device to perform either single-sheet folding to fold a single sheet at a time or batch folding to fold multiple sheets together at a time, an insertion device to insert into an envelope the sheet folded by the folding device, and a batch setting unit to designate either the single-sheet folding or the batch folding from a folding and insertion menu for multiple sheets at a time when the multiple sheets are processed by the folding device and the insertion device.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a booklet formed by folding a sheet bundle; a processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the booklet; a booklet holding unit that includes first and second holding members to hold the booklet and varies a gap distance between the first and second holding members depending on a state of processing the booklet while the sheet processing unit is performing the process on the booklet; and a pressing unit that presses and fixes the booklet while the processing unit is processing the booklet.

Abstract: A media cassette is described. The media cassette comprising: a media removal window at one end of the media cassette; a handle end at an opposite end of the cassette to the media removal window; and a pusher plate assembly. The pusher plate assembly includes: (i) a finger recess component, (ii) a pawl biased downwards to a low position, and (iii) an actuator coupled to both the pawl and the finger recess component and including a pivot. The actuator is moveable on insertion of a finger into the finger recess component to raise the pawl from the low position to a high position.

Abstract: A multi-position letterbox media diverter that maximizes productivity includes a gate configured like a tomahawk to allow sufficient space for the diverter to operate immediately after the trail edge of a sheet passes the front edge of the gate and thereby increase gate actuation time. Reversible drives of an inverter are used to direct the sheet to a duplex path while another sheet is simultaneously directed by a lower integrated baffle portion of the gate to an output tray as needed. Thus, reducing the time required for the sheet to be in the inverter path before reversing sheet direction, thereby facilitating a reduction in required transport speed.

Abstract: A device and a method for the stacking of sheets in a printing press are disclosed. The device and correspondingly the method have at least two laterally spaced sheet transport roll pairs to transport the sheets in a transport plane. A stacking tray is furthermore provided to accommodate the sheets transported out of the printing press. A sheet contacting unit is arranged in the direction of transport behind the sheet transport roll pairs such that it deflects at least a partial region of the sheet out of the transport plane at least in a first direction, wherein the sheet undergoes a deformation transversely to the direction of transport, and wherein the at least two sheet transport roll pairs and the sheet contacting unit are arranged in a projection onto the transport plane in a triangular arrangement.

Abstract: There are provided a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus, which enable stable sheet conveyance without depending on sheet size. An air suction portion having a duct portion for air suction is provided inwardly of an endless belt having a plurality of suction holes. Air is taken in through the suction holes of the endless belt and the duct portion for air suction by the air suction portion to absorb a sheet onto the endless belt. When the sheet having a sheet conveying direction length in which a sheet trailing end reaches the endless belt before a sheet leading end reaches a fixing device is conveyed, at least part of the portion of the duct portion through which the sheet trailing end passes before the sheet leading end reaches the fixing portion is closed by a shutter.

Abstract: A controller controls operations of a sheet conveying portion and a sheet feeding portion in such a manner that an operation for feeding a preceding sheet by the sheet feeding portion is started after a downstream portion of a subsequent sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying portion is overlapped an upstream portion of the preceding sheet stacked on the stacking portion, and the downstream edge of the preceding sheet is caused to abut against the reference member by the sheet feeding portion in a state where the upstream portion of the preceding sheet and the downstream portion of the subsequent sheet are maintained in an overlapped state.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a shift unit which includes a conveyance roller pair capable of being placed in a contact state and a separation state and configured to convey sheets having an overlapping portion where a rear end portion of a preceding sheet and a front end portion of a following sheet overlap each other. The shift unit is movable in a widthwise direction while conveying the sheets by the conveyance roller pair. The sheet conveyance apparatus moves the shift unit in the widthwise direction when it is determined that the overlapping portion of the sheets has reached the conveyance roller pair.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus includes: a carry path which is defined to guide a first carried object and a second carried object; a first pulley; a first roller; a second pulley; a first belt which is wound on the first pulley and the second pulley; a first tensioner; and a first moving mechanism which moves the first roller between a first position and a second position. The first moving mechanism moves the first roller between a first position at which the first roller carries the first carried object and a second position which is farther from the carry path than the first position and at which the first roller carries the second carried object.

Abstract: A game piece for use by a player in a fighting game includes a support for an information compound, the information compound including a symbol associated with a fighting technique, and/or an identifiable determined background having a specific impact on the game ruling, and/or a bonus value symbol having a specific impact on the game ruling. The information compound support is a temporary body transfer device, such as a temporary tattoo, that is applicable on a visible part of the body of the player. A method of playing a fighting game using such game pieces includes the steps of providing each one of at least two players with at least one of the game pieces, each player applying at least one game piece on a visible part of his body, and starting to play the fighting game.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game in which at least one player plays her own hand against a banker's hand, using at least one deck of conventional playing cards, wherein Kings, Queens, Jacks, and tens have a value of zero, Aces have a value of one, and all other cards have a value equal to their numeric face value, wherein, when the total value of the cards in a hand equals ten or more, only the right-hand digit is considered, and wherein the rank of the hands, from highest to lowest rank, starts with a Natural 9 hand, which is a two-card hand having a value of nine, followed by a three-card hand having a value of nine, and continues with an eight-through-zero hand, which is a two or three card hand that has a value of eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one or zero.

Abstract: A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, and a pressure relief lip engaging a valve guide. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. The elastomeric body or the valve guide can include a pressure relief channel. The elastomeric body can also include a bumper engaging the valve guide. The pressure relief channel can be disposed in the bumper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (160) for sealing two opposite contact surfaces along a closed contour, comprising an elastic sealing element (210), which has two opposite sealing surfaces (240) to bear against the contact surfaces in the region of the contour, two spring elements (220, 230), each of which is associated with one of the sealing surfaces, and a supporting element (250) arranged between the spring elements, wherein each spring element comprises two limbs (260, 270), one limb pressing the sealing surface associated with the spring element against one of the contact surfaces and the other limb being supported on the supporting element.

Abstract: A metallic flat seal, in particular a cylinder head gasket, includes at least one through-hole, a functional layer, a spacer layer, and a stopper layer which is arranged between the functional layer and the spacer layer, as well as a closed sealing bead around every through-hole in the functional layer, wherein the sealing bead points in the direction of the stopper layer, the seal additionally comprising an embossed closed contour around every through-hole in that least the stopper layer, the functional layer or the spacer layer, wherein the contour forms a fixing aid. A method is also provided for making such a gasket.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide improved face seal gaskets for use in connecting meters and other devices to pipelines. The improved face seal gaskets include a planar annular ring portion and one or more tabs extending substantially perpendicularly from the annular ring portion. In use, the annular ring portion is disposed adjacent a sealing surface on the inlet or outlet of the device to facilitate a fluid tight connection between the device and the pipeline. The tabs engage complementary grooves formed in the inlet or outlet portions of the device to facilitate alignment of the annular ring to the sealing surface thereon. The tabs may also retain the face seal gasket adjacent the sealing surface to facilitate improved installation of the device to the pipeline.

Abstract: A product promotion storage rack is formed of a base plate having a front surface and a rear surface. The base plate has upper and lower edges. The base plate has parallel left and right edges. A plurality of laterally spaced long fingers extend forwardly from the front surface. Each long finger has a horizontal first short leg and an upwardly extending vertical first long leg. A plurality of laterally spaced inverted short fingers extend rearwardly from the rear surface. Each short finger has a horizontal second short leg and a downwardly extending vertical second long leg.

Abstract: Pallet truck for transporting goods that has a substantially horizontal frame on which the goods to be transported are placed. In one implementation the horizontal frame includes two substantially parallel arms with each arm having two parallel longitudinal extensions that define a space between them. Each of the two parallel longitudinal extensions has a wall that face each other and which are visible and accessible through the space. The longitudinal extensions being visible and accessible from above for their cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing and storing tools, related work materials, and convenience items such as a music system with speakers, a radio, a digital CD-player, and a MP3 adapter, as well as a compact refrigerator and a water cooler in a tool cabinet that is modular and easily transportable between work sites. The portable modular tool cabinet provides an electrical power system, shelving units and sliding drawers for holding tools and two lockable doors that hold additional hand tools and can be secured when the user is ready to transport the portable modular tool cabinet to another work site. The entire unit is transportable by using two base wheels and a pivotable-dolly-system with telescoping rod and wheel combinations that allow easy rolling to a transport vehicle such as a pickup truck for loading and transporting to another location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelbarrow that is easily moved and can be unloaded at either the front or rear end. One example embodiment of the wheelbarrow provides a frame and a container. A pivoting mechanism pivotally secures the container to the frame such that the container can be pivoted relative to the frame. A pair of handles is attached to the frame and a pair of wheels is coupled to the frame. A stabilizing assembly is coupled between the handles and the frame. The stabilizing assembly is selectively engaged during unloading of the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A high strength plastic furniture dolly employs a combination of structural features and high strength material to eliminate the need for metal or wood reinforcing elements. The dolly includes first and second longitudinal side members, first and second transverse end members, and caster wheel assemblies mounted longitudinally inward from the transverse end members. The longitudinal side members include a plurality of longitudinally extending parabolic ribs in a central portion and a plurality of non-parabolic ribs in end portions of each side member. The transverse end members include a plurality of transversely extending ribs which may be parabolic.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar or stabilizer link in fiber composite construction is of a monolithic construction without fiber interruption. The cross section geometry, the wall thickness, and the fiber orientation vary in axial direction and radial direction such that the requirements defined by the available construction space and the expected loads are fulfilled. The fiber orientation is adjusted axially and radially load-appropriately. The middle section of the stabilizer bar that is primarily torsion-loaded is reinforced with fibers oriented between +/?35° and +/?55° relative to the longitudinal axis and the end members that are primarily bending-loaded are reinforced with fibers oriented between +/?20° and +/?40° relative to the longitudinal axis. In the transitional areas between the middle section and the end members there are transitions between these fiber orientations relatively to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A damper mounting structure is provided with a top buffer member and a bottom buffer member. The bottom buffer member has a protruding section that protrudes with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom buffer member. The damper mounting structure mates with the protruding section and is anchored to a vehicle body panel, and is provided with a collar formed at substantially the same height as the height of the protruding section. The corner of an opening formed on the vehicle body panel, which comes into contact with the top buffer member, is chamfered.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a V-rod in a vehicle suspension includes an axle housing having a mounting cavity formed thereon and a joint member installed in the mounting cavity so that a joint coupling extends outward from the axle housing. The joint member may include a ball joint mounted on a post mountable in the mounting cavity. The mounting cavity may be formed in a boss provided on the axle housing.

Abstract: A vehicle drive arrangement for a vehicle of the type having differential power transmission arrangement that converts the rotatory motion of the rotatory power shaft to rotatory motion of first and second drive shafts disposed substantially orthogonal the rotatory power shaft. Primary leaf springs are each coupled at their respective centers to respective drive shafts by pivotal arrangements. The first and second primary springs may include helical springs that are used in place of, or in combination with, the primary leaf springs. Secondary leaf springs may be splayed and therefore need not be arranged parallel to the primary leaf springs. Control over vehicle kinematics is enhanced by configuring the resilience of a fulcrum bumper using resilient, rheological, or active systems. An active system will control vehicle height while stationary to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.

Abstract: An automatically deployable step apparatus particularly usable with vehicle such as a fire truck having a passenger compartment at substantial distance from the surrounding environmental surface which provides powered movement between a deployed position and a retracted position and can be mounted in a relatively small restricted area in order to avoid interference with a truck cab which tilted to provide engine access, said apparatus utilizing a unique over-center locking mechanism to provide secure locking of the step in the deployed position while maintaining an apparatus having limited overall dimensions. A unique linkage system is provided for facilitating accurately powered automated movement.

Abstract: A head pipe includes a pipe portion and a bracket portion contiguously formed on a rear portion of the pipe portion wherein front end portions of the main frames and a front end portion of the down frame are jointed to the bracket portion. A widthwise center line of the main frames in the vertical direction is directed toward an intermediate portion of the pipe portion in the vertical direction in a side view. An upper surface extension line and a lower surface extension line on the extension in the frontward direction of an upper surface and a lower surface of the main frames pass between an upper end and a lower end of the pipe portion as viewed in a side view. The down frame is inclined to be directed towards the intermediate portion of the pipe portion in the vertical direction as viewed in a side view.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle thrust apparatus coupled to a bicycle having: a frame, a front wheel having a front wheel axle coupled to a forward portion of the frame, a rear wheel having a rear wheel axle coupled to a rearward portion of the frame, a seat attached to the frame via a seat post. A thrust brace having a lower portion coupled to the frame adjacent the rear wheel axle is also disclosed wherein the thrust brace comprises an upper portion telescopically coupled to the lower portion such as to provide adjustability to the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the thrust apparatus. A cushioned back engagement pad may be utilized pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the thrust brace; and a cross member interconnecting the thrust brace and the bicycle frame at a location vertically above, and horizontally forward of the rear wheel axle.

Abstract: A wheelchair system and an accessory system for a wheelchair are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the accessory system may include an accessory frame having one or more interface elements to mount to a wheelchair frame. The accessory system may include a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the accessory frame by a first fastener. The accessory system may include an engagement system further coupling the accessory frame to the wheel assembly. The engagement system may include a channel guide member defining a channel having a notched region. The channel guide member may be rotatably coupled to one of the accessory frame or wheel assembly by a second fastener. The engagement system may further include a translating member retained within the channel of the channel guide member. The translating member may be fixed to another one of the accessory frame or wheel assembly.

Abstract: A device for coupling a vehicle to a trailer is provided. The device includes a base having a channel and a pair of side walls. The channel includes a mouth leading into a stop. The side walls are spaced apart from each other and the channel runs generally between the side walls. A catch is pivotally mounted between the side walls. The catch includes a mounting end, a catch end, and a contact surface. The catch end is pivotable between a first position, wherein the catch end abuts against the base; and a second position wherein the catch end is displaced from the base. The tow pin engages the contact surface of the catch and pivots the catch end towards the second position. The catch end returns to the first position so as to secure the tow pin between the catch end and the stop when the tow pin abuts against the stop.

Abstract: A foldable stroller includes two front legs, two rear legs, a basket frame, two seat-supporting tubes, two pivoting members, two connecting rods, and a backrest-supporting tube. Rotation of the basket frame and the seat-supporting tubes relative to each other about a pivot point results in rotation of the pivoting members relative to the connecting rods about another pivot point to thereby rotate the backrest-supporting tube and the basket frame toward the rear legs in different directions.

Abstract: A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.

Abstract: Provided are a check valve for an airbag and an airbag device that can improve the reproducibility of the flow path blocking function while reducing the resistance upon inflation and deployment of the airbag and that can be applied to a place where a flow path is divided into a plurality of flow paths. A first embodiment of an airbag device according to the present invention has an airbag that is normally folded and that is inflated and deployed in an emergency, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag. The airbag has a plurality of inflation chambers, a duct portion disposed so as to connect the plurality of inflation chambers, and a check valve for an airbag having a tubular portion sewn to the duct portion, and tongue-shaped portions formed at the tip of the tubular portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat back frame that is provided with a pair of side frame portions that are located on both left and right sides in the seat transverse direction; an outer-side load transmitting block that is located further to an outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame than the side frame portion of the seat back frame, and that transmits an impact load that is input from a side of the vehicle body to the seat back frame; a protruding portion that protrudes from a side surface of the side frame portion on the outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame towards the outer side in the transverse direction of the seat back frame; a side airbag apparatus that is located on a front surface of the protruding portion; and an engaging portion that is formed in the outer-side load transmitting block, and that receives the protruding portion.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a wire fitting bracket that is fitted to an end portion of a connecting wire for connecting an outer tube to an inner tube and that has a bracket body and a plurality of protrusions. The bracket body is fitted to a steering column-side member with a bolt, and has a bolt insertion hole through which the bolt is passed. The protrusions protrude from the bracket body, and are arranged around an axis of the bolt insertion hole. The protrusions are formed of rotation restricting protrusions that restrict rotation of the wire fitting bracket and an erroneous fitting prevention protrusion that prevents erroneous fitting of the wire fitting bracket.

Abstract: A debris barrier for a vehicle receiver hitch with a hitch interface (such as a ball mount or clevis hitch) installed thereon includes a cross-member having a length sufficient to extend between the rear tires of an ATV/UTV. One or more fenders and/or mudguards are removably and replaceably securable to the cross-member in various configurations, with the fenders extending upwardly and the mudguards extending downwardly. The cross-member with fenders and/or mudguards is securable to a ball mount drawbar forward of the hitch ball or clevis, leaving the hitch interface functional so that, e.g., a trailer may also be secured to the vehicle. The fenders/mudguards block debris propelled backwards by the tires and guide the debris downward. The heights and left/right positions of the fenders and/or mudguards on the cross-member are adjustable, as is the forward/rearward position of the cross-member on the drawbar.

Abstract: A sheet stock having a flexible hinge area is described. The sheet stock includes a substrate having an opening and gap stiffener, and a flexible film covering the opening and defining a flexible hinge area in the region of the opening and gap stiffener covered by the film. Methods for producing sheet stock having a flexible hinge area are also described. The sheet stock may be used in printing, binding, and in other applications.

Abstract: A contamination resistant connecting system includes, a first conduit, a first connector in operable communication with the first conduit, a first seal configured to seal at least part of the first connector from an environment, a second conduit operationally connectable with the first conduit, a second connector in operable communication with the second conduit that is operationally connectable with the first connector and a second seal configured to seal at least part of the second connector from an environment. Additionally, at least one piercing device is configured to pierce through the first seal and the second seal to allow operational connection of the first conduit with the second conduit.

Abstract: A hose connection system comprises a body including an internal cavity and a port in fluid communication with a portion of the internal cavity. In addition, the system comprises a hose end fitting positioned in the cavity. The hose end fitting includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member concentrically disposed about the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial slits. Further, the system comprises a plurality of wedge members arranged circumferentially about the outer tubular member. Still further, the system comprises an annular piston movably disposed within the internal cavity of the body. An end of the piston has an inner frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the plurality of wedge members. The piston is configured to move axially through the body and compress the wedge members and the outer tubular member radially inward.

Abstract: The pipe repair coupling includes a sleeve and two seal retainers that clip to the ends of the sleeve to retain corresponding seals therein. The repair coupling is installed about a damaged section of PVC or other hard plastic pipe without the need for substantial displacement of either portion of the broken pipe or the need to dress or otherwise modify the broken ends of the pipe. A seal retainer and a seal are placed over each portion of the broken pipe, and the sleeve is slipped over one of the broken pipe portions. The two pipe portions are aligned with one another, and the sleeve is generally centered over the break. The two seal retainers are then snapped into place on the ends of the sleeve, capturing the seals between the seal retainers and corresponding seats and distending the seals to bear against the broken pipe therein.

Abstract: A threaded connection design having a double ellipse in the thread root for reducing stress fatigue is illustrated in this disclosure. The root groove includes a first portion comprising a first elliptical surface being part of a first ellipse. The root groove further includes a second portion comprising a second elliptical surface, being part of a second ellipse, and the second elliptical surface being joined tangentially at a first end to the first elliptical surface at a junction point that defines the bottom of the root groove. The second elliptical surface is joined tangentially at a second end to the load flank.

Abstract: A threaded connection including a pin member and a box member, and methods for manufacturing and forming said threaded connection. The pin member has a pin thread with a pin thread crest, a pin thread root, a pin load flank, and a pin stab flank. The box member has a box thread with a box thread crest, a box thread root, a box load flank, and a box stab flank. At least one of the pin thread crest, the pin load flank, the pin stab flank, the box thread crest, the box load flank, and the box stab flank has at least one perturbation formed thereon. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, a reduced clearance gap exists between the pin thread and the box thread at the at least one perturbation.