Abstract: An automatic card handling device, having a card handling device that includes a controller, the card handling device configured for shuffling an input set of cards and delivering an output set of cards resulting from the shuffling; and a communication module operably coupled to the controller, wherein the communication module is configured for sending and receiving information related to operation of the card handling device across a communication port configured for operable coupling to a cellular network, wherein the information related to the operation of the automatic card handling device includes information about the use of the card handling device; and wherein a factor in a usage fee for the card handling device is use of the card handling device.

Abstract: A magic cube structure includes a central core, a plurality of central blocks, a plurality of resettling devices, a plurality of elastomers, a plurality of side blocks and a plurality of corner blocks. Whereby, when one central block is rotated relative to the central core by an outer force, one central block is pressed by the corresponding resettling device and is axially moved away therefrom. Simultaneously, the recovery force of the corresponding elastomer is increased, so that a torque imposed on the central block is created; when the rotation operation is completed, the torque makes the central block fitly abutted against the corresponding resettling device. As a result, the recovery force returns to former state.

Abstract: My child educational board game, “Word Battle Simplified”, embodies a configuration requiring players to approach the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy by calling out spaces in a competition of take away so that, once all prepositioned and hidden game elements on opponents' targeted regions are found, the last player with symbol marked blocks in his or her playing field wins.

Abstract: An arrangement for sealing a propeller shaft of a marine vessel are specifically applicable in preventing oil leakage via propeller shaft sealing in cases where the draught of a marine vessel is, for some reason, reduced beyond its ordinary value.

Abstract: A piston ring for at least one of a piston of an internal combustion engine and a compressor may include at least one substantially annular metallic base having a nitrided layer. The base may include at least one chamfer and at least one outer surface that maintains contact with a layer of lubricating oil. The nitrided layer may exhibit a substantially constant thickness over at least one surface of the base and the at least one chamfer. The nitrided layer may include a nitrided diffusion layer that maintains direct contact with the layer of lubricating oil and has a residual tension ranging from +100 megapascal to ?100 megapascal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a seal assembly. The seal assembly may include a metallic seal, an insulating sleeve, and a retaining clip configured to retain the insulating sleeve relative to the metallic seal. In an embodiment, a high temperature seal assembly may include a metallic seal, an insulating sleeve encompassing the metallic seal, a plurality of retaining clips configured to retain the insulating sleeve relative to the metallic seal, and first and second modified sealing surfaces, wherein the retaining clips are configured to provide the first and second sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A metal gasket for establishing a gas and fluid-tight seal between two members and which is resistant to temperatures of greater than 430° C. and even up to 540° C. is provided. The metal gasket is made of a 200 series stainless steel which includes, by weight percentage: up to 1.0% Silicon, 3.5-5.5% Manganese, up to 0.060% Phosphorus, up to 0.030% Sulfur, 17.5-19.5% Chromium, 0.50-2.00% Molybdenum, 4.0-6.0% Nickel, 0.10-1.00% Niobium, 0.08-0.30% Nitrogen and the remainder of Iron. This particular alloy has been found to provide the gasket with very high mechanical strength, even at temperatures of up to 540° C. Additionally, due to the low nickel content of the 200 series stainless steel, the metal gasket may be made more cost-effectively than other known metal gaskets.

Abstract: A seal obstructs the migration of particulates and precipitation into a pipe fusion chamber through its pipe stick entry and pipeline exit passages. Sheets of cloth serially overlap the anticipated center axis of a pipe stick/pipeline which will pass through the machine. The outer edge of each sheet is pleated and fixed to a frame contiguous with the perimeter of the passage and the inner edge of each sheet is gathered on an elastic band. When a face of a pipe stick/pipeline pushes the sheets away from the frame, the pleats and bands cooperate to allow the inner edges of the sheets to slide over the face and hug substantially the entire outer circumference of the pipe stick/pipeline.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting device includes: a changing unit that changes relative positions of a vehicle main body and wheels of a vehicle; and a control unit that adjusts a vehicle height that is a height of the vehicle main body by controlling the changing unit to change the relative positions, in which the changing unit includes an electromagnetic valve that is provided on a circulation path of a fluid and that is adjusted to have an opening amount in accordance with supplied power and changes the relative positions as pressure of the fluid varies in accordance with the opening amount of the electromagnetic valve, and the control unit performs Pulse-Width-Modulation control on voltage applied to the electromagnetic valve so that the opening amount of the electromagnetic valve equals a desired opening amount.

Abstract: An adapter removably mounts to a stroller or other child-supporting device, and a range of different child carriers can be removably mounted to the adapter and thus the stroller. The adapter includes stroller-mounting assemblies that are compatible with the carrier-mounting assemblies of the stroller. A peripheral frame is supported by the stroller-mounting assemblies and in turn supports the selected carrier in a snugly nested arrangement. To enable use with various different carriers, the peripheral frame includes an adjustable frame member that slides backward and forward between retracted and extended positions for use with smaller and larger carriers, respectively. Lock assemblies selectively retain the adjustable frame member in position, and an actuator assembly operates the lock assemblies. A position-indicating system can provide a visual indication of the position of the adjustable frame member. And straps or other carrier-securing assemblies can restrain the carrier on the adapter.

Abstract: A jogging stroller frame with a wheels automatic flattening folding mechanism is disclosed, which includes a foldable frame, a front wheel set, a pair of rear wheel sets and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is associated with the foldable frame for pivoting the front and rear wheels about 90 degrees away from the longitudinal direction automatically during the jogging stroller frame is converting into its folded configuration for storage.

Abstract: A jogging stroller frame with a front wheel automatic flattening folding mechanism is provided with a jogging stroller frame which can be folded into a substantially flattened configuration for compact storage by an associating of a linking rod. When the foldable jogging stroller frame is folded into the substantially flattened configuration, the seat support rack shall pull the front wheel set to rotate backward about a horizontal axis to the pair of rear struts through the linking rod, thereby converting the foldable jogging stroller frame into a successively smaller size for more compact storage.

Abstract: A foldable stroller includes a linkage and an engaging mechanism; the linkage includes a slider connected to the rear frame, a pull rod connected between the slider and the upper frame, and/or between the slider and the lower frame, and struts whose middles are pivoted each other, with two ends of each strut connected to the rear frame, and the sliders connected to the struts so as to actuate the struts to pivot each other; and the engaging mechanism is formed on the rear frame to restrict a sliding motion of the slider. The structure is simple and handy, and the stroller can be folded due to the gravity of the upper and lower frames when operating the engaging mechanism, which needs small strength of the user.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an arched one-piece wheeled support chassis fixedly attached to a bag or container. The main body of the wheeled support chassis is arched or curved inwards from back to front and upwards from bottom to top. The curvilinear architecture of the wheeled support chassis provides for substantial strength and rigidity to support a bag or container and its contents while allowing the wheeled support chassis to be both thin and lightweight.

Abstract: Storage and transport of a gondola-type shelving with safety achieved by providing a wheeled cart system having shelves limiting the height of any stack of the gondola-type shelves and both vertical and horizontal guard rails which may be readily affixed or removed from the cart as necessary to enable loading and unloading of the cart and safe storage and transport of items in the cart.

Abstract: A knee walker includes a steering column rotatably attached to a forward portion of a frame, wherein the steering column includes a steering pulley rotatable about a vertically disposed axis of rotation. Two wheel assemblies are rotatably carried by the frame and have a pulley for rotating each assembly about a vertical axis. The axis of rotation of each wheel assembly is offset aft the steering column axis. A belt links rotation of the steering column to rotation of the wheel assemblies and in combination with the offset causes the belt to extend around at least half a circumference of each pulley for enhancing frictional contact. A shield guards each pulley. Mating alignment disks for aligning each assembly are provided to permit wheel alignment without affecting the belt tension. A third wheel assembly optionally extends from the column.

Abstract: A skateboard and method of forming such a skateboard is provided which yields a skateboard deck, formed in a unitary structure, of polymeric material. The deck may formed of molten, pliable, planar sheet material, which is heated past a glass transition temperature and thereafter formed for curves and shape through imparting of force on the polymeric material by molding. The resulting skateboard deck is formed as a unitary structure which can be further enhanced using flexible compressible mounts engaged in deck apertures to engage the wheels and trucks thereon. The unitary structure of polymeric material is also well suited for light transmission therethrough from light emitters which may be operatively engaged to the mounts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a torsion beam axle for a vehicle. The torsion beam axle comprises two longitudinal swing arms connected by a torsion profile and two bearing arrangements. Each bearing arrangement is configured to attach a respective longitudinal swing arm to a body of the vehicle. Each bearing arrangement has a rotational axis, and the rotational axes of the bearing arrangements run in parallel to or are aligned with one another. Each of the bearing arrangements has a bearing core, which is connected to one of the longitudinal swing arms, and at least one bearing arm which is coupled to the bearing core. The bearing arm comprises a supporting section, which is coupled to the bearing core, and an elastic bending section with a connecting region, via which the bearing arm can be at least indirectly attached to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heavy-duty trailer (10) in which at least one of the wheels (12) has a MacPherson independent wheel suspension (16). The wheel (12) can be a steered wheel, wherein the steering cylinders (94) of the steering device (40) enclose an angle (?) with the longitudinal direction (L) of the trailer. The transverse control arms (30l, 30r) can also be articulated onto the trailer frame at least in the longitudinal center plane (F) of the trailer (10).

Abstract: A striker compresses a bumper of a jounce bumper assembly. The striker includes a contact surface configured to face the bumper of the jounce bumper assembly. The striker also includes at least one ridge extending from the contact surface. The at least one ridge is engageable with the bumper for minimizing radial expansion of the bumper at the contact surface as the bumper is compressed.

Abstract: An extractable fold-down climbing aid for reaching an operator's cab or for climbing onto the walking deck of an undercarriage of a mobile device, for example a mobile crane, includes a stepladder, a holding mechanism in which the stepladder is held for transportation purposes and out of which the stepladder can be moved for use as a climbing aid, a guide for at least one end of the stepladder, which guide is formed by the holding mechanism or is connected to the holding mechanism. The guide and one end of the stepladder together form a joint in which the stepladder can be pivoted relative to the mobile device, and the stepladder is a telescoping stepladder with at least an inner and an outer slide-out element, and the holding mechanism is connected or can be connected to the mobile device.

Abstract: A rider-propelled wheeled vehicle includes a support surface for supporting a user's feet, which defines a longitudinal axis, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels associated with the support surface, a system for rotatably connecting the rear wheels to the support surface, and adapted to allow their oscillation about a first oscillation axis inclined with respect to the support surface. The rear wheels have respective first pivot axes independent of and transversally offset from each other for at least partial transfer of the propulsion exerted by the user on the support surface to such wheels and for generation of a reaction substantially parallel to the plane to thereby promote a forward motion of the structure.

Abstract: A recumbent human-powered vehicle is propelled by a reciprocating thrust motion using a linear drive mechanism connected by flexible power links to a double overrunning clutch transmission with returning springs. The vehicle has a wheel base approximately that of a conventional upright bicycle and does not utilize a crank transmission. The vehicle may be propelled with alternating, single or simultaneous leg motion with the use of pedal sliders positioned for independent pendulum-type oscillation. The linearly reciprocating pedals are rotationally linked to the transmission portion of the linear drive mechanism through a pair of flexible power links so as to transfer power from the pedals to the transmission, which includes a pair of overrunning clutches connected to the main chain axis allowing to transmit the moving force to the main chain axis. The overrunning clutches return back to idle mode with the use of returning springs.

Abstract: An interchangeable colored bicycle has a bicycle framework with a main bicycle frame component part, a handlebar stem component part, and a wheel fork component part. Clear transparent tube members enclose and circumscribe these component parts. Free-flowing, colored liquids fill the interior spaces between the tube members and the component parts. The colored liquids in each interior space are different, thus allowing the bicycle to assume multiple colors. The free-flowing liquids can be drained from the tube members and different colored liquids can be poured into the interior spaces to change the colors of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame that has upper tubes spaced apart from each other; and an inlay spaced between the upper tubes. The frame of the bicycle may further include a pair of tubes spaced apart by the upper tubes. The inlay may extend between the pair of tubes. The inlay may be comprised of wood.

Abstract: The vehicle has a first clamp unit which fixes a harness for a wheel speed sensor above an outer tube on the side on which a wheel speed sensor. The vehicle has a second clamp unit which bundles the harness and a brake hose at substantially the same height as that of the first clamp unit above an outer tube on the side on which a caliper is provided. The second clamp unit includes a harness second cramp for fixing the harness and also a harness third cramp which changes the orientation direction of the harness so as to be oriented along the brake hose. The harness and the brake hose form a swing part which is curved in the horizontal direction between the second clamp unit and a bottom bridge.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A scat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.

Abstract: System and apparatus for a linkage protector comprising a linkage arm and a shield element. The linkage arm comprises a front mounting portion rotatably coupled to the frame mount and a pair of arms depending from opposite ends of the front mounting portion. Each arm comprises a rear mounting portion coupled to a linkage mount at an end opposite the front mounting portion. The shield element depends from a lower portion of the front mounting portion at a distance from the arm and is configured to protect a lower rear suspension linkage.

Abstract: An anti-rattle device is shown and described. The anti-rattle device may include a frame configured to engage a receiver hitch and to receive a draw bar. The anti-rattle device may also include a cam engaging assembly operatively engaged with the frame, where the cam engaging assembly is selectively positionable between disengaged and engaged positions whereby the cam engaging assembly is adapted to engage the draw bar against the receiver hitch in the engaged position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and assembly for transporting a child, such as a pram and/or buggy. According to the invention the pram comprises two wheel-bearing arms which are pivotally coupled by a coupling housing. One of these arms is pivotally connected to a connector element for coupling to for instance a child's seat. The pram further comprises a transmission between the connector element and the other arm for the purpose of rotating the connector element during said pivoting of the pram from the folded-open position to the collapsed position.

Abstract: A collapsible stroller comprising a frame and a reversible seat (5) comprising an armrest portion (5.5) is provided. The reversible seat (5) is mountable via an attachment point on the stroller frame in either a forward or rearward orientation with respect to the stroller frame, and in such a way that the attachment point can be moved relative to the stroller frame for collapse of the reversible seat (5) along with the stroller frame, irrespective of the reversible seat's orientation. An associated reversible seat structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a foldable chassis for a child's pushchair comprising an inverted “U” shaped handlebar, a front legs, a rear legs, a scissor frame and two side cross members that link the front feet to the rear, and a locking compass between the rear wheels, characterised by the fact that the arm of each side of the handlebar and its corresponding front leg form a continuous assembly, where the link between the front leg and its corresponding wheel is made by an articulated section, this section being in turn articulated to the front wheel support, which is able to reduce the length in the folded frame.

Abstract: A walker device is disclosed including an overarching frame with an overarching top, and a sitting assembly coupled to the frame. The frame extends at least primarily in a first direction between a front side with at least two front wheels and a rear side with a first rear wheel. The frame includes a rear frame part and a middle frame part. The rear frame part includes a height allowing a user to walk over the rear frame part and take place on the sitting assembly. The middle frame part includes a width allowing a user to place his or her legs on either side of the middle frame part. The sitting assembly suitably includes a hinge with a saddle pad for a transition between a first state and a second state.

Abstract: A baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat includes right and left pairs of front and rear legs, a locking arrangement, and wheels. The seat has an intermediate mode in which a first leg of each pair is in its operational position whilst a second leg of that pair is in a different intermediate position. The locking arrangement locks the first leg in its operational position to the seat's support portion whilst allowing movement of the second leg between intermediate and operational positions. Alternatively/additionally, when a first leg is in its operational position, a second leg is movable between its intermediate and operational position, and the locking arrangement locks the front and rear legs of each pair to each other during movement between storage and intermediate states, and unlocks the legs from each other to allow movement of the second leg between intermediate and operational positions.

Abstract: Collapsible reusable carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small food containers to large push cart bins on casters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. All parts that make up a carrying case do not separate from the carrying case and no parts can be removed. The cases are formed from rigid plastic panels, and are assembled or disassembled without tools. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather.

Abstract: A trailer includes a first side railing with a first stand and a second stand along with a second side railing with a third stand and a fourth stand. A front railing is removably attached to the first side railing and the second side railing. The method includes joining the front railing to the first side railing and the second side railing, then raising the front railing, the first side railing, and the second side railing with the stands and then removably attaching a wheel assembly to the first side railing and the second side railing.

Abstract: A side airbag device for vehicle includes: a gas generator that is disposed in a seat cushion side part in a vehicular seat and generates a gas for inflation and deployment by actuation; and a side airbag in which the inside thereof is partitioned into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a up-down dividing tether having a connecting hole and the gas from the gas generator is supplied to the lower chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a readily-attached seat frame that has a compact periphery of a stay cloth attachment portion while maintaining a high deployment performance of an airbag. A seat frame is provided in which an airbag module is disposed in a seat back frame. The seat back frame is provided with a guide member end attachment member that locks ends of guide members for facilitating the deployment of an airbag provided in the airbag module, and the attachment positions of the guide members in the guide member end attachment member are disposed at the inside of the seat back frame in relation to the attachment position of the airbag module 6.

Abstract: A vehicle side air bag apparatus includes: a bag that is housed within a side portion outside in a seat back in a vehicle width direction and inflates and expands to a vehicle front side of the side portion by supplying gas; an up-down partition that partitions the bag into lower and upper bag portions; a right-left partition which partitions the lower bag portion into left and right chambers, to which a right-left communication port is provided and which inhibits inflation of the lower bag portion in an upper and lower direction by being extended in the inflation and expansion state; an inflator provided in the upper bag portion; and a flow regulating portion that distributes gas into one of the left and right chambers and the upper bag portion and limits gas flow from the one chambers to the upper bag portion by a check valve portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column includes an inner jacket pipe that receives a steering spindle, which is received in a longitudinally adjustable manner in an outer jacket pipe held on a steering console and having a hollow cross-section. The steering column also includes a clamping device, by means of which the inner jacket pipe can be releasably secured in its adjusted longitudinal position relative to the outer jacket pipe. The outer jacket pipe has a recess at least over a longitudinal region, whereby its hollow cross-section can be altered by the clamping device.

Abstract: A vehicle sub-frame includes a hollow body having a hollow part thereinside formed by casting using a core. The hollow body includes a front wall and a rear wall. The front wall has a front bulging section formed to bulge outward at a position corresponding to a parting line. The front bulging section is formed on a part avoiding a top wall and a bottom wall of the hollow body. The rear wall has a rear bulging section formed to bulge outward at a position corresponding to the parting line. The rear wall is formed on a part avoiding the top wall and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A seat belt lift member in cooperation with seat belts in an automotive vehicle including a vehicle seat having a seat belt well formed therein, a seat belt including two pieces of strap with a buckle attached to one end of one piece, and the buckle positioned in the seat belt well, and a seat belt lift member positioned in the seat belt well in contact with the buckle so as to raise the buckle at least partially out of the seat belt well and into an accessible orientation. The seat belt lift member is one of a pliable body positioned in and conforming to the shape of the seatbelt well and a housing positioned in the seat belt well and mounting the buckle and a release button so as to be accessible from one surface of the housing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an anti-forgery label using random protruding elements. A substrate is provided with an adhesive layer on one side and a printed layer on the other side thereof. A plurality of protruding elements is randomly disposed on the printed layer. A transparent overcoat layer is tightly bonded over the protruding elements and the printed layer to enclose and secure the protruding elements and form effective protection for the printed layer, such that the protruding elements offer a tactile sensation as well as visual identification of the distribution pattern of the protruding elements. In addition, information is provided on at least one surface of the printed layer or the overcoat layer, which, upon analysis, allows a user to connect to a default data storage device in order to obtain anti-forgery information of a product.

Abstract: An identification film and pattern having high transparency and a reflectance spectrum with respect to a particular wavelength and including photonic crystals patterned into a particular shape and an anticounterfeiting product including the same are disclosed. A highly transparent colloidal photonic crystal film is easily manufactured using photocurable colloidal suspensions. Even though a plurality of patterns (including sub-patterns) is formed in plural films, there is no reduction in optical characteristics such as transparency, reflectance spectra, and the like. Thus, a film patterned into a desired shape is manufactured and thus usability thereof is enhanced, and a plurality of reflectance spectra with various wavelength ranges is provided and thus identification capability or security is enhanced.

Abstract: Improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe) to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing. An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel provides fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to allow leak testing to be performed. The channel may be provided through the fitting itself, or alternatively through the pipe lining. Methods of fabricating or laying pipeline may incorporate use of the improved fitting whether using length-by-length construction methods or joining subsequent reel-laid or towed-in pipe lengths.

Abstract: A connector system includes a plug portion and a receiving portion. The plug portion includes a resilient retention portion at the forward end of the plug portion, a sealing member distal from the retention portion, an orientation plate rigidly connected to the plug portion, wherein the orientation plate has a frontal profile including one or more straight edges. The receiving portion includes, a hole through the receiving portion, wherein the hole has a diameter smaller than a largest diameter of the resilient retention portion, a shoulder on one side of the receiving portion that cooperates with the retention portion to fix the axial position of the plug portion in the receiving portion, a recess on the opposite side of the receiving portion, wherein the recess has a frontal shape similar to the frontal profile of the orientation plate, wherein the orientation plate fits within the recess to fix the rotational orientation of the plug portion with respect to the receiving portion.

Abstract: An injector tube assembly that includes thin foil insulation around a receiver tube and a relatively rigid housing secured to the thin foil and bearing on tube insulation while also being packed with junction insulation.

Abstract: A plug-in connection system for fluidic lines, fittings or assemblies, having a housing part and a plug part that can be plugged into a receiving opening of the housing part. A holding element on one of the coupling parts latches with a mating holding element on the other of the coupling parts. The holding element has a spreading surface that, by sliding relative to a corresponding surface of the plug part causes a spreading movement of the holding element, transversely with respect to an axis during installation. In order to improve the plug-in behavior during installation, a spreading contour of the spreading surface engages a mating contour in such a way that, while being plugged in, the spreading travel (Sw) of the holding element changes in a non-linear manner, depending on the status of installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an outer collar member of an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an outer collar body portion and an outer collar neck portion extending away from the outer collar body portion. The neck portion is arranged to be secured to a portion of flexible pipe body in a slotted position between layers of the flexible pipe body. The position is located between an outer sheath of the flexible pipe body and at least one armour layer of the flexible pipe body wherein the outer collar body portion comprises a curved inner surface region for determining a radius of curvature of wires of the armour layer bent away from an axis of the flexible pipe bodies and supported by the curved inner surface when the pipe body is mounted in the end fitting.

Abstract: A flexible conduit assembly for transmitting exhaust from a combustion engine to an atmosphere includes first and second conduits and a coupler for coupling the first and second conduits. The coupler includes a bellows, a flexible intermediate element surrounding the bellows, first and second flanges disposed over the intermediate element, and an outer insulating element surrounding the intermediate element and supported by the flanges. The coupler further includes first and second extensions coupled to the intermediate element and projecting outwardly from the intermediate element. The first extension spaces the first flange from the intermediate element to define a first air gap, and the second extension spaces the second flange from the intermediate element to define a second air gap. The first and second flanges dispose a portion of the outer element above the intermediate element to define a third air gap.