Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with a shift valve, an alternator, an auxiliary battery, a voltage sensor operable to measure an auxiliary voltage, and an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system. The ETRS system includes a controller, and also an electronic range selector device that transmits an electronic range request signal to the controller to request the shift of the transmission to a requested operating range. The controller executes a method to predict a loss of auxiliary power aboard the vehicle, and to control an action of the vehicle in response to the predicted loss of auxiliary power. The electronic range request signal is received from the range selector device and auxiliary voltage. The controller calculates a slope of a decrease in the measured auxiliary voltage. A control action is executed with the alternator is in the charging state and the calculated slope exceeds a calibrated slope threshold.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes: a power transmission device which selects a four-wheel drive state and a two-wheel drive state; a hydraulic continuously variable transmission device which includes a trunnion arm displaceable to a forward movement position, a neutral position, and a backward movement position; a pedaling operation detection unit which detects a pedaling operation for a brake pedal; and a control unit which performs a process of moving the trunnion arm to the neutral position by controlling an actuator when the pedaling operation detection unit detects the pedaling operation and which sets the operation speed of the actuator to be slow in the four-wheel drive state during the process compared to the two-wheel drive state.

Abstract: A speed ratio containment process limits the speed ratio of a variator for a CVT for a motor vehicle when rolling backward by commanding a speed ratio that is higher than the actual speed ratio in an overdrive direction. Accordingly, the actual speed ratio moves to a lowest limit, which provides maximum torque when a driver of the motor vehicle steps on the accelerator pedal to resume forward motion of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A transmission diagnostic system includes a pivotable member and an actuator. The actuator has a notch with a first side, a second side, and an opening between the two sides. The width of the opening is greater than a width of the pivotable member. The pivotable member is retained within the notch, and the actuator is configured to selectively pivot the pivotable member between an engaged position, corresponding to a PARK gear, and a disengaged position, corresponding to a gear other than PARK. The transmission diagnostic system also includes a biasing spring configured to exert a biasing torque on the pivotable member to bias the pivotable member toward the first side of the notch. The transmission diagnostic system further includes a controller configured to generate at least one diagnostic signal in response to the pivotable member not being in contact with the first side of the notch.

Abstract: A compressor head includes an upper part, a lower part, a baffle, and a gasket between the upper part and the lower part. The gasket includes an inner perimeter portion between, and substantially delineating, an upper inner mating portion and a lower inner mating portion of the compressor head. The gasket also includes an outer perimeter portion between, and substantially delineating, an upper outer mating portion and a lower outer mating portion of the compressor head. A tab extends toward the first volume in the compressor head from the inner perimeter portion. The tab cooperates with an upper ledge and a lower ledge of the compressor head to reduce vibration of the baffle between the upper part and the lower part.

Abstract: An improved gasket assembly including a core layer and at least two facing layers disposed on opposite sides of the core layer is provided. The gasket assembly further includes first and second outer layers which are made of metal and are disposed on opposite sides of the facing layers from the core layer. The core, facing and outer layers all present at least one set of axially aligned openings. The first layer is bent towards the second layer by no greater than ninety degrees at the openings to present a first outer layer flange, and the second layer is bent by no greater than ninety degrees at the openings to present a second outer layer flange. The first and second outer layer flanges are in direct contact with one another to provide a gas tight seal around the set of axially aligned openings.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A sealing ring with a dynamically loaded sealing lip having a sealing edge and a tension element for stabilizing the sealing lip in the radial direction, wherein: the tension element is arranged in a mounting groove; the mounting groove is arranged in the sealing lip on the side facing radially away from the sealing edge and has a mounting opening on the side facing radially away from the sealing edge, which opening is delimited by two guide webs arranged so as to be adjacent to each other at a spacing in the axial direction; the sealing lip is articulated, on its side facing axially away from the sealing edge, to a support member with a joint; and the sealing lip and the support member delimit, with their sides which radially face each other, a substantially C-shaped joint space which is open on one side in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical seal arrangement comprising: a rotating slide ring (2) having a first slide surface and a stationary slide ring (3) with a second slide surface which between them define a sealing gap 4, wherein the first and second slide surfaces have different hardnesses, wherein the harder slide surface has a diamond coating (20) and the softer slide surface is produced from carbon composite material, and wherein an average initial roughness Ra1 (of the diamond coating 20) is less than an average initial roughness Ra2 of the slide surface made from carbon composite material.

Abstract: A particulate exclusion mechanism for a gas lift off seal includes a band fixed to the stationary seal face and extending over the lift off region between the stationary and rotating seal faces, thereby forming an annular cavity surrounding the lift off region that traps barrier gas therein as it leaks through the lift off region and inhibits process fluid from entering the annular cavity and reaching the lift off region. The band can be made of a non-abrasive material such as PTFE or PEEK. The band can extend over the rotating seal face, and a portion of the band can be sufficiently flexible to allow the extended end of the band to constrict in diameter and contact the rotating seal face if the process pressure exceeds the barrier gas pressure. The extended end can include a thicker terminating portion that minimizes clearance with the rotating seal face.

Abstract: A valve stem connector assembly, which connects a lead screw of a globe valve actuator to a valve stem of a globe valve, includes a retainer secured to the lead screw. The retainer includes a retainer body and at least one cam rotatably secured to the retainer. The valve stem connector assembly further includes a retainer latch coupled to the lead screw and the retainer. The retainer latch is configured to move from a normally unlocked position in which the valve stem is unsecured from the lead screw and a locked position in which the retainer latch moves toward the retainer to rotate the at least one cam to secure the valve stem to the lead screw. A method of releasably securing a valve stem of a globe valve to a lead screw of a globe valve actuator is further disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide improved flush valves that are designed with improved venting features and improved inlet designs. The described venting features and inlet designs, either alone or in combination, can help prevent ingestion of waste into the interior of the valve.

Abstract: A springless diaphragm valve and associated diaphragm have increased lifting force for opening the valve. In an embodiment, the diaphragm is a diaphragm assembly of a domed diaphragm having a surface that contacts the valve seat to close the valve, and a biasing member which may also be a domed diaphragm. The diaphragm has a central portion that is attached to the biasing member, for example by a weld. The diaphragm and the biasing member may be nested together, and each may be circular and include a domed portion. The weld is preferably in a central portion of the diaphragm near the apex or geometric center of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure regulator configured to regulate a working fluid by a pilot pressure, including: a spool valve mechanism having a spool; a biasing mechanism having a pilot-pressure chamber and a pilot piston, the biasing mechanism being configured to bias the spool toward the other end of the pressure regulator in its axial direction by a pressure of the working fluid in the pilot-pressure chamber; a counter biasing mechanism having a regulated-pressure chamber and a counter biasing piston, the counter biasing mechanism being configured to bias the spool toward one end of the pressure regulator in the axial direction by a pressure of the working fluid in the regulated-pressure chamber; and at least one of a first damping mechanism configured to damp a movement of the pilot piston and a second damping mechanism configured to damp a movement of the counter biasing piston.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic valve for a vehicle that includes a valve housing that has an intake hole in an intake unit at one end, an exhaust hole and a relief hole in an exhaust unit at another end, and a channel through which air flows therein. An intake plunger selectively opens and closes the intake hole by sliding in the channel of the valve housing. A relief plunger selectively opens and closes the relief hole by sliding in the channel of the valve housing. An intake coil is disposed outside the valve housing and slides the intake plunger using an electromagnetic force; and a relief coil is disposed outside the valve housing and slides the relief plunger using an electromagnetic force.

Abstract: A check valve comprising a valve housing having an input opening and an output opening, a first sealing mechanism disposed in the valve housing, said first sealing mechanism having a valve head coupled with an overmold layer, a second sealing mechanism disposed in the valve housing, said second sealing mechanism having a seal coupled with a seal retainer, and a compression device coupled with the first and second sealing mechanisms, wherein said compression device is configured to exert a force on the first and second sealing mechanisms.

Abstract: A timing valve includes a moveable piston that has a solid end face at a first end that includes an orifice, an open second end, and side walls that define an enclosed space, a stepped region on an outer surface of the piston, complementary stepped region on an inner surface of a hollow body containing the piston, and an annulus that extends toward the second end defined by a space between the outer surface of the piston and the inner surface of the hollow body. Fluid flowing through the orifice pushes the piston into an open position that forms a space between the stepped and complementary stepped regions that fills with fluid seeping in through the annulus. When pressure on the piston falls below a threshold, the return of the piston to a closed position is slowed by expelling fluid from the space between the stepped and complementary stepped regions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tilting disc check valve, which includes a left valve body (1), a right valve body (2), a large valve plate (3), a small valve plate (4) and a diaphragm control group (5), wherein the left valve body (1) and the right valve body (2) are butted into a whole through oblique openings; the oblique openings are inclined in a manner that upper parts are inclined towards the right valve body (2); the diaphragm control group (5) is arranged on the left valve body (1); the large valve plate (3) is arranged along the oblique openings; the large valve plate (3) is positioned in a valve cavity formed by the left valve body (1) and the right valve body (2); the large valve plate (3) is suspended on shaft holes of the left valve body (3) through valve shafts (6); the small valve plate (4) is connected with the diaphragm control group (5); and the small valve plate (4) is mounted at a slow closing valve port of the large valve plate (3) through a small valve plate pin shaft (7).

Abstract: A relief valve monitoring system and method can monitor the pressure in a pressure vessel in an ammonia refrigeration system and warn of an impending overpressure condition and a possible subsequent ammonia release event through a pressure relief valve. If a pressure relief valve opens, the relief valve monitoring system and method can identify the relief valve that has opened by monitoring the downstream pressure of the relief valve, accurately determine the amount of ammonia refrigerant that has been released into a common collection header, and purge the common collection header of residual ammonia after the ammonia release event has ended.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly includes an actuating assembly, a relief valve, and a check valve. The actuating assembly includes a housing forming a cylinder, and a pilot piston within the cylinder. The relief valve includes a housing forming opposed first and second blind bores, a relief valve piston within the first bore and carrying a relief valve member, and a first spring acting between the pilot piston and the relief valve piston to bias the relief valve member toward a valve seat to close the valve seat. A pilot pressure is selectively applied to move the pilot piston toward the first spring to selectively increase the relief pressure of the relief valve from a first relief pressure to a second relief pressure. The check valve includes a check valve member within the second blind bore, a second spring biasing the check valve member away the second blind bore.

Abstract: A pressure regulator configured to regulate a pressure of a working fluid by two pilot pressures, including: a spool valve mechanism having a spool; a first biasing mechanism configured to bias the spool toward the other end of the pressure regulator in its axial direction by a first pilot pressure in a first-pilot-pressure chamber, a second biasing mechanism configured to bias the spool toward the other end of the pressure regulator by a second pilot pressure in a second-pilot-pressure chamber; and a counter biasing mechanism configured to bias the spool toward one end of the pressure regulator by a pressure of the working fluid in a regulated-pressure chamber, wherein the counter biasing mechanism has a counter biasing piston configured to push the spool toward the one end of the pressure regulator by the pressure of the working fluid in the regulated-pressure chamber applied to the counter biasing piston.

Abstract: A valve of a hydraulically striking device having a housing, the housing having a moving member being seated inside the housing to move in a reciprocating manner by means of a hydraulic fluid. The moving member has an inner space, the housing has at least a first abutment surface abutting the moving member, the first abutment surface of the housing has a first surface located in a radial inner portion of the first abutment surface, wherein the first surface is arranged in fluid communication with the inner space, and a second surface located in a radial outer portion of the first abutment surface, wherein the second surface is arranged to form a sealing surface.

Abstract: An electrically controlled valve (10) includes a shaft (36), a piezoelectric motor (34) affixed to an end of the shaft (36), a controller (54), a follower (42), a valve member (40), and a valve seat (28). The piezoelectric motor (34) drives the shaft with a first direction and a second opposite direction. The controller (54) provides power to the piezoelectric motor (34) to move the shaft with a first speed and a second speed, the first speed being faster that the second speed. The follower (42) receives the shaft (36), and slides relative to the shaft in response to the shaft moving with the first speed, and grips and moves with the shaft in response to the moving with the second speed and includes a valve member (40). The valve member (40) moves with the follower (42). The valve member (40) is configured to be moved by the follower (42) against the valve seat (28) to restrict fluid flow and to be moved by the follower (42) away from the valve seat to increase the fluid flow.

Abstract: An actuator unit for a fuel injection valve of a vehicle internal combustion engine. The actuator unit includes an electronic component formed as a stack. The component includes a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of material layers which are arranged alternately and react to the application of an electric field. The component also has two outer electrodes electrically connected to respective electrode layers on at least one circumferential side of the component. Additionally, the actuator unit has a piezoelectric sensor coupled to the component in a force-fitting manner, in the stroke direction of the component. When the component is in operation, the sensor detects a force generated by the component, as a voltage or charge between two electrodes arranged on opposing end faces, of a sensor element. The electrodes are deposited from an electrically conductive material directly onto at least the end faces of the sensor element.

Abstract: An electrically drivable valve for controlling volumetric flows in a heating and/or cooling system of a motor vehicle, including a housing, from which at least two channels, preferable an inlet channel and an outlet channel, branch off, wherein a disk-shaped valve body is arranged in the housing, which valve body can be rotated about an axis of a drive shaft and has a control contour. For a valve that is simple to produce in regard to the design of the valve, the single control contour of the valve body controls a bypass circuit and a cooler circuit of the heating and/or cooling system.

Abstract: An actuating device for displacing a control device, such as a valve, gate valve, or the like, particularly for use in oil or gas production systems. The actuating device includes at least one torque motor having an electric drive and a thread drive that is rotatable by the electric drive. The actuating device also includes a threaded spindle, a screw nut, a torque control/regulation device, and a position detection device. The threaded spindle is axially displaceable to displace the control device between an advanced position and a retracted position. The torque motor is connected to the threaded spindle or screw nut in a rotationally-fixed manner and the position detection device is assigned to the threaded spindle and screw nut, respectively, to determine the axial position thereof.

Abstract: An electric valve actuator, including a power output member having a first engagement section; a rod member fixedly disposed on the power output member; a first transmission member pivotally disposed on the power output member and having a second engagement section and a first worm gear section; a second transmission member pivotally disposed on the rod member and having a shaft body section and an eccentric shaft section; a third transmission member pivotally disposed on the eccentric shaft section and having a third engagement section, a lower section of the third engagement section being engaged with the first engagement section, an upper section being engaged with the second engagement section; a fourth transmission member fixedly disposed on the shaft body section and having a second worm gear section; a first worm engaged with the first worm gear section; and a second worm engaged with the second worm gear section.

Abstract: An emergency shut-off valve assembly includes a valve having a closure assembly that includes a closure member coupled to an arm that rotates about a shaft. The valve assembly also includes an actuation assembly having a securement member coupled to the shaft; and an electromagnet adapted to generate a first magnetic force in a first state and a second magnetic force in a second state. In the first state, a contact surface of the securement member is in contact with and magnetically coupled to a contact surface of the electromagnet such that the closure member, the arm, and the shaft are maintained in the first open position against a rotational force provided by a biasing member. In the second state, the closure member, the arm, and the shaft are rotated into the second closed position by the rotational force provided by the biasing member.

Abstract: A single use valve structured to allow only one fluid or gas or powder filling or extraction operation of a container such that neither a subsequent refilling nor a subsequent extraction operation can be performed. The single use valve may be used for extraction of ink from, or filling of ink to, a security ink container.

Abstract: A plate is adapted for use in a microvalve and includes a displaceable member configured for movement between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member prevents fluid communication through the microvalve, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not prevent fluid communication through the microvalve. The displaceable member includes an elongated arm portion, a plurality of actuator ribs connected through a central spine to the elongated arm portion, and a hinge portion. The actuator ribs have a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first portion connected to the central spine, the second portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the second portion connected to the central spine. A channel is formed in the plate. A plurality of elongated openings are formed in the plate and define the actuator ribs, each elongated opening having longitudinally extending side edges.

Abstract: A conduit hanger includes a base. At least one carrier extends from the base. The carrier(s) define a retaining formation in which a respective conduit can be received. The base and the carrier(s) are formed from at least one flat sheet of material. At least one obstruction member is mounted on one of the base and the, or each respective, carrier and is displaceable between an inoperative position in which the conduit can be removed from the respective carrier and an operative position in which the conduit is retained in the respective carrier with the obstruction member.

Abstract: A clip assembly is configured to securely connect a tubular member to a structure. The clip assembly may include a base connected to first and second lateral walls, and a tube cradle connected to the base and the lateral walls. The tube cradle defines a tube-receiving channel configured to receive the tubular member. First and second tube-retaining locking arms are configured to securely retain the tubular member within the tube-receiving channel. The first and second tube-retaining locking arms are configured to flex toward the first and second lateral walls, respectively, as the tubular member is inserted into the tube-receiving channel. The first and second tube-retaining locking arms securely connect to the first and second lateral walls, respectively, when the tubular member is received within the tube-receiving channel to securely retain the tubular member within the tube-receiving channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at at least one location on the flexible pipe.

Abstract: Conduit support assemblies of the present disclosure can include: a rim configured to encompass a plurality of conduit; a plurality of brackets above the rim and extending toward the center of the rim, each of the brackets having a curved opening configured to receive one of the plurality of conduit; and a center cap configured to couple with the plurality of brackets. Conduit support assemblies may also include: a hub defining a plurality of recesses between extensions emanating from a center of the hub, each of the recesses defining an arcuate portion proximate the center of the hub and opposing linear portions extending toward an outward perimeter of the hub; and a plurality of brackets above the hub and extending toward the center of the hub, each of the brackets having a curved opening wherein when coupled to the hub form a complete circular opening configured to embrace conduit. These assemblies can be used to form other assemblies.

Abstract: A device for filling or creating a void within a construction medium. The device has a body having at least one inflatable body portion. Each inflatable body portion has one or more inflatable cavities. There is at least one valve member fluidly connected to the one or more inflatable cavity to control flow of fluid into and inflate said cavity. In-use, the one or more cavities are shaped to substantially fill or create the void in a construction medium when in an inflated state.

Abstract: Method and article of manufacture are disclosed for on-site manufacturing of any length, any shape, size, and any thickness pipe. Sheets of materials fulfilling the requirements of the inner surface of the pipe is first wrapped around a mandrel of a desired size and cross-section to form a pipe-liner. As described, the pipe-liner can also be manufactured by spraying fast-setting materials on the mandrel or injecting desired materials into a form surrounding the mandrel. Afterwards, fabrics saturated with resin are wrapped around the manufactured pipe-liner. Completed pipe section is partially pushed off the mandrel and another similar partial pipe is manufactured around the mandrel as a continuation of the previous partial pipe section. This process is repeated to manufacture a seamless pipe of any desired length. Disclosed pipes eliminate almost all weaknesses of plastic, metal, and concrete pipes and noticeably reduce costs of transportation and manufacturing.

Abstract: A press-on fitting for tubing, piping and conduit is provided with an abutment seal to enhance liquid-tight and gas-tight performance, unitary seals to facilitate removal and installation of the seals, and a color-coded hand-manipulable retention cap to allow for tool-less removal and replacement of the collet to allow for ease of withdrawal of an installed tubing, pipe, or conduit, and to allow for color coding of the retention cap to indicate contents, pressure, safety, temperature, etc.

Abstract: A pipe for simultaneously retaining a first pipe to a first port and a second pipe to a second port includes a first yoke for receiving the first pipe and the first port to retain the first pipe to the first port; a second yoke for receiving the second pipe and the second port to retain the second pipe to the second port; and a hinge joining the first yoke to the second yoke such that the hinge allows the first yoke to pivot relative to the second yoke about a hinge axis between 1) a disassembled position which allows removal of the pipe retainer from the first pipe, the first port, the second pipe, and the second port and 2) an assembled position which prevents removal of the pipe retainer from the first pipe, the first port, the second pipe, and the second port.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a pressure detector that is such that the pressure detector is attached in an airtight manner within an insertion hole of an attachment tool main body attached to a mechanical device or pipelines, with a pipe, a gasket presser, a gasket, a split ring, and a bonnet. The configuration is such that the gasket presser and the split ring are inserted into the insertion hole of the attachment tool main body, the bonnet is inserted into the insertion hole, the bonnet is fastened to the attachment tool main body side, the gasket presser and the gasket are pressed by the split ring, and sealing portions are formed between the bottom surface of the insertion hole and one end surface of the gasket and between the tip end surface of the gasket restraint and the other end surface of the gasket.

Abstract: A reusable clamp for retaining conduit sections or sanitary fittings having circular flanges together includes two gland members movable between open and closed positions. The gland members include two handles projecting outwardly from the gland members and two sets of locking detents formed on a latch finger connected to one gland member and the outer periphery of the other gland member. The locking detents engage to prevent movement of the gland members away from the closed position until a latch release arm coupled to the latch finger is depressed towards one of the handles, which causes the locking detents to disengage from one another and enables re-opening of the clamp when desired. The latch release arm and one or more of the handles also include tie-receiving loops to prevent accidental opening of the clamp unless desired by the end user.

Abstract: A connector adapted to form a fluid tight connection includes first and second housing sections defining a fluid path. A locking element is configured to selectively lock the first and second housing sections together. A slide seal is positioned generally between the first and second housing sections and is movable between a first, blocking position in which the slide seal blocks and seals the fluid path and a second, unblocking position in which the fluid path is unblocked.

Abstract: A seal ring, a method of providing a fluid seal and end fitting are disclosed. The seal ring which provides a fluid seal between a polymer layer and an end fitting of a flexible pipe comprises an annular body that has a cross section comprising a first arm portion (500) and further arm portion (510) extending in a spaced apart relationship away from a body end portion (530).

Abstract: A free-floating load ring for assembly into a flexible coupling having a convoluted bellows and a surrounding mesh sleeve, said ring captured by said sleeve at an end of said coupling and spacing said sleeve from said bellows when forces are applied to said coupling. Various ring alternate structures are disclosed, and can be added to existing non-load supporting or flexible couplings having no previous rings. The load ring is retained in place by engagement of coupling components with the ring without physical connection of the ring to any coupling component.

Abstract: A lock (10) for a tubular connection, blocked axially in a first tubular element and defining an axial opening (14) receiving a second tubular element provided with a circular collar, said lock (10) comprising elastically deformable cradles provided with inside bevels (13) designed so that, while the second tubular element is axially engaged, they move radially apart under the effect of the axial pressure of the circular collar, allow same to pass through, and then move back in to clamp behind the circular collar and to co-operate therewith to lock the second tubular element axially in the first tubular element. Each cradle (11) is provided with a raised axial ridge (15) with a width (l) less than the width (L) of the cradle (11), and is intended during the axial engagement, to receive the axial thrust from the circular collar. A tubular connector is obtained with such a lock (10).

Abstract: A temporary night pipe cap is disclosed. The pipe cap has a gasket, a plate, a pressure relief valve and a plurality of high pressure clamps. The system is removably installed over a water pipe opening at street level or in the ground so that water pressure can be restored for the time period when work on the water pipe ends for the day.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing inner sleeve for insertion into pipes in order to seal leaks therein. Said sealing inner sleeve has a locking device allowing an increase in the diameter of the sealing inner sleeve, but blocking same in the opposite direction, the sealing inner sleeve having two end sections and an intermediate section connecting said end sections to form a contiguous component.

Abstract: An accumulator (100) includes: a housing (110) having an injection opening (112b) into which pressure gas is injected. A gas plug (150) seals the pressure gas in the housing (110). The housing (110) includes: a concave portion to which the gas plug (150) is fitted, and to which the gas plug (150) is welded with the welding portion (151) being melted on its bottom surface (110a). An inclined surface (110c) that extends from an edge portion of the concave portion toward an outside of the housing (110) such that a distance from a center of the injection opening (112b) increases, and the gas plug (150) includes a flange (152) which makes contact with the inclined surface (110c).

Abstract: A stand includes a base, a first tube coupled to the base and extending therefrom, the first tube defining a first bore having an opening at an end of the tube opposite the base, and a second tube, a portion of which is received in the first bore such that the second tube and the first tube form a telescoping relationship, the second tube comprising a first section and a second section, the first section and second section being connected via a clutch, the clutch being configured to enable articulation of the second section relative to the first section about the clutch. The clutch has an outer cross section that is configured to be received in the first bore when the first section is coaxial with the second section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.

Abstract: A device that can be removable secured inside a metal stud at a construction site is described. The device can include a securement device such as a hook that can hang/support tools at the job site such as electrical cords. Installing the inexpensive hanging device at a desired elevation in a few seconds can improve safety at a construction site and can protect tools from damage due to placement on the floor or on an unstable perch.