Abstract: A hydraulic control device of an automatic transmission configured such that: a first gear stage is formed by engagement of an LR brake and a low clutch; a third gear stage by engagement of the low clutch and an R35 brake; and a reverse gear stage by engagement of the LR brake and the R35 brake. The hydraulic control device includes a cut valve configured to be switched between a first state where a source pressure port of a third linear solenoid valve (SV) configured to control an oil pressure supplied to the R35 brake is connected to an oil pressure source and a second state where the pressure is discharged from the port. The cut valve becomes the second state when the third gear stage is shifted to the first gear stage, and the oil pressure supplied to the low clutch is less than a predetermined oil pressure.

Abstract: In a method for operating a transmission device, a pressure test is carried out when switching from a standby mode to a power saving mode. When executing the pressure test the gear selector valves of the gear selectors of the transmission device are activated to assume their neutral position, and a shifting valve is activated to assume an operating position in which a flow connection between a common feed line for the gear selectors and a pressure source is cut. Subsequently, the gear selector valve of at least one of the gear selectors is activated to assume a shift position, and a position of the gear selector piston of the at least one gear selector is determined over a specific time period. The presence of a malfunction of the shifting valve is recognized when the position of the gear selector piston changes during the specific time period.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes a torque converter including a lockup clutch, and a lockup controller configured to controllably move the lockup clutch from a released state in an engagement direction when the vehicle has just started. The apparatus further includes a rolling-down sensor configured to sense whether or not the vehicle that has just started has rolled down, and a lockup retarder configured to retard the movement of the lockup clutch in the engagement direction if the vehicle is sensed to have rolled down.

Abstract: A gear-shifting mechanism driving device for allowing a speedy and accurate gear-shifting operation has a light weight even in the case where a shift spindle is short. The gear-shifting mechanism driving device includes a transmission for selectively establishing a gear combination by the turning of a shift spindle for turning a master arm, and an actuator as a power source for turning the shift spindle, in which the gear-shifting mechanism driving device includes a reduction gear shaft provided in a power transmission path between the actuator and the shift spindle, a first gear provided on one end side of the reduction gear shaft to receive power from the actuator side, and a second gear provided on another end side of the reduction gear shaft to transmit power to the shift spindle side. The reduction gear shaft is made of a torsion bar.

Abstract: A shift drum angle detecting device for a transmission includes shift forks, a shift drum, a first sensor shaft, a first angle sensor, a speed increasing mechanism, and a second angle sensor. The first angle sensor is to detect a rotational angle of the first sensor shaft to output a first output value based on the rotational angle. The speed increasing mechanism includes a speed increasing drive member, a speed increasing driven member, and a second sensor shaft. The second angle sensor is provided to the second sensor shaft to detect a rotational angle of the second sensor shaft and to output a second output value based on the rotational angle. A rotational angle of the shift drum is to be detected based on the first output value output from the first angle sensor and the second output value output from the second angle sensor.

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle transmission in which a first transmission path including a first transmission mechanism that is able to continuously change its speed ratio and a second transmission path including a second transmission mechanism having a set speed ratio different from that of the first transmission mechanism are provided in parallel with each other between an input shaft to which torque is input from a driving force source of a vehicle and an output shaft that outputs torque to an output member, the vehicle transmission carrying out transmission of power between the input shaft and the output shaft via one of the first transmission path and the second transmission path, includes: performing means for carrying out a change shift for changing a path of the transmission of power between the first transmission path and the second transmission path by engaging a predetermined clutch mechanism; and setting means for setting a change speed ratio region that defines a range of a speed ratio of the first t

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for sealing the sliding interface between two objects capable of sliding or moving with respect to one another, but where the sliding interface must provide a substantial seal against pressure loss therethrough, such as where an assembly seals the sliding interface between a piston and a cylinder or between a rod and a bushing. The sliding interface includes a seal located in a seal groove, wherein the seal ring height is less than the height of the seal groove and the inner diameter of the seal is greater than the base of the groove. In one aspect, the difference in height is set by a shim and a piece of material of the same height as that of the seal ring.

Abstract: A metal gasket made of soft, malleable metals such as aluminum, copper, or shape memory metals formed with specified deformable geometric features that enable the gasket to form ultra high vacuum or ultra high purity hermetic seals with very low permeation. These features permit a simple shape that may be used in unique grooves, conventional elastomeric o-ring grooves, or independently.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to continuous gaskets, and particularly to continuous gaskets having at least one joint. Embodiments include continuously jointed gaskets exhibiting exceptional sealing performance against dust and water comparable to seamless molded gaskets. Other embodiments of the disclosure are directed to continuous gaskets having at least one bend groove adapted to form a desired bending angle. The bend groove can have a particular profile that enhances the bent characteristics.

Abstract: The use of externally-pressurized porous media in shaft sealing for turbomachinery is provided for single seals, tandem seals, double-opposed seals, and a ventless seal. These arrangements provide for significant benefits, such as the following: (a) external pressurization allows frozen seal faces to lift open before rotation, (b) pressure is distributed uniformly across the seal face, as opposed to allowing leakage to pass over it, (c) low flow rates of injected gas are possible, (d) the seal faces are self-defending due to the uniform pressure in the gap, and (e) complete elimination of venting process gas is possible. By employing externally-pressurized porous media sealing, a drastic simplification of seal design, as well as gas treatment and seal panel design, is possible.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a diaphragm air seal providing a seal between a cylindrical housing, such as an axle box, and a cylindrical body, such as a fraction motor, disposed within the cylindrical housing. The diaphragm air seal may include a first flange having a first sealing surface sealingly engaging the cylindrical housing, a second flange having a second sealing surface sealingly engaging the traction motor, and an air seal body extending between the flanges. The air seal body may be formed from an elastomeric material and have an S-shaped transverse cross-section. An assembly may include the diaphragm air seal and may further include an air seal weldment having a radial weldment flange and an axial weldment flange extending axially outwardly from the radial weldment flange so that the first flange of the diaphragm air seal may be disposed on and sealingly engaging the radial weldment flange.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly comprises a hollow nozzle body having a central bore and a plurality of ports extending through the body from the central bore; and a switching valve cartridge disposed in the central bore that directs fluid flow to ports upon application of fluid flow above a predetermined threshold to the inlet and direct fluid flow to different ports upon fluid flow having subsequently dropped below the predetermined threshold and then exceeding the predetermined threshold. The cartridge comprises a cylindrical cartridge case having a front portion and a cup shaped rear portion, a cylindrical poppet slidably disposed within the cup shaped rear portion of the cartridge case, and a biasing member within the cartridge case between the front portion of the case and the poppet urging the poppet away from the front portion of the cartridge case.

Abstract: In a pressure reducing valve, a piston is disposed in a piston slide hole of a body so as to be displaceable along an axial direction thereof. An o-ring is disposed through a second annular groove on an outer circumferential surface of the piston. First and second wear rings are disposed respectively in first and third annular grooves, which are distanced from the second annular groove respectively above and below with respect to the second annular groove. A distance along the axial direction between the first annular groove or the first wear ring and the second annular groove or the o-ring, and a distance along the axial direction between the third annular groove or the second wear ring and the second annular groove or the o-ring are set, respectively, to be greater than a stroke distance of the piston along the axial direction.

Abstract: A piping component comprising a pipe member comprising a body section, a proximal section having a proximal opening, and a distal section having a distal opening, wherein the proximal and distal openings are in communication with one another to permit fluid to flow through the body section. The piping component further comprises a barrel valve adapted to be positioned at least partially within the body section comprising a barrel member and a rotation member connected to the barrel member. A bore is formed In the barrel member, When the barrel member is in a first orientation, the bore is aligned to permit fluid flow through the body section. When the barrel member is in a second orientation, the bore is aligned to prevent fluid flow through the body section.

Abstract: There is described a diaphragm valve (10) comprising a housing (12) which includes at least two fluid openings (22, 24, 26), at least one valve seat (28, 30), a valve element (32), and at least one actuator (38). The actuator (38) is an electroactive polymer actuator which is able to shift the valve element (32) in order to release and/or close the at least one valve seat (28, 30).

Abstract: A water output converter includes a valve body and a valve cock. In the valve body is provided with a first water route and a second water route, while one of the two routes is switched to open or close through the valve cock. Water output of the second water route is controlled through an outside connected switch. The position of the valve cock is adjusted by the outside connected switch through feedback of water pressure in the second water route. When the outside connected switch is switched off, the valve cock is pushed to move upward by the water pressure in the second water route, to open the first water route. When the outside connected switch is switched on, the valve cock is pushed to move downward by the water pressure in the second water route, to close the first water route.

Abstract: A hydraulic cartridge valve includes a sleeve with a longitudinal bore that forms a working port via an end opening. A plunger is accommodated for linear motion in the longitudinal bore. The sleeve is penetrated in an inlet port region by a first radial bore that extends radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hydraulic cartridge valve. The sleeve is penetrated in a return port region by a second radial bore that extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis. A first fluid flow path extends from the inlet port to the working port and a second fluid flow path extends from the working port to the return port. The plunger has third and fourth radial bores that extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis and form part of the first and second fluid flow paths, respectively.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing, in which a first valve body is accommodated so that it is moveable in a direction of a longitudinal axis, a first valve seat configured to be closed by the first valve body and arranged on the housing, a first fluid flow path extending from a first connection via the first valve seat to a second connection, a second valve seat closeable by a moveable second valve body, the second valve body formed separately from the first valve body, a second fluid flow path extending from the first connection via a bypass duct in the first valve body, onwards via the second valve seat to the second connection, so that pressure at the first connection is limited upwardly by the first and the second valve body in that hydraulic fluid is led to the second connection via the first fluid flow path.

Abstract: A pressure relief device used in a water purifier for ejecting abnormal water pressure is disclosed. The device includes a T-shaped tube composed of a connecting tube and a valve tube. The connecting tube has a main channel. The valve tube is formed with a connecting hole communicating with the main channel and an inner hole communicating with the connecting hole. The connecting hole is less than the inner hole in diameter to form a step therebetween. A plug is fastened to an outer end of the valve tube and has a trough therein. The trough communicates with the inner hole. A ball is placed in the inner hole on the step to normally bung the connecting hole. A compression spring is placed in the inner hole and clamped between the ball and the plug to elastically push the ball.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a safety shutoff valve generally comprise a valve lever coupled to a pipe, a shifting mechanism coupled to the valve lever, which causes the valve lever to be biased to move to and stay in the closed position, a release bar to hold the valve lever in the open position, a release mechanism, and an actuator. The actuator is a nickel-titanium alloy wire. The release bar holds the valve lever in the open position, the release bar being held in place by the release mechanism coupled to it. The release mechanism is coupled to nickel-titanium alloy wire, which extends along the pipe away from the valve apparatus. When heated, by a fire, for example, the nickel-titanium alloy wire contracts, pulls the release mechanism away from the release bar, and allows the valve lever to automatically move to and remain in the closed position, cutting off the flow of oil, or other fire fuel, to the fire.

Abstract: A rotary valve comprising a rotor shaft support assembly for maintaining a rotor shaft 5 in a level orientation when the rotor shaft is supported at a single end only. The rotor shaft support assembly (101) comprises a removable casing end plate (102) and a bearing assembly (106) for supporting an end portion of the rotor shaft (104) inserted into the rotor shaft support assembly (101) and through a rotor shaft aperture (105) of the removable casing end plate (102), and is adjustable to correct any deviation of 10 the pitch of the rotor shaft (104) from a level orientation relative to the removable casing end plate (102) when the rotor shaft (104) is supported at a single end only by the rotor shaft support assembly (101) with the inserted end portion of the rotor shaft (104) supported within the removable casing end plate (102) and the bearing assembly (106).

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve comprises a yoke, a magnet having pole pieces defining a gap, a flexure assembly having one end attached to the yoke such that part of the flexure assembly extends into the gap, and a mechanism configured to polarize the magnetizable portion so that the extending part of the flexure assembly is attracted towards a pole piece by a magnetic force, thereby defining a valve state. The flexure assembly has at least one resilient portion and at least one magnetizable portion, wherein the extending part of the flexure assembly is movable between the pole pieces through an intermediate position towards which it is resiliently biased such that a resilient mechanical force is generated by deflecting the resilient portion from an undeflected position. The magnetizable portion and the resilient portion are configured such that the magnetic force defining the valve state is greater than the resilient mechanical force.

Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve includes: a casing main body having a valve chamber and a connecting hole to connect the valve chamber to the exterior of the fuel tank; a cover which has a pipe passageway which communicates with the exterior and which is connected to the connecting hole; a bottom member which has an induction chamber which has an opening portion through which liquid fuel and fuel vapor are allowed to flow and a distribution hole which communicates with the valve chamber; and a float configured to ascend and descend according to a fuel level in the fuel tank to close and open the connecting hole, wherein the bottom member has a guiding plate in the induction chamber, the guiding plate being formed into a shape of a recess portion which is oriented towards the opening portion in an axial section.

Abstract: An anti-freeze faucet includes a receptacle having a valve seat, a housing engaged onto the receptacle and having a mouth piece, a cap attached to the mouth piece and having a non-circular inner peripheral portion, a stem rotatably engaged in the cap and having a threaded shank, a non-circular follower engaged in the cap and slidably engaged with the non-circular inner peripheral portion of the cap for guiding and limiting the follower to move longitudinally relative to the cap only and for preventing the follower from being rotated relative to the cap, and the follower includes an inner thread for threading with the threaded shank of the stem, a rod and a valve piece are attached to the follower for engaging with the valve seat of the receptacle.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve housing, a plurality of valves located within the valve housing, and a moveable member that is configured to move within the housing, the moveable member including a plurality of cam extensions. As the moveable member moves (e.g., rotates), the cam extensions interact against the valves to open and close the valves in a prescribed order. The control valve may be controlled to inflate a zoned object. The valves may include at least two zone valves for communicating pressurized air into the object, and a vent valve for venting the object via the zone valves. At any given position of the moveable member, the cam extensions are positioned to one of: opening one of the zone valves, opening one of the zone valves and the vent valve, or maintaining all of the valves closed. The rotating member may be a cylindrical cam shaft with radially extending cams.

Abstract: Axial fluid valves having annular flow control members are described herein. An example axial fluid valve described herein includes an axial flow valve body defining a passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The example axial fluid valve includes a sleeve slidably received by an inner surface of the axial flow valve body and movable along an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the passageway. The example axial fluid valve includes a linkage or a gear operatively connected to the sleeve to move the sleeve to vary a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet through the sleeve.

Abstract: Provided are a valve device free of changes in the position of the valve member caused by external force and fluid pressure, and a lock device for the valve device. The lock device has a tubular member fitted to the rotating part of the valve device so that the member is movable along the axis of the rotating part in both directions, wherein the member has a protrusion on its inner circumferential face along its axis, and the protrusion engages with or disengages from recesses in an outer circumferential face of a holder of the rotating part formed along its axis when the member moves in either direction; or the member has recesses in its inner circumferential face formed along its axis, and the recesses engage with or disengage from a protrusion on the outer circumferential face of the holder along its axis when the member moves in either direction.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating pressure inside a vehicle (“cabin pressure”) is disclosed. The system can include a forward gate and an aft gate that can be moved from a closed position to an open position to release cabin pressure in a controlled manner. The forward gate, the aft gate, or both can comprise an interior cavity and one or more permeable surfaces. When open, or partially open, an airflow can be created by a pressure differential between the cabin pressure and the pressure outside the vehicle (“atmospheric pressure”). At least a portion of the airflow can flow through the one or more permeable surfaces and the hollow cavity of the forward gate, the aft gate, or both to promote laminar flow through the gates and into the atmosphere alongside the vehicle (e.g., an aircraft fuselage). In this manner, flow efficiency can be increased and noise reduced.

Abstract: A pipe laying machine is disclosed. The example pipe laying machine includes a platform configured to move continuously relative to the ground and a pipe connector section configured to slide along a portion of length of the platform relative to the platform. The pipe connector section includes an upstream stopper and a downstream pipe connector section configured to slide along a portion of a length of the pipe connector section relative to the pipe connector section. The upstream stopper is configured to prevent a bell mouth of a bell end of an upstream pipe from passing through. The downstream pipe connector section includes a downstream clamp, which is configured to grip a spigot end of a downstream pipe. The downstream pipe connector section is configured to slide toward the upstream pipe to connect the upstream pipe with the downstream pipe.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe laying machine for glued or gasketed piped is disclosed. The example pipe laying machine includes a platform including a first end and a second end. The pipe laying machine also includes a clamp configured to grip a portion of a bell end of an upstream pipe to prevent the upstream pipe from moving, a spigot end of the upstream pipe being connected to a second upstream pipe. The pipe laying machine further includes a plunger located adjacent to the second end of the platform and configured to push against a bell end of a downstream pipe causing a spigot end of the downstream pipe to connect to the bell end of the upstream pipe. The plunger is configured to push against the face of the bell end of the downstream pipe when the clamp grips the portion of the bell end of the upstream pipe.

Abstract: A method of repairing a length of pipeline which has experienced a wet buckle during deployment is disclosed. The method includes: severing the pipeline at locations which are spaced apart on opposite sides of a buckle and removing the buckled section to leave spaced severed ends; locating a pipeline pig in a pig deployment device; releasably coupling a pig insertion member of the pig deployment device to the pig; releasably coupling the pig deployment device to one of the severed ends; operating the pig deployment device to cause the pig insertion member to translate the pig out of the deployment device and into the pipeline through said severed end; releasing the pig insertion member from the pig and retracting the pig insertion member, leaving the pig in place within the pipeline; releasing the pig deployment device from said severed end; and welding the severed ends together.

Abstract: Cable management is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cable management includes three cable support members coupled together and extending in a substantially same direction. The three cable support members include two outer members and an inner member between the two outer members. At least the two outer members each have a surface along their length substantially in a same plane. The three cable support members are spaced to constrain a cable disposed over the surface of the two outer members and under the inner member. According to one embodiment, the three cable support members are cylindrical pins. In one embodiment, the three cable support members are sections of a stiff bent wire. According to one embodiment, each of the three cable support members are sheet metal sections, wherein edges of the sheet metal sections are rounded.

Abstract: A medical suspension arm assembly including a plurality of suspension arms, with each adjacent pair of the suspension arms being connected to each other by a joint and with at least one of the joints comprising an infinite rotation joint. The infinite rotation joint allows the suspension arms at the infinite rotation joint to have unlimited rotation relative to one another. Cabling including at least one fiber optic cable extends through each of the suspension arms and each joint. A wired medical unit is connected to an end of the plurality of suspension arms. High definition video, data and power can be transferred along each one of the suspension arms through the cabling and across each joint.

Abstract: A plumber protector is provided. The plumber protector is for supporting a pre-existing shaft by interconnecting the pre-existing shaft to a supporting surface. The plumber protector may include a collar body having sidewalls, a rear surface and a front surface, wherein the collar body forms a collar cutout adapted to accommodate the pre-existing shaft, and wherein the collar cutout extends to near a geometric center of the collar body. The sidewalls may provide a plurality of radial threaded apertures communicating with the collar cutout. The front surface may provide a plurality of fastener holes, each fastener hole communicating the front surface and the rear surface. The plumber protector may include a cover that sheaths the collar. The cover may include a cover cutout substantially similar to the collar cutout so that when the collar and the cover are operably engaged, the collar cutout and cover cutout define a shaft opening about the pre-existing shaft.

Abstract: A bracket for securing an NM cable includes a generally planar member having a bore having a first diameter defined therein; a sleeve having an inside diameter that is greater than said first diameter, the sleeve is coupled to the bore; and a collar is disposed within the sleeve and substantially abuts the generally planar member, the collar has an outside diameter that allows insertion within the sleeve and an inside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter thereof whereby the flexible metallic sheathing of an associated cable will abut the collar and the conductors thereof will pass through the collar and the bore. In addition the bracket may include a clamp on the sleeve dimensioned and configured for engaging the outer surface of an associated flexible metallic conduit.

Abstract: A flexible conduit having a rigid portion, a flexible portion and a releasable connector secured to the rigid portion to support the flexible conduit. The releasable connector includes a male member and a female member. One of the two members includes at least one biased plungers and the other includes at least one detent. The plungers and detents are vertically spaced along the longitudinal axes of the members. A clevis may be used to secure the releasable connector to the rigid portion of the flexible conduit. A second support connected to the male and female members may be used. Also a method of supporting a flexible conduit with a releasable connector.

Abstract: A method of bracing cabling and a kit for said method. The kit comprises a strap arranged to be supported at one end by a fastener having a head and optionally also having a collar. The other end of the strap, which is made from a resiliently deformable material, can be passed around the cable and over the protruding head of the fastener to form a loop hanger.

Abstract: A one-piece lashing support spacer tie for securing two elongate articles or bundles in a parallel, spaced apart relationship is provided with a strap flexibly coupled to a head. The head is provided with a plurality of strap slots and passages through which to receive the strap. One of the strap passages mechanically engages the strap to prevent movement of the strap in at least one direction when in use, such as with a pawl physically engaging one or more serrations or teeth provided on the strap. The other strap slot may mechanically engage the strap in a similar manner, or the other slot may be provided with structure to establish one or more slidable, frictional engagements with the strap when it is inserted therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved pipe fixing device for a construction machine, wherein a hydraulic hose that is connected to a side of a hydraulic cylinder of a work apparatus that has a boom of an upper swivel body of the construction machine, is plumbed and assembled to be detachable in phases from an upper and a lower part of a clamp, thereby fixing the movement of the hydraulic hose so to be structurally sound and thereby reducing the required manpower.

Abstract: A pipe including an inner layer, an outer layer, a jacket layer, and an anisotropic layer positioned between the jacket and outer layers is provided. The anisotropic layer is formed from weaving a number of more rigid, monofilament fill strands and a number of less rigid multifilament warp strands. The fill strands may be formed from single, six hundred-ten (610) denier polyester filament while the warp strands may be formed from a series of two hundred-twenty (220) denier polyester threads. The anisotropic layer permits limited rotation of the inner and outer pipe layers without inserting into the gaps formed by the jacket layer when exposed to intense heat and pressure and is not subjected to significant creep during use.

Abstract: A fluid connection comprises a first component having a fluid connection portion and formed of a first material. A second component has a second fluid connection and is formed of a second material, with the first and second materials being dissimilar. A transition joint includes a first stub portion formed of a third material, which is easy to connect to the first material, and the first stub portion is fixed to the first connection. A second stub portion is formed of a fourth material, which is connectable to the second material The second stub portion is fixed to the second connection, and the first and second stub portions are fixed together by a welding technique. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A torque nut with an axially deformable projection protruding from the axially inner end face of the torque nut. The torque nut may be assembled as part of a compression fitting including one or more ferrules for engaging a tube held within the torque nut and a fitting body onto which the torque nut can be threaded. The axially deformable projection will engage an opposing face on the fitting body and this allows a person tightening the torque nut to to feel when the torque nut is madeup to prevent undermaking or overmaking the torque nut. When the axially deformable projection engages the fitting body, there will be an abrupt increase in torque needed to tighten the torque nut on the fitting body after only partial axial deformation of the axially deformable projection relative to the axially inner end face of the torque nut.

Abstract: A coupler for use in a liquid heater includes a male connector and a female socket connector. The male connector includes a connecting wall and an annular cylindrical wall formed around the connecting wall. The female socket connector comprises an end wall joined with the connecting wall of the male connector and a peripheral wall formed around the end wall and arranged perpendicularly to the end wall. The surface of the end wall joined with the connecting wall is gradually lowered from the center towards the periphery and is convex-hull shaped. The peripheral wall includes arced sections and gapped sections connected between two arced sections. When the male connector is coupled with the female socket connector, this allows the arced sections to be coupled with the annular cylindrical wall and forms no coupling between the gapped sections and the annular cylindrical wall.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for coupling a wafer style primary element of a process measurement system between process pipes in a manner which aligns the primary element with the process pipes, while maintaining alignment and preventing leaking in the event of a dynamic shock to the process pipes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion joint of underground piping having an automatic locking stopper attached thereto, the expansion joint having at least one stopping groove (22) formed along the outer circumference of a slip pipe (20), and locking grooves (35, 23) formed such that locking members (36, 25) locked by being stopped in the stopping groove (22) are accommodated therein and protrude therefrom on the inner circumference of an entrance side of a stuffing box (30).

Abstract: A flow-thru telescopic tube apparatus connected at one end point to a fluid water source, such as a garden hose, such that water is forced thru one tube of a specific diameter, which reduces into a second rigid tube of a reduced diameter, of which has no end outlet, and is flared at one end to act as a stop, wherein the tubing is perforated, in part, on the other end, with a plurality of minute outlets of varying opposing orientations to allow pressurized streams of fluid to escape, for the purpose of the cleaning of commercial diatomaceous earth (DE) filter grids. The reduced tubing element has the embodiment of loosely fitting between and around all surface areas of commercial filter grids. The apparatus is comprised of a cam system that adjusts the apparatus length by sliding one tubing section into the other tubing section, locking securely at any point, in a water-tight manner.

Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a tubular member comprising a socket and a centering device within the socket. The socket is configured to receive an end of a pipe section therein such that a gap exists between an outer surface of the pipe section and an inner surface of the socket. An annular pipe stop extends from the inner surface of the socket and is configured to matingly engage with the end of the pipe section. A pair of ports extend through the tubular member in circumferentially spaced-apart relationship and are in fluid communication with the gap. The centering device is configured to maintain a coaxial relationship between the pipe section and the socket and such that the gap is substantially circumferentially uniform. A removable and reusable clamp secures the pipe section within the socket as a bonding agent is extruded into the gap via one of the ports.

Abstract: A method of supporting an intake pipe for deep seawater, the intake pipe being made of resin having a smaller specific gravity than the deep seawater, the method including: mooring at least a neighborhood part of an intake port of the intake pipe with a plurality of mooring devices (e.g., pendant-type anchors) each including a mooring wire (e.g., wire rope) and a heavy weight (e.g., concrete block); and mooring the neighborhood part of the intake port in the form of an arc directed to the sea surface.

Abstract: A tripod head is designed for solving the problem that in the prior art, a tripod head cannot take the undamped motion only in the horizontal unidirection. The tripod head comprises a ball sleeve. The upper part of the ball sleeve is provided with an opening. A spherical joint for being connected with a quick release plate connector is arranged in the opening. A rotatable chassis is arranged under the lower part of the ball sleeve. The middle part of the chassis is provided with a mounting hole for being connected with a tripod, wherein a unidirectional positioning regulating knob is arranged on the outer surface of the ball sleeve and the axis of the unidirectional positioning regulating knob is positioned on the same horizontal plane as the center of the spherical joint.

Abstract: Improvements in an expandable stand with an adjustable travel stop within a musical instrument stand or elevating speaker is presented. The stand supports some weight of the instrument or speaker to relieve the weight. The stand has a securing mechanism that grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The stand is collapsible to fit within or can be carried with the case for the instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage. An adjustable travel stop for the travel stop to be inserted and removed from the inner tube diameter. The ability to insert and remove the travel stop allows the extension or the travel of the lift to be adjustable by moving the travel stop within the tube. The travel stop can be used to stop the travel length and or to establish the starting point for expansion.