Abstract: Disclosed is a flow path switching valve. The flow path switching valve includes a housing provided with a plurality of ports in a peripheral direction thereof, the housing having a space in which fluid is received, a valve body including a disc configured to divide the space of the housing into a plurality of flow spaces and to switch a flow direction of fluid via rotation, and a sealing member configured to seal at least one of an upper end and a lower end of the flow spaces, and a pressure plate configured to pressurize the sealing member toward the valve body as the valve body is rotated.

Abstract: A method of designing a valve presenting an orifice of section that depends on the position of the valve member of the valve, which section can thus be controlled. The method includes determining a desired variation relationship for the flow section of the valve, which relationship defines a desired variation in the section as a function of time; setting a predetermined movement relationship for the valve member; and defining the shape of the fluid flow orifice in such a manner that, at each instant, if the valve member moves in compliance with the predetermined movement relationship, the flow section remains equal to the desired section. The method makes it possible to design a valve that is simple to control.

Abstract: A valve member including a pair of substantially hemispherical shell components fixed together to form a substantially spherical, hollow shell. The shell has an exterior surface, an interior surface, and two opposing annular openings. The valve member further includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end. The sleeve is positioned between the annular openings of the shell to define a central bore between the annular passages. The sleeve is in contact with and fixed to the shell solely at the first end and the second end thereof in a way that a continuous void is defined between the sleeve and the interior surface of the shell from the first end of sleeve to the second end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A water distribution valve for directing a flow of fluid through a swimming pool cleaning system includes a housing having an inlet and outlets. A plurality of gates are mounted in the housing, each corresponding to a respective one of the outlets. Each gate is mounted to open and close the respective one of the outlets to which the gate corresponds in response to the flow of fluid into the housing from the inlet.

Abstract: A valve including a housing having a first inlet chamber defined by a first chamber wall and configured to receive the cold water, a second inlet chamber defined by a second chamber wall and configured to receive the hot water, and a mixing chamber configured to receive the cold water from the first inlet chamber and the hot water from the second inlet chamber, wherein at least a portion of the mixing chamber is located between the first and second chamber walls; a first flow control valve extending through the first inlet chamber and moveable relative to the housing for controlling the flow of cold water from the first inlet chamber to the mixing chamber; and a second flow control valve extending through the second inlet chamber and moveable relative to the housing for controlling the flow of hot water from the second inlet chamber to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device. The backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a water flow stream. The housing includes an inlet configured to connect to a water supply and an outlet configured to connect to a system that uses water. The backflow prevention device also includes an upstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and an upstream indicator post. The upstream indicator post is substantially parallel to the water flow if the upstream butterfly valve is closed and is substantially perpendicular to the water flow if the upstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device further includes a downstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and a downstream indicator post.

Abstract: An automatic ring valve comprising a valve seat provided with a plurality of gas flow passages arranged according to at least one annular row, at least a shutter comprising at least one ring-shaped portion for selectively closing and opening the gas flow passages, wherein the ring-shaped portion of the shutter comprises a fiber-reinforced matrix, at least one contrasting member for contrasting an opening movement of ring-shaped portion of the shutter, wherein the ring-shaped portion of the shutter comprises continuous fibers, at least some of the fibers developing for at least 360° of the annular development of the ring-shaped portion.

Abstract: A showerhead that is configured to receive a supply of cold water and a supply of hot water. The showerhead includes a body, a mixing valve within the body that includes a first actuator within the mixing valve for controlling a first flow control valve within the mixing valve and a second actuator within the mixing valve for controlling a second flow control valve within the mixing valve, and a controller on or within the body that is configured to send a control signal to control actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure addresses a relief valve suitable for use in systems for delivering relatively viscous fluids. The described relief valve includes a housing and a valve mechanism moveable relative to an opening into the housing to allow or prevent flow from a flow path adjacent the relief valve into and through the housing. The relief valve is configured to minimize, and in many examples, essentially eliminate, a cavity between the housing opening and the adjacent flow path. Elimination of this cavity offers significant advantages as it minimizes or eliminates a location for pumped materials to accumulate and/or cure, which can lead to impairment or disabling of the relief valve operation.

Abstract: Fluid valve apparatus having enclosed seals are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a seal having an inner core composed of a first material and an outer sheath composed of a second material different than the first material, a carrier having a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion couples to the seal. The second portion clamps between a retainer and a valve body of a fluid valve to couple the seal to the valve body. A first surface of the second portion engages the retainer and a second surface of the second portion opposite the first surface engages the valve body when the second portion of the carrier is clamped between the retainer and the valve body.

Abstract: To provide a gate valve such that two connected surfaces perpendicular to each other of a valve plate housing frame can be connected to two side walls perpendicular to each other of a chamber in such a manner that the connected surfaces are in contact with the side surfaces. When screwing a fixation screw perpendicularly into a screw hole formed in one chamber wall of a chamber through a screw insertion hole formed in one frame wall of a valve plate housing frame of a gate valve, and tightening the fixation screw to press and fix the frame wall against and to the first chamber wall, a thrust force in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the fixation screw is generated in the valve plate housing frame by a cam mechanism formed on the fixation screw and in the screw insertion hole, and the other frame wall of the valve plate housing frame is pressed against and fixed to the other chamber wall of the chamber by the thrust force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for connection to a pressurized gas cylinder. The valve includes a housing including a gas cylinder aperture which is connectable to a gas cylinder, and a housing conduit which extends through the housing from the gas cylinder aperture to one or more inlet/outlet apertures so that the valve is capable of providing fluid communication between the gas cylinder through the housing conduit and the one or more inlet/outlet apertures. A flow control ball within the housing conduit is movable between open and closed positions. Ball seals have sealing surfaces corresponding to a shape of the flow control ball for substantially sealing the flow control ball in the housing conduit.

Abstract: A system for a faucet including a solenoid operated valve and a lifter. The solenoid operated valve includes a valve body including a sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a sealing element that is movable relative to the sealing surface to fluidly connect and disconnect the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and a solenoid configured to selectively couple and decouple the sealing element to the sealing surface to fluidly disconnect and connect the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The lifter manually overrides the solenoid operated valve during a power failure, the lifter includes threads that thread to the solenoid operated valve, such that a rotation of the lifter in a first direction moves the lifter through the threads relative to the valve body to decouple the sealing element from the sealing surface.

Abstract: Example valve stem and plug connections and example staking tools are described herein. An example apparatus includes a valve plug having a first side, a second side opposite the first side and a bore extending from the first side to the second side. A first portion of the bore is tapered from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A valve stem is disposed within the bore of the valve plug. The valve stem includes a first section, a second section and a third section between the first and second sections. The third section is tapered from a third diameter to a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. The tapers of the first portion of the valve plug and the third section of the valve stem, when engaged, create a frictional force that resists movement of the valve stem out of the bore.

Abstract: Example valve stem and plug connections and example staking tools are described herein. An example apparatus includes a valve plug having a first side, a second side opposite the first side and a bore extending from the first side to the second side. A first portion of the bore is tapered from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A valve stem is disposed within the bore of the valve plug. The valve stem includes a first section, a second section and a third section between the first and second sections. The third section is tapered from a third diameter to a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. The tapers of the first portion of the valve plug and the third section of the valve stem, when engaged, create a frictional force that resists movement of the valve stem out of the bore.

Abstract: A securing device for a valve of a pressurized gas tank of a respiratory protection device, characterized by a securing element, which can be moved from a closed position to a flow position, especially an open position, by applying a torque, wherein at least one part of a housing serves as an abutment for the securing element when the torque is applied, wherein the valve is closed in the closed position of the securing element and can be brought spontaneously into a flow position after applying a particular torque to the securing element.

Abstract: A valve element includes a valve body member formed of a rigid material, where the valve body member defines a front-to-rear extending longitudinal axis, and has a generally radially outwardly facing first contact surface of generally frusto-conical configuration tapering forwardly, and a radially inwardly extending annular recess disposed rearwardly of the contact surface. The valve body member further includes a sealing insert mounted on the valve body member which includes a generally radially inwardly projecting lip received in the recess, an axially forwardly facing sealing face, a radially inwardly facing second contact surface disposed between the sealing face and the lip which tightly engages the first contact surface to conform to the frusto-conical configuration thereof, and a seal abrasion gauge disposed upon an outer peripheral portion of the axially forwardly facing sealing face.

Abstract: A valved tap is disclosed comprising a tap body having a through bore from a threaded input end to an output end thereof. A globe valve is positioned in the valve body so as to interrupt the flow of fluid in the through bore. The output end of the tap body may comprise a flanged portion connectable to a manifold.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation system for laying an offshore pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser includes a pipeline launch tower, a pipeline guide provided at an elevated position for guiding said pipeline to the pipeline launch trajectory along said tower, one or more tensioners, an abandonment and recovery (A&R) system including at least one A&R cable and associated A&R winch and a sheave arrangement with one or more sheaves supported by the pipeline launch tower at an upper position thereof. An auxiliary trolley is provided which is adapted to support the weight of the launched pipeline and which is movable along a rail in the pipeline launch trajectory when the one or more tensioner frames are in the retracted non-operable position, from a position above the uppermost tensioner to a position below the lowermost tensioner, the rail being supported by the pipeline launch tower.

Abstract: A cable management system includes a sliding rail setcable and management racks coupled to the sliding rail set. Each cable management rack includes a first mounting member affixed to one respective inner sliding rail of the sliding rail set, a second mounting member affixed to a link between two intermediate sliding rails of the sliding rail set, a hinge, and a first support member and a second support member respectively made by bending a respective metal wire rod into shape and respectively pivotally connected between the first and second mounting members and two opposite ends of the hinge. Thus, a large open space is defined in each of the first support member and the second support member for air circulation and heat dissipation.

Abstract: A manufacturer installed cable clamping insert is provided that can be used to fix various sizes of non-metallic sheeted cables to an electrical outlet box. The insert can be oval in shape and can be used to secure the cable without a tool. In use, the cable is simply pushed through a flap of the insert to a desired position in the enclosure. The cables can be removed or readjusted simply by lifting the flap from inside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a grommet having a slit and adapted to conform to a surface of a tubular member. The clamping apparatus further includes a clamping bracket having a clamping arcuate portion adapted to abut at least a portion of a surface of grommet and a base bracket having a base arcuate portion adapted to abut at least a portion of the surface of the grommet. The clamping bracket further includes at least one recessed portion and at least one clamping bracket hole. The base bracket further includes at least one base bracket hole. The at least one clamping bracket hole is adapted to coaxially align with the at least one base bracket hole to receive a fastening member. The base arcuate portion and clamping arcuate portion define a passageway between the clamping and the base bracket to receive the grommet along with the tubular member coaxially therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring fluid between two separate structures including a rigid pipe with a double shell extending along a longitudinal axis, the pipe including an outer shell housing, in the inner vacuum space thereof, at least one inner duct for fluid transfer, the pipe including, at a first end, a first rigid connection of the outer shell to the first structure and, at a second end, a second rigid connection of the outer enclosure to the second structure, the first and second ends of the outer shell being rigidly connected to the at least one inner duct, the pipe comprising a system to compensate for movements, including at least one flexible area and at least one resilient area, in the longitudinal direction, the system to compensate for shifts also including a connection which slides along the longitudinal axis between the outer shell and the first structure and a gimbal mechanism comprising two gimbals and mechanically connecting the two ends of the flexible area.

Abstract: An HVAC line set duct system includes a line set duct with a channel clip. The duct houses an HVAC line set and includes a channel connector for slidably securing the channel clips along the length of the line set duct. The channel clips have collars that engage tie wraps that in turn secure the HVAC line set to the line set duct. The channel clips are installed onto the line set channel connector by exerting a force perpendicular to the length of the line set duct so that the channel clips snap onto the channel connector and slide along the channel connector.

Abstract: Provided are an acrylic rubber composition for a heat-resistant hose having high electric resistance and high strength and being excellent in suppression of the generation of bubble marks at the time of the production of a hose and a heat-resistant hose using the acrylic rubber composition for a heat-resistant hose. An innermost layer of the heat-resistant hose is formed by using an acrylic rubber composition for a heat-resistant hose, containing the following components (A) to (C) and having a content ratio between the component (A) and the component (B), (A)/(B), of from 95/5 to 45/55 in terms of a weight ratio: (A) an ethylene-acrylic rubber (AEM); (B) an acrylic rubber (ACM) excluding the component (A); and (C) carbon black having a value of iodine adsorption amount (mg/g)×DBP absorption amount (cm3/100 g) of from 1,500 to 7,200.

Abstract: A high pressure pipe of high density polyethylene material includes an internal lining (3), an intermediate reinforcement layer (2) and an outer cover layer (1). The high density polyethylene material of the internal lining (3) is filled with a filling material (5). As a result, the mixture of high density polyethylene and filling material provides resistance against higher temperatures, allowing the pipe to be able to transport fluids at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A corrugated tube made of resin includes outer grooved portions and outer ridged portions which are formed in a circumferential direction when the corrugated tube is seen from the outside. The outer grooved portions and the outer ridged portions continuously alternate in a tube-axial direction. Inner ridged portions and inner grooved portions are formed on an inner surface of the corrugated tube so as to respectively conform to the shapes of the outer grooved portions and the outer ridged portions. A cushioning portion is formed on the inner surface of the corrugated tube, and has hardness softer than that of a covering outer surface of one or multiple conductive paths accommodated in the corrugated tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting for attaching to a threaded connection of a pipe, in particular a water pipe, with a basic body (20), with a threaded portion (22) and with a sealing body (24, 50, 56; 62) arranged on the threaded portion (22), in which the technical problem of simplifying the attachment to a threaded connection of a pipe and configuring the attachment to be more reliable at the same time is solved in that the basic body (20) has a pressing surface (26, 66) on the side situated opposite to the threaded portion (22). The invention also relates to a method for attaching a fitting to a threaded connection of a pipe.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a duct flange structure which has a higher strength and which is easier to handle and manufacture. [Means for solving the Problems] A duct flange structure which is arranged in an end portion of a cylindrical duct body 2 having a substantially quadrilateral shape in section, includes: a flange portion 4 formed by bending an extension portion 30 extending from an opening edge 3A of each of wall plates 3 constituting the duct body 2, the flange portion 4 being constituted by a vertical portion 41 extending outside substantially vertically to the wall plate 3 and a horizontal portion 42 extending substantially parallel to the wall plate 3 from the vertical portion 41, the vertical portion 41 and the horizontal portion 42 being formed by folding and superposing the extension portion 30 in two or more.

Abstract: A hose coupler generally includes a hose adapter including opposing ends, an interior surface forming a fluid passage between the opposed ends, and an exterior surface including a series of barbs for engaging an interior surface of a hose that is configured to be fluidly connected to the hose adapter. A ferrule is connected to the hose adapter and is positioned to at least partially surround the exterior surface of the hose adapter. The ferrule has an interior surface facing the exterior surface of the hose adapter. The interior surface defines at least one cutting rib having a sharp corner or edge for piercing an outer layer of the hose and a plurality of compression ribs each defining a rounded surface for compressing the hose against the barbs.

Abstract: A device is provided for deflating an inflated item. The device has a first penetrating lip end for displacing a counter-valve within an air valve on the inflated item. A second end of the device has a planar annular peripheral ring for airtight contact with the vacuum source. A stem extending between the two ends facilitates deflation of the device by allowing air flow through a central aperture. The device may be used in conjunction with a vacuum source. The force of vacuum suction holds the vacuum source into contact with the device without the need for mechanical connection members.

Abstract: Rapid engagement/release coupling, comprising: a female connector having a hole with an insertion end, a cylindrical sealing portion and an annular groove located between the insertion end and the cylindrical sealing portion, the annular groove having a first stop surface, —a male connector carrying a sealing ring configured to cooperate with said cylindrical sealing portion of the female connector and having a recessed annular portion having a second stop surface, —a retaining ring having a collar and a tubular portion equipped with a plurality of longitudinal splits which divide the tubular portion into a plurality of elastically deformable sectors, said sectors having respective teeth configured to engage the annular groove of the female connector, wherein said teeth have respective outer conical surfaces and respective inner conical surfaces, said inner and outer conical surfaces having different inclination angles with respect to a longitudinal axis, wherein the inclination angle of said outer conical su

Abstract: The fuel supply device has a module installed in a fuel tank. The module has a cap and a support pillar arranged between the cap and a bottom of the fuel tank. The cap is supporting a valve relevant to ventilation of the fuel tank. The valve is supported by a base portion. The base portion and a large diameter part are connected by snap-fit mechanisms. The valve and the base portion are connected by snap-fit mechanisms. A hook part is arranged in an engaging window. It is possible to inspect the valve through the engaging window.

Abstract: A fluid coupling has an outlet for receiving the lead end of a tubular fluid conduit having an external locking shoulder. The coupling also holds within it adjacent an outlet a valve body that is normally closed, but is contacted and displaced against the closing force of a bias spring to open the outlet when the conduit is fully inserted and locked into the coupling by way of said locking shoulder.

Abstract: A flexible pipe element is provided formed as a metal bellows with at least one corrugated bellows section and a bellows brim, which forms one end of the metal bellows, and a connection element for connecting the metal bellows to a continuing pipe part or to a connector, with the connection element having a connection area for abutting a contact area of the bellows brim. An annular bulge is formed in the contact area of the bellows brim and/or in the connection area of the connection element projecting beyond an average level of the contact area and/or an average level of the connection area in order to form a linear seal between the contact area and the connection area. A method for producing such a flexible line part is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly, preferably for charge air to be supplied to an internal combustion engine, comprising a fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal axis which defines an axial direction for the passage of a fluid and comprising a sound attenuation assembly received in an axial receiving portion of the fluid conduit which comprises at least two piping components, said sound attenuation assembly at least contributing to an attenuation of sound propagated in the fluid. The invention provides that the connection of the at least two piping components of the axial receiving portion with one another, and the connection of the sound attenuation assembly with the axial receiving portion of the fluid conduit is free of adhesive and melted connections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securing a leak of fluid from equipment containing a pressurised fluid. The device comprising a gas-tight containment device disposed around the equipment and defining a volume, Vconf, between the inner surface of the sealed containment device and the outer surface of the equipment. A vent is formed by one or more ports in the sealed containment device, each port being defined by its cross-section and shape. According to the invention, the volume, Vconf, the cross-section and the shape of each port are configured such that, in the event of a leak of flow rate Qf, the fluid is discharged through each port in the form of a turbulent jet.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system including a support structure, a hose configured to dispense fluid therethrough, and a support cable coupled to the hose. The hose is directly or indirectly releasably coupled to the support structure via the cable. The system further includes an extension and refraction mechanism configured to provide an adjustable effective length to the support cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a pipe utilizing a pipe lining assembly. The pipe lining assembly may have an inflatable bladder with a first surface opposite a second surface defining a sealed chamber for receiving air. The pipe lining assembly may also have a patch with a first edge and a second edge and is positioned on at least a portion of the first and second surfaces of the inflatable bladder such that the first edge of the patch overlaps said second edge of said patch. The inflatable bladder with the patch positioned thereon is configured such that the first surface of the inflatable bladder overlaps the second surface of the inflatable bladder forming a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe structure including: a pipe through which a gaseous body having a higher temperature than a temperature of a surrounding atmosphere flows; a cover that covers an outer peripheral portion of the pipe, and defines a plurality of vents from which the gaseous body leaking from the pipe flows out; and a guide member that guides the gaseous body flowing out from the vent toward a line-shaped sensor that passes a position corresponding to each of the plurality of vents, and is sensitive to a temperature or a concentration of a gaseous body outside the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe structure including: a pipe through which a gaseous body having a higher temperature than a temperature of a surrounding atmosphere flows; a cover that covers an outer peripheral portion of the pipe, and defines a plurality of vents from which the gaseous body leaking from the pipe flows out; and a line-shaped sensor that passes a position corresponding to each of the plurality of vents, and is sensitive to a temperature or a concentration of the gaseous body outside the cover, wherein the sensor includes a range in which the sensor rises upward from the position corresponding to the vent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe structure including a pipe that is disposed along an approximately horizontal direction, and has a plurality of ducts through which a gaseous body having a higher temperature than a temperature of a surrounding atmosphere continuously flows, and a plurality of couplings each connecting the ducts together; and a cover covering an outer periphery of the pipe. The cover defines a plurality of vents from which the gaseous body leaking from the pipe flows out of the cover at an interval in a length direction of the pipe. As the plurality of vents, the cover includes at least first vents located corresponding to the couplings. Respective positions of the first vents are substantially set within a range from a two o'clock position to a ten o'clock position through a six o'clock position in a cross sectional surface of the cover.

Abstract: A method for refurbishing an existing host pipe, in which an in-situ longitudinal cut is made in the interior wall of a subterranean host pipe. An expansion tool is moved along a path inside the host pipe, stopping at one or more stations on the way. At each station, responsive to isolated outward radial force from the expansion tool, the interior diameter of the host pipe is increased via separation of the longitudinal cut. A new rigid liner pipe is inserted inside the expanded host pipe to operationally replace the host pipe. In some embodiments, grout is deployed in the annular space between liner pipe and host pipe. Expansion of the host pipe via separation of the longitudinal cut optimizes the refurbishment job and enables the original host pipe, as expanded, to contribute structurally to the refurbished pipe system.

Abstract: A spacer for positioning a rehabilitating pipe has an elongated shape with both end portions in a longitudinal direction cut off at an angle. The spacer has a transverse width increasing gradually from an upper surface portion to a bottom surface portion and a space formed in the bottom surface portion to correspond to a shape of the upper surface portion, thereby allowing a plurality of the spacers to be stacked on one another in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A collar for a cleaning or inspection pig which is movable in a pipeline and through the latter. The collar may include an inner fastening region, with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the collar, for fixing the collar to the cleaning or inspection pig. The collar may also include a contact region which is provided for contact against a pipe wall and which is part of an outer segment which is connected to the inner fastening region. The inner fastening region is preferably in advance of the contact region with respect to a direction of movement (F) of the pig. The collar comprises an anchoring segment, the first end of which is arranged on the outer segment and the other, second end of which is arranged, with respect to the longitudinal center axis, further toward the latter and trailing the first end with respect to a direction of movement of the pig. A pig for cleaning or inspecting pipeline pipes may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a diffused thin film surface treatments on one or more interior surfaces of closed or partially closed fluid transport or processing systems providing improved surface prophylaxis against fouling. The method involves contacting the interior surfaces to be treated with a metal compound composition, and converting the metal compound composition to metal oxide for example by heating the surfaces to the desired temperature after all or a part of the system has been assembled. Embodiments of the present invention can be performed in situ on existing fluid processing or transport systems, which minimizes the disruption to the surface treatment created by welds, joints, flanges, and damage caused by or during the system assembly process.

Abstract: An insulation structure having insulation units a coating membrane including a plurality of insulation units including a heat reflective film to be coated on the entire inner circumference of the space a space therein providing an insulation structure applicable to various fields and improving the insulation properties thereof.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating makes use of a particulate carbon material including carbon particles in a shape of disks and hollow open cones. The hollow open cones can have one or several of the following opening angles: 19.2°, 38.9°, 60°, 83.6°, 112°. The thickness of the disks and the thickness of walls of the hollow open cones can each be less than 100 nm, and the longest dimensions of the disks and the hollow open cones can each be less than 5 ?m.

Abstract: A multi-part line, wherein line parts are provided, at ends of said line parts, with at least one connector assembly having at least one retaining element, wherein a connector part of the connector assembly of a line part and a coupling part of the connector assembly of the adjacent line part can be or are connected by overplugging and locking the at least one retaining element.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for rotating equipment, like solar panels, about an axis. Tension and compression members, in a rigid structure, are employed in the apparatus to minimize weight and to maximize stiffness. The rotating equipment is attached to the upper end of a rotatable elongated compression member, rotatably supported at its lower end by a tri-pod base comprising three additional compression members. Six tension members extending up from the tripod base hold a flange through which passes the rotatable elongated compression member. Lateral forces on the rotatable equipment are transmitted to the tripod base through the six tension members. The apparatus is configured such that wind forces and torques on the rotated equipment are transmitted by the apparatus to ground supports. Solar panels supported by the apparatus may be held at a fixed tilt angle, or an additional mechanism may be provided for rotational about a second orthogonal axis.