Abstract: A worm wheel includes: a sleeve; and a toothed portion provided by injection molding so as to cover a part of the sleeve, the toothed portion including a first thick portion provided on a first side face, which is a surface of the sleeve on a side closer to an injection-mold gate in an axial direction, and a second thick portion provided on a second side face, which is a surface on an opposite side to the first side face. A central part, in the axial direction, of the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve projects in the radial direction relative to both ends in the axial direction. The first thick portion of the toothed portion has a smaller thickness in the axial direction than the second thick portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear wheel containing at least one sintered material having a porosity, the gear wheel having, in addition to the porosity, another noise-reducing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gear arrangement (1) with a divided spur toothing, comprising a main gear (2) and a gear (4) rotatable to the latter in circumferential direction (3), wherein the main gear (2) has a hub (5) on which the rotatable gear (4) is arranged and comprising a spring element (7), which is arranged between the main gear (2) and the rotatable gear (4), and with which the rotatable gear (4) is pretensioned in circumferential direction (3) against the main gear (2), wherein a first spur toothing part (10) of the spur toothing is formed on the main gear (2) and a second spur toothing part (11) of the spur toothing is formed on the rotatable gear (4), and the first spur toothing part (10) has a first axis of rotation (19) and the second spur toothing part (11) has a second axis of rotation (18). The second axis of rotation (18) of the second spur toothing part (11) is offset relative to the first axis of rotation (19) of the first spur toothing part (10).

Abstract: A bicycle drive unit comprises a housing configured to be mounted to a first base member. The housing includes a first wall at least partly defining an internal space to at least partly accommodate a bicycle crank having a crank rotational axis. The first wall includes a first transmitting surface disposed to at least partly face upward in a bicycle upright state where the crank rotational axis horizontally extends and the housing is mounted on the first base member. The first transmitting surface is configured to face a first receiving surface of the first base member to transmit an upward force from the housing to the first base member. The first transmitting surface being at least partly disposed below the crank rotational axis in the bicycle upright state.

Abstract: A ring gear includes a ring having one or more sets of inwardly facing teeth, a circumferential flange extending outward from the ring, and the flange is mounted between a first housing and a second housing. In addition, the flange protrudes into an ambient air outside the first housing and second housing.

Abstract: A geared turbocharged engine, having a gearbox, a drive and output assembly, and an oil supply system. The gearbox has a housing. The oil supply system has a reservoir, a supply line, an oil pump to convey oil from the reservoir, and a return line, to return oil from the gearbox to the reservoir. The housing is mounted on a support plate of reservoir a supply-line opening and a return-line opening are introduced into the housing and the support plate such that the supply-line opening of the support plate and the supply-line opening of the housing and the return-line opening of the gearbox and the return-line opening of the support plate are flush, so that the inflow of oil to the gearbox and the return flow of oil from the gearbox take place via the gearbox housing.

Abstract: A thermostatic bypass valve has an intentional flow resistance through a bypass passageway when fluid is at a normal operating temperature. This flow resistance, of between 10 and 20 psi at a flow rate of 10 liters per minute, is achieved by limiting a radial clearance within the bypass passageway to less than 1.0 mm. The flow rate through the bypass passageway is at least half of the flow resistance of the cooler. This bypass flow resistance is beneficial because it limits the flow rate of lubrication fluid during bypass, reducing the parasitic losses of the gearbox.

Abstract: A speed change ECU for a CVT sets a target input rotational speed (Nin*) such that the speed ratio of the CVT is varied stepwise a plurality of times consecutively to the downshift side in response to an operation to depress a brake pedal by a driver, and sets the target input rotational speed (Nin*) such that the time interval between consecutive downshifts becomes longer as the number of times of execution of downshifts is increased on the basis of intershifting times (tint(1)), (tint(2)), . . . while downshifts in which the speed ratio is varied stepwise are executed consecutively.

Abstract: A transmission controller includes: a corner detector that detects a corner; a predictor to predict a rolling amount based upon road data when the corner is detected and an accelerator opening degree is fully closed; a device to determine a first necessary engine braking amount in accordance with the rolling amount; a device to determine a first required speed change stage corresponding to the first necessary engine braking amount; a calculator to calculate a second necessary engine braking amount when the corner is detected and the accelerator opening degree is fully closed based upon a minimum required inter-vehicle distance with the vehicle ahead; a device to determine a second required speed change stage corresponding to the second engine braking amount; and a transmission controller to select, as a target speed change stage, either smaller one of the first or second required speed change stage, and then perform downshift control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gear actuator for a double clutch transmission. A power pack module is formed of a select solenoid, a shift motor, and a controller. Therefore, a wiring is omitted, so that defects pertaining to the wiring can be prevented, and the structure of the gear actuator is compact. Various parts can be used in common so that the production cost and the part management cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A piston ring includes an annular main body 2 having a side surface 2a and a side surface 2b, and an inner peripheral surface 2c and an outer peripheral surface 2d, wherein in the main body 2, a cutout section 21 is provided in a corner section 31 formed by the side surface 2b and the outer peripheral surface 2d. The cutout section 21 has a first surface 21a and a second surface 21b. An angle ?1 formed by the first surface 21a and the side surface 2b is an obtuse angle, and a corner section 32 formed by the second surface 21b and the outer peripheral surface 2d is located between the side surface 2b and the side surface 2a in a width direction of the main body 2.

Abstract: Problem: Provided is a sealing device which has reduced wear of a metallic member in sliding portions having electric-resistance welded carbon steel and a fiber reinforced resin member. Means for resolution: A sealing device having a mechanism in which a metallic member and a resin member relatively slide, wherein the metallic member is formed from electric-resistance welded carbon steel, and the resin member is formed from a carbon-fiber reinforced synthetic resin.

Abstract: A non-collapsible flexible sealing membrane (or bellows) for incorporation in a mechanical seal assembly and use in rotary shaft equipment. The sealing membrane includes a substantially radially outward extending first flange portion, which can be urged into an axially shiftable ring by a biasing mechanism. The sealing membrane further includes a substantially axially outboard extending second coaxial portion, substantially radially inward of the balance diameter of the seal. The horizontal portion is advantageously held fixed to a stub sleeve by an annular band. The angle between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion of sealing membrane enables directional control of the forces acting on stub sleeve and primary ring.

Abstract: A sealing device seals a pressure or vacuum zone of a roller having a roller sleeve which is movable in relation to the sealing device. The sealing device has a sealing strip with an upper side forming a sealing face and a lubricant channel adjoining the sealing face and is formed by at least one groove-type depression in the sealing strip, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the sealing strip. When the sealing device is installed, the sealing face and the opening of the groove-type depression face toward the inner side of the roller sleeve. The lubricant channel is hooked up to a supply line which at least in portions runs within the sealing strip and delivers lubricant between the inner side of the roller sleeve and the sealing face. The sealing strip, at each of its two ends, has a wall delimiting the lubricant channel in its length.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sliding component includes a plurality of dimples 10 disposed on at least one of sliding surfaces of a pair of sliding parts relatively sliding on each other, the plurality of dimples 10 is provided mutually independently of the other dimples, and the plurality of dimples 10 has an area ratio set lower on the low-pressure fluid side of the sliding surface than on the high-pressure fluid side. On the sliding surface, a liquid film on the high-pressure fluid side is thickened by dynamic pressure effect to improve fluid lubricity, and a liquid film on the low-pressure fluid side is thinned to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A sealing device has a main lip sealing sealed fluid in a machine inside and a sub lip preventing intrusion of foreign materials in a machine outside, and structured such that both of the lips slidably come into contact with a peripheral surface of a shaft, wherein the sub lip is formed into a shape which is vertical to an axial direction or a shape which is directed to the main lip side, and a stepped shape is provided in the sub lip, the stepped shape unevenly distributing a generation position of a contact pressure peak in relation to the shaft in the sub lip. The sealing device can achieve both the shaft inserting property and the sealing performance in a sealing device having a main lip which seals sealed fluid in a machine inside, and a sub lip which seals foreign materials in a machine outside.

Abstract: A seal housing is disposed to support an axially facing seal segment, and comprises a substrate and a coating. The substrate has an inner annular surface, an axially facing substrate surface, and a corner feature at an intersection of the inner annular surface and the axially facing substrate surface. The corner feature includes an annular notch in the inner annular surface, and a chamfer extending from the annular notch to the axially facing substrate surface. The coating is formed on the axially facing substrate surface and into the corner feature of the substrate, and has a coating surface, parallel to the axially facing substrate surface, that terminates at the inner annular surface and abuts the seal segment.

Abstract: The rotary face seal with magnet loading replaces known spring mechanisms with magnetic technology that provides a consistent load with minimal variation, which is not affected by natural frequency and material fatigue due to cyclic loading. This improves seal performance and service life by eliminating the issues that compromise the effectiveness of conventional spring mechanisms. The repelling pusher magnetic technology is advantageous because it replaces the spring mechanism within a self-contained stationary cartridge with a pusher type magnetic assembly configuration that enable exact drop-in replacement of existing seal configurations.

Abstract: The rotary face seal with magnet loading replaces known spring mechanisms with magnetic technology that provides a consistent load with minimal variation, which is not affected by natural frequency and material fatigue due to cyclic loading. This improves seal performance and service life. The tubular magnetic ring is advantageous because it replaces existing seals within stationary cartridge with a puller type magnetic assembly design that results with the stationary cartridges being an exact exchange. The use of magnetic technology attached to the outside diameter of the rotating mating ring, which is attached to the shaft, that does not produce eddy currents because it is of a single pole configuration. The single pole magnetic assembly design is achieved by either axial or radial magnet orientation, such as in the form of a tubular magnetic band locating in a circumferential notch in the rotating mating ring.

Abstract: A multi-ply seal ring includes an inner seal ring and an outer seal ring. The inner seal ring includes a plurality of discrete inner ring segments disposed circumferentially about an axis in an annular array. The inner ring segments are arranged end-to-end within the annular array. The inner seal ring is engaged with and nested within the outer seal ring. In addition or alternatively, the outer seal ring may include a plurality of discrete outer ring segments disposed circumferentially about the axis in an annular array.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pinch valve assembly include a controller, where the controller is preprogrammed with a plurality of selectable modes including a step and direction mode, a flow monitoring mode, a flow and fill mode, and an unclog mode, and an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly being controlled by the controller, an actuator, the actuator being actuated by the actuator assembly, a piston, the piston being coupled with the actuator, a valve body, the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly, and an aperture, the aperture being formed in the valve body, wherein the aperture is configured to retain at least a portion of tubing such that fluid or gas flow within the tubing can be metered.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a valve including a body, a valve element arranged within the body to selectively inhibit flow through the body, and a seal assembly that includes a gasket, a cutter seat, and a retaining ring. The cutter seat includes a cutter that is arranged to cut the body gasket during installation. A two-plane seal is formed by cutting the body gasket between the retaining ring and the body.

Abstract: A dynamic seal assembly is disclosed for use in a valve having an upstream pressure side and a downstream pressure side, the dynamic seal assembly including an annular seal member having a generally C-shaped cross-section and including opposed upstream and downstream legs defining an internal cavity with an opening facing toward the upstream pressure side of the valve, wherein the upstream leg has a radial length that is greater than a radial length of the downstream leg and includes a retaining foot that extends angularly away from the upstream leg in an upstream direction at an angle of between about 0° and 90°, and a metallic spring is disposed within the internal cavity of the seal member for providing a constant sealing force to the seal member.

Abstract: The invention provides a gate valve (1) for control of petroleum production or water injection, distinctive in that at least one surface subject to slidng in operation of the valve comprises a top layer coating of diamond like carbon (DLC). The DLC contains hydrogen, preferably more than 16 atom-% and more preferred more than 17 atom-%. It is further directed to a method of commissioning or operating a gate valve according to the invention, and use of a diamond like carbon (DLC) top layer coating on at least one surface subject to sliding in operation of the gate valve. Valve parts have a tendency of sticking, adhering or cold welding together, which result in high friction. The aim of the invention is to reduce or eliminate friction problems occurring with time or operation cycles, when using a full scale gate valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and method contemplating a high pressure fluid end assembly having a body defining a body bore and defining a recess in the body intersecting the body bore. A closure is joined to the body and forms a sealing surface. A seal is mounted to the body in the recess and configured to extend from the recess beyond the body bore to seal against the sealing surface formed by the closure.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively closing and opening a flow path through a sealing element. The device includes second and third tubulars positioned within a bore of a first tubular. A sealing element having a bore is positioned between the second and third tubulars within the bore of the first tubular. The sealing element may be connected to one or both of the tubulars. Bores of the second and third tubulars communicate with the bore of the sealing element to provide a flow path. Movement of the third tubular with respect to the second tubular buckles the sealing element inward to selectively close a portion of the flow path. The third tubular may be moved away from the second tubular to reopen the flow path. The sealing element may engage a structure within the bore of the sealing element to selectively close the flow path through the sealing element.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a fluid manifold, a valve stator, a valve rotor and dual driving units. The fluid manifold includes microchannels connected with a sample reaction unit and fluid input channels connected with fluid sources. When the valve rotor is rotated to different positions, the fluid input channel is connected with at least one microchannel via through holes of the valve stator and a groove of the valve rotor. The first driving unit drives a rotation of the valve rotor. The second driving unit drives a motion of the valve rotor or the valve stator to adjust a distance between the valve rotor and the valve stator, so that when the valve rotor is rotating, the valve rotor and the valve stator are separated by a gap, and after the valve rotor is rotated to a predetermined position, the valve rotor is tightly contacted the valve stator.

Abstract: Multi-position valve and a multi-position valve skid. The multi-position valve comprises an upper valve body, a lower valve body, and a rotary valve core that includes a valve core body and a protruding part and has an oil-directing passageway through the protruding part and the valve core body. The lower valve body has oil inlet passageways through lower end and upper ends. The oil outlet of the oil inlet passageway is on a circle having a radius of the distance from the oil inlet of the oil-directing passageway to its axis, the center of the circle being the axis of the valve core body. When the valve core body rotates, the oil-directing passageway can abut any of the oil inlet passageways. The oil inlet passageways in the multi-position valve run to the lower end of the lower valve body, such that after being connected.

Abstract: AH inflatable cushioning device includes an inflatable main body, a neck portion coupled to the main body, and a valve member having terminal and distal ends. The terminal end is coupled to the neck portion. The valve member has an inflation configuration in which the valve member distal end is disposed inside of the neck portion. The valve member has a deflation configuration in which the valve member distal end is disposed outside of the neck portion.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly including a main relief valve and a pilot relief valve. The main relief valve is positioned adjacent a valve seat of a pressure vessel containing a sour gas. The main relief valve includes a main valve diaphragm selectively sealable against the valve seat of the pressure vessel and enclosing a valve dome containing an inert clean gas and includes a hollow valve tube in pressure communication with the valve dome. The pilot relief valve is in pressure communication with the pressure vessel and the valve dome, and includes a pilot seat selectively sealable against the hollow valve tube. The pilot relief valve includes a biasing mechanism in communication with the pilot seat to urge the pilot seat toward sealed engagement with the hollow valve tube and a sense diaphragm attached to the pilot seat and enclosing a sense cavity in pressure communication with the valve dome.

Abstract: An dual acting solenoid valve (DASV) is a device for controlling mediums as gases or fluids through two valves simultaneously using a dual position latching solenoid operated with a bi-stable permanent magnet activation system (BSPMAS) to allow the DASV to be electrically energy efficient and power versatile.

Abstract: A waterproof valve includes a pivot, a valve comprising a sealing end and a floating end, the pivot is rotatably connected with the valve between the sealing end and the floating end, the sealing end is released to keep the valve open when the floating end is not contact with fluids, the sealing end is driven by the floating end to close the valve when the floating end is contact with fluids, to prevent or reduce the occurrence of short circuits caused by exposure to conductive fluids.

Abstract: A valve lockout device with viewing port is disclosed herein. The valve lockout device with viewing port includes a first clamshell member, a second clamshell member, and a hinge pivotably connecting the first clamshell member and second clamshell member. The valve lockout device with viewing port is useful for observing the operational state of a valve when it is locked out for maintenance tasks.

Abstract: A system includes a valve, handle, guide, arm, channel, and projection. The handle is proximate the valve and is configured to open and close the valve. The handle is in a first position when the valve is open and in a second position when the valve is closed. The guide is connected to the handle. The arm is connected to the guide. The channel is located on one of the guide or the arm, the channel having opposed first and second ends. The projection is located on the other of the guide or the arm, the projection configured to be received in the channel. Moving the projection past a location of the first end of the channel pulls the guide and the handle, thereby moving the handle from the first position to the second position. The projection can be moved toward the second end while the handle remains in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve for controlling a fluid flow, in particular a coolant flow in a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine, including a valve element which is provided with at least one opening, and which can move relative to a valve housing. With a movement of the valve element, the at least one opening can be brought into a position in which it overlaps a line cross-section defined on the valve housing side, in order to permit a flow of fluid. In addition, a sealing element is provided which is accommodated on the valve housing such that it radially surrounds the line cross-section, and a sealing surface of which can be brought into contact with a surface of the valve element, thus bridging a gap that extends between the surface of the valve element and the valve housing in a region of the sealing element.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

Abstract: A joining device configured to join two facing and aligned pipeline sections presents two coupling members selectively couplable to respective pipeline sections at two respective facing flanges located at the ends of respective pipeline sections; a pulling mechanism suitable to move the coupling members towards each other in abutment against the flanges and to temporarily tighten the flanges by moving the coupling members towards each other; and a tightening mechanism suitable to definitively tighten the coupling members while the pulling mechanism keeps the flanges tight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct tie-in of pipelines are disclosed. An apparatus is attached to a portion of a pipeline, the apparatus including a tensioning member and a buoyancy element attached to the tensioning member such that, when submerged, the pipeline is deflected as a result of a buoyancy force tensioning the tensioning member, and on releasing the buoyancy element, direct tie-in of the pipeline is performed.

Abstract: A cable carrier apparatus has a bracket having a vertical mounting surface interface for mounting securely to a post, wall, or other stable support, and a horizontal portion, a first roller rotatable on a vertical post anchored to be stationary relative to the frame bracket, with the first roller positioned below the horizontal portion of the bracket, the first roller having a circumferential groove symmetrical around an axis of the post and about a horizontal plane, the groove having a cross-section with a radius describing a portion of a semicircle, but less than a full semicircle, and a second roller matching the first roller and rotatable on a second post having an axis, the second roller mounted to be translatable against spring force away from the first roller, wherein a traveler translating on a cable being held between the two rollers traverses through the rollers, maintaining the cable between the rollers.

Abstract: A support that includes an exterior shell having a section configured to receive an item and a filler disposed within the exterior shell, wherein the filler is further configured to receive the item.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed as comprising a first leg of a strut clip; a first rotatable element rotatably attached to the first leg of the strut clip at a first aperture; a second rotatable element rotatably attached to the first leg of the strut clip at the first aperture, where the first and second rotatable elements may have tapered lower edges; a first notch of the first rotatable element may be disposed on a longitudinal edge of the first rotatable element; a second notch of the second rotatable element may be disposed on a longitudinal edge of the second rotatable element; one or more stops may be disposed in the first leg of the strut clip, where the one or more stops may limit rotation of at least one of: the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element; and a first elastic element may be disposed between distal longitudinal edges of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element.

Abstract: A metal pipe having a thickened end portion, the metal pipe includes: when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the metal pipe, a thin portion which has a thickness t0; a first thickened portion which is provided on one end and has a thickness T which is larger than the thickness t0; and a first taper portion which is provided between the thin portion and the first thickened portion and has the thickness which gradually increases from t0 to T; when a hardness of an inner surface of the first thickened portion is measured in a circumferential direction and the hardness is plotted with respect to a position in the circumferential direction, in which a waveform representing a high hardness portion having a hardness which is 95% or more of a maximum hardness in the circumferential direction and a waveform representing a low hardness portion having a hardness which is less than 95% of the maximum hardness alternately appear, and a plurality of combinations of the waveform representing the high hardness portion an

Abstract: A hybrid cord formed from a plurality of component plies wherein at least two of the plies are of unequal ply length regardless of the twist of the plies and at least one of the plies has a length that is from 1 to 50 percent longer than the other plies and a method of providing a cord with predetermined twist and component ply lengths.

Abstract: A pipe coupling and a method of use are disclosed. The pipe coupling including an elongated housing including a first end and a second end, a stop located on an inner diameter of the housing, the stop located between the first end and the second ends of the housing, wherein a distance from the stop to one of the first and second ends is at least two times a distance from the stop to the other of the first and second end of the housing, and at least one marking on an outer surface of the housing adjacent to the first end of the elongated housing, the at least one marking extending towards the second end for a predetermined length.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid actuator has a housing and a seal member. The housing has a hydraulic hose port that is configured to receive a hydraulic hose. The seal member seals the hydraulic hose port. The seal member includes a frangible section configured to rupture upon attachment of the hydraulic hose into the hydraulic hose port with the seal member remaining between the hydraulic hose and the hydraulic hose port after attachment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite annular seal (30) having a flexible body and rigid reinforcement (35) for a rapid fluid-transfer coupling (1), and to a rapid coupling of this type incorporating the seal. The seal (30) with a reinforcement (35) can be used for a coupling comprising a female tubular sleeve (10) and a male tubular endpiece (20) mounted inside the sleeve in order to produce overall static sealing between a recess (13) in the sleeve (10) and the endpiece (20), the seal comprising: an inner axial wing (31) having a radially inner face (31a) which has a radially innermost flexible peripheral portion (31aa) designed to be applied tightly against the endpiece; an outer axial wing (36) having a flexible radially outer face (36a) which is designed to be placed firmly against the recess; and a core (33) connecting the inner wing to the outer wing. According to the invention, the innermost peripheral portion (31aa) is convex, with a rounded shape in axial section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid-transfer coupling device designed to couple a rigid male endpiece (30) to a flexible female pipe (20) and to the production method therefor. The device comprises: a sleeve (10) for gripping around the pipe and locking the endpiece, the sleeve having a radially inner part (18) surrounding an annular sealing lining (50) mounted in abutment on the endpiece; and a metal socket (40) having a tubular portion (41) gripped by the pipe and ending in a collar formed by a radial step (43) which extends in an axial end (44) and has a radial height, the axial end being mounted inside and in contact with the radially inner part and forming the base of a groove receiving the lining, the device comprising means for fitting the sleeve to the collar and comprising a continuous peripheral projection (13) formed in one piece with the sleeve. According to the invention the projection projects radially in abutment against the step over most of the radial height.

Abstract: Improvements to stab-type pipe fittings capable of being inserted onto plastic pipes and provide a leak proof connection are provided. The pipe fittings have an outer casing with pipe ports, a hollow inner casing positioned within the outer casing, a pipe gripper and stiffener positioned within the inner casing. The pipe ports have an elongated lip that straightens a pipe inserted into the fitting. The stiffener provides a multi-compression seal to facilitate the leak proof connection.

Abstract: A quick connector and assembly therewith is provided. The connector includes a housing having a tubular housing wall with an inner surface extending between open opposite ends with at least one locking opening extending through the wall. The inner surface bounds a through bore and forms a radially inwardly extending shoulder. A retaining member has an annular retainer wall with inner surface sized for receipt about at least a portion of the housing wall. The retainer wall has at least locking member resiliently biased radially inwardly for receipt through the opening of the housing wall in axially spaced relation from the shoulder by a gap, in which the annular collar of the insertion member is received and locked. The at least one locking member is restrained against substantial axial and rotational movement within the at least one opening, and thus, prevents unwanted removal of the insertion member from the housing.

Abstract: An anti-ice buildup system for roof vent pipes that is easy to install and that prevents ice buildup in roof vent pipes. The anti-ice buildup system for roof vent pipes generally includes a first segment and a second segment extending downwardly from the first segment. At least a portion of the first segment is adapted to remain outside of a vent pipe and at least a portion of the second segment is adapted to extend downwardly through an upper opening in the vent pipe. The second segment is constructed of a thermal conductive material to conduct heat from the vent air and sunlight.