Abstract: A gear change control system includes: a shift operation member configured to receive a shift range operation; a clutch configured to transmit a torque of an input shaft to an output shaft; a clutch actuator configured to control engagement of the clutch by using a working fluid; a manual valve configured to switch a supply destination of the working fluid to the clutch actuator in accordance with a decided shift range; a shift actuator configured to move the manual valve on the basis of a shift range changing operation of the shift operation member; and an oil pressure control actuator configured to reduce an oil pressure of the working fluid to a target oil pressure after the shift range changing operation received by the shift operation member is started and before the shift actuator moves the manual valve toward a shift range changing destination.

Abstract: When an inertia phase has started while torque phase control is being executed, the torque phase control is ended, a target torque capacity of an engaging element in inertia phase control is corrected on the basis of a difference between the target torque capacity of the engaging element at the time when the inertia phase has started and the target torque capacity of the engaging element at the time when the torque phase control has completed (or a difference between the target torque capacity of the engaging element at the time when the inertia phase has started and the target torque capacity of the engaging element, which is set at the time when the inertia phase control has started), and the inertia phase control is started.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is configured to control a hydraulic pressures of engaging element and disengaging element in accordance with a preset target output shaft torque during a power-on downshift. The electronic control unit is configured to delay a start of decrease in the hydraulic pressure of the disengaging element from a start of a torque phase while maintain the hydraulic pressure of the disengaging element at the start of the torque phase. The electronic control unit is configured to start decreasing the hydraulic pressure of the disengaging element when the electronic control unit determines that overspeed of an input shaft is occurring during the torque phase and a predetermined condition is established.

Abstract: When an engagement-side clutch taking charge of rotation control in a downshift is the same as a rotation control clutch in the previous gear shift or a clutch of which the engagement has been switched in the previous gear shift, there is a likelihood that clutch hydraulic controllability will decrease and the clutch hydraulic controllability is secured by delaying start of the gear shift. It is possible to execute a gear shift which is a downshift without unnecessary waiting by setting a delay time by which the start of the gear shift is delayed depending on an accelerator depression amount such that the delay time is shorter when the accelerator depression amount is small than when the accelerator depression amount is large.

Abstract: A side rail (1) is formed in a sprit ring shape with an opening (10) and to be mounted on a space expander (2) in an annular shape to constitute, together with the space expander (2), a multi-piece oil ring (3) used in an internal combustion engine. The side rail (1) includes an outer peripheral surface (14) facing radially outward, an inner peripheral surface (13) facing radially inward, a first axial surface (11) facing a crankcase, a second axial surface (12) facing a combustion chamber and parallel to the first axial surface (11), and a protrusion (20) formed on the outer peripheral surface (14) in a position offset from an intermediate position between the first axial surface (11) and the second axial surface (12) toward the first axial surface (11) and protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface (14).

Abstract: An annular seal for a low friction bonded piston seal is provided. The annular seal having a central axis and including an annular seal body symmetrically positioned about the central axis. The annular seal is integrally molded to the body and provides a lower seal lip body, and a top seal lip. The top seal lip including a first radial lip thickness T1 and a second radial lip thickness T2. A ratio between second radial lip thickness T2 to first radial lip thickness T1 is less than 1.00. The annular seal includes a radial lip height H, and a radial lip overall pressure received thickness T3. A ratio of radial lip height H to second radial lip thickness T2 is greater than or equal to 0.65. The radial lip overall pressure received thickness T3 is less than or equal to 0.8 mm. The first radial lip thickness T1 is less than or equal to 0.

Abstract: A bonded seal includes a rigid annular carrier having an annular recess therein. An elastomer seal member is bonded within the annular recess. A thermoplastic backup ring is bonded to the elastomer seal member and disposed at an axial end of the annular recess and including elastomer material disposed between at least a portion of an outer diameter surface of the thermoplastic backup ring and the rigid annular carrier.

Abstract: A seal assembly (10) includes a seal ring shell (12) and an insert (14). The seal ring shell includes an inside diameter surface, and may also include a seal ring shell tapered portion that extends radially inwardly from the inside diameter surface. The insert includes an upper surface, and may also include an insert tapered portion. With embodiments, a portion of the upper surface of the insert contacts or operatively engages the inside diameter surface of the seal ring shell, and a portion of the insert tapered portion engages the seal ring shell tapered portion such that the seal ring shell tapered portion may impede movement of the insert in a direction substantially along the inside diameter surface (e.g., in an axial direction).

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a poppet assembled with the valve body. The poppet includes an axially extending poppet stem and a radially extending poppet sealing surface. The poppet is axially movable between a closed position and an open position. The poppet sealing surface is defined by a sealing member disposed on the poppet stem. The sealing member is laterally movable on the poppet stem. When the poppet is moved from the open position to the closed position, the sealing member is laterally moved to align the sealing surface with the seating surface.

Abstract: A valve device includes: a valve having a ball surface having a convex spherical shape, and a first opening opened in the ball surface to allow fluid to pass through; and a seat having an annular shape and opposing the ball surface to be in sliding contact, the seat being pressed against the ball surface, the seat having a second opening to communicate with the first opening. The seat has a sealing surface in a sliding contact with the ball surface at a valve closed time when the ball surface and the second opening overlap with each other, and a seat contact surface in a sliding contact with an opening inner wall surface or an opening end surface of the first opening at a valve opened time when the first opening and the second opening overlap with each other.

Abstract: A valve and tool assembly includes a valve seat, a valve seat recess, a seat carrier and a valve seat displacement tool. A valve seat installation tool is also described, as well as a valve seat replacement kit and a method for replacing a valve seat. The valve may be a diaphragm valve, for example.

Abstract: The faucet of cartridge has an expandable temperature regulating rod in the main body. The temperature of water is regulated by changing the ratio of cold water and hot water by the movement of the temperature regulating rod. The water can be switched on or off by rotating the main body with respect to the seat. The main body includes an outer body, an inner body, and an anti-leaking element. The anti-leaking element is sandwiched between the outer body and the inner body to partition the space therebetween into two channels for cold and hot water to flow into the inner body.

Abstract: Gas flow control valves comprising a valve housing including a cylindrical interior passage, and a housing opening extending from the interior passage through the housing. The gas flow control valve further comprises a cylindrical rotary valve element including a sidewall, and a rotary valve element opening extending through the sidewall. The valve element is rotatably received within the interior passage of the valve housing, such that the housing opening may be selectively aligned with the rotary valve element opening, and an area of overlap of the housing opening and the valve element opening may be varied by rotating the valve element within the interior passage of the valve housing.

Abstract: A valve assembly configured for use with an inflatable product, such as a mattress, chair, pool, spa, float, or another suitable inflatable product. The valve assembly includes a first valve component that serves as an opening for inflation and/or deflation of the inflatable product, and a second valve component that serves as an opening for deflation or decompression of the inflatable product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for auto range control are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a projector configured to project a sequence of light patterns on an object; a first camera configured to capture a sequence of images of the object illuminated with the projected light patterns; a controller coupled to the projector and first camera and operable to receive the sequence of images and perform range control by controlling power of the sequence of light patterns being projected on the object and exposure time of a camera based on information obtained from the sequence of images captured by the camera.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator for controlling the delivery rate of reciprocating compressors, comprising: a movable rod designed to cooperate at one end with a suction valve of a reciprocating compressor and at the other with a moving element made of a magnetizable material; at least one chamber in which said moving element is housed and onto which at least one winding of an electromagnet positioned inside a seat facing said chamber protrudes, there being positioned between said winding and said chamber at least one protective element made of a non-magnetic material and provided with static sealing elements and designed to keep the winding of the electromagnet separated from the chamber in which said moving element is housed, characterized in that said protective element made of a non-magnetic material comprises at least two series of static sealing elements, a first series being positioned internally to the protective element and a second series being positioned externally to the protective element, with gas

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly having an actuator housing coupled to a bonnet and a housing lid. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned within the actuator housing and directly coupled to the bonnet. A piston is positioned within the hydraulic cylinder and coupled to a spring lifter assembly and a spring is positioned within the actuator housing and having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a lower surface of the housing lid, and the second end being coupled to the spring lifter assembly. An operating stem is coupled to the piston and positioned in a channel extending through the bonnet to a valve body assembly.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve mechanism capable of switching a communication state between a first port and a second port of a body. A diaphragm is held between a valve plug and a holder member, at a central portion of the valve mechanism. An outer marginal portion of the diaphragm is held between the body and the bonnet. A pilot channel through which a communication chamber in the body and a pilot chamber in the bonnet communicate with each other is formed in the valve plug. A first hole communicating with the pilot channel is formed at a central portion of the diaphragm. Pressurized fluid in the communication chamber flows into the pilot chamber through the pilot channel and the first hole to thereby bias the valve plug toward a valve seat, by the pressure of the pressurized fluid in combination with an elastic force of a spring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a switch valve unit, a fluid switch, and a fluid switch assembly. The switch valve unit comprises a valve seat which defines a valve cavity having an open bottom end port; an at least partially axially deformable diaphragm member which is mounted in the valve cavity to divide the valve cavity into an upper cavity portion and a lower cavity portion, and provided with a first hole and a second hole spaced from each other and providing fluid communication between the upper cavity portion and the lower cavity portion; a button axially movably mounted on the valve seat; and a valve rod assembly connected to the button so as to follow the movement of the button, extending through the valve seat and into the upper cavity portion, and having a first position to seal the first hole and a second position to depart from the second first hole.

Abstract: A water or gas system for a home or commercial building receives water and gas at higher pressures than they can handle in the building or home. The automated regulation device monitors the regulator 24 hours a day, seven days a week so the second there is a failure with pressure, flow, temperature, seismic it recognizes it, notifies you via email, text, etc . . . shuts the system down at same time. There are gas and water sensors for leaks also there is a seismic sensor in the unit for earthquakes, and a pressure sensing switch with digital readout. The unit is capable of running by itself, on solar panel and a battery or being wired in to the system dependent upon application. The unit is also controlled by user via telephone or other remote devices.

Abstract: A balancing valve for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid flowing inside a pipe from upstream to downstream in a longitudinal direction of flow. The balancing valve includes: a check valve and a tubular element simulating a Venturi tube, said valve and element being coaxially connected, respectively, from upstream to downstream in the longitudinal direction of flow of the fluid; a device for detecting the difference in pressure which occurs inside the valve; a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid which flows inside the pipe; wherein: the detection device is arranged between the inside of a first upstream chamber of the check valve and the inside of a central cylindrical portion of the tubular element.

Abstract: A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe (2) including:—a tubular element (3) defining an inner longitudinal passage (5);—a protective element (6) attached onto the outer surface of the tubular element (3) and extending longitudinally in relation to the tubular element (3), the protective element (6) and the tubular element (3) defining a longitudinal receiving passage (9); and—a detection element (12) that is detectable with a detection device. The detection element (12) is linear and includes an electrically conductive core (13) and an electrically insulating sheath (14) that covers the electrically conductive core (13). The detection element (12) extends longitudinally into the receiving passage (9) and is movably mounted longitudinally in relation to the tubular element (3) and the protective element (6).

Abstract: A subsea pipeline system may include a subsea pipeline station configured to establish fluid communication between a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The first pipeline may have a first diameter, and the second pipeline may have a second diameter different from the first diameter. Additionally, the subsea pipeline station may be configured to removably couple to one or more pig launching assemblies having different configurations.

Abstract: A clamp including a first bracket having a first base plate with a first mating surface and a first curved edge, a first channel and a second channel; a second bracket having a second base plate with a second mating surface and a second curved edge, a third channel and a fourth channel; wherein the first base plate is clamped to the second base plate such that the first and third channels engage the first pipe section and such that the second and fourth channels engage the second pipe section; and wherein the first curved edge aligns with the second curved edge to form a joint line that is configured to extend in continuous abutment with a continuously curved pipe edge.

Abstract: A guide system for securing a torpedo pre-set power cable to move within a torpedo tube is provided. The guide system includes a longitudinal keeper and a guide assembly. The longitudinal keeper secures the power cable and includes a protrusion. A channel of the guide assembly connects to a Torpedo Mount Dispenser such that the channel receives the protrusion with the keeper sliding within and along a length of the channel. An alternate channel connects to a torpedo tube land and is configured to pivot to a stowed position and a deployed position where the channel is configured to receive the protrusion of the keeper such that the keeper slides within and along a length of the channel. When using each of the channels, the power cable can move within the torpedo tube when the protrusion of the keeper with the secured power cable slides within each channel.

Abstract: A pipe clamp includes two clamp parts for fastening a pipe to a channel type profile element having a longitudinal slot. Each clamp part has a curved pipe clamping portion, where in a mounted state the pipe clamping portions of the respective clamp parts are positioned opposite each other to accommodate a pipe section. Each clamp part has an anchoring portion formed at one end of each clamp part to anchor the pipe clamp to the profile element. The anchoring portion is essentially formed as a leg with a hammerhead, which is insertable in the longitudinal slot of the profile element and rotatable to engage the slot edges. A flange is formed at another end of each clamp part. The pipe clamp furthermore includes a tightening member associated with the clamp flanges for tightening them together.

Abstract: A firestop collar (10) for sealing of openings, especially of line penetrations (12), that pass through walls (11) or ceilings has a frame (16) and a block (20) of optionally intumescent material disposed therein, and is characterized in that the block (20) is a regular polyhedron.

Abstract: The present invention may manufacture a composite pipe by forming an adhesive layer and a resin layer on an outer surface of a metal pipe, and although the composite pipe is wound in a ring shape after the composite pipe is manufactured, a circular cross sectional shape may be maintained without deformation, and after the composite pipe is straightened for the purpose of construction, separation or buckling may be prevented, resulting in excellent transportability and constructability of a product.

Abstract: A welded pipe assembly includes a first and a second metal pipes, and a welded joint or welded material connecting the first pipe with the second pipe. The first and second metal pipes each have a length of at least 30? and an exterior diameter of less than 24?. The weld material includes a plurality of weld pass layers including a first internal pass layer and a second internal pass layer disposed on top of the first internal pass layer. The second internal pass layer is positioned closer to an interior longitudinal axis of the welded first and second pipes than the first internal pass layer. The welded joint includes a first internal bevel formed in the first metal pipe and a second internal bevel formed in the second metal pipe. The first internal pass layer is disposed in a region defined by the first and the second internal bevels.

Abstract: The method relates to pipe production. A method for sealing threaded pipe connections involves preparing the surface of a threaded connection in order to create a porous adhesion layer on the metal, applying a polymer coating with the addition of gamma-aminosilane in an amount comprising 1-15% by mass of the dry polymer residue, and filling the threaded space with a sealing material based on a composition of graphite and a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP). Prior to applying the polymer coating to the threaded surface of an item, a synthetic corrosion inhibitor is applied to the porous adhesion layer. The film of inhibitor acts to prevent corrosive processes from taking place on the surface of an item while using same in various climatic conditions, thus increasing corrosion resistance and also the reliability of the applied coating due to high adhesion between the layers thereof.

Abstract: A plenum housing includes a plurality of construction panels and a plurality of compression seal groove connectors secured between the plurality of construction panels. Each of the plurality of compression seal groove connectors includes a recess having at least one interior surface with at least one compression seal groove.

Abstract: A connector (10) or kit of parts facilitates sealingly inserting a plumbing member (211) into a gap (250) created in an existing pipeline (200). The connector (10) comprises a bridging sleeve (12; 212), a first sealing device (14; 214), a second sealing device (16; 216), a first sealing element (18; 218), and a second sealing element (20; 220). In use, the first sealing device (14; 214) is adapted to form a first seal between a bridging sleeve (12; 212) first tubular section internal surface and an existing pipeline external surface (252, 254) by compression of the first sealing element (18; 218) and the second sealing device (16; 216) is adapted to form a second seal between a plumbing member internal surface and a bridging sleeve second tubular section external surface (24) by compression of the second sealing element (20; 220).

Abstract: A fitting device includes a fitting body having an interior surface defining an interior, a packing assembly maintained within the fitting body interior, a retaining nut, and a shoe member maintained between the retaining nut and the axially outer rim of the fitting body, whereupon inserted tubes or pipes can be securely inserted into the fitting interior and maintained therein.

Abstract: A gasket for preventing the separation of a pipe joint formed between plastic pipes such as pipes manufactured from PVC. The invention provides a restrained pipe joint including a first pipe including a bell with a spigot entryway and a substantially V-shaped annular groove. The annular groove includes a front radial wall and a rear radial wall and a gasket seated in the annular groove. The gasket includes an inner radial face, an opening defined by the inner radial face and an outer radial face with a front radial section located adjacent to the front radial wall of the annular groove and a rear radial section located adjacent to the rear radial wall of the annular groove. A plurality of restraining segments is at least partially embedded in the gasket, each restraining segment including a toothed inner face and a smooth, sliding front radial face arranged to slide against the front radial wall of the annular groove and facilitate wedging of the segment between the plastic pipes.

Abstract: A breech lock coupling comprising a stem receivable in a hose, a ferrule configured to receive the stem and hose, a connector, the ferrule comprising a plurality of ferrule lugs on an inner surface, each ferrule lug separated from an adjacent ferrule lug by a ferrule lug gap, the connector comprising a plurality of connector lugs on an outer surface, each connector lug separated from an adjacent connector lug by a connector lug gap, each ferrule lug gap arranged to receive a connector lug and each connector lug gap arranged to receive a ferrule lug upon engagement of the ferrule with the connector, each connector lug axially alignable with a ferrule lug upon rotation (R) of the connector within the ferrule, the connector engages a stem end, a fastener for fixing a connector position relative to the ferrule.

Abstract: Adaptor device comprising a base body with a first reception for receiving the first hose coupling nozzle and with a second reception for receiving a second hose coupling nozzle. The adaptor device has a first connecting nipple and a second connecting nipple for receiving hoses and has at least one first fastening structure for connecting the adaptor device to a further device. The adaptor device is configured to be connected to the further device to receive in the first and second receptions, respectively, upon connection with the further device, first and second hose coupling nozzles of the further device. A distance between the first and second receptions is smaller than a distance between muzzle openings of the first and second connecting nipples.

Abstract: A female connector and a plug-in connector comprising the female connector and a male connector that can be coupled to the female connector. The female connector includes a first end configured for being attached to a pipe or a hose and a second end configured for being connected to the male connector. The second end including elastic retention means configured for retaining the male connector inside the female connector. The female connector also includes a non-removable cover arranged at the second end of the female connector covering the retention means, preventing the retention means from being able to be manipulated from the outside of the plug-in connector.

Abstract: A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe including an enlarged end section. A locking member is split into two or more segments configured to lock the enlarged end section within the axial bore when the locking member is secured to the housing body. A segment coupling member is arranged to detachably secure the two or more segments together outside the axial bore and on a housing top of the housing body. At least one sealing member is positionable on the length of pipe and arranged to compress between the enlarged end section and the locking member. A retaining member is arranged to secure the locking member to the housing body such that the locking member fills a gap between the length of the pipe and an opening of the retaining member.

Abstract: An integrated clamp assembly for fluid tubes, a fluid tube assembly and a method of connecting automotive fuel tubes. The assembly includes a clamp body with side-by-side channels for receiving complementary-sized side-by-side fluid tubes, a clamp cover, numerous quick connectors to fluidly join the ends of fluid tubes together, and a retaining clip for each quick connector to keep the end of one of the joined fluid tubes secured to the quick connector. The size of the quick connectors is such that when placed within a corresponding section of the channel formed in the clamp body, the smaller quick connector length provides an axially-compliant fit within the respective channel.

Abstract: A bulk adhesive transfer system for transferring adhesive particulate to a melter includes a bulk supply and a transfer device, which may define a hopper of the melter, a mobile bin, and/or a buffer unit. The transfer device is configured to receive unmelted adhesive particulate from the bulk supply and then be selectively docked with the melter to transfer the adhesive particulate to the melter. The bulk adhesive transfer system may also include a knife gate valve device, which includes a plurality of ports that sequentially open and close to control flow of the adhesive particulate towards the melter. The bulk adhesive transfer system simplifies refilling operations for a melter while enabling continuous operation of the melter, even when the transfer device is undocked for removal from the melter.

Abstract: A rigid pipe-in-pipe structure for subsea transportation of fluids includes inner and outer pipes defining a thermally-isolating annulus between them. Thermal insulation material is disposed in the annulus. The outer pipe is of metal, preferably carbon steel. The inner pipe is a polymeric composite structure of bonded layers including a first, radially outer tubular polymeric electrically insulating layer, which can be of p polymer, surrounding a second, composite layer including carbon fibres, preferably continuous fibres, embedded in a polymer matrix. Conveniently the second layer is a heating layer in which the carbon fibres conduct electricity to heat the inner pipe. The inner pipe can also comprise a radially inner tubular polymer layer within the second composite layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for actively compensating for pressure changes of a working fluid within a conduit. A first cavity is provided in fluid communication with the conduit. A second cavity is in fluid communication with a control fluid. A plunger is in communication with both the first cavity and the second cavity and is movable in response to pressure changes of the working fluid in the conduit. The plunger is re-centered. Re-centering the plunger includes the following steps. Position data representative of movement of the plunger is collected. The position data is analyzed with a control unit to determine an average position of the plunger which is offset relative to a center position. The average position of the plunger is compared, with a control unit, to the center position. A signal is relayed from the control unit to a control valve to urge the plunger toward the center position.

Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus and method of repairing a main pipe and a lateral pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a packer assembly having a main bladder body with a cylindrical shape extending radially from and along the first axis for inflating in the main pipe. The packer assembly also has a lateral bladder body with a cylindrical shape extending radially from and along a second axis transverse to the first axis for inflating in the lateral pipe. A main liner is disposed about the main bladder body for adhering to the inner surface of the main pipe to repair the main pipe in response to the main bladder body being inflated. Similarly, a lateral liner is disposed about the lateral bladder body for adhering to the inside surface of the lateral pipe to repair the lateral pipe in response to the lateral bladder body being inflated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pipe lining systems and methods of use are described. Systems and methods may include a CIPP lateral liner that is inserted into a bladder forming a CIPP liner assembly that can be inserted into a pipe line for a pipe repair. CIPP liner assembly can include a membrane that produces superior results compared to the prior art. A backing ring may be used with these systems and methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing inline inspections of pipelines of composite structure installed in a host pipeline or standing alone comprising a multiplicity of sensor/transducers located on or within the pipe structure to measure and record various pipeline properties, an activation/reading/storage device to activate read and collect measurement results from the sensor transducers, an automatic launch and recovery system for the activation/reading/storage device, and a database/storage/analytical device to receive, analyze and interpret results from collected data and transmit appropriate instructions to a pipeline operator or remotely activated system for action. The remote reading of sensor/transducers may be accomplished by a device running through the pipeline or passing over or near the pipeline, where ground-level handheld or wheeled vehicle mounted, fixed wing or rotary aircraft, hovercraft watercraft or satellite based instrumentation can record the location and condition of a pipeline.

Abstract: An automotive member or oil filler pipe includes: a member of ferritic stainless steel containing, in mass %, at most 0.015% of C, at most 0.015% of N, 10.5 to 18.0% of Cr, 0.01 to 0.80% of Si, 0.01 to 0.80% of Mn, at most 0.050% of P, at most 0.010% of S, 0.010 to 0.100% of Al, more than 0.3 to 1.5% of Mo, and one or both of 0.03 to 0.30% of Ti and Nb; and a metal fitting of an aluminized stainless steel sheet, which is attached to the member to define therebetween a gap structure to be exposed to a chloride environment, and has an Al-plating weight per unit area ranging from 20 to 150 g/m2 in the gap structure. Surfaces of the metal fitting and member not facing the gap are coated with a cation electrodeposition coating film having a thickness of 5 to 35 ?m.

Abstract: A screw joint has a tubular element with a female thread and a tubular element with a male thread, wherein the male thread and the female thread have first contact surfaces that cooperate with each other, and the tubular elements optionally have second contact surfaces adjacent to the female thread and/or the male thread, wherein the first contact surfaces and the optional second contact surfaces each have a coating including a first and a second layer, wherein the first layer is formed as a conversion layer in each case, one of the first contact surfaces that cooperate with each other has a second layer made of ceramic material with a friction reducing effect and the other of the two contact surfaces that cooperate with each other has, as a second layer, a varnish layer with a binding agent made of an organic polymer throughout which solid lubricant particles are distributed.

Abstract: A thermal insulator includes a plurality of layers. At least some of the layers include phononic crystals having a phononic bandgap, wherein heat transporting phonons within a selected range of frequencies are substantially blocked by each phononic crystal layer. The plurality of layers thermally isolate a first region from a second region, wherein the first region is at one end of the plurality of layers and the second region is at the other end of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. The anti-theft device includes a shroud configured to at least partially receive and engage a portable electronic device. The anti-theft device also includes a dock configured to releasably engage the shroud. The dock is configured to engage the shroud in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock and to disengage the shroud in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the shroud and the portable electronic device to be removed from the dock.