Abstract: An insert block half for sealing around a cable, pipe or wire. The insert block half comprises: a body with a first and a second end, a first side intended to be arranged towards a substantially identical insert block half, and a semi-circular groove arranged in said first side and extending between the first and second end; and a reinforcement element having a shape corresponding to the shape of the semi-cylindrical groove and arranged to enclose the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for passing pipes or cables through an opening in a building. Said device comprises a sleeve-like housing that has an axial passage channel that is open at its opposite ends; bristles that are mounted on the walls of the passage channel in such a way that they are opposite each other and that are extended inwards in such a way that they mesh with one another in order to close the passage channel; and flexible strips of material that are mounted in the passage channel and that are coated with an intumescent material.

Abstract: A tubular duct member comprises a plurality of sheet metal panels 10, 12 joined along adjacent longitudinal edges by cooperating folded sheet metal catches 14, 16, the catches being pushed together such that respective detent surfaces 28, 30 on each catch engage behind one another to retain the edges of the sheets together. One of the catches 14 includes a body 36 of resilient material compressed between the catches and biasing the catches apart to maintain the detent surfaces 28, 30 bearing against one another.

Abstract: A resin end-face butt joint, a method for welding the joints, and a piping member ensure a sufficient clamping margin with the clamp of an ordinary welding machine, and ensure an appropriate distance between the centers even when joints having short tubular welding ring parts are welded. It is also possible to align the centers by positioning the centers along the same axis. The resin end-face butt joint includes multiple welding ring parts which communicate with a flow path within a joint base part and which are provided on the joint base part. Fastening parts are coaxial with at least one of these welding ring parts at the outer end of the joint for the purpose of clamping a welding machine.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable pressure hose can be constructed comprising an input connector, an output connector, an elastic inner hose, an outer cover, and one or more portions of the elastic inner hose engaged with the outer cover and disposed between the first and second ends of the hose. In such a hose, the input connector and output connector can be connected to each end of elastic inner hose and outer cover.

Abstract: A composite tube includes an inner layer including a silicone polymer, wherein the inner layer has a surface that defines a central lumen of the composite tube; an adhesive layer adjacent to the inner layer, wherein the adhesive layer includes an adhesive silicone material including a silicone polymer and an adhesion promoter, and an outer layer adjacent to the adhesive layer, wherein the outer layer includes a thermoplastic polymer having a functional group that forms a chemical bond with the adhesion promoter of the adhesive silicone material.

Abstract: Plastic tubing including a thermoplastic ribbon helically wrapped and heat bonded to itself to form a tubing wall and a thermoplastic reinforcement located helically around and along the tubing wall. At least a thickness of the tubing wall or a size of the thermoplastic reinforcement is varied along the tubing wall.

Abstract: A flexible hose liner is provided having a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis from as first end to a second end. First and second sleeves form the cylindrical body by separate continuous ribbons having a plurality of convolutions formed in a helical pattern along the cylindrical body from the first end to the second end. A ring is formed in each revolution about the longitudinal axis of the continuous ribbon of the first and second sleeves. A plurality of rings form the cylindrical body, each ring has a first convolution and an ending convolution such that a mechanical connection is formed between the ending convolution of a preceding ring and the first convolution of a succeeding ring. The mechanical connection of the between the rings of the first sleeve being different from the mechanical connection of the rings of the second sleeve.

Abstract: A multilayer flexible tube includes an inner layer including a melt processable fluoropolymer, wherein the fluoropolymer includes a copolymer of a poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and a hexafluoropropylene (HFP); and an outer layer including a melt processable polymer having a shore hardness less than a shore hardness of the inner layer. Further provided is a method of making the multilayer flexible tube.

Abstract: A swage fitting for connection of tubes by axial swaging includes a fitting body having a generally cylindrical body and an internal axial bore. A swage end of the fitting body includes a tapered inner surface that compresses a tapered outer surface of a sleeve into the tube when the fitting body is swaged to the sleeve and the tube. An adapter end of the fitting body may be fastened by a permanent or separable connection to another part.

Abstract: A seal ring and coupling sleeve assembly usable to join tubing and casing sections includes a rigid coupling sleeve and a resilient seal ring assembly positionable within the coupling sleeve. The seal ring assembly includes a seal ring body and an interior reinforcing ring. The coupling sleeve inner circumference has a plurality of sealing ridge receiving grooves. The outer peripheral surface of the sealing ring body has a plurality of cooperatively shaped and positioned seal ring body sealing ridges. Outer and inner gas grooves extend circumferentially around the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the seal ring body and are concentric with each other. A plurality of gas ports extend radially between the outer and inner gas grooves of the seal ring body.

Abstract: A premium threaded joint has a pin-side shoulder angle ?1, a box-side shoulder angle ?2, a seal interference quantity ? and a seal point distance xp satisfying ?2??1=?×?/xp, ?=7 to 14, and a pin distal end thickness tp1 defined by a difference Re?Ri between a radius Re of a pin most distal end portion and an inner radius Ri of a pin distal end portion is 0.25 times or more as large as a pin raw pipe thickness tp0.

Abstract: A pushing and jam-releasing pup joint of a formation tester comprises a first jam-releasing arm (1), a first three-way reversing valve (V1), a two-way reversing valve (V2) and a third three-way reversing valve (V4), a withdrawal cavity (Q11) of the first jam-releasing arm (1) is connected with the first three-way reversing valve (V1) which can communicate with an energy accumulation cavity (NQ) of an energy accumulator and the two-way reversing valve (V2), the two-way reversing valve (V2) can be communicated with a pressure oil main line (G2) of a hydraulic system, and an extension cavity (Q12) of the first jam-releasing arm (1) is connected with the third three-way reversing valve (V4) which can communicate with the pressure oil main line (G2) and a return oil main line (G1) of hydraulic system. Jam-releasing pup joint effectively solves the problem of jam release when mud adheres to EFDT and makes same jammed.

Abstract: A separation preventive pipe joint having an adjustable angle of deflection. A lock ring storage groove accommodates a metallic lock ring that can be engaged with a spigot protrusion and a cushioning material that comes into contact with a bottom of the lock ring storage groove and a side wall on a socket opening side. The cushioning material is made of a material softer than the lock ring.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) sealing ring is deformed to provide a shape between a radially inner sealing portion and radially outer sealing portion thereof which has at least one peak and at least one trough. When the shape memory behavior of the SMA is activated, this shape provides a sealing connection between a first and second member.

Abstract: A tube seal assembly is provided to connect a tube and an adapter in order to circulate a fluid. The tube seal assembly can include various components such as a locking flange, a tube retainer, a seal guard, and an elastomeric seal. Bolts are used to secure the components of tube seal assembly together through the use of a load and to secure the tube seal assembly to the second tube. Teeth on the tube retainer are angled to dig into the first tube to prevent the tube from separating from the adapter during a blowout. The tube seal assembly can be configured to connect to any existing tube in order to be more serviceable in the field.

Abstract: A fluidic plug unit for liquid-conducting components, in particular for high-performance liquid chromatography, includes a plug housing that has a plug region with a front plug region and a rear plug region which is adjoined thereto in an axial direction. The plug unit is designed for connection to a bushing unit. In a connected state of the plug unit and bushing unit, an annular space, which is substantially closed on all sides, is formed for a sealing element of the plug unit, the annular space being bounded by an outer wall of the front plug region and an inner wall of the receiving recess of the bushing unit.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a double wall pipe assembly may comprise a coupling, a first pipe, a second pipe, a first piloted flange and second piloted flange. The coupling may define a minor diameter receivable slot and a major diameter receivable slot. The double wall pipe may be configured to conduct a fluid. The double wall pipe operatively coupled to the coupling. The double wall pipe may comprise a first pipe, a second pipe, a first piloted flange, and a second piloted flange. The second pipe may be sleeved over the first pipe. The first piloted flange may be operatively coupled to the first pipe. The first piloted flange may be installable in the minor diameter receivable slot. The second piloted flange may be coupled to the second pipe. The second piloted flange may be installable in the major diameter receivable slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for producing welded assemblies of plastic parts for use in fluid flow applications. A unit cell structure is disclosed for use in an assembly. One embodiment is an as-molded plastic unit cell structure for use in fabricating welded fluid flow assemblies, the cell structure comprising a hollow tubular body portion having opposed first and second axial ports, a first hollow tubular portion extending axially from a first end of the tubular body portion and defining the first axial port, the first hollow tubular portion having a tube or pipe end configured for welding to another plastic part in a fabrication process for an assembly, and wherein the first tubular portion has a length in a range of 1 mm to 40 mm.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a rigid cylindrical member, a flexible cylindrical member and a hose clamp. The flexible cylindrical member includes a central tubular member within the rigid cylindrical member. A flexible sleeve extends beyond the rigid cylindrical member and has an inside diameter that is complimentary to a pipe. The sleeve has a first position in which the sleeve is folded back onto the rigid cylindrical member and a second position in which the sleeve is unfolded so as to envelope an end of the first pipe. The central tubular member includes a ledge that has an inside diameter corresponding to an inside diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: A device for reduced-noise fastening of pipes or hoses includes two fastening parts which are connectable to one another and which have recesses which, in the assembled state, form a leadthrough in which there is arranged a vibration-damping ring-shaped insert, the internal contour of which is designed for receiving a pipe or hose. The insert is formed by a hollow cylindrical main body, on the outer shell surface of which there are arranged, spaced apart from one another, two encircling radially outwardly projecting webs, wherein, in the leadthrough of the fastening parts, there is arranged a radially encircling central web which engages into a groove formed between the webs of the insert.

Abstract: A bladder and attachment member assembly for use with a container comprises an elastomeric gas-filled bladder comprising a valve stem. A first attachment member is disposed over the valve stem within the container with the bladder. A second attachment member is disposed over the valve stem and over the first attachment member. The second attachment member is outside of the container interposed between the valve stem and a container opening. Rotational movement of the valve stem is fixed relative to one or both of the first and second attachment members. In an example, the valve stem comprises one or more surface features that register with one or more surface features of the first and/or second attachment member to thereby fix relative valve stem rotational movement. In an example, the valve stem surface feature is a flat surface that registers with a flat surface of the second attachment member inside diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a universal plug having an outer wall and an inner wall that surrounds an inner cavity along an axis of symmetry of the universal plug, the universal plug comprising a first plug tier having a first outer surface diameter that extends a first length along the axis of symmetry and a second plug tier having a second outer surface diameter that extends a second length along the axis of symmetry from the first plug tier; a compression shank situated in and extending through the inner cavity of the universal plug; a compression head attached to a distal end of the compression shank and having a larger diameter than the compression shank; a washer comprising an opening, the compression shank extending through the opening; and a threaded gasket cap comprising a threaded opening.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the interior surface and exterior wall conditions of a pipeline while also dynamically installing a repair coating in a pipeline, such as an underground water pipeline. The system is towed into the pipeline and drawn back therethrough. As the system is drawn back, one module in the system evaluates the surface condition of the interior of the pipe and another module evaluates the structural condition of the wall of the pipe. Based on the evaluation data obtained from the two modules an epoxy material is applied to the interior surface of the pipe using a spin cast machine that is drawn behind the two modules. Preferably, a layer of epoxy is applied to the interior surface of the host pipe to the appropriate thickness based on the pipe condition as determined by the two modules.

Abstract: The method for rehabilitating a damaged section of a pipe without a need for a resin absorbent liner is provided. The method includes pumping a low viscosity material towards a damaged section of pipe and changing the viscosity prior to dispensing of the material. For example, the material may be partially cured prior to dispensing. The partially cured or higher viscosity material is compressed between an inflating bladder and interior wall of the pipe, and the material that is allowed to fully cure. The bladder either can then be removed from the pipe or could be allowed to maintain in the pipe providing a new interior surface for the repaired pipe.

Abstract: An external sleeve arrangement for repairing a defective length of pipe has top and bottom segments for substantially encircling the pipe, where the bottom segment in addition has connector plates welded on either side. When the pipe and sleeve segments are made of a similar material, the sleeve segments are made thicker than the pipe wall, up to three times as thick or more, so that upon heating the sleeve segments for a given time they stretch relative to the pipe. After joining the stretched sleeve segments with the connector plates to form a continuous circumferential sleeve, the sleeve is cooled to provide an enhanced interference fit to reinforce the defective length of pipe. Prior to heating, the sleeve segments are clamped about the pipe using a clamping mechanism employing lugs connected to the segments and screw jacks engaging those lugs to draw the segments tight to the pipe.

Abstract: Technical objective is to provide an in-pipe inspection robot for inspecting interior of a pipe, which can exert repulsive force to the pipe when the linear actuator is driven. To this purpose, the in-pipe inspection robot, which is moved inside the pipe to inspect the interior of the pipe, includes a linear actuator which is extendably and contractably driven, and a braking unit configured to fix a rear end of the linear actuator to an inner wall of the pipe and release a front end of the linear actuator from a fixed state, when the linear actuator is being extended, and release the rear end of the linear actuator from the fixed state and fix the front end of the linear actuator to the inner wall of the pipe, when the linear actuator is being contracted.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal insulation having both excellent thermal insulating performance and excellent strength, and a method of producing the same. A method of producing a thermal insulation according to the present invention includes curing (S2) a dry-pressed compact, including silica fine particles each having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or less and a reinforcement fiber, at a relative humidity of 70% or more.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is used to secure a housing to a support structure such as a post, wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket, an outer bracket and a connector. The inner bracket is configured to be mounted on the support structure separately from the outer bracket, and the outer bracket is configured to be quickly mounted on the inner bracket. The outer bracket and connector are joined by a ball and socket joint. Angular adjustment of the ball relative to the socket is made prior to mounting of the outer bracket on the inner bracket, and the desired orientation is maintained using a clamping assembly. The bracket assembly includes sealing features that prevent moisture from entering the assembly.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit for inspecting an inspection target, and a positioning unit for supporting the inspection target and positioning the inspection target to an inspection position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a space-saving suspension system. In various embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a fine suspension device, a coarse suspension device, and a mechanical assembly. In various embodiments, the fine suspension device is arranged at an angle greater than zero degrees from the z-axis. In various embodiments, the mechanical assembly is coupled to the fine suspension device and a payload, such that when a force is exerted on the mechanical assembly by the payload, an applied force is transmitted to the fine suspension device.

Abstract: A mounting assembly 10 for mounting a roller brush 12 onto an operating apparatus includes a mounting structure 14 configured to be mountable on the operating apparatus. The mounting structure has a through hole for receiving an idle shaft 16 that is sized to be engageable within a blind hole 42 formed in the adjacent end hub 32 of the brush 12. The idle shaft 16 is resiliently loaded in the direction toward the brush hub 12 by a loader assembly 18 which includes a compression spring 16 acting against retaining ring 48 engaged with the idle shaft 16.

Abstract: A user-terminal clamp that receives a user terminal of a satellite communications system, wherein the clamp clamps to a roof of a structure in either of two orthogonal orientations. The clamp includes a frame having a pair of movable clamping members that are actuated by a handle. The frame includes slots or channels that receive ribs that are disposed on the underside of the user terminal.

Abstract: A fitting for channel framing includes a first clip arm configured to extend into a first external fitting groove of the channel framing and clip onto the channel framing, and a second clip arm configured to extend into a second external fitting groove of the channel framing and clip onto the channel framing. An outer portion connected to and extending between the first and second clip arms is configured to span across the continuous slot when the first and second clip arms extend into the respective first and second external fitting grooves and are clipped onto the channel framing.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed including an apparatus for machine fluid monitoring or sampling comprising a transparent sight glass attachable to a machine such that machine fluid is transferable to the sight glass. The sight glass may have one or more ports, an open first end, a closed second end, and a cavity for the machine fluid. A grommet may be positioned in a first port of the sight glass and may have a sealable access pathway through the grommet to the cavity within the sight glass through which a probe may be extended. A magnetic plug may be positioned in the second port of the sight glass extending into the cavity within the sight glass such that the magnetic plug is positionable for contact with the machine fluid. A sample port assembly may be connected to the sight glass whereby samples of the machine fluid are accessible.

Abstract: An impermeable and thermally insulated tank built into a load-bearing structure, the tank wall comprising: a thermally insulated barrier attached to a load-bearing wall and made of insulating blocks, juxtaposed in parallel rows separated from one another by gaps, an impermeable barrier supported by the thermally insulated barrier and made of welded metal sheets. Each insulating block carries, on the face of same opposite the load-bearing wall, two metal connecting strips arranged in parallel to the sides of the insulating block. The sheets of the membrane carried by the insulating block are welded to the strips. The connecting strips are rigidly connected to the insulating block carrying same. The sheets each have at least two orthogonal folds parallel to the sides of the insulating blocks, the folds being inserted into the gaps formed between two insulating blocks.

Abstract: A cooling device (20) has a cryostat (23) and a cold head (1), in particular, the cold head (1) of a pulse tube cooler. The cryostat (23) has a vacuum container (4) with a vacuum container wall (4a), wherein the vacuum container wall (4a) seals off a vacuum inside the vacuum container (4) from the environment. A flexible sealing section (6) connects the vacuum container wall (4a) directly or indirectly to the room temperature part (1a) of the cold head (1). The flexible sealing section (6) seals off the inside of the cryocontainer (2) from the environment. The cooling device further reduces mechanical coupling between the cold head and the cryostat, in particular, in order to enable performance of NMR measurements with fewer disturbances due to external vibrations.

Abstract: A method for filling a tank (1) with liquefied gas, in particular a tank with cryogenic liquid, from a liquefied gas container (2), in particular a cryogenic liquid container (2), which container (2) is in fluid communication with the tank (1) via a filling pipe (3), wherein the method uses a pressure differential generation member (4) for transferring liquid from the container (2) to the tank (1) at a predetermined pressure, characterized in that, at or following the switching on time (M) of the pressure differential generation member (4), the method comprises a step of determining the pressure (PT4) in the tank (1) via a measurement of a first pressure in the filling pipe (3), and, following the determination of the pressure (PT4) in the tank, a step of limiting the first instantaneous pressure (PT3) to a level below a maximum pressure threshold (PT3sup), said maximum pressure threshold being defined on the basis of the determined value of the pressure (PT4) in the tank (1) and exceeding said determined val

Abstract: A method for performing a pressure test on a tank (e.g. hydrogen tank) and a filling apparatus is disclosed. The tank is connected via a tank valve to a tank feed line which has a first valve for shutting off the tank feed line, wherein during the pressure test prior to the tank being filled through the tank feed line a flow of medium, with the first valve closed, is directed into the tank via a bypass line bridging the first valve, wherein the flow of medium is throttled in the bypass line such that a tank feed pressure acting on the tank valve rises in a controlled manner, wherein the tank valve opens particularly when the tank feed pressure exceeds the pressure prevailing in the tank.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a substantially constant pressure within an ullage space of a cryogenic storage tank is provided. The system includes a compressor configured to receive fuel gas from the cryogenic storage tank, and compress the fuel gas to produce heated fuel gas. The system further includes a heat exchanger in flow communication with the compressor and configured to cool the heated fuel gas to produce cooled fuel gas, and a turbine in flow communication with the heat exchanger and configured to expand the cooled fuel gas to produce a gas and liquid mixture having a predetermined liquid to gas ratio, and discharge the gas and liquid mixture into the cryogenic storage tank.

Abstract: A method for storage and transport of LPG on LPG carriers, in particular two cargoes of different LPG types on same shipment, having reliquefaction units (300, 400) in which vaporized gases are condensed and then returned into at least one cargo tank (100) for the respective LPG cargo type. The method is further comprising: using the reliquefaction units (300, 400), at a minimum one running, as to condense vapor from the first cargo type; passing the condensed vapor through a heat exchanger (500); simultaneously flowing vapor from the second cargo type through the heat exchanger (500) as to condense vapor by means of heat exchanging with the condensed vapor; and returning the condensed vapors leaving the heat exchanger back into the respective cargo types. The present invention is also disclosing a system for storage and transport of LPG on LPG carriers.

Abstract: A scale-dampening or scale-inhibiting device is at a radial restriction in a pipeline. A helical flow guide is arranged in a pipeline portion upstream of the restriction. The flow guide projects radially inwards from a pipe wall and has a longitudinal direction slanted relative to the center axis of the pipeline. A method is for dampening or inhibiting scaling in a dead zone of a fluid flow downstream of a restriction in a pipeline.

Abstract: A method and a control system are provided for reducing the size and/or the frequency of hydrodynamic slugging in a fluid processing system. The fluid processing system includes a pipeline for conveying produced fluids and a vessel for receiving the produced fluids from the pipeline. A control valve is provided in the pipeline upstream of the vessel. A pressure sensor is provided upstream of the control valve. Pressure information from the pressure sensor is sent to a master control loop in a cascade control scheme in which the master control loop controls a slave control loop which in turn controls the control valve. The master control loop determines a set point of the slave control loop coupled to the control valve to achieve a pressure setpoint. The slave control loop, also referred to as a pseudo-flow controller, determines whether the control valve opening needs be modulated to achieve the setpoint of the slave control loop. A method is also provided for retrofitting an existing fluid processing system.

Abstract: A lighting device comprising at least a first light source and at least a first heat dissipation element. At least a first region of the dissipation element comprises at least one material selected from among (1) sintered silicon carbide, (2) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide and at least one other ceramic material, (3) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide and at least one metal other than aluminum, (4) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide, at least one other ceramic material and at least one metal other than aluminum and (5) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide, at least one other ceramic material and at least one metal. Also, a lighting device comprising at least a first light source and heat conducting means for dissipating heat.

Abstract: An LED tube lamp includes a lamp tube, which includes a light transmissive portion, a reinforcing portion and an end cap, and an LED light assembly, which includes an LED light source and an LED light strip. The light transmissive portion is fixedly connected to the reinforcing portion. The reinforcing portion includes a platform and a bracing structure fixedly connected to the platform and holds the platform in place. The bracing structure is made from a material having a greater stiffness than the material from which the lamp tube is made. The LED light source is thermally and electrically connected to the LED light strip, which is in turn thermally connected to the reinforcing portion. The end cap is attached to an end of the lamp tube. The light transmissive portion and the reinforcing portion define a first line between them on a cross section of the lamp tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus using LEDs as light sources and a display using the lighting apparatus, particularly, the present invention provides a lighting apparatus including: a plurality of light sources located on a printed circuit board; and a reflecting unit provided on the printed circuit board; and a spaced area provided inside the reflective unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a semiconductor light emitting device for emitting a first light at a first wavelength and a wavelength conversion medium arranged to convert at least part of the first light into a second light at a second wavelength. The wavelength conversion medium is disposed between a periodic antenna array and the semiconductor light emitting device. The periodic antenna array includes a plurality of antennas. The periodic antenna array supports surface lattice resonances arising from diffractive coupling of localized surface plasmon resonances in at least one of the antennas.

Abstract: A flashlight is provided. The flashlight includes a frame defined by a rail that extends around a central opening predominantly within a single plane, a mounting loop extending outboard of the frame on a first end, a planar circuit board disposed within the central opening. The plane of the circuit board coincident with the plane of the frame, an LED light disposed on the circuit board, where a light emitting end of the LED light extending through the frame on a second end of the frame opposite the first end. A rechargeable battery is disposed on the circuit board, a switch is provided that couples the battery to the LED light. An actuator of the switch extends through the frame between the first and second ends, a USB connector is disposed on the circuit board, the USB connector extends through the frame between the first and second ends and a battery charger is disposed on the circuit board that charges the battery via energy received through the USB connector.

Abstract: A light installation system and method is described. The system employs a channel, at least one set of lights, at least one mount, and a wire housing tube. The at least one set of lights are configured to fit partially within the wire housing tube, and extend out of the wire housing tube via a series of exit holes arranged equidistant from one another on the bottom of each wire housing tube. Each of the wire housing tubes is configured to be placed in carefully spaced segments within the channel(s). The channel is configured to be mounted, via the at least one mount, to the gutter or soffit portion of a building structure. The wire housing tube is configured to rapidly and easily slide into the channel when decorating, and be removed from the channel quickly when taking down the at least one set of lights.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a light string having pluralities of lighting elements and expandable links thereon, so as to facilitate expansion of the light string in response to applied tensile forces. Each of the expandable links includes a segment of flexible cable between an adjacent pair of the lighting elements and an expansion member mechanically engaging the segment of the flexible cable at first and second engagement portions. Each of the expandable links is in a natural state if no tensile force is applied between the first and second engagement portions and in an expanded state if a tensile force is applied between the first and second engagement portions. In the natural state, an arcuate portion of the flexible cable is between the first and the second engagement portions. The arcuate portion of the flexible cable changes shape in response to an applied tensile force applied therebetween.