Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum degassing apparatus configured so as to be capable of carrying out more simply exchange operation for an extension pipe made of heat-resisting metal and immersed in molten glass. The present invention includes a vacuum housing, a vacuum vessel, an introduction pipe and a discharge pipe which are assembled by a plurality of bricks, and an extension pipe connected to at least one of the introduction pipe and the discharge pipe and made of heat-resisting metal. The extension pipe is constituted by a base end portion, a body portion formed so as to be continuous to the base end portion, and a sealing flange extending from an outer peripheral side of the body portion.

Abstract: A pipe supporting device includes a support portion for supporting a hydraulic pipe along an axis of the hydraulic pipe extending along a length of a boom, and a weld portion to be connected with an outer surface of the boom by fillet welding. The weld portion has a plurality of peripheral surfaces, the plurality of peripheral surfaces including: a pair of opposite perpendicular standing surfaces and extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly intersecting a first stress direction along the axis of the hydraulic pipe; and a pair of oblique standing surfaces extending from respective leading ends of the pair of opposite perpendicular standing surfaces to join each other. Each of the oblique standing surfaces extends in a direction oblique to the first stress direction and joins the corresponding one of the perpendicular standing surfaces at an acute angle.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a protective device for a pressure line for conveying pressurized fluids, as well as to a pressure line section with a pressure line for conveying pressurized fluids and a corresponding protective device.

Abstract: An off road type vehicle exhaust system including a muffler, a mounting bracket and a vibration insulator. The vibration insulator connects the muffler to the vehicle. The mounting bracket connects the muffler to the vibration insulator and includes a rod attached to the muffler and configured to mate with the vibration insulator and a heat shield having a first end secured to the muffler and a second end engaging the vibration insulator. The rod has a first portion secured to an outer surface of the muffler, a first bend, a second portion extending away from the muffler, a second bend, and a third portion which is at least generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the muffler. The heat shield includes a muffler engaging section and a vibration insulator engaging section. The vibration insulator engaging section includes a first wall extending from the muffler engaging section, a bend, and a second wall opposed to the first wall. The second wall also includes an opening through which the rod passes.

Abstract: Provided is a cord-like member holder for holding a cord-like member inserted into a through-hole provided in a partition wall of an operator's cab of a working machine, including a grommet made of elastic material to have an inner peripheral surface surrounding a cord-like member insertion hole and a sealing surface, and a fixture. The fixture includes a clamp section to clamp the grommet to bring an inner peripheral surface of the grommet into close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the cord-like member, and a fixing section joined to the clamp section and fastened to the partition wall. The clamp section clamps the grommet while relative displacement of the clamp section to the grommet in a direction of approaching the partition wall is restrained, and the fixing section is fastened to the partition wall to bring the sealing surface into close contact with the partition wall.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle includes roof rails having a recess and constructed to be fastened on a vehicle roof of the motor vehicle. A load carrier to be installed on the roof rails has a mounting projection engaging with the roof rails through the recess when the load carrier is installed and cooperating with a mounting receptacle for retaining the load carrier. The recess is closed by a cover when the load carrier is not installed, with a detection device detecting a cover state of the recess. A method for operating a controller of a motor vehicle and a corresponding controller are also described.

Abstract: A tunnel air-conditioning apparatus for air-conditioning a movable tunnel connected to a rotunda, the tunnel air-conditioning and heating apparatus may include an indoor unit that is mounted on the movable tunnel; an outdoor unit that is mounted on and connected to the indoor unit; and an outdoor-unit support unit that supports the outdoor unit to make the outdoor unit mounted on the indoor unit, wherein the outdoor-unit support unit may lift or lower the outdoor unit so as to adjust the space formed on the top part of the indoor unit.

Abstract: A damper having a first seal and a second seal disposed to cooperatively engage an adjacent first blade end portion and second blade end portion such that a dead air space is created between the adjacent first seal and second seal in a damper closed position, and a first thermal gap and a second thermal gap disposed within said dead air space in the damper closed position.

Abstract: A pipe anchor is disclosed having a pipe trunnion stop for attaching to an outer surface of a pipe by welding. A mating top cradle and a bottom cradle generally encircle and hold a length of the pipe. The bottom cradle has a pass-through to accommodate the pipe trunnion stop. There is a base onto which the bottom cradle sets, the base includes a void into which the pipe trunnion stop is secured. An insulation layer is positioned between the pipe and the top cradle and bottom cradle, and around the pipe trunnion stop. A bolting assembly on the top cradle and a mating bolting assembly on the bottom cradle secure the top cradle and the bottom cradle each other. Another embodiment includes multiple pipe trunnion stops along with respective pass-through and base void sections.

Abstract: A concrete dispensing boom for stationary and mobile concrete pumps has a plurality of boom arms, connected to one another at joints, and a concrete conveying line consisting of a plurality of pipe segments preferably connected to one another in an articulated manner via pipe bends and rotary couplings. Said pipe segments run along the individual boom arms and are attached to these boom arms. At least one of the boom arms has a hollow chamber profile which has at least two hollow chambers separated from one another by a separating wall, at least one of which chambers is a closed chamber and one is open at the periphery. The pipe segment allocated to the boom arm concerned is disposed on the opening side outside, partially inside or inside the open hollow chamber.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes a fluid retaining layer for preventing ingress of fluid into the flexible pipe body from an environment outside of the flexible pipe body; and a fibre element arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the fluid retaining layer.

Abstract: A single-use bioreactor, suitable in particular for use in a parallel bioreactor system for applications in cell culture and/or microbiology, a head plate for such a single-use bioreactor and a process for manufacturing the single-use bioreactor and the head plate. The single-use bioreactor comprises a head plate, a dimensionally stable container and a mixer, the head plate and the container enclosing a reaction chamber, and the mixer having a mixer shaft and a stirring member, said mixer shaft being mounted rotatably about a rotational axis in a bearing and the stirring member being fastened torsionally rigidly to the mixer shaft. The mixer and the bearing are arranged entirely within the reaction chamber and the mixer shaft has a magnetic portion which is arranged and adapted in such a way that it can be coupled magnetically in an axial direction to a rotary drive.

Abstract: A cap for a vessel has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A first fluid passageway extends from the first side to the second side through the cap; and a second fluid passageway also extends from the first side to the second side through the cap. At least a portion of the second fluid passageway surrounds a portion of the first fluid passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus including a fairing having a tail portion and an end portion capable of suppressing a vortex-induced vibration of a tubular. The apparatus further including a stabilizing member attached to the end portion of the fairing, the stabilizing member dimensioned to increase a thickness of the end portion of the fairing and a flange member attached to the stabilizing member, the flange member dimensioned to increase a chord dimension of the fairing so as to improve a stability of the fairing.

Abstract: A support for pipes uses a telescoping strut slidably holding an elongated insert with a threaded post extending outward from the insert, through a slot in the C-shaped cross-section of the struts. A bracket fits over the post and abuts supports opposing edges of the strut. A nut on the post clamps the parts immovably together. The bracket has a depending portion extending below the strut with an opening through which a pipe passes. Two threaded couplers with opposing ramped surfaces encircle the pipe and deform when tightened to clamp the pipe while also clamping opposing sides of the depending portion.

Abstract: An pneumatic insulating device (20) is disclosed comprising: a load bearing body, top (24) and bottom parts connected to the load bearing body; and a coiled, insulating pneumatic line (14, 14?) connect to and passing though the top and bottom parts, characterised by both the top and the bottom parts have fixing means (21) for fixing the device between external fixtures.

Abstract: In an elongated structure for a movable section, a plurality of operational linear elements such as conductive wires are arranged in parallel in a belt-like sheath member, and an outer region of the sheath member, which is defined by a bend of the sheath member, has a larger rigidity than that of an inner region of the sheath member, which is defined by the bend of the sheath member. When the sheath member 2 have the regions exhibiting the different rigidities, and when an external force is exerted on the elongated structure 1 for the movable section, it is apt to bend toward the side of the sheath member having the small rigidity, and the bent portion is maintained at a given curvature which is determined by the entire rigidity of the sheath member 2. Therefore, the elongated structure 1 for the movable section cannot easily meander while the movable end thereof is moved.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of installation of a pipe in fixed association with at least one stanchion, said stanchion having a pipe mount for fixing the distance from a pipe inserted into the pipe mount to a mounting surface, and when two or more stanchions and associated pipe mounts are used to insert a pipe, the distance between the pipe mounts and the mounting surface create a pitch of the pipe in the direction of the sink and away from the source of a liquid insures the proper rate of gravitational flow of the liquid therein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a bend limiter suitable for protecting a flexible pipe against over bending. The bend limiter has a length extending between a first end and a second end and a hollow bore along its length. The hollow bore is defined by a surrounding bend limiter wall. The hollow bore has a centre line along the length of the bend limiter wherein the centre line of the hollow bore, when the bend limiter is in an unloaded condition, is a curved centre line or the centre line of the bore, when the bend limiter is in an unloaded condition, is a straight centre line and the bend limiter wall is at most two fold rotational symmetrical around the straight centre line.

Abstract: A pressure-releasing breather hose 1 mounted on a urea water tank 2 is dividably constituted by a flexible joint portion 1a with an end capable of being fitted over a hose joint 3 on the tank 2, and a vertical portion 1b connected to the other end of the joint portion 1a and suspending downward along a side surface of the tank 2. The joint and vertical portions 1a and 1b are constituted by a rubber hose made of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and a polyethylene pipe (resin pipe) made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), respectively.

Abstract: A pipe support device is for relieving a pipeline. The pipe support includes a bracket arranged to be fixed to a base and a relieving, element. The surface of the relieving element faces the pipeline in the position of application and is formed with a radius of curvature adapted to the outer radius of curvature of the pipeline. The curved surface of the relieving element is formed with a plurality of recesses, whereby a plurality of slots is provided between the pipeline and the relieving element in the position of application of the relieving element.

Abstract: A shower arm attachment assembly including an arm coupling member, a shower pipe coupling member, and a locking member. The arm coupling member may fluidly connect to a shower arm for a showerhead and the shower pipe coupling member may fluidly connect to a shower pipe. The arm coupling member connects to the shower pipe coupling member and is selectively rotatably relative thereto. The locking member selectively controls rotation of the arm coupling member relative to the shower pipe coupling member.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a flow line for pressurized liquids, comprising a plurality of axially spaced flow line wraps each having end loops that are releasably connected to an anchor line, the anchor line being further attached at each of its two ends to a relatively immobile anchor structure, and each flow line wrap being removable from the flow line and from the anchor line without detaching either end of the anchor line from its respective anchor structure.

Abstract: A water supplying extension arm for supplying water from a water source to a showerhead has an elongated hollow extension arm element extending along its longitudinal axis and having a first end connectable to the water source turnably about a horizontal axis and a second end spaced in a direction of the longitudinal axis from the first end and connectable to the showerhead. The hollow elongated extension arm element is arch-shaped and has a cross section with a shape of an ellipse having a shorter upright axis and a longer transverse axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake hose assembly includes a suspension component, a brake hose connected to the suspension component, and a support bracket connected to the brake hose and the suspension component. The support bracket includes a base having a forward edge portion, a rear edge portion and opposite side edge portions. A forward wall extends upwardly from the forward edge portion. A sidewall extends upwardly from one of the side edge portions. A single mounting opening is located on the base. An anti-rotation tab extends downwardly from the base. The suspension component includes a portion having a mounting aperture and a recess respectively corresponding with the single mounting opening and the anti-rotation tab of the support bracket. The support bracket prevents rotation of the brake hose relative to the support bracket as the support bracket is secured to the portion of the suspension component via a single fastener.

Abstract: A hanger bracket for supporting duct having an extended plate portion configured to support a surface of a duct and configured to accommodate coupling of the hanger bracket to the bottom surface of the duct; a vertical back plate portion attached to the extended plate portion and configured to couple the hanger bracket to a side surface of the duct; a top plate portion attached to the vertical back plate portion and in parallel arrangement with the extended plate portion and configured to accommodate a hanger element passed at a side of the duct above the bottom surface of the duct in an offset hanger attachment; and at least one gusset portions attached to a back side of the vertical back plate portion and an underside of the top plate portion to provide structural support to the top plate portion.

Abstract: A hanger and method for routing a hot melt hose adjacent to a structure includes a body having a through hole for receiving the hot melt hose. The through hole defines an inner surface adapted to support the hot melt hose without generally deforming the hot melt hose. The hanger also includes at least one of either a groove on the inner surface or a passage extending through the body for positioning the tie device. As such, the body is adapted to be supported by the tie device mounted to the structure. The hanger further spaces the hot melt hose from the adjacent structure. Thus, mechanical and thermal stresses may be minimized by supporting and spacing the hot melt hose from the adjacent structure without generally deforming the hot melt hose.

Abstract: An umbilical member treatment device (10) includes a pipe member (25) which is attached to a second engaging member (12) coaxially with the rotational axis and umbilical member fastening parts at both a first engaging member (11) and the second engaging member, the umbilical member fastening parts fastening the plurality of umbilical members so that at one end or both ends of the pipe member, the plurality of umbilical members form approximately U-shapes, at the umbilical member fastening parts, at least two umbilical members among the plurality of umbilical members being arranged adjoining each other in a ribbon shape, all of the at least two umbilical members being made to abut on an inner circumferential surface near one end or both ends of the pipe member within a range of relative rotational angle between the first engaging member and second engaging member.

Abstract: A work vehicle (1) includes an engine (11), a cooling device (12), first and second hoses (14, 15), first and second flanges (16a, 17a), and a third flange (18a). The third flange (18a) is arranged to overlap with the first and second flanges (16a, 17a) by extending in a region R sandwiched between the first flange (16a) and the second flange (17a). Accordingly, there can be obtained a work vehicle (1) that can have rain water intruding inside prevented from entering the engine side along the hose.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment unit includes an exhaust gas treatment device, a bracket and a connecting pipe. The exhaust gas treatment device is mounted on a bracket. The connecting pipe is connected to the exhaust gas treatment device. The connecting pipe directs exhaust gas to the exhaust gas treatment device. The connecting pipe may include a supporting portion and a pipe portion, with the supporting portion supporting the bracket and the pipe portion being integrated with the supporting portion. Alternatively, the exhaust gas treatment unit may further include a supporting member having a supporting portion supporting the bracket and a pipe portion integrated with the supporting portion, with the pipe portion connected to the connecting pipe.

Abstract: A system for storing a conduit on a crane includes a crane that has a structure to which a mooring point is attached. A first strap is configured to wrap at least partly around the conduit. The strap includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end by a length of the strap. The strap includes at least one loop affixed to it, as well as a first hook affixed to either the first end or the second end of the strap. The strap may also include a second hook affixed at the end of the strap opposite from the first hook. A support strap is configured to couple the strap to the crane at a location different from the mooring point.

Abstract: A cable mount 10 defines an aperture for receiving an electrical or fluid conduit, and has upstanding ribs 15 which define a circular track 14 for a cable tie. The ribs also define flat mounting planes to prevent rotation of the mount with respect to a substrate. An additional attachment member (41-46) is positioned to allow adaptation of a mold to different kinds of attachment member.

Abstract: An additive layer manufacturing method is disclosed for producing a three-dimensional object and to a corresponding object. Layers of a powder material are applied to a carrier and irradiated, before the following layer is applied, with a laser beam or particle beam selectively only in the areas of the layer which correspond to the three-dimensional object to be produced. Irradiation occurs such that the powder material in the corresponding areas is locally melted or sintered. A first portion is constructed before a second portion or the first portion is provided as a separate component, on which a support structure and second portion are constructed. The support structure is constructed in the form of a plurality of support legs, which extend from the first portion to the second portion and are connected thereto at their opposite ends and are spaced apart from one another at least along part of their length.

Abstract: A hanger for use in a gas turbine engine exhaust system comprises a first bracket, a second bracket, a pin and a bumper. The first bracket is for connecting to an exhaust duct or liner of the gas turbine exhaust system. The second bracket is for connecting to an exhaust duct or liner of the gas turbine exhaust system. The pin extends through the first and second brackets to bring the first and second brackets into pivotable engagement. The bumper is positioned adjacent the first or second bracket to inhibit movement of the first bracket relative to the second bracket.

Abstract: A conduit system includes an open-ended sleeve with aligned openings through upper and lower walls of the sleeve for insertion of a fastener to secure the lower wall of the sleeve to a support. A cover member or bridge is inserted into the sleeve between two conduit ends to cover the opening in the upper wall after the lower wall is attached to the support, restricting access to the previously inserted fastener. The ends of two adjacent lengths of conduit to be connected are inserted into opposite ends of the sleeve to abut the opposite ends of the cover member, and the adjacent lengths of conduits are thereby attached to the support.

Abstract: A pipe brace assembly includes a main clamp body that can be secured to a brace pipe. A cable, or other flexible tensioning member, can be wrapped around a braced pipe and secured to the main clamp body. The pipe brace assembly includes a method or mechanism for tensioning the cable or flexible tensioning member around the braced pipe. In some embodiments, the tensioning method or mechanism involves moving, such as rotating, the main clamp body to tension the cable or tensioning member. The clamping of the main clamp body and tensioning of the cable or tensioning member can occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for use in liquid fertilizer irrigation to transport liquid fertilizer, such as manure, over an obstacle. A raised pipeline apparatus includes a raised pipeline for transporting liquid fertilizer having a first end and a second end, and a first support structure operably connected to the raised pipeline near the first end and the second support structure operably connected to the raised pipeline near the second end. The first and second support structures suspend the arched pipeline in an upright position so as to enable the transport of liquid fertilizer over the obstacle.

Abstract: A support structure may include a metallic tube having two opposing ends. The first end may have a first length, a first wall thickness, and a first outer diameter. The second end may have a second length, a second wall thickness, and a second outer diameter. A transition area may be disposed between the first length and the second length. The first wall thickness may be greater than the second wall thickness thereby providing variable thickness.

Abstract: Vessel closures having a variety of inserts for aseptically sealing vessels. The vessel closures have a body with one or more apertures, one or more inserts extending axially through the one or more apertures, and a cast seal surrounding the inserts. The cast seal is preferably east silicone. The vessel closures may have one or more anchors securing the inserts to the body of the vessel closure. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing vessel closures and a method of using the vessel closures disclosed herein for circulating fluids into and out of a vessel while also having the ability to regulate the temperature of the pumped fluid.

Abstract: A drainpipe comprising a concentrating flow path to concentrate flow of fluid on an inner wall of the pipe, which makes it possible to inhibit freezing of the fluid hydrodynamically without providing heat energy from outside, to thereby prevent blockage of the pipe.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a top having a first hole; a plate having a second hole and attached to the top with the second hole in alignment with the first hole; an exhaust pipe having an internal path and a flange projecting outward and abutting against and thus attached to the plate; and a tail pipe having a portion positioned in the first and second holes, and an end in the internal path of the exhaust pipe. The plate is disposed between the top and the flange and serves as a reference in attaching the flange to the top. Thus, a work vehicle that can facilitate disposing an exhaust pipe and a tail pipe concentrically and provide better workability in disposing the exhaust pipe and the tail pipe concentrically, and a method for manufacturing the work vehicle, can be provided.

Abstract: A support system for process piping and method of installation are presented. An adjustable hanger rod assembly includes a rod with oppositely oriented external threads at opposite ends thereof. These threads are adapted to mate with internal threads in respectively associated sleeves. One of the sleeves is fixed to a support system, while the other sleeve is fixedly secured to a pipe clamp. The oppositely oriented threading of the rod allows the rod to operate as a turnbuckle, such that rotation of the rod adjusts the elevation of the pipe clamp and an associated pipe retained thereby. Once a desired adjustment has been achieved, the rod and associated pipe clamp may be locked into position by tack or spot welding of the rod to the associated sleeves.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air cooling (HVAC) assembly including a blower subassembly and an HVAC subassembly. The blower subassembly includes a first heater core pipe retention member. The HVAC subassembly includes a second heater core pipe retention member. The first and the second heater core pipe retention members are configured to secure at least one heater core pipe therebetween.

Abstract: A hose deployment device (1) including a base (3, 300) having sides (4, 400) which in a contracted configuration secure together to define a space to receive a hose (10, 100). The sides (4, 400) in an expanded configuration extend outwardly away from each outer to provide an opening through which the hose (10, 100) can move. Fastening means secure a hose inlet valve and a hose outlet nozzle (27) to the device. Strap means secure a hose to the base in the contracted configuration. Upon application of a fluid pressure to the inlet valve the hose expands urging the strap means to release the hose from the base.

Abstract: A wet well design that utilizes recycled material in sectional components to construct wet wells on site is disclosed. Traditional wet well components are made of pre-cast concrete. Green Recycled Material Component Wet Well components are constructed using recycled plastic, recycled steel and recycled Styrofoam. The method described herein for constructing the components and assembling the wet well on site addresses several logistical problems associated with the pre-cast concrete design including reducing project start to completion time, delivery costs, large crane rental costs and power line relocation costs. This design also enables construction of oblong wet wells in medians and other restricted areas as components can be straight or curved sections. Finally, this design eliminates the shifting of traditional cement well components due to uplift from underground water pressure through the use of a new anchoring system. Shifting can result in groundwater intrusion into the well.

Abstract: A clog resistant leak tight smooth transition fluid path directional turn in a fluid pathway that minimizes back pressure turbulence and fluid friction and is configured to be snakeable with a fish line or other wire product to clear or remove potential blockages due to particulate carried by fluid flowing in the fluid pathway is presented. In one example the transition fluid path is an insert having a predefined size and shape configured to be received in a complementary sized and shaped opening in the layer of a fluidic manifold. A leak tight communication passageway is defined by a groove following a smooth curved path located between a surface of the insert in facing relationship with a matching surface of the opening in the layer between the entry fluid path and the exit fluid path.

Abstract: A gas supply module that includes an orifice element; a gas supply tube having an inlet end, an outlet end threaded to receive the orifice element, and an outer diameter; and a beaded element having an outermost dimension at least one and a half times larger than the outer diameter of the gas supply tube, wherein the beaded element is formed directly from the outlet end of the gas supply tube. The gas supply module further includes a support bracket comprising at least one mounting flange, an inlet surface, an outlet surface, and a support hole, wherein the gas supply tube is routed through the support hole; and a fastening element is configured to secure the beaded element to the support bracket. The beaded element may be formed directly from the gas supply tube and may further comprise various shapes, including circular and non-circular shapes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a flexible offshore pipeline for oil and gas transportation stabilized on seabed by anchorage piers. It comprises cable (1) and flexible pipe (2) for oil and gas transportation, anchorage pier assemblies (3) to prevent the cable from drifting, and constraining assemblies (4) to restrict the flexible pipe (2) are sequentially provided on the cable. The anchorage pier assembly (3) comprises a gravity block (31) and the first clamping tool (32), and the first clamping tool (32) connects with the cable (1). The invention uses the flexible pipe (2) to build up offshore pipeline for oil and gas transportation, and anchorage pier assembly (3) and constraining assembly (4) for constraining the flexible pipe (2) are sequentially provided on the cable (1), which can restrict the flexible pipe, achieve reliable oil and gas transportation and prevent the flexible pipe drifting on the seabed. The pipeline system can protect the flexible pipe, are strong and reliable and the cost of pipeline is low.

Abstract: An elongate tube formed from a composite material comprising a polymer and a photoluminescent material has a cylindrical wall that defines an arc of between about 180 degrees and 360 degrees or greater. An elongate opening is defined in the wall along the length of the tube. The wall of the tube is flexible which permits the opening to be manually enlarged to enable the tube to be mounted over an electric light source. The wall is configured to approximate the outer dimensions of the light source which retains the tube on the light source. The photoluminescent material in the tube wall is energized by the light source and emits sufficient light for a period of time if the electricity to the light source is temporarily interrupted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas system component for an internal combustion engine, in particular for an automotive engine of a commercial vehicle, having a plurality of mutually connected exhaust gas system elements which can be flowed through by the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, characterized in that the exhaust gas system elements are supported in a first frame and in a second frame spaced apart therefrom and connection struts fixedly connect the frames to one another.