Abstract: A bending restrictor assembly has a pipeline section, a first pipe section affixed to the pipeline section overlying the outer diameter of the pipeline section, a second pipe section affixed to the pipeline in spaced relation to the first pipe section and overlying the outer diameter of the pipeline section, a first collar element having at least a portion positioned between the first and second pipe sections in which the portion overlies the outer diameter of the pipeline section, a second collar element having at least a portion positioned between the first and second pipe sections in which the portion overlies the outer diameter of the pipeline section, and at least one stop member cooperative at the first and second collar elements so as to limit the relative movement of the first and second collar elements so as to limit the bending of the pipeline section.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for a work vehicle comprises a deck affixed horizontally just below an entry door of the cab. A yoke is pivotally joined to a support member of the deck for rotation about a vertical axis below the deck surface. The yoke has a pair of arms pivotally joined to an upper end of a ladder structure for allowing rotation of the ladder about a horizontal axis. A turnbuckle is coupled between the support structure of the deck and one stringer of the ladder while a mechanical actuator is operatively coupled to the ladder's other stringer and to an arm of the yoke to which the other stringer is attached. Operation of the mechanical actuator moves the ladder reciprocally between a use position and stowed position where the stowed position is parallel to and immediately below the deck.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a turbomachine is provided. The system includes a traverse actuator system and a pressure isolation system connected to the traverse actuator system. The pressure isolation system is configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around a probe. A gimbal mount is connected to the pressure isolation system. The system is configured to move the probe into and out of the turbomachine.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cable track configured to be coupled to a moveable object and to be pushed and pulled by the movable object without buckling. The cable track is also configured to transport at least one signal or material to or from the moveable object. The cable track has a curved profile. A cross-section of the cable track showing a height, a width, and a thickness of the cable track can have a “(” shape. The cable track can be configured to be bent in order to create a “U” bend in the cable track, and the cable track can be configured to be pushed and pulled without buckling to change a location of the “U” bend along the cable track. The cable track can be configured to change shape repeatedly between a “J” shape and a “U” shape.

Abstract: An elongated member which is deflectable and hollow and which is configured for deflection that follows the shape of a biological organ for smooth movement within the organ. The elongated member includes: an operating member configured to deflect the elongated member or deform the elongated member into a linear state; and a deflection mechanism at least including a guide portion having a grooved portion formed thereon, an engaging portion engageable with the grooved portion and a supporting portion configured to support the engaging portion for relative movement on the guide portion; a gap being formed between the guide portion and the engaging portion so as to allow movement of the engaging portion in the grooved portion.

Abstract: A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

Abstract: A method may include articulating a first link and a second link relative to each other about a pair of outer hinge portions on a first end of a first link and in mating engagement with a pair of inner hinge portions on a second end of a second link. Each outer hinge portion comprises an outer ear extending in a first axial direction away from the first end of the first link, and an inner bearing surface substantially oriented in the first axial direction, and each inner hinge portion comprises an inner ear extending in a second axial direction away from the second end of the second link, and an outer bearing surface positioned oriented in the second axial direction. During the articulating, the outer bearing surfaces support the outer ears and the inner bearing surfaces support the inner ears.

Abstract: A continuum style manipulator is actuated by jammable media within an envelope of a module, which is also actuated by a tensile element, such as a cable and spooler motor. Multiple modules may be reversibly added. Two or more tensile elements may also be used. Three or more actuated tensile elements can actuate three DOFs of each module, and the terminal module, as well as the entire manipulator. Jammable media may be granular, actuated by a pressure change. Coarsely ground coffee works well. Rather than a jammable media, tensile elements may alternatively be used with other phase change media, such as magnetorheological and electrorheological media. A high friction angle of the granular media is desirable, and has been achieved with a particle size dispersion including both small and relatively larger particles. Applications include endoscopes, proctoscopes, laparoscopic instruments, manufacturing and medical manipulators.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a turbomachine includes a traverse actuator system having a carriage configured to move a probe into and out of the turbomachine. The traverse actuator system has a track with a plurality of linearly arranged teeth. The track is configured for operation with the carriage. A motor is operably connected with the carriage and track, and the motor is configured to engage the plurality of linearly arranged teeth so that operation of the motor forces the carriage to move along the track.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a turbomachine is provided. The method includes the steps of, attaching a gimbal mount to the turbomachine, inserting a probe into the turbomachine through the gimbal mount, and adjusting a position of the probe via the gimbal mount. A removing step removes the probe from the turbomachine. An attaching step attaches a traverse actuator system to the gimbal mount. The traverse actuator system is connected to the gimbal mount through a pressure isolation system. A reinserting step is used to reinsert the probe back into the turbomachine. An inspecting step is used to inspect or test the turbomachine.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a turbomachine is provided. The system includes a pressure isolation system configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around a probe. The pressure isolation system has a probe bearing located adjacent to a pressure seal. The probe bearing is configured to facilitate back and forth movement of the probe by reducing friction. A gimbal mount is connected to the pressure isolation system. The pressure isolation system has a valve seal located between the gimbal mount and the pressure seal. The valve seal is configured to isolate the pressure seal from the gimbal mount when the probe is not in the valve seal. The system is configured to move the probe into and out of the turbomachine.

Abstract: A method for installing a monitoring device with the simultaneous loading of a particulate catalyst into a vertical catalyst tube includes (i) introducing a monitoring device into the tube, (ii) introducing monitoring device alignment apparatus into the tube, (iii) introducing catalyst loading apparatus into the tube, (iv) loading catalyst particles into the top of the tube whereinafter they contact said catalyst loading apparatus as they pass down the tube, forming a uniform bed of catalyst beneath said catalyst loading apparatus and alignment apparatus and around said monitoring device, and (v) simultaneously removing the catalyst loading apparatus and alignment apparatus from the catalyst tube in timed relationship to the catalyst loading. The monitoring device alignment apparatus includes a ring member and two or more spacing members affixed to the ring member such that the ring member and the monitoring device are centrally positioned within the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that stabilizes and/or protects the head and spine from injuries. An immobilization device includes one or more pillars with multiple segments that protect the head and spine of a user. The pillars typically run along the part of the head and spine and pelvis that the device protects. A wire or cable runs through these segments in the pillars. By design, when the pillars of the invented system are not activated and the system is in normal use, the pillars are designed to be as flexible as possible and allow full physiologic motion of the protected body part. Activation of the system confers rigidity to the system and prevents or lessens harmful, non-physiologic motion of the body part intended to be protected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for use through a cannula to create cavities within interior body regions. When deployed, the distal end of several such devices extend beyond the distal end of the catheter and can then be selectively curved into a shaped compression surface that, when articulated, creates a void within the interior body. This compression surface may then be withdrawn back into the cannula for removal and to make way for bone cement that, in certain instances, may be introduced through the same cannula.

Abstract: A cord management system for furniture includes an elongated flexible member having a plurality of cable clip elements attached thereto for attachment to multiple cables to retain the cables near the elongated member. The elongated flexible member is resilient and is configured for attachment to an article of furniture, such as a table, that is vertically moveable from a first lowered position to a second raised position. For example, when the article of furniture is in the raised position, the elongated member can be extended to a first position in which the member resembles an “S’ shape, a “?” shape, a “” shape, or a backward “S” shape, e.g. “” shape and when the article of furniture is in the lowered position, the elongated member can be compressed to a curved compressed configuration that is “{tilde over ( )}”, “” or “” in shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable body spray including an adjustable spray assembly and an adjustable mounting assembly that, alone or in combination, ensure proper alignment of components of the body spray and adequate sealing between the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe comprising an axis and a tubular innermost sealing sheath surrounding said axis, said innermost sealing sheath being surrounded by at least one outer armoring layer. The innermost sealing sheath has an inner side which is the side of the innermost sealing sheath comprising said axis. On the inner side of said innermost sealing sheath the flexible pipe comprises at least one carcass comprising a plurality of annular armoring members.

Abstract: A muffler (101) for a vehicle, the muffler (101) having at least one first crumple feature (105) and at least one second crumple feature (107), the first and the second crumple features (105, 107) being configured to absorb the energy of an impact load to the muffler (101). The first crumple feature (105) is configured to deform at a first level of impact loading and the second crumple feature (107) is configured to deform at a second level of impact loading.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of multi-position valves, such as for drinking from a portable fluid container. Disclosed valves allow for manual actuation of the valve between three or more positions, including a closed position, a selectively open position where a user can obtain fluid through the valve by selectively actuating a bite valve, and a fully open position where the bite valve is disengaged to permit free flow of fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A chute apparatus for conveying objects by gravity inside a building from a higher story to a lower story includes one or more sets of discrete sections having passages forming an elongated conduit which pass through one or more floors of the building. Each set includes an intake section which has a tubular body having a first passage and a tapered portion having a second passage. The second passage decreases in transverse cross section in a given longitudinal direction and a passage of at least one other section in each set has a passage which increases in transverse cross-section. A terminal portion of at least one of the section is received within another section by an adjustable distance to accommodate variations in distance between adjacent floors of the building. Substantially the entirety of said two of the sections can be housed within the intake section during shipment.

Abstract: An implantable electrode lead for transmitting electrical impulses to excitable bodily tissue and/or for transmitting electrical signals tapped at bodily tissue to a detection unit. The electrode lead including a distal electrode, a proximal electrode connector, and an electrode supply lead which connects the electrode, or each electrode, to the electrode connector, or each electrode connector, and extends in a lead body, wherein the lead body includes a hinged alignment of hard elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include devices and systems for using an end effector. In an embodiment, a medical device may include an articulation section. The articulation section may be operatively associated with an elongate articulation member configured to move the articulation section, wherein the articulation section can be configured to receive part of a conductive member. The medical device may also include an end effector. The end effector may include an electrode and a non-conductive section encasing a junction between the electrode and the conductive member, wherein the non-conductive section can be moveably coupled to the articulation section and can be fixedly coupled to the elongate articulation member.

Abstract: A circular stapler apparatus and method for stapling tissue include a shaft assembly and an anvil. The anvil is configured to proximally retract toward the shaft assembly, which at least severs or staples tissue based on a single rotary input. The shaft assembly includes a plurality of joint segments, and each joint segment includes a resilient member. The plurality of joint segments are configured to pivot relative to one another in a first, uncompressed position and are configured to lock against one another to prevent pivoting in a second, compressed position. A first plurality of joint segments defines a proximal portion that is attached to a first cable or shaft. A second plurality of joint segments defines a distal portion that is selectively lockable independent of the proximal portion and that is attached to a second cable or shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion preventing supporting device (30) comprising interconnected chain elements (40; 50, 55). Outwardly curved ends (42; 57, 58) of the chain elements (40; 50, 55) are adapted to be received by inwardly curved ends (43; 52, 53) of adjacent chain elements (40; 50, 55). Each chain element comprises a through connection bore (44; 54, 59). The extrusion preventing supporting device (30) further comprises one continuous connection wire 70 provided through the respective connection bores (44; 54, 59).

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector strain relief assembly comprising: a connector adapter having a first connector adapter end configured to fit over an electrical connector, and a second connector adapter end having a substantially spherical shape; a cable adapter having a first cable adapter end configured to fit over an electrical cable, and a second cable adapter end having a substantially spherical shape; and, a ball-joint connector having a link socket end and a link ball end attached to the connector adapter and to the cable adapter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable guide (1) comprising links (2) that are each angle-adjustable multi-axially relative to each other and connected to each other in articulated fashion, where each link (2) displays an inner part (3) with corresponding, multi-axially angle-adjustable, articulated connectors (5, 6) and a casing part (4) for peripheral delimitation of at least one guiding duct (7), and the casing part (4) encompasses at least one segment (10), which is connected to the inner part (3) by a web (20), in a manner permitting it to be pivoted open for accessing the associated guiding duct (7) on the peripheral side.

Abstract: A case includes a main receptacle body that accommodates an ink accommodating body which accommodates ink. A first tube support portion and second to fourth tube support portions that guide connection tubes that are connected to the ink accommodating bodies, respectively, are provided on an internal surface of the main receptacle body.

Abstract: A protective guide internally holds long members including at least one of flexible cables and ducts. The protective guide includes a flexible curved strip-shaped base and plural flexible sectioning members. The base is made of a synthetic resin, formed into a long plate and has a longitudinal direction. The sectioning members are also made of a synthetic resin, permitted to uprise from both ends of the base and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the both ends being opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The sectioning members cooperatively define a space for accommodating the long members along the base. The base has a cross section inwardly curved toward the space, as viewed in the longitudinal direction. Each sectioning member has a ceiling opposed to the base, the ceiling being divided into two portions in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cable bend limiter provides one or more joints including alternating sleeves and outer ball sections enclosing inner ball sections. Friction is controlled by washers at, or low friction surface treatments on, either side of the outer ball sections.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes a motor system configured to drive drive-shafts and a steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detected rotation of the drive-shafts. A memory unit stores a plurality of operating programs or algorithms, each corresponding to a type of surgical instrument attachable to the electro-mechanical surgical device. The control system reads or selects from the plurality of operating programs or algorithms, the operating program or algorithm corresponding to the type of surgical instrument attached to the electromechanical surgical device.

Abstract: A system comprising: (a) a sheath configured to receive all or a portion of an endoscope; (b) an irrigation line connecting the sheath to an irrigation source; (c) a suction line connecting the sheath to a suction source; and (d) a control module located between the sheath, and the irrigation source and the suction source and controls flow of irrigation fluid from the irrigation source to the sheath and movement of suction between the suction source and the sheath; wherein the irrigation source is connected to a resilient reservoir that is located within the control module and movement of the control module compresses the resilient reservoir moving irrigation fluid from the resilient reservoir to the sheath so that the irrigation fluid assists in cleaning the endoscope, and wherein the control module includes a valve and compression of the resilient reservoir initiates movement of the valve so that the valve opens and suction from the suction line is applied to the sheath.

Abstract: A nozzle positioning assembly includes a first support shaft, a second support shaft, a first position adjustment assembly, a second position adjustment assembly, and a hub. The first and second support shafts have respective bodies with a center aperture, a spherical first end, and a second end opposite the spherical first end. The first and second position adjustment assembly include first and second link mounting ears positioned circumferentially from one another. The first position adjustment assembly is adapted to be affixed to the second end of the first support shaft and the second position adjustment assembly is adapted to be affixed to the second end of the second support shaft. The hub has a first end configured to receive and rotatably retain the spherical first end of the first support shaft, and a second end configured to receive and rotatably retain the spherical first end of the second support shaft.

Abstract: A chute apparatus for conveying objects by gravity from at least one higher floor to at least one lower floor of internally a building includes one or more sets of discrete sections having passages which form an elongated conduit which may pass through one or more floors inside the building. The passage of one section of each set section decreases in transverse cross section in a given longitudinal direction and a passage of one of the other sections increases in transverse cross-section by a substantially corresponding amount. Two sections of each set couple telescopingly to permit their longitudinal span to be selected and/or adjusted in the field.

Abstract: The instant invention relates generally to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter introducer catheters (introducer catheters with lumens greater than about 6 French) having increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. Introducer catheters according to the teachings herein may also include curved distal ends and flared (that is, funnel-like) transition sections within their lumens.

Abstract: A flexible expansion joint is capable coping with a great extension for its limited length. The flexible expansion joint includes: a first sleeve to be put on an end part of a first pipe; an outer sleeve to be put on an end part of a second pipe so as to overlap the first sleeve and capable of moving axially relative to the first sleeve; a first sealing member; a second sealing member; a third sealing member; a first length limiter including a first stopper for limiting the axial movement of the first pipe and the first sleeve relative to each other; and a second length limiter including a second stopper for limiting the axial movement of the second pipe the outer sleeve relative to each other.

Abstract: Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tool can comprise an end effector, a shaft, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, and a translatable drive member which can at least partially extend through the articulation joint. The drive member can be resiliently flexible or bendable to accommodate the articulation of the end effector. The drive member can comprise a body including a plurality of articulation joints defined therein. The articulation joints can be intrinsic to the drive member body and can form an array or lattice of articulation joints. The drive member can also comprise a drive thread extending around the body. The drive thread can be configured to outwardly constrain the portions of the body when the drive member is articulated. The drive member can also comprise a flexible inner core extending therethrough which can be configured to inwardly constrain the articulated body portions.

Abstract: A fluid-containing conduit (10,30,40,50) including at least one luminescent marker (14) whereby the fluid-containing conduit is visible in a low light condition. The marker may be in the form of one or more elongate ribs (16) containing luminescent material along interior wall surface (18), or may be elongate luminescent bands (52,54) adjacent the exterior wall (20) of the conduit, or may be indicia containing luminescent material such as ink (42).

Abstract: A downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore includes a first sealing structure having opposing first and second ends and being arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore, the first sealing structure being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. A second sealing structure has opposing first and second ends and is arranged proximate the first sealing structure within the wellbore, the second sealing structure also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. When in their respective expanded configurations, the first and second sealing structures are frustoconical in shape and the first end of the second sealing structure is at least partially nested within the second end of the first sealing structure.

Abstract: Twin bore ophthalmologic tubing includes first and second tubes. The second tube has portions of differing hardness with one of the portions being at an end of that tube. The second tube has a portion at its other end with about the same hardness. Portions of the first and the second tubes may have about the same hardness. In some embodiments, portions of the first and second tubes with the same hardness can correspond to each other along the tubing. One of the portions can have a hardness of 80 to 90 shore A while the other portion can be 60 to 70 shore A. In some embodiments, portions with 60 to 70 shore A hardness can be about six to twelve inches long.

Abstract: A tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens through which actuation cables extend, the lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector.

Abstract: There is provided a cable protection and guide member that requires no assembly, allows cables to be readily installed and steadily protected, and suppresses dust, flexion noise and flexion vibrations. The member can also maintain a straight position of the cable, can achieve a flexional movement of the cable smoothly with a small radius of flexion, and can block the cable from jumping out of a cable accommodating space. The member comprises the rectangular-tube like cable accommodating space composed of a belt-like inner circumferential wall portion and of a large number of arm-like holding portions that are formed integrally with both right and left edges of the belt-like inner circumferential wall portion. Side wall base end portions of the arm-like holding portions are integrally molded by two color molding by using synthetic resin softer than any of the portions.

Abstract: An intermediate insulating product (20) is disclosed comprising a planar insulating layer (11) having a top side in to which is formed a plurality of parallel channels (14) having cross-sections with tapered sides. A vapor proof layer (18) is applied to the top surface after the channels (14) have been formed such that the vapor proof layer (18) bridges the plurality of parallel channels (14). The intermediate insulating product (20) is then bent with mechanical manipulation in regions adjacent the bottom of the channels (14) thereby causing the channels (14) to close to form a non-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product (30) and the vapor proof layer (18) forms a vapor proof inner lining to the derivative insulated ductwork product (30).

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: There is disclosed a duct 10 for hot gases, such as a chimney, comprising first and second duct sections 20 each having a generally radially extending mating flange 30, 32. The duct sections 20 are disposed end-to-end such that the mating flanges 30, 32 cooperate with one another to form a joint. The duct also comprises a substantially annular sealing band 44 having a radially extending expansion channel 46 at least partly defined by first and second radially extending channel walls 52, 54. The sealing band 44 is disposed around the joint with the mating flanges 30, 32 disposed within the expansion channel 46. The mating flanges 30, 32 can move within the expansion channel 46 to accommodate dimensional changes of the duct 10 that may occur due to thermal effects.

Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The pipe body includes a carcass layer (303) including a plurality of adjacent interlocked annular elements (301), each annular element comprising a main body portion communicating with a male connection region and a female connection region, the male connection region for interlocking with a corresponding female connection region of an adjacent annular element and the female connection region for interlocking with a corresponding male connection region of an adjacent annular element, and a filler material filling an annulus area defined by the main body portion, male connection region and female connection region.

Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to fictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.

Abstract: A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that drags a flexible hose assembly therebehind while traveling laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that alternating the flexible hose assembly from one side of the cart to another as the cart traverses back and forth along a cart path is facilitated while kinking in the flexible hose assembly is avoided.