Abstract: An articulated bend limiter (10) is provided for connection to an elongate flexible member such as a steel cable (14). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes of a plurality of interconnected segments (12), each of which includes a modified ball and socket joint capable of limited angular movement. The ball (36) contained within each socket is modified in that it comprises two generally hemispherical sections (36A,36B) that form a split ball and that move relative to one another within a limited range. Each hemispherical section (36A,36B) is formed of two half-portions which may be bolted together about a mid span region of a cable (14). The socket is defined by a curved inner surface (34) of an outer sleeve (30) that, itself, includes two half-portions (30A,30B) which are bolted around the ball assembly (36). The range of movement of each of the hemispherical sections (36A,36B) within the socket is defined by a coacting stop surfaces (42A,42B) respectively provided on the sections (36A,36B).

Abstract: A flexible coating material conduit conducts a flow of electrostatically charged coating material to a spray gun. The flexible conduit includes a first or inner layer which is electrically insulating and chemically nonreactive with the electrostatically charged coating material. A second layer of synthetic rubber is electrically insulating. The second layer has a Shore A hardness of 75 or less and a thickness which is at least 0.200 times an overall radial extent of the conduit. A third layer of synthetic rubber extends around the second layer and is electrically conductive. A fourth layer of polymeric material extends around the third layer and is abrasion resistant and electrically insulating. The third layer is connected with ground. The source of electrostatically charged coating material includes a voltage block which electrically isolates the electrostatically charged coating material from a source of coating material which is not electrostatically charged.

Abstract: End fittings for metal hose assemblies are disclosed, plus a method for their attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the hose assembly comprises: a standard flexible metal hose with a convoluted metal innercore; two cold-worked tubular end fittings with straight end portions that are inserted into opposite ends of the innercore, whereby stop beads on the tube limit the amounts of insertion and position the fittings; annular welds between crowns of the beads and adjacent flattened convolutions of the innercore that fix the fittings to the hose; and a pair of crimped locking collars or ferrules (carried on the fittings) that are mounted on the hose ends to protect the welds and hold the fittings in place. No prior machining of the inserted end portions of the fittings is needed to secure a stable weld.

Abstract: In a guide and support chain for flexible tubes, noises generated from stoppers and stopper surfaces for maintaining a straight-line attitude, and the rigidity in the case where the straight-line attitude tends to be changed into flexing is improved.A guide and support chain 10 is constituted such that link parts 12 having a pair of left and right side plates 14, 14 are rotatably connected. A straight-line attitude maintaining stopper and a straight-line attitude maintaining stopper surface comprise first stage straight-line attitude maintaining stoppers 21a, 23a and first straight-line attitude maintaining stopper surfaces 21b, 23b, and a second stage straight-line attitude maintaining stopper 22a and straight-line attitude maintaining stopper surfaces 22b. The stoppers 21a, 23a and the stopper surfaces 21b, 23b are provided at a position small in radius, and the stopper 22a and the stopper surface 22b are provided at a position large in radius.

Abstract: To produce a two-part valve housing inexpensively it is proposed to produce from a sleeve-shaped blank (20) by internal high-pressure forming an intermediate product (10) which corresponds to the first housing part in a section lying on one side of a separating surface (T) and to the second housing part in a section lying on the other side of the separating surface (T). Connection sections (24, 32), adjacent to the separating surface, of the intermediate product (20) have different diameters so that cooperating threads by means of which the housing parts are screwed together can be produced on them.

Abstract: A tubular extension, particularly for electric household appliances and cleaning machines in general, comprising at least two tubular elements telescopically associated with each other, a first one of these tubular elements being associated coaxially with a second one having a smaller cross-section and being slideable inside the first tubular element, one of these first and second tubular elements having at least one sliding portion whereat the outer or inner lateral surface is shaped so as to form at least one step, wherefrom the cross-section gradually increases radially and along a given peripheral arc, a longitudinal cavity being formed at the peripheral arc, and a tooth having a similar shape fitting snugly and reversibly in the cavity after sliding over a portion of the surface relative to the peripheral arc, the tooth being formed at the inner or outer surface of the other one of the first and second tubular elements on the side where mutual coupling occurs upon assembly.

Abstract: A DIY flexible pipe with rigidity comprising a screw typed inner spring sheet, a screw typed outer spring member, a plurality of spring strips, a soft sleeve and many smaller sleeves; wherein, each layer (thread) of the inner spring sheet is provided with many engaging holes for insertion therein the spring strips having engaging teeth, the spring strips string multiple layers of the inner spring sheet, each spring strip in the layers of the inner spring sheet can also be strung up with many smaller sleeves, the inner spring sheet is slipped over with the outer spring member, and the soft sleeve is slipped over the outer spring member; thereby, a user can press to and fro on the pipe gradually as he likes to make a three-dimensional pipe having the curvatures desired, the spring strips, outer spring member and inner spring sheet in the areas bended are engaged with one another to construct a state which is provided with rigidity for bearing loading, or are mutually released to render the pipe to obtain flexib

Abstract: A tube joint includes a joint body having a through hole to serve as a fluid passage provided along a direction of an axis, a nut member for connecting a tube to the joint body, and an insert bush inserted and fitted to an opening of the joint body and having an insert section to be inserted into the tube and an expanded section protruding from one end of the tube. The expanded section is formed with first projections which make linear contact with an inner wall surface of the opening and which function as seals.

Abstract: A stress-bearing umbilicus for conveying fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body comprises an umbilicus body made from an extruded first polyester elastomer material having flexibility. A support block, made from a second polyester elastomer material, is over-molded about at least one region of the umbilicus body. The second polyester elastomer material has flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of the first polyester elastomer material. Surface energy of the region between the support block and the umbilicus body is increased before over-molding to prevent delamination and peeling.

Abstract: A bubble jet fitting for use in a spa provides for a lay-length short enough to allow its installation within a six-inch dam wall. The bubble jet fitting has an outlet portion which in one use provides for solvent welding within a standard size of PVC pipe. A pipe extender has end portions similarly sized and configured to solvent weld within end portions of adjacent pipe sections which are connected through the pipe extender.

Abstract: A flexible pipe unit for an exhaust pipe line of an internal combustion engine comprises a metal bellows which has a front open end adapted to be connected to a first exhaust pipe and a rear open end adapted to be connected to a second exhaust pipe. A cylindrical outer case of metal is coaxially disposed about the metal bellows in a manner to define therebetween a cylindrical space. A first structure is arranged between a front end of the outer case and a front end of the bellows to achieve a mechanical connection therebetween. A second structure is arranged between a rear end of the outer case and a rear end of the bellows to achieve a mechanical connection therebetween. At least one of the first and second structures comprises a spring member by which the bellows and the outer case are resiliently connected.

Abstract: A fuel filler neck assembly is provided for use in a vehicle including a gas cap and housing assembly and a fuel tank. The vehicle has a plurality of predetermined final vehicle dimensions dictating a predetermined variety of final filler neck dimensions. The fuel filler neck assembly extends between the gas cap and housing assembly and the fuel tank for transferring fuel into the fuel tank. The filler neck assembly includes at least one axially elongated fill pipe having an axial length and including a plurality of raised, annular beads thereon. The beads are axially spaced along the fill pipe at predetermined distances each corresponding to respective predetermined final filler neck dimensions.

Abstract: An insulative cover assembly for insulating a P-trap drain piping assembly comprises a unitary body including a first section and a second section joined together at a third section, the first section having an body configured to cover a pipe and having a first end, and the second section having a body configured to cover a pipe and having a first end. The third section couples second ends of each of the first and second sections together and comprises a structurally weakened area therein which is manually separateable for forming first and second cover pieces from said unitary body. The ends of the separated first and second sections further include structurally weakened areas for trimming the lengths of the sections during installation whereby the piping assembly is quickly and efficiently covered and insulated generally without the need for special installation tools.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for use with a fuel pump filler gun having in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, includes a protective body. The protective body has an outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the filler gun. The outer shell is hard in order to resist scratching, absorb the initial impact, and distribute the forces. The protective body further has a plurality of energy-absorbing pads distributed around an inner surface of the outer shell. The protective apparatus further includes means for attaching the protective body to the filler gun or to a boot covering a portion of the filler gun.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle (RV) waste drainer having a drainer sheath (1) with an angled drain nipple (3) at a receptacle end in fluid communication with an expandable tube (5) in the drainer sheath. A drain end of the expandable tube is attached to the drain nipple. A holding-tank connector (6) on a holding-tank end of the expandable tube connects the expandable tube to an RV holding tank (21, 22) for draining it and connects the expandable tube to a sheath lid (4) for sealing the drainer sheath and the expandable tube against escape of odorous gases and liquid at a tube end of the drainer sheath when not in use. The drain nipple has a beveled nipple-attachment wall (9) that is resilient and sized to fit inside of receptacle pipes (10) of RV sewage receptacles (11). A nipple lid (2) has a nipple sleeve that fits onto the beveled outside periphery of the drain nipple like an input pipe to seal the drainer sheath against escape of odorous gases and liquid at the drain nipple when not in use.

Abstract: A steering device is attached to a submersible swimming pool cleaner for aiding in turning the cleaner away pool side wall engaging positions and thus allowing the cleaner to move across pool surfaces for performing its cleaning function. The steering device includes elongated rods extending from a connector fitting attached to the pool cleaner hose connector. Driven gears of the pool cleaner connector drive the steering device and cause rod ends engaging a pool side wall to lift and push the cleaner away from the side wall. The fitting and thus the rods are freely rotatable through a limited arc about an axis of rotation of the connector, defined by movement of a gear tooth between stop prongs. The ability of the rods to rotate freely within this arc overcomes a problem of excess drag to the cleaner by the steering device.

Abstract: The height adjustable standpipe includes multiple, cylindrical, coaxial drain sections of gradually diminishing cross section. The sections preferably alternate between brass and PVC plastic, and have grooves adjacent the ends of the PVC sections for retaining O-rings that serve as gaskets between the two adjacent sections. Thus, for example, a PVC section would preferably have one or two peripheral grooves on the outer surface near the end that passes inside of the next adjacent brass section, and the same PVC section would have one or two peripheral grooves on the inner surface near the opposite end, through which passes another brass section. Each of these peripheral grooves includes a rubber O-ring seated therein and projecting therefrom to form a water-tight seal with the adjacent surface of the brass section engaged by that end of the PVC section. A travel stop mechanism is employed to limit the travel of the sections of the adjustable standpipe with respect to one another.

Abstract: An air gap adapter for use with a water faucet. The air gap adapter has an adapter body with a base portion and an integral riser portion which extends generally vertically upwardly from a rear region of the base portion. The base portion has a hole for a water inlet shank of the water faucet, and the riser portion has brine inlet and outlet bores. The brine outlet bore is vertically oriented in the riser portion, and the brine inlet and outlet bores are open at their upper region. Two barbed connectors are located at a lower region of the adapter body and provide a brine inlet and outlet to the adapter. A venting aperture is formed near an upper region of said riser portion and passes into the brine outlet bore. A cap is positioned on the riser portion above the bores.

Abstract: The external shape of a pipe wall is formed of sectionally rectangular wall portions and sectionally circular wall portions which are disposed alternately in an axial direction of the pipe, and the internal shape of the pipe wall is formed into a substantially linear circular-cylindrical surface. The whole of the pipe wall is formed of a material of synthetic resin or rubber.

Abstract: A cable guide (1) consisting of articulated, partially overlapping individual components (2, 3), where the articulation axes (7, 8) of the components (2, 3) run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cable guide and the individual components (2, 3) are connected together in such a way that the articulation axes (7, 8) of two adjacent components (2, 3) are positioned at 90.degree. to one another. The components (2, 3) include two different alternating basic shapes and each have a removable, snap-on cover (11, 12), where the covers (11, 12) of the cable guide (1) are all directed to one side of the cable guide (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable conduit, which includes two retaining brackets, two adapters, a sliding pipe, two elastic retainers, two dust covers, bolts and two O-rings. The sliding pipe penetrates through hollow adapter at each end. Bond the adapter to the retaining bracket with an O-ring and bolts. A dust cover is nested on the front of the adapter, an elastic retainer is set in the adapter for fill the gap between the sliding pipe and the interior surface of the adapter. The sliding pipe can be adjusted to an appropriate length or angle due to the motion of earth crust or a great changing of temperature is happened while it is placed underground, also prevents from silt or dust seeping into the pipe, without affect the quality of the stored liquid.

Abstract: This invention provides an accessory for an automatic pool cleaner, to increase the randomness of movement of a suction head of the pool cleaner, and a method therefor. The method comprises looping a section of the cleaner hose and allowing the hose sections leading up to the loop to vary in length. Particularly, the hose section leading from the pump to the loop is varied. The accessory comprises two connection parts, one for connection to each respective section of hose to form the necessary hose loop. Preferably one of the parts is slidable along the hose length to enable the hose to vary its length. The sliding action of the hose occurs between two stops in the length of the hose, and a pawl mechanism is provided to enable the slide to occur in one direction towards a stop. Contact with the stop causes the pawl mechanism to switch over and slide the hose in the opposite direction.

Abstract: For connecting the spaced ends of underground irrigation or water pipe, a flexible replacement section with a rigid tubular coupling at each end is employed. Each coupling has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the pipe being connected and is adapted to receive a pipe end therein. After one coupling is aligned with and mounted on one of the pipe ends, the replacement section is flexed so that the other coupling can be aligned with and mounted on the other pipe end as the flexed section is straightened.

Abstract: A flexible self-supporting plastic core 10 has an outer protective hose 12. The core is made up of a number of back-to-back male members 13 and back-to-back female members 14 and has two end connectors 15 and 16. The members 13 and 14 fit end to end to form fluid-tight ball and socket universally rotatable joints therebetween.

Abstract: A shaping member for the finishing of junctions for "Climaver Plus" type glass wool piping comprising a unitary flat plate of bendable material which can be folded into sections to form a shape such that the shaping member can be placed at the junction of two glass wool elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible extension conduit, in which a basic unit includes a joint base, two joints, two ball valves, a sliding pipe, two dirt covers, a flat pipe, two damping collars and two embedded retainers, and so on. Therein the embedded retainer is placed in the caulking groove of the ball valve so that the caulking groove of the embedded retainer catches the catching rim in the caulking groove of the ball valve. The sliding pipe is put in the ball valve and welded a thrust collar at the smaller end to limit the sliding range of the sliding pipe in the ball valve, and the combined ball valve is located in the spherical bearing consisting of the joint base and the joint. When the earth crust moves or the temperature gets a great changing, the dirt cover can prevent the sand and the soil from seeping in, and the conduit can change the length and bend an angle in each section.

Abstract: In rehabilitating underground piping, a new piping is installed by inserting a large number of unit pipes into the existing underground piping. Each of the unit pipes has a prescribed length and is connected to an adjacent unit pipe along a longitudinal direction. The unit pipe is tapered, and the tapered pipes are inserted from one of two adjoining manholes with the smaller-diameter ends directed toward the other manhole. The smaller-diameter end of the next tapered pipe is inserted into the larger-diameter end of the preceding pipe. A seal is formed at the connection by wrapping a packing made of hydrophilic rubber around the smaller-diameter end. This operation is repeated until the leading tapered pipe reaches the other manhole.

Abstract: The hose comprises two flexible portions connected respectively to the suction unit and to the fume-conveyor element or hood, and a rectilinear portion which is articulated to the suction unit and the hood. The rectilinear portion comprises two rigid tubes between which is disposed an extensible bellows-type tube. Rigid tubes are held co-axial by a pair of rectilinear guides fixed to one of the rigid tubes and slidably engaging on a pair of fixed slides on the other rigid tube. The two rigid tubes are, finally, connected by a tension spring the action of which is braked by two friction disks disposed between the guides and the slides.

Abstract: An insulative cover assembly for insulating a P-trap drain piping assembly comprises a unitary body including a first section and a second section joined together at a third section, the first section having an body configured to cover a pipe and having a first end, and the second section having a body configured to cover a pipe and having a first end. The third section couples second ends of each of the first and second sections together and comprises a structurally weakened area therein which is manually separateable for forming first and second cover pieces from said unitary body. The ends of the separated first and second sections further include structurally weakened areas for trimming the lengths of the sections during installation whereby the piping assembly is quickly and efficiently covered and insulated generally without the need for special installation tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a hollow plastic product is provided. In accordance with one aspect, into a mold half having a tubular groove portion and a projecting groove portion which projects outwardly from the tubular groove section is supplied a parison into the tubular groove portion and a clump of molding material into the projecting groove portion. When blow molding is carried out by introducing a pressurized gas into the parison, the clump becomes integrated with the parison thereby providing a hollow plastic product of unitary structure. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a parison extrusion nozzle is provided with at least two passages each of which is connected, preferably through a valve, to a corresponding dispensing unit for dispensing a desired molding material. A control unit is provided as connected to each of the dispensing units to control the supply of molding material so that there is obtained a parison having regions of different molding materials.

Abstract: A method, system and adapter couplings for draining the reject bypassed waste water from a reverse osmosis (R/O) filtration unit to a sewer line, and particularly adapted for use in a household or commercial undercounter R/O water filtration installation associated with an in-counter sink having a garbage disposer with its outlet connected by standard plumbing fittings to a sink drain trap in turn plumb to the sewer system. The R/O waste water drain line tube is coupled into the sink drain trap in serial drainage relation with the disposer outlet plumbing fittings by a special convertable Y-Tee plumbing fitting having an R/O drain tube inlet branch and a dishwasher drain hose inlet branch oriented at an acute angle to one another with their respective input drainage liquid flows converging at a common hose nipple outlet of the Y-Tee. The garbage disposer dishwasher drain water inlet nipple is coupled by a standard coupling hose and hose clamps to the Y-Tee outlet.

Abstract: A bendable protective tube for buried cables, wherein a plurality of cylindrically formed highly rigid resin tube bodies are connected together unitarily via cylindrical resin nodes bent so as to have a substantially S-shaped cross section. Each of the nodes has a rigid portion and a deformable portion covered with and protected by the rigid portion. Owing to this structure, the deformable portion of the node is freely deformable. The protective tube as a whole has a flexibility, and an external force is restricted to be imparted to the deformable portion by the rigid portion.

Abstract: A composite catheter is formed by the combination of a catheter body and a tubular member insertable or secured inside the catheter body. The tubular member contains a series of relatively rigid segments alternating with flexible, collapsible segments which permit the rigid segments to effectively stack against one another when the tubular member is compressed axially. The shape that results when the rigid segments are forced together differs from that of the shape memory of the catheter body in certain embodiments of the invention, and changing the tubular member from a relaxed condition to the compressed condition inside the catheter body can therefore cause a change in shape of the catheter body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible metal pipe covered with an impermeable sheath of a shrinkable, preferably semicrystalline polymer or polymers, characterized in that it incorporates between the shrinkable polymer sheath and the metal pipe an intermediate elastomer layer (8), optionally vulcanized or reticulated, and/or a TPE in the form of a continuous tubular sleeve (FIG. 3) or of a tape (FIG. 4 to 6). Sheathed pipes of this type are particularly suitable for flexible pipelines, optionally with suitable supports, for carrying oil and gas.

Abstract: A joint construction for connecting a flexibly bendable angle section of an endoscopic insertion rod with an anteriorly and/or posteriorly located section of the insertion rod, including a line-wrapping layer formed on a fore end portion of a resilient outer skin layer of the angle section at a joint with the adjoining section, and a rigid cover ring fitted on the line-wrapping layer for protective purposes. The rigid cover ring is externally tapered or gradually thinned down in its front and rear end portions to provide front and rear bevel surfaces.

Abstract: A tubular supporting element for supporting an elastic sleeve for covering a junction of cables which is provided with a wall which has a groove or incision directed according to a helical line and which has a radial depth from the outer surface of the supporting element less than the radial thickness of the supporting element. The incision has a mouth at the outer surface of the supporting element with a width of less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm, so as to provide a strip between the incision having a substantially rectangular cross-section. Also, a process and an apparatus for making the tubular supporting element.

Abstract: A flexible cable holder is disclosed comprising a flexible web with a plurality of edge fasteners along opposite edges of the web. The edge fasteners are engaged, forming an enclosed duct for retaining cables, wires and power cords. End fasteners are provided at the ends of the web for attaching adjacent cable holders end-to-end. The web is flexible allowing the cable holder to form bends without special fittings or devices. End fasteners may be connected to edge fasteners to form branch connections.

Abstract: An intravascular guide catheter includes a main shaft member, a bond member, an intermediate shaft member and a terminal shaft member. The main shaft has a proximal end and a mating distal end. The bond ring includes a mating proximal end, which is joined to the mating distal end of the main shaft member, and a mating distal end. The intermediate shaft member includes a mating proximal end, which is joined to the mating distal end of the bond member, and a mating distal end. The terminal shaft member includes a mating proximal end, which is joined to the mating distal end of the intermediate member, and a distal end. The main and intermediate shaft members have wire braiding reinforcing layers. The material of the intermediate shaft member has a greater hardness than the material of the terminal shaft member and a lower hardness than the material of the main shaft member.

Abstract: A minimally intrusive catheter having a deflectable tip. A remotely bendable section adjacent a distal tip enables movement of the tip between a neutral position and angularly disposed positions. A deflection control lever on a proximal control member causes deflection of the distal tip by means of two sets of operating cables which are operatively connected at one end to the control member and at the other end to axially spaced locations along the controllably bendable section. The control member includes a mechanism for sequentially displacing cables within each set. The operating cables are constructed of flat ribbons to increase their flexibility in the bending plane while still providing axial strength. The wires are closely encased in an oval-shaped sheath along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: An ink supply line support system (100) for a continuous ink refill system (10) for an ink jet printer (90) having a print carriage (91) that traverses across a print bed (96) and is adapted to receive one or more disposable ink jet cartridges (12). The ink supply line support system (100) includes an elongate guide structure (102) having a first end (104) operably connected to the ink jet printer (90) at a fixed location (106) and a second end (108) operably connected to the print carriage (91). The second end (108) is movable relative to the first end (104) in a first orientation along the direction in which the print carriage (91) traverses across the ink jet printer (90), but is substantially rigid relative to the first end in a second orientation that is transverse to the first orientation. An attachment mechanism (110) is positioned along an exposed surface (111) of the guide structure (100) for detachably securing at least a portion of at least one ink supply line (16) to the guide structure (102).

Abstract: Rectangular sheet metal duct sections with integral outwardly-and-rearwardly formed end flanges are conventionally made from coiled strip metal to lengths provided by the width of the coil stock, ordinarily slightly less than five feet. As is common practice, outward-and-reverse facing flanges are formed on both ends of each wall of the duct section. The spaces between the flange ends at the corners of the duct section are filled by heavier cornerpieces having arms projecting at right angles. Crimping the outstanding flanges over the corner arm portions completes a duct section. According to the present invention, a linear array of embossed surface portions is formed in the duct wall close to each outwardly projecting flange portion and beneath its reverse-facing portion.

Abstract: A first connector includes opposite ball and socket elements having a passageway formed therethrough. The socket element has a cavity formed therein for receiving a ball element of a second hose connector to form a hose assembly. A ring is disposed within the cavity for limiting pivotal movement of a ball element inserted therein to minimize the risk that the connectors, and thereby the hose assembly, will separate.

Abstract: Modifying that type of integral flange outstanding from a sheet metal duct characterized by an outstanding first width of sheet metal and a second substantially equal width bent reversedly back to extend at 180.degree. from the first, in the present flange a sheet edge margin is bent reversedly back and inwardly between the second and first such widths. As compared to prior art flanges, this results in substantially lessened deflections under internal duct pressures without appreciable increase in sheet metal used. An added advantage is that the sheet metal edge is positioned so that it cannot endanger workmen's hands.

Abstract: A hose jacket for protecting a flexible resilient fluid conveying hose from external damage comprises a plurality of tubular segments formed of a synthetic resin that fit over the hose in end-to-end fashion with the segments having internal and external tapered surfaces at opposite ends, with the internal tapered surface of one segment mating with the external tapered surface of the adjacent segment so as to facilitate articulation of the hose and hose jacket while limiting gaps between the adjoining hose jacket segments. Connector fittings on the hose retain the hose jacket on the hose. A compression spring between the hose jacket and the hose fitting can be used for resiliently urging the segments together.

Abstract: A shirred fibrous casing article containing about 20% to about 30% moisture by total casing weight and composed of shirred portions spliced together and retained in an overwrap wherein a flag which identifies the splice location between the shirred portions is extended radially through the overwrap.

Abstract: An elongate bending device for use in an endoscope or the like includes a number of segments which are arranged in a row along a longitudinal axis of the bending device and are pivotally connected to one another, and at least one operating wire extending through the segments along the longitudinal axis of the bending device. That portion of the inner peripheral surface of the segment along which the operating wire extends serves as a wire guide surface portion. This wire surface guide portion forms an inwardly convex, continuous curved line. The distance between the wire guide surface portion and the longitudinal axis of the bending device is increasing progressively from a central portion of the wire surface guide portion toward the opposite ends of the wire surface guide portion.

Abstract: A bending section of an endoscope is constructed from non-round vertebrae. The vertebrae are D-shaped, having a planar portion and an arcuate portion. A first pair of protrusions extends from a first surface of the vertebra, defining a vertical bending axis. A second pair of protrusions extends from a second surface of the vertebra, defining a horizontal bending axis. Because the vertebra is D-shaped, the second pair of protrusions are farther from the longitudinal bending axis of the bending section than the first pair of protrusions. To provide uniform, symmetrical bending of the bending section, the first pair of protrusions are shorter than the second pair of protrusions. In addition, the first pair of protrusions extends at a different angle than the second pair and thus have a different shape, so that the first and second pair of protrusions are not symmetrically shaped with respect to each other.

Abstract: A liner pipe comprising sections of polyethylene pipe connected by articulated gasketed joints of bell and spigot design which are specifically adapted for ease of compression lining of large diameter pipe with minimum disruption to surface traffic and pipeline flow.

Abstract: A dust seal connector for accommodating the relative movement between the enclosed, moving screen box of a screening machine, and a fixed particle inlet or outlet conduit connected to the screen box. The relative movement occurs as sliding motion between a suspended flat slide plate and a wear ring below the slide plate, with which the plate is facially engaged. The plate is connected upwardly by an enclosed particle passage to the conduit or box member from which it is suspended, and communicates downwardly with an opening in the ring for the flow of particles. In a preferred embodiment the particles flow through an axially compressed corrugated sleeve which connects the plate to the member from which it is suspended, compression of the sleeve biasing the ring and plate together to maintain a sliding dust seal between them.

Abstract: An endoscope has a flexible insert portion that is inserted into an object to be inspected. A light guide, an image guide or signal cable, an instrument channel and other lengthwise members are provided therein. At least one elastic restoring body is provided in the insert portion in order to restore the lengthwise members to their original positions when straightened back after bending or curving of the insert portion.