Abstract: An improved life raft with inflatable tubes having a boarding ramp attached to such raft wherein the raft is inflated by a hose interconnected by a coupling means and via a second hose to the raft such that the pressurized life raft chamber inflates the boarding ramp. The coupling means is a quick disconnect coupling means which in a connected condition is operative to main a flow connection between hoses and chambers but in a disconnected condition is operative to block the flow connection from both hoses and their respective chambers. A tension member is used to interconnect the quick disconnect coupling means to the raft and provides the means for disconnecting the coupling means when sufficient tension is provided as extending the distance between the coupling means and the raft. Such coupling means with the tension member can also be installed between the main inflating cylinder and the raft.

Abstract: A tank fill assist for filling a tank or other equivalent volume from a remote source of liquid, for example filling a consumer product from a sink or bathroom faucet with fresh water. The fill assist is normally stowed within the interior of the tank. It is withdrawn for connection to a faucet for tank filling, and is then returned to stowed position after tank filling. The fill assist comprises standard flexible conduit with unique inlet and outlet fittings at opposite ends. The outlet fitting is disposed within the interior of the tank and is constructed and arranged to prevent accidental separation of the fill assist from the tank when the conduit is withdrawn from the tank yet to allow passage through the fill opening when it is intended to either join or separate the fill assist to or from the tank. The inlet fitting is of thermoplastic rubber and can be fitted over the outlets of typical sink and bathroom faucets.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a swivelless connection of first and second fixed positions on respective first and second structures. The structures are relatively rotatable about a common axis, through a length of flexible conduit defined by first and second space portions thereof respectively connected to the first and second fixed positions and predetermined in accordance with the extent of relative rotation to be accommodated while continuously maintaining the connection.

Abstract: A device for temporarily holding containers on a feed connection piece includes a plurality of expanding segments surrounding the connecting piece and being held in position thereon by a resilient sleeve. Lower parts of respective segments extend over a lower edge on the connecting piece and are tilted by levers attached to a top edge of respective segments so as to expand the elastic sleeve into engagement with an inner surface of a container. The expanding segments are returned into their rest position by the resilient constricting force of the sleeve.

Abstract: A waterbed filling unit has an outer sleeve which can be inserted into a waterbed filler neck and also coupled to a water supply or drain. An inner sleeve may be pressed into the outer sleeve to create watertight seals between the water supply or drain and the filler neck.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for discriminating between desired and undesired fluids such as kerosene. The apparatus is especially adapted for improving the safety of kerosene heaters by discriminating between kerosene suitable for heater use and more volatile materials such as gasoline. Structure is disclosed to terminate flow of fluid to a kerosene heater in response to the sensed presence of a fluid other than kerosene. According to a preferred form of the apparatus, additional structure is provided to prevent fueling a kerosene heater by structure other than that operatively associated with fluid discriminating structure. According to the more specific aspects of the fluid discriminator, a float including magnetic or light-responsive actuators is calibrated to permit or cease the supply responsive to the position of the float in the fluid. A fluid less dense than kerosene, such as gasoline, will cause the float to sink within the fluid and thereby terminate the flow of fluid to the kerosene heater.

Abstract: Sample handling apparatus includes a disposable, single use sample vessel that includes reclosable port structure, and coupling structure adjacent said port structure. Cooperating sample transfer structure for detachable connection to the coupling structure of the vessel includes a transfer passage and a port opening probe portion and is movable to a position in which the probe portion opens the reclosable port structure to provide a flow path between the transfer passage and the sample storage vessel. In that position, the vessel and sample transfer structure cooperate to define a sealed chamber that has a flexible, resilient wall.

Abstract: A nozzle for an aerial refueling boom is disclosed in which the locking latches on the nozzle housing are operated by a solenoid which allows the latches to be moved to an unlocked position by the operator in the aerial refueling tanker. The nozzle embodies an inlet fitting at its forward end which is adapted to be fixed to the boom. A nondestructive detent arrangement releasably couples the nozzle housing to the inlet fitting so that if the housing is deflected at an excessive angle, it will break away from the fitting and thus the boom without damaging the boom.

Abstract: A rotary transfer subsystem is described for transferring production fluids, electrical power, hydraulic power, and control signals across a rotating interface between an offshore process vessel and a flowline bundle of service hoses and high-pressure hoses which are connected to a deepwater production riser system. Tensioning devices are also described for maintaining a selected tension on terminal hoses between the interface and the vessel while the vessel weathervanes during maintenance of position in a watch circle above the riser system. The subsystem and the tensioning devices are mounted on the vessel which is equipped with a powered turret within a circular moonpool and is capable of performing most subsea service functions on the riser system without major equipment support.

Abstract: A method for inflating the inner tire of dual pneumatic wheels wherein a valve extender is used which can be easily attached and detached. The extender includes a coupling on one end which grips the wheel valve stem and a connector at the other end adapted for engagement with the air supply hose. Another tool is used for removing and replacing the mud cap.

Abstract: A coupling for filling and draining a waterbed comprises a tube for insertion into the male-threaded filler neck of a waterbed valve, and two female-threaded nuts rotatably mounted on the tube for connection to a garden hose and the male-threaded fill neck of the waterbed. There is a plurality of fill and drain openings through the wall of the portion of the tube inserted into the fill neck.

Abstract: A sterile fluid transfer unit for intravenous fluids includes a large diameter silicone rubber tubing for use with a peristaltic type roller pump firmly pre-connected between two pieces of one-eighth diameter tubing, for connection respectively to a manufacturer's "Piggy-Back" bottle, and to a large container of diluent. The connections between the silicone rubber tubing and the smaller diameter plastic tubing are accomplished by the use of custom fitted spike-type plastic fittings which penetrate the silicone rubber tubing and which are cemented to the plastic tubing, and avoid any possibility of the seals being broken and liquid being spilled. One of the two smaller diameter plastic tubes has a shut-off clamp and a large vented spike connection for coupling to the large container supplying the diluent, and the other plastic tubing is provided with a threaded Luer type connection for receiving a small vented spike for filling of I.V.P.B.

Abstract: An improved connector member is provided for providing sealed and preferably sterile connection between a pair of conduits which each terminate in a hollow, transparent housing where some of the wall portion of each housing comprises an opaque wall portion sealed to the remainder of the housing. The opaque wall portions of each housing are positioned in facing contact with each other and are held in sealed, retentive relationship so that exposure to radiant energy causes them to fuse and open an aperture therethrough. In accordance with this invention, improved retention means are provided to permit the respective housings to be moved together in a path which is generally parallel to the opaque walls into sliding retaining relation. Also, the conduit communicating with the housings may be internally sealed, being openable from the exterior.

Abstract: A device for draining and collecting sump oil from a motor vehicle has a drain plug which is closed by a ball valve or rupturable membrane. Oil is drained from the sump by inserting a drain spigot into the plug body to open the valve, or to rupture the membrane, so that oil drains through a hose connected to the spigot into a shallow vessel which may be located beneath the vehicle. The vessel may be pyramid shaped or may, for example, be U-shaped so as to afford a clear working space beneath the sump. Two of the pyramid-shaped vessels may be held together base-to-base, one vessel being filled with fresh oil for sump replenishment.

Abstract: An improved connector member is provided for providing sealed and preferably sterile connection between a pair of conduits which each terminate in a hollow, transparent housing where some of the wall portion of each housing comprises an opaque wall portion sealed to the remainder of the housing. The opaque wall portions of each housing are positioned in facing contact with each other and are held in sealed, retentive relationship so that exposure to radiant energy causes them to fuse and open an aperture therethrough. In accordance with this invention, improved retention means are provided to permit the respective housings to be moved together in a path which is generally parallel to the opaque walls into sliding retaining relation. Also, the conduit communicating with the housings may be internally sealed, being openable from the exterior.

Abstract: The waterbed filling unit, embodies a tapered, water-delivery tube adapted for insertion into the male-threaded filler neck of a waterbed in jam relation, the then outer end of the tube having a fixed, female-threaded fitting thereon adapted for coupling with the male-threaded fitting of a garden hose, and a female-threaded, nut-type fitting rotatably surrounding the tube intermediate its ends and adapted for coupling with said male-threaded filler neck; there being an annular, external, stop flange on the tube within the confines of said rotatable fitting, and the latter clamping said stop flange against the upper end of the filler neck whereby to maintain such jam relation and prevent separation of the tube from the filler neck.

Abstract: A portable tank having a skeleton frame with a corner mounted fitting having an outlet discharging into the tank and an inlet for connection to a tank truck.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself kit for charging an automobile air conditioning system. A charging hose has a special delivery fitting to be connected first to the charging nipple on the suction side of the compressor of the operating system. Such fitting has a depressor to open the nipple valve and has a check valve to prevent escape of refrigerant by backflow through the hose. The fitting thus isolates the kit from refrigerant pressure. The charging hose also has an inlet fitting for attachment to the nipple of a pressurized refrigerant can, which has a depressor to open the nipple valve. Refrigerant then flows under can pressure to the system. Unused can refrigerant is saved by disconnecting the fittings in reverse order. Since the hose and kit are isolated from system pressure by the check valve, increased safety is obtained and the hose assembly can be made of low-cost materials which can be discarded after use.