Abstract: A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure. In one embodiment, a waterproof sleeve is an outer layer that surrounds or encapsulates an inner layer so that the inner layer remains dry and thus will not freeze.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a workpiece includes clamps configured to engage tie rods secured to the workpiece, locating pins configured to engage a corresponding pin secured to the workpiece, pads, and actuators configured to move clamps for alternately drawing the workpiece into contact with the pads and disengaging the tie rod from the clamp such that the fixture assembly can release the workpiece.

Abstract: A wireless communication includes: a communication unit; a storage unit; a transmission buffer; and a controller. The communication unit wirelessly communicates with a reception terminal. The storage unit stores information relating to a timing at which the reception terminal changes from a first state to a second state. The first state is a state of being able to receive data and continues for a first period. The second state is a state of being unable to receive data and continues for a second period. The first period is extended by a fixed duration when the reception terminal in the first state receives data. The transmission buffer temporarily stores segmented data constituting transmission data to be transmitted to the reception terminal. The controller controls the communication unit to wirelessly transmit dummy data to the reception terminal by the timing if the segmented data is not stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance including a steam-producing base in which the steam can freely flow out through a hose to a wrinkle-removing tool such as a steam brush, characterized in that the hose is connected to the base by a swivel connector fitted into an adapted housing of the base and in that the steam tightness of the swivel connector is ensured by at least one circular rib (122A, 124) borne by the housing or by the connector, the circular rib (122A, 124) being fitted into a corresponding circular groove (80, 81), respectively provided in the connector or the housing, the width of the groove (80, 81) being slightly greater than the width of the rib so as to result in a gap allowing the connector to rotate freely in the housing.

Abstract: A pressurized water container for water fountains, ponds, swimming pools, and aquariums has at least two housing parts and at least one seal arranged between the at least two housing parts, wherein the at least two housing parts are connectable to one another in a lockable way. The at least two housing parts have projections and matching recesses, wherein the projections engage the recesses and, by a displacement of the at least two housing parts relative to one another in opposite directions, they are lockable on one another and releasable from one another when reversing the displacement.

Abstract: A rotary vacuum-chuck mounts a substrate such as a silicon wafer for rotation. The vacuum-chuck includes a hollow rotary shaft and a chuck mounted on the hollow rotary shaft and having a surface adapted to support a substrate, the surface having one or more openings in fluid communication with the hollow rotary shaft. A vacuum generator evacuates the hollow rotary shaft and the one or more openings so as to vacuum chuck a substrate to the chuck surface. A labyrinthine gap is defined between a first member that rotates with the hollow rotary shaft and a second member that is stationary. A fluid in the labyrinthine gap provides a gas-tight seal between the first and second members.

Abstract: In order to provide a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe having two pipe sections that are relatively movable, the coupling includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that have respective coupling ends disposed in closely spaced adjacent relation to define a gap therebetween. The first pipe section has an upstream end in communication with a source of a pressurized gas and a first coupling end remote therefrom such that the upstream end receives the pressurized gas from the source and the gas then flows through the first pipe section from the upstream end to the first coupling end for discharge therefrom. The second pipe section has a second coupling end in communication with the first coupling end and receives the pressurized gas from the first pipe section and the gas then flows through the second pipe section from the second coupling end to the downstream end for discharge therefrom.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a quick connect connector in a port that receives a tube that carries the water. The tube is received along the axis of the port in a first reference direction along the axis. The connector is assembled by inserting, in sequence, a support ring, an O-ring, and a plug into the port along the axis, but in a direction opposite the first direction. The plug is held in place by adhesive or conventional welding. To complete the assembly, a collet is inserted into the port along the axis and in the first direction. A tube is then connected to the water purifier by urging the tube through the collet, along the axis, and in the first direction. The tube is gripped by the collet, supported by the support ring, sealed by the O-ring, and stopped against the plug.

Abstract: An optical demultiplexer includes a first optical path that includes a first nonlinear optical element (NLE) which responds to a control pulse to induce a 180.degree. phase shift in an optical data signal propagating therethrough. The NLE responds rapidly to the control pulse but slowly reverts to a non-phase shift state. A second optical path is provided which includes a second NLE. An optical output coupler is connected to the first and second optical paths and responds to in-phase data pulses therefrom to output a data pulse on a first output. The optical output coupler is responsive to 180.degree. phase shifted data pulses to output a corresponding data pulse on a second output. An input data source concurrently couples a train of optical data pulses of wavelength .lambda. onto the first optical path and the second optical path. A control input induces a first control pulse of wavelength .lambda. onto the first optical path and a second control pulse of wavelength .lambda.

Abstract: A seal for communicating high vacuum onto rotating machinery such as a ceifuge. The seal comprises an outer pipe defining a volume to be evacuated, an inner pipe connected on one end to a vacuum source with the other end disposed within an end of the outer pipe such that an annular space is defined between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. Fluid is disposed in at least a portion of the annular space. The fluid is also disposed in a reservoir provided with cooling coils which lower the temperature of the fluid and thereby lower the vapor pressure of the fluid. The lower the vapor pressure of the fluid, the higher the level of vacuum which can be produced and transmitted.

Abstract: A slip-type expansion joint including a body portion for connection to a pipe or conduit and having an inner annular recess for receiving packing rings and injectable packing material and the joint further including a slip portion for connection to another pipe or conduit and guidedly received in the body portion for limited axial movement therein to accommodate limited axial movement of the pipes or conduits, the packing rings providing the main sealing function of the joint and the packing material exerting force on the packing rings to maintain the sealing function thereof, the expansion joint characterized by a plurality of ports around the body in communication with the annular recess for introducing the packing material to the recess and a manifold arrangement extending around the body and connected to the ports for supplying packing material to all of the ports from one location on the manifold arrangement so that packing material can be supplied readily to all of the ports even if some locations aroun

Abstract: An improved rotating pipe joint for use in the sootblower system of a rotary regenerative air heater employs a ball and socket type construction floating seal assembly. The ball and its associated seal rings rotates within the socket to allow a slide pipe of the sootblower system to deviate from the vertical position while maintaining sealing. The improved rotating pipe joint also accommodates rotary, axial and lateral motion between the moving and stationary parts of the air heater.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a rotary joint for use with rotating machinery, such as a dryer drum, where the joint is conveying steam by means of a rotating nipple and sealing structure. The primary elements are a stationary housing comprised of a head, body and a wear plate, a pickup tube and a spring biased nipple with a collar which engages a molybdenum lubricated reverse radius seal ring. Alignment of the components is maintained through the interaction of two guide bearings supporting the nipple, the wear plate sealing surface and the nipple collar which is spring biased against a reverse radius seal ring intermediate the wear plate sealing surface and the nipple collar sealing surface.

Abstract: The fluid-tight coupling is designed for connecting a fixed hydraulic line with a rotary hydraulic line. The fixed line (1) carries on its end an axially movable tubular piston (7) provided with a hemispherical head (8); the rotary line (2) has an offset end portion (15), the axis (Y) of which is eccentric with respect to the axes (X) and (Z) of the pipes (1) and (2), this end portion (15) being also provided with a hemispherical head (16); between the two hemispherical heads (8, 16) is interposed a wobbling rotary core piece (17) formed with a central orifice (18) and with two opposed concave conical bearing surfaces for fluid-tight engagement with both hemispherical heads (8, 16) respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the axial thrust exerted on the hemispherical head (16) corresponding to the rotary pipe (2) is supported by a hydrostatic bearing (24, 25) and the rotary pipe (2) is also supported by a hydrostatic bearing (22).

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of non-contact type having a stationary main coupling body and a rotary shaft rotatably supported through bearings to the coupling body and formed with an axial fluid passage extending along a length thereof. A minute space is provided at an end portion of the rotary shaft relative to the coupling body, and a pressure reduction chamber is defined beside the minute space for reducing a pressure of fluid leaking thereinto through the first minute space. A second minute space is provided between an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the coupling body. The second minute space is in fluid communication with the pressure reduction chamber and is applied with a pneumatic pressure for blocking the bearing against entry of the leaked fluid.

Abstract: An automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus is disclosed. The automobile includes a vehicle body, vehicle compartment and axle shaft, and the control apparatus comprises a pressure source, a communication passage extending through the axle shaft and having one end opened to the automobile tire. The control apparatus further comprises a coupling means and valve means. The coupling means has a sealing means in sliding contact with the axle shaft and fluid-tightly maintains fluid communication between the pressure source and the other end of the communication passage. The valve means is disposed on a fluid path between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: A swivel fitting for electrical conduit and the like comprising a first fitting part having an axially extending tubular section and a second fitting part having a generally cylindrical axially extending section disposed in sleeved relationship within the tubular section of the first fitting part and having a distal end surface engageable with a transverse shoulder formed within the interior of the tubular section of the first fitting part. The second fitting part has a head portion with a generally annular channel for receiving the distal end of the tubular section of the first fitting part. The channel is delimited by a transverse surface which is axially spaced from the transverse end face of the cylindrical section so that in any position of the fitting, rainwater and other liquid spray will be prevented from intrusion into the interior wireway formed by the fitting.

Abstract: A floating seal for a rotating pipe joint joins two generally parallel and axially aligned pipes and provides a substantially fluid tight seal between them, while permitting relative rotation of the two pipes as well as limited relative lateral movement of the two pipes. The joint also accommodates dimensional changes, particularly in length, such as those generated by temperature change. A preferred embodiment includes a floating seal assembly having a plurality of spaced parallel circumferential grooves about the inner wall of the aperture which retain mating compression rings which are inwardly biased against the inlet pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a joint for risers, and particularly to a telescopic joint suitable for expandably connecting composite-pipe type riser pipes provided internally with tubing pipes. Its structural features reside in that connectors adapted to connect risers in up-and-down relationship are slidably engaged with each other and air cylinders capable of cancelling volume changes of the engaged portions, which volume changes occur due to expansion and contraction movements of the connectors, are communicated to the spacing of the engaged portions, and hydraulic cylinders adapted to cancel volume changes of the engaged portions of an internally-threaded nose portion and an externally-threaded nose portion, which engaged portions serve to communicate the upper and lower tubing pipes to each other, is communicated with the spacing of the engaged portions of the nose portions.

Abstract: A rotary fluid coupling for conveying fluid from a stationary shaft to a hub rotatably mounted on the shaft, or vice versa. The coupling is characterized in having a shaft provided with an axial passageway extending therethrough, one end of the passageway being connected to a source of high pressure fluid and the other being connected to a source of high-viscosity sealing fluid (e.g., a lubricant). A piston in the passageway separates the high-viscosity sealing fluid from the high pressure fluid, the latter being conveyed to the surrounding hub through radial passageways formed in an enlarged diameter portion of the shaft. The high-viscosity sealing fluid is applied to both ends of the enlarged diameter portion of the shaft to form a seal which prevents escape of the high pressure fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying fluid to a rotary tube uncontaminated with ambient air comprises an end cap having an open ended bore in which an end portion of the tube may be rotatably positioned, a first conduit extending into the end cap through which fluid may be fed into the rotary tube, and a second conduit communicating with the end cap bore through which a purge fluid may be fed into and at least partially through the bore to the exterior of the end cap.

Abstract: A joint which may be used in a diving suit includes a plurality of annular members each having a piston and cylinder portion which are coupled together whereby the connecting members are connected in series. The piston and cylinder portions define chambers which are filled with oil and each connecting member has valves which enable communication of the oil between adjacent connecting members as the joint is flexed. A slidably anchored gimbal mounting is provided for each valve in order to preserve the flexibility of the joint without impeding valve action and in order to prevent pullout of the adjacent piston and cylinder portions. The piston and cylinder portions each include inner and outer annular walls and the inside surfaces of the annular walls of the cylinder portions are spherically curved. The annular walls terminate in respective circular rims which are oppositely staggered. This facilitates assembly on the annular connecting members.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus for zone refining polycrystalline semiconductor rods to produce monocrystalline semiconductor rods are disclosed. In the apparatus, an inductive heating chamber is employed which has a longitudinal dimension independent of the length of the polycrystalline semiconductor rod to be processed. The longitudinal dimension of the induction heating chamber is limited only by considerations of the space required for the RF induction heating coil and related apparatus which must be mounted within the chamber, the viewing space required for the operator to observe the zone refining process, and the heating effect on the structures above and below the chamber. First and second gas tight bellows are provided which, respectively, surround the rod holder and the seed holder.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus for sand, gravel and the like comprises a conveying head at the lower end of a lower pipe portion sealed to and displaceable telescopically relative to an upper pipe portion which is not longitudinally displaceable. An annular interspace between the pipe portions is filled with a pressurized sealing medium. The upper end of the upper pipe portion discharges via an impingement head into a horizontal classifying drum.

Abstract: A joint, subject to a pressure differential between inside and outside, having two tubular members flexibly joined by couplings comprising an annular piston sliding within an annular cylinder containing an incompressible fluid, a fluid reservoir connected to and at a higher pressure than the cylinder interior and valve means responsive to fluid loss from the cylinder allowing fluid flow from reservoir to cylinder. The valve may comprise two semi-circular arms pivoted at their ends to each other and to the piston or cylinder, the arms operating on opposite ends of a rocker plate attached centrally to a valve plunger. A differential piston maintains the high reservoir pressure. The valve is adjustable to operate at a predetermined value of cylinder fluid volume.