Abstract: A modular system for adapting a boom concrete system into a line concrete pumping system utilizes a first substantially 90 degree elbow connected to the pump outlet so that the concrete flow is directed downwardly from the outlet. A second substantially 90 degree elbow is pivotally attached to the first elbow so that the concrete flow direction can be selectively positioned in a horizontal plane. The second elbow further includes a reduced diameter at its outermost end.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing connector with variable geometry, comprising two hollow elements (2, 3) having respectively a truncated surface (22, 32) inclined at an angle (&agr;) relative to the generator (23, 33) of the element, each truncated surface (22, 32) has a circular and planar contact surface to enable the elements (2, 3) to be assembled by fixing means such that the generators (22, 23) of each element are assembled in one single point of intersection (C) so that the connection (1) may present two different angular positions when one of the two elements rotates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel adapter-coupler that is to be positioned between a conventional fixed drop elbow on the end of a hose of a tanker truck for an underground storage tank. The other end of the swivel adapter-coupler attaches to the pipe adapter (either the fill pipe or the vapor pipe) of the underground storage tank, in the conventional quick-connect type connection. The swivel adapter-coupler permits loops and kinks in the hose to be removed by rotating the swivel adapter-coupler in the proper direction. Likewise, the invention relates to a rotatable drop elbow to replace the conventional fixed drop elbow at the end of a hose on a tanker truck. The rotatable drop elbow eliminates loops and kinks in the hose by merely rotating the drop elbow in the proper direction.

Abstract: A miniature patio heater is provided which has a total height of approximately 3 ft. and which has a shroud with a diameter less than 2 ft. The patio heater includes a base having a vertically extending chamber, which is approximately 1.5 ft. high, for receiving a small gas bottle. A hollow post extends upwardly from the upper end of the chamber. A heater assembly and shroud are supported at the upper end of the post. A gas line extends along the inside of the hollow post between the heater assembly and the chamber. A connector assembly provides a pivotal connection between the end of the gas line and a regulator connected to a gas bottle within the chamber. The chamber is provided with an access opening for inserting and removing the gas bottle. Thus, the gas bottle, with attached regulator, can be swung from a vertical upright position within the chamber outwardly through the access opening to an angular position to facilitate removal of an empty gas bottle and replacement with a full gas bottle.

Abstract: An air duct fitting comprising a rectangular cross section duct segment having a central axis, a round cross section duct segment having a central axis, and a transition rectangle-to-round segment, the rectangular cross section duct segment having a lateral round opening with a central axis transverse to the rectangular duct segment central axis, the round cross section duct segment central axis being laterally offset from and parallel to the rectangular duct segment central axis. The transition segment is removably interfitted with the rectangular cross section duct segment, whereby the rectangular cross section duct segment round opening can be oriented in either of two opposite directions, one in a plane in general alignment with the round cross section duct segment central axis and the other in a plane laterally offset from the round cross section duct segment central axis.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting an extension tube to a faucet includes a first member connected to a faucet, a second member which is connected to the extension tube, and a connection member rotatably connected to the first member and fixedly connected to the second member. A positioning member is biased by a spring and received in an engaging recess in the second member. The first member has a plurality of notches so that the positioning member is engaged with one of the notches when rotating the extension tube relative to the first member, and the user feels a click to index the positioning feature.

Abstract: A miniature patio heater is provided which has a total height of approximately 3 ft. and which has a shroud with a diameter less than 2 ft. The patio heater includes a base having a vertically extending chamber, which is approximately 1.5 ft. high, for receiving a small gas bottle. A hollow post extends upwardly from the upper end of the chamber. A heater assembly and shroud are supported at the upper end of the post. A gas line extends along the inside of the hollow post between the heater assembly and the chamber. A connector assembly provides a pivotal connection between the end of the gas line and a regulator connected to a gas bottle within the chamber. The chamber is provided with an access opening for inserting and removing the gas bottle. Thus, the gas bottle, with attached regulator, can be swung from a vertical upright position within the chamber outwardly through the access opening to an angular position to facilitate removal of an empty gas bottle and replacement with a fall gas bottle.

Abstract: A miniature patio heater is provided which has a total height of approximately 3 ft. and which has a shroud with a diameter less than 2 ft. The patio heater includes a base having a vertically extending chamber, which is approximately 1.5 ft. high, for receiving a small gas bottle. A hollow post extends upwardly from the upper end of the chamber. A heater assembly and shroud are supported at the upper end of the post. A gas line extends along the inside of the hollow post between the heater assembly and the chamber. A connector assembly provides a pivotal connection between the end of the gas line and a regulator connected to a gas bottle within the chamber. The chamber is provided with an access opening for inserting and removing the gas bottle. Thus, the gas bottle, with attached regulator, can be swung from a vertical upright position within the chamber outwardly through the access opening to an angular position to facilitate removal of an empty gas bottle and replacement with a full gas bottle.

Abstract: Various installation arrangements for internal combustion engines, for example, may require a variety of different connection arrangements for fluid flow apparatus such as intake/exhaust manifolds, coolant flow apparatus, and the like. Consequently, a range of fluid flow bodies and connectors may be required for each engine model, leading to high unit costs and large inventories. An adaptable fluid flow apparatus according to this invention includes a fluid flow body and an elbow connector. The elbow connector can be mounted to the body in at least three positions so that the flow axis of the elbow connector lies along one of three substantially orthogonal axes. Moreover, the elbow connector can be positioned so that its flow axis lies either substantially parallel to or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow body.

Abstract: An elbow for use in a dryer duct assembly comprising at least one component for connecting a dryer vent outlet and an exhaust vent. The component has an inlet and outlet. The dryer vent outlet and one of the component inlet and outlet have a standardized diameter. The elbow comprises a body defining an interior flow passage for permitting the passing of dryer exhaust air through the body. A first end of the body terminates in a first edge to define an inlet opening to the interior flow passage. A second end of the body terminates in a second edge to define an outlet opening to the interior flow passage.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. One embodiment of the connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient dryer exhaust. Provides access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.

Abstract: A tube shaft for a vacuum cleaner the shaft (10) having an upper tube part (15) and a lower tube part turnably connected to one another and each including at least two tube sections (15c,15e,16b,16c). The tube sections of each tube part are inclined with respect to one another. The lower tube part (16) includes an end section (16b) supporting a nozzle (14), the nozzle having a nozzle part (14a) and a connecting part (14b). The connecting part is connected to the end section of the lower tube part whereas an upper end (15f) of the upper tube part (15) is connected to a hose, a tube handle (11) or the like. The lower tube part (16) is arranged to be turned about 180° with respect to the upper tube part (15) as well as to the nozzle part (14a) from a first turning position, wherein said end section (16b) is inclined a first angle (&agr;) with respect to the floor, to a second turning position, wherein the end section (16b) is inclined a second, relatively smaller angle (&bgr;) with respect to the floor.

Abstract: A pipe elbow is provided having two parts, each part having an arcuate segment. The arcuate segment of the first part fits sealably into the arcuate segment of the second part. By severing a portion of the arcuate segment of the first part at an angle needed for a specific run of pipe and inserting it into the arcuate segment of the second part, the assembled elbow will conform to the required angle. In addition, a sloped shoulder on the outside of the first part fits in close proximity to the end of the second part to ensure a extension of the first part into the second part in order to meet industry standards for minimum overlap of mating parts. An angled end on the arcuate segment of the second part may also be provided.

Abstract: A drainage system for emptying a holding tank of a vehicle includes upright telescopic members for attachment to the vehicle outlet. Ninety degree elbows are joined in a swiveled manner and are carried by the upright tubular members and are in communication with inclined telescopic tubular members terminating in communication with the inlet of a sanitary waste system. Couplings of the present system include bayonet inlets having multiple O-rings in place thereon for sealing engagement with a bayonet outlet. The upright telescopic tubular members permit positioning of the inclined tubular members at an incline to ensure optimal drainage. Additionally the upright tubular members permit the inclined tubular members to be swung about an upright axis to facilitate attachment to a sanitary system inlet. A modified form of the system includes an elbow equipped with a bayonet inlet with multiple O-rings for coupling with the vehicle horizontal outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall connection for connecting a fitting (2) to a water network, with a connecting piece (3) having on the wall side a connection part (4) with an inlet duct (6), and on the fitting side a connection part (5) with an outlet duct (7). The inlet duct (6) and the outlet duct (7) are preferably excentrically staggered with regard to each other. In order to make a wall connection available for the connection of the fitting to the water network, in which the connection between the wall connection and the fitting takes up as little place as possible and is at the same time simple to produce, the invention provides that a flange (9) with tapped holes (12, 13) is provided for connecting the wall connection (1) to the fitting (2) by means of fastening screws (10, 11).

Abstract: A flexible swivel coupling includes a a first elbow, a second elbow, and a flexible nipple connected between the two elbows. The first and second elbows are threaded on the interior surface of at least one of the legs of each elbow, and the flexible nipple is threaded at both ends, for connection between the two elbows. The outside diameter of the nipple, at least at the threaded ends, is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the threaded legs of the two elbows, so that the nipple threads are slightly compressed when the nipple is threaded into the elbows and forms a water tight seal without the need for o-rings or other additional sealing means.

Abstract: A moveable swivel joint assembly for joining a pair of pipes. A male body member includes a first open end attachable to one of the pipes and a second end having external threads, with a recess in the second end on each side of the external threads. A female body member includes a first open end attachable to the other pipe and a second end having internal threads which mate with the male body member external threads. A pair of o-ring seals are provided, one o-ring seal residing in each recess in order to provide an internal and external seal for the swivel joint assembly while allowing rotation of the body members with each other.

Abstract: An air conduit system (10) has a male air tube (22), a plurality of annular gaskets (26, 28, 30) around the male air tube (22), and a female air tube (24) receiving the male air tube (22) and engaging the gaskets (26, 28, 30) in sealing relation. The interface of the tubes is adjustable along three degrees of freedom, including a degree of freedom differentially compressing and expanding different of the gaskets such that one of the gaskets compresses while another expands.

Abstract: A medical device comprises an articulated string of hollow plastic beads which lock into each other. The medical device will attach to an operating-room table-rail and hold a nozzle or suction scoop in a given position near the surgical site to evacuate airborne hazardous smoke fumes. The medical device will eliminate the need for an operating room nurse who in the past may be been solely responsible for manually holding the prior art nozzles or suction scoops in the vicinity of the surgical site. A surgeon will be able control by one hand the aiming and positioning of the nozzle or suction scoop by grabbing and configuring the medical device via a quick thrusting action. The medical device will remain in place until moved into another position.

Abstract: In combination with a dual elbow swivel joint having a female elbow member rotationally coupled to a male elbow member, the invention comprises an orientation device having an angle marker located on one elbow member and an indicator mark located on the other elbow member. The angle marker contains a number of angle markings located at predetermined angles measured from the central axis of the elbow member. The indicator mark is placed on the other elbow member in a location such that, when aligned with an angle marking, the elbow members are in a predetermined angular orientation relative to each other. The angle markings on the angle marker each have a length which is related to the amount of wear that has been found to occur in the dual elbow swivel joint when the female and male members are oriented at that particular angle. Thus, the orientation device enables an operator to orient the female and male elbow members at an angle at which the dual elbow swivel joint will experience the least amount of wear.

Abstract: A pipeline for introduction of solids into a treatment vessel consists of a plurality of pipe elements made up of two or three pipe sections having their respective axes running at an obtuse angle to each another, with a rotary connection in the vertical plane between the pipe elements. One end of a pipe element extends into the rotary connection and the adjoining pipe element, which is here widened out to form a funnel.

Abstract: A connector for delivering combustion gas to a gas fired appliance from a stationary supply line where the appliance moves toward and away from the supply line with the connector straightening and flexing between them as the appliance moves. The connector comprises a flexible hose assembly and first and second swivel fittings at respective hose assembly ends. Each swivel fitting defines a gas flow path and comprises a swivel member for communicating the connector with the appliance or the supply line. The hose assembly comprises a flexible metal hose member antitorsion fittings forming ends of the hose assembly connected to respective swivel fittings. The antitorsion fittings comprise pintle and nipple members rotatable relative to each other to prevent torsional stress in the hose member when the appliance moves relative to the supply line.

Abstract: Redundant joints for a wide variety of redundant-joint structures have three-way plumbing elbows (1, 5, 6) with coupling sleeves (2) into which two-way plumbing elbows (9, 13, 14) are inserted and rotated to form an infinite variety of angles of joining edges or sides of structural assemblies bordered by cylindrical beams (15) inserted into sleeves (12) in the two-way elbows. The three-way elbows can have different angles for particular structures than employed for conventional plumbing uses. For other structures, the three-way elbows have the same or similar angles as those employed for conventional plumbing. Two-way elbows with a coupling sleeve at one end and a pipe-sized opposite extension employed for particular forms also can have different or the same angles as employed for conventional plumbing.

Abstract: A swivel joint connecting articulable fluid conducting arm members of a plumbing assembly includes an inlet member matable with a first arm member and having an inlet fluid passage from the arm member to an inlet collar section. An outlet member is provided matable with a second arm member. The outlet member also defines an outlet fluid passage from the respective second arm member to an outlet member collar section. A fluid conducting shaft member is disposed through the inlet and outlet member collar sections so that the collar sections rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A bearing sleeve is concentric about the shaft so that the collar sections rotate about the bearing sleeve. Resilient sealing rings are disposed about the shaft adjacent the bearing sleeve so as to prevent leakage of fluid from the swivel joint. Upon axially compressing the sealing rings and the bearing sleeve together, the sealing rings radially expand thereby sealing against the collar sections.

Abstract: The adjustable pipe fitting of the invention has double walls in accordance with Type B standards established by the American National Standards Institute and Underwriters Laboratories. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a main conduit having three sections which are rotatably coupled together. A branch conduit is securely connected to the main conduit so that fluid communication exists between the branch and main conduits. The branch conduit also comprises three sections which are rotatably coupled together. The main conduit sections and the branch sections are coupled together at oblique angles relative to their respective longitudinal axes to provide a means for adjusting the fitting to accommodate connector pipes having various angles and orientations.

Abstract: A swing connector assembly for connecting a sprinkler unit to a supply line includes an elongated conduit having a pair of swivel elbows connected to it by barbed fittings at each end thereof providing for three degrees of orthogonal rotation for enabling unlimited positioning of the sprinkler unit within the length of the conduit.

Abstract: A venting assembly preferably for a clothes dryer to provide a universal dryer venting assembly directed to a dryer vent and flexible vent tube assembly, has an elbow with swivel fittings at the inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet connections include snap or collar connections for attachment to the appliance or vent tubing assembly.

Abstract: A multiline fluid distribution system having an articulated fluid loading arm, which is swingable in vertical and horizontal planes, for selectively coupling the swingable fluid outlet end of the loading arm to any one of a plurality of parallel fluid transfer lines extending horizontally in a honey comb-like array. The fluid outlet end of the loading arm is supported on and transported by a carriage to the designated fluid transfer line for coupling therewith.

Abstract: A universal duct elbow as for the vent system of a clothes dryer, formed of a body and a pair of swivel sleeves rotational on the body. The body has an outer 180.degree. portion of a configuration like that of a quarter toroid, and an inner 180.degree. portion like a square type elbow. The center line radius is less than about 0.6 of the duct diameter, enabling a duct assembly using the elbow to fit into a space only slightly larger than the duct diameter. The body is formed of an L-shaped plate having flow openings in the two legs of the L, plus two joined mirror image, arcuate elements. At these sleeves are radially extending flanges of the legs of the L to enable attachment to a wall.

Abstract: A dryer duct assembly employs two universal elbow components and at least one flexible component. The flexible component has ends capable of connecting to another flexible component or to a universal component without the use of other devices such as hose clamps to secure connection. Each elbow has ends capable of attaching either to the wall opening or the dryer, in addition to attaching to the flexible component in the same manner as the flexible components may attach to each other. The elbow has an outer portion resembling the outer portion of a quarter-toroid, and a square type inner portion. The outer portion is made of a pair of mirror image hemi portions connected at adjacent flanges. The inner portion has an L-shaped plate with flow-through orifices in each leg of the L.

Abstract: An air flow conduit system is presented for air flow communication between an air filter mechanism and an engine intake manifold. The conduit system comprises substantially rigid straight conduit members joined in fluid communication by connector systems having elbow-shaped conduit members. A narrow end of a conduit member is received within a broad end of a next adjacent conduit member. Sealing engagement occurs via an elastomeric seal member having ribs thereon positioned radially between the inner and outer conduits. A preferred rib arrangement is provided, to insure a flexible, multi-point, seal system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal dryer exhaust duct assembly using a pair of flexible corrugated metal ducts capable of linear extension and capable of reorientation of the duct ends, a pair of elbow connectors, one for attachment to a dryer exhaust outlet and the other for attachment to a wall inlet. Each duct has a swivel connection to its respective elbow connector, using a sleeve which interfits with the elbow connector by a peripheral projection and recess arrangement. Each duct can also be interfit with another such duct. The two ducts can be attached respectively to an dryer and a wall spaced from each other, and are vertically self supporting, whereby when the dryer is moved adjacent the wall, a person can readily telescopically interconnect the ends of the ducts over the top of the dryer. One or more pieces of the duct may be used to span the distance between the dryer and the wall outlet.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint system has three swivel joints on the both sides and in the central portion thereof, and two arm pipes connecting the swivel joints. The swivel joints have a stepped cylinder body, an elbow and a cap nut. The stepped cylinder body has a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion. The elbow has a pipe connection portion to which a nipple provided with a flange on its outer end and a nut member on its outer periphery. A short cylindrical adapter is provided at one end of the arm pipe connected to the pipe connection portion of the elbow and to one end of the arm pipe connected to the smaller diameter portion of the cylinder body. The adapter and the nut member, respectively, have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the gasket and an inner diameter of an end portion of the cap nut.

Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting a pair of conventional, circular cross-section pipes whose axes are generally coplanar but are angled relative to each other, is formed of a pair of identical, but reversely arranged, tubular sections, each having an outer end for coupling to an adjacent pipe end and an inner end coupled to the adjacent section inner end. The coupling comprises conventional, releasable, circular pipe couplings which surround and clamp adjacent pipe ends together. The connector sections are bent and flattened in cross-section so that their inner ends are engaged in the plane of the pipe axes while their outer end openings are transverse to the pipe axes and overlap and open into the ends of the pipes. The portions of the connector sections between their opposite ends are of cross-sectional areas that are roughly the same as the cross-sectional areas of their end openings.

Abstract: A pivoting joint for an irrigation system includes a housing (38) having a fixed end (42) and a pivoting end. The pivoting joint is generally disposed in a 90.degree. elbow configuration with the pivoting joint formed by a stop (46), a length of pipe (50) and an O-ring (48). The stop (46) is disposed in the pivoting end of the housing (38) with the pipe (50) disposed on the interior thereof, the pipe (50) having an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the stop (46). The stop (46) is cemented to the interior walls of the housing (38) with the O-ring (48) disposed at the inner end of the stop (46). The pipe (50) has a stop (52) disposed on the interior end thereof and disposed diametrically opposite the O-ring (48) from the stop (46). The stop (52) forms a rim having an outer diameter slightly less than that of the housing (38) but greater than the interior diameter of the stop (46).

Abstract: A backflow preventer assembly is provided, which allows for connection of the assembly to the variety of water line configurations. The valve device is attached to at least one rotatable, sealing flange which is rotatable from an in-line configuration to an L-shaped configuration. A rotating sealing flange is provided at each of the inlet opening and outlet opening of the valve device. A stop valve is positioned in each of the rotating flanges.

Abstract: An air flow conduit system is presented for air flow communication between an air filter mechanism and an engine intake manifold. The conduit system comprises first, second and third substantially rigid conduit members. Engagement between conduit members is provided by a rib system on a narrow end of a conduit member being received within a broad end of a next adjacent conduit member. Sealing engagement occurs by an elastomeric seal member positioned between the ribs and an end of a conduit member within which the ribs are received. A preferred rib arrangement is provided, to insure a flexible, multi-point, seal system.

Abstract: An air flow conduit system is presented for air flow communication between an air filter mechanism and an engine intake manifold. The conduit system comprises first, second and third substantially rigid conduit members. Engagement between conduit members is provided by means of a rib system on a narrow end of a conduit member being received within a broad end of a next adjacent conduit member. Sealing engagement occurs by means of an elastomeric seal member positioned between the ribs and an end of a conduit member within which the ribs are received. A preferred rib arrangement is provided, to insure a flexible, multi-point, seal system.

Abstract: An adjustable tube bending pattern device which is shaped to be readily and accurately formed into a wide variety of shapes so that it can be shaped to go around or avoid with sufficient clearance all obstacles, retain its shape but which can be reshaped and reused many times, to be used to form in place a precise pattern of a complex shaped tube or pipe which is then used as a pattern to accurately bend a tube or pipe to fit the intended use.

Abstract: A dump fitting on the discharge end of a sewer hose leading from the waste holding tank of a recreational vehicle prevents the hose from jumping out of a sewer drain under the influence of effluent being discharged through the hose. The fitting is in the form of an elbow with one limb received in the discharge end of the sewer hose and the other limb forming an outlet for receipt in the sewer drain. The fitting is of sufficient weight to resist the thrust of effluent flowing through the hose and tending to lift its discharge end. The fitting may be a one-part plastic molding or a two-part fit-together molding.

Abstract: A pressure tank connector apparatus is described, including a fitting body having an integral hollow sleeve portion projecting from one end thereof adapted to extend into an opening in the tank wall and be crimped about an internal flange or lip portion of the tank wall surrounding such opening with a sealing ring of elastomer compressed between a gripping flange portion of the fitting and the tank. As a result, the crimped tank attachment is positioned within the tank so it is protected from vandalism or damage from other causes. The pressure tank connector is coupled by an improved coupling to a flexible conduit such as a hose for supplying compressed air or other gas from the tank to an external device, such as the air brakes of a truck or other vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a loading arm for transfering liquids, gases, and particulate solids, in which the loading arm comprises a riser, inner and outer arm sections, and a rotary pipe joint pivotally interconnected and removably attached to both the inner and outer arm sections for rigidly interconnecting and supporting the arm sections in an arm-assembled position while the rotary pipe joint is being serviced or repaired. The arrangement is particularly advantageous for servicing sealing and bearing means located in the rotary pipe joint. Such joints are used in loading arms employed in transfer apparatus used to conduct cargo between transport and storage containers, for example, a marine transport vessel and wharf, pipeline, or other stationary facility.

Abstract: A system for repairing pipeline, such as underground fuel, gas or water pipeline systems which have been damaged by explosives, wherein the ruptured sections have been misaligned. Quick-connect fittings are attached to the misaligned pipe ends after trimming and a bridging conduit system is interposed between the fittings having adjustable portions for accommodating the misalignment. Rotative angular sections provide universal adjustment while retaining the fluid-tight integrity of the apparatus.

Abstract: An unrestricted, leakproof, rotatable fluid flow joint comprising: a flexible rod mechanism, a first elbow, a second elbow, and a resilient O-ring; the first elbow including a mechanism for rotatably receiving the second elbow, a mechanism for rotatably connecting the elbows with the flexible rod mechanism, and a mechanism for guiding the flexible rod into the mechanism for rotatably connecting the second elbow including a mechanism for rotatably mating with the mechanism for receiving and mechanism for rotatably connecting the elbows wherein the flexible rod slidably inserts within at least a portion of the mechanism for rotatably connecting to connect the first and second elbows; and wherein at least one of the elbows includes a mechanism for holding the O-ring between the flexible rod and the end of the second elbow, the O-ring disposed in resilient contact with and between the mechanism for receiving and the mechanism for mating.

Abstract: This suction arm for gaseous fluids comprises a tubular articulated conduit consisting of at least one flexible sleeve (5) disposed between two rigid tubes (8). These tubes (8) are interconnected at either end of the flexible intermediate sleeve (5) by mechanical holding means (9) comprising each at least one pair of first and second members (10a, 10b) pivotally interconnected centrally of the flexible sleeve and rigidly assembled in side by side relationship by distance-pieces (15) under the control of a spiral return spring (13) and detent-positioning means (16, 17, 18), whereby the two rigid tubes (8, 8) are constantly urged to their relative angular position matching that of the ends of the intermediate flexible sleeve (5).

Abstract: The present solar energy collecting system in which a plurality of water heating apparatuses are serially connected to each other by a tube socket and union and is retained securely in the case having a transparent window. Each water heating apparatus comprises a light collecting tube, a concave reflector, a water tube and end caps having an opening. The upper half surface of the light collecting tube is transparent to transmission of the incident solar rays and the remaining lower half surface is a concave reflector to converge the incident solar rays along both sides of the water tube. The water tube is disposed in the light collecting tube enclosed at its ends by the caps. The body portion of the water tube is a configuration of a flat tube to rapidly heat up water and its end portion is a cylinder type of tube to connect rotatably through the opening of the cap to the tube socket.

Abstract: A funnel device for filling containers having either vertically or otherwise oriented filling inlets with fluent material. The device is adapted when in use to be supported by a given container's filling inlet, and is orientable relative to such inlet so as to be capable of receiving and conducting fluent material to such container while a user has free use of both hands. To increase filling speed, the device is provided with a novel venting system which is designed to rapidly vent a large volume of air or gas in a safe manner from a container being filled with the device. Part of the venting system may also be manipulated to form a siphon which can be used to drain excess material from the funnel device in the event the container is overfilled.

Abstract: A mounting structure for the granulate hopper of the injection unit of an injection molding machine which is convertible for use with a selectively horizontally or vertically oriented injection unit, the structure comprising two joined, rotatable tubular connectors each with an oblique end face, the lower connector being seated on an inclined face of the mounting hub which holds the plastification cylinder, and the upper connector carrying the hopper. The latter consists of a conical lower hopper portion and a cylindrical upper hopper portion which is inclined against the former so as to have one common straight side line which is vertical in both configurations. Conversion adjustment is accomplished through rotation of the lower connector and of the hopper by 180.degree..

Abstract: An adapter especially suited for transferring petroleum fluids from a single large-diameter loading arm to a plurality of smaller tanker manifolds, including a generally T-shaped connector having a large-diameter inlet housing at one end and a plurality of smaller diameter outlet housings at the other end thereof. The inlet housing of the connector is connected to the outboard end of the loading arm by a pair of large-diameter swivel joints and a pipe elbow. A plurality of eccentric fluid couplers are each connected to a corresponding one of the smaller outlet housings by one of a plurality of smaller swivel joints. These eccentric fluid couplers can be rotated into various positions to adapt to differences in spacings between the manifolds of various marine tankers.