Abstract: A flexible catalytic converter apparatus for use in internal combustion engine powered vehicle exhaust systems. The flexible catalytic converter apparatus includes a vibration decoupling exhaust connector and a catalytic converter insert disposed within, one of the components of the vibration decoupling exhaust connector.

Abstract: Both ends of a bellows-type outer cylinder [31] capable of axial expansion and contraction are connected in a leakproof manner to a pair of connection passage ends [20], thereby constituting an expansion passage [30]. A cylindrical resin film [33] having no permeability to fluid is arranged in an interior of the bellows-type outer cylinder [31], and the axial ends thereof are connected in a leakproof manner to said connecting passage end regions. The cylindrical region [34] positioned in the intermediate region of the cylindrical resin film [33] covers the inner surface of said bellows-type outer cylinder [31] in a leakproof manner.

Abstract: A feeding valve having a hose coupling in the form of an expansion bellows which unfolds automatically into the wearer's field of vision when the sealing cap of the feeding valve is opened, thereby enables a wearer to easily insert the straw of a food or beverage bottle even when wearing protective gloves.

Abstract: A modular fuel fuller system comprises a filler head, a connector, a filler pipe, a jumper hose and clamps. The jumper hose and clamps interconnect the filler pipe and a spud of a vehicle fuel tank. The filler pipe is a stainless steel filler pipe with a series of formed convolutions for increasing the flexibility of the filler pipe to allow easy installation and provide crash integrity to the fuel filler system within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel hose including a straight insertion end portion at one axial end, an outer layer formed of an elastic body, a groove portion formed coaxially on the inner wall at an axially inward end of the insertion end portion, a thin-walled inner layer made of a resin material of low gasoline permeability and provided to a portion of the inner wall, the portion including the groove portion and extending axially inward from the groove portion, and an annular seal member fitted into the groove portion with the inner layer. The insertion end portion is configured to receive a mating pipe having an engagement protrusion protruding radially outward at an end portion under pressure such that the engagement protrusion presses the seal member fitted into the groove portion to be engaged with the groove portion in a fluid-tight condition. The outer layer is configured to be fitted with a clamp.

Abstract: A decoupling hose for mounting in an exhaust pipe of a motor vehicle engine, the hose comprising in particular an inner mechanical portion for guiding the flow of exhaust gas through the hose, a sealing portion forming an outer casing that is leakproof relative to exhaust gas, an intermediate portion providing thermal insulation, and means for connecting the ends of the inner and outer portions of the hose to the exhaust pipe, wherein the inner mechanical portion of the hose is constituted by a metal tubular part in the form of sheet metal joined by dual folded seam connections that are very loose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatable lead-through for connection of a coolant feed to a roller, especially for continuous casting plants, which roller is mounted by way of journals in bearing blocks in rolling bearings and which is supplied with the coolant by way of axial bores through the journals, said rotatable lead-through having a flange with an elastic sleeve pressure-tightly fixed thereon, a first sealing element fixed on said elastic sleeve and rotating therewith and having a first sealing surface, a second sealing element having a second sealing surface running on said first sealing surface and being supported by or integrated into a bearing block cover fixed on the bearing block for covering the roller bore and the roller bearings, and an axial bore penetrating said elastic sleeve and said bearing block cover and permitting the feeding of coolant into the interior of the roller, wherein the sealing surfaces of the sealing elements are perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line connector (1) for pipelines and/or hose lines, in particular fuel lines, comprising a connecting body (2) together with at least one line-connecting element (4). The or each line-connecting element (4) is connected to the connecting body (2) via a transitional section (16) which can be deformed elastically and/or plastically in such a manner that it can be bent or buckled transversely to a push-on axis (12) of the line and relative to the connecting body (2) while keeping the media sealed in. The line-connecting element (4) together with the transitional section (16) and the connecting body (2) is formed by a single-piece moulding (18) produced monolithically in a plastic moulding procedure in a multicomponent injection-moulding process from at least two different materials.

Abstract: A line connector (1) for pipelines and/or hose lines, in particular fuel lines, comprising a connecting body (2) together with at least one line-connecting element (4). The or each line-connecting element (4) is connected to the connecting body (2) via a transitional section (16) which can be deformed elastically and/or plastically in such a manner that it can be bent or buckled transversely to a push-on axis (12) of the line and relative to the connecting body (2) while keeping the media sealed in. The line-connecting element (4) together with the transitional section (16) and the connecting body (2) is formed by a single-piece molding (18) produced monolithically in a plastic molding procedure in a multicomponent injection-molding process from at least two different materials.

Abstract: A method and a device for connecting parts of an exhaust gas system which comprises at least one metal tube formed from a bellows and optionally further parts disposed coaxially within and/or outside of the bellows and at least one further system part to be connected to the metal tube, are characterized in that one end of a short connecting tube is inserted positively in an end of the metal tube and the other end is inserted positively in the system part to be connected to the metal tube, and the system part is moved to the end of the metal tube facing the system part, thereby leaving a gap, and the system part, the connecting tube and the metal tube being connected from the outside in one working step.

Abstract: A device for joining two tubular elements composed of two complementary parts extending end portions of the tubular elements, the two complementary parts each including an essentially rigid substantially conical flared part extended by a semitoric flange, with the semitoric collars being capable of interlocking together.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for mounting in a motor vehicle exhaust pipe (LE), the sleeve (5) comprising in particular a mechanical portion (10) having two rigid end zones (15) for connection to the exhaust pipe (LE), and a sealing portion (11) that is thermally insulated from the inside by an insulation portion (12) and that extends over substantially the entire length of the mechanical portion (10) of the sleeve, the sleeve being characterized in that the sealing portion (11) comprises a central zone (22) formed by a layer or wall (24) made of a material that is flexible and that withstands temperature, and two rigid end zones (23) respectively connected to two end zones (15) of the mechanical portion (10), the sealing portion (11) forming a covering that is continuous, closed, and leakproof.

Abstract: A flexible bellows tube connecting pipes in a system such as a vehicle exhaust system. Various embodiments are disclosed, with each including two conduit sections having mating corrugations that overlap to provide a seal while allowing the two sections to rotate in response to torsion loading. Different configurations of the interfitting corrugations and related structure are disclosed in the different embodiments.

Abstract: A propulsion system having a low-friction exhaust bellows relative to an engine located in the interior of a marine vessel is provided. The engine has an exhaust discharge member in communication with a propulsion unit, and an exhaust passage having an exterior coupling member flexibly connected to pass exhaust from the exhaust discharge member to the propulsion unit. The interior surface of the passage is configured to provide a relatively smooth surface to the exhaust passing therein.

Abstract: The conduit (5) includes a rotary fitting (11), and two segments (18, 19) elbow-connected to each other and each having an articulated mechanism (23, 24) including a par of U-section bars (26, 27) connected to each other in the form of an articulated parallelogram by means of two articulated elements (37, 44; 44, 51). A spiral compression spring (35, 36) is housed between each pair of bars (26, 27), and is compressed between a disk (55), integral with one of the bars (26, 27), and a flange (64) is sliding along a threaded rod (62). The flange (64) is locked on the rod (62) by means of a nut (67), and the rod (62) is connected to a lever member (69) pivoting on one of the articulated elements (37, 44) so as to adjust the action of the spring (35, 36) as a function of the angular position of the relative segment (18, 19) with respect to the articulated element (37, 44).

Abstract: A structure and a method for coupling a protective net to a flexible tube, comprising shaping the flexible tube, wrapping the flexible tube with the meshed protective net made of stainless steel, and welding both ends of the flexible tube to both ends of the protective net. A solution heating process for the flexible tube and welding process for the flexible tube and the protective net are simultaneously carried out under the same condition in the same furnace. As a result, the protective net and the flexible tube are uniform in terms of physical properties. Furthermore, intergranular corrosion of stainless steel by inevitable stress generated upon welding a flexible tube and a protective net using any one of conventional methods, and crevice corrosion between a welding ring and a flexible tube, are prevented.

Abstract: A diffusion-tight fluid conduit for hydrocarbon-containing fluids has a corrugated pipe of corrosion-resistant metal with a corrugated inner side and a corrugated outer side, wherein the outer side is exposed. An inner pipe of plastic material is arranged inside the corrugated pipe and has a smooth inner side and a smooth outer side. A first coupling member is seal-tightly connected by material bonding to a first end of the corrugated pipe.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint boot includes a bellowed portion and the first crest portion of the bellowed portion is formed to have the same outer diameter as the first cylindrical portion, and the length of the membrane extending from the first crest portion through the second root portion to the second crest portion is set to be almost the same as that extending from the second crest portion through the third root portion to the third crest portion, and the depth of the second root portion h and the depth of the third root portion H satisfy a relational expression H/1.3≦h≦H/1.1.

Abstract: A decoupler for exhaust pipe of automobiles includes a bellows for absorbing bending and expansion, the bellows being airtight with respect to exhaust gas therein, and an inner, cylindrical sleeve disposed in the bellows for protecting the bellows from the exhaust gas passing through the cylindrical sleeve. A guide member is disposed at one end of the bellows outside of and around at least a portion of the bellows, and a cover member is disposed at the other end of the bellows outside of and around at least a portion of the bellows. A first mesh ring and a second mesh ring are disposed between the guide member and the cover member and form a sliding surface in contact with a body portion of the cover member and circular-arc surfaces of the guide member.

Abstract: A bending metal pipe element for bending pipe sections, in particular for return pipes in combustion engines of automobiles, comprising undulations which are disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the pipe element, is characterized in that the undulations have different outer diameters and undulations having the same outer diameter are disposed in alternating pairs.

Abstract: An expansion joint device (10) used for metal conduits comprises an inlet short tube (1), an outlet short tube (2), and a sleeve (3). Both the opposed inside ends of the two short tubes (1, 2) are in the inside of the sleeve (3) and form a compensating gap (6) between them. A bellows member (7), axially expansible with an external force applying on, is provided in the compensating gap (6) formed between the opposed inside ends of the two short tubes (1, 2). The two ends of the bellows member (7) are respectively connected with the inside ends of the two short tubes (1, 2) in sealed manner. At least one of the two ends of said sleeve (3) is free end with respect to the two short tubes (1, 2).

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a catalytic converter assembly to a muffler and tailpipe assembly includes first and second flexible portions, and a middle portion disposed between the flexible portions. The middle portion includes a catalyst element for modifying exhaust gases passing from the catalyst assembly to the muffler and tailpipe assembly.

Abstract: The conduit (5) includes a rotary fitting (11), and two segments (18, 19) elbow-connected to each other and each having an articulated mechanism (23, 24) including a pair of U-section bars (26, 27) connected to each other in the form of an articulated parallelogram by means of two articulated elements (37, 44; 44, 51). A spiral compression spring (35, 36) is housed between each pair of bars (26, 27), and is compressed between a disk (55), integral with one of the bars (26, 27), and a flange (64) sliding along a threaded rod (62). The flange (64) is locked on the rod (62) by means of a nut (67), and the rod (62) is connected to a lever member (69) pivoting on one of the articulated elements (37, 44) so as to adjust the action of the spring (35, 36) as a function of the angular position of the relative segment (18, 19) with respect to the articulated element (37, 44).

Abstract: Thick-walled steel pipe is corrugated for the purpose of managing axial load when the pipe is used in an earth-restrained application. For example, the pipe may be used as casing in a cyclic steam stimulation well, where the axial loads are induced as the casing is heated and cooled.

Abstract: A popoid connector for use with other medical devices such as tracheal tubes, intubation tubes and aspiration and ventilation systems comprises a plurality of saucer shaped members each having a first portion and a second portion to form a corrugated portion along the connector. On side of each of the saucer shaped members is provide with at least one circumscribing reinforcing rib to provide additional structural support for the popoid connector. The reinforcing ribs are integrally formed with the popoid connector. The reinforcing ribs inhibit transverse collapsing of the popoid connector add rigidity to the popoid connector when the popoid connector is in a bent position.

Abstract: A modular fuel fuller system comprises a filler head, a connector, a filler pipe, a jumper hose and clamps. The jumper hose and clamps interconnect the filler pipe and a spud of a vehicle fuel tank. The filler pipe is a stainless steel filler pipe with a series of formed convolutions for increasing the flexibility of the filler pipe to allow easy installation and provide crash integrity to the fuel filler system within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A polymeric hose assembly including a male hose inserted within a female hose connects an air cleaner to an internal combustion engine. An elastomeric seal including a plurality of bellows is bonded around the circumference of the exterior surfaces of the female hose and the male hose at bonding points. The plurality of bellows expand to allow for the expansion of the hose assembly to accommodate for engine movement and vibrations.

Abstract: An exhaust decoupler system for motor vehicles includes: a sleeve through which exhaust gas may pass from the engine; a couple of retainer members oppositely positioned from the exhaust pipe and engine, one member engaged with the outer side of the sleeve, at which end the rims are circumferentially bent; bellows between the rims of the inner retainer members, for absorbing the bending and expansion to maintain the exhaust gas to be airtight; outer retainer members located externally the inner retainer members, both ends engaged with the inner retainer members, inner side to be opened toward the center; a guide ring member for dividing the inner retainer members and outer retainer members to symmetrically form first pockets and second pockets, and for surrounding the bellows; and an inner buffering member and an outer buffering member in the form of loop to be filled within in the first pockets and the second pockets.

Abstract: A fuel hose (10) has a straight insertion end portion (10a) at one axial end thereof and includes an outer layer (11) formed of a cylindrical elastic rubber body and having a groove portion (12) formed coaxially on the inner wall at an axially inward end of the insertion end portion (10a); a thin-walled inner layer (18) made of a resin material of low gasoline permeability and fixedly bonded to the entirety of a portion of the inner wall of the outer layer, the portion including at least the groove portion and extending axially inward from the groove portion; and an annular seal member (19) fitted tightly into the groove portion lined with the inner layer. A mating pipe (21) having an engagement protrusion (22) formed at an end portion thereof is inserted under pressure into the insertion end portion of the outer layer such that the engagement protrusion presses the seal member fitted into the groove portion to thereby be engaged with the groove portion in a fluid-tight condition.

Abstract: An exhaust piping system is provided for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system including an emission control device. The exhaust piping system includes an exhaust pipe connected to the engine and an emission pipe connected to the emission control device. The exhaust and emission pipes include ends which are tapered to form reduced outside diameters. A flexible hose coupling includes a bore which telescopically receives the exhaust and emission pipe ends. First and second annular clearances are formed between the reduced-diameter pipe ends and the flexible hose coupling bore, which clearances reduce wearing and abrasion of the flexible hose coupling associated with vibration and relative movement between the pipe ends and the flexible hose coupling.

Abstract: A vapor vent hose is adapted to be assembled to a nipple. The nipple has a first end, an outside diameter and a barb. The barb has a tapered first end adjacent the end of the nipple and a second end with a substantially radially extending face. The hose and nipple are provided in a fuel vapor system. The hose has a first end with an inside diameter fitting over the nipple. The first end has a cuff axially spaced from the end of the hose. The cuff is substantially undeformed radially after installation over the barb.

Abstract: The invention is a flexible line element, particularly for exhaust pipes of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles. At least two interconnected, metal bellows are provided with cylindrical joining ends and at least one of the bellows may be helically corrugated. The bellows may be telescoped. The two bellows, whether in line or telescoped, are connected at only one of their joining ends. A line element of the invention is on the one hand torsion-soft to not transfer any torsional stresses to adjacent components, and on the other is also stable in the case of high torsional stresses.

Abstract: An end-slotted flexible metal hose includes a hose section with body and end sections and a hose clamp. The hose section forms a bore therethrough having a relatively constant diameter. The end section includes a plurality of slots which extend through a sidewall of the hose section to the bore and permit the end section to be constricted by the hose clamp to reduce the bore diameter to provide a relatively tight engagement with a tube on which the hose assembly is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line connector (1) for pipelines and/or hose lines, in particular fuel lines, comprising a connecting body (2) together with at least one line-connecting element (4). The or each line-connecting element (4) is connected to the connecting body (2) via a transitional section (16) which can be deformed elastically and/or plastically in such a manner that it can be bent or buckled transversely to a push-on axis (12) of the line and relative to the connecting body (2) while keeping the media sealed in. The line-connecting element (4) together with the transitional section (16) and the connecting body (2) is formed by a single-piece moulding (18) produced monolithically in a plastic moulding procedure in a multicomponent injection-moulding process from at least two different materials.

Abstract: A gas tight articulated connecting element for piping elements includes: a flexible gas tight tube element to be securely connected with the piping elements; a supporting element disposed at a distance from the tube element at an exterior region thereof and including a plurality of supporting parts, each of the supporting parts being configured to be connected at one end thereof to a piping element adjacent thereto, and at another end thereof to an adjacent other end of an adjacent one of the supporting parts; and a flexible connection device disposed between adjacent ones of the supporting parts for connecting said another end to said an adjacent other end, the flexible connection device including an intermediate part made of an elastomer and being connected with the supporting parts in a locking connection.

Abstract: A device comprises a bellows with protective rings arranged between corrugations of the bellows. Support rings are connected in a sealed manner to a gas line and a combustion chamber. A gimbal ring is positioned outside the bellows and via hinges is connected to structural brackets with support rings. A shield is mounted inside the bellows, the shield consisting of two cylindrical envelopes telescopically inserted one in another with a gap. The cylindrical envelopes are fixed in cantilever to support rings, forming a chamber which via channels for feeding a cooling working medium made in the support rings is connected to a main line for feeding the cooling working medium, and via the gap between the envelopes—to the cavity of the bellows unit. A housing is arranged outside the protective rings and adjoining them, and is made in the form of a metallic cylindrical helix, the ends of which are connected to the support rings (FIG. 2).

Abstract: An expansion joint for a fluid piping system is described. The expansion joint is formed of a corrugated cylindrical bellows constrained by a linear sheath within which the expansion joint can contract as the ends of adjacent pipes move closer together due to heat expansion.

Abstract: A pressurized vertically-oriented catalytic reactor vessel has a fluid flow distribution grid plate fixedly mounted transversely in the reactor lower portion for supporting a bed of particulate catalyst above the grid plate, and has at least one elongated conduit for catalyst addition/withdrawal extending upwardly through the reactor lower head and the grid plate. The catalyst addition/withdrawal conduit has a concentric bellows type expansion unit sealably attached at its lower end to the upper side of the grid plate, the bellows unit being sealably attached at its upper end to the catalyst conduit, so that the conduit can thermally expand vertically, and gas leakage cannot occur around the conduit and the grid plate into the catalyst bed.

Abstract: An integrally molded, repositionable connector has a collapsible obround body that includes lockable annular members that allow the body portion to extend, compress, bend, and lock into selectable lengths and angular positions. Each lockable annular member includes a static side, a movable side, and a reinforcing bead. Each annular member also has a plurality of arcuate segments defining the obround body. The connector can be extended by manually pulling the movable sides away from the static sides until the movable sides lock into position. The connector can also be compressed by pushing the movable sides towards the static sides until the movable sides lock into position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decoupler for the exhaust pipes of automobile.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an automobile exhaust system which has a bellow assembly to absorb the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe for the an exhaust system having a cylindrical outer cover (5) made of plate to cover the outer periphery of the bellows (3)1 the first collar (7') and the second collar (7") with the risers (7a', 7a") bent toward the inner surface (5a) of the outer cover (5); the first elongation displacement stopper member (6') and the second elongation member displacement stopper member (6") respectively formed by bending the inner side of the outer cover (5); and the first elastic stopper member (8') and the second elastic stopper member (8") provided at the risers (7a', 7a") of both collars (7', 7"). As a further modification, the second outer cover (9) may be provided inside of the outer cover (5) to form displacement stoppers (9a, 9b) by bending the both end portions of the second outer cover.

Abstract: A connecting structure of an externally resin-coated small-diameter metallic pipe having an excellent corrosion-resistant property with respect to a mating member is provided. According to the present invention, a resin-uncovered portion of the metallic pipe provided for applying an end processing thereon is completely covered with a protective pipe made of a resin material so that the processed pipe can be connected with the mating member without spoiling its anti-chipping property and an anti-splashing property of the metallic pipe over the entire length thereof. With the exception of the end of the metallic pipe corresponding to the margin at least required for applying an end processing on the pipe, the pipe is covered with an extrusion-moldable thick film-like resin and is connected with a mating member by means of a clamp nut assembled to the pipe end so as to be screw-fitted with the mating member.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling exhaust connector is provided having a flange for mounting the connector to a flange or housing surface of an exhaust system component, such as an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. A liner tube is resiliently supported in the flange, by a vibration damping resilient metal mesh ring. A bellows is sealingly connected to the liner tube and the flange, in order to provide flexible sealing of the connector, for substantially precluding escape of exhaust gases from the joint when the connector is in place.

Abstract: A light weight flange for compensator couplings which includes a generally circular ring-like structure having first and second rings. A plurality of arms interconnect the first and second rings. The arms are separated by a first plurality of apertures. The arms are provided with a second plurality of apertures for accommodating assembly bolts.

Abstract: A vibration-isolator joint for a vacuum device is connected to a vacuum pump and to a vacuum chamber used to evacuate the vacuum chamber. The joint includes a bellows having an internal portion via which evacuation is effected, a first end connected to the vacuum pump, a second end connected to the vacuum chamber, and a support structure that, when the bellows has been compressed by a prescribed amount, prevents further compression of the bellows and also communicates to the bellows vibration in a direction other than the direction in which the bellows expands and contracts.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting pipe pieces, particularly pipe pieces of exhaust systems of motor vehicles, is provided with end sleeves each fastened to the ends of the pipe pieces and pointing in each case to the other pipe end. In the interior of the end sleeves, bellows are arranged, the ends of the bellows being in each case connected with a pipe piece. A stranded spring extends helically along the outer circumference walls of the end sleeve. On the exterior side, the stranded spring is at least partially covered by protection sleeves which are provided with corrugations adapted to the course of the helical line and in whose interior the stranded spring is guided. The protection sleeve is connected with the end sleeves and the ends of the stranded spring are connected with the protection sleeves or the end sleeves.

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally tubular body with first and second ends. The extension comprises a pair of selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a segmented exhaust manifold with a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an outlet end. The second segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an additional inlet end connected with the outlet end of the first segment. An exhaust connector is connected between the outlet end of the first segment and the additional inlet end of the second segment. The exhaust connector includes an inner tubular element, an outer tubular element and a bellows. The outer tubular element is positioned radially around the inner tubular element. The bellows engages the inner tubular element and biases the inner tubular element against the first segment or the second segment. The bellows also engages the outer tubular element and biases the outer tubular element against the other of the first segment or the second segment.

Abstract: A packless swivel joint capable of rotation without the necessity for a mechanical drive includes a hollow tubular member provided with helical corrugations of tight pitch and a corrugation pitch to corrugation with ratio of between two to one to three to one which unwinds to the application of only internal pressure. A limit stop may be provided to limit the amount of unwinding. Annular-shaped bellows of a circular cross section can be utilized to absorb lengthening of the swivel joint in applications where lengthening is to be prevented. In one preferred embodiment, the helical corrugation is preferably continuous.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive lengths of fluid transmission member in an exhaust system for a vehicle. A pipe inner member is insertingly received in the adjacent ends of two pipe adapter members which are affixed to respective adjacent pipe ends. A first spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of one of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A second spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of the other of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A flexible, extensible sealing member mechanically connects the adapter members, and, in turn, the pipe ends. Biasing means are provided for imparting an axial bias or preload to the coupler apparatus, for providing progressive resistance to compression of the coupler apparatus.