Abstract: The method of connecting a circular concrete-filled steel tubular column to a reinforced concrete footing provides a process for constructing a circular concrete-filled steel tubular column anchored in a reinforced concrete footing. A tubular member is partially embedded in a cavity formed in a block of reinforced concrete, such that a pair of flanges thereof is positioned adjacent to and above a base surface of the cavity. A steel tube is partially inserted into the cavity, such that rotation of the steel tube will cause the pair of flanges to interlock with a pair of slots at the lower end of the steel tube, locking the steel tube in place with respect to the tubular member and the block of reinforced concrete. The cavity is filled with concrete grout to secure the column, and the steel tube is filled with concrete to form the circular concrete-filled steel tubular column.

Abstract: The method of connecting a circular concrete-filled steel tubular column to a reinforced concrete footing provides a process for constructing a circular concrete-filled steel tubular column anchored in a reinforced concrete footing. A tubular member is partially embedded in a cavity formed in a block of reinforced concrete, such that a pair of flanges thereof is positioned adjacent to and above a base surface of the cavity. A steel tube is partially inserted into the cavity, such that rotation of the steel tube will cause the pair of flanges to interlock with a pair of slots at the lower end of the steel tube, locking the steel tube in place with respect to the tubular member and the block of reinforced concrete. The cavity is filled with concrete grout to secure the column, and the steel tube is filled with concrete to form the circular concrete-filled steel tubular column.

Abstract: A tube fitting includes a multi-way tube member and a coupler. The multi-way tube member includes three interconnected tube-connecting segments, one of which has two locking portions disposed at a distal end thereof. The coupler includes a cap section covering one of the tube-connecting segments having the locking portions, two resilient retaining portions snapped respectively to the locking portions, a guide tube section extending from the cap section into the one of the tube-connecting segments, and a connecting tube section extending from the cap section in a direction away from the guide tube section for connection with an additional coupler. A curable filler can be filled among the multi-way tube member, the coupler, and a tube for fixing the tube within the multi-way tube member.

Abstract: An end fitting (31) is formed at the patient end of an inner cannula (3) for a tracheostomy tube (1) by punching small holes (33) close to one end (34) of an ePTFE shaft (30). The end is then swaged to form an expanded region (30?) and a preformed tubular insert (40) of a thermoplastic material is inserted to cover the holes (33) on the inside. An outer part (46) of the same thermoplastic material is then overmolded on the outside of the shaft 30 so that its material (47) flows through the holes (33) and bonds with the inner insert (40), thereby securing the inner and outer parts together around the end of the shaft.

Abstract: Flexible couplings are provided comprising a male member disposed within a female member in a spaced apart configuration, with the space being filled, at least partially, with an elastically deformable material. The male and female members comprise features that prevent separation from one another after the elastically deformable material is provided in the space between them. For example, the male and female members of one embodiment each comprise a threaded region, with the respective male and female threads being intermeshed but generally spaced apart from each other. At least one of the male and female threads is tapered in two opposing directions with respect to a coupling centerline. The double taper requires the elastically deformable material to be displaced for the male and female members to become separated. However, the elastically deformable materials are constrained by surfaces of the male and female members, and therefore, cannot be displaced.