Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to conveyor apparatuses and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a conveyor apparatus comprises a conveyor frame including a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending in a length direction and a bottom panel comprising a hinged configuration relative to the opposing sidewalls such that the bottom panel is configured for movement throughout a range of rotational motion between a closed position and an open position; and a bottom panel positioning assembly comprising: a mounting bracket secured to one of the opposing sidewalls; a positioning element slidably engaged relative to the mounting bracket and configurable between a nominal position and an engaged position; and a retention element configured to bias the positioning element towards the nominal position; wherein the bottom panel positioning assembly is configured to facilitate selective arrangement of the bottom panel based at least in part on an arrangement of the positioning element.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for mounting on a bib of a faucet to releasably secure a hose or some other component to the bib. The coupling device includes an engagement surface, a gasket ring, a clamp assembly and a locking assembly. The coupling device is configured so that the clamp assembly can be actuated to mount the coupling device on the bib. The gasket ring is configured to be compressed between the engagement surface and the bib to enable liquid to flow from the bib into the coupling device and out of it into the hose or other component without leakage. The locking assembly is configured to lock the coupling device on the bib, but is releasable when desired to dismount the coupling device from the bib.

Abstract: An illustrative port assembly includes a male port assembly including a male frame sub-assembly having first and second hinged male frame members rotatable about a first axis, the first and second hinged male frame members being sealable therebetween. A first transfer sleeve is attachable to the male port assembly and is configured to operably connect the male port assembly with a first volume. A female port assembly includes a female frame sub-assembly having first and second hinged female frame members rotatable about a second axis that is coaxially alignable with the first axis. The first and second hinged female frame members are sealable therebetween, and the female frame sub-assembly is sealable with the male frame sub-assembly. A second transfer sleeve is attachable to the female port assembly and is configured to operably connect the female port assembly with a second volume.

Abstract: An intake for quick coupling pipes, to form a joint, including a body defining a central axis and a first channel at least partially centered relative to the central axis to partially house the joint, an annular sealing element movably within the first channel including a plurality of fastening sectors to reciprocally radially move and define release and clamping positions, an extractor partially in the body, movable along the central axis relative to the body and allowing the sealing element to pass from the clamping position to the release position. The body includes an obstruction defining a ring within the first channel. The sealing element defines an interference portion interfering with the obstruction. The obstruction and interference portion form a circular fulcrum around which the fastening sectors rotate and provide the release position as result of opening thrust caused by the extractor or joint passing in the sealing element.

Abstract: The specification discloses a marine fluid connection system including a fitting and a connector. The fitting is cylindrical and includes a radially extending flange. The connector includes a cylindrical body, a plurality of levers on the body, and a locking ring on the body. The levers are movable between a latched position, in which the levers are closed on the flange to lock the connector on the fitting, and an unlatched position, in which the levers are open so that the connector may be removed from the fitting. The locking ring is axially movable with respect to the body to move the latches between their latched and unlatched positions.

Abstract: Connector (100) with locking components (107) about a peripheral section of the connector. The locking components extend in an axial direction engage with the connector (100) at a first end and engage with a connecting part (201) at an opposite locking end with a locking profile (109). A radial locking movement of the locking end is provided by an axial movement of an actuation sleeve (113). The locking components (107) are arranged to pivot in a substantially radial direction, about their section of engagement with the connector (100), into and out of a locking position. The connector (100) comprises guiding plates (111) between the locking components (107) in the area of their locking ends. The guiding plates exhibit protective faces (111a) that extend further radially inwards than the locking profile (109) of the locking components (107) when the latter are in the outwardly pivoted position.

Abstract: A rapid-connect gas coupler is shown and described herein. In an embodiment, the rapid-connect gas coupler includes a spring-loaded probe within a probe cavity, which is defined by a housing and one or more latch segment. The probe can engage with a gas connector, which causes the latch segment to engage and couple with the gas connector.

Abstract: A cable connector comprising a coupler and a retainer having a base with an internal channel and a latching assembly is disclosed. The coupler has a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The latching assembly comprises a beam having a first end and a second end. The latching assembly pivotably connects to the base and has a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly through a latch slot towards the bore of the coupler. A spring clip radially inwardly biases the coupler. The coupler has at least one compression slot that responds to the radially inwardly bias of the coupler, compressing the coupler radially inwardly and, thereby, providing a resiliently friction fit function to the coupler.

Abstract: A method for using a fire engine hose connector system is reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.

Abstract: A subsea riser assembly connects two tubular members with axial movement of an outer sleeve. The assembly includes a first tubular member having an end, and a second tubular member having an end with a plurality of box end fingers separated by slots, the second tubular member coaxial with the first tubular member. The end of the first tubular member is inserted into the end of the second tubular member. An outer sleeve having an inner diameter that engages an outer diameter of each box end finger. Axial movement of the outer sleeve relative to the box end fingers causes the inner diameter of the outer sleeve to interact with the outer diameter of the box end fingers, thereby causing the box end fingers to contract radially. The radial contraction of the box end fingers secures the first tubular member to the second tubular member in a made-up position.

Abstract: A bottom loading coupler includes a coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock is positioned in a slot in the body sidewall and pivotally coupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has an engaged position and a disengaged position with each interlock biased to the disengaged position. A coupler sleeve is slidably positioned around the coupler body and comprises a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body and a second, extended position relative to the coupler body. A biasing element is positioned between the coupler sleeve and the coupler body and biases the coupler sleeve to the second, extended position relative to the coupler body. The interlocks are in the disengaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position and in the engaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.

Abstract: A coupling device comprising a tubular body defining a channel and axially subdivided into an anchor section provided on the outside with an anchor member associated with a cover mounted on the body to have both an actuator end for actuating the anchor member and a drive end, and so as to be movable between an inactivation position and an activation position, a resilient return member urging the cover towards the activation position being mounted in a chamber defined by the cover and the body, the cover having a holder device for holding it in the inactivation position, which holder device is arranged to be declutchable when the cover is moved into a declutching position beyond its inactivation position in a direction away from the activation position, and the device including a passage for putting the chamber into communication with the well.

Abstract: A machine for tracking the sun's movement and concentrating sunlight consists of a main frame which pivots in the north and south direction on a base having conduit for a heat medium (a liquid usually of the Glycol family the main frame supports the mirror frame that pivots 360 degrees East to West allowing the mirror to focus the sunlight onto the conduit heating the liquid medium producing a very high and concentrated amount of heat during the entire daylight period and can be used for a small business or residential heating. An optional prism can be attached to the mirror frame to focus sun rays onto the conduit for added heat.

Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The locking member includes a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and axially movable with respect to the body between first and second positions.

Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting and disconnecting a first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic connector. The coupler has a first end and a second end. The coupler first end has a threaded opening adapted to combine with a threaded connector. The coupler second end has an opening with several members movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupler. The movable members have a first position wherein they are moved outward to make the opening larger and a second position wherein they are moved inward to make the opening smaller. The opening in the coupler second end is adapted to receive a threaded connector when the movable members are in their first (larger) position. After a portion of the threaded connector is inserted into the opening, the members are moved to their second (smaller) position thereby securing the threaded connector to the coupler second end.

Abstract: A socket that receives and locks a plug has a cylindrical socket body, a plug-locking element provided in a first through-hole of the socket, a sleeve-operating element provided in a second through-hole of the socket, a sleeve, and a collar. The collar is movable between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position where the collar allows radially inward displacement of the sleeve-operating element by the plug inserted into the socket. When the plug is inserted into the socket, first, a locking element-pushing portion of the plug pushes out the plug-locking element into a first recess of the sleeve and causes the plug-locking element to displace the sleeve rearward. As the plug is further inserted into the socket in this state, the plug engages and pushes the collar from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method of forming a fluid quick connect includes steps forming a housing having a split end retainer slidably mounted in a recess in at least one end of the housing. A first angular recess is formed in the housing adjacent the first end. The first recess communicates with a bore extending from the first end of the housing. The retainer is captured in the recess by deforming an extension of the first end of the housing angularly inward. In one aspect, a conical surface is formed inward of the extension to form the recess in conjunction with the deformed extension. The retainer and recess may be used at one end of the housing for connection with one endform or at both ends of the housing to fluidically couple two endforms.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling a male end of a hose to a female end of a faucet or another hose. In the first embodiment, the female end of the coupler is mechanically locked in sealing engagement with a male end by simply translation thereof by means of wedges and an outer retaining sleeve. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure provides the final seal, with the female end being a spring split-ring locked and compressed by means of an outer locking sleeve, which outer locking sleeve is released by squeezing it in order to deform it. A third embodiment combines the first and second embodiments.

Abstract: The snap connection for sealed and releasable connection of a first tube end (10) with a second tube end (20), with spring arms (33), with a first outer stop projection (14) on the first tube end (10), with a first elastically deformable ring (31) connected with the spring arms (33), and with two first inner stop cams (34) on the first ring (31) cooperating with the first outer stop projection (14), is characterized according to the present invention by a second outer stop projection (23) on the second tube end (20), a second elastically deformable ring (32) connected with the spring arms (33) with distance from the first ring (31), and by two, second inner stop cams (35) on the second ring (32) cooperating with the second outer stop projection (23). Both rings with their stop cams, connected to one another via the spring arms, form a double-connection element (30) separable by and on both tube ends (10, 20), which can be made from a plastic injection molding part.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for a female screw to be connected to a female screw port formed in a fluid device, comprising a cylindrical main body. The main body includes a plurality of arm members having a male crew portion at a distal end to be connected to the female screw port. Also, the main body comprises a sliding member that slides from a close to an open position with respect to the arms members. The main body is provided with a lock member for stopping the movement of the sliding member.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for transmitting fluids includes a tubular housing and spreadable locking elements fixed on the housing for connection to a correspondingly formed connector. A sealing piston is slidable centrally in the housing for engagement with the connector and surrounded by an axially movable sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve retains the locking elements in the locking position in the coupled position of the quick connect coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device, in particular for a male coupling, with a substantially cylindrical housing, a clamping member mounted to be axially displaceable therein, and an actuation member which is arranged on the rear end of the housing, linked to the clamping member for axial displacement, pressurized by a compression spring and can be actuated by a hand lever. To increase the axial clamping force while operational force and production costs are kept low, it is provided that the actuation member has a holding bolt arranged centrally on the rear of the housing. A radially expanded stop flange for supporting the compression spring is provided on that end of the holding bolt which is inside the housing, and the hand lever is pivotably mounted on that end of the holding bolt which is outside the housing.

Abstract: A clamping jaw arrangement for a clamp system includes several clamping jaws and a fitting arrangement. The clamping jaws are coupled to an actuating device and located in a radially spreadable manner in a casing around a spreader mandrel. The fitting arrangement is configured for the spreader mandrel and formed as a star-shaped fitting, which is mounted in the casing in a peripheral area of the clamping jaws and at an inner end of the spreader mandrel. The fitting includes at least three spokes, which are radially aligned between two respective clamping jaws.

Abstract: A quick-connect filling device for transferring fluids to a valve having a female thread in its inlet port, the device comprising a stem having a through-going conduit for fluid flow therethrough and an enlarged upper plug end for sealing abutment with a tank valve, a plurality of externally-threaded screw segments, forming a single screw thread when aligned, and extending axially and positioned concentrically around the stem beneath the enlarged plug end, a sleeve-like element concentrically surrounding the stem and reciprocally slidable between a first locking position in which an upper portion of the sleeve-like element extends between the stem and the screw segments and outwardly urges the segments into threaded engagement with complementary female threads of the tank valve, and a second withdrawn open position in which the upper portion of the sleeve-like element extends only between the stem and a bottom portion of the screw segments, allowing the release of the segments from the engagement, a resilient

Abstract: A coupler 10 for pressure conduits 12a-d comprises movable components 22, 26 selectively engageable with or disengageable from fixed components 34 to provide disconnectable sealed pressure connections therewith, the moveable components 22 being acted upon by a primary actuator comprising a bearing plate 52, a thrust nut 50 and a threaded drive spindle 44. Spindle 44 is mounted in an end cap 46 normally held fixed relative to the fixed components by collet fingers 66 but which is disengageable from a connector body 14 upon withdrawal of a retainer sleeve (70, FIG. 8) so as to provide secondary actuation of the movable components 22, 26 independently of the primary actuator 44, 50, 52.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rapid connection coupling (10) for transferring gases and/or liquid, in particular for coolant filling operations in air conditioning systems. The coupling in question comprises the following elements: a tubular housing (11), an outer sliding sleeve (18) which can slide relative to the housing (11); a number of radially expanding collet chuck elements (15) mounted on the housing (11) and provided with an engaging contour (17) which facilitates connection to a matching connection nipple (30); and a sealing piston (22) capable of sliding centrally inside the housing (11), the said sealing piston being brought into contact with the connecting nipple (30).

Abstract: A pump unit is adapted for attachment to a liquid container having a liquid discharge opening bounded by an annular rim formed with an external screw thread by providing the housing of the pump unit with an annular mounting flange and employing a two-part cap rotatably coupled to the mounting flange to threadably couple the pump unit to the screw thread of the container rim. The parts of the cap are hinge connected to allow for swinging movement of the parts between remote and adjacent positions as an incident to which the cap is coupled to the mounting flange and provided with a latch for retaining the parts in their adjacent position.

Abstract: A latch is adapted to be connected to a tubing string and will snap into a packer disposed in a wellbore. A predetermined first number of pounds is required to snap the latch into the packer and a predetermined second number of pounds, greater than the first number, is required to pull the latch out of the packer in the wellbore. In order to maintain constant the first and second number of pounds, the latch has the following special characteristics. The latch has a plurality of flanges separated, respectively, by a plurality of gaps, that snap into the packer, each flange having external threads disposed around its periphery, each thread including an engaging surface and a disengaging surface, an angle between the surface of each disengaging thread relative to a vertical being in a range from 20 to 28 degrees. An elastomeric barrier occupies the gap between adjacent ones of the flanges.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasable and sealing connection to a tubular, externally threaded connector part. The device includes internally threaded segments which can swing radially to enable the coupling device to be connected to and released from the connector part. An axially movable sleeve is mounted concentrically around the segments and can be moved over the segments between a forward position in which the sleeve brings the threaded segments into meshing engagement with the threads of the connector part, and a rear position in which the segments are able to swing out so as to release the engagement. The segments and the sleeve also include mutually coacting means which, when in engagement with one another, limit the possibility of relative rotational movement in one direction between the segments and the sleeve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quick connect/disconnect coupling for tubular elements such as hoses and the like, which uses a plurality of articulated jaws, with a retainer and a retainer clip. In this invention, each of the jaws has an axial groove extending from its inner edge, and the retainer sleeve has pins which extend into the grooves of the jaws. The axial groove in each jaw has a stepped width, with a greater width at the inner edge of said jaw, thereby permitting a limited rotational movement of said ring between its rearward and forward positions. The retainer sleeve also has an inner annular groove adjacent its inner face which receives a retainer clip to secure the assembly.

Abstract: A quick-connect fitting for transferring gaseous and/or liquid media, in particular for filling gas cylinders, has a housing (11) with an inlet (12), and outlet (13) for the medium to be transferred and a quick-connect device arranged in the area of the outlet (13) with clamping tongs (15, 15') that can be interlocked with an external complementary gripping profile, a hollow sealing piston (16, 16') that can glide in the housing (11) and an actuating device (17) for applying the clamping tongs (15, 15') which is linked to the sealing piston (16, 16') in a relatively movable manner by means of a sliding sleeve (18, 18').At least one bolt (20) is provided for linking the sliding sleeve (18, 18') to the sealing piston (16, 16') and the actuating device has an elongated member (17) mounted on the housing (11) with a disk cam (36) that engages the sliding sleeve (18, 18') to make it move.

Abstract: A threaded fastener has a casing enclosing at least three radially inwardly biased arcuate segments positioned to engage the threads of a bolt or hollow threaded member. The casing defines spaced apart internal frustoconical surfaces positioned to engage corresponding surfaces of the segments in the same axial direction. The radially inner ends of the frustoconical surfaces are directed toward a first end of the fastener, and the diameter of the radially inner end of the frustoconical surface away from the first end of the fastener is less than the radially outer diameter of the other frustoconical surface. The threads of the segments substantially fully engage the threads of the bolt or hollow threaded member.

Abstract: The coupling is provided with a cylinder (15, 49) within which a piston can be moved under pressure in one direction or the other. The piston has attached to it a clamping device in the form of jaws (32) which are adapted to be pressed together radially inwards and which are adapted to be fixed in a spread-apart position. The outer circumferential surface (41, 42) of the cylinder has provided on it a sleeve (4) which is adapted to be displaced and which is capable of occupying several positions, the jaws being pressed together in one of said positions and the jaws being spread apart in another position, and in a third position pressurized air can be applied to a connection.

Abstract: For use in a drilling string including drill collars, a safety joint which enables the string of drill pipe to be unthreaded from the drill collars at the safety joint is disclosed. A safety joint utilizes a collet telescoped within and threaded to an outer tubular member connected in the drill string. They are held together by a releasable lock pin which is inserted and retracted to thereby enable the drill string to be separated at the safety joint so that remedial steps can be taken to free the remainder of the drill string. The safety joint is also capable of being actuated mechanically under control from the surface.Particular valve and signal receivers are disclosed herein including frequency responsive structural components which vibrate on being inflicted with a particular ultrasonic signal. The vibratory components oscillate and thereby initiate leakage of hydraulic oil from a pin locking system. Several alternate forms are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quick acting coupling for interconnecting tubular members such as hoses which is particularly useful with fire fighting equipment. The device has a body member for attachment to one of a pair of tubular members. The body member distally carries a plurality of segmented jaws which are pivotally mounted thereon to permit movement between radially expanded and contracted positions. The outer surfaces of the jaws have flat grooves having leading and trailing cam surfaces. The jaws are surrounded by a cam guide ring that is mounted for limited axial displacement on the assembly of jaws with cam guides of mating contour. The cam guide surfaces are beveled, planar surfaces and are engaged by the cam guides of the cam ring in both the opened and closed positions so that axial movement of the cam ring positively expands and contracts the segmented jaws.