Abstract: An electrofusion coupling for joining together two or more sections of pipe or for joining a section of pipe and a pipework fitting, said coupling comprising: (i) a first part (14) having a first internal diameter at a first end adapted to form a tight sliding fit with a first pipe section and a second internal diameter at a second end, larger than the first; (ii) a second part (14) having a first internal diameter at a first end adapted to form a tight sliding fit with a second pipe section and an outside diameter at a second end adapted to form a tight sliding fit with the second internal diameter of the first part such that the two parts can nest together tightly with an overlapping region; (iii) electrical heating elements (16, 17, 18) and electrical terminal connections being provided in the two parts such that the first part can be used independently of the second part to join a section of pipe to a pipework fitting or the first and second parts can be used in combination to join two adjacent sections o

Abstract: A compression cap is provided with a first connector and a fitting is provided with a second connector. The first connector locks onto the second connector to hold the cap to the fitting before the clamp is crimped. The first connector is a hook that extends outwardly from a first end of the compression cap, and the second connector is a protrusion on the fitting. The first and second connectors can be secured with a bayonet connection before the cap is compressed. The cap may also include at least one inward deformation that engages the outer surface of the pipe as the cap is slid onto the pipe, creating friction between the pipe and the cap and thereby preventing the cap from falling off the pipe prematurely.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A tube coupling has a coupling body with a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of a tube. A seal encircles the throughway to seal with the periphery and end of the tube and a cap is mounted on the body having a tube locking device rotatably mounted in the cap to engage and hold the tube in the cap. The cap and body have interengaging means which guide the cap on the body in an axial direction along the body with rotation of the cap from a first position in which a tube can be inserted through the cap and into the seal in the throughway and retained by the locking device and a second position advanced along the coupling body from said one end in which the tube end is held positively in engagement with the seal in the throughway. The locking device engages via a ring with the coupling body to resist rotation of the locking device with respect to the body whereby rotation of the cap between said the first and second positions does not cause the tube to rotate.

Abstract: A hose lock apparatus for a vacuum clean that provides easy attachment and detachment of a hose to and from an air inlet of the vacuum cleaner body, is disclosed. The hose lock apparatus includes a hose clamp in a form of a hollow cylinder and engaged with an end of the hose therein. The hose clamp further includes a locking protrusion along an outer circumference. The hose lock apparatus includes an air inlet portion which is configured at the vacuum-cleaner body to receive an end of the hose clamp. The air inlet portion includes an insertion hole for guiding the locking protrusion towards an inserting direction, and a seating groove connected to the insertion hole to receive the locking protrusion when the hose clamp is rotated by a predetermined number of degrees. When the hose clamp is attached to the air inlet, a cleaning work with the hose is enabled.

Abstract: A connector (1) for joining two pipe sections (2) and (3) making up a riser includes a male tubular element (4) and a female tubular element (5) which fit into each other and have an axial shoulder (8) or (9). Locking ring (10), mounted mobile in rotation on the male element (4) or the female element (5), includes studs which cooperate with the studs of female element (5) or the male element (4) so as to form a bayonet connection. The male (4) and female (5) tubular elements include teeth and cavities, the teeth of one of the elements fitting into the cavities of the other element so as to lock in rotation one of the elements in relation to the other.

Abstract: An interlocking mechanism suitable for use with exhaust components. The mechanism may be provided on pipes, components, adapters or appliances. The mechanism includes an entry channel and a rotational channel positioned adjacent to entry channel. A locking bead is positioned in the rotational channel at a position in the channel defined to engage a mating element in a locking lug on a mating component when the lug is positioned adjacent to an end of the channel. The entry channel may include a face increasing in height from the entry portion to the end portion.

Abstract: Controlled Buoyancy Perforating technology for highly deviated and substantially horizontal wellbores may include long perforating guns assembled on a rig floor from a multiplicity of light weight and highly engineered shaped charge carrier joints. Tubular housings for such light weight joints may be fabricated from composite materials having steel transition collars. The collars are designed for an angularly coordinated, bayonet assembly and, in most cases, rapid disassembly. The internal volume of each joint is environmentally sealed by a plurality of O-rings. Barbs carried by collet fingers projecting from opposite ends of a sealing sleeve that externally bridges a transition collar union plane secures the union by meshing with detent channels in the respective collars. Individual shaped charge units and cooperative fusing are assembled in a light weight inner loading tube having an alignment collar to secure the angular and axial position of the loading tube relative to the transition collars.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A connector system for releasably securing a reservoir to a spray gun includes hook members on a lid of the reservoir that engage a flange of an inlet adaptor on the spray gun with a push/twist action to secure the reservoir to the spray gun. A retainer clip mounted on the inlet adaptor is movable between an inoperative position to allow the reservoir to be connected to and disconnected from the spray gun, and an operative position in which the clip blocks release of the reservoir. The clip provides security against accidental release of the reservoir in use of the spray gun.

Abstract: A tube coupling has a coupling body with a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of a tube. A seal encircles the throughway to seal with the periphery and end of the tube and a cap is mounted on the body having a tube locking device rotatably mounted in the cap to engage and hold the tube in the cap. The cap and body have interengaging means which guide the cap on the body in an axial direction along the body with rotation of the cap from a first position in which a tube can be inserted through the cap and into the seal in the throughway and retained by the locking device and a second position advanced along the coupling body from said one end in which the tube end is held positively in engagement with the seal in the throughway. The locking device engages via a ring with the coupling body to resist rotation of the locking device with respect to the body whereby rotation of the cap between said the first and second positions does not cause the tube to rotate.

Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.

Abstract: A dampening water spraying device includes: a nozzle for spraying dampening water; a nozzle holder including, an end surface connectable to the nozzle, and an outer peripheral portion provided with at least one groove; and a nozzle fixing member including, an opening portion adapted to expose at least a spout of the nozzle, and an inner peripheral portion provided with a nozzle attachment/detachment moving portion opposed to and engageable with the groove, the nozzle fixing member being adapted to be fastened to the nozzle holder while clamping the nozzle between the nozzle fixing member and the nozzle holder; wherein the nozzle fixing member includes an outer peripheral portion provided with a handhold portion for making it possible to to manually rotate the nozzle fixing member, thereby allowing to rapidly and readily conduct replacement of the nozzle.

Abstract: A quick coupler formed of two identical sectors that snap lock together in a radially inward direction relative to a central axis of an annular hole passing through the coupler. The coupler is in the form of a nut or housing for surrounding the ends of two conduits that are to be coupled. The annular hole extends between opposite end faces and has structure near each end face. The structure at one end of the annular hole comprises a flange for retaining a first conduit when the sectors are snapped surroundingly snapped together on the end of the first conduit. The structure at the other end of the annular hole has circumferentially spaced lugs for cooperation with bosses on the second conduit in a bayonet quick coupling fashion. The combination of the coupler with first and second conduits having cooperating structure enabling the coupler to join the conduits in sealed fluid communication.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling that eliminates the need for tools and the tedious loosening and tightening of hose clamps when detaching and reattaching hoses, such as dust collection system hoses, between machines. The coupling includes a first fitting adapted to be secured to a machine such as a debris generating machine or a dust collector, and a second fitting fixedly secured to a longitudinal end of the associated hose for being partially engaged with and locked to the first fitting. The fittings are preferably translucent or clear so that debris flow can be observed.

Abstract: Linearly actuated quick connect pipe couplings which include a male element and a female element adapted to fit into each other along a principal axis. One of the elements includes at least one ramp for receiving a radial projection mounted to the other element which locks the elements together by axial movement of the elements relative to one another. One of the ramp or the projection is formed with a ring mounted to rotate but is fixed in translation along the principal axis of one of the male or female elements. The ramp forms a first seat for locking the projection when the coupling is in a configuration to permit fluid passage and a second seat, offset axially with respect to the first seat, for locking the projection when the coupling is in a configuration to permit decompression of fluid within the coupling.

Abstract: A disconnectable hot air nozzle device is provided with a nozzle holder 2 having an introducing portion 2c and a hook shaped retaining portion 2d, an attachment 3, and a cover 4 vertically replaceable for a predetermined amount relative to the attachment and having a retaining pin 4a, with the retaining pin being introduced from the introducing portion 2c of the nozzle holder 3 into a retaining portion 2d. The nozzle holder 2 and the attachment 3 are disconnectably fixed with each other, with the abutting surfaces provided on the nozzle holder 2 and the attachment 3 being brought into abutment with each other by a force applied from a urging member 5 to the nozzle holder 2 via the retaining pin 4a.

Abstract: A filter assembly employs radially inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of a peripheral roll seam on the cartridge as components of a cartridge compatibility matrix. A base defines an axial entrance to a fixed retainer that is complementary to the compatibility matrix of the cartridge roll seam. Axial slots accommodate the outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam while inward protrusions correspond to the location and inward displacement of the inwardly displaced segments of the roll seam. Incompatible filter cartridges are prevented from axial reception into the base. The number, configuration and location of inwardly and outwardly displaced portions of the roll seam may be varied to provide a variety of unique compatibility matrices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tab-lock fastener for connecting first and second vent pipes typically used to exhaust products of combustion of natural gas appliances. The tab-lock fastener includes a guide and a tab-lock receptacle formed on a male end of the first vent pipe, an engaging tab formed on a female end of the second vent pipe, and a locking tab formed on the female end of the second vent pipe. The first and second vent pipes are assembled by inserting the male end of the first vent pipe into the female end of the second vent pipe so that the engaging tab is received in the guide and twisting one of the vent pipes with respect to the other vent pipe. The locking tab engages a wall of the tab-lock receptacle to prevent untwisting and unwanted disconnection of the vent pipes.

Abstract: A quick-coupling union for oil and gas tubular members that provides a more stable joint connection, a redundant seal arrangement, and a method for pressure testing the seals. The union and sealing arrangement includes an elongated tubular receiving member, further including a central longitudinal cavity therein for receiving an elongated tubular insertion member and an external port in communication with the cavity, at least two sealing members located within the cavity defined by the insertion and receiving members and the dual seals being capable of providing a positive seal between the insertion member and the receiving member the union, further including a nut slidable upon the insertion member for threadably locking the insertion member relative to the receiving member, the sealing members being spaced apart in a manner whereby the external port is interposed between the dual sealing members when the union is fully engaged, thus defining a means for applying a pressure there upon.

Abstract: A heavy duty, locked, tubular quick coupling used for coupling oil and gas well tubing or pipe joints, thus allowing long strings of pipe and tube joints subsequently connected to at least one such quick coupled joint to be lifted as a string, thereby applying tensile loading to the quick coupled joints. Both interior and exterior locking arrangements for the locked quick coupling are disclosed which utilize twist-locking elements secured in position by a locking washer and cap nut. Arrangements are also disclosed illustrating how the locking couplings are used for fast setup of wire-line riser strings utilizing multiple specialty subs and valve assemblies.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for denoxing exhaust gases of a combustion unit on an SCR catalyst 2 utilizing ammonia (NH3) additionally introduced into the exhaust gas flow before the SCR catalyst 2, which has at least one reducing agent container 4, in which the NH3 (5) to be supplied to the exhaust gas flow is stored, which container 4 is connected via a supply line 7 with the exhaust gas line 1, and is adapted so that at least one reducing agent container 4 is held in a docking device 15 as a portion of the exhaust gas purification system 3 and, via a coupling 20, 21, is connected with the supply line 7. Of coupling 20, 22 one coupling part 22 is associated with the docking device 15 and the other coupling part 20 with the container 4, so that both coupling parts 20, 22 can be engaged with one another via an axial movement directed toward one another.

Abstract: A battery watering system includes a filler unit mounted by means of an attachment mechanism to the flanged apertures of a three cell six volt lead acid battery. The filler unit is connected by a supply and drain line to a feed unit in the form of a reservoir tank and pumping assembly including a centrifugal pump, a DC pump motor connected to the pump by a pump coupling, and an auxiliary battery. The pump and the battery form part of a control circuit which includes a current sensing relay having a corresponding set of relay contacts. Water is pumped from the tank into a trough of the filler unit via the supply line. An array of three output ports each include a narrowed inlet, a downpipe extending inwardly into each cell of the battery, and a pair of breather tubes. On completion of the replenishment operation, excess water flows back through the supply and drain line into the tank. The invention extends to the attachment for coupling the filler unit to the battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick connection for the removable join of two pipes, which comprises a male element and a female element adapted to fit into each other along a principal axis of the connection, the female element comprising at least one ramp for receiving a radially projecting part of the male element with a view to locking these elements when the connection is in configuration of passage.

Abstract: A drain cover assembly with a hollow conduit member with an open end that penetrates and extends through a drain port of a bathtub, and a drain cover with a center opening, a horizontal flange, and an integral sleeve that extends into the open end of the conduit, the sleeve having protruding elements that are received by slots on the interior of the conduit to guide and releasably secure the drain cover to the conduit.

Abstract: A connecting element of a multi-sectional lamp tube comprises a locking ring, a mounting joint, a threaded tube, and a fixing ring. The locking ring has a hollow bottom end and a though hole. Two sides of the through hole of the locking ring are installed with respective slots. A stopper is formed at a side of the through hole. Each of the two sides of the top ring has the buckling blocks. The buckling blocks pass through the slots of the locking ring. Then, the mounting joint is rotated and is gradually tightened against a ramp surfaces of the locking ring so as to resist against the stopper. An upper lamp tube is welded at an outer periphery of an assembled locking ring and a lower map tube is welded at an outer periphery of the fixing ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated plastic pipe arrangement with a first preferably cylindrical pipe body, a second preferably cylindrical pipe body, and a connecting portion including first and second connecting parts respectively associated with one of the pipe bodies, whereby one connecting part includes an engagement extent and the other connecting part a holding region for holding the engagement extent in a holding position in which the pipe bodies are connected to one another.

Abstract: The inventive device includes a cylindrical housing adapted to receive a filter, the housing having an axis being fixed at a second end to a ventilation circuit flange and having a first end mounted on a mobile companion flange, the companion flange being held in resilient manner under axial tension by holding means under tension, a sheath in alignment with and secured to the housing, about which sheath the companion flange slides axially, a seal disposed between the sheath and the companion flange, three fixed wheels secured to the sheath and projecting outwards therefrom; a cam surrounding the sheath over a certain length and made up of a ring having three ramps each in the form of a helical segment, the ramps receiving respective ones of the wheels, turning of the cam causing the companion flange to move in axial translation; and means for turning the cam. The invention is specially suited to filtering a ventilation circuit in a hostile environment in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two tubular elements, in particular ends of two tubes of an air-conditioning system, includes two inter-engaging locking parts which, for the purpose of achieving a locked position, can be rotated with respect to one another and can be displaced with respect to one another in the axial direction. The locking parts utilize a bayonet locking feature and include at least two sub-elements, the sub-elements being fixed in the radial direction by two inter-engaging sleeves.

Abstract: An under-sink waste pipe system comprises first and second waste pipes telescoped together, a softly resilient seal ring that both seals the waste-pipe juncture and secures the waste pipes together, a locking ring for compressing the sealing ring into resilient locking and sealing engagement with the waste pipes, and a latching mechanism for securing the locking ring in place with the seal ring resiliently compressed a predetermined degree. The latching mechanism maintains the locking ring secured to the end flange structure and comprises at least first and second latching projections on the end flange structure that extend towards the locking ring, and projection guiding cam surfaces formed in the locking ring. Each projection guiding cam surface terminates in a notch-like latching recess.

Abstract: An under-sink waste pipe system comprises first and second waste pipes telescoped together, a softly resilient seal ring that adapts a smaller pipe for coupling to a larger pipe, seals the waste-pipe juncture, and secures the waste pipes together, a locking ring for compressing the sealing ring into resilient locking and sealing engagement with the waste pipes, and a latching mechanism for securing the locking ring in place with the seal ring resiliently compressed a predetermined degree. The latching mechanism maintains the locking ring secured to the end flange structure and comprises at least first and second latching projections on the end flange structure that extend towards the locking ring, and projection guiding cam surfaces formed in the locking ring. Each projection guiding cam surface terminates in a notch-like latching recess.

Abstract: A connector (1) for flexible fluid lines, such as garden water hoses, comprising a universal body member (3) which is common to all interconnecting components of the system, wherein there is a twist-together, twist-apart bayonet connection between component parts (1 and 7), wherein the locking lug (14) of the first component (1) engages a groove in the inner coupling member (8) of the second component (7), and the locking lug (14) of the second component (7) engages a groove in the inner coupling member (5) of the first component (1).

Abstract: An expansion tube joint of the present invention comprises a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body inserted along an axis of the first cylindrical body, a seal member mounted between the first and second cylindrical bodies closer to an insertion port of the first cylindrical body, a lock mechanism provided at a position deeper than the seal member for restricting a relative movement range along the axis of the first and second cylindrical bodies, and a coming-out preventing member for preventing the seal member from coming out from the insertion port of the first cylindrical body, wherein after a member constituting the lock mechanism is mounted, the seal member can be mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld blower/vacuum apparatus having a housing and a blower scroll formed in the housing. An impeller is provided in the blower scroll. Air is supplied to the blower scroll via an air inlet and air is directed away from the blower scroll via an air outlet. An air-conducting connecting tube is mounted on the air outlet via a housing-fixed connecting stub. A bayonet connection is provided in the overlap region between the connecting tube and the connecting stub. The bayonet connection includes a guide path lying in the overlap region. The guide path includes an axial segment and a peripheral segment connected thereto in which a radial cam of the other part engages. The cam is secured form tight by a latch connection in the peripheral segment of the guide path to ensure a reliable, mechanically loadable attachment of the connecting tube in the connecting stub.

Abstract: A new Bifurcated Fill Valve Assembly for permitting removal of a fill valve from a toilet tank without disturbing the seal at the toilet tank and without disconnecting the water supply line. The inventive device includes a tank fitting extended through and mounted within an opening in a wall of a toilet tank and a fill valve including a valve body having an inlet portion wherein the inlet portion of the fill valve is releasably coupled to the tank fitting within the toilet tank. As such, the fill valve can be uncoupled from the tank fitting and removed from the toilet tank while the tank fitting remains mounted within the toilet tank and coupled to a water supply conduit that supplies water to the fill valve when in use.

Abstract: A vent valve for a gasoline tank has a multi-piece valve housing that is inserted into the tank through a tank wall opening. The housing includes a valve member and a cap member that has a flange that is ultrasonically welded to the gasoline tank and a coupling skirt that has minimal protrusion into the gas tank. The coupling skirt fits into upper portion of the valve member and has keyways that receive inwardly projecting lugs of the valve member to couple the valve and cap members to each other. The valve and cap members are retained in the coupled position by resilent cantilevered lock fingers of the valve member that engage notches in the bottom of the coupling skirt. In a modification the notches coincide with entrance portions of the keyways. The cap member of a second embodiment has a coupling skirt with keyways that fit over an upper portion of the valve member that has outwardly projecting lugs and resilient lock fingers that are cut out of the wall of the valve member.

Abstract: A vent valve for a gasoline tank has a multi-piece valve housing that is inserted into the tank through a tank wall opening. The multi-piece housing includes a valve member of acetal resin and a cap member of high density polyethylene (HDPE) that has a flange that is ultrasonically welded to the gasoline tank and a coupling skirt that has minimal protrusion into the gas tank. The coupling skirt fits into upper a portion of the valve member and has a plurality of key-ways that receive inwardly projecting lugs of the valve member to couple the valve and cap members to each other. The valve and cap members are retained in the coupled position by resilient lock fingers of the valve member that engage notches in the bottom of the coupling skirt. The resilient lock fingers are cantilever beams that extend radially outwardly from an anchor spaced radially inwardly of an outer cylindrical wall of the valve member.

Abstract: A dust collection system for a power tool which comprises a drive unit, a body, a tool support, and a collection chute. The body defines an inlet opening and a discharge opening, the body having a communicating conduit located within the body which communicates the inlet opening with the discharge opening, and the body supporting the drive unit. The tool support is operably connected to the drive unit and defines a collection aperture, an exit opening which communicates directly with the inlet opening of the body during operational movement of the tool support, and a suction cavity in communication with both the collection aperture and the exit aperture.

Abstract: An IV fluid warmer that utilizes a warmed airstream supplied through an air hose to heat IV fluid flowing through one or more helically coiled warming tubes positioned within the air hose. In one embodiment, support unit keeps the one or more warming tubes in the air hose, exposed to the warmed airflow. A nozzle provided on the distal end of the air hose has an outer housing and an inner ring slidably positioned therein. The outer housing includes an outer slot and the slidable inner ring includes an inner slot. When aligned, the support unit can be inserted through the inner and outer slots and the inner ring may be rotated to lock the support unit into position within the air hose. In another embodiment, helically coiled warming tube is self-supporting within the air hose. The IV fluid warmer can achieve high heating rates and low flow resistance in this configuration. Furthermore, it can utilize an airstream source of heat such as that conventionally used with inflatable thermal blankets.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling utilizing a sleeve which is biased to secure the coupling members together. The sleeve has an internal cylindrical surface with a pair of protrusions which are machined or cast into the sleeve, dimensioned to slide within a longitudinal groove extending at least partially along the outer body of the female member of the coupling.

Abstract: Locking arrangement of a fluid insertion connection between a fluid line and a connection member, in particular between a hydraulic line and a hydraulic cylinder, the fluid line having an insertion part at one end and the connection member being provided with an insertion opening which is open at the circumferential surface of the connection member and receives the insertion part of the line. Furthermore, locking means are provided, which engage on an abutment surface of the insertion part of the fluid line in order to prevent the insertion part of the line from being pulled out of the insertion opening.The locking means comprise a ring, which is positioned around the connection member at the position of the insertion opening and is movable with respect to the connection member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a motor housing with a cylindrical member extending therefrom and has a pin projecting radially from the cylindrical member. A nose piece removably attached to the housing has a circular aperture which receives the cylindrical member and which has a channel within which the pin slides during attachment and removal. The nose piece includes a cantilevered arcuate spring arm that urges the pin along the channel toward a position at which the pin is wedged against a wall of the channel to force the nose piece into an operating engagement with the motor housing and retains the pin in the channel resisting detachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fitting assembly for suction-washing machines, for cleaning floors, moquettes, carpets and the like. The fitting assembly comprises at least two tubular lengths, which are mutually removably coaxially associated with one another, each of which is provided with a body in which are provided a suction duct and a delivery duct which are parallel to one another.One of the tubular length is provided with a tapering end portions, which can be introduced into an end portion of the other tubular length; at one end portion of the delivery duct of a tubular length are provided connecting means, which can be removably tightly engaged with the end portion of the delivery duct of the other tubular length as the two tubular lengths are connected; the fitting assembly comprising, moreover, an end connecting element which can be coupled to end fittings having different diameter inlets.

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: A quick release and connect nozzle assembly for use with a material dispensing head including a nozzle engagement member on a portion of the dispensing head, a nozzle member having an aperture therethrough for operable communication with the dispensing head to provide dispensing of the material in a predetermined pattern, and a connecting member integral with the nozzle member for engagement with the engagement member of the dispensing head, wherein the connecting member is operable by hand and provides quick release and connection of the nozzle member from the dispensing head so as to enable cleaning or replacement of the nozzle member as desired.

Abstract: A basketball return device for enhancing individual shooting practice time is provided which is safe and easy to install and which effectively returns all successful basketball shots to the shooter at any preselected location on the basketball court. This device attaches to a standard basketball goal including a metal ring and a nylon or chain net, for example, and is composed of a mounting ring and a retaining member. The mounting ring and/or retaining member are attached to the rim or net by a plurality of elongated, self-supporting adjustable hooks. A curved chute adjustably attaches to the mounting ring and guides the basketball back to the shooter.

Abstract: A connector system comprises a socket having at least one locking pin and a plug comprising a plug body and a locking ring having at least one slot along which the pin can move and an elastic member disposed at one end of the slot defining a first area in which the slot tapers and a second area in which the pin is selectively lodged. The aforementioned one end of the slot terminates at an abutment. The second area is wider than the pin and the first area so that the elastic member is retracted elastically when the pin enters the first area and returns to its initial position without being compressed by the pin when the pin is in the second area near the abutment. The elastic member of the connector system is a cantilever beam having a notch at its free end.

Abstract: A bellows that is affixable by way of a connecting sleeve to a machine part, and is made of polymer material and has folds formed, at least in one partial area, in the shape of a screw thread. The connecting sleeve is provided with at least two retaining elements that are distributed in the circumferential direction and project inwardly and/or outwardly from the top surface of the connecting sleeve, the retaining elements being able to be forced into engagement with snap-in locking elements of the machine part, which exhibit a groove following the direction of the folds.

Abstract: A hand operated piston displacement-type pump having a one-piece valve body retaining a removable cylinder and discharge tube, for dispensing prescribed portions of complex fluids, such as food products or liquids with suspended solids, at a desired point outside of a storage container. Valve ball control of the flow of the product is obtained with the combination of the precision channels in the valve body and in the bottom of the cylinder and discharge tube. The valve body includes structure necessary for seal and connection to allow the cylinder and discharge tube to be removed, without tools, for cleaning.

Abstract: A quick connect fitting for connecting a plastic or metallic tube (42) in a fluid circuit includes a fitting body (20) having an interior cavity (22) opening to the exterior of the body (20) via a generally circular port (36). A peripheral step (48) is located in the port (36) and an O-ring (50) is abutted against the step (48). A washer (52) is located in the port (36) and has a central opening (54) slightly larger than the outer dimension of the plastic or metallic tube (42). A peripheral flange (56) is disposed on the washer is directed away from the O-ring (50). A retaining ring (62) is disposed in the port (36) and nominally abuts the flange (56). The retaining ring (62) has a central opening (64) substantially greater than the outer dimension with a plurality of resilient, radially inwardly directed, angularly spaced fingers (66).