Abstract: An insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in the closed configuration. In some examples, the insulating container further includes a pull handle assembly with a telescopic three-stage arm configuration defined by a stowed configuration, a partially extended configuration, and a fully extended configuration. In other examples, the insulating container further includes a wheel assembly with a pair of wheels mounted with one or two axles, and further including a wheel grommet for absorbing shock and cushioning the axle. In still other examples, the insulating container further includes a drain plug assembly on the rear sidewall adjacent to the bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly comprising a main tube that cooperatively engages with an outer tube with a plurality of ratchet teeth that engage one or more ratchet keys on the main tube.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a receiving element, a securing element, a retaining element and an insertion element, wherein the securing element is adapted to be displaceable between a release position and a locking position along a displacement axis, the securing element being adapted to engage the at least one retaining element in such a manner that a displacement of the securing element from the release position in the direction of the locking position is prevented, and wherein the insertion element is adapted to interact with the at least one retaining element upon insertion of the insertion element into the receiving space of the receiving element in such a way that a displacement of the securing element from the release position into the locking position is enabled.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system is disclosed, including a rigid retaining device having an internal space, a first external side, and a second external side. A rigid anchoring device is retained in the internal space of the rigid retaining device. The anchoring device has a linkage member that extends from the internal space to the first external side of the retaining device and is configured for rigid connection to a first apparatus. The second side of the retaining device is configured for attachment to a second apparatus. A damping material is sandwiched between the retaining device and the anchoring device, and is configured to limit transfer of vibration between the retaining device and the anchoring device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pin lifting device for moving and positioning a substrate. The pin lifting device includes a coupling, a supporting pin configured to support the substrate, and a drive unit which configure to drive the coupling. The pin lifting device includes a separating means for separating a process atmosphere area from an external atmosphere area. The drive unit is at least partially in the external atmosphere area and the coupling is in the process atmosphere area. The coupling includes a linearly extending recess defining a central receiving axis. The recess has a width substantially orthogonally to the receiving axis. A clamping section delimited axially with respect to the receiving axis has a clamping element, in an unloaded receiving state, defines a clamping width that is smaller than the recess width, and the clamping width is variable as a function of a force acting radially on the clamping element.

Abstract: Connection equipment for a fluid transport circuit, the equipment comprising both a connection device (1) and also a disconnection tool (50) for disconnecting the device, the connection device comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one end segment (2.1) in which a tubular insert (100) is engaged in leaktight and removable manner, the insert being for connection to a duct (T) and including an external projection (104) extending into a housing of the body, the body including at least one a retaining tab (3) that is elastically deformable between a projecting position in which it projects into the housing, and a retracted position.

Abstract: A heavy-duty plug-in connector has a ground terminal that can be conveniently assembled and can comprise the greatest possible number of electrical crimp plug-in contacts (4,5). For this purpose, ground plug-in contacts (4?, 5?), likewise of a crimping configuration, are fitted in formations (13, 13?, 23, 23?) of the contact carriers (1, 2) for electrical contacting with metallic protective earthing elements (3, 3?, 3?, 3??). For said contacting, the formations (13, 13?, 23, 23?) have a respective opening (130, 130?) or passage (230, 230?). In the formations (13, 13?, 23, 23?), not only ground plug-in contacts (4?, 5?) but also further plug-in contacts (4, 5) are arranged, so that the number of plug-in contacts (4, 5) of the plug-in connector is increased considerably.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a safety lock assembly for a cam lock fitting mounted onto the outside of the cam lock fitting in close proximity to the cam levers to prevent complete separation of the male and the female portions of the fitting to prevent inadvertent pressurized discharge of dangerous materials. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by having slidable bosses upon which the cam levers are mounted which bosses are adapted to slide in response to movement of a safety handle so that the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. In a second embodiment, an earless cam disk moves on slotted, fixedly mounted bosses in response to movement of a safety handle similarly to the first embodiment.

Abstract: Installation fittings for use with induction weldable pipe connectors for assembling multi-layer pipe fluid distribution systems. Induction welding pipe connectors including a major central pipe connector section and a minor lateral pipe connector section pair having reduced thickness relative to the major central pipe connector section. Induction welding pipe connectors with integral solder flow barrier for assembling fluid distribution systems. Electromagnetic induction coil reverse action pliers for use with induction weldable pipe connectors for assembling fluid distribution systems.

Abstract: A downhole release apparatus having a first connector sub connectable with a first portion of a tool string and a second connector sub connectable with a second portion of the tool string. The first connector sub may include a housing, a first latching member, and a blocking member. The second connector sub may include a second latching member. The first and second latching members may engage thereby connecting the first and second connector subs. The blocking member may be movable from a first position in which the blocking member prevents the first and second latching members from disengaging to a second position in which the blocking member permits the first and second latching members to disengage thereby permitting the first and second connector subs to disconnect. Relative movement between the housing and first latching member may facilitate movement of the blocking member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A bar for securing a watch wristlet including a hollow inner tube arranged in the hollow body, and is configured to co-operate with the first pivot and the second pivot. The second pivot and the spring are inserted in the hollow inner tube. The hollow body and the hollow inner tube being configured such that a displacement of the lug along the longitudinal groove towards the second pivot gives rise to a displacement of the second pivot, in the hollow inner tube, towards the lug, the user can easily retract the two pivots by manual action on the lug, with the simple movement of a finger, and without a tool. In fact, since the lug is integral with the first pivot, this action by the user tends to bring the first and second pivots towards one another inside the hollow body.

Abstract: A measurement equipment configured to be connected to a measurement device and an HF coaxial connection element and a torque limiter. The torque limiter is configured for connecting the HF coaxial connection element with the measurement device with a predetermined torque. Furthermore, the invention provides an HF coaxial connection element configured to be connected to a corresponding HF coaxial connection element. The HF coaxial connection element comprises a torque limiter configured for detachably connecting the HF coaxial connection element with the corresponding HF coaxial connection element with a predetermined torque, a centering element for centering the HF coaxial connection element with respect to the corresponding HF coaxial connection element and a twist protection element for preventing twisting motion between the HF coaxial connection element and the corresponding HF coaxial connection element. A corresponding torque limiter is also provided.

Abstract: A quick coupling fitting (1) including a first connector (2) and a second connector (3) coaxially screwed along a longitudinal axis (L). The first connector (2) includes at least one guide track (27) which is integral with an external casing (23), a sliding ring (28) slidably mounted in axial alignment with the external casing (23) and adapted to slide on the at least one guide track (27), and a screwing ring (29) screwed with the external casing (23). The sliding ring (28) includes at least one tooth (288). The second connector (3) includes a locking ring (38) rotatably mounted and axially aligned with the external body (3) which includes at least one housing (388). The at least one tooth (288) is mountable with the at least one housing (388) in a fully screwed position of the quick coupling fitting (1).

Abstract: A nut for securing first and second pipe end-pieces together includes a nut lock having a stop member secured to the nut body, and a second element which is rotatable inside the nut body and having a locking feature adapted to lock onto a corresponding locking structure of the second end-piece. The stop member and the second element include corresponding face teeth which are urged to intermesh by an axial compression spring. At or near the tightened condition of the assembly, the second element is locked onto the second end-piece so that rotation of the nut is possible only if the torque applied exceeds a given threshold, for which the face teeth jump over each other while the spring is alternately stressed. A compact design is obtained with the lock positioned at the rear of the nut thread. The clamping face is axially between the nut thread and the lock.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hose coupling assembly includes a collet including a head and an axial protrusion extending from the head in a first axial direction. The axial protrusion is configured to engage a hose while the axial protrusion is in a locked position, and to disengage the hose while the axial protrusion is in an unlocked position. The hose coupling assembly also includes a housing disposed about the axial protrusion and configured to receive the hose. An inner surface of the housing is shaped to enable movement of the axial protrusion toward the unlocked position in response to movement of the axial protrusion in the first axial direction, and to drive the axial protrusion toward the locked position in response to movement of the axial protrusion in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed. The connector includes a conductive housing. The conductive housing includes a wall region enclosing a space for receiving an adapter. The conductive housing also includes an annular end piece extending radially inward from a first end of the wall region and terminating the space. The annular end piece includes a flat annular surface, and a raised deformable annulus mounted on the flat annular surface. The raised deformable annulus is of a height such that an insertion of the adapter into the space deforms the raised deformable annulus to generate a physical contact connection between the flat annular surface and the adapter.

Abstract: To provide a dental mixer capable of easily, certainly locking a mixing tip to a syringe body, easily removing the mixing tip, and thereby having easy handling property. The dental mixer includes a syringe body 1 and a sleeve 3. The mixing tip 2 includes a housing 2a, a paste guiding member 2b and a plate spring-shaped locking members 2c and 2c. The plate spring-shaped locking members 2c and 2c have pawl portions 2ca and 2ca on the tip-end side thereof, and the pawl portions 2ca and 2ca are locked, by elasticity, with locking grooves 1c and 1c between the syringes 1a and 1a. The sleeve 3 has a shape to cover at least the pawl portions 2ca and 2ca when sliding toward the outlet side of the housing 2a, and thereby to prevent the locking of the pawl portions 2ca and 2ca by elasticity from canceling.

Abstract: A hose connection is provided for a fuel dispensing unit. The hose connection includes a pipe for transporting fuel from a fuel reservoir, a hose for transporting fuel to a motor vehicle, an intermediate member adapted to connect the hose with the pipe, and a locking device fixed to the fuel dispensing unit adapted to interlock the pipe and the intermediate member. The hose connection is secured in relation to the fuel dispensing unit. A fuel dispensing unit including such hose connection is also provided.

Abstract: A coupling, conduit assembly, method for coupling conduits and faucet assembly are described herein, wherein the coupling includes a female section with a conduit connecting end and a retainer with at least one projection; a male section with a conduit connecting end and a male projecting portion with a two large diameter sections, each having an inwardly facing surface wherein the surfaces define a channel that is configured so a mating surface on the projection or projections contacts the surface of the first large diameter section when the coupling is locked; and a locking piece on the female section capable of sliding along that section to engage the projection or projections when situated in the channel so the mating surface on the projection or projections contacts the surface of the first large diameter section and the locking piece retains the projection or projections in position and locks the coupling.

Abstract: A secure locking system includes: a case (10) having at least one transverse orifice (33) that opens to the surface of the case; a locking ring (20) having a notched wall (22), which can be locked at one end of the case; a spring (31) housed in the orifice of the case; a ball (32) installed at least partially in the orifice of the case, above the spring. The spring is made of a shape-memory material, which assumes: an elastic state when an environmental temperature is less than or equal to a critical temperature of the shape-memory material, this elastic state enabling movement of the ball in the orifice; or a hardened state when an environmental temperature is higher than the critical temperature of the shape-memory material, this hardened state preventing any movement of the ball in the orifice. A connector and connector assembly including the locking system are described.

Abstract: A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.

Abstract: A spray shield for the pipe connection flange of pipes carrying hazardous fluids. A band composed of metal or other suitable material encompasses a pipe flange and supports a spray diffusion mesh or device so that any spray of pressurized leaked fluid is coalesced to drops or streams of leaked fluid which descend by gravity for collection rather than being sprayed into the environment in the vicinity of the leaking flange joint. The spray shield band is secured about the flange by an over-center latch mechanism that tightens the band and spray diffusion mesh around the flange connection. A locking pin or lockout device is inserted through aligned holes of the latch mechanism when closed and functions to secure the latch against release and movement from its latched position.

Abstract: A female snap-on connector (1) intended to cooperate with a male attachment end fitting (20) of the type with a central bush (26) and a flange (25) includes a body (2) forming a cylindrical cavity and to which is fixed a cap (10) forming a housing for two symmetrical latch parts (50) disposed head-to-spigot, mounted to slide in the same transverse direction, each latch part (50) including a manoeuvring part (51), a rigid connecting rod (53) and a jaw (52) as well as spring means (55) for continuously urging each latch part (50) elastically into its rest position in which the jaw (52) is moved toward the axis and the manoeuvring part (51) is in its radially outermost position.

Abstract: A locking quick connect assembly is provided for removably coupling a first tube and a second tube. A quick connect housing presents a central bore for receiving the second tube. A redundant latch component positionable between an unlocked position and a locked position may be provided to slidingly engage the quick connect housing. A twist lock retainer surrounds the quick connect housing and the redundant latch component. The redundant latch component includes an axially extending redundant latch retaining arm and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the redundant latch retaining arm. The twist lock retainer also includes a twist lock retaining arm that locks against a bead of the second tube to resists separation. The twist lock retaining arm extends perpendicularly to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to interleavingly engage the redundant latch retaining arm thus preventing unwanted decoupling of the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly (10) for fastening, with fluid connection, a mould bottom to a holder (12), in which the mould bottom, of principal axis (O), is able to be removably fastened to a plate (14) forming an interface between the mould bottom and the holder (12), the assembly (10) including at least one locking device and a fluid connection device, respectively placed between the plate (14) and the holder (12), characterized in that the movement of a first locking element (44) and a first connecting element (46) is coupled via a moveable part (88) so that together they form a moveable element.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A connector system for use with a fire engine that includes quick disconnect connectors for connecting a water supply such as a fire hydrant to an inlet on the fire engine. Quick disconnect connectors are attached to existing inlets on the fire engine or onto existing fitting on a fire hydrant or on both. The fittings include valves positioned such that a fire hose may be charged with water from the hydrant and connected or disconnected from the fire engine inlet without first draining the hose.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention operations, including retrieval of a wellhead from a subsea well. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a subsea well is provided. The method comprising the step of positioning a tool proximate a subsea wellhead. The tool has at least one grip member and the tool is attached to a downhole assembly. The method also comprising the step of clamping the tool to the subsea wellhead by moving the at least one grip member into engagement with a profile on the subsea wellhead. The method further comprising the step of applying an upward force to the tool thereby enhancing the grip between the grip member and the profile on the subsea wellhead. Additionally, the method comprising the step of performing the operation in the subsea well by utilizing the downhole assembly.

Abstract: A connector assembly including a connector body having a coupling end and sealing means. A collet couples to the connector body and has resilient fingers. An adjustment ring has a stop and defines guide tracks. A collar has protrusions coupled in the guide tracks. A ferrule is slidingly housed within the collar and adjustment ring. A locking split ring clips onto the adjustment ring to limit travel of the collar. In a locked position, the locking split ring is installed and a pipe, inserted into the connector body is retained in place by the resilient radially inward fingers of the collet and sealed by the sealing means. In the released position, the collar has been moved to force the ferrule into the collet to splay the resilient fingers such that the pipe is freely insertable and removeable from the connector assembly.

Abstract: A female coupling member releasably interconnectable with a male coupling member to form a fluid coupling is disclosed. The male coupling member has an inlet end, and an outlet end connectable to a fluid flow line. The female coupling member includes a tubular coupling body having an inlet end for axially receiving the inlet end of the male coupling member, and an outlet end connectable to a fluid flow line. The female coupling member also includes a locking element operable between a release position where the locking element is remote from the male coupling member when received within the female coupling member. A release member moves the locking element between the release position and the locking position. The female coupling member has a fastening element which is releasably securable to the release member preventing the release member unintentionally moving to the displacement position when secured to the release member.

Abstract: In a connection apparatus for a corrugated tube a sealing sleeve, a coupling part, and an insertion part that can be inserted into the coupling part and comprises outwardly protruding latching portions on its outside surface, the coupling part is provided on an outside surface with cooperating latching portions. The coupling part comprises an inner holding device through which the corrugated tube can be guided in the direction towards the insertion part and performs elastically resilient radial movements thereby securing the corrugated tube against withdrawal. The corrugated tube extends into the sealing sleeve sitting in the interior of the insertion part having an axial flow passage, and with the holding device protruding axially into the opening of the insertion part in a coupled state. The outwardly protruding latching portions exposed on the outside of the connection apparatus when in the coupled state. The holding device compressing the sealing sleeve when in the coupled state.

Abstract: A connector assembly including a connector body having a coupling end and sealing means. A collet couples to the connector body and has resilient fingers. An adjustment ring has a stop and defines guide tracks. A collar has protrusions coupled in the guide tracks. A ferrule is slidingly housed within the collar and adjustment ring. A locking split ring clips onto the adjustment ring to limit travel of the collar. In a locked position, the locking split ring is installed and a pipe, inserted into the connector body is retained in place by the resilient radially inward fingers of the collet and sealed by the sealing means. In the released position, the collar has been moved to force the ferrule into the collet to splay the resilient fingers such that the pipe is freely insertable and removeable from the connector assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose connection for a fuel dispensing unit. The hose connection comprises a pipe for transporting fuel from a fuel reservoir, a hose for transporting fuel to a motor vehicle, an intermediate member adapted to connect said hose with said pipe, and a locking device fixed to said fuel dispensing unit adapted to interlock said pipe and said intermediate member. The hose connection is secured in relation to said fuel dispensing unit. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit comprising such hose connection.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for holding together two abutting pipe ends, in which the pipe ends have radial flanges to facilitate the exerting of axial compressive forces on the pipe ends. The clamp includes a first strap structure and a fastening mechanism for providing circumferential compressive force on retainer segments configured to transfer the compressive force onto the flanges of the pipe ends. The clamp apparatus also includes a secondary strap structure for providing independent redundancy, relative to the primary strap, to supply back-up circumferential force onto the primary strap structure, should a failure occur in either of the fastening mechanism or the primary strap structure, to enable the clamp to maintain clamping force on the abutting pipe ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose connection for a fuel dispensing unit. The hose connection comprises a pipe for transporting fuel from a fuel reservoir, a hose for transporting fuel to a motor vehicle, an intermediate member adapted to connect said hose with said pipe, and a locking device fixed to said fuel dispensing unit adapted to interlock said pipe and said intermediate member. The hose connection is secured in relation to said fuel dispensing unit. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit comprising such hose connection.

Abstract: A locking device that locks a power feeding plug to a power receiving connector and locks a lid covering the power receiving connector. The locking device includes a lock bar that locks a hook, which is arranged on the power feeding plug, to a catch, which is arranged on the power receiving connector. A hook restriction member permits and restricts movement of the lock bar. A lid restriction member permits and restricts opening of the lid. A motor moves the hook and lid restriction members.

Abstract: An inlet hole capable of inserting a pipe thereinto is formed in a pipe joint body along an axis. Retainer attaching holes for attaching with a retainer that prevents detachment of the pipe are formed in a side surface of the pipe joint body to extend therethrough. These retainer attaching holes are configured symmetrically with respect to an X axis passing through a center of the inlet hole as a symmetrical axis. Thus, a circumference of the inlet hole opens symmetrically, so that the heat shrinkage condition after molding is equalized in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, it is not necessary to process a molding pin for the inlet hole with imbalance of heat shrinkage amount in mind, so that the molding pin becomes easy to process. In addition, the retainer can selectively utilize the retainer attaching holes at two positions, so that selective use depending on installation environment can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap-on coupling between a fluid pipe and a rigid tubular end fitting, this coupling having a sleeve mounted on a pipe to be coupled to an end fitting that has a peripheral connecting projection, a locking member engaging with this projection to retain the end fitting in the sleeve, and a visual indicator which engages with the projection behind the locking member and occupying an extended position and a depressed position in the sleeve, the member and the indicator each having a head and two elastically deformable side legs, each leg of the indicator having a retention arm engaging with a lower side tooth and with a bottom stop, both formed on the corresponding side of the sleeve, when the indicator occupies the depressed and extended positions, respectively.

Abstract: A marine drilling riser system for securing drilling riser joints in a drilling riser string is presented. The drilling riser string is assembled by connecting a pin end of one drilling riser joint to a box end of an adjoining drilling riser joint by using a moveable ring to drive a fastener of one drilling riser joint against the adjoining drilling riser joint. A spider is used to drive the movable ring axially from a position where the fastener is not engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint to a position where the fastener is engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint, and vice versa. A latch is used to prevent the moveable ring from moving inadvertently from the second position. The spider may also be used to support the marine drilling riser string during assembly.

Abstract: A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a latch for a liquid dispensing component includes: a first part for holding a liquid dispensing component in a seated position in a holder, the first part movable between an open position in which the component may be installed in or removed from the holder and a closed position in which the component is held in the seated position in the holder; and a second part for connecting the component to a liquid supply port, the second part movable, while the first part is in the closed position, between a disconnected position in which the component is not connected to the liquid supply port and a connected position in which the component is connected to the liquid supply port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling system comprising two base bodies, each of which has an aperture for a fluid, an interior predefined circumferential depression and a locking surface (26). An adapter piece (1) comprising an aperture (9) for the fluid has two ends (2, 3) and at least two predefined circumferential depressions (4), which run at least partially along a circumference of the respective ends, wherein the first base body (21) is associated with the first end (2) of the adapter piece (1) and the second base body (21) is associated with the second end (3) of the adapter piece (1), wherein in a state in which they are pushed inside each other the circumferential depression (4, 5) associated with the respective end (2, 3) of the adapter piece (1) and the interior circumferential depression of the respective base body (21) are located opposite of each other and form a receiving space (22).

Abstract: A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes an insert member configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe, and a retention member coupled to the insert member and configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe. The retention member operates in conjunction with the insert member to engage the end portion of the pipe and impart an increased force against an inner wall of the pipe in response to an increase of internal pipe pressure, thereby frictionally securing the end portion of the pipe on the insert member as internal pipe pressure increases during use.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling for use with a fluid line includes a connector body defining a through bore extending from a male reception end of the connector body. The connector body is adapted to operably receive a male member extending through the male reception end of the connector body into the bore. A retainer is releasably coupled to the connector body. The retainer is movable relative to the connector body from an unlatched position to the latched position only when the male member is fully inserted into the body. A separable indicia element is releasably engaged to the retainer and is removable from the retainer only when the retainer is in the latched position.

Abstract: A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.

Abstract: An integrated snap and handling apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be capable of being assembled with and disassembled from a mating component without damage. The apparatus may include a pair of features that provide an intuitive and easy user interface for removal, handling and installation. The pair of features may allow a user to use a pinching motion to engage and disengage the apparatus from the mating component without the use of a tool. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may provide for low removal forces when the user interface is properly actuated while resisting high separation forces when the user interface is not properly actuated. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a wide variety of assemblies and devices. For example, the integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a cooling duct for the control of airflow around an electronic component.

Abstract: A self-locking electrical connector has (a) a first shell body for receiving a first set of contacts; (b) a clamping ring for holding the first set of contacts in engagement with a second set of contacts; (c) a multiplicity of first detent members; (d) a multiplicity of second detent members; and (e) biasing means for holding the first and second detent members in facing engagement. The biasing means includes at least one spring washer, an end cap and a retaining ring retained within the clamping ring. The at least one spring washer is disposed between the detent members and the end cap. The end cap is axially movable by a force applied by the retaining ring between (i) a non-mated position wherein the at least one spring washer applies less than a desired amount of force to the detent members, and (ii) a mated position wherein the at least one spring washer applies a precise amount of desired force to the detent members.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling fitting includes a connector body having a through bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening at one end to an exit opening at an opposite end, the through bore defines a retainer receiving portion axially forward of the entrance opening, a tube receiving portion axially forward of the retainer receiving portion and a sealing chamber portion axially forward of the tube receiving portion. A tube retainer is disposed in the retainer receiving portion releasably secured to the connector body, and a seal element disposed in the seal chamber portion. A verification pin has a solid free end and a longitudinally elongate barrel portion with a cylindrical surface sized for fluid tight sealing relation with the sealing element. It includes opposed latching body portions extending from the barrel portion at an end opposite the solid free end releasably securing the verification pin to the retainer of the quick connector coupling fitting.

Abstract: A latch mechanism (10) comprises a male coupling member (12), and a female coupling member (14). The latch mechanism (10) is coupled/de-coupled by inserting/withdrawing male coupling member from female coupling member, by movement in a first direction A-A. A latch (20), here comprising a plate (44) and two prongs (42), is slidably mounted on the male coupling member (12), for movement in a second direction B-B. A compression spring (21) biases the latch (20) so that the prongs (42) are exposed at the distal end of the male coupling member (12). Catch channels shown here as two holes (22) that extend in the second direction B-B for receiving the prongs (42) are formed in the female coupling member. In use, the latch mechanism (10) is coupled by relative movement in the first direction between the male and female coupling members. When the probe is fully inserted, the prongs of the latch are aligned with the holes (22). Consequently, due to the bias of the spring (21), the prongs (42) enter the holes (22).

Abstract: A technique for securing drilling riser joints in a drilling riser string is presented. The drilling riser joints have a tubular housing that has a box configuration on one end and a pin configuration on the other end. The drilling riser string is assembled by connecting the pin end of one drilling riser joint to the box end of an adjoining drilling riser joint. A moveable ring is used to connect adjoining drilling riser joints. The moveable ring is used to drive a fastener of one drilling riser joint against the adjoining drilling riser joint. The moveable ring is driven axially from a position where the fastener is not engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint to a position where the fastener is engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint. A latch is used to prevent the moveable ring from moving inadvertently from the second position.

Abstract: A female member for retrofit to a hydraulic line connector includes a body portion having a body passage that is connected to a hydraulic component. A cylindrical wall portion extends from the body portion and defines a bore that is selectively in fluid communication with the body passage. An opposing pair of slits are formed through the cylindrical wall. A spring clip has a rectangular cross section and includes a first leg featuring a first arcuate portion, a second leg featuring a second arcuate portion and a closed end portion positioned between and attached to the first and second legs. The first and second legs are removably received by the opposing pair of slits of the cylindrical wall. The bore of the cylindrical wall receives a male member having a circumferential or annular shoulder that is engaged by the first and second arcuate portions of the first and second legs when the male member is positioned within the bore.