Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided wherein a plurality of connections disposed therein are configured such that the connections break in a specific order when the quick disconnect is disengaged. Preferably, the quick disconnect comprises a plurality of signal pin connections, a pilot return connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. Accordingly, the signal pin connections break before the pilot return connection, the fluid connection, and the main power connection. Further, the pilot return connection breaks before the fluid connection and the main power connection, and the fluid connection breaks before the main power connection as the quick disconnect is disengaged. As a result, a safer quick disconnect in which both gas and electric power are conducted is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: An underwater or severe environment electrical connector, in which first and second connector parts are brought together in longitudinal alignment to establish electrical contact between respective contact portions of the first and second connector parts. The connector parts are relatively rotatable about a longitudinal axis when the connector parts are disconnected, and the contact portions are laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis and arranged to make electrical contact when the connector parts are connected, irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the first and second connector parts about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose with a connection sleeve includes a hose (1) having an inner wall, a protective envelope (2) for electrical conductors (3) attached at an inner wall of the, hose (1), a rear connection part (4a) formed at a connection sleeve (4) and engaging partially into the hose (1), a receiver (4b) extending from the rearward end of the connection sleeve (4) and formed for an insertion of a coordinated end of the protective envelope (2), wherein an end of the receiver (4b) is disposed opposite to an end for insertion and is closed. The receiver (4b) is formed as a tube molded to the inner jacket face of the rear connection part (4). The tube exhibits a first recess (4d) directed rearwardly from the closed end of the tube.

Abstract: A vacuum unit cleaner hose having a hose (1), a connection sleeve (4), and a rear connection part (4a) of the sleeve (4) partially engaging into the hose (1) and exhibiting an axial slot (4b) starting from a rearward end of the rear connection part (4a). Electrical conductors (3) are led out of the front section of the rear connection part (4a), wherein the hose (1) does not cover the front section of the rear connection part (4a). A protective envelope (2) for the electric conductors (3) is attached at the inner wall of the hose (1). Flanks of the rear connection part (4a) transition into the projection (4c) formed for the receiving of a coordinated end of the protective envelope (2) as well as closed at the front end. An axial slot (4b) is formed in the connection sleeve (4).

Abstract: A robotic tool changer for the transfer of a secondary current across a master module and a tool module capable of being mated together. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts on the two modules, comprising a pair of contacts with a flat plate for electrical contact and a vertical connector tab for connection to a cable, are generally the same size and shape and are interchangeable. Both sets of contacts are slideably mounted on their respective modules, and can be moved laterally relative to each other to alter the size of a gap formed between the connector tabs, to fit a variety of kickless cable terminals. The contacts on the master module may connect directly to a kickless cable terminal, and are thus cooled by a water cooling system of the kickless cable. The contacts on the tool module may connect to a pair of shunt cables. The tool module contacts are moveable from a retracted to an extended position relative to the tool module, and are biased towards the extended position by springs.

Abstract: A wet-mateable electrical connector which does not use elastomer as a primary seal is provided. The wet-mateable electrical connector includes a female connector body having an internal central cavity and a female metal sealing surface at a forward end and a female contact housing disposed within the internal central cavity. The female contact housing includes a plurality of female contacts. A sliding pin is movably disposed within the internal central cavity. The wet-mateable electrical connector further includes a male contact pin which has a front end for engagement with a front end of the sliding pin. The male contact pin includes a plurality of male contacts, each of which engages with a respective one of the female contacts so as to establish an electrical connection. The male contact pin has a male metal sealing surface which sealingly engages the female sealing surface to form a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection assembly for conduits (3, 4; 7, 8) which are arranged coaxially inside one another and which accommodate the supply flow and return flow of a cryogenic medium. Said assembly comprises a first and a second coupling half (1, 2) which can be connected to one another in a sealed manner, whereby an inner conduit (4; 8) in each coupling half (1, 2) ends in a first conical sealing surface (9; 10) and an external conduit (3; 7) in each coupling half (1, 2), which encompasses the inner conduit (4; 8), ends in an additional conical sealing surface (11; 12) that is positioned outside the first conical sealing surface (9; 10) in the radial direction. In order to establish an electrical connection simply and reliably, at least one electrical contact (18, 20) is provided within the additional conical sealing surface (11; 12) in each coupling half (1, 2).

Abstract: Connectors (33, 45, 52) are connected to each other when joints (15) that connect tubes (14) and pipes (20, 40) to each other are mounted thereon. The connectors (33, 45, 52) are disconnected from each other when the joints (15) are removed therefrom. A detection circuit (8) detects an electrical disconnection between terminals (70) and (33) in the connectors (52) and (33B), respectively and outputs an alarm signal to inform an operator that the joint (15) has not been installed on the tube (14) or the pipe (20, 40).

Abstract: An inlet and switching apparatus for a central vacuum system includes a base body section with a back wall having an inlet aperture formed therein adapted for connection to a central vacuum source. A cover section is mounted on the base body section and extends over a forward side thereof. The cover section includes a front wall spaced from and opposite the back wall. The two sections together form an inlet housing defining a vacuum inlet chamber and this housing has a lower portion forming a dirt receiving opening that permits dirt to enter the chamber under a vacuum influence. A closure member is pivotably mounted on the body section and there is a mechanism for moving the closure member to open or close the inlet aperture. In a preferred embodiment, rails on the cover section engage two nubs on the closure member whereby sliding movement of the cover section causes the closure member to either close or open the aperture.

Abstract: A Modular assembly or islet for pneumatic distribution which comprises a number of modules or blocks each consisting of a slice and each incorporating pneumatic connectors and electrical connectors. Two pneumatic distributors are mounted at 90° to one another on two adjacent sides of the block or module so that the pneumatic connectors and the electrical connectors are common to the two distributors. The blocks or modules, with their respective pairs of distributors, are removably mounted on the connectors so as to assemble them side by side, thus constituting the modular assembly or islet for distribution with the desired number of pneumatic distributors.

Abstract: An annular wire harness for use in drill pipe comprising two rings interconnected by one or more insulated conductors. The rings are positioned within annular grooves located within the tool joints and the conductors are fixed within grooves along the bore wall of the pipe. The rings may be recessed within annular grooves in order to permit refacing of the tool joint. The rings are provided with means for coupling a power and data signal from an adjacent pipe to the conductors in such a fashion that the signal may be transmitted along the drill pipe and along an entire drill string.

Abstract: Connectors (33, 45, 52) are connected to each other when joints (15) that connect tubes (14) and pipes (20, 40) to each other are mounted thereon. The connectors (33, 45, 52) are disconnected from each other when the joints (15) are removed therefrom. A detection circuit (8) detects an electrical disconnection between terminals (70) and (33) in the connectors (52) and (33B), respectively and outputs an alarm signal to inform an operator that the joint (15) has not been installed on the tube (14) or the pipe (20, 40).

Abstract: A power cable adapter for use with a welding torch assembly to electrically couple the power cable in the cable carrying line with the power output stud on the welding machine and communicate the cable carrying line with a fluid supply line for the passage of fluid therethrough. The adapter includes a pair of clam shell type clamp members formed of an electrically conductive material. The clamp members define aligned apertures therein for securing the adapter on the output stud and opposed channels extending laterally therethrough for adjustably securing an electrically conductive U-shaped tube in electrical contact with the clamp members. Connector fittings are provided on the ends of the tube for communication with the torch lines, allowing the torch lines to extend to and from the adapter in a parallel orientation at any desired angular orientation from the welding machine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrically interconnecting a sensor (104) in a beverage dispensing apparatus (102) to a sensor control system contained within a separate unit concurrent with attachment of said beverage dispensing apparatus to said separate unit are disclosed, comprising locking members (114) disposed on the beverage dispensing apparatus, a base plate (200) on the separate unit having receptacles (210) adapted to matably engage and align the beverage dispensing apparatus, a plurality of base plate conductor members (212), disposed on the lower surface of the base plate and electrically coupled to the sensor control system, a plurality of dispenser apparatus conductor members (118), electrically coupled (202) to the sensor and disposed on an upper surface (112) of the beverage dispensing apparatus such that as the beverage dispensing apparatus is matably engaged with the base plate the conductor members are brought into alignment and communicative contact.

Abstract: Modular assembly or islet for pneumatic distribution, which comprises a number of modules or blocks each constituting a slice and each incorporating, on the one hand, pneumatic connectors and, on the other hand, electrical connectors, two pneumatic distributors being mounted at 900° to one another on two adjacent sides of the said block or module so that the said pneumatic connectors and the said electrical connectors are common to the two distributors, the said blocks or modules with their respective pairs of distributors being mounted, removably, on the said connectors so as to assemble them side by side, thus constituting the said modular assembly or islet for distribution, comprising the desired number of pneumatic distributors.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting electric and air lines of railroad cars incident to their mechanical coupling. The connector includes a junction plate with an outer perimeter surrounded by a housing that has connector-to-connector gathering means and is resiliently attached to a bracket on the coupler body. Formed near to the geometric center of the junction plate is a hole retaining a gasket which seats against the end of an elongated tube mechanically secured to the junction plate and passing through a compression spring and the housing and its remote wall where the assembled length is controlled by the flange of an air line fitting contacting the housing. The automatic electric and air line capability supplements the automatic coupling capability within an increased gathering range.

Abstract: A rotary joint for fluids that provides a completely sealed path for the flow of polishing solution and which permits the supply of electricity to a polished surface detector. The rotary joint of the present invention is essentially made up of a joint block (1) and a rotator assembly (2). To the rotator assembly (2) rotatably held in the joint block (1) is attached a polishing pad shaft (104). Between the joint block (1) and the rotator assembly (2) is formed a seal space closed by a pair of seal units (5, 5), each comprising sealing rings (51, 52) which rotate in relation to each other. A fluid passage (7) continuous via a seal space (50) and running through the joint block (1) and the rotator assembly (2) is formed, and a wiring conduit running from an electric source unit (3) to the polished surface detector on the polishing pad (104) is also formed.

Abstract: A compressed air clockspring includes a housing and a hub rotatably mounted with the housing. The housing has a first electrical connector and a first pneumatic port. The hub has a second electrical connector and a second pneumatic port. A ribbon cable has one end connected to the first electrical connector of the housing and the other end of the ribbon cable is connected to the second electrical connector of the hub. An air ring is rotatably mounted in the housing. The air ring rotates with the hub. The air ring fluidically connects the first pneumatic port to the second pneumatic port. The ribbon cable transmits electrical signals from the crash sensor to the airbag as is common in present day clocksprings. Unlike present day clocksprings, the compressed air clockspring transmits compressed air through the rotary joint formed by the structure of the compressed air clockspring.

Abstract: A transition for electrical well cable through the wellhead barrier of an underground well leads to an electrical power cable connected to an above-ground electrical power source, where the only connection between the electrical well cable and the electrical power cable is formed inside the wellhead barrier, between approved primary and secondary seals. A drain or vent to the atmosphere is also located between the seals.

Abstract: An adapter is designed to interconnect the two glad hands that extend from the adjacently disposed ends of a pair of rail vehicles in a train. The housing of the adapter includes first and second connector bodies and an intermediate portion situated between the two connector bodies. The adapter housing encloses a flow chamber that runs from the first connector body through the intermediate portion to the second connector body. The intermediate portion defines a vertically disposed access port in communication with the flow chamber of the adapter housing. The connector bodies are formed on opposite, vertically oriented sides of the adapter housing. Each connector body features a mating surface from which a flow port in communication with the flow chamber emerges. Each connector body also includes a mechanism that allows the connector body to mechanically couple to one of the glad hands.

Abstract: A technique is provided for retaining a cable assembly in a length of conduit, such as coiled tubing. The retaining assembly is secured to an end of the coiled tubing and to tensile members of the cable assembly. A retainer element may be secured directly to conductors of the cable assembly for holding the cable assembly adjacent to the retaining structure. The retainer may include a flat plate-like structure which abuts against a surface of the assembly, such as against an upper surface of a connector to prevent re-entry of the cable into the coiled tubing. Following attachment of the cable and coiled tubing, the submersible equipment coupled to the coiled tubing may be retracted or withdrawn from the well. Certain of the conductors may be coupled to monitoring circuitry for continuously monitoring well parameters during such repositioning. The technique may be used during initial installation of coiled tubing deployed systems, or during subsequent removal or servicing of the equipment.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner hose with electrical conductors comprises a hose made of a soft thermoplastic material. A support carrier, made out of a harder material than the material of the hose, is attached at one end of the hose for electrical slip rings. One of the electrical conductors is in each case connected to the slip rings. An end socket is inserted into the end of the hose exhibiting the support carrier, is connected to the support carrier, and is made of the same material as the support carrier. The support carrier is made of a socket ring, provided with at least one slip ring, and a sleeve, disposed in front of the socket ring. The sleeve is provided with a continuous axial slot and includes two additional slip rings, and the sleeve is connected form-matchingly to the socket ring and to the end socket. At least one thread turn is formed at an inner jacket face of the sleeve and forms a counter thread for the wave troughs and the wave crests of the hose.

Abstract: A plastic closure cap (1) produced by injection molding for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle is provided, within the region of fuel lines which extend through it, with bushings (6, 7) of a temperature-resistant material of low thermal conductivity. Polyphenylene sulfide containing a proportion of mineral and/or of glass fibers or polyacetate reinforced with glass fibers is suitable for instance as material for the bushings (6, 7).

Abstract: A handle which is attachable to an electrified vacuum hose of a hydro-vacuum extraction machine, the hose including electrical wires encapsulated therein, a vacuum tube and a solution supply tube running parallel to the hose. The handle includes a handle portion secured to the vacuum tube, the handle portion having a valve chamber for receiving a valve having an actuator, a retainer for retaining the valve in the valve chamber and a cover for covering the valve chamber, wherein the solution supplying tube is attachable to the valve for supplying the cleaning solution thereto. The cover is pivotally secured to the handle portion. The handle further includes an electric plug which is retained in the handle portion and is electrically connected to the electrical wires. The handle portion includes a first half member and a second half member which are connected to each other and which define a hollow chamber therein. The plug is retained in the hollow chamber.

Abstract: A down hole tool, constructed to be suspended in a well by pipe, includes a housing, a circulation piston, a biasing member and a pressure-compensation system. The housing defines a flow chamber in open fluid communication with the pipe interior, a bypass port for fluid flow between the flow chamber and the well, a mud chamber in open communication with the well, and a sealed chamber separated from the flow chamber by a sealed interface. The circulation piston separates the flow and mud chambers and is arranged for movement between a first, bypass port-blocking position and a second, bypass port-exposing position in response to pressure in the flow chamber. The biasing member biases the circulation piston to its first position, and the pressure-compensation system limits the pressure difference between the flow and sealed chambers, thereby limiting the pressure difference across the sealed interface. The tool has particular application to tools, e.g.

Abstract: A pivotable connector assembly includes first and second matable connectors (20, 20) adapted to be brought into mated engagement by rotating the connectors in a first angular direction about a center of pivoting, and adapted to be disengaged by rotating the connectors in an opposite second angular direction about the center of pivoting. Each connector (20) includes a housing (22) having at least one contact having an arcuate section mounted therein. One of the contacts (96) is rigidly mounted within its respective connector housing and the other of the contacts (60) is resiliently mounted within its respective connector housing such that upon mating of the first and second connectors (20, 20) the arcuate section of the resiliently mounted contact (60) is engaged by the arcuate section of the rigidly mounted contact (96) along an elongate mating path and laterally deflected therefrom under bias.

Abstract: An elevated electrical connector assembly for use with electric submersible pumps. The assembly is particularly useful for wells at elevated temperatures. The assembly has a removable tubular assembly housing, a removable lower electrical connector, a removable annular retainer member, a removable crossover sealing adapter, a removable upper electrical connector, and a removable locking member. The housing is connected to a wellhead member and extends out the top of the wellhead. The electrical connectors are in a part of the housing that is outside of the wellhead. By elevating the electrical connectors and their mutual junctions away from the hot wellhead, ambient air can provide sufficient cooling of the assembly to prevent connector failure due to high temperatures. A swivel part in the tubular assembly housing permits the connectors to be angled away from hot components in the flow path from the wellhead.

Abstract: In water cooled electric generators, an electrical and fluidic connector connects a stator bar to an electrical bus and to a water source. The connector comprises two pieces, a clip and a sleeve. During installation, the sleeve is brazed to the stator bar in a fluid tight manner, and the clip is then brazed to the sleeve. Fluidic connection from the generator's water source to the stator bar is provided by a hose attached to a fluid port on the clip. Connection to the electrical bus of the generator is provided by copper leaves and/or copper piping brazed onto the clip. The clip and the sleeve are both formed from copper to form an electrical connection between the copper leaves and/or copper piping and the stator bar. The connector may be further used to replace a defective electrical and fluidic connector that terminates a stator bar in a water cooled electric generator.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner-hose assembly includes a vacuum-cleaner hose (6, 36) and a swivel coupling (3, 33) for coupling the vacuum-cleaner hose (6, 36) to a housing (4) of a vacuum cleaner so as to allow it to be swivelled about a swivel axis (5) and at an angle relative to said swivel axis (5). The swivel coupling (3, 33) has a hose guide (8, 38) which surrounds a flexible portion (24, 54) of the vacuum-cleaner hose (6, 36) and holds said portion of the vacuum-cleaner hose (6, 36) in a curved position. Since the vacuum-cleaner hose is held in a curved position, the connection of the vacuum-cleaner hose to the swivel coupling can be arranged closer to that end of the swivel coupling which is to be connected to the vacuum cleaner, as a result of which the swivel coupling can be smaller and the swivel coupling or at least a combination of the swivel coupling and an adjoining coupling portion of the vacuum-cleaner hose projects less far in relation to the swivel axis of the swivel coupling.

Abstract: A swivel adapter for an inlet conduit to an underground storage includes two relatively rotatable components. The relative rotation between the components prevents sealing loss between the adapter and the inlet conduit when the adapter is subjected to torque.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector system and methods for attaching a first and second connector. Each connector includes an elongate connector body and a coupling nut rotatably coupled about the connector body. Each coupling nut includes a center plate and a pair of latch arms, with each arm having a groove therein to define a tooth at a distal end of each arm. The arms are substantially parallel to the connector body. Each connector further includes at least one resilient member which resists movement of the arms away from their parallel orientation relative to the elongate body. The first and second connectors may be connected by abutting the connector bodies and rotating the coupling nuts so that the grooves and teeth of corresponding arms mate with each other.

Abstract: An electrofluidic mixed connector in the form of a conventional electric connector in which at least one of the connection members of the socket type connection element is replaced by a first fluidic connection coupling, while the corresponding connection member of the second connection element is replaced by a second fluidic connection coupling, one of the couplings being of the pin type and the other being of the socket type, and the pin type coupling being designed so as to be able to fit tightly into the socket type coupling at the same time as the electric pin connection members fit into the socket connection members. This connector applies notably to the connecting of electropneumatic devices.

Abstract: In water cooled electric generators, an electrical and fluidic connector connects a stator bar to an electrical bus and to a water source. The connector comprises two pieces, a clip and a sleeve. During installation, the sleeve is brazed to the stator bar in a fluid tight manner, and the clip is then brazed to the sleeve. Fluidic connection from the generator's water source to the stator bar is provided by a hose attached to a fluid port on the clip. Connection to the electrical bus of the generator is provided by copper leaves and/or copper piping brazed onto the clip. The clip and the sleeve are both formed from copper to form an electrical connection between the copper leaves and/or copper piping and the stator bar. The connector may be further used to replace a defective electrical and fluidic connector that terminates a stator bar in a water cooled electric generator.

Abstract: A concentric wet connector system useful for connecting, disconnecting and reconnecting small diameter fluid lines (40, 42, 44) and electrical lines (46) downhole in oil and gas wells, the system comprising first and second slidably engageable well tubulars (32, 38) coaxially disposed around a longitudinal bore, each well tubular having a circumferentially extending wall section containing at least one auxiliary conduit leading to a connector port 64 paired and communicating with a connector port 66 of the other tubular. The connector ports in each well tubular are preferably spaced apart both circumferentially and longitudinally.

Abstract: In water cooled electric generators, an electrical and fluidic connector connects a stator bar to an electrical bus and to a water source. The connector comprises two pieces, a clip and a sleeve. During installation, the sleeve is brazed to the stator bar in a fluid tight manner, and the clip is then brazed to the sleeve. Fluidic connection from the generator's water source to the stator bar is provided by a hose attached to a fluid port on the clip. Connection to the electrical bus of the generator is provided by copper leaves and/or copper piping brazed onto the clip. The clip and the sleeve are both formed from copper to form an electrical connection between the copper leaves and/or copper piping and the stator bar. The connector may be further used to replace a defective electrical and fluidic connector that terminates a stator bar in a water cooled electric generator.

Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inlet valve assembly for central vacuum systems and the method of installing the same. In particular, this invention relates to an inlet valve assembly including an inlet face plate, a mounting plate, having a deformable mounting flange, and an electrical receptacle integrally formed with a high voltage wire. In some uses, the inlet valve assembly also can include a low voltage wire which can be used to complete a low voltage circuit to initiate a central vacuum motor. The mounting plate can accommodate the electrical receptacle in a temporary position and the inlet face plate can rear mount the receptacle into a locked position where the receptacle is securely attached to the inlet face plate. In this manner, the receptacle may be mounted to the inlet face plate even though one end of the high voltage wire is already wired into an electrical box.

Abstract: A modular constructed connector for interconnecting with a single male and female connector a plurality of electrical lines and fluid lines while maintaining a consistent bubble-tight fluid interconnection. The modular design permits the number of fluidic and electrical connections to be varied depending upon the particular application. In one embodiment, a programmable microchip is mounted within this connector. This chip stores the response characteristics of a flow meter used, for example, as an air flow measurement device in a respiratory circuit. The connector includes a passage for providing fluidic communication between the flow meter or other sensor and a medical monitoring device. In turn, the monitoring device communicates electrically with the programmable microchip to determine a correction factor to be applied to the fluidic signal received from the flow meter.

Abstract: A releasable and reseatable electrical connection between female and male members associated with disconnectible sections of wireline used in a drill string in a borehole comprising the male member defining a first axis and having an externally exposed electrical contact ring, extending about the axis; the female member defining a second axis and having a conductive part extending at least part way about the second axis; and a spring element in electrical connection with the part and inwardly exposed for making electrical contact with the contact ring upon telescopic interfitting of the members.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a handle and wand system for a vacuum cleaner is provided which includes an enclosed electrical system which may be used to provide electrical power to a powered floor nozzle or other powered nozzles. The handle and wand system of the present invention may be employed in either a canister vacuum or a central vacuum unit. In one embodiment, the system includes a handle and suction hose assembly which permits the hose, which includes conducting wires, to be freely rotated while attached to the handle. In another embodiment, means are provided for easily attaching, locking and detaching the components of the handle and wand system of the present invention while providing both a vacuum seal and a plurality of low resistance electrical contacts between the elements of the system of the present invention. In a further embodiment, a swivel elbow is provided to attach the handle and wand system of the present invention to a powered floor nozzle.

Abstract: A "universal" end fitting for a central vacuum cleaner hose, having a reversible electrical connector body that can be reversed without being disconnected from the end fitting, and which accordingly need not be realigned after being reversed, is provided. The connector body is permanently but rotatably affixed to the end fitting. Because it is permanently affixed, the connector body need not be realigned after being rotated to a new position.

Abstract: A combination electrical and suction hose outlet to be mounted to a building wall as part of a central vacuum cleaning system. In such a system, a remote vacuum cleaner suction hose is plugged into the wall outlet and has a power driven brush carpet sweeper end tool. A 110 volt AC line is formed into the hose and extends from the end tool to an electrical receptacle plug in the outlet. To provide a start signal to a central vacuum system motor, 24 volt DC wiring extends from the wall outlet to a motor controller. The high voltage and the low voltage power lines are maintained in electrical isolation by a circuit located at or near the wall outlet and including an optical coupler. When the end tool is turned on, AC flow is sensed by an associated circuit and the optical coupler is activated, causing a short in the DC power line to provide a start signal to the vacuum motor controller. With this system, the vacuum motor is started automatically when the power driven end tool is turned on.

Abstract: A pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe members (2), mechanical connections at the end regions of the pipe members whereby the pipe members can be connected together into end-to-end relationship to provide at least one fluid flow path along them, and electrical conductors (10; 110) carried by the pipe members, the electrical conductors having contact areas (19) exposed at the end regions of the pipe members so that electrical connection between the conductors of adjacent pipe members can be effected by bridging members (25) spanning the end regions of the pipe members.

Abstract: A fluid cooled conductor including a wire rope or braid having ferrules forged on both ends thereof, said ferrules having a channel formed in the periphery thereof to provide a channel for fluid passage between the wire rope or braid and a terminal crimped to the ferrule. The terminal has a fluid passage communicating with the passage in the ferrule. A rubber hose is clamped between terminals in a water tight fashion, thereby providing a continuous fluid passage beginning with the fluid passage in the terminal, continuing about the periphery of the wire rope or braid, and terminating in the fluid passage on a terminal connected to the other end of the wire rope or braid. A method of making the fluid cooled connector is disclosed which includes placing the ferrule about one or both ends of a wire rope or braid, squeezing the ferrule with sufficient pressure to forge it into the wire rope or braid, and pressing a fluid carrying channel in the ferrule after it is forged onto the end of the cable.

Abstract: A module is loaded on a submerged installation to interface an umbilical termination head with a pump module by way of vertically and horizontally directed connection units (21, 26) carried by the module and from which connection members are projected into respective receptacles (70). The units and the receptacles are mounted so as to be readily alignable to ball-and-socket joints (46) or universal couplings (74). The connection members can be projected in a first stage to effect alignment and in a subsequent stage to effect hydraulic and/or electrical connection. The mounting of the units and receptacle is such as to permit retrieval of the module in the event of a failure to withdraw the connection members back into the units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for a hydraulic pressure hose, said connector comprising a body (7) which includes a first sleeve member (8), to be fitted inside the end of a hydraulic pressure hose, as well as a connecting member (11). The connecting member (11) preferably includes a gripping means (12) for a tool and a fastening means (13), such as a threaded portion for coupling the connector with a hydraulic system. In addition, the connecting member (11) includes a second sleeve member (9) mounted outside the end of a house in line with said first sleeve member (8), said sleeve members (8,9) being adapted, upon mounting the connector on a hydraulic pressure hose, to squeeze towards each other and to clamp the end of hydraulic pressure hose therebetween. At least a part of at least one of the sleeve members (8,9) is electrically insulated from body (7).

Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting tandem motors of an electrical submersible well pump utilizes single piece metal pins and sleeves. Each half of the connector has insulators located in the body. Metal connection sleeves are located in holes in the insulators. The connection sleeves have threads for securing to threads formed in the insulators. The metal connection pins also have threads for securing to threads formed in the insulators. The connection sleeves and connection pins have axial slots formed on their exteriors.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a subsea module to an umbilical termination head from a subsea installation which comprises a receiver (14) mounted on the module, a receiver (15) mounted on the umbilical, and a conductive insert coupling (CIC) (13). The receivers (13, 14) each have electrical terminal sets (24, 25). The CIC (13) has a pair of spaced electrical terminal sets (22, 23) in which respective terminals in each set are electrically connected by concentric conductive tubes. The receivers (14, 15) are arranged to receive the CIC (13) so that when it is in position in the receivers (14, 15), each of the CIC terminal sets (22, 23) contacts one of the receiver terminal sets (24, 25) thereby forming an electrical connection between the two receiver terminal sets (24, 25).

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying and energizing pumping apparatus including a submergible electric motor comprises a cable socket assembly and a cable connecting-and-sealing chamber assembly. The cable socket assembly has a housing that is connected at a lower end to an upper end of a housing of the cable connecting-and-sealing chamber assembly, the lower end of which is connected to a housing of the motor. The upper end of the housing of the cable socket assembly has an attachment portion provided with a breakaway connection to a weight-bearing cable. An electrical cable extends through the housing of the cable socket assembly to the housing of the cable connecting-and-sealing chamber assembly, which is divided by the body of a penetrator into upper and lower chambers. Sets of conductors in the chambers are connected, respectively, to the electrical cable and to the motor, and are interconnected with each other via feed-through elements (mandrels) associated with the body.

Abstract: A fire hose containing an electrical wire therein for transmitting signals. Terminals for connecting cable ways are mounted at both ends of the wire. Therefore, when one hose containing the wire is connected to another similar hose, terminals are also connected to terminals in another hose so as to make a single cable way. The use of such a hose enables a fireman holding a nozzle of the hose to control a pump located apart from the nozzle.