Abstract: A clampless tail pipe assembly may include a base having a longitudinal axis and spring elements spaced about the base. Each spring element may have a body with a first end and a second distal end. The second distal end may comprise a first inner locking tooth. The spring element body may include sequential proximate portions. A first portion may be connected to the base, substantially linear, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second portion may be arcuate. A third portion may be substantially linear and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A fourth portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis. A fifth portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis, and the angle may be different than the angle of the fourth portion relative to the longitudinal axis. A sixth portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A flexible joint is provided. The flexible joint is for use in a steel catenary riser that includes a compression bearing (106) having a transition shim (120) and a plurality of alternating flexible elements (116) and shims (118) collectively stacked and bonded to a lower portion of the transition shim (120). The flexible joint also includes an inner bonding material (126) having a profile that is complementary to a profile of an extension tube (104), the inner bonding material (126) being disposed between the extension tube (104) and compression bearing (106) and configured to serve as a bonding mechanism between extension tube and compression bearing.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes truss elements configured to form a space frame fuselage, and skin panels connected with the truss elements and configured to form a skin over said space frame fuselage. The skin panels are movable relative to one another so as to prevent loading of the space frame fuselage from inducing loading in the skin. The aircraft includes a fitting. The fitting includes a first intermediate portion, a first outer portion, and a first inner portion. The first outer and inner portions are spaced apart from each other and interconnected by the first intermediate portion. The skin panels include first and second skin panels that are adjacent to each other. The first skin panel has a first end portion that is adjacent to a second end portion of the second skin panel. The fitting is positioned between the first and second skin panels such that the first and second end portions of the skin panels extend between the first inner and outer portions.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided at the interface between a combustor and a turbine of a gas turbine. The turbine includes guiding vanes at its inlet. The guiding vanes are each mounted within the turbine at their outer diameter by means of rear outer diameter vane hook and are each at their inner diameter in sealing engagement by means of a front inner diameter vane tooth with a honeycomb seal arranged at the corresponding inner diameter part of the outlet of said combustor. The rear outer diameter vane hook allows a relative movement of the guiding vane in form of a rotation around the rear outer diameter vane hook. The sealing adapts the front inner diameter vane tooth and the corresponding honeycomb seal in their configuration to the rotating relative movement of the guiding vane, such that the compression of said honeycomb seal through transients of the gas turbine is reduced.

Abstract: A connection device is suitable for connecting two tubes to one another, and optionally to a fluid tank for fluid transmission piping of an aircraft or a spacecraft Also disclosed are pipes incorporating said tubes and said device; and a method for manufacturing said device. The device includes an injection-molded tip that has at least one angled or inwardly curved area and is made of a composite material with a thermoplastic matrix reinforced by a reinforcement system including carbon fibers. The tip has a median longitudinal mold parting plane (P). The carbon fibers extend so as to be oriented along the tip, which incorporates mechanical and vibratory stiffening means which are integrally molded with the tip and lie in said parting plane or symmetrically relative to said plane in said at least one area and/or immediately near said area.

Abstract: A system for sealing an expandable tubular connection (2, 20) in a wellbore comprises an annular resilient seal (32, 34) arranged in an annular groove (90) defining a section (82) of reduced wall thickness of an inner tubular element (20), which section (82) is subject to surplus expansion induced by an expansion cone such that, in the expanded state of the inner tubular element (20), the annular groove (90) has a wave-shaped profile thereby compressing the annular seal (32, 34) against an outer tubular element (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to an undersea riser bearing designed to operate at higher temperatures over an extended time frame while maintaining performance advantages of high capacity laminate (HCL) elastomeric composite bearings.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor, an annular combustion chamber, and a turbine, a combustion chamber shell of the combustion chamber adjoining the turbine inlet in a transition region in order to introduce the hot gases generated in the combustion chamber into the downstream turbine such that a thermal expansion-induced relative movement between the combustion chamber and the turbine inlet is possible. Combustion chamber shell support elements distributed on the periphery come into contact with a conical contour on the shaft cover due to the thermal expansion that occurs during operation and are supported on said contour. An improvement with respect to loading and service life is achieved in that the conical contour and the machine axis form an angle that allows the combustion chamber shell support elements to slide onto the conical contour.

Abstract: A modular exhaust manifold includes a plurality of exhaust manifold segments coupled together along a common axis. Exhaust manifold segments include a water jacket tube defining a liquid coolant passage around each of the plurality of exhaust manifold segments. The internal combustion engine also includes a coupling assembly for joining adjacent exhaust manifold segments. The coupling assembly includes a plurality of annular sealing devices configured to fit within a first set of grooves formed on an end portion of a first exhaust manifold segment. The coupling assembly also includes a spacing collar configured to attach to the end portion of the first exhaust manifold segment and couple with a fixed radial flange formed on an adjacent end portion of a second exhaust manifold segment to join the first exhaust manifold segment and the second exhaust manifold segment.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.

Abstract: Slip joint having a stacked washer seal, a male part and a female part. The female part has a small and a large inner diameter. The male part has substantially constant inner and outer diameters and a ring on the outer diameter. A gap is located between the male and female part. At least two washers and a flat shim are located in the gap. Each washer and flat shim has a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The first side of a first washer abuts an end of the male part. A second side of the washer contacts a first side of a flat shim. The second side of the shim contacts the first side of a second washer. The second side of the second washer contacts a first side of a second flat shim or an end of the female part.

Abstract: A vacuum pump connecting apparatus has a first vibration absorbing portion and a second vibration absorbing portion which are connected to an evacuation connection portion so as to dispose the first vibration absorbing portion and the second vibration absorbing portion opposite each other via the evacuation connection portion. The first vibration absorbing portion is connected to an intake port of a vacuum pump at a second end of the first vibration absorbing portion opposite to a first end of the first vibration absorbing portion connected to the evacuation connection portion. The first vibration absorbing portion and the second vibration absorbing portion are elastic bellows. A vacuum pump connecting apparatus has a rigid coupling member is connected to a second end of the second vibration absorbing portion opposite to a first end of the second vibration absorbing portion connected to the evacuation connection portion.

Abstract: A compensator for connecting a first pipe connection piece to a second pipe connection piece that is arranged at a distance from the first pipe connection piece and that can be moved toward the first pipe connection piece includes an inlet pipe, which is fastened coaxially to the outlet opening of the first pipe connection piece, an outlet pipe, which is arranged approximately coaxially to the inlet pipe, is arranged at a distance from the inlet pipe and is fastened coaxially to the inlet opening of the second pipe connection piece, and a woven-fabric compensator, which connects the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to each other, wherein gas laden with dust can flow through all aforementioned pipes, said gas being directed from the first pipe connection piece to the second pipe connection piece, and wherein a hollow cylindrical inlet guide plate is fastened to the inlet pipe near the first pipe connection piece, the radius of said inlet guide plate corresponding approximately to the inner radius of the first pi

Abstract: A connection between two annular sections of two components of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine that is installed in a motor vehicle. In an embodiment, the two components are coaxial to one another. The connection comprises an annular connecting element with a first ring section, and a second ring section concentric to the first ring section. The ring sections are axially connected to one another in a rigid fashion on the face side by means of a connecting region. The first ring section is rigidly connected to the annular section of the first component by means of a first connecting region spaced apart from the connecting region. The second ring section is rigidly connected to the annular section of the second component by means of a second connecting region spaced apart from the connecting region. The connection is characterized by a high fatigue strength under thermal stress.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible short pipe having a shock absorbing function. The flexible short pipe has flexibility so as to absorb shocks generated in the longitudinal direction of a lifting pipe (or flexible pipe) and have resistance to a bending load or a torsional load when being wound around a roller. The flexible short pipe includes flanges provided at upper and lower ends thereof to be coupled to a unit lifting pipe or flexible pipe. An inner layer has a curved shape and is provided between the upper and lower flanges to allow slurry, lifted up or discharged by a lifting pump, to flow along the inner layer. An outer layer has a curved shape and surrounds the inner layer. A shock absorbing means is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer, and absorbs longitudinal force and bending force.

Abstract: A solar receiver assembly includes a tube adapted to carry a heat transfer medium and a glass envelope surrounding the tube and having opposed ends. An interface is disposed between each end and the tube so as to seal and support the tube from the envelope. And the receiver includes a prism disposed over the interface to divert incident radiation away from the interface and toward the tube and/or the glass envelope. The prisms may be provided with reflective and/or anti-reflective coatings to further optimize diversion of radiation from the interface.

Abstract: A gimbal joint includes a gimbal ring, a first fitting pivotally connected to the gimbal ring such that the first fitting pivots about a first axis, and a second fitting pivotally connected to the gimbal ring such that the second fitting pivots about a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The gimbal ring further includes a separable sealing element having a cylindrical portion with a first rounded end and a second rounded end. The gimbal ring, the first fitting, the second fitting, and the separable sealing element define a fluid pathway.

Abstract: A fuel piping connection device for aircraft includes a male end fitting and a female end fitting that are configured to engage one another. The male and female end fittings are made of a resistive material that is an insulating material loaded with conducting fibers. Each of the male and female end fittings is configured to be bonded to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective tube in the fuel piping or to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective piping connector. Each of the male and female end fittings includes an inwardly projecting shoulder configured to engage with an axial end surface of the respective tube in the fuel piping or with an axial end surface of the respective piping connector.

Abstract: A joint flange includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece. The first and second clamping piece are provided with clamp openings at a center. A periphery of the first and second clamping piece is a protruding wall. Two ends of the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece are provided with corresponding latching parts and positioning parts; whereas, a surface of the first and second clamping piece is provided with plural fixing holes. When using the joint flange, the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece are clamped in a contracted rim of an expansion fitting and are locked with pipes from fixing holes by joining the latching parts with the positioning parts. By the protruding walls, the expansion fitting can be subjected to a uniform force, thus preventing the expansion fitting from damage by being subjected to too large a force.

Abstract: A soft, flexible fluid connector includes a connecting portion and a skirt formed integral therewith and depending therefrom. The skirt has formed spaces around the circumference of the skirt defining flexible, compressible, fingers. The connector is overmolded with a plastic or like flexible material wherein the formed spaces are filled with the flexible material such that tire connector is molded contiguously with a flange or faceplate.

Abstract: An exhaust system having a pipe for conveying exhaust from an engine, the end of which has an outwardly-protruding lip; a first pipe flange having a hole large enough to allow the lipped end of the pipe to pass through it, and a recessed shoulder adjacent the hole; a collar, configured to releasably encircle said first pipe, to abut with the recessed shoulder at its outer periphery, and the lipped end of the pipe at its inner periphery, thereby preventing the collar and lipped pipe assembly from passing through said hole; and a second pipe flange configured to attach to said first pipe flange to connect a tail pipe to the first pipe, and to hold the pipe, flange and collar assembly together. The invention also provides counterweights for counterweighted lift trucks adapted to secure such exhaust systems, and methods of fitting such exhaust systems.

Abstract: An extrusion resistant ring that is radially expandable and contactable to accommodate the relative movement of two joined bodies relative to each other. The extrusion resistant ring in combination with an elastomeric diaphragm provides a high pressure seal for down-hole oil drilling apparatus.

Abstract: A wear band for a well drill pipe which is made up of a coil spring sized to fit at the joint of the well drill pipe or casing. The inner surface of the coil spring includes a textured coating such as a carbide. The outer surface includes a plurality of hydrodynamic dimples defined therein, and preferably both the outer surface and the inner surface are adapted to resist corrosion. The abrasive coating preferably consists essentially of 95% tungsten carbide and a binder of 5% cobalt and coats an amount of the inner surface in the range of 50% to 100%. The hydrodynamic dimples are generally tear drop in shape to act as miniature fluid pumps. As a result, the wear band can be mechanically attached to the drill pipe while eliminating the need for metallurgically-welded hardbands and therefore unaffecting the drill pipe properties and dimensions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling and decoupling an air supply hose to an inflatable device. The inflatable device may be adapted to support a patient, such as an air mattress or an inflatable patient transfer mat that rides on an air cushion. The method and apparatus utilize an air inlet that normally assumes a flat orientation. The air inlet includes resilient members that allow the air inlet to flex out of the flat orientation in response to a compressive force. The compressive force changes the air inlet's orientation into a generally round orientation that is sized to accept an air supply hose. A collar on the air supply hose is able to frictionally engage an edge in the air inlet in order to prevent undesired removal of the hose from the inlet. Magnets may be used to help return the inlet to the flat orientation when not in use.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler is provided having a flexible conduit portion, a cover made of a generally porous and flexible knitted metallic wire mesh material surrounding the conduit portion and a retainer for combining end parts of the conduit portion and cover. The cover may be constructed of a series of stockinette stitches formed in a continuous round-and-round manner in a seamless tubular configuration. The cover can be selected from a group of covers designed to be applied to the coupler, the particular cover being chosen for its weight or stiffness so as to selectively control the natural frequency of the coupler. Additionally, the loosely knitted configuration of the cover is designed to provide resistance limiting longitudinal growth of the coupler while enabling compression and angular flexibility. Further, the coupler may include one or more spacers for providing separation between the cover and the conduit portion.

Abstract: A conduit coupling includes first and second conduits, an annular adapter and a clamp. The first conduit has an annular flange on an outer surface adjacent to a first end. The adapter is coupled to the outer surface of the first conduit and has an annular first engagement surface positioned adjacent to the flange and an annular second engagement surface that is spherical and convex. The second conduit has a flared end with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface includes an adapter engagement surface that is spherical and concave and engageable with the second engagement surface. The outer surface includes a clamp engagement surface and the clamp includes a flared end engagement surface that is engageable with the clamp engagement surface. The clamp is configured to urge the flared end, adapter and annular flange together.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe connector has a core that is adapted to connect to an irrigation element and a wing that is attachable to a wall of a pipe. The wing is provided with resiliency to allow the connector to deform in response to changing fluid pressures in the pipe. In addition, the wing may be provided with a thin segment in order to reduce potential damage during welding of the wing to the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A fluid connection device (1), comprising a tubular shaft (2), the interior of which is divided by a partition (8) into two partial spaces (6,9) separated from each other. A respective side opening (11,12) opens into each of the two partial spaces. The side openings are covered by an elastomeric sleeve (3) so that the side openings are sealed shut as long as no other external forces act on the sleeve. By means of a union nut (4), which is intended to connect the tubular shaft to a container and is screwed onto the fitting thereof, the sleeve is compressed in the axial direction and produces an annular gap that extends across the side openings, by means of which the side openings are flow-connected from then on.

Abstract: A pressure joint is provided for use with a floating installation (1) that is connected to a stiff riser (3, 12). A low pressure slip joint (5) connects the installation (1) to the stiff riser (3, 12). A telescopic assembly (13, 14) fitted with a high pressure seal (15) is arranged to be fitted within the low pressure slip joint (5) when in a non-extended configuration, such that normal operation of the low pressure slip joint (5) is not impeded.

Abstract: Coupling structure includes: a first and a second pipe section each having a metal wall and a flexible pipe section interconnecting the first and second sections, a hinging support frame including a first set of arms connected to the first pipe section, a support ring around the flexible pipe section hingingly attached to the first set of arms, the first set of arms being pivotable around a first axis, and a second set of arms connected to the second pipe section and hingingly attached to the support ring, the second set of arms being pivotable around a second axis transverse to the first axis, the base ends of the first and second set of arms are connected to the first and second pipe sections via at least one connector member extending transversely to the respective pipe section, at a predetermined distance from the pipe section metal wall, the arms extending along the respective pipe sections over a predetermined length such that a gap between the pipe section metal wall and the arm is defined over the

Abstract: Aircraft including a powerplant mounted on an airframe and a rotor/wing rotatably mounted on the airframe. The rotor/wing has multiple blades extending outward from roots adjacent the airframe to tips opposite the roots and having internal conduits extending between inlets adjacent the roots and downstream outlets. The aircraft also includes multiple intermediate ducts having upstream ends including flanges and downstream ends slidably and pivotally connected to corresponding blade inlets. Moreover, the aircraft includes a manifold having an upstream end in fluid communication with the powerplant and multiple downstream ends including flanges connected to upstream ends of corresponding intermediate ducts. The aircraft further includes multiple covers connected to corresponding manifold flanges and covering corresponding intermediate duct flanges.

Abstract: A double-ended flexible pipe joint has first and second extension pipes extending from opposite ends of an outer housing, and first and second primary annular elastomeric flex elements mounting the first and second extension pipes to the outer housing. An inner housing is disposed in the outer housing, and first and second secondary annular elastomeric flex elements disposed in the inner housing mount the first and second extension pipes to the inner housing. Tension upon the first and second extension pipes places each of the first and second primary flex elements and each of the first and second secondary flex elements in compression. The first and second secondary flex elements contain fluid pressure within the first and second extension pipes so that the first and second primary flex elements are not subjected to the fluid pressure within the extension pipes.

Abstract: A speaker system includes a cabinet, a front baffle, a speaker unit, a rear baffle, and a fitting member fitted in the rear baffle. The front baffle includes a front duct segment extending backward from the rear thereof. The rear baffle includes an opening portion, a duct connecting portion, and a receiving portion having a semicircular cross section. The receiving portion extends from the opening portion to the duct connecting portion while protruding backward. The opening portion, the receiving portion, and the duct connecting portion have a groove. The receiving portion has an engagement hole. The fitting member having a semicircular cross section is formed by double molding. The frame of the member is made of relatively rigid resin and the rim thereof is made of relatively flexible resin. The frame has an engagement projection. The receiving portion and the fitting member constitute a sealed rear duct segment.

Abstract: The present application concerns a connecting element for establishing a frictional connection with a neck portion of liquid drug container, like a vial. The connecting element may include a basic structure and contact elements connected with the basic structure that provide contact surfaces for contacting the neck portion. The contact surfaces may be configured to form a receiving space for receiving the neck portion. The receiving space can be enlarged by moving apart the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe structure including paired separate exhaust pipes configured so that the paired separate exhaust pipes are supported in a vehicle provided horizontally in a manner such that a vertical load is applied from a first exhaust pipe, by a moment that turns the first exhaust pipe about an axis connecting two support members of the first exhaust pipe due to a weight of the first exhaust pipe, to a universal joint, and a vertical load is applied from a second exhaust pipe, by a moment that turns the second exhaust pipe about an axis connecting two support members of the second exhaust pipe due to a weight of the second exhaust pipe, to the universal joint. The vertical loads are approximately the same magnitude and act in opposite directions to combine to be substantially zero.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible joint has an extension mounted to a housing for relative angular displacement. Two or more annular elastomeric flex elements are stacked in a co-axial fashion and joined mechanically to mount the extension to the housing so that the flex elements react in parallel to angular and axial displacements of the extension with respect to the housing so that tensile load upon the extension places each of the flex elements in compression to split and share the tensile load among the flex elements in proportion to their relative axial stiffnesses. Therefore, for a given housing size or footprint, the overall load capacity is increased, and the lifetime of the flexible joint is increased for a given load capacity. The flex elements may have a common center of rotation, and the flex elements may be disposed either on the same side of the center of rotation or on opposite sides.

Abstract: A pipe coupling including at least one annular clamp housing at an end of a body, the at least one annular clamp housing having an opening for inserting therein a pipe and including clamp members and a tightening element that fastens and tightens the clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to an axial length of the body so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on a pipe inserted in the opening, at least one auxiliary clamp including auxiliary clamp members located near the at least one annular clamp housing, and an auxiliary tightening element that fastens and tightens the auxiliary clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to the axial length of the body so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the pipe inserted in the opening.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint achieves flexibility between pipe sections using a plurality of elastomeric pads arranged to create a spherical acting joint. The angle of the pads (and resulting radius of the sphere) can be selected to optimize the internal loads and relative motions of the mating parts. The use of the flex joints reduces bending moments in the pipe from vessel motions and current loads. Stability of the assembly may be maintained by having sufficient weight on the lower sections of the riser to resist current loads. A soft elastomeric seal minimizes fluid loss and allows relative motions of the pipe at the joint. The connector may be mated by inserting the inner pipe into the outer pipe and then rotating the pipe sections relative to each other until a stop is reached. A separate latch may be set, or automatically set, to prevent reverse rotation and unlatching.

Abstract: Provision is made to limit the degree of expansion of an expansion joint having a flexible body interposed between a pair of axially spaced flanges. The flanges or radial extensions thereof are interconnected by two or more circumferentially spaced cables, with the cables being unitary in form but having a pair of parallel strands, with the two ends of the cable being interconnected such that the two stands limit the expansion of the joint. The cables can alternatively include two separate circumferentially spaced non-looped cables. Compression of the assembly is limited by way of a sleeve disposed on one strand and adapted to have its ends engage the inner surfaces of the flanges or radial extensions thereof upon reaching the limit of intended compression.

Abstract: A spherical annular seal member 28 includes a spherical annular base member 27 defined by a cylindrical inner surface 23, a partially convex spherical outer surface 24, and large- and small-diameter-side annular end faces 25 and 26 of the partially convex spherical outer surface 24, as well as an expandable annular coating layer 29 formed integrally on the cylindrical inner surface 23 of the spherical annular base member 27. The coating layer 29 consists of a mixture of acid-treated graphite and wax.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for joining and sealing conduits are provided. The apparatus includes an edge trim positioned proximate to an end of a first conduit, and a sleeve positioned between the first conduit and a second conduit. The sleeve includes a flexible end positioned adjacent to the edge trim such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve overlies at least a portion of the edge trim, a semi-rigid end opposite the flexible end and positioned over at least a portion of the second conduit, and a flexible medial portion extending between the flexible end and the semi-rigid end. The apparatus also includes a retaining element configured to be secured over the flexible end of the sleeve such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve is sandwiched between the retaining element and the edge trim.

Abstract: A double-ended flexible pipe joint has first and second extension pipes extending from opposite ends of an outer housing, and first and second primary annular elastomeric flex elements mounting the first and second extension pipes to the outer housing. An inner housing is disposed in the outer housing, and first and second secondary annular elastomeric flex elements disposed in the inner housing mount the first and second extension pipes to the inner housing. Tension upon the first and second extension pipes places each of the first and second primary flex elements and each of the first and second secondary flex elements in compression. The first and second secondary flex elements contain fluid pressure within the first and second extension pipes so that the first and second primary flex elements are not subjected to the fluid pressure within the extension pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a fixed line to an absorber pipe of a solar-thermal power plant, at least one solar collector being able to perform a pivot motion about the absorber pipe, characterized by a) a flexible pipe connection between the fixed line and the absorber pipe and a b) means for connecting the flexible pipeline to the absorber pipe with zero torque and/or zero force. Acceptable mobility of the solar collectors is thus ensured even at high temperatures and/or pressures.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling connecting pipes for a commercial aircraft comprises an adapter top and an adapter bottom. The adapter bottom has a first adapter pipe that can be positioned within a recess in a floor of the aircraft. An attachment flange is formed to the external circumference of the first adapter pipe, through whose central flange opening the first adapter pipe is led, which attachment flange is positioned on the first adapter pipe end of the first adapter pipe and is attached by one flange side to a bottom floor region of the floor. The adapter top has a second adapter pipe to which a tubular supporting flange is joined. The pipe end region reinforced with said supporting flange of the second adapter pipe is inserted into the pipe cross section of the first adapter pipe.

Abstract: A method including providing a first umbilical, coupling an end of the first umbilical to a first end of a compliant splice system, providing a second umbilical, and coupling an end to the second umbilical to a second end of the compliant splice system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expansion-deflection coupling which allows for higher angular deflection, as well as greater axial expansion and compression with increased parallel offset movements. The coupling includes a pair of identical hubs adapted to accommodate conduits within, and a flexible hollow cylinder extending between the hubs. At least one mid-coupling is located within the cylinder, and at least two plastic funneled tubes, each of which extends securely within the cylinder between the mid-coupling and one of the hubs. One of the hubs is secured to a union coupling.

Abstract: Aircraft including a powerplant mounted on an airframe and a rotor/wing rotatably mounted on the airframe. The rotor/wing has multiple blades extending outward from roots adjacent the airframe to tips opposite the roots and having internal conduits extending between inlets adjacent the roots and downstream outlets. The aircraft also includes multiple intermediate ducts having upstream ends including flanges and downstream ends slidably and pivotally connected to corresponding blade inlets. Moreover, the aircraft includes a manifold having an upstream end in fluid communication with the powerplant and multiple downstream ends including flanges connected to upstream ends of corresponding intermediate ducts. The aircraft further includes multiple covers connected to corresponding manifold flanges and covering corresponding intermediate duct flanges.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a connection between two annular sections of two components that are arranged coaxial to one another, particularly of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine that is installed, in particular, in a motor vehicle. The connection comprises an annular connecting element that features a first ring section, as well as a second ring section that is arranged concentric to the first ring section. The ring sections are axially connected to one another in a rigid fashion on the face side by means of a connecting region. The first ring section is rigidly connected to the annular section of the first component by means of a first connecting region that is spaced apart from the connecting region while the second ring section is rigidly connected to the annular section of the second component by means of a second connecting region that is spaced apart from the connecting region. The connection is characterized by a high fatigue strength under thermal stress.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket is provided with profiled parts (2, 3), a hinge (4) between the profiled parts (2, 3) and with a duct (7, 8) for accommodating media lines (9). The duct (7, 8) is formed of a flexible material. A fastening device (5, 6) for the duct (7, 8) is present on the top side and/or the underside of the profiled parts (2, 3) in such a way that it can be guided over the hinge (4).