The connector is configured to couple a first section and a second section of an e-vaping device. The connector includes a flange with a first end and a second end, a shaft with sidewalls extending from the first end of the flange, and a cylindrical base extending from the second end of the flange. The connector defines a longitudinal opening extending from the shaft through the cylindrical base, the sidewalls and the flange collectively defining at least one first channel in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening. The e-vaping device includes the connector.

The cylindrical connector includes a major body, the major body defining a longitudinal channel through a longitudinal length of the major body from a proximal portion through a distal portion, the proximal portion including a shaft with side walls. The connector further includes a flange located between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the flange at least partially defining at least a first portion of at least one first aperture in communication with the longitudinal channel. A distal portion of the major body being configured to attach to the first section of the e-vaping device and the proximal portion of the major body being configured to attach to the second section of the e-vaping device in order to define an airflow path that enters the longitudinal channel through the at least one first aperture and flows through the proximal portion of the major body.

The method includes first defining a longitudinal channel in a major body, the major body including a first portion, a second portion and a flange, the flange being located between the first portion and the second portion, the longitudinal channel traversing through a longitudinal length of the major body from the first portion through the second portion, the first portion including a shaft, and second defining a first side end of the flange, the first side end at least partially defining a first segment of at least one first airflow inlet, the first segment being in communication with the longitudinal channel.

A device includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder has a radial face including a first set of curved structures. The outer cylinder has an axial face including a second set of curved structures. A coupling is formed in response to a section of the outer cylinder disposed to surround a portion of the inner cylinder and the first set of curved structures of the inner cylinder disposed to interlock with the second set of curved structures of the outer cylinder.

A valve box system is disclosed for providing operators with access to utility lines such as municipal water and gas systems. This valve box system provides alignment between its multiple sections and a four-notched upper section for a better interface with an adjustment tool. The result is an efficient system which may serve as a stand-alone product or may serve to retrofit existing valve box systems.

The cylindrical connector includes a major body, the major body defining a longitudinal channel through a longitudinal length of the major body from a proximal portion through a distal portion, the proximal portion including a shaft with side walls. The connector further includes a flange located between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the flange at least partially defining at least a first portion of at least one first aperture in communication with the longitudinal channel. A distal portion of the major body being configured to attach to the first section of the e-vaping device and the proximal portion of the major body being configured to attach to the second section of the e-vaping device in order to define an airflow path that enters the longitudinal channel through the at least one first aperture and flows through the proximal portion of the major body.

A novel electronic cigarette battery male connector that can be retrofitted to existing female cartomizer connectors is described. An air intake path starts at the outer circumference of the connector between the battery and the cartomizer of the electronic cigarette, running inside a notch on the connector. The air is brought into the battery through grooves formed on the distal end of the connector. Once inside the battery, the air path loops around and exits the battery housing towards the cartomizer, via a hole along the central axis of connector. In accordance with the desired air-intake path, the notch is cut out on the side of connector at strategic location and with strategic geometry.

A valve box system is disclosed for providing operators with access to utility lines such as municipal water and gas systems. This valve box system provides alignment between its multiple sections and a four-notched upper section for a better interface with an adjustment tool. The result is an efficient system which may serve as a stand-alone product or may serve to retrofit existing valve box systems.

Actuator stem and rod end bearings having locking mechanisms are described. An example apparatus for use with a control valve actuator includes a rod end bearing having a bearing retainer and a shaft portion extending from the bearing retainer, where the shaft portion defines a first face. An actuator stem has a first end to be operatively coupled to a diaphragm plate of the control valve actuator and a second end to be coupled to the rod end bearing, where the second end defines a second face. The first face engages the second face to provide a lock that prevents rotation of the actuator stem relative to the rod end bearing when the actuator stem is rotated in a first direction.

The method includes first defining a longitudinal channel in a major body, the major body including a first portion, a second portion and a flange, the flange being located between the first portion and the second portion, the longitudinal channel traversing through a longitudinal length of the major body from the first portion through the second portion, the first portion including a shaft, and second defining a first side end of the flange, the first side end at least partially defining a first segment of at least one first airflow inlet, the first segment being in communication with the longitudinal channel.