Composite tube assemblies comprising a composite tube comprising a distal end having a first conical section and a second conical section, wherein a distal end of the first conical section is in contact with a proximal end of the second conical section having the same outer diameter as the distal end of the first conical section, wherein a proximal end of the first conical section and a distal end of the second conical section have a smaller outer diameter than the distal end of the first conical section, a locking ring disposed around the first conical section, an end fitting disposed around the second conical section, wherein the end fitting is coupled to the locking ring, and a retaining ring circumferentially disposed around the locking ring are disclosed.

A composed element, such as a piece of furniture, wherein the composed element comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts forming a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided. The rear wall forms the rear side of the composed element and includes one or more rear wall parts. The composed element comprises seats for installing at least one of the rear wall parts, which are configured such that the rear wall part can be slid into the seats starting from the rear side of the composed element from a position differing from the final plane in which the rear wall part will be situated in the final condition.

A fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece includes a contact component and a fixation component. The contact component typically includes (i) a first contact surface for application to a workpiece and (ii) a first opening for receiving a linear element. The fixation component typically secures a portion of the linear element on a side of the first contact component opposite the first contact surface. The fixation component engages the contact component to prevent passage of the linear element's secured portion through the workpiece when a tension is applied to the linear element in a direction opposite the contact surface.

A spring latching connector includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a piston slidably received in said bore, a circular groove formed in one of said bore and piston and a circular coil spring disposed in said groove for latching said piston and housing together. The groove is sized and shaped for controlling, in combination with a spring configuration, disconnect and connect forces of the spring latching connection.

Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.

A connector system for joining panels or other components together includes male connectors and female connector recessed profiles. The male connectors are attachable to one panel or component and the female connector profiles can be formed in or attached to another panel or component. The male connector has a tapered body with dovetail side edges extending between a narrower leading end and a wider trailing end. The female connector profile has a footprint with a wider open entry section and a narrower closed anchoring section. Dovetail side walls extend between the entry and anchoring sections. The connectors are small, and multiple male and female connectors are used on joining panels. The connector system can be used in ready to assemble furniture, stud walls and other assemblies and are especially suited for use in wood based members of composite construction.

We disclose a method for securing an infrared transmissive polymer to integrated panels, deadfronts, or transition plates, thus providing a reinforced polymer window through which the thermographer can scan an energized unit without being directly exposed to contact with internal components or having to remove said panels, deadfronts, or transition plates. We also disclose a device for securing the polymer consisting of a retention frame with half shear retainers that keep the polymer locked in place.

A bracket for securing a structural member, which can be used in the assembly of modular furniture. The bracket includes a main bracket body and a first cantilever having a first length extending longitudinally from the main bracket body and a second cantilever having a second length that is shorter that the first length of the first cantilever, extending longitudinally from the main bracket body and substantially parallel to the first cantilever. The first cantilever is separated from the second cantilever to form a first channel for receiving a first structural member. In an alternative embodiment, a stabilizing member that is detached from the main bracket body may be substituted for the second cantilever to form the bracket.

A carrier assembly for attaching a magnet to a shaft of a valve assembly includes a carrier housing having a magnet holder portion, a shaft holder portion, and a plurality of fingers extending from the shaft holder portion. The carrier assembly includes a locking collar wherein the collar is installed over the carrier housing and moved from a open position to a closed position. The collar is further moved to a locked position to lock the carrier assembly to the shaft.

Fiber optic connectors and adapters may be automatically secured and released via a management system. Such automation may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized insertion of fiber optic connectors into adapter ports. The automation also may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized removal of the fiber optic connectors from the adapter ports.