David,

Just saw this thread after reading of the passing of the Curare. It looks to me like your photo describes pretty much the idea that came to mind when reading about the DEPS failure (see post in that thread). I'm not sure whether you are saying you like or don't like the system in your picture but it looks good to me! The air issue problem would be addressed by making a hollow coupler of sorts - a small orifice through the center of the coupler. We would just need someone to make them industrially .

Cheers, David.