Abstract: The present invention teaches a concrete pipe joint construction which includes a steel bell and a spigot joint ring, both protected by an alkali releasing substance contained typically in a composite sleeve. When the spigot is engaged sealably into the bell an external joint recess is formed. The present advance is to add a sleeve made of a polyurethane foam material having the alkali releasing substance dispersed therein. The sleeve has an impermeable outer surface and goes around the outside of the joint and is banded sealably to both of the pipes. By this expedient, if and when ground water penetrates into the joint recess, the alkaline material is released from the sleeve to protect exposed steel from corrosion.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a turnbuckle connector useful in a method for replacing an existing utility pole (usually wood), without disturbing hardware mounted thereon. As taught in United States patent No. 3,911,548, the utility pole includes a proximal section having a bottom end attached to the earth and a distal section having hardware mounted thereon. The distal section (with its hardward intact thereon) is severed from the proximal section. A new pole section (preferably of prestressed concrete) is attached to the earth appropriately located and adapted for receiving the distal section. The distal section then is connected to project from the new pole section by means of the turnbuckle connector disclosed herein. A plurality of girdle plates, each having side marginal flanges and a terminal flange, are arranged about at least one of the sections to be connected.