Abstract: A compression collar is manufactured for use in reinforcing an interference fit between an end of a pipe and a fitting. A precursor form is injection molded using a cold-expansion material. The precursor form has a tubular body with an initially closed axial end and a bore that is initially blind formed in the other axial end. Material is removed from the initially closed axial end of the tubular body of the precursor form to form an opening in the initially closed axial end that connects to the bore thereby forming the compression collar. The opening has an inner periphery with a profile in axial cross section that is different than any profile in axial cross section of an inner periphery of the bore. The collar formed may lack knitlines and may include tabs formed during the removal step which help to position the collar on a pipe.

Abstract: A compression collar is manufactured for reinforcing an interference fit between an end of a pipe and a fitting. A precursor form is injection molded using a cold-expansion material. The precursor form has a tubular body with an initially closed axial end and a bore initially blind formed in the other axial end. Material is removed from the initially closed axial end to form an opening that connects to the bore thereby forming the compression collar. The opening has an inner periphery with a profile in axial cross section that is different than any profile in axial cross section of an inner periphery of the bore. The collar formed lacks knitlines and includes tabs which help to position the collar on a pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for manufacturing compression collars for reinforcing sealed connections between a length of piping and a plumbing fitting. Specifically, compression collars and related methods of making include extruding a hollow tube having one or more ridges which are then partially removed or trimmed to provide positioning tabs on one end of the compression collar. The compression collars can be cut to the desired length from the extruded hollow tube. In this way, compression collars with features for enhancing the strength and reliability of an interference fit, as well as their ease of use, can be manufactured rapidly with little material waste through modifications to the extrusion process.

Abstract: A compression collar is manufactured for use in reinforcing an interference fit between an end of a pipe and a fitting. A precursor form is injection molded using a cold-expansion material. The precursor form has a tubular body with an initially closed axial end and a bore that is initially blind formed in the other axial end. Material is removed from the initially closed axial end of the tubular body of the precursor form to form an opening in the initially closed axial end that connects to the bore thereby forming the compression collar. The opening has an inner periphery with a profile in axial cross section that is different than any profile in axial cross section of an inner periphery of the bore. The collar formed may lack knitlines and may include tabs formed during the removal step which help to position the collar on a pipe.

Abstract: A compression collar is manufactured for use in reinforcing an interference fit between an end of a pipe and a fitting. A precursor form is injection molded using a cold-expansion material. The precursor form has a tubular body with an initially closed axial end and a bore that is initially blind formed in the other axial end. Material is removed from the initially closed axial end of the tubular body of the precursor form to form an opening in the initially closed axial end that connects to the bore thereby forming the compression collar. The opening has an inner periphery with a profile in axial cross section that is different than any profile in axial cross section of an inner periphery of the bore. The collar formed may lack knitlines and may include tabs formed during the removal step which help to position the collar on a pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for manufacturing compression collars for reinforcing sealed connections between a length of piping and a plumbing fitting. Specifically, compression collars and related methods of making include extruding a hollow tube having one or more ridges which are then partially removed or trimmed to provide positioning tabs on one end of the compression collar. The compression collars can be cut to the desired length from the extruded hollow tube. In this way, compression collars with features for enhancing the strength and reliability of an interference fit, as well as their ease of use, can be manufactured rapidly with little material waste through modifications to the extrusion process.

Abstract: A tubing/fitting connection provides secure sealing attachment of a tubing to a fitting. In a described embodiment, a flexible tubing is connected to a non-rigid fitting using a retainer which grips both the tubing and the fitting. The retainer also internally supports the tubing, and may sealingly engage both the tubing and the fitting.

Abstract: A tubing/fitting connection provides secure sealing attachment of a tubing to a fitting. In a described embodiment, a flexible tubing is connected to a non-rigid fitting using a retainer which grips both the tubing and the fitting. The retainer also internally supports the tubing, and may sealingly engage both the tubing and the fitting.

Abstract: A method of producing crosslinked reformed products provides such products which are, in one embodiment, produced by the monosil process and suitable for use in potable water applications. In a described embodiment, a method includes the steps of introducing a reduced level of silane in a feed throat of an extruder, extruding a product, reforming the extruded product, and then curing the reformed product for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve which is of the type comprising a housing formed of a polymer and a rotary plug disposed in a through-passage of the housing. The plug is formed of a polymer and includes a bore selectively alignable with the through-passage to admit the passage of fluid. The plug valve is formed by forming the plug and attaching thereto a preformed polymeric shield by snap-fitting the shield onto the plug. The shield has an inner surface conforming to the periphery of the plug. The plug and shield assembly is positioned within a cavity of a mold. The cavity corresponds to the shape of the housing. A molten polymer is introduced into the cavity and intimately contacts the shield and forms the housing around the plug.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve is formed which is of the type comprising a housing formed of a polymer and a rotary plug disposed in a through-passage of the housing. The plug is formed of a polymer and includes a bore selectively alignable with the through-passage to admit the passage of fluid. The plug valve is formed by forming the plug and attaching thereto a preformed polymeric shield by snap-fitting the shield onto the plug. The shield has an inner surface conforming to the periphery of the plug. The plug and shield assembly is positioned within a cavity of a mold. The cavity corresponds to the shape of the housing. A molten polymer is introduced into the cavity and intimately contacts the shield and forms the housing around the plug.

Abstract: A rotary ball valve comprises a housing formed of plastic material, the housing including a through passage. A plug formed of a plastic material is rotatably mounted in the housing and includes a ball-shaped gate having a passage which is alignable with the housing passage when the plug is open. A stem projects laterally of the housing passage to enable the plug to be manually rotated. A pair of seating rings formed of an anti-friction material encircle respective ends of the gate passage when the plug is open. The housing includes a pair of annular flanges disposed on opposite sides of the plug passage. Each flange contacts a back side of a respective one of the seating rings. Each flange is notched around its periphery to form a plurality of circumferentially spaced flange segments whose inner diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of the gate passage.

Abstract: In an end entry ball valve assembly, a bifurcated seal carrier comprised of an annular seal support member and back-up member, is received in at least one end opening. The seal support member includes an axially facing end wall and a radially facing guide wall. The back-up member is slidably received in the opening and presents a recess defined by an axially facing support wall and a radially facing guide wall respectively adjacent the end wall and guide wall of the seal support member. An annular, resilient biasing and sealing ring is disposed, in a radially tensioned and axially compressed condition, in a groove disposed in at least one of those axially facing walls at a location radially inwardly of the guide walls. The ring biases the seal support member and a seal carried thereby toward the valve ball and seals against fluid flow between the axially facing walls.