Abstract: A pipe coupler for coupling pipe of dissimilar composition having a substantially cylindrical housing with a stub end and a bell end, the housing having a primarily plastic composition with an embedded anchor ring at the bell end wherein the anchor ring includes a plurality of threaded radial holes and a set of gripping bolts with ends that physically engage an outer surface of a pipe inserted into the bell end of the housing and a plurality of threaded axial holes off-set from the radial holes with a compressor ring, sized to slip over the end of a pipe inserted into the bell end of the housing, the compressor ring compressing a seal when a series of axial bolts engaging the anchor ring are tightened.

Abstract: A pipe connector system for connecting stub end pipe particularly thermoplastic pipe, the pipe connector system using a common engagement ring and either a flange connector system or a shell-type coupling connector system to interconnect two segments of stub end pipe or to connect stub end pipe to a pipe fitting, the alternate connector systems allowing flexibility and versatility depending on the situation, the common engagement ring being formed as either a full ring or split ring, the split ring permitting the connector system to be utilized when the pipe has a stub end pre-installed.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling for thermoplastic pipe, the coupling including an outer sleeve with cuff portions at opposite open ends and an internally directed flaring, the sleeve having a central circumferential ridge between the cuff portions, the coupling also including a plurality of compression shoes with adjustment screws, with the compression shoes engaging the inside of the ends of the pipe and clamping the pipe against the inside of the sleeve.

Abstract: Improved convoluted flanges including one embodiment having a metal inset in a polymer casing in which the inset has a convoluted configuration similar to the outer convoluted configuration of the casing and another embodiment of a convoluted, slip-on, welding flange for welding to a pipe having a cross sectional, convoluted contour that is configured using stress analysis to shift the effective loading of connecting bolts from the centerline of the bolt holes in the flange to a locus closer to the pipe to which the flange is welded.

Abstract: A convoluted flange ring for a flange coupler in a piping system the flange ring having an annular bolting disk with an outer rim and an inner rim forming a U-shaped cross section, with the bolting disk having a transitional thickness for improved stress management, the thickness of the bolting disk increasing from the outer rim to the inner rim.

Abstract: A bimetal flange connector (10) for connecting components (15) of a piping system such as fittings or pipe in which the bimetal flange connector (10) has a hub or preformed inset (12) of a first metal material compatible with the piping system components (15) enabling welding, brazing or other method to be utilized in connecting the inset (12) to the piping system component. The bimetal flange connector (10) has a rim (14) of a second metal material castable directly onto said inset (12). The rim (14) is retained on the inset (12) by a shrink fit on cooling, a metallurgical bond, a preformed retainer configuration of the inset or a combination of the foregoing. For certain combinations, of low carbon inset material and high carbon rim material, the inset (12) is prepared for the cast-on rim (14) by the interposition of a boundary layer (45) of carbon migration inhibiting material to prevent carbon migration from the cast-on rim (14) from adversely affecting the properties of the inset (12 ).

Abstract: A sealing device for use between two faces utilizing gasket means for making contact with the faces. The gasket means includes at least one gasket member having a flat surface. The sealing element also includes a grooved element which accomodates the gasket means such that the gasket member fits into a groove of substantially curvilinear cross sectional configuraton. Initially, one of the flat surfaces of the gasket member extends beyond the confines of the groove but deforms to move into the groove upon the application of force directed to bring the faces together.