Abstract: A joint configuration for joining two articles of thermoplastic material by thermal bonding using an electrical heating element, wherein a female fitting having a portion with an enlarged diameter receives the end of an inserted pipe on two raised portions constituting lands on the inner diameter of the fitting, and the central annular recess between the two lands receives and positions the electrical heating element which fuses the thermoplastic material. The two lands, each compressed against the outside of the inserted pipe by an external clamp, confine and retain the fused thermoplastic material within the central annular recess to effect an increased internal pressure which promotes the formation of an extensive, continuous, and sound bond between the fitting and the inserted pipe.

Abstract: A bifilar resistance element for use in preparing heating elements used in thermal bonding and the like, wherein two electrically conducting wires are embedded in a thermoplastic sheath which is fusible when sufficient current is passed through the bifilar resistance element. A heating element is prepared by joining the pair of wires in a length of the bifilar resistance element together at one end to form an electrically conductive path and then winding the length into a spiral shape. Two articles of thermoplastic material may be bonded together by placing the heating element in a recess simultaneously adjacent both articles with a pair of leads to the heating element extending externally from the two articles to be bonded, and applying an electrical current so that the thermoplastic sheath and a portion of the adjacent articles themselves are fused, to bond the articles together upon cooling.

Abstract: A ball valve having an externally threaded seal carrier, a ball, a seal disposed between the carrier and ball, a tubular valve body internally threaded to engage the external threads of the seal carrier and hold it in the body, an axial clearance between the external and internal threads to permit linear movement of the carrier, a connecting sleeve which contacts the carrier, and a union nut adjustably attached to the valve body and slidably engaging the connecting sleeve for external adjustment of the axial position of the carrier within the body to compensate for seal wear by movement of the sleeve towards the body. The carrier extends beyond the valve body to provide an adjusting space between the connecting sleeve and body to permit movement of the sleeve towards the body.

Abstract: A pipe joint and method of making a pipe joint are disclosed, the pipe joint being suitable for formation on a pipe fitting and a pipe and comprising an enlarged annular socket, a first lip projecting toward the open end of the socket cooperating with a second lip formed on an annular retaining ring to hold an annular seal ring therebetween, the retaining ring being locked in place by deforming the outer end of the pipe member radially inwardly.

Abstract: A pipe joint and method of making a pipe joint are disclosed, the pipe joint being suitable for formation on a pipe fitting and a pipe and comprising an enlarged annular socket, a first lip projecting toward the open end of the socket cooperating with a second lip formed on an annular retaining ring to hold an annular seal ring therebetween, the retaining ring being locked in place by deforming the outer end of the pipe member radially inwardly.