Abstract: An assembly and method of joining a pipe with a catch basin, the catch basin having an apertured side wall, the assembly and method including providing an elastomeric ring having an annular hollow expansion space, a foam injection port, a flow checking inflation valve for resesting fluid back flow within the foam injection port, and having a slide stop extending outwardly from the elastomeric ring; inserting the elastomeric ring into the catch basin's aperture; inserting an end of the pipe through the elastomeric ring; and injecting a closed cell resilient foam through the fluid injection port for expansion within the expansion space, the expansion driving the ring's annular inner and outer surfaces inwardly and outwardly, forming a seal spanning between the pipe and the catch basin.

Abstract: For sealing an annular space or space (4) between an opening (2), in a wall or similar member (1), and an object (3) extending through the opening (2), at least one sealing element (6) is placed in the annular space (4). Initially, the sealing element (6) is placed in the compressed state between the wall (1) and the object (3) and subsequently is released from the compressed state to an expanded state. For this purpose at first, the sealing element (6) is compressed by a sheath (7) which, after the sealing element (6) is positioned in the annular space (4), is destroyed and makes the expansion of the sealing element (6) possible.

Abstract: An in-stream sample collection and conditioning system which is easier to implement and maintain, more cost effective, and more reliable than existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present system contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse configurations and criteria, the system having incorporated therein a base piece formed of interconnecting modular base members, the base piece having fluid passageways formed therein to provide fluid flow between the adjacent base member. Situated adjacent to each of the modular base members forming the base piece are modular conditioning components, each selected from a field of diverse conditioning types and configurations, and adapted for the contemplated use.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant gasket for aircraft, and more particularly to encapsulation of a conductive mesh in a pliable fluorosilicone compound that will not become bonded to mating surfaces and will also migrate upon compression during installation to the threads of attaching hardware utilized between the instrument, antenna, and aircraft structure, thereby reducing corrosion through the attaching hardware, by providing a hermetic seal around the periphery of the envelope of the attached device.

Abstract: A valve body having one or more integral seal retention grooves and one or more interior hollows which may be manufactured using frictional or other types of welding to join two previously formed portions through at least one cylindrical web. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Finish machining of certain valve body surfaces prior to joining is optional. One or more interior hollows and an integral seal retention groove are formed in the welded valve body from features present on the portions joined by welding to form the body. Such valve bodies have relatively high stiffness for their weight and require only limited machining to achieve a final shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from the reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat.

Abstract: A sealing method and apparatus involves positioning sealant carriers in a gap between first and second components to be sealed. Sealant is applied to a first major surface of the sealant carriers. As the first and second components are tightened together, the carriers are compressed and cause sealant to travel from the first major surface and through the carriers to a second major surface which is opposed to the first major surface. The sealant carriers may be positioned on respective carrier supports while sealant is being applied to the first major surface of the sealant carriers. The supports are used in initially positioning the sealant carriers in place and then are removed prior to tightening the first and second components together. The supports may include alignment mechanisms for use in aligning the sealant carriers with one of the first and second components. The sealant adheres the sealant carriers to such one of the first and second components following removal of the supports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable pre-formed plug that is suitable for sealing and/or structurally reinforcing a structure having surfaces defining a space therebetween. The plug is comprised of at least an expandable inner core having an outer surface and a transportable outer skin that preferably substantially encapsulates the core. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the unexpanded plug is designed to mate with the surfaces that define a space therebetween upon expansion. The adhesive skin is generally dry to the touch at room temperature, however, upon initiation of expansion, the inner core expands and the surrounding skin is displaced in a coordinated manner. After some period of expansion, the outer skin preferably durably adheres or bonds to the walls of the surfaces defining a space therebetween and the outer surface of the core. A method for using such a plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable pre-formed plug that is suitable for sealing and/or structurally reinforcing a structure having surfaces defining a space therebetween. The plug is comprised of at least an expandable inner core having an outer surface and a transportable outer skin that preferably substantially encapsulates the core. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the unexpanded plug is designed to mate with the surfaces that define a space therebetween upon expansion. The adhesive skin is generally dry to the touch at room temperature, however, upon initiation of expansion, the inner core expands and the surrounding skin is displaced in a coordinated manner. After some period of expansion, the outer skin preferably durably adheres or bonds to the walls of the surfaces defining a space therebetween and the outer surface of the core. A method for using such a plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for screening a part of an electrical or electronic circuit, which part is surrounded by an electrically-conductive frame, from absorbing and/or emitting electromagnetic interference fields. The process comprises taking an electrically-conductive screening cap, with an open side bordered by a rim that contains a seating surface, and forming an elastic and electrically-conductive screening seal by directly applying the sealing compound to the seating surface in such a way that the screening seal projects beyond the seating surface. The screening cap is then placed with the screening seal on the electrically-conductive frame to fix the screening cap on the electrically-conductive frame.

Abstract: Glass-ceramic sealants for ceramic membrane reactors, ceramic membrane sealed to holders or substrates and methods of making seals between two ceramic materials or between a ceramic and a metal or metal alloy are provided. These sealants combine silicate glass-ceramic materials with selected metal oxides and, optionally, materials similar or identical to the materials being sealed, and employ thermal processing so that the resultant materials will have a thermal expansion coefficient that substantially matches the thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials. Surfaces of the ceramic sealant that are exposed to reactive atmospheres can be protected by providing a metal or metallic alloy layer over the ceramic seal.

Abstract: A sealing grommet is provided that includes a grommet body with a sealant reservoir and a sealant drain portion. The grommet body has an outer peripheral wall, a panel engagement recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall, and an inner peripheral wall extending inwardly of the outer peripheral wall and defining a wire harness insertion aperture inwardly thereof. The sealant reservoir is provided between the inner and outer peripheral walls, and is configured to temporarily store a sealant therein. The sealant drain portion is provided on the inner peripheral wall, and is configured to open upon deformation of the grommet body, thereby permitting the sealant to drain into the wire harness insertion aperture from the reservoir. With the above construction, the sealant can easily permeate between wires of the wire harness provided within the wire harness insertion aperture.

Abstract: A partition for forming a barrier in a channel has a molded resin-based plate and a plurality of thermally expandable pellets attached to one side of the plate. The partition is secured in place in the channel by mounting brackets. As heat is applied, a blowing agent in the pellets is activated and the pellets expand to many times their original volume. The resultant foam seals the gap between the plate and the surrounding structure and further secures the plate in place. The partition is particularly useful in forming a sound/water/air barrier in an automotive cavity.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.

Abstract: Conventional foamable cavity sealing articles are susceptible to sagging when expanded in a vertical orientation with the foaming material facing downwards, because of gravitational drag on the molten material during expansion. The problem is particularly pronounced in foaming materials formulated to have high expansion ratios and low melt viscosities. A solution to the problem is presented in the form of a cavity sealing article having a planar holder and a foamable sealer, the foamable sealer circumscribing the edge of the support member. This construction creates a gripping effect which prevents sagging of the sealing member during expansion.

Abstract: A fixing element (10) for fixing a dispenser member (20), such as a pump or a valve, to the neck (31) of a container (30) containing a substance to be dispensed, with a neck gasket (1) being interposed, the neck gasket having an inner edge (2) and an outer edge (3) for providing sealing at the neck (31) of the container (30), the fixing element (10) including a dispenser member receiving portion (11) for receiving the dispenser member (20) and a fixing portion (12) for fixing to the neck (31) of the container (30), the fixing element (10) being characterized in that it further includes a holding portion (13) for receiving and holding the neck gasket (1), the annular gasket (1) being held in the holding portion (13) of the fixing element (10) at its inner edge (2) only.

Abstract: A method of preventing water leakage which comprises the steps of interposing a waterproof seal which consists of a hollow, water-absorbing, swelling rubber piece covered with a fabric tube in a clearance between the ends of pipes or planks to be joined together, injecting air into the hollow of the rubber piece and thereby block off the clearance and obtain a contacting surface pressure greater than a leakproof pressure just needed, and thereafter allowing the water-absorbing, swelling rubber piece to swell with water. The waterproof seal may have an inlet valve through which air is forced into the hollow, or the seal may be pierced through with a hollow needle from the outside to inject air into the hollow.

Abstract: Reusable sleeve closures comprising a flexible thin sleeve of film grade plastic which seals the nozzle of a partially used sealant, mastic or caulk-dispensing cartridge or squeeze tube to substantially retard the hardening of the remaining tube contents. The plastic film provides a vapor barrier against exit of water or organic solvent from the sealant composition, and/or retards diffusion of oxygen that could cause the composition to set. The film is preferably somewhat stretchable and without creep over time, so that the sleeve provides an extremely tight seal for a substantial distance along the nozzle, e.g. film grade polyolefin or polyvinylidene chloride copolymer plastic film. The sleeve length is preferably long enough to provide a head space for a visual and tactile indicator of content condition. Sleeves may be packaged with the cartridge, or provided after-market. A 4-mil film polyolefin sleeve preserves water-based acrylic caulk over 9 months.

Abstract: A refrigeration sealing system for a refrigeration unit includes a trap-process tube coupled with and in communication with a compressor of the refrigeration unit for receiving refrigerant from a refrigerant source. The trap-process tube defines a passageway through which refrigerant flows from the refrigerant source to the compressor. The refrigeration sealing system for a refrigeration unit further includes an annular plug disposed within the passageway. The annular plug defines a bore for facilitating the flow of refrigerant through the passageway. The annular plug is further deformable to seal the passageway of the trap process tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of sealing a metal vacuum structure (vacuum bottle) for evacuating a space S closed by component members (an inner shell 2 and an outer shell 3) through an evacuation port and then sealing the evacuation port.

Abstract: A sealing grommet is provided that includes a grommet body with a sealant reservoir and a sealant drain portion. The grommet body has an outer peripheral wall, a panel engagement recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall, and an inner peripheral wall extending inwardly of the outer peripheral wall and defining a wire harness insertion aperture inwardly thereof. The sealant reservoir is provided between the inner and outer peripheral walls, and is configured to temporarily store a sealant therein. The sealant drain portion is provided on the inner peripheral wall, and is configured to open upon deformation of the grommet body, thereby permitting the sealant to drain into the wire harness insertion aperture from the reservoir. With the above construction, the sealant can easily permeate between wires of the wire harness provided within the wire harness insertion aperture.

Abstract: A static sealing arrangement, comprising a strip-shaped seal of elastomeric material pre-installed in a groove formed in a first structural member and having a contact portion which protrudes, when free, and is held tightly pressed against a planar sealing surface of a second structural member is characterized in that the elastomeric material possesses the property of swelling greatly under the influence of the medium to be sealed off and is joined directly to the material of the first structural member by being formed integrally with the same, and the cross sectional profile of the seal is designed to be asymmetrical, having the contact portion offset towards the side facing air of the seal, and the wall of the groove facing the medium projects towards the sealing surface of the second structural member by such a distance, as compared to the wall of the groove which faces air, that the wall facing the medium comes to lie adjacent the sealing surface in the final assembled state of the sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A gasket is formed of a gasket body having at least one hole to be sealed, and a sealing space situated around at least a part of the hole. A heat foamable coating is disposed only in the sealing space. The gasket is installed between two members, and then, the gasket is heated to foam the foamable coating in the sealing space. Thus, the foamable coating provides a surface pressure in the sealing space by foaming to securely seal thereat.

Abstract: A sealing device (20) includes a layer of sealant (22) for sealing an internal surface (30) of a hollow member (34). The internal surface is nonparallel to the open end of the hollow member, and has an aperture pattern (44) for receiving at least one substrate (40) extending from a support surface across the hollow member. The layer of sealant is disposed adjacent the internal surface and supported by a backing (24) having an aperture pattern corresponding to the aperture pattern of the internal surface. The backing is spaced from the support surface and is movably supported inside the hollow member. The layer of sealant is adhered to the front surface of the backing to form a self-supporting article that can be easily positioned into the hollow member. One or more substrates can be inserted through the support surface across the hollow member, through the apertures in the backing and the layer of sealant, and through the apertures on the internal surface.

Abstract: A joint seal is designed to maintain its proper position in the joint groove opening port to create an effective seal between the inner walls of the joint groove and to resist peeling or damage, even in an event, such as an earthquake, during which the adjacent outer wall materials shift; and to have a joint base material 2, a sealing material 3 and a heart wood 8. The joint base material 2 has at least two seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b projecting from the outer face of side plates 5, 5. A number of small openings 8 to allow sealing material to be pressed out at the insertion of heart wood 8 is punched between the seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b, and release mold sheets 18a and 18b are attached to joint base material 2 as a cap member covering the small openings 8 and the opening ports of side plates 5, 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for sealing the entrance of an elongated element (1) into the lower end of an offshore tube (8), --including the steps of arranging a plug-like device (2) on the element, --pulling a predetermined length of the element into the tube, --and fixing the plug on the element surface at the bellmouth entrance (7) of the tube, the outer diameter of the plug being somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. Expandable foam is injected to a space (11,12) between the outer surface of the plug (2) and the inner surface of the tube (8), --in order to substantially fill said space.The foam is supplied to the space (11,12) from at least one foam container (15) placed inside the plug, --via ducts (13,14) within the plug. The foam container (15) is operated from a drive gas cartridge (16) also arranged within the plug (2) and is operable by an ROV.

Abstract: Sealing device for sealing a joint (2) formed between two sections (3, 4) to be concreted, whereby the sealing device is embedded in the sections (3, 4) so that it is positioned at a right angle to the abutting ends (5, 6) of the joint (2) opposite the concreted sections (3, 4), whereby the sealing device is formed as a thin-walled, strip-shaped joint rail (1) made of rigid plastic and its dimensional shape and its wall thickness are so dimensioned that it is self-supporting.The rigid plastic is preferably a thermoplastic plastic, in particular HDPE, which is dimensionally stable in a temperature range of -20.degree. C. to +80.degree. C.

Abstract: A cavity sealing article for use in a longitudinally extending cavity defined by cavity walls, the cavity having a cross-section within the cavity walls which is to be sealed at a predetermined location, comprises: (a) a driver comprising a crosslinked foamable polymer, the driver having a size, shape, and expansion ratio on foaming such that, when foamed within the cross-section of the cavity at the predetermined location, it substantially but incompletely occupies the cross-section of the cavity; and (b) a sealer comprising an uncrosslinked foamable polymer in intimate contact with the driver and surrounding the driver in the cross-section of the cavity, the sealer having a size, shape, and expansion ratio on foaming such that, when the cavity sealing article as a whole is foamed, the foamed sealer is forced into intimate and sealing contact with the cavity walls.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved gasket for use in a wide variety of sealing applications. The gasket comprises a continuous, form-in-place gasket element, comprising layers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, that has significant tensile strength in both the longitudinal and the transverse directions. As such, the gasketing element of the present invention provides all of the operational advantages of PTFE, while being dimensionally stable, resistant to creep relaxation and providing form-in-place dimensions, thus satisfying a wider range of sealing applications than conventional sealing materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting corrosion control compound into a crevice or void such as pipe flanges featuring a corrosion control kit comprising a syringe injector having a detachable nozzle, a corrosion control compound, pipe tape and a mantle for heating the compound. Other optional items may be included in the kit. The method of the subject invention utilizes the apparatus, is cost efficient and easy to perform. The resulting seal formed between the flanges is easy to inspect and requires no maintenance.

Abstract: A planar cavity sealing article comprises:(a) at least one driver comprising a crosslinked foamable polymer, and(b) a sealer comprising an uncrosslinked foamable polymer in intimate contact with the at least one driver and substantially surrounding the at least one driver in the plane of the article.

Abstract: An anchored guide tube centered on an axis and a conduit passing axially through the tube are relatively sealed by a feedthrough fitting having a flexible and shrinkable sleeve having an inner portion secured to an outer surface of the guide tube at an end thereof and a outer portion folded back over the inner portion and forming an annular fold generally at the tube end. A lubricant or the like is provided for facilitating sliding of the outer portion on the inner portion from a storage position folded back over and lying on the inner portion and a use position extending outward past the tube end away from the inner portion.

Abstract: A seal for a sensor element of a gas sensor for determining the oxygen content in gases including exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, which seal seals the sensor element in a longitudinal bore of a housing, the seal including a sealing stack which is positioned within the longitudinal bore of the housing and around the sensor element in use and which is comprised of two sealing bodies and an additional seal positioned between the two sealing bodies. The two sealing bodies are comprised of a pre-sintered ceramic material. The additional seal is comprised of a pre-pressed powder material and has a porosity which is lower than that of the two sealing bodies. The two sealing bodies and the additional seal are compressed together within the longitudinal bore in use, whereby at least the additional seal is deformed so that the sensor element is sealed in a gap-free manner within the longitudinal bore.