Abstract: A turbine rotor of an embodiment includes a rotor body portion having turbine discs in plural stages in an axial direction protruding radially outside from an outer peripheral surface of the rotor body portion over a circumferential direction. The turbine rotor includes a plurality of axial passages, through which a cooling medium flows, formed at the rotor body portion radially outside than a center axis of the turbine rotor and radially inside than an outer peripheral surface of the rotor body portion in the axial direction; an introduction passage introducing the cooling medium into each of the axial passages; and discharge passages that penetrate from each of the axial passages to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor body portion to discharge the cooling medium.

Abstract: A sealing system including a first end and a second end with flexible bellows extending therebetween. The first end includes a base plate with an inner ring having an inner diameter. The inner ring is configured to receive a pipe therethrough. The pipe has an outer diameter, which is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner ring. The bellows of the sealing system has a first length in a first position and second length in a second position. Upon axial expansion of the pipe, the bellows is configured to move from the first position to the second position. The sealing system may also comprise a mechanical protective element, such as a shroud which extends around the bellows. Movement of the bellows can be further limited with rods extending from the shroud to a surrounding substrate or a cable fixing a maximum distance between the pipe and the shroud.

Abstract: An exhaust component assembly includes a first exhaust component extending along a first axis, a second exhaust component extending along a second axis, and a mixer having a mixer inlet portion connected to an outlet from the first exhaust component and a mixer outlet portion connected to an inlet to the second exhaust component. A flexible connection couples the mixer inlet portion to the mixer outlet portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stage compressor for a gas turbine engine. The compressor has: a first outer casing, a second outer casing radially outward of the first outer casing, and a first bleed plenum one or more second bleed plenums located between the first and second outer casings and arranged to receive, in use, bleed flows of compressed air from respective stages of the compressor and to send the bleed flows to respective ports in the second outer casing. The first bleed plenum overlaps the, or each, second bleed plenum such that the, or each, second bleed plenum fluidly communicates with its port via a respective duct which, on extending between an off-take from the second bleed plenum to the port, passes through the first bleed plenum. The, or each, duct is configured to accommodate relative movement between the first and second outer casings.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting element for use in solar troughs and solar power systems. The solar heat collecting element includes a conduit for carrying a heat transfer fluid; a light transparent envelope disposed about the conduit; and an edge welded metal bellows assembly coupling a first end of the conduit with a first end of the envelope.

Abstract: Slip joint having a stacked washer seal, a male part and a female part. The female part has a small and a large inner diameter. The male part has substantially constant inner and outer diameters and a ring on the outer diameter. A gap is located between the male and female part. At least two washers and a flat shim are located in the gap. Each washer and flat shim has a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The first side of a first washer abuts an end of the male part. A second side of the washer contacts a first side of a flat shim. The second side of the shim contacts the first side of a second washer. The second side of the second washer contacts a first side of a second flat shim or an end of the female part.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical tubing assembly (100) comprising: finned medical tubing (10) formed from an elongate tubular member (20) disposed with one or more longitudinal fins (21, 21?, 21?), a collar (200), slidably mountable on the finned tubing (10), equipped with a locking means and optionally one or more suture eyelets (250, 250?), said locking means configured to provide a locking force against one or more of the longitudinal fins (21, 21?, 21?). The invention allows securing of a medical tubing in situ that prevents slippage or damage to the tubing wall.

Abstract: A solar receiver assembly includes a tube adapted to carry a heat transfer medium and a glass envelope surrounding the tube and having opposed ends. An interface is disposed between each end and the tube so as to seal and support the tube from the envelope. And the receiver includes a prism disposed over the interface to divert incident radiation away from the interface and toward the tube and/or the glass envelope. The prisms may be provided with reflective and/or anti-reflective coatings to further optimize diversion of radiation from the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which forms a sealed joint between two pipes, particularly but not limited to roofing drain pipes. This apparatus includes a cylindrical body made of rubber or similar material that grips and seals two pipes when it is axially compressed by two halves of an articulated housing as they move towards each other. The two half bodies of the articulated housing are threaded to each other such that when one body is rotated in one direction, the bodies move towards each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the housing, and compressing/deforming the rubber seal.

Abstract: A connection of an exhaust manifold section to an opening of an internal combustion engine block generally consisting of an end portion of the exhaust manifold received in a recess of the engine block opening in engageable and sealing relation with a surface thereof, and portions received in diametrically opposed undercuts of the recess; a threaded bolt having an axis disposed in a plane of and at an acute angle to a centerline of the exhaust manifold section, and an end portion engaging the exhaust manifold section; a bearing element in which the bolt is threaded having an arcuate surface disposed radially relative to an axis disposed at a right angle to the axis of the bolt and a section of the engine block having a recess in which the bearing element is disposed, having an arcuate bearing surface engaged by the arcuate surface of the bearing element.

Abstract: A method of avoiding damage to a decoupling hose mounted between two tubes of a motor vehicle exhaust system, said hose comprising a deformable inner portion, an outer sealing leakproofing portion in the form of a continuous and leaktight sleeve having a flexible central zone and two rigid endpieces, and an intermediate portion in the form of a wad of thermal lagging extending substantially over the entire length of the outer sleeve, each rigid endpiece extending at least over a length such that its peripheral end edge connected to the flexible central zone overlies the inner portion of the hose which is subjected to deformation, wherein, in order to avoid any damage to the wad of thermal lagging by said peripheral end edge of each endpiece, the method consists in defining the effective length of the endpieces in such a manner that for the wad of thermal lagging having an initial thickness H0 and a compressed thickness Hc when compressed by said peripheral edge of each endpiece during maximum transverse defle

Abstract: A flexible tube 10 of the present invention is disposed downstream of a exhaust path from an engine E, and formed of an outer bellows 3 as an outer tube and an inner bellows 4 as an inner tube; pleats 4c,4c of the inner bellows 4 are smaller in depth and pitch than the pleats 3c of the outer bellows 3, and the buffering space S is provided with a gap t between the pleats bottoms of the outer bellows 3 and the pleats tops of the inner bellows 4, and further, a partition 17 that splits the exhaust path is disposed in the inner bellows 4. For this reason, sound insulation effect is improved, and the lowering of the temperature of the exhaust gas is suppressed, leading to quick temperature rise of the exhaust gas to be fed into the catalytic converter, thereby promoting the activation of the catalysts and improving the capability to purify exhaust gas, and the exhaust efficiency can be improved thereby increasing output performance of the engine.

Abstract: An air induction system wherein the outlet air assembly includes a sleeve-lined convolute duct. A sleeve liner is disposed within a convolute duct which spans the convolutes, wherein an attached end of the sleeve liner is attached to a non-convolute portion of the convolute duct, wherein a free end is freely slidable in the convolute duct, and wherein the free end of the sleeve liner and the attached end of the sleeve liner each serve as a sealing cuff whereby air flow is laminar therethrough irrespective of the convolutes.

Abstract: This pipe joint comprises a hollow cylindrical joint body made of elastic material such as heat-resistant rubber with a prescribed length, and a circular flange for connecting piping attached to the both sides of the joint body, on the side of the inner circumference of the joint body is provided a bellows metal pipe closely contacted with the joint body, and the thickness of the joint body is at least larger than the size of the summit or the trough of bellows of the metal pipe.

Abstract: An exhaust-vibration decoupling connector has an inlet tube (1) extended downstream from a decoupler inlet (2) to an inlet-tube step (22). The inlet-tube step includes a radially inward extension of the inlet tube to a damper seat (23) that includes further downstream extension of the inlet tube. An outlet tube (4) is extended upstream from a decoupler outlet (5) to an outlet-tube step (24) that includes a radially inward extension of the outlet tube to proximate an outside surface of the damper seat. A vibration damper is positioned removably in a damper fixture (3) that includes the damper seat intermediate the inlet-tube step and the outlet-tube step proximate midway between the decoupler inlet and the decoupler outlet. Surrounding the vibration damper, a decoupler bellows (7) has an upstream bellows attachment (9) proximate an outside periphery of the inlet tube and a downstream bellows attachment (10) proximate an outside periphery of the outlet tube.

Abstract: A vapor tube structure in a gas turbine comprises first connecting tubes fixed to a casing, second connecting tubes fixed to a blade ring, a recovery ring and a cooling recovery ring, a bellows tube of the flexible structure, springs, a tube and a piston rings provided between the first connecting tubes and the second connecting tubes. As a result, it is possible to absorb and follow the thermal expansion/contraction difference and prevent leaking of vapor.

Abstract: A flexible slide joint is provided for accommodating axial, rotational and angular misalignments between two fluid conveying members. The flexible slide joint basically has first and second tube members with a sliding sealing member and a axially compressible element coupled therebetween. The sliding sealing member is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a first predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a second predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is force balanced relative to the sliding sealing member such that the second predetermined axial force is smaller than the first predetermined axial force.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid piping system is provided with two or more coupled pipe spools, each spool having an inner and outer pipe, the inner for carrying cryogenic fluid. The pipe spools are also configured with a bayonet connection to allow expansion and contraction of the system without failure. A leak control device and pressure relief device are included to protect the system from catastrophic failure in the event of a cryogenic fluid leak from the inner pipe.

Abstract: Both ends of a bellows-type outer cylinder [31] capable of axial expansion and contraction are connected in a leakproof manner to a pair of connection passage ends [20], thereby constituting an expansion passage [30]. A cylindrical resin film [33] having no permeability to fluid is arranged in an interior of the bellows-type outer cylinder [31], and the axial ends thereof are connected in a leakproof manner to said connecting passage end regions. The cylindrical region [34] positioned in the intermediate region of the cylindrical resin film [33] covers the inner surface of said bellows-type outer cylinder [31] in a leakproof manner.

Abstract: A vacuum-jacketed bayonet pipe spool system for cryogenic fluid. The pipe spool comprises a male bayonet to fit within a female bayonet of an opposing pipe and an expansion-contraction second bellows about the outer end of the male bayonet for stress-free movement.

Abstract: A flexible connector assembly is provided for an exhaust system. The exhaust system includes first and second rigid exhaust pipes. The flexible connector assembly includes a flexible metal hose section and a liner tube. The liner tube has a first, enlarged-diameter section and a second, reduced-diameter section. The liner tube first section is fixedly secured within the hose section. An annular clearance is formed between the liner tube second section and the hose section. The connector assembly effectively resists vibration and provides a relatively fluid-tight passage for exhaust gasses between the first and second exhaust pipes.

Abstract: A decoupler for exhaust pipe of automobiles includes a bellows for absorbing bending and expansion, the bellows being airtight with respect to exhaust gas therein, and an inner, cylindrical sleeve disposed in the bellows for protecting the bellows from the exhaust gas passing through the cylindrical sleeve. A guide member is disposed at one end of the bellows outside of and around at least a portion of the bellows, and a cover member is disposed at the other end of the bellows outside of and around at least a portion of the bellows. A first mesh ring and a second mesh ring are disposed between the guide member and the cover member and form a sliding surface in contact with a body portion of the cover member and circular-arc surfaces of the guide member.

Abstract: An expansion joint for high temperature air or other gaseous flows, of the type in which two duct ends are separated by a gap, that is bridged by overlapping inner and outer liner ducts. The inner and outer liner ducts are surrounded by at least one insulating pillow. The periphery of the expansion joint is surrounded by a flexible cover. A bellows liner structure is disposed between the inner and outer liner ducts and the at least one insulation pillow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pipeline expansion joint, in particular the conditions of a pressure-balanced expansion joint. A sensor is positioned so as to sense one or more physical characteristics of a pipeline fluid flow. A signal generated by the sensor(s) is received by a suitably configured electronic controller. The controller, in turn, is connected to a flow control valve, that is movable between at least an “off” or “no-flow” position, and a flow permitting position, connecting a source of compressible medium and the volume confined between the two (or more) balancing bellows of a pressure-balanced expansion joint. An accumulator may also be provided, that may be connectable via the flow control valve, to the confined volume. The controller will be operably configured to cause the valve to be moved, in response to signals received from the sensor(s) that correspond to stored numerical data in the controller that represent different potential operating conditions.

Abstract: An expansion joint device (10) used for metal conduits comprises an inlet short tube (1), an outlet short tube (2), and a sleeve (3). Both the opposed inside ends of the two short tubes (1, 2) are in the inside of the sleeve (3) and form a compensating gap (6) between them. A bellows member (7), axially expansible with an external force applying on, is provided in the compensating gap (6) formed between the opposed inside ends of the two short tubes (1, 2). The two ends of the bellows member (7) are respectively connected with the inside ends of the two short tubes (1, 2) in sealed manner. At least one of the two ends of said sleeve (3) is free end with respect to the two short tubes (1, 2).

Abstract: An exhaust pipe assembly provided with a bellows pipe for connecting an upstream exhaust pipe and a downstream exhaust pipe is disposed so as to form a double pipe construction with a first joint pipe which is connected to the upstream exhaust pipe and a second joint pipe which is connected to the downstream exhaust pipe. A pair of ball receiving portions are disposed on a peripheral surface of the first joint pipe at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction, and a pair of ball receiving portions are disposed on a peripheral surface of the second joint pipe at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction. The ball receiving portions are disposed at an angular phase difference with each other in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable pipe joint wherein the cylindrical pipe joint comprises first and second external cylinders disconnectably connected to each other; a first pressure-balancing cylinder is set in the first external cylinder; a second pressure-balancing cylinder is set in the second external cylinder so that it can be moved with a coupling lever in the axial direction; the first and second pressure-balancing cylinders have first and second pressure-balancing plates opposite to each other and are connected to each other with a first bellows; the second pressure-balancing cylinder and the second external cylinder are connected to each other with a second bellows; nozzles are formed on peripheral walls of the first and second pressure-balancing cylinders; and openings of the first and second pressure-balancing cylinders are connected to piping.

Abstract: The invention discloses a decoupler for exhaust pipe of automobiles including a bellows (10) made of metal and formed in cylindrical and a repeatedly corrugated shapes for absorbing bending and expansion to maintain the exhaust gas to be airtight; an inner sleeve (20) in a cylindrical shape, disposed inward the bellows (10) for protecting the bellows (10) and passing through the exhaust gas at high temperature; a guide member (40) disposed at the one end of the bellows (10) for forming circular-arc surfaces (41, 42) at both ends of a cylindrical portion (43), with respect to the motion center of the bellows (10), wrapped outward the bellows (10); a cover member (50) disposed at the other end of the bellows (10), for having inclined sections (51 and 52) symmetrically formed at the opposing ends of the body portion (53) thereof at a predetermined angle, wrapped outward the bellows (10); first mesh ring (60) and second mesh ring (61) disposed between the guide member (40) and the cover member (50), forming a sli

Abstract: A vibration decoupling device for use in exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, comprises a pair of axially spaced conduit connecting members connected with each other by a bellows-type connecting element, and a force transmitting means having at least axial elasticity for transferring forces between said conduit connecting members. The force transmitting means comprises a housing surrounding said bellows-type connecting element, said housing being connected near at least one axial end thereof to an adjacent conduit connecting member by an articulated spring assembly comprising one or more independent spring means. Each spring means comprises at least one leaf spring element and has three force transmitting portions.

Abstract: An uncoupling element is proposed for uncoupling vibrations in an exhaust gas conduit of an internal combustion engine, having a screw thread-shaped or annular waved, metal corrugated hose, which is inserted between a first conduit element arranged upstream and a second conduit element arranged downstream.

Abstract: A gas tight articulated connecting element for piping elements includes: a flexible gas tight tube element to be securely connected with the piping elements; a supporting element disposed at a distance from the tube element at an exterior region thereof and including a plurality of supporting parts, each of the supporting parts being configured to be connected at one end thereof to a piping element adjacent thereto, and at another end thereof to an adjacent other end of an adjacent one of the supporting parts; and a flexible connection device disposed between adjacent ones of the supporting parts for connecting said another end to said an adjacent other end, the flexible connection device including an intermediate part made of an elastomer and being connected with the supporting parts in a locking connection.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe assembly provided with a bellows pipe for connecting an upstream exhaust pipe and a downstream exhaust pipe is disposed so as to form a double pipe construction with a first joint pipe which is connected to the upstream exhaust pipe and a second joint pipe which is connected to the downstream exhaust pipe. A pair of ball receiving portions are disposed on a peripheral surface of the first joint pipe at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction, and a pair of ball receiving portions are disposed on a peripheral surface of the second joint pipe at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction. The ball receiving portions are disposed at an angular phase difference with each other in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a segmented exhaust manifold with a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an outlet end. The second segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an additional inlet end connected with the outlet end of the first segment. An exhaust connector is connected between the outlet end of the first segment and the additional inlet end of the second segment. The exhaust connector includes an inner tubular element, an outer tubular element and a bellows. The outer tubular element is positioned radially around the inner tubular element. The bellows engages the inner tubular element and biases the inner tubular element against the first segment or the second segment. The bellows also engages the outer tubular element and biases the outer tubular element against the other of the first segment or the second segment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decoupler for the exhaust pipes of automobile.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an automobile exhaust system which has a bellow assembly to absorb the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe for the an exhaust system having a cylindrical outer cover (5) made of plate to cover the outer periphery of the bellows (3)1 the first collar (7') and the second collar (7") with the risers (7a', 7a") bent toward the inner surface (5a) of the outer cover (5); the first elongation displacement stopper member (6') and the second elongation member displacement stopper member (6") respectively formed by bending the inner side of the outer cover (5); and the first elastic stopper member (8') and the second elastic stopper member (8") provided at the risers (7a', 7a") of both collars (7', 7"). As a further modification, the second outer cover (9) may be provided inside of the outer cover (5) to form displacement stoppers (9a, 9b) by bending the both end portions of the second outer cover.

Abstract: A modified expansion joint to provide a transition from one conduit to an adjacent conduit. The expansion joint includes a flexible coupling member and an angled transition leg having insulation on both sides thereof. The flexible coupling member takes up any variations in dimensional differences between the adjacent conduits. The transition leg provides a gradual thermal transition from a hot upstream conduit to a downstream conduit at a lower exterior surface temperature.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling exhaust connector is provided having a flange for mounting the connector to a flange or housing surface of an exhaust system component, such as an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. A liner tube is resiliently supported in the flange, by a vibration damping resilient metal mesh ring. A bellows is sealingly connected to the liner tube and the flange, in order to provide flexible sealing of the connector, for substantially precluding escape of exhaust gases from the joint when the connector is in place.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting pipe pieces, particularly pipe pieces of exhaust systems of motor vehicles, is provided with end sleeves each fastened to the ends of the pipe pieces and pointing in each case to the other pipe end. In the interior of the end sleeves, bellows are arranged, the ends of the bellows being in each case connected with a pipe piece. A stranded spring extends helically along the outer circumference walls of the end sleeve. On the exterior side, the stranded spring is at least partially covered by protection sleeves which are provided with corrugations adapted to the course of the helical line and in whose interior the stranded spring is guided. The protection sleeve is connected with the end sleeves and the ends of the stranded spring are connected with the protection sleeves or the end sleeves.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a segmented exhaust manifold with a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an outlet end. The second segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an additional inlet end connected with the outlet end of the first segment. An exhaust connector is connected between the outlet end of the first segment and the additional inlet end of the second segment. The exhaust connector includes an inner tubular element, an outer tubular element and a bellows. The outer tubular element is positioned radially around the inner tubular element. The bellows engages the inner tubular element and biases the inner tubular element against the first segment or the second segment. The bellows also engages the outer tubular element and biases the outer tubular element against the other of the first segment or the second segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a duct assembly for conducting compressed air from a fixed component to a component that is movable with respect to the fixed component. The duct assembly contains at least two telescoping, tubular conduit sections with seals between adjacent sections. An upstream transitional joint rotatably interconnects the outermost conduit section with an air supply duct, while a downstream transitional joint rotatably interconnects the innermost conduit section with an air delivery duct. A tubular double-wall spaced apart from the inner surface of the innermost conduit section forms an annular airspace between the tubular double-wall and the innermost conduit section. A second double-wall forms a second annular airspace between its downstream end and the upstream transitional joint. The annular airspaces created by the double-walls protect the seals.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive lengths of fluid transmission member in an exhaust system for a vehicle. A pipe inner member is insertingly received in the adjacent ends of two pipe adapter members which are affixed to respective adjacent pipe ends. A first spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of one of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A second spacer member is radially and axially enclosed between the end of the other of the adapter members and the pipe inner member. A flexible, extensible sealing member mechanically connects the adapter members, and, in turn, the pipe ends. Biasing means are provided for imparting an axial bias or preload to the coupler apparatus, for providing progressive resistance to compression of the coupler apparatus.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling connector apparatus, for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an annular vibration damping member connecting a down pipe to a mounting member for permitting restricted axial, lateral and angular movement of the down pipe, relative to the mounting member, which may be affixed to an exhaust manifold, for example. The apparatus also includes a sealing construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. First and second adapter members are connected together to accommodate axial and flexural relative movement between two components of an exhaust system. One or more resilient spacer members associated with the adapter members substantially preclude transmission of vibrations from one adapter member to another. Means for imparting an axial bias are provided for giving progressive resilient resistance to compression and/or extension of the coupler apparatus from a preloaded, neutral position.

Abstract: A flexible connector apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an attachment construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows to at least one of the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus may include a liner tube structure having inlet and outlet liner tubes. An alternative construction incorporates a multi-ply bellows in the absence of a liner structure.

Abstract: Flexible connector systems are provided for decoupling vibrations between two components of an exhaust system of a vehicle, for example an exhaust manifold and an exhaust down pipe. The flexible connector systems are configured for providing sealed, substantially leak-proof connections which are capable of accommodating axial elongation and contraction, as well as pivoting movements of one component, relative to another component. The flexible connector systems include mating structures which are configured to mate with existing manifold outlet formations, with little or no modification of the exhaust manifold configuration. Ball joint structures and/or resilient mounting materials are used for accommodating pivoting movements. Bellows are provided for accommodating elongation and contraction, while providing sealing enclosure of pipe elements transporting the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A flexible joint is disclosed which comprises a first rigid wall portion, a second rigid wall portion, a flexible wall portion extending between the first and second rigid wall portions, the three wall portions defining a longitudinal passage through the joint and being arranged along the length of the passage, a sleeve secured at one end to the first rigid wall portion and extending through the passage so as to overlap the second rigid wall portion, the sleeve being spaced from the flexible wall portion and free to move relative to the second rigid wall portion. In a preferred embodiment, a layer of insulating material is provided on a surface of the sleeve while leaving the space between the sleeve and the flexible wall portion to be occupied by process fluid when in use. In another embodiment, the length of the portion of the sleeve overlapping the second rigid wall portion is at least five times the distance of the sleeve from the second rigid wall portion, as measured perpendicular to the sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a culvert includes a pair of annular connecting members, a flexible sealing member fixed to the connecting members, bearing means provided radially inwardly of the flexible sealing member and fixed to the connecting members for supporting the flexible sealing member to prevent inward deformation of the flexible sealing member. The bearing means may consist of bearing bars arranged circumferentially or may consist of a pair of annular support members. The flexible joint further includes cylinders fitted loosely on the bearing bars. The flexible joint may further include an annular joint filling member provided between the connecting members for preventing flowing of secondary lining concrete into space between the connecting members and having a thickness in the radial direction which enables continuous depositing of the concrete from one culvert unit to another culvert unit to be joined together.

Abstract: A flexible connection tube for an automotive exhaust system comprises a flexible metal bellows adapted to be connected between a run of exhaust piping for absorbing expansion or contraction of the exhaust piping, and an outer knitted metal-wire braid covering the outer periphery of the bellows for protecting the bellows from damage and for preventing the bellows from stretching to its full length. The outer knitted metal-wire braid is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by knitting plural metal-wire bundles (each bundle being produced by a plurality of parallelly bonded metal wires) alternately with each other in spiral directions with respect to the axial direction of the bellows. Apertures are defined by many groups of four adjacent metal-wire bundles knitted alternately with each other.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a culvert includes a pair of annular connecting members, a flexible sealing member fixed to the connecting members, bearing means provided radially inwardly of the flexible sealing member and fixed to the connecting members for supporting the flexible sealing member to prevent inward deformation of the flexible sealing member. The bearing means may consist of bearing bars arranged circumferentially or may consist of a pair of annular support members. The flexible joint further includes cylinders fitted loosely on the bearing bars. The flexible joint may further include an annular joint filling member provided between the connecting members for preventing flowing of secondary lining concrete into space between the connecting members and having a thickness in the radial direction which enables continuous depositing of the concrete from one culvert unit to another culvert unit to be joined together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the movable connection of pipe ends, particularly of motor vehicle exhaust systems, with a flexible pipe element, such as a metal bellows, hose or the like, and with damped, spring elastic elements acting between the connection ends of the flexible pipe element. Such a device must have a simple construction, but must on the one hand compensate the relative movements acting between said connection ends and on the other ensure the necessary restoring forces for restoring the pipe element to its central position. In such a device, the invention provides for the elements to be held in expanding fastenings of supports parts, so that the linear spring characteristic of the elements is progressively modified by the expanding fastenings.