Abstract: A gasket assembly is provided having a ring seal (100) and a ring joint gasket (12). The ring seal (100) has an annular sealing body (102) and an annular outer seal portion (106) disposed on and defining an outer edge of the annular sealing body (102). An annular inner seal portion (108) is disposed on and defines an inner edge of the annular sealing body (102). A central bore (104) is defined by an annular surface (110) of the annular inner seal portion (108). The ring joint gasket (12) has an inner surface (13) that engages the annular outer seal portion (106) of the ring seal (100), wherein the ring joint gasket is insertable into a flange of a ring-type joint.

Abstract: A gasket sandwiched between a flow cell and a joint member has, in a main flat surface, an inlet communication hole for communicating between an inlet hole of the flow cell and an inlet flow path of the joint member and an outlet communication hole for communicating between an outlet hole of the flow cell and an outlet flow path of the joint member. Furthermore, a deformation absorbing structure for absorbing deformation of the gasket is provided between the inlet communication hole and the outlet communication hole in the main flat surface of the gasket.

Abstract: A container assembly for flowable materials, the container assembly comprising: a reusable outer supporting container; and a disposable inner plastic liner; wherein the reusable outer supporting container comprises an outlet pipe comprising a first outlet pipe section connected to the reusable outer supporting container and a second outlet pipe section releasably connectable to the first outlet pipe section, wherein the second outlet pipe section comprises a valve for selectively closing off the second outlet pipe section, and wherein at least one of the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section comprises an annular recess; and wherein the disposable inner plastic liner comprises a tubular outlet portion, wherein the tubular outlet portion comprises an outer flange configured to be captured between the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section, and further wherein the outer flange of the tubular outlet portion comprises an annular protrusion configured to be received in t

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two tubular members. The coupling being comprised of two hubs with annular flanges having axially outwardly facing frustoconical surfaces. The hubs have axially inwardly facing tapered faces, the radially innermost point of said tapered faces being perpendicular to the axis of the tubular members. The tapered faces of the hubs have registering seal rings grooves formed therein, a seal ring being positioned in the seal ring grooves. The hubs are held together by a pair of outer clamps having inner surfaces shaped for engaging the axially outwardly facing frustoconical surfaces of the hubs. Compression of the clamps toward one another forces the inwardly facing tapered surfaces toward one another and brings them into engagement. The engagement of the tapered surfaces forms a primary metal-to-metal seal. The seal ring within the seal ring groove forms a secondary metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: In one example, a fitting assembly including a first fitting, a second fitting, and a seal positioned between the two fittings is disclosed. The first fitting includes a first product contacting sidewall and a first sealing face and the second fitting is coupled to the first fitting and includes a second product contacting sidewall and a second sealing face. The seal is positioned between the first and second sealing faces and includes a radially curved outer surface forming an exterior edge of the seal and a tail extending radially inwards from the radially curved outer surface, where the tail forms an interior edge of the seal that defines an opening through the seal. As connected, the first product contacting sidewall is substantially coplanar with the second product contacting sidewall and the seal seals a connection gap between the two sealing faces.

Abstract: An apparatus usable with an injection molder for producing articles includes a first mold support including a first mold, and a second mold support including a second mold and a first die. The first mold support is movable relative to the second mold support between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first mold and the second mold being brought together to form an injection molded article include a body having at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the body and facing the second mold. In the second position, the first mold and the first die being brought together to subsequently form the article, the first die selectively subsequently forming an altered cross sectional region in at least a portion of the protrusion, forming an undercut in the altered cross sectional region or between the altered cross sectional region of the subsequently formed protrusion and the body.

Abstract: A fluid connector includes first and second fluid connector elements with respective first and second base portions. The first and second fluid connector elements each include a pair of extension portions extending from the respective first and second base portions. First and second face seal elements are respectively carried by the first and second base portions and are contained within the pair of extension portions of the associated fluid connector element. A locking coupling allows the first and second fluid connector elements to be coupled together with the face seal elements in facing and sealing engagement, and then rotated relative to one another and locked together to form a fluid tight joint between the face seal elements and a fluid flow path through the first and second face seal elements and the first and second fluid connector elements.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible hose assembly having a flexible tube for conveying fuel through a first fuel passage formed interiorly of the flexible tube and a flexible hose surrounding the flexible tube and forming therewith a second fuel passage. The flexible tube provides internal support for the flexible hose while also allowing for flow of fuel through the second fuel passage and the fuel passages are separate from one another along a length of the flexible hose assembly. When one of the fuel passages is in a low flow or no flow condition, fuel flowing through the other of the fuel passages acts to cool the fuel passage in the low flow or no flow condition to prevent stagnant fuel in the passage from heating up and coking.

Abstract: A pipe coupler for coupling a first pipe to a second pipe comprises: a body; a first flange and a second flange; and a gasket. The body, first flange, second flange, and gasket are dimensioned to have an assembled condition. The gasket, first flange, and second flange are coaxial. The gasket is axially sandwiched between an inboard face of the first flange and an inboard face of the second flange. The body encircles the gasket, first flange, and second flange and has a first portion axially outboard of the first flange and a second portion axially outboard of the second flange.

Abstract: An arrangement of a biconical annular seal having a laid down V shaped cross-section, in an annular groove having a trapezoid shaped cross-section, a small base of the trapezoid corresponding to a cylindrical bottom of the groove and being radially inwardly open at a great base of the trapezoid. The seal includes a radially outer annular heel and two generally conical annular wings extending radially inwardly from the heel, an inner radial end of each wing being axially bearing against an associated wall of the groove. The seal is mounted in the groove such that the heel of the seal is located radially distal to a bottom of the groove.

Abstract: In order to connect pressure piping while ensuring fluid-tightness without requiring welding at the installation site, the outer circumferential surface (4) of a flange joint (1) connects the face (2), on the side on which a pressure pipe (40) aligned on the center line (C) is inserted into a center hole (10), and the face (3), on the side another component is between the insertion-side face (2) and the other-component-connection face (3). The inner walls of vertical holes (6) are provided with a screw thread (6b), and between the face (2) and the face (3) these vertical holes run from the outer circumferential surface (4) to the inner circumferential surface (5) of the center hole (10) so as to intersect the horizontal holes (7).

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a fluidic seal such as in a clean service relief valve. In accordance with some embodiments, a ring-shaped sealing member has an annular main body portion with an innermost surface at an innermost diameter, an outermost surface at an outermost diameter and opposing top and bottom flat surfaces which respectively extend between the innermost surface and the outermost surface. An annular first projection extends away from the top flat surface in a first direction, and an annular second projection extends away from the bottom flat surface in an opposing second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed may be an intermediate surface for supporting a small paver, wherein the surface can also be used to exchange heat with the pavers. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be a hextray defined by a frame with a hexagonal lattice for supporting pavers. The hextray preferably features a tubing track throughout the lattice to accommodate heat exchange tubing. In operation the hextray may be positioned above a pedestal or directly on a subsurface. In embodiment, the hex tray may be outfitted with insulation and a metal plate so that heat may be exchanged with pedestals via fluid passing through tubing installed throughout the hexagonal lattice. In a preferred embodiment, the hextray features a slot in its corners for receiving a locking disk or locking slider.

Abstract: A flange assembly (10 comprising a flange (12) in the form of a disk shaped rim formed on a pipe section (14) for connection to a hose or pipe. The pipe section (14) defines a hollow bore (16) through which flowable material may flow and the flange (12) defines a contact face (18) for engagement, in use, with an opposing flange. The flange (12) defines a gasket seat (20) about an opening of the bore (16) to receive a gasket (22) and the flange assembly (10) further includes a gasket clamp (24a,24b) to releasably retain the gasket (22) in position on the gasket seat (20).

Abstract: A seal structure for a flow-path connection part is aligned easily. In a seal structure for a flow-path connection part including a pair of flanges arranged to face each other, the seal structure includes a gasket having protrusions provided symmetrically on front and back sides of the gasket at an outer periphery thereof or near the outer periphery, and flanges each having a receiving groove provided annularly in a connected surface thereof. The receiving groove is wider than the protrusion and it has an arc-shaped deepest portion against which a top portion of the protrusion abuts, and the top portion of the protrusion has a curved surface formed such that the curvature of the top portion is greater than or equal to the curvature of the deepest portion of the receiving groove. A liquid ejection device and a liquid storage container can include the seal structure.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first fitting to a second fitting to provide a fluid coupling between the first fitting and the second fitting includes providing a first fitting having an exterior surface; providing a second fitting having an interior surface and an annular groove provided on the interior surface; positioning the first fitting at least partially within the second fitting; and deforming the first fitting in a generally annular direction to form an annular ridge extending at least partially into the annular groove to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an adapter apparatus for associating a fluid meter to the flow path of a fluid meter test bench. The apparatus comprises a saddle to hold and align the meter in position until a clamping force is applied to the meter to securely associated the meter under test with the test bench. A half dove tail grove and o-ring are used to reduce the clamping pressure required to create a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: In a vibration damper of a turbomolecular vacuum pump, a vacuum tightness function and a vibration damping function are both performed by one or more toroidal rings made of an elastic material. The elastic rings assume a resting configuration while the vacuum pump is not operating and the damper is at atmospheric pressure, and they assume a compressed configuration while the vacuum pump is operating and the damper is under vacuum conditions. In the compressed configuration, the elastic rings are deformed due to a compression force. This deformation of the elastic rings prevents metal-to-metal contact between the vacuum pump and a vacuum chamber to which the pump is connected through the damper.

Abstract: A pipe has a tubular body with a male end and a female end. The male end has an external surface with a first engagement groove. The female end has an internal surface with a second engagement groove, and an aperture extending from an outer surface of the tubular body to the second engagement groove. The female end receives the male end of another pipe such that the first engagement groove of the male end axially aligns with the second engagement groove of the female end to establish a spline engagement groove having a groove length, LG. A flexible spline is located in the spline engagement groove to lock the pipes together and establish a pipe assembly. The flexible spline has a spline length, LS, and LS?LG.

Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a first fitting that is configured to receive a first fluid tube and a second fitting that is configured to receive a second fluid tube. The first fitting defines a first groove. The second fitting includes a spring that is configured to engage the first groove to connect the first and second fittings such that the first and second fluid tubes are placed in fluid communication and a fluid tight seal is established between the first and second sealing fittings.

Abstract: A union coupling having a removable screen is disclosed. The union coupling includes a pipe joint, a fitting that receives the screen, and a collar which clamps the fitting to the pipe joint. In one form, the fitting has an inner surface that defines a passage through the fitting and a pocket formed in the inner surface. The screen has a transverse extension that is received at least in part in the pocket with engagement of the transverse extension and pocket restricting passage of the screen past a predetermined position in the passage. A union coupling having a fitting comprising a fitting body with an outward flange and a shoulder element with an outward flange is also provided. The shoulder element is connected to the fitting body to captivate a collar between the outward flanges of the fitting so that the collar does not become separated from the fitting body. A method of assembling a union coupling is also provided.

Abstract: An air conditioner system fitting is disclosed including a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of said first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A multi-port device such as a thermal expansion valve for an air conditioning system includes a seal structure with a first seal portion and a second seal portion. The first seal portion includes a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal. The second seal portion is attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal. The multi-port device with seal structure militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: Provided is a means for efficiently completing a high pressure seal and a connector assembly comprising two sealing members, each comprising an annular groove, and two elastomeric gasket members, each disposed into and fittingly received by the annular grooves of one of said sealing members, each gasket additionally comprising a sealing face not received into the annular grooves, wherein the sealing faces are in mutual aligned pressurized contact.

Abstract: A seal structure for connection sections, which facilitates installation and removal of a seal member from the connection sections. The seal member is placed in the connection sections between a first part and a second part. A first groove-ridge section is formed at the connection section of the first part, and a second groove-ridge section is formed at the connection section of the second part. The seal member has, on one face, a first fitting section fitting to the first groove-ridge section, and also has, on the other face, a second fitting section fitting to the second groove-ridge section. Press-fitting interferences in the wall-thickness direction are provided at the first and second fitting sections. The seal member has an extended section protruding radially outward from an annular body section where the first and second fitting sections are provided. The extended section protrudes to a position outside the connection sections of the first and second parts.

Abstract: A removable and reusable multiple application fitting is disclosed that enables removal of the hose without significant damage to the hose. The removable and reusable multiple application fitting properly seals with hoses made of only one compound, such as rubber, as well as hoses of multiple compounds with or without linings, such as a rubber hose with a plastic lining. The multiple application fitting has a taper step and o-ring step to guide a hose over an installed o-ring to prevent the o-ring from being displaced during installation. The multiple application fitting is versatile and in some embodiments is used with hoses that require o-rings, and in other embodiments used with hoses that do not.

Abstract: An electrically-insulative threaded connection includes a pin member having a pin thread and a box member having a box thread. An insulating composite layer is disposed between the pin thread and the box thread. The insulating composite layer includes an insulating fiber and insulating resin. The pin thread and the box thread are wedge threads. A method of making an electrically-insulative threaded connection includes forming a pin wedge thread on a pin member and winding a filament over the pin wedge thread. The filament is wetted with a resin, thereby forming a composite layer. The composite layer is cured and machined to mate with a box wedge thread.

Abstract: A lightweight and durable drill pipe string capable of short radius drilling formed using a composite pipe segment formed to include tapered wall thickness ends that are each defined by opposed frustoconical surfaces conformed for self-aligning receipt and intimate bonding contact within an annular space between corresponding surfaces of a coaxially nested set of metal end pieces and a set of nonconductive sleeves. The distal peripheries of the nested end pieces and sleeves are then welded to each other and the sandwiched and bonded portions are radially pinned. The composite segment may include imbedded conductive leads and the axial end portions of the end pieces are shaped to form a threaded joint with the next pipe assembly that includes contact rings in the opposed surfaces of the pipe joint for contact together.

Abstract: Systems for joining pipes used in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries are disclosed. For example, connections of fluid handling pipes and improved flange-type joints are disclosed. Some disclosed joints comprise a pair of flanges each defining a circumferentially extending channel recessed from an end face A radially extending end wall is positioned radially outward of the end face. Said end faces are retained in axially opposed relationship to each other such that a circumferential groove configured to receive a gasket is defined when the joint is assembled. The groove has a first portion open to the flow passage and a second portion extending radially outward from the first portion. A polymeric gasket can comprise a generally toroidal member axially compressed in the first portion of the groove when the joint is assembled. The radial end walls radially compress the gasket, and the gasket can expand radially outward.

Abstract: A rotating union communicates with a rotor member and is operable with either compressible or incompressible coolant media that enters the union through a media inlet. The union includes a housing having a counterbore and a tubular carrier member axially moveable in the housing. The union includes a primary seal assembly having a rotating seal member mounted to the rotor member and a non-rotating member mounted to the carrier member and a secondary seal member positioned about the carrier member. The range of the balance ratio of the primary seal assembly is disclosed when the primary seal assembly has imposed upon it a closing force, an opening force or no force.

Abstract: For simply and reliably coupling first and second fluid devices, a fluid device connecting structure is arranged to couple first and second connection parts of the first and second fluid devices by use a coupling member by placing a resin seal member in seal grooves formed in the connection parts. The first connection part includes a first mounting groove for attachment jig and a first fitting groove provided between the first mounting groove and an end face of the first connection part to receive the coupling member. The second connection part includes a second mounting groove for the jig and a second fitting groove provided between the second mounting groove and an end face of the second connection part to receive the coupling member.

Abstract: An air conditioner system fitting is disclosed including a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of said first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system. The fitting has certain design constraints that optimize the fitting for considerations such as manufacturing, assembly, sealing, and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A sealed flange joint for high pressure and/or high purity fluid channels includes a first flange with a first fluid channel and a cylindrical front cavity. The front cavity is axially delimited by a ground surface and radially by a peripheral surface. The first fluid channel passes axially through the first flange to open into the ground surface. A polymer seal ring has a radial outer surface and a radial inner surface, and is fitted into the cylindrical front cavity so that its radial outer surface engages the peripheral surface of the front cavity. A second flange is removably fixed onto the first flange, and has a second fluid channel in axial continuation of the first fluid channel. The second flange has an axially protruding cylindrical front nipple with a conical head, the second fluid channel axially opening into an end surface of the conical head.

Abstract: A pipe coupler for physically connecting and forming a pressurized seal between two sections of pipe. The pipe coupler comprises a body having a through hole, the through hole defining an inner surface of the body. Two contact seals are installed onto two sealing grooves, respectively, located around a circumference of the inner surface. Each of the two pipe sections are inserted into the through hole from opposing ends of the body and are secured to the pipe coupler using retaining fasteners through apertures located through the body. The contact seals form a pressurized seal between the outside surface of the pipes and the inner surface of the body, thereby creating a mechanical and pressurized coupling between the two pipes.

Abstract: A connector assembly and method of creating a connection is described. The connector assembly includes a connector fitting having at least one receiving component on an end of the connector fitting and a gasket having at least one appendage, where the at least one appendage of the gasket engages the at least one receiving component to create an at least temporary secured attachment of the gasket to the connector fitting end.

Abstract: A connecting structure for an integration panel and a fluid device in which an excellent sealing property can be held even when substantially no further fastening is performed, and the assembling workability is improved is provided. When an integration panel 1 and a valve 2 are to be communicatingly connected to each other in a sealed state through single circular pipe-like fluid passages 3, 7 by using an annular gasket G, an annular projection 11 and outer and inner tapered peripheral faces 12a, 13a are formed in first and second fluid supply/discharge port portions 1A, 2A, and the gasket G is configured by a fluororesin having a pair of annular grooves 51, 51 and tapered peripheral faces 52a, 53a. The integration panel 1 and the valve 2 are attracted to each other, thereby configuring a joined state where a sealing portion S1 is formed by fitting the annular projection 11 to the annular groove 51 to press contact the tapered peripheral faces 12a, 13a, 52a, 53a with each other.

Abstract: An elastomeric lip seal joint for sealing the inner liner and grout layers when joining two sections of multiwall pipe having an outer steel casing and an inner liner. The ring-shaped lip seal joint comprises a gasket with insulating material completely covering its outer surface. The insulating material is capable of shielding the gasket from the heat produced when the sections of outer steel casing are welded together. The use of the lip seal joint simplifies the process of joining sections of multiwall pipe. Each side of the lip seal joint is inserted into one of the annular voids at each end of the pipe, thereby sealing the inner liner and grout. A single circumferential weld then joins the outer steel casing. The gasket remains intact during the welding process due to the presence of the insulating material.

Abstract: Provided are a connection member capable of preventing leakage from a supply side to a permeating side from occurring by a simple means; and a separation membrane module using the connection member. The connection member (20) is used to connect in series a plurality of separation membrane elements equipped with end surface holding members (36) and to install the separation membrane elements in a pressure-resistant vessel (38). The connection member (20) is characterized in that, when the separation membrane elements are connected to each other, the connection member is engaged with respective grooves (36b) of the end surface holding members (36) adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A rotating union communicates with a rotor member and is operable with either compressible or incompressible coolant media that enters the union through a media inlet. The union includes a housing having a counterbore and a tubular carrier member axially moveable in the housing. The union includes a primary seal assembly having a rotating seal member mounted to the rotor member and a non-rotating member mounted to the carrier member and a secondary seal member positioned about the carrier member. The range of the balance ratio of the primary seal assembly is disclosed when the primary seal assembly has imposed upon it a closing force, an opening force or no force.

Abstract: A system of genderless flanges suitable for high vacuum waveguides is provided, comprising a metallic gasket between a pair of identical flanges where the configuration of the gasket conforms to within 100 microns to the cross-section of the inner surface of the waveguides.

Abstract: An air conditioner system fitting is disclosed including a first seal portion with a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A sealing system, in particular for sealing multiple-part exhaust-gas lines for an internal combustion engine, having at least a first (9) and a second flange part (11) which guides a flow of heat (5), which flange parts (9, 11) delimit a receiving space (33) for at least one sealing element (39, 31) between them, is characterized in that the flange parts (9, 11) which adjoin one another in each case form an outwardly projecting annular flange (13) which faces away from the flow of heat (5), extends transversely with respect to the former and in which the mutually adjacent end faces (15, 17) of the flange parts (9, 11) form at least partial chambering of the receiving space (33) of the sealing element (29, 31) which lies in a radially outwardly lying end region of the flange parts (9, 11) in relation to the flow of heat (5), and in that the radially outwardly open receiving space (33) is delimited axially by the adjacent end faces (15, 17) of the flange parts (9, 11) and radially to the inside by an insert el

Abstract: A connection seal structure for a chemical valve (1) in which a resin manifold base (3) and a resin valve assembly (4) are connected to each other includes an H-shaped resin ring (20) interposed between a connection portion (7) of the base (3) and a connecting portion (19) of the valve assembly (4). The connecting portion (7) of the base (3) and a corresponding portion of the H-shaped ring (20) are formed with groove-ridge lines (21, 22) respectively, which engage with each other in a groove-ridge relationship. The connecting portion (19) of the valve assembly (4) and a corresponding portion of the H-shaped ring (20) are formed with groove-ridge lines (23, 24) respectively, which engage with each other in a groove-ridge relationship. At least one of the groove-ridge lines (21, 22) and at least one of the groove-ridge lines (23, 24) are provided with press-fit allowances in a direction of wall-thickness of each groove-ridge line (21-24).

Abstract: A device for sealingly linking two end pieces (24) of a fluid line system, comprises a casing part (1) and an inner part (13). The inner part (13) is arranged in a prefabricated arrangement within the casing part (1) in an axially displaceable manner and serves to fixate a sealing unit (21) that is detachably linked with the inner part (13) until an end piece (25) is inserted into the casing part (1) via an introduction area (3) and comes into contact with the inner part (13). When the end piece (25) is inserted, the inner part (13) is axially expelled from the casing part (1), whereby the sealing unit (21) is inhibited in its axial movement by an abutment (12) and remains within the casing part (1). The two end pieces can be sealingly linked while indicating the relative position of the end piece (25) coming into contact with the inner part (13) without requiring a separate handling of the sealing unit (21).

Abstract: A sealed flange joint for high pressure and/or high purity fluid channels comprises includes a first flange with a first fluid channel and a cylindrical front cavity. The front cavity is axially delimited by a ground surface and radially by a peripheral surface. The first fluid channel passes axially through the first flange to open into the ground surface. A polymer seal ring has a radial outer surface and a radial inner surface, and is fitted into the cylindrical front cavity so that its radial outer surface engages the peripheral surface of the front cavity. A second flange is removably fixed onto the first flange, and has a second fluid channel in axial continuation of the first fluid channel. The second flange has an axially protruding cylindrical front nipple with a conical head, the second fluid channel axially opening into an end surface of the conical head.

Abstract: A connecting structure for piping members facilitates connection thereof and ensures prevention of liquid leakage. A first piping member includes a first channel, and at least one first joint surface in which at least one first opening communicating with the first channel and a first annular groove are provided. A second piping member includes a second channel, and at least one second joint surface in which at least one second opening communicating with the second channel and a second annular groove are provided. A sleeve for connecting the first and second piping members includes a central bore. The sleeve includes a pair of inserting sections and a partition therebetween. The inserting sections are thinner radially as compared to the partition and are configured to accommodate at least one elastic body which provides a seal when the inserting sections are press-inserted into the first and second annular grooves.

Abstract: A tubular coupling system, a protective spacer for use within a coupling, and methods of their use; the spacer, in at least some embodiments, having two (or more) separate and separable members that are length-adjustable to accommodate different distances between ends of two tubulars connected with a coupling. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A grooved profile for a form fitting hub-shaft connection in which a groove profile for a hub and a shaft include flanks which are structured and arranged as opposing flanks. The groove profile includes a groove profile height in at least one of the hub and the shaft, a wall thickness in at least one of the hub and the shaft smaller than the groove profile height, and at least one of the opposing flanks is one of curved and arc-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A coupler for a spiral membrane filtration element having a spiral membrane enclosed within a rigid outerwrap includes a center support, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the center support, a circular rim coupled with the spokes, with the face of the rim being perpendicular to the axis of the overwrap. The rim includes a channel on its face for receiving a compressible seal, and a plurality of receptacles around its outer surface for joining two face-to-face adjacent couplers when a pair of aligned keepers is place in each receptacle. Exemplary embodiments of the coupler and filtration elements and filtration assemblies are provided, as well as an associated method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates coupling a pressure vessel first mating surface to a second mating surface. The method comprises inserting a seal assembly into a groove defined in the first mating surfaces such that a portion of the seal assembly extends outwardly from the first mating surface, positioning the second mating surface in close proximity to the first mating surface such that the portion of the seal assembly extending outwardly from the first mating surface is received within a groove defined in the second mating surface, and such that the seal assembly facilitates reducing fluid leakage between the first and second mating surfaces.