Abstract: A radial wedge flange clamp comprising a pair of flanges each comprising a plurality of peripheral flat wedge facets having flat wedge surfaces and opposed and mating flat surfaces attached to or otherwise engaged with two elements to be joined and including a series of generally U-shaped wedge clamps each having flat wedge interior surfaces and engaging one pair of said peripheral flat wedge facets. Each of said generally U-shaped wedge clamps has in its opposing extremities apertures for the tangential insertion of bolts to apply uniform radial force to said wedge clamps when assembled about said wedge segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sealing an end of a pipe, to an external sealing surface. The method includes providing a pipe assembly which includes a pipe and a flange. The pipe includes a proximal pipe end and a flared end region. The flared end region is integral with the pipe and is proximate to and continuous with the proximal pipe end. The flange is non-integrally disposed around the pipe distal to the pipe's flared end region. The method further includes securing, non-integrally and distally to the pipe's flared end region, the flange to the pipe so that proximal movement of the flange relative to the pipe is restricted. The flange is drawn toward the external sealing surface, which causes the flange sealing surface to bias the pipe's flared end region into sealing contact with the external sealing surface. Pipe assemblies which include a backup ring having a tapered inside surfaces and a flange having tapered outside surfaces are also discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary fitting comprising at least one supply pipe (1, 2) and/or one connecting element (10) for connection to a connecting pipe or a flexible hose, in addition to at least one fitting component (5) with an accommodating opening (3, 4) for the supply pipe (1, 2) or connecting element (10), whereby the supply pipe (1, 2) or the connecting element (10) is provided with a supporting rim (6) which rests against the component (5) and is arranged in the accommodating opening (3, 4) of the component (5) and securely connected thereto (5). In order to connect the supply pipe (1, 2) or connecting element (10) to the component (5) of the sanitary fitting in a simple, economical manner, the supply pipe (1, 2) or connecting element (10, 11) is engaged in the accommodating opening (3, 4) of the component by means of a flange (7) which is located at a specific distance from the supporting rim (6).

Abstract: A one-piece, flanged, fluid-flow connector for connecting tube, pipe, hose or the like to a port face includes a base having a flat port face on one end, and a connection piece fixed to and extending from the other end. A set of tabs extends from the base, the tabs having apertures for mounting the connector. The base includes a reinforcement portion that transitions continuously from a lesser thickness adjacent the tabs to a greater thickness adjacent to the connection piece. The connector makes it feasible to provide a one-piece, two-bolt connector which occupies substantially less space than a comparable connector of the prior art, but which handles at least the same fluid pressures.

Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tube fitting (20) for providing a sealed flow connection between an open-ended duct (23) that extends along the longitudinal axis (22) of a tube (21) and an open-ended duct (26) of a base element (25), for liquid separation technology, in particular for analytical or preparative HPLC. The tube fitting (20) has a ring-shaped thrust piece (27) with a receptacle (28) for the tube (21) and a ring-shaped, spring-elastic compensating element (30) with a receptacle (31) for the tube (21). The tube fitting (20) further comprises a fastening element (35) that can be fastened tightly to the base element (25). The tube (21) preferably provides a ring flange (36) on its end (24) connected to the base element (25) that protrudes from the longitudinal axis (22) of the tube (21). When sealed, the base element (25), the thrust piece (27), the compensating element (30) and the tube (21) can be braced by means of the fastening element (35) under elastic deformation of the compensating element (30).

Abstract: A nut and seat assembly is provided for a clamp. A nut is tightened onto a bolt and a clamp member has a seat for the nut and an aperture defined by prongs. The bolt is inserted laterally into the aperture and the nut is tightened axially against the set. Tightening the nut onto the seat prevents outward movement of the prongs away from the bolt as the nut holds the prongs in place.

Abstract: A quick coupler formed of two identical sectors that snap lock together in a radially inward direction relative to a central axis of an annular hole passing through the coupler. The coupler is in the form of a nut or housing for surrounding the ends of two conduits that are to be coupled. The annular hole extends between opposite end faces and has structure near each end face. The structure at one end of the annular hole comprises a flange for retaining a first conduit when the sectors are snapped surroundingly snapped together on the end of the first conduit. The structure at the other end of the annular hole has circumferentially spaced lugs for cooperation with bosses on the second conduit in a bayonet quick coupling fashion. The combination of the coupler with first and second conduits having cooperating structure enabling the coupler to join the conduits in sealed fluid communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for connecting the ends of sheet metal ducts wherein each duct end is provided with a double walled frame. Corner connectors defining perpendicularly extending arms are associated with each frame, and bolts or other fasteners are utilized for connecting the connectors and frames. The respective double walled frames comprise integral sections at the duct ends. The sections include an upturned portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the duct wall, a second portion bent rearwardly from the outer end of the first portion, a third return portion, and an inner wall portion extending from the outer end of the third portion and forming a L-shaped portion. When the frame is formed in this fashion, it is adapted to receive the side edges of respective arms of corner connectors whereby the ducts may be efficiently assembled by locating corner connectors in place and thereafter applying the fasteners used for maintaining the assembly.

Abstract: A structural assembly device and method for securing together a pair of surfaces of two fusible materials wherein an electrically conductive thermal element is located between the surfaces which will melt, without substantially degrading, when heated. When the thermal element is heated, it is elevated to a temperature sufficient to melt the first and second elements and then is allowed to cool such that the first and second elements are joined to the thermal element and may be joined to each other as well.

Abstract: A coupling for two pipe sections having integral buoyancy cans, wherein the coupling includes two coupling flanges, each having an inner flange portion configured to couple the pipe stems of the pipe sections and an outer flange portion configured to brace or secure the buoyancy cans of the pipe sections against each other and thereby stabilize the pipe sections. In one embodiment, the inner and outer flange portions of each coupling flange are connected by a plurality of connecting plates. Each coupling flange also includes a plurality of reinforcing plates between the inner and outer flange portions. Each of the inner flange portions is configured as a female box flange. In one embodiment, a pin flange is positioned between the inner flange portions in the assembled coupling to form pin-and-box connections with the inner flange portions. The outer flange portions are bolted together to secure the coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for securing a predetermined fitting to a mating surface. Such apparatus comprises a flange member having a predetermined profile and a swivel member connected to the flange member and having a well defined flange to swivel interface wherein the defined flange to swivel interface is conical with respect to an axis through the centerline of the apparatus.

Abstract: Bolt bores in lower members each comprise a large-diameter portion larger than the head of a bolt in diameter, and a small diameter portion extending downward from the large-diameter portion with a stepped portion formed therebetween and having a diameter intermediate between the diameter of the bolt head and the diameter of the shank of the bolt. A heat insulator has a spacer inserting hole. A hollow cylindrical spacer having an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt shank is inserted through the small-diameter portion of the bolt bore and the spacer inserting hole so that the upper end of the spacer is positioned in the large-diameter portion. The spacer has a lower end bearing on a support member. A hollow cylindrical elastic member is interposed between the bolt head and the stepped portion for biasing the lower member toward the support member.

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

Abstract: A flange system for the butt fastening of two pipes (2, 3), for example, the gas outlet pipe and the nozzle of a turboengine, the flange (5) of one of the pipes (2) having a triangular cross section. There are provided on the flange (9) of the other pipe (3) protuberances (12) which cooperate with cuneiform wedges (15) in order to form a system of jaws pressing the flange (5) of triangular cross section between them.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. One embodiment of the connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: A clamped flange pipe or tube fitting assembly includes a resilient seal ring compressed in a chamber formed by cooperating recesses in opposed flanges. The chamber and seal ring are dimensionally related in a manner to produce circumferentially continuous, radially spaced primary and secondary seal areas and to assure a continuous interior surface between the connected pipes or tubes with no recesses to entrap process fluids.

Abstract: A method for installing a flange on the end of a tubular member lined with a thermoplastic liner is provided. The flange is formed with a groove having extrusion openings extending from the front to the rear surface of the flange, the groove for receiving the reformed end of the liner which is forced into the extrusion openings and extends above the front surface of the flange to provide a surface for securing with a corresponding flange.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling flanged fluid conducting tubes end-to-end in a sealed manner, thereby preventing contact between the fluid flowing through the tubes and the coupler. The coupler includes a body having an interior surface defining an axially extending passage, with the passage being sized so that a first, enlarged end portion of a first fluid conducting tube and a second, enlarged end portion of a second fluid conducting tube can be disposed therein in an end-to-end relationship with a gasket therebetween. The interior surface of the body is provided with a fastening mechanism whereby the first enlarged end portion can be removably secured within the passage of the body. Additionally, the body includes a ball locking mechanism whereby the second enlarged end portion can be clamped to the first enlarged end portion with the gasket therebetween.

Abstract: A light weight flange for compensator couplings which includes a generally circular ring-like structure having first and second rings. A plurality of arms interconnect the first and second rings. The arms are separated by a first plurality of apertures. The arms are provided with a second plurality of apertures for accommodating assembly bolts.

Abstract: The assembly of a connection that uses cooperating grooved surfaces to provide an easily disassembled and assembled connection is improved by the use of a centering surface and cooperating lip that engages the faces of the connection end to prevent lateral misalignment while the pipe ends are brought together for axial alignment. The centering device may be used with a clamping mechanism to provide single person assembly of this type of connection despite normal field misalignments. The centering surface in the face of the connection ends may use any type of gasketing surface to provide the desired amount of seal strength.

Abstract: In order to improve a piping comprising at least one pipe and reinforcement on the outer wall of each pipe in such a way as to increase the maximum permissible internal operating pressure, it is proposed that the reinforcement should be capable of expansion along the length of the pipe and capable of contracting radially in such a way that a bias pressure can be applied to the pipe around its circumference by the longitudinal expansion of the reinforcement.

Abstract: Lower members each have a bolt bore comprising a large-diameter portion larger than the head of a bolt in diameter, and a small diameter portion extending downward from the large-diameter portion with a stepped portion formed therebetween and having a diameter intermediate between the diameter of the bolt head and the diameter of the shank of the bolt. The small-diameter portion of the bolt bore has fitted therein a hollow cylindrical spacer with an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt shank. The spacer has a lower end supported by a support member and an upper end positioned in the large-diameter portion. A hollow cylindrical elastic member is interposed between the bolt head and the stepped portion for biasing the lower member toward the support member.

Abstract: An erosion resistant pipe flange assembly and a method for preventing erosion of metal pipe flanges connecting larger diameter pipe to smaller diameter pipe. The erosion resistant pipe flange assembly includes a flange section, a reducer section integrally formed with said flange section, and a replaceable liner for preventing erosion and abrasion of the interior of said pipe flange assembly.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus for replacing a core spray line downcomer pipe coupled to a shroud T-box are described. In one embodiment, the coupling apparatus includes a seal ring, a mating flange, a housing having at least one wedge pocket, at least one coupling bolt, at least one wedge and at least one lateral pin. After extending the downcomer pipe into the housing, the seal ring is inserted into the opposite end of the housing adjacent the downcomer pipe. The seal ring is then seated on the mating flange seat. The two seats allow the downcomer pipe to be rotational misaligned with the coupling apparatus. The coupling bolts extend through the mating flange and the housing to rigidly secure the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus. Lateral pins extend through the housing and the downcomer pipe to provide vertical and torsional load transfer from the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: A method of maximizing system operating pressure capability of a selected flange joint in a fluid carrying pipeline system comprises minimizing bold load operating conditions and bolt load pre-load conditions at the selected flange joint by interposing a self-energizing seal assembly having negligible "m" and "y" values in surrounding relation to the joint's axial bore. The load producing moment resulting from connection of the flanges with the bolts is minimized by interposing a gasket element having a gasket thickness less than the seal thickness of the self-energizing seal assembly. The gasket element is interposed in a surrounding relation to the seal assembly at an outer radial location proximate to the outer flange surface margin.

Abstract: A vibration isolating flange mount assembly for a pipe has a vibration abbing gasket and fastener recesses having a vibration dampening material disposed therein to provide a fluid seal between the pipe and a flooded structure and to isolate pipe vibrations.

Abstract: An aseptic or sanitary pipe or tube fitting including a first ferrule having an outer radial surface, a counterbore and an inner annular surface, and a second ferrule having an inner radial surface, an outer radial surface and an outer annular surface matingly engaging the inner annular surface and inner radial surface of the first ferrule, a recess in the outer radial surface and an O-ring forced into the recess by the inner radial surface of the first ferrule.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pipe flange internally fitted with a lining. The pipe flange has a face with an annular groove extending outward from the inside surface along at least a portion of the face. The groove may be tapered becoming deeper as it travels outward from the inside surface. The lining extrudes into the annular groove partially filling the groove and protruding beyond the face of the flange. The unfilled portion of the annular groove forms an expansion cavity into which the lining can extend when the lining is mated to another object using compressive force. The present invention also provides a pipe flange connection where the face of the internally lined pipe flange is mated to another object using compressive force. The present invention also provides a method of applying an elastomeric lining inside a pipe flange. The method involves affixing a mold to the face of a flange having an annular groove.

Abstract: A corrosion limiting device for use with a fluid-carrying piping system having a connection formed from first and second components. A seal is carried by the components for forming a fluid-tight seal between the components. The components form a groove external of the seal. The corrosion limiting device includes an elongate member having first and second end portions and a length sufficient to extend around the groove. At least a portion of the elongate member is adapted to seat within the groove for aligning the elongate member on the components. The first and second end portions of the elongate member are fastened together. The elongate member serves to inhibit corrosion of the connection.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. The connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: A connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system that has a metal conduit section with a first hardness, a metal fitting member with a second hardness greater than the first hardness of the conduit section, and a metallic reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the conduit section and the fitting member to sealingly attach the conduit section and fitting member together. The metal conduit section has a first end, a second end, and a flow path between the first and second ends. The metal fitting member has a rear face proximate to the second end of the conduit section, a front face facing away from the rear face, and an opening between the front and rear faces aligned with the flow path of the conduit section. The reaction-inhibiting member also has an aperture aligned with the flow path of the conduit section and the opening of the fitting member.

Abstract: A variable radial orientation pipe MJ connector for engagement with a pair of bell end fittings. The MJ connector includes a tubular sleeve having opposed open ends. A pair of flanges are integral with the sleeve, each flange extending radially outward from the sleeve. Each flange is spaced inwardly from an open end. A shoulder extends axially from each flange to abut a circular gasket. A plurality of axially aligned arcuate slots in each flange receive fasteners therethrough whereby the radial orientation of the connector to the bell end fittings may be selected.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for conveyance of cryogenic fluid has a pair of connecting members formed of thermal insulating material. Each has a flange with an axial tubular protrusion and a rim extending over the protrusion so as to form an annular cavity therebetween. Each flange and its protrusion has a central bore. When the two members are fitted together, the combined bore conveys of cryogenic fluid therethrough. The protrusions have overlapping lips with a snug fit to substantially retain the cryogenic fluid in the combined bore. A detachable retainer holds the members in union with an o-ring seal between the rims. The respective cavities form an enclosed cavity that provides thermal insulation between the ring seal and the tubular protrusions for the cryogenic fluid in the common bore.

Abstract: A flange structure formed from a plurality of joined flange segments is provided. The joined flange segments form a generally circular opening for a conduit. The generally circular opening has a perimeter formed from a first surface segment having discrete teeth and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the faces and a second surface segment tapered toward one of the faces. The flange structure can be connected to a substrate by fasteners extending through two oval shaped openings connecting the two forces. At least one shim is attached to the flange segments about the circular opening. The shim has an inner surface with essentially the same surface configuration as the generally circular opening of the flange segments.

Abstract: A flexible connector that maintains flow passage integrity with the flexible connector having a normally tubular section made of compressible material of substantially uniform thickness and having a flow passage therethrough, the tubular section of compressible material having a smoothly contoured interior surface for unimpeded flow of material thereover, and an exterior surface with a plurality of external circumferential ribs integral with the tubular section with the plurality of external circumferential ribs located in a spaced relationship to form circumferential valleys between adjacent ribs, with the circumferential valleys expandable or contractible zonally influenceable by the circumferential ribs proximate thereto, allowing the tubular section to be supported and formed into a smoothly curved section to thereby maintain the integrity of the flow passage through the tubular section of the flexible connector whether the flexible connector is in a straight or curved condition and an integral compressib

Abstract: A multi-ring gasket (24) and flanged pipe joint assembly employing such gasket. The gasket (24) for sealing the joint between two flanged pipes of polyvinylchloride, chlorinated polyvinylchloride or fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipe is provided. The gasket (24) has an inner ring (26), an outer ring (28) and a plurality of spokes (30) connecting the inner ring (26) to the outer ring (28). Voids (34), or reduced thickness areas, are formed between the inner ring, the outer ring and the spokes so as to leave substantial space between the flanges at the voids and thereby reduce the uneven distribution of stress on the flanges when the gasket (24) is installed. The joint assembly employing such gasket (24) has a groove (50) disposed in an inside surface of a flange (12 or 16) and has a channel (51) disposed through the flange. The channel (51) is in communication with the groove (50) and, by means of a port (56), an outside surface of the flange.

Abstract: A device for joining the end of a helically corrugated metal tube to a connector or a second helically corrugated metal tube includes a back-up ring, pressure ring and a sealing ring. The connector is provided with a conical transition and an expanded diameter. The second helically corrugated tube is provided with a second back-up ring and pressure ring.

Abstract: A manifold with provisions for blanket gas entry, vapor exhaust, and sensing port(s) for mounting on a single nozzle on the tank comprising a special elbow seated through an opening in a main pipe and having a thickened portion and a stop to make a tight seat in an opening in the main pipe and a flow pipe with connections to suit the mating equipment (flanges, thread, or a combination thereof).

Abstract: An improved all-metal coupler for coupling vacuum components. The coupler comprises a hollow tube terminating at each end in a flange. At least one of the flanged ends comprises a plurality of radially outwardly extending tabs or lugs for accommodating the bolt holes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupler is machined from a unitary piece of metal.

Abstract: A fluid-tight joint formed by a pair of annular rings, each attached to the end of a tubular fluid-conducting conduit. The rings are similar, each having one side with a channel with a frusto-conical wall and the other side having a ridge with a frusto-conical wall receivable in the channel of a similarly-shaped ring. Threaded fastener means engage the two sealing rings to form a fluid-tight joint in the area of contact between the two frusto-conical walls.

Abstract: A seal system for joining the ends of two generally rectangular duct sections, including two frames secured to each other with a seal and attached to their respective duct end sections. The frame members each include four flange portions and four corner pieces. Each flange portion has an upstanding channel shaped leg portion and an angularly extending duct receiving leg portion. A corner piece connects adjacent flange portions to form the generally rectangular frame. The end portions of the ducts are inserted into longitudinal openings of the duct receiving leg portions. A seal, having four angular corner pieces and four linear pieces, is positioned between the frames to connect the duct sections. The overlap of the angular corner pieces and the four linear pieces establishes an effective seal to prevent air within the duct from escaping.

Abstract: A clamp with a live loading clamp nut assembly is provided for pipe joints and the like. The nut assembly includes a body member movable within a cage. A plurality of springs, such as spring washers, are employed in the cage to provide a stored spring energy to maintain the clamping pressure in a desired range. The clamping arrangement preferably includes a pair of jaws, hinged together at one end so that the other ends of the jaws are moved toward and away from one another. The nut assembly presses the free ends of the jaws together to maintain a desired tightness in the pipe joint.

Abstract: The method of joining a coupling member to a pipe end is described. The method is particularly concerned with providing a coupling member on the end of a pipe of composite construction formed from a plurality of helically wound reinforcement strips of steel. The method comprises the steps of forming at least one generally circumferentially directed groove in the outer surface of the pipe wall adjacent the end of the pipe to a depth extending into the reinforcement core, providing a coupling member adapted to fit the end of the pipe overlapping the region of the groove or groove, providing key means to extend between said sleeve and said groove in said pipe, providing a curable resin in the joint area between said pipe and said sleeve and curing said resin to bond said coupling member to said pipe end. The resultant coupling is of increased efficiency in providing both an adhesively bonded and mechanically coupled joint.

Abstract: A boltless, reusable flange system for joining metal piping includes a circular, wedge-shaped tongue on an upper flange for mating with a groove containing a fusible alloy in a lower flange. The lower flange includes a heating element for melting the fusible alloy, and a thermocouple device to sense the alloy temperature. Heat can be controlled and supplied from a remote source and monitored by a remote temperature indicator. The upper flange is positioned above the lower flange, tongue and groove aligned, and the lower flange is heated until the fusible alloy melts to allow the upper tongue to settle down within the lower groove. Upon removal of the heat, the alloy hardens to further bring the two flanges together in a solid and sealed couple, compressing an optional gasket.

Abstract: A tandem seal device is provided for interposing and compressing between joined pieces of pipe in a flow line to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. The tandem seal device comprising a retainer body having an inner pair and an outer pair of continuous grooves. A first pair of seal elements, fabricated from a first material, being disposed in the inner pair of grooves. A second pair of seal elements, fabricated from a second material, being disposed in the outer pair of grooves.

Abstract: An improved expandable gasket, sealed joint and method of forming a sealed joint which includes a gasket having at least 5% by weight unexpanded or unexfoliated graphite. The graphite material is preferably a mixture of expanded and unexpanded graphite compressed in a sheet or other shape affixed to a metal plate. The preferred composition is 5 to 70% by weight of unexpanded graphite and 30 to 95% expanded graphite, wherein the percentage of unexpanded graphite is controlled to provide the desired gasket expansion. A more preferred composition includes at least 10% by weight unexfoliated graphite or more preferably 15 to 50% by weight. The gasket is placed between the surfaces to be sealed and clamped in place. When the joint is heated, the unexpanded graphite exfoliates, causing the gasket to swell or expand, tightly sealing the joint.

Abstract: A joint which comprises a first joint component having an axial aperture and a second joint component having an axial aperture arranged coaxially with the aperture in the first joint component. The joint components have a gasket ring interposed therebetween to act as a fluid seal. The components are joined by bolts and within the gasket ring are a number of stress or strain responsive elements equispaced around the entire periphery of the gasket ring, each comprising a pair of electrodes sandwiching a stress or strain responsive material. The responsive elements have opposed faces which are spaced from the opposed faces of the gasket ring and the electrodes and are connected to an output via leads to give an indication of the stress or strain within each individual element corresponding to the torque force applied to a proximate bolt.

Abstract: A gasket for use with exhaust systems having at least one header flange and an exhaust pipe flange joined thereto. The gasket includes an inner annular sealing ring like member deformable under pressure mounted on an outer annular metal retainer ring sized to be mounted at a flange junction between said header flange and said exhaust pipe flange. The inner ring has an outside diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the inner ring to deformably support the inner ring on the outer ring. The outer ring inside diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the flange junction to permit the inner ring to be compressed upon forming the junction. The inner ring is formed from a non-asbestos fiber fused with spiral wound metal wire. It is preferred that the non-asbestos fiber is an aramid fiber and the spiral wound metal wire is stainless steel. The thickness of the inner ring is at least twice as thick as the thickness of the outer ring.

Abstract: An improved expandable gasket, sealed joint and method of forming a sealed joint which includes a gasket having at least 5% by weight unexpanded or unexfoliated graphite. The graphite material is preferably a mixture of expanded and unexpanded graphite compressed in a sheet or other shape affixed to a metal plate. The preferred composition is 5 to 70% by weight of unexpanded graphite and 30 to 95% expanded graphite, wherein the percentage of unexpanded graphite is controlled to provide the desired gasket expansion. A more preferred composition includes at least 10% by weight unexfoliated graphite or more preferably 15 to 50% by weight. The gasket is placed between the surfaces to be sealed and clamped in place. When the joint is heated, the unexpanded graphite exfoliates, causing the gasket to swell or expand, tightly sealing the joint.