Abstract: An improvement in devices for the thermostatic control of engine coolent comprises a radiator hose with an internally mounted thermostatic valve. In one embodiment of the improved device, a flexible hose has a radially inwardly projecting annular flange on which the radially outwardly projecting annular flange of a conventional thermostatic valve may seat. In another embodiment, the annular flange of a thermostatic valve is modified to permit it to be clamped onto a coil of a helical spring held coaxially within a flexible radiator hose. The improved thermostatic coolant control devices eliminate the requirement for gaskets, gasket cement, and unbolting and bolting metal parts together heretofore required of the replacement of thermostats.

Abstract: A pair of flanges are fixed to a pipe end of a port of a plasma vacuum vessel and another pipe end to be connected thereto. These flanges each have a ring-shaped knife edge. A copper gasket is interposed between the respective knife edges of the two flanges. A predetermined number of bolts are tightened to fix the flanges to each other. As a result, the knife edges bite into the copper gasket, and a linear sealing load from the knife edges acts on the gasket, thereby sealing and isolating the space inside the port from the outside. The number n of bolts are given by3(B+28)/65-0.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.3(B+28)/65+0.02B,and the flange thickness t is given by ##EQU1## where B is the diameter of a circle passing through the respective central axes of the n number of bolts. Thus, the bolt number and the flange thickness are reduced without lowering the sealing performance.

Abstract: An alignment tool for use with a pipeline mounting flange having a raised face flange to self center two opposing raised face flanges during a fluid pipeline mounting operation. A plate-like ring with outwardly diverging spring fingers with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer dimaeter of the raised face flanges is mounted on the pipeline mounting flanges so the fingers are adjacent the raised face flanges. Tightening the flanges throughbolts moves the flanges together while the spring fingers engage the riased face flanges and maintain the raised face flanges in self centering alignment. A flange seal gasket is captured within the plate-like ring.

Abstract: A lining laminate for lining line pipes to be connected to each other comprises a woven fabric impregnated with a liquid plasticizer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a lining tube. This lining laminate is adhered to inner peripheral surfaces of connected line pipes, and further a pressure sensitive adhesive is filled in an annular space produced in an expansion joint portion for connecting line pipes to each other.

Abstract: A remote-controllable screw connection includes a nut, a first flange relvely closer to and a second flange relatively further away from the nut. At least one screw bolt connects the flanges to the nut. A sheath surrounds the screw bolt between the nut and the first flange. The sheath is non-rotatably but axially displaceably connected to the screw bolt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing connection, based on a flat gasket of rectangular cross section, for the static sealing of construction elements. The shapes of the sealing surfaces according to the invention lead to a disc-spring-like bending of the gasket, superposed by a compressing deformation, by which an outstanding tightness even at lowest pressing forces is guaranteed. With that the application spectrum reaches from ultra high vacuum to high pressure, and from cryogenic to high temperatures.

Abstract: A system for sealing leaks of flanged pipe couplings comprises providing a peripheral space between faces of the flanges and in the region of that space a loose ring in facing annular grooves of the flange faces. Should a leak occur between the flanges of the coupling the loose ring allows process fluid to escape past the ring to reduce the effect of localized pressure that may otherwise distort or damage the flange faces.

Abstract: An end fitting for a serpentine heat exchanger couples an inlet or outlet port to a pair of flat tubes comprising the heat exchange core. The fitting comprises three laminated plates and a nipple coupled to an opening in the outermost of the plates. The inner plate is a header plate with slots for receiving the flat tubing. A spacer plate interconnects the outer and inner plates and has an aperture shaped to couple the port to the slots for defining a fluid flow path. The plates are stamped from aluminum sheet stock clad with a brazing alloy. The plates are assembled and secured by a steel rivet and the nipple is attached. The parts are joined by brazing. The fitting can be brazed to the exchanger core at the same time.

Abstract: In the case of a flange connection for rectangular air conditioning ducts which have four walls, four flange profiles with four rectangular angle-pieces are fitted frame-wise on the end of a duct portion. The flange profiles are in this case subhstantially L-shaped hollow profiles which are in each case fitted onto a duct wall and fixed there with a plurality of spot welds. Problematical is the seal between the inner arm of the flange profile and the duct wall, because by reason of spot welds which are situated close to but at a distance from one another, air can flow out into the free atmosphere between them and over the end face of the duct wall. In order to achieve better tightness, there is formed into the hollow profile a bead extending from the front radial portion. An inner arc of the bead lies with a clamping fit on the top of the duct wall and presses it against the inner longitudinal arm so achieving a seal which it is possible easily to implement in manufacture.

Abstract: A device for supplying feedwater to, and conveying feedwater from, a shaft tube assembly (20,22) of a machine having a rotary part, which assembly (20,22) has a longitudinal axis about which the assembly (20,22) rotates together with the rotary part, the device being composed of a housing which includes a cylindrical casing (2) having a cylindrical passage extending between its axial ends and a lateral feedwater passage (6) communicating with the cylindrical passage, a conduit member (8) having a second feedwater passage (10) and coupled to one axial end of the casing (2) to form a sealed joint with the casing (2), the conduit member (8) being positioned relative to the casing (2) such that the second feedwater passage (10) communicates with the cylindrical passage, and a closing member (12) coupled to the second axial end of the casing (2) to form a sealed joint with the casing (2), the closing member (12) having a circular opening coaxial with the cylindrical passage of the casing (2 ), the housing being co

Abstract: A joining structure for metal pipes to be applied in each passage hole of a pipe fitting. This structure can save time in pipe fitting work, and can reinforce the mutual joined condition of a pipe and a pipe fitting.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for structurally interconnecting an instrument manifold with a differential pressure assembly having a pair of tapered NPT threaded outlet ports each adjoining an exterior body surface. First and second connector flanges are provided each having a through passageway for transmitting a pressure signal from the corresponding NPT outlet port in the differential pressure assembly to an inlet port in an instrument manifold. Each connector flange includes a tapered threaded end, a flange end, and a threaded portion fixed between the threaded end and the flange end. The apparatus also includes first and second stabilizer members, and first and second tensioning nuts for exerting a compressive force on the stabilizer members such that the stabilizer members will transmit substantially all radially-directed forces to the differential pressure assembly.

Abstract: A splitt clamp assembly for pipe flanges, comprising an outer ring with internal threads for securing it to an externally threaded first pipe flange, and a plurality of arcuate segments interconnected by keys into an inner ring, means to secure the inner ring to a second pipe flange, and means to secure the inner and outer rings together in a relative non-rotable manner.

Abstract: A design for sealing metal-to-metal, of sections of rocket shell with fusible vitreous inorganic "glass-ceramic" compositions, which will not burn-out from high temperatures of rocket-exhaust, is disclosed. The design is intended to set up a thermal-gradient across the cross section of the sealed metal flanges. The thermal-gradient utilizes the useful property of the vitreous state of the seal, viz., the continuous viscosity change from the relatively low viscosity of molten glass at high temperature, to a very high viscosity of almost solid state at lower temperatures. This mechanism achieves a leak-proof "glass-ceramic" or glass seal between the metal flange joints of sections of rocket-shell. The vitreous seal is capable of withstanding a wide range of temperature inside the rocket, of -50.degree. C., to over 1000.degree. C., without failure when the rocket is fired.

Abstract: A compound tapered flange assembly for sealing axially aligned flanged tubular members. Opposed annular recesses are formed in each flange. Each recess has a radial shoulder tapered with respect to a transverse plane disposed between the flanges such that the axial distance between the radial plane and the shoulder at a maximum diameter is greater than the axial distance from the plane to the shoulder at a minimum diameter. Each recess also has an inside frustoconical surface tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis with a minimum inside diameter adjacent the shoulder, and a maximum inside diameter adjacent a face of the flange. A bifrustoconical annular seal ring has outside and end surfaces complementarily tapered to engage the shoulder and the inside surface of the recesses.

Abstract: Connector for quick release under load, particularly for pipes for transporting fluids such as hydrocarbons, characterized by the fact that it comprises, between two opposite structural elements (1, 2) or between two parts of an element connecting the two structural elements, at least a connecting device comprises an internally shaped annular ring (7) consisting of at least two segments of complementary shape, a rod (4) equipped with an outside shaping corresponding to the inside of the ring, engaged internally in said ring and extending over at least a part of its height and an annular sleeve (6) engaged on said nut and able to be moved axially in relation to it under the effect of an actuating element, such as a cylinder (12) acting directly or indirectly on said sleeve.

Abstract: A transmitter manifold with integral transducer for measuring the differential pressure of a fluid conveying pipeline is provided. Interface modules are provided to provide for adaptability to a variety of user requirements. A sealing arrangement for the interface modules is also provided. In preferred form, the interface module includes a body having a flange portion and a neck portion extending outwardly from the flange portion, with the flange portion including holes for engagement with bolts threaded into the transmitter manifold.

Abstract: A trapezoidal seal ring connection improved by the inclusion of a crush ring. The trapezoidal seal ring is sealingly engaged between an inwardly tapered frustoconical exterior surface of a male member, and an outwardly tapered frustoconical interior surface of a female member. The seal ring has an outer surface with an angle of taper substantially equal to that of the inner surface of the female member, and an inner surface having an angle of taper that is substantially equal to the angle of the taper of the end of the male member. As the male and female members are urged into mating engagement, the seal ring is wedged tightly therebetween to form a fluid-tight seal. The crush ring is positioned axially between the male and female members to fill the gap therebetween and to present a substantially uniform inside diameter to the flow of fluid through the connection. The crush ring is self-centered radially at an outer peripheral edge having a taper corresponding to that of the inside surface of the seal ring.

Abstract: A space vehicle booster has a lower section and an upper section forming a joint with a seal assembly enclosing a closed cavity. The seal assembly has an upper flange joined to the upper section, and has a lower flange joined to the lower section, and has a collar disposed between the flanges. The flanges are joined by bolts, which slightly compress the collar. The collar has a blind slot, which opens into the closed cavity and which separates an upper collar portion from a lower collar portion. The pressurized gas in the closed cavity urges the upper collar portion against the upper flange and urges the lower collar portion against the lower flange. The collar has an inner pair of "O" rings and an outer pair of "O" rings. Upper and lower chambers are disposed between the "O" rings. A passageway to the chambers has an exterior opening for evacuating the chambers for testing the integrity of the seals prior to launch.

Abstract: A method for joining together a pair of flanged metal pipe sections at their respective flanges. The sections have heat sensitive material juxtaposed to, in contact with or bonded to the interior thereof. The method includes the step of providing coolant passages, each of the passages being located adjacent to respect of one of the flanges in proximity to the heat sensitive material for heat exchange therewith. The flanges are brought into a welding position and coolant is passed through the passages. The flanges are then welded together and coolant is continuously passed through the passages until the resultant welded flanges have cooled. An apparatus for effecting this method is also provided comprising a coolant passage adjacent to the flange and in heat exchange relationship with the flange. The coolant passage has an inlet for introducing coolant and an outlet for exhausting coolant therefrom.

Abstract: A flange for connecting two air ducts to one another has a pair of spaced, generally parallel walls and a pair of spaced, generally parallel legs fast with, and extending perpendicular to, the walls. The flange legs are designed to embrace and grip a wall of an air duct while the flange walls define a chamber adapted to receive one leg of an angle serving to connect the flange to a neighboring flange. One of the flange legs is plastically deformed so as to define a cavity and has a surface facing the other flange leg. The cavity is open to this surface and accommodates an elastomeric seal which projects from the cavity to a location beyond the surface. The seal is elastically compressed in the cavity to retain the seal therein and such compression may be achieved by plastically deforming the respective flange leg after the seal has been positioned on the same.

Abstract: Pairs of flanges for connecting identical tubular sections in series. The flanges are complementary in form, one being welded to the end of the preceding section, the other welded to the adjacent end of the following section. The flanges include interengaging means for compelling alignment when brought together, limited areas in axial engagement which under the pressure available will enhance electrical continuity, sealing means for preventing passage of gas through the joint and means for holding the flanges together under high pressure.

Abstract: A flanged coupling for the repair of pipelines and risers, especially for sub-marine repair and construction, and of unit configuration engageable over a first open pipe section and its flange to seal with a flange of a second open pipe section, and having a piston actuated by drawing said two flanges together and a shear member sequentially controlling operation of a slip and a packing to anchor and seal the coupling unit to the first pipe section operating a slip and a packing to anchor and seal the coupling unit to the first pipe section.

Abstract: Hermetic connection device comprising a double curve ductile joint (3) and two supports (1,2), the joint (3) being connected between the two supports (1,2) stressed towards each other along axis (8) and defining on one section of their thickness only two parallel surfaces (4,5) at an angle to axis (8), characterized in that in the normally clamped state the geometric characteristics of the supports (1,2) and of the joint (3) are such that contact between the joint (3) and the two supports (1,2) is made on the one hand through each inclined surface (4,5) respectively along a line of contact (9,10) and on the other hand by each extreme end of joint (3) supported against another surface (6,7) of the male support (1) or female support (2) respectively.

Abstract: The connector pipe segment for conductor pipes or conduits for gaseous as well as fluid flow media comprises a pressure-tight outer shell, at least two connector pieces, a plurality of sealing surfaces and a wear-resistant sleeve, advantageously of a sintered ceramic material. The wear-resistant sleeve is inserted in the outer shell and the sealing surfaces are located on the outer shell. The wear-resistant sleeve is inserted with radial play and with axial play free of force in the outer shell so that a gap is formed between the outer shell and the wear-resistant sleeve. The gap is connected with the open cross section of the wear-resistant sleeve and admits the flow media.

Abstract: A joint has a first flange rigidly secured to the outer peripheral surface of an end portion of a first pipe and a second flange rigidly secured to the outer peripheral surface of an end portion of a second pipe. The first and second flanges are aligned with each other and joined together by nuts and bolts so that the first and second pipes are connected together and maintained in a hermetically sealed state by a closed loop-shaped sealing member clamped between the first and second flanges. The sealing member is fitted on the end portion of the second pipe which slightly projects from the second flange. The sealing member is formed by wrapping a thin metal sheet around heat resistant material and has an inner diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second pipe. A frusto-conical surface aligned with the sealing member defines a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the first flange.

Abstract: A drain assembly is disclosed having a drain insert member with a tube portion carrying at its upper end a flange which extends radially outwardly. A clamp ring member is adapted to overlie and be clamped onto the flange member. The flange has a plurality of post members which extend upwardly from the upper surface of the flange. The clamp ring member has a plurality of upwardly extending socket forming members each defining a socket recess open at a lower surface of the clamp ring member and adapted to receive a post member in the socket recess therein. A screw member extends downwardly through the top of the socket forming member to engage the post member and draw the clamp ring member downward onto the flange in clamping arrangement therewith. The upstanding post members and socket forming members permit the drain insert member to be made by injection moulding from a two piece mould.

Abstract: A new and improved flange connection design is disclosed which lowers weight, cost and size. Briefly stated, truncated threads are used in the flange area which more uniformly distribute stress concentrations and allows a smaller bolt and nut to be utilized. Further, a self-energizing seal which uses the pressure inside the conduit to greatly facilitate the flange connection sealing function. This therefore allows lower forces to be utilized when clamping the two flanges together which results in less expensive, smaller and less costly flange connection construction as well as still further reductions in the size of the nuts and bolts utilized.

Abstract: The joint packing, especially for sealing two abutting flanges or surfaces, comprises a sealing ring core composed of a slightly deformable metal and opposing plastic deformable soft sealing seats. The sealing ring core has chamber-defining formations on its upper side and lower side outer edge (and inside edge) running circumferentially between which the soft sealing layers are pressed when the sealing forces are applied thereto. The chamber-defining formations have a bulged rounded cross section. The surfaces between the chamber-defining formations on the outside edge and the inside edge are smooth and arched.

Abstract: An improved duct is proposed which comprises a plurality of duct sections coupled together. Each duct section has a turned-up portion and a flange at one end and a flange at the other end. Both the turned-up portion and the flanges are formed by bending the edge of each duct section. The turned-up portion of one tubular body is inserted into the not-turned-up end of an adjacent tubular body. Bolt holes provided in each section are adapted to align with each other by themselves. Also, the inner edge the packing disposed between the flanges is covered up by the turned-up portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sharing a load between individual sections of a vertical column. Although particularly useful in conjunction with glass lined steel columns, the present load distribution means is also useful in other vertical columns which are assembled in sections and have gasketed joints. The load sharing, or distribution, means comprises a radially extending annular member, rigidly secured along the outer periphery of each column section to be joined. The annular member is positioned adjacent to the section end. The annular members are aligned as the column sections are assembled and are spacedly secured one from another. Thus, the annular member on one section is secured, but at a distance, from the annular member on an adjacent section.

Abstract: A gasket for use in an engine exhaust system. The gasket includes a layer of ceramic fibers with particles of mica or vermiculite dispersed in the ceramic fibers. The mica or the vermiculite expands when it is heated and then the free dimension is increased after the heat is relieved so that the gasket thickness is increased after the first cycle of the heating and cooling. Thus, a positive gas sealing can be ensured even if thermal deformations are formed in the connecting flanges in the exhaust system.

Abstract: Structure supporting apparatus which for a particular nominal size can be interchangeably sealingly clamped and centered between bolted flanges of varying pressure rating and design standard. The apparatus includes at least one support member having opposite parallel sides for sealingly engaging the seating surfaces of the flanges, a centrally positioned opening extending through the member and through the sides thereof for positioning structure supported thereby in alignment with the flow passageways in the flanges, the periphery of the support member being substantially square shape and including a pair of spaced apart recesses disposed in each of the four sides forming the substantially square shaped periphery thereof.

Abstract: A seal system between two metal pipes (1, 2) flanges (4, 5) exposed to extreme temperatures, includes at least one elastic annular lip (11, 12) which is held by one of the flanges, with its highest point (10) in contact with the other flange to form a seal line when the flanges are assembled. The lip (11, 12) is an integral part of one of the flanges (4, 5) and it is made by lathing two grooves (13, 14; 17, 18) with one groove (13, 17) radially penetrating the cylindrical surface (15, 19) of the flange, and the other groove penetrating perpendicularly to the former in the flat surface (7, 8) of the flange to define a thinned area (16, 20) between the two grooves to ensure the elasticity of the lip (11, 12).

Abstract: The invention relates to improved sealing means for shell and tube heat exchangers which means use only components which are external to the heat exchanger shell to mechanically compress a series of rubber type gaskets and incompressible tube sheets to thereby seal the tube to tube sheet joints and the tube sheet to shell joints in such a manner as to precisely control the degree of compression of the rubber type gaskets and eliminate the need for the retightening of bolts by the use of confining elements on the outer periphery of said gaskets.

Abstract: A flange connection with a disc-shaped base body of incompressible material disposed between mutually facing planar sealing surfaces of flanges which are to be assembled and connected to one another, the base body being formed with a central bore having a diameter matching an inner diameter of the flanges and formed with at least one annular slot, comprising a compressible sealing insert formed of expanded graphite and received in the annular slot, the sealing insert, before assembly and connection of the flanges, being higher by an amount .DELTA.h than the depth of the annular slot, .DELTA.h being of such value and the annular slot being of such volume that when the sealing insert is compressed more than 100 N per mm.sup.2, with the flange engaging the base body and utilizing the spring-back resilient properties of the sealing insert, the sealing insert after the flanges are assembled, is enclosed on all sides by defining surfaces of the circular slot and by means of the sealing surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: A jack bolt assembly for separating joined first and second flange members of a flange assembly including a longitudinally extending, generally rod-shaped jack bolt member adapted to extend between first and second flange members of the flange assembly and a thrust member, the jack bolt member having a primary threaded portion for threadedly engaging at least one of the openings formed in the first flange member, a radial engaging surface, and a thrust member receiving portion in axial alignment with the primary threaded portion, the thrust member mounted with the thrust member receiving portion and between the first and second flange members for separating the flange members of the flange assembly upon rotation of the jack bolt member with respect to the first flange member of the flange assembly. The jack bolt assembly further includes an improved tool engaging adapter for removable mounting with the jack bolt member.

Abstract: The pipe (2) is inserted in the through-hole of the flange (1) and the pipe-flange seal is assured by a fixing ring nut (6) screwed into the upper portion (5) of the hole.The hole, in the part opposite the threaded area (5), has an area (4) with a diameter equal to that of the pipe (2) and a truncated-cone coupling area (4) between the two areas (5) and (7). A ring (8) of elastomeric material is inserted inside the truncated-cone portion (7) and an annular projection (9) on the pipe (2) acts thereon, pushed by the screwing action of the ring nut (6).

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting the ends of a pair of generally rectangular sheet metal duct sections includes a pair of frame members secured to each other and connected to the respective duct end sections. The frame members each include four flange portions. 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 and extends into the channel portions of the upstanding leg 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 flowing type gasket material is positioned in a longitudinal pocket of each flange. The end of each duct wall partially displaces the gasket material so that the gasket material extrudes outwardly around the duct wall and between the ends of the flange portion and the corner piece.

Abstract: A weldless high-pressure pipe fitting, which can be incorporated in a pipe flange or pipe coupling, utilizing a deformable sealing sleeve of ductile material having a constant inside diameter sized to closely fit over the end of a pipe of a given size without galling and an outer frusto-conical surface which mates with a complementary frusto-conical inner surface of a rigid collar which tapers to a diameter equal to the inside diameter of said sealing sleeve. Said sealing sleeve annularly protrudes from said collar so that a rigid circular locking flange may be tightened against the end of said collar from which said sealing sleeve protrudes, circularly compressing said sealing sleeve between the outer surface of said pipe and the inner frusto-conical surface of said collar, locking and sealing said collar to the end of said pipe.

Abstract: A pipe seal connection defines the seal between confronting pipe ends of two pipes which are coaxial and rotatable relative to each other. The confronting pipes ends are provided with spaced conical surfaces forming therebetween an annular slot which widens radially outwardly. An annular seal ring is positioned within the annular slot. A clamping band circumferentially surrounds the annular sealing ring and presses the sealing ring radially inwardly into contact with the spaced conical surfaces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a butterfly valve of a type wherein the elastomer sleeve lines the body bore, and has cheeks which fit into circular recesses provided in the two parallel radial faces of the valve, the shape of the cheeks and of the circular recesses being such that when the valve is assembled between flanges, the elastomer of the cheeks is pressed into a spare volume in the circular recesses and precludes any creep of the elastomer towards the core of the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure flow line connection. The connection includes a tubular male member, a tubular female member and a seal ring positioned between the male and female members. The male and female members have mating frusto-conical tapered surfaces, with the angle of taper of the female member being less than that of the male member. The seal ring has inner and outer tapered surfaces having angles of taper equal to those of the male and female members, respectively. The seal ring includes a radially outwardly extending lip adjacent the maximum outside diameter thereof. The male member, female member, and seal ring are cooperatively figured such that the seal ring lip remains spaced apart from the female member but optimum sealing engagement is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid tight pipe connection having an intermediate ring between the two pipe ends. By making the two surfaces of the ring complementary to the pipe end faces the ring may be displaced in relation to one pipe end and may be moved pivotally in relation to the other pipe end to enable the connection to allow for angular misalignment and parallel offset of the pipe axes while still maintaining a sealing joint.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheel for vehicles consisting of first and second generally cupshaped, substantially similiar wheel halves each having an integral center section and an integral rim section with a central opening in the center section and a sealing assembly sandwiched between the wheel halves consisting of an inner ring, an outer ring and an O-ring positioned between the two rings, the whole assembly being bolted together so that the O-ring creates a air-tight seal between the central sections of the wheel halves.

Abstract: An assembly means for the standardized mechanical joint when used on pipeline appurtenances such as gate valves, fittings, etc., wherein the design or dimensions of said appurtenances prevent the insertion of the standardized T-bolt in one or more bolt holes. An improved fastener is inserted and tightened from the gland side facilitating the rapid assembly of said joint. Said improved fastener eliminates the need for slots on gate valves, fittings and the like, and prevents failure of the cast-iron valve body during compression of the gasket.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connecting arrangement for interconnecting o widely spaced stationary end flanges corresponding to two conduits with an interconnecting conduit section. The two conduits lead to processing components in a large-area cell for reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuels and the processing components are mounted in racks in the cell. When remote-controlled maintenance is carried out and the racks are exchanged, it must be possible for the interconnecting conduit section to be removed simply and quickly by remote-controlled handling and replaced simply and quickly after the exchange is completed. For this purpose, the conduit section has two connecting end flanges lying in respective planes parallel to each other and with their flange engaging surfaces facing in the same direction. The stationary end flanges which have to be interconnected by the conduit section are also arranged parallel to each other and their flange engaging surfaces face in the same direction.

Abstract: A ball valve has a valve body with a bonnet bore communicating with a through fluid bore. An unyielding valve seat is fixed in the valve body at a location surrounding the axis of the fluid bore. A bonnet with a stem bore extending therethrough is received in the bonnet bore. The bonnet is adjustable within the bonnet bore to shift the axis of the stem bore transversely with respect to the fluid bore axis. A stem is rotatably received in the stem bore. A ball with a passageway extending therethrough is carried by the stem and located in the through fluid bore. The center of the ball is offset with respect to the rotational axis of the stem. During initial assembly of the valve components, the ball is located in a closed position against the seat by selected adjustment of the bonnet in the bonnet bore coupled with rotation of the stem. The bonnet is then fixed in the bonnet bore.

Abstract: A structure at a connection where at least two resin pipes are connected to each other end-to-end. The structure is characterized by annular resin body means provided on the inner periphery of the end of at least one of the resin pipes and having at least one end positioned in an annular recessed portion formed in the inner periphery of said one resin pipe. Since the above-mentioned end (which is more subject to the action of internal fluid than the other end) is positioned in the annular recessed portion, the resin body means is not eroded by the internal fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a pair of circularly coacting pipe flanges which includes a seal around the outer periphery of both the flanges for sealing the outer periphery and a bolt having a coacting nut extending through the bolt holes of the flange. A first sealing ferrule is positioned between the bolt head and one flange and a second sealing ferrule is positioned between the nut and the other flange. The ferrules include a conical exterior surface tapering inwardly and extending into the bolt holes for preventing the escape of fluid through the bolt holes. Each head and first ferrule and each nut and second ferrule include coacting tapered surfaces for pressing the ferrules into a sealing relationship with the bolt and flanges.