Abstract: An accessory for a clamp assembly includes a grip element which has a base portion including two opposite end faces, rows of teeth that protrude from the base portion, the teeth being arranged in rows with gaps separating them, wherein each of the teeth has a shape as viewed from one of the end faces which includes a first shape portion which has straight sides each of which extends from the base portion to an end, wherein a junction of each of the straight sides with the base portion has a radius, wherein the straight sides form borders of the gaps. Each of the teeth includes another shape portion that extends inwards, away from the gaps. The ends of the straight sides of the first shape portion and the other shape portion cooperate to grip a pipe.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement which includes an elongate member having a plurality of strands wound around one another in a plurality of turns of each strand. The clamping arrangement further includes a clamping device which includes a clamping member for clamping the elongate member. The clamping member has an engaging means for engaging the elongate member. The engaging means is configured to engage half or more of the total number of strands forming the elongate member. The clamping device further includes a fixed reaction member, and urging means to urge the clamping member towards the reaction member. When the elongate member is received between the clamping member and the reaction member, the reaction member provides a reaction against the elongate member to clamp the elongate member in the clamping device.

Abstract: A v-band clamp having a band extending circumferentially from a first end to a second end, a latch assembly located at the first and second ends of the band, and a plurality of v-insert segments located radially underneath the band when the v-band clamp is tightened on a pair of tubular body end flanges. The latch assembly includes a fastener used to tighten the v-band clamp and the plurality of v-insert segments include a first v-insert segment attached to the band and a second v-insert, wherein, when the v-band clamp is tightened on the pair of end flanges, the band moves circumferentially independently relative to the second v-insert segment.

Abstract: An improved clamp assembly that has two adjacent annular clamps and the user has the choice of tightening just one of them or both of them. A bridge element is provided that presses against one or more sealing rings when tightening the annular clamp.

Abstract: A device for centering and clamping tubular parts such as conduits designed to form pipeline pipes of the type consisting of an elongated cylinder comprising in particular a clamping device, such as at least clamping shoes arranged over its entire periphery and adapted to be radially mobile projecting from said cylinder to be urged to press against the walls of the conduits to be clamped as well as means for moving each of the series of clamping shoes between a position projecting from the cylinder and a position wherein they are retracted into the cylinder

Abstract: Coupling devices for joining pipe ends include annular gaskets. Example gaskets include pipe interface profiles for sealing performance and manufacturability.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for connecting two or more structural elements having matching apertures which, when aligned, form a frusto-conical cavity. The fastener includes a body portion having a frusto-conical outer surface which is receivable in the aligned apertures of the structural elements such that the outer surface of the body portion is in mating engagement with the cavity formed by the aligned apertures. The fastener further includes an elongate member which extends from the body portion at the narrow end of the frusto-conical outer surface. The fastener further includes a fixing element carried by the elongate member. The fixing element is operable to exert a clamping force between the frusto-conical outer surface and the fixing element to retain the structural elements in connection therebetween. The fastener further includes a through-hole which extends along the elongate member and which allows fluid communication between opposing sides of the connected structural elements.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting one tubular member to another tubular member. The coupling includes a locking collar and coupling body with a ramp. In use, the locking collar is moved along the body until the tubular member is trapped between the locking collar and the ramp.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupling device for a tube comprising a sleeve part for receiving a part of the tube, and a sealing organ which is arranged to provide a seal around the tube as it is at least partially inserted into the sleeve part, wherein the sealing organ comprises a rubber ring of which at least a first portion is placed between the tube and the elements and a second portion is placed between the elements and the sleeve part, wherein the elements are provided with circumferentially extending cooperating tongue and groove connections, which are positioned at the sides of the elements facing the second portion of the rubber ring that lies adjacent to the sleeve part.

Abstract: A separation prevention device for a pipe joint has disengagement prevention members and a press member. The disengagement prevention members are disposed at a plurality of locations in a circumferential direction of the pipe, on an inner peripheral surface of an engaging tool or of a receiving opening itself and which are formed with claws. The press member presses the disengagement prevention member radially inward of the pipe and which engages the claw with the outer peripheral surface of an inserting opening. The claw of the disengagement prevention member and the claw of the disengagement prevention member which is adjacent to the former disengagement prevention member in the circumferential direction of the pipe are arranged so as to overlap on each other in the axial direction of the pipe in a state where the claws are engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the inserting opening.

Abstract: A clamp includes a curved band having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end. The band is characterized by a substantially V-shaped cross-section in a radial plane of the band. The inner surface of the band defines the inside contour of the V-shaped cross-section. The clamp also includes a fastener configured to draw together the first and second ends such that the band may be tightened around adjacent flanges of objects to be clamped together. The inner surface is configured to squeeze the flanges together and clamp the objects. The band includes a reinforcement configured to stiffen the substantially V-shaped cross-section and minimize yielding of the cross-section when the objects are being clamped. An engine assembly that includes a first exhaust component and a second exhaust component having respective first and second flanges being squeezed and clamped together via the clamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a support member is described. The apparatus comprises a tubular clamp, the tubular clamp defining a throughbore adapted to receive a support member therethrough, a first apparatus member adapted to engage a first portion of an external surface of the tubular clamp, and a second apparatus member adapted to engage a second portion of the external surface of the tubular clamp. Relative movement of the first apparatus member with respect to the tubular damp in a first direction results in a deflection of a section of a first end of the tubular clamp into the clamp throughbore and relative movement of the second apparatus member in a second direction, opposite the first direction, with respect to the tubular clamp results in a deflection of a section of a second end of the tubular clamp into the clamp throughbore.

Abstract: A separation prevention device for a pipe joint has disengagement prevention members and a press member. The disengagement prevention members are disposed at a plurality of locations in a circumferential direction of the pipe, on an inner peripheral surface of an engaging tool or of a receiving opening itself and which are formed with claws. The press member presses the disengagement prevention member radially inward of the pipe and which engages the claw with the outer peripheral surface of an inserting opening. The claw of the disengagement prevention member and the claw of the disengagement prevention member which is adjacent to the former disengagement prevention member in the circumferential direction of the pipe are arranged so as to overlap on each other in the axial direction of the pipe in a state where the claws are engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the inserting opening.

Abstract: To prevent attachment in an inclined state, a coupling ring with an inner concave groove is fitted to an outer circumferences of abutting flange portions, and is fastened to reduce an inner diameter thereof so that an inclined surface formed on each side surface of the concave groove presses an inclined surface formed on an opposite surface of each of the flange portions. The pair of flange portions are coupled by force generated at the time of pressing. An attachment correcting surface is provided on each of the flange portions or each of the pipes so that, only where the coupling ring is attached and fastened in an orientation inclined at an angle equal to or larger than a prescribed angle, the attachment correcting surface is abutted to a part of the coupling ring prior to completion of the fastening so as to prohibit the part from being brought closer.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device for coupling flanged pipes includes a housing having first and second sections movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position, said first and second sections each adapted to receive a portion of respective flanges of a pair of pipes to be coupled; fastening means for fastening the first and second sections around the flanges; and urging means adapted to be disposed in the housing with the flanges and to urge the flanges together as the first and second sections are closed around the flanges.

Abstract: A system for temporarily joining two pipe ends securely in a reversible manner, where the joined pipe will carry fluids or mixed fluids and solids under high pressure and volume. Two clamshell clamps each grip a pipe near its end where two pipes are to be joined and. The clamshell clamps have two mating bodies of semicircular cross-section, pivoting around a hinged edge, so that interlaced flanges on the bodies' other edges meet and between which mated flanges a conical pin is inserted to bias the mating clamp bodies together gripping the pipe inside the tubular enclosure formed by the mating clamp elements. The conical pins are connected so that if the pipes' ends are urged apart, the connected pins are urged between the clamps' flanges forcing the clamps' gripping faces together on the pipes. The clamps may have included gripping elements adjacent on its inner face.

Abstract: A grip ring assembly including at least one yoke assembly for assembling on to a pipe that is to be coupled axially to a mechanical part, the at least one yoke assembly including an upper yoke and a lower yoke, wherein the at least one yoke assembly includes at least one axial fastener receiving member and the upper and lower yokes includes at least one transverse fastener receiving member generally transverse to the at least one axial fastener receiving member, a plurality of grip elements tightenable against outer surfaces of the pipes, radially spaced from one another and disposed along annular inner surfaces of the upper and lower yokes, at least one first transverse fastener operative to fasten the transverse fastener receiving members of the upper and lower yokes of the at least one yoke assembly to one another, and at least one axial fastener operative to fasten the at least one axial fastener receiving member to the mechanical part.

Abstract: A coupling device for a tube comprising a coupling piece with an insert end for the tube and a sealing organ which is suitable for realizing a seal around the tube inserted in the coupling piece, whereby the sealing organ comprises a series of elements which together form a ring enclosing the tube, and whereby the elements have been provided with at least one grip ring, extending over at least a part of the circumference of the tube, which at least one grip ring is embodied with inwardly and/or outwardly pressed out first projections and second projections extending away from the surface of the grip ring, whereby the first projections and the second projections are provided with, in the plane of these projections extending first anchor teeth and second anchor teeth.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a thermal sleeve and an elbow in a pipe assembly in a nuclear reactor. The clamp assembly comprises a sleeve clamp adapted to be arranged surrounding the elbow at a first joint between the elbow and a thermal sleeve, and comprising a sleeve support adapted to extend across the first joint. The clamp assembly comprises at least one clamp arm with a first end arranged to rest against at least one of a core shroud and a core plate support ring, to provide support for the positioning of the sleeve clamp.

Abstract: A pipe gripping element has an arcuate pipe engaging face with opposite front and rear edges, and an elongated, arcuate tooth extending outwardly therefrom between the front and rear edges. A portion of the pipe engaging face between the front edge thereof and the tooth forms a buttress pocket that retains a volume of pipe material displaced when the tooth is extended into a surface of a pipe. The displaced pipe material forms a load bearing buttress that prevents pipe movement. A pipe joint restraint includes an annular retainer gland, a plurality of pockets circumferentially spaced around the gland, and a plurality of pipe gripping elements operably associated therewith for gripping and restraining a pipe. A plurality of stops are associated with a projecting rim of the pipe joint restraint and limit the distance the projecting rim can be inserted within a second pipe fitting.

Abstract: A pipe coupling including an annular clamp having an opening at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, the annular clamp including two clamp members, an annular inclined surface extending axially from each of the clamp members, a wedge-shaped gripper arranged for sliding and abutting against the annular inclined surface, and a fastener that fastens the clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the pipe inserted in the opening and a radially-inward clamping force on the annular inclined surface that moves and wedges the wedge-shaped gripper in an axial direction between the annular inclined surface and the pipe.

Abstract: A grip element comprising a wedge-like structure supporting a metal plate, the exposed outer surface thereof being provided with an array of large and small gripping teeth. The large teeth project from the surface of said metal plate further than said small teeth. The invention further provides a grip element having a floor. The grip elements may be disposed around a ring for the purpose of pipe gripping. The ring is particularly useful in a pipe coupling to grip metal and plastic pipes.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connection to a pipe end of pipe made of polymer material includes an inner sleeve which is intended for insertion into the pipe end and for abutment with the inner surface of the pipe end, and an outer sleeve which is intended for abutment with the outer surface of the pipe end and which includes a slot-like opening. The pipe coupling also includes a device for adjusting the opening, and a pre-widening device positioned between the edges of the slot-like opening. The pre-widening device makes the slot-like opening larger such that the inner diameter of the outer sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies are designed for application to the adjacent ends of connected pipe sections in spanning relationship to the joint therebetween. The assemblies include a plurality of clamp bodies configured for placement about the adjacent pipe section ends and carrying a plurality of pipe-engaging teeth; a clamping mechanism is operably coupled with the clamp bodies to cause the teeth to grippingly engage the pipe section ends. The teeth are oriented so as to exert an increasing gripping force on the pipe sections ends in the event of relative separation movement between the ends.

Abstract: A support band having at least one band segment, a first connection end and a second connection end. The first and second connection end(s) each having a mounting surface with a wedge end, a wedge surface extending from the wedge end forming an acute angle with respect to the mounting surface, and a stand-off surface between the mounting surface and proximate a distal end of the wedge surface. The first and second connection end mounting surface(s) coupled to the at least one band segment. The support band having mounting means for mounting on and or within a structure via compression and or expansion.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved coupling having an innovative pipe grip preventing inadvertent separation of the two items being coupled. The improved releasable band-clamp coupling comprises a central housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the housing being curved to be larger than the outer diameter of a pipe, two curved outer clamp members each configured to contact a wall of the housing and to support a ring seal member and to support a sloped mechanical grip ring, there being further provided proximate to the ends of the curved outer clamp members a pair of substantially parallel pair of clamping extensions, and a sloped internally-toothed grip ring comprising a plurality of spaced-apart wedge-shaped gripper units, each unit being connected to both adjacent gripper units by a flexible element to complete said grip ring; and screw clamping elements in contact with said clamping extensions to reduce the distance between said substantially parallel clamping extensions.

Abstract: A slip joint assembly has been developed for a downcomer pipe in a core spray system of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, the slip joint assembly including: a housing sleeve formed around a slip joint in the downcomer pipe, wherein an annular gap exists between an inside surface of the housing sleeve and the downcomer pipe; an upper wedge and a lower wedge insertable in the gap; a wedge bolt extending through the gap and extending through the upper wedge and lower wedge, wherein the bolt applies a force pulling the upper and lower wedge together to secure the housing sleeve to the downcomer pipe; an upper pin extending from the housing sleeve into an aperture of an upper section of the downcomer pipe, and a lower pin extending from the housing sleeve into an aperture of a lower section of the downcomer pipe.

Abstract: A surveillance camera comprising a camera mounted in a housing, a trim ring and dome assembly, a flexible member and a clamping member. The housing and the trim ring and dome assembly have first and second surfaces. One of the first surface of the housing and the first surface of the trim ring and dome assembly has an indentation, and the flexible member is positioned in the indentation. The clamping member can be tightened and is shaped to contact the second surface of the housing and the second surface of the assembly such that when the clamping member is tightened the clamping member causes the housing and the assembly to compress the flexible member so that the flexible member provides a seal between the housing and the assembly.

Abstract: A releasable connection arrangement includes a first component, which has a collar projecting radially outwards with a first clamping surface and a first bearing surface and a socket disposed at an open end of a second component for retaining the collar by gripping round it axially. A second bearing surface is formed in the socket to co-operate with the first bearing surface. A groove is formed either in the first or in the second bearing surface to receive a seal. A second clamping surface is formed in the socket at an axial distance from the second bearing surface in which a number of ring wedge-shaped tensioning members are distributed over the circumference and are disposed such that first wedge surfaces abut the first clamping surface and second wedge surfaces abut the second clamping surface.

Abstract: A restrained sleeve coupling assembly for interconnecting pipe sections includes a generally cylindrical sleeve body, a generally cylindrical adaptor body and opposed end rings which are sleeved over the respective pipe sections to be joined. The generally cylindrical sleeve body has opposed gasket engaging surfaces adjacent opposite ends of the sleeve body for receiving fluid sealing gaskets forcibly engaged with the sleeve body, the adaptor body and one of the opposed end rings. The adaptor body includes a gasket engaging surface for receiving a fluid sealing gasket forcibly engaged with the adaptor body and the other of the opposed end rings. The end rings include flanges for engagement with elongated tension bolt assemblies to secure the sleeve body, the adaptor body, the gaskets and the end rings in assembly with each other.

Abstract: A split ring assembly for maintaining a releasable pipe coupling, of the type having a female portion having two pivoted opposite cam lever arms and a circumferentially grooved male portion, in an engaged position comprising: two generally semicircular ring portions hinged together on one side and provided with a latch mechanism on a diametrically opposite side; wherein each ring portion is notched to receive a swinging end portion of one of the cam lever arms; and wherein each ring portion is sized to closely surround the female portion of the pipe coupling. Then when the ring assembly surrounds said female portion and the pivoted arms, closing the latch mechanism visibly ensures that the coupling portions remain locked together. The split ring assembly is a rugged visibly convincing assurance that a coupling will not inopportunely open. It can be manipulated by an operator wearing heavy gloves in subzero weather or during a snow storm.

Abstract: Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies are provided, which are designed for application to the adjacent ends of connected pipe sections in spanning relationship to the joint therebetween. The assemblies include a plurality of clamp bodies configured for placement about the adjacent pipe section ends and carrying a plurality of pipe-engaging teeth; a clamping mechanism is operably coupled with the clamp bodies to cause the teeth to grippingly engage the pipe section ends. The teeth are oriented so as to exert an increasing gripping force on the pipe sections ends in the event of relative separation movement between the ends.

Abstract: A releasable connection arrangement that includes, a first component, which has a collar projecting radially outwards with a first clamping surface and a first bearing surface and a socket disposed at an open end of a second component for retaining the collar by gripping round it axially. A second bearing surface is formed in the socket to co-operate with the first bearing surface. A groove is formed either in the first or in the second bearing surface to receive a seal. A second clamping surface is formed in the socket at an axial distance from the second bearing surface in which a number of ring wedge-shaped tensioning members which are distributed over the circumference and are disposed such that first wedge surfaces abut the first clamping surface and second wedge surfaces abut the second clamping surface.

Abstract: An assembly fixture for the separable connection of a first component 1 and a second component 2, the first component 1 having an essentially cylindrical end-face recess 3, with the second component 2 having an essentially cylindrical protrusion 4 which fits into the recess 3, with the protrusion 4 of the second component 2 being conical at a side opposite the cylindrical side, with the first component 1 being provided with a conical face at a side facing the cylindrical side of the recess 3, and with a conical clamping body 5 which, together with the protrusion 4 of the second component 2, can be fitted into the recess 3 of the first component 1 and clamped against the first component 1.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling the ends of pipe sections together end to end, wherein the coupling includes a barrel member, at least one coupling member, at least one elastomeric sealing ring, a tangentially extending bolt and interacting members. The barrel member surrounds the ends of the pipe sections and the coupling member engages an end of the barrel member. The sealing ring is disposed between an end of the barrel member and the coupling member, and expands radially outward and inward to seal within the end of the barrel member and around a circumference of one of the pipe sections. The bolt couples the coupling member to the barrel member. The interaction members interact and progressively twist the coupling member along the barrel member to force the sealing ring into sealing engagement within the barrel member and around the circumference of the pipe sections.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint, restraining gasket, and method for restraining pipe spigots within adjacent bell sockets. The restraining gasket is composed of two axially-separate components: a sealing portion and a restraining portion made of a plurality of arcuate locking members. The restraining gasket and a gland surround an outer surface of the pipe spigot. The mechanical pipe joint is formed as the pipe spigot is inserted into the bell socket and the gland is axially attached to the bell socket so that the restraining gasket is held between: the gland, an inner surface of the bell socket, and the outer surface of the pipe spigot, so as to provide a fluid seal in the joint and urge the locking members into contact with the outer surface of the pipe spigot, axially restraining the pipe spigot within the bell socket.

Abstract: A sealing and restraining gasket for preventing separation of a pipe joint used to join a bell end of a female pipe to the male end of a mating pipe. The gasket is formed from a compressible body of elastomeric material and carries a rigid ring with gripping teeth for engaging an outer surface of the mating male pipe. The ring has a gap at one location. The gripping teeth of the rigid ring are oriented so as to be out of contact with and initially angled away from the outer surface of the male plastic pipe. The teeth are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the male pipe as the pipe joint is assembled and the gap in the ring is partly closed. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to the female bell end opening during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the pipe joint has been assembled.

Abstract: A gasket for converting a standard mechanical joint into a restrained mechanical joint without the need for altered configuration of the bell, spigot, or gland of the joint, and without the need for additional fittings or devices. In the practice of the present invention, a standard mechanical joint's bell and gland configuration can be employed to connect a spigot end of one pipe length to the bell end of another pipe length in a restrained relationship, with the restraint based on forces superior to rubber-to-pipe friction. In more particular discussion of the embodiments taught, the invention includes forming the gasket to fit within the bell in such a manner that a void, or gutter, exists during rest, into which void the gasket compresses, which in turn influences the rotational motion of the segment. In this manner, the configuration of the gasket influences the timing and extent of rotation throughout the process of securing the gland to the bell.

Abstract: A restraining element for preventing separation of a pipe joint used to join a bell end of a female plastic pipe to the male end of a mating pipe. The restraining element is formed from a compressible body of elastomeric material, the compressible body having a segmented metal ring located therein with gripping teeth for engaging an outer surface of the mating male pipe. The ring segments making up the segmented metal ring are oriented such that the gripping teeth of the ring segments are out of contact with and initially angled away from the outer surface of the male plastic pipe. The teeth of the annular gasket are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the male plastic pipe as the pipe joint is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to the female bell end opening during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the pipe joint has been assembled.

Abstract: A restraining element for preventing separation of a pipe joint used to join a bell end of a female plastic pipe to the male end of a mating pipe. The restraining element is formed from a compressible body of elastomeric material, the compressible body having a segmented metal ring located therein with gripping teeth for engaging an outer surface of the mating male pipe. The ring segments making up the segmented metal ring are oriented such that the gripping teeth of the ring segments are out of contact with and initially angled away from the outer surface of the male plastic pipe. The teeth of the annular gasket are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the male plastic pipe as the pipe joint is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to the female bell end opening during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the pipe joint has been assembled.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device (2) for joining the ends of two pipes is disclosed. The pipe coupling device (2) includes a sleeve (4) configured to receive an end of a pipe and having an annular first abutment surface (6); a compression member (12) having an annular second abutment surface (10); a sealing and gripping assembly (8) for sealing against and gripping the pipe; and threaded fasteners for drawing the compression member (12) and the sleeve (4) axially together so as to compress the sealing and gripping assembly (8) against the pipe. The sealing and gripping assembly (8) includes a sealing member (14) and a gripping device. The gripping device may include an annular carrier (16) having an annular recess for retaining a gripping member (18). The gripping surface of the gripping member (18) and the annular carrier (16) are adapted for relative axial movement wherein the gripping member (18) may be moved into tighter contact with the pipe.

Abstract: Connection elements for interconnecting two duct ends, the elements comprising a tubular connection member for uniting the duct ends, the tubular member comprising at least one pair of half-bodies which is arranged so as to be closed on at least one duct end and which is associated with elements for gripping the duct end when the pair of half-bodies is closed on the duct end, the gripping elements comprising at least one outwardly-directed projection formed by plastic deformation of the duct end in a position set back from an end face of the duct end, and two inner shoulders of at least one of the half-bodies, which shoulders are spaced apart axially so as to receive therebetween the outwardly-directed projection.

Abstract: A restraining element for preventing separation of a pipe joint used to join a bell end of a female plastic pipe to the male end of a mating pipe. The restraining element is formed from a compressible body of elastomeric material, the compressible body having a segmented metal ring located therein with gripping teeth for engaging an outer surface of the mating male pipe. The ring segments making up the segmented metal ring are oriented such that the gripping teeth of the ring segments are out of contact with and initially angled away from the outer surface of the male plastic pipe. The teeth of the annular gasket are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the male plastic pipe as the pipe joint is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to the female bell end opening during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the pipe joint has been assembled.

Abstract: A restraining element for preventing separation of a pipe joint used to join a bell end of a female plastic pipe to the male end of a mating pipe. The restraining element is formed from a compressible body of elastomeric material, the compressible body having a segmented metal ring located therein with gripping teeth for engaging an outer surface of the mating male pipe. The ring segments making up the segmented metal ring are oriented such that the gripping teeth of the ring segments are out of contact with and initially angled away from the outer surface of the male plastic pipe. The teeth of the annular gasket are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the male plastic pipe as the pipe joint is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to the female bell end opening during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the pipe joint has been assembled.

Abstract: A torque-limiting bolt-and-nut assembly is provided for actuating a pipe-pressing member in order to secure two pipe ends together. The bolt includes a threaded shank, a secondary drive head, and a shearable drive head designed to be sheared-off by a torque exceeding a predetermined value. A recess is formed between the shearable drive head and the second drive head. The nut is mounted on the shearable drive head and is configured for transmitting torque to the shearable drive head from a manual tool. A nut includes a connection structure extending into the recess for resisting dislodgement of the nut from the bolt. The shearable drive head has at least four sides, all of the sides being of equal length, and the number of the sides being an even number.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes mating hub sections engaged by outer split clamp elements that are compressed together against mating tapered surfaces of the hub sections to draw the hub sections together into tight fitting relationship. The clamp elements are driven into a compressed condition by an outer locking ring that fits over the split clamp elements to draw the hub sections together and to retain the hub sections against axial separation. The clamp elements have locking surfaces engageable by the locking ring and axial movement of the locking ring is limited by appropriate stop surfaces and retainers. A locking sleeve installation and removal tool utilizing an actuator system is described.

Abstract: An adjustable safety and rapidly assembled connector includes a first joint, a second joint, two connecting seats, and a locking device. A sealing ring is installed within the connecting end of the second joint. A buckling groove is installed external the connecting end of the second joint. An inclined plane is installed on one side of the buckling groove. Each end of the two connecting seats is installed with a locking portion. A buckling body is projected from the inner portion of the buckling groove. An inclined plane is formed from one side of the buckling body. One ends of the two connecting seats are pivotally connected with connecting end of the first joint. When the two connecting seats are connected, the locking portions of two connecting seats are tightly locked by a locking device.

Abstract: A plastic pipe coupling for the joining of plain end plastic pipe that includes a pair of longitudinally displaced annular followers, a tubular middle ring extending between the opposite followers, an annular gasket within each follower contiguous to the middle ring, gripper segments within the follower that are operative during tightening installation of the follower about a received pipe end to effect a penetrating restraining grip against the surface of the pipe end and means on each of said followers cooperating with the end configuration of the middle ring to effect a snap-in-interlock and a perceptive signal when installation is completed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting the lower riser assembly of a jet pump in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the clamp apparatus facilitates applying compression force on the elbow. The clamp apparatus includes a lower elbow clamp, a riser clamp, and a bridge. The lower elbow clamp is positioned adjacent an interface between the elbow and the thermal sleeve of the jet pump riser pipe assembly. The riser clamp is secured to the riser pipe of the jet pump riser pipe assembly at a location adjacent an interface between the riser pipe and the elbow. The bridge rigidly couples the lower elbow clamp and the lower clamp so that as the respective clamps are secured to the lower riser assembly, a compression clamping force is placed on the piping and welds at each clamp.

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.