Abstract: A V-coupling device for coupling coaxial annular flanges comprising at least two arcuate coupling members, a pivoting mechanism for pivotally and releasably coupling the coupling members at their first ends, and a tightening mechanism which includes an axially-oriented rotatable member for coupling the members together at their second ends and moving them radially inwardly. The tightening mechanism has a pair of camming surfaces that act upon cam follower surfaces integrally formed on the second ends of the arcuate coupling members. The camming surfaces move axially in response to rotation of the axially-oriented rotatable member. The coupling device is especially suited for installation in narrow annular space where tangentially-oriented tightening mechanisms are difficult to use.

Abstract: A flexible gimbal joint for pipes including an internal flexible seal interconnecting the pipes and an external gimbal ring which also provides secondary sealing. The joint includes spherical portions with mating sinusoidal free edges, the external ring and four trunnion pins, each pin coupled to the ring, two pins pivotally coupled to the first spherical portion and two other pins pivotally coupled to the second spherical portion. The inner surface of the ring is formed substantially as a spherical portion and has a diameter slightly greater than the outer surfaces of the first and second spherical portions. The ring surrounds these spherical portions, covering the gap between them, and thus acts as a secondary seal, while protecting the main internal seal. All axial loads on the joint are assumed by the spherical portions, the external ring and the trunnion pins, so the joint is easily flexed.

Abstract: A split ring seal assembly with a slip joint including a split ring having first and second free ends and a connecting member in the shape of a ring segment having first and second ends. The split ring seal has a multiple convoluted cross section with two outer flanges. The connecting element has a U-shaped transverse cross section. The split ring seal and connecting element are designed such that the connecting element fits within the split ring seal. The first end of the connecting member is fixedly attached to the first end of the split ring seal. The second end of the connecting member is slidably received within the second end of the split ring seal. This enables the split ring assembly to expand and contract as it is exposed to varying temperatures and pressures. The connecting element is comprised of two connecting members having curved portions and integral overlapping portions which are slidable relative each other.

Abstract: A fluid-tight sealing apparatus with a protective liner for sealing a pair of tubes having high temperature and pressure fluid flowing therethrough. The apparatus comprises an inner tubular surface coupled to the first tube and a sealing assembly coupled to the second tube and receivable in the inner tubular surface in an interference fit. The sealing assembly comprises a metallic, annular resilient sealing member and a rigid protective liner located inside and substantially concentric to the sealing member but spaced inwardly therefrom for limiting radially inward deformation of the sealing member to prevent plastic deformation thereof.

Abstract: A torsionally flexible annular seal in the form of a metallic, resilient sealing ring for a pair of concentric, hollow annular bodies having high pressure and temperature fluid flowing therethrough and having different thermal expansion rates and/or temperatures. The sealing ring comprises a central tapering portion, a first curvilinear sealing portion at one end of the central portion, and a second curvilinear sealing portion at the other end of the central portion. In one embodiment the central tapering portion is frustoconical, and in a second it has convex and concave portions. The first and second sealing portions seal against inner and outer cylindrical surfaces defined by the pair of annular bodies, this sealing including at least two circular sealing lines in different planes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resiliently deformable metallic annular sealing ring comprising an inner element and at least one adjacent concentric element. Each of the elements has a radial cross sectional shape comprising a curvilinear member which encompasses at least a portion of a circle, e.g., at least 210.degree., and which terminates in two end portions which are free to move relative to each other. The inner element is at least partially encased by the adjacent element. The mid-point between the two end portions of the cross sectional shape of the inner element is located opposite the midpoint between the two end portions of the cross sectional shape of the adjacent concentric element. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cross sectional shape of the elements are C-shaped and there is a gap between the end portions of the cross sectional shape.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealing ring comprising an integral piece of resilient metal formed into three or more U-shaped annular convolutions and having outer legs which extend from the convoluted section in a direction essentially parallel to but leading slightly away from the convolutions. The outer legs have a sinuous configuration and terminate in convex portions which define a sealing line when the sealing ring is installed.

Abstract: A pressure compensated slide joint for sealing first and second tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough comprising a metallic, resilient sealing element extending from the first tube into an interference fit with the interior surface of the second tube, and an annular chamber, variable lengthwise in the axial direction, formed from two parts, each coupled to one of the tubes and in a slidable, sealing relationship with the other, and which has a vent communicating with the interior of the second tube. The sealing element is formed of a frustoconical portion and a ring portion having a curved outer surface contacting the interior surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A flexible piping joint in the form of a fluid-tight coupling and sealing apparatus for two tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough, the joint having angular, axial and rotational flexibility and comprising a metallic, resilient annular sealing element on the first tube in an interference fit with the interior surface of the second tube, and a guiding mechanism for maintaining the intersection point of the tubes' centerlines during angular misalignment in the plane containing the line of contact of the sealing element and the interior surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A fluid-tight sealing apparatus for sealing a tube to a cylindrical surface while subjected to axial, rotational and angular misalignments comprising a metallic, resilient sealing member on the tube having a ring portion with a curved surface for contacting the cylindrical surface and for forming a fluid-tight seal by means of an interference fit therebetween. The cylindrical surface can be the interior surface of a bore with the sealing member including a frustoconical portion having the ring portion at the larger end thereof and fitting into the cylindrical bore. The cylindrical surface can be the exterior surface of a conduit with the sealing member including a frustoconical portion having the ring portion at the smaller end thereof and fitting around the cylindrical conduit.