Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding ends of two separate articles or a single article to form a single welded article. The apparatus comprises first and second molds for supporting and clamping first and second ends of at least one article and an infrared heating element for thermally energizing over a prescribed period of time the first and second ends of the at least one article to a welding condition. The apparatus further comprises a regulator for altering the power supplied for energizing the infrared heater over at least a portion of the prescribed period of time to achieve increased electromagnetic radiation penetration into the body of the at least one article beyond the first and second ends. The apparatus also comprises an actuator for advancing the first and second ends into a contacting position to form a single welded article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.

Abstract: A composite high strength annular gasket and method of forming same is used for forming a seal between two pipe members. The gasket comprises a sealing material having a first durometer, the sealing material provides a pliable flexing surface for forming a sealing connection between a mating pipe member and adjoining pipe member during assembly. The gasket also comprises a base material forming one or more cords having a second durometer, the one or more cords embedded in and bonded with the sealing material, providing enhanced anti-compression and tensile strength to the composite annular gasket. The base material has a durometer higher than the sealing material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an annular gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between an inner pipe and an outer pipe, when the pipes are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. The gasket includes a gasket portion configured to sealingly engage the inner and outer pipes when the pipes are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. The gasket includes a low coefficient of friction surface which is applied to the gasket portion. The gasket may be formed by a method in which a low coefficient of friction film is inserted into a mold before injection of compounds used to form the gasket.

Abstract: A coupler assembly (10) and method of manufacture (10) for use with pipe comprising a unitary annular body (20) forming first and second cylindrical openings for surrounding a pipe or piping sections to facilitate forming a fluid-tight seal therein. The unitary annular body (20) comprises a medial portion (64) formed from a first material having a first durometer and first and second lateral portions (56, 58) integrally connected to opposite ends of the medial portion (64). The first and second lateral portions (56, 58) are made from a second material having a second durometer relatively higher than the first durometer of the first material. The coupler assembly (10) further comprises at least one clamping assembly (26) surrounding the unitary annular body member (20) adapted for compressing the coupler assembly (10) into a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.

Abstract: A permanently lubricated film gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of an outer pipe or section when the corrugated pipe and the outer pipe or section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. A first portion of the gasket is shaped to fit within a groove or recess of the corrugated pipe. A second portion of the gasket extends from the first portion. The second portion is at least partially comprised of permanently lubricated film for facilitating in the connection of the pipes along a single direction.