Abstract: A part of a gasket that conducts electricity across the otherwise nonconducting gasket. Versions of the insert provide an electrical connection when installed even if the parts sealed by the gasket deflect, and do not deform under compression due to their resilient nature. The gaskets can be used in pipe joints, among other uses, resulting in a pipe joint that conducts electricity between the pipe spigot and the socket of a pipe or fixture even if a deflection event occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an estimate of uniformity of wall thickness of a centrifugally cast object, such as a pipe cast from molten iron, substantially immediately after the casting process is complete. The volume of molten metal entering the mold over time is determined and correlated with casting machine position and velocity data to estimate wall thickness along the length of the pipe. Process defects can then be identified promptly and corrective action taken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an estimate of uniformity of wall thickness of a centrifugally cast object, such as a pipe cast from molten iron, substantially immediately after the casting process is complete. The volume of molten metal entering the mold over time is determined and correlated with casting machine position and velocity data to estimate wall thickness along the length of the pipe. Process defects can then be identified promptly and corrective action taken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an estimate of uniformity of wall thickness of a centrifugally cast object, such as a pipe cast from molten iron, substantially immediately after the casting process is complete. The volume of molten metal entering the mold over time is determined and correlated with casting machine position and velocity data to estimate wall thickness along the length of the pipe. Process defects can then be identified promptly and corrective action taken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a discontinuity in the wall of a ferrous object is disclosed, which utilize a bank of sensors where each sensor is configured to detect a difference in magnetic flux across a predefined area. Sets of readings from the sensors are converted to images, from which the existence and location of a discontinuity can be detected.

Abstract: A joint having a male joint member and female joint member with enhanced ease of assembly, in which a raised stop on the male joint member is limited to displacement between a constriction on the female joint member and a locking ring segment, in which the locking ring segment and constriction are separated by an unobstructed traverse region that allows the male joint member to slide axially when under stress without separation from the female joint member, and in which a compressible spacer is installed between the male joint member and female joint member to ensure that the raised stop is installed in an intermediate position between the constriction and the locking ring segment. The compressible spacer withstands forces associated with assembly but allows the joint to compress during extreme events to prevent failure of the joint during extreme events, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

Abstract: A part of a gasket that conducts electricity across the otherwise nonconducting gasket. Versions of the insert provide an electrical connection when installed even if the parts sealed by the gasket deflect, and do not deform under compression due to their resilient nature. The gaskets can be used in pipe joints, among other uses, resulting in a pipe joint that conducts electricity between the pipe spigot and the socket of a pipe or fixture even if a deflection event occurs.

Abstract: A part of a gasket that conducts electricity across the otherwise nonconducting gasket. Versions of the insert provide an electrical connection when installed even if the parts sealed by the gasket deflect, and do not deform under compression due to their resilient nature. The gaskets can be used in pipe joints, among other uses, resulting in a pipe joint that conducts electricity between the pipe spigot and the socket of a pipe or fixture even if a deflection event occurs.

Abstract: A joint having a male joint member and female joint member, in which a raised stop on the male joint member is limited to displacement between a constriction on the female joint member and a locking ring segment, and in which the locking ring segment and constriction are separated by an unobstructed traverse region that allows the male joint member to slide axially when under stress without separation from the female joint member. The rounded shape of the groove that accommodates the locking ring segment acts like a universal joint, allowing deflection between the male and female joint members without separation. The female joint member flares on the inside of its distal region to accommodate such deflection. Thus the male and female joint members have a degree of axial and radial flexibility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A coating for a metal surface that provides excellent resistance to both electrochemical corrosion and mechanical insult is provided. The coating involves at least an inner coating that is a sacrificial anodic layer and an outer coating that is a protective dielectric material made of inorganic metal oxide. Some versions of the coating include an intermediate layer as well that serves to improve adhesion between the coatings and may provide additional galvanic protection. Although the coating can be made by a variety of methods, advanced methods of spray application are provided for making high-quality lightweight versions the coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A coating for a metal surface that provides excellent resistance to both electrochemical corrosion and mechanical insult is provided. The coating involves at least an inner coating that is a sacrificial anodic layer and an outer coating that is a protective dielectric material made of inorganic metal oxide. Some versions of the coating include an intermediate layer as well that serves to improve adhesion between the coatings and may provide additional galvanic protection. Although the coating can be made by a variety of methods, advanced methods of spray application are provided for making high-quality lightweight versions the coating.

Abstract: A coating for a metal surface that provides excellent resistance to both electrochemical corrosion and mechanical insult is provided. The coating involves at least an inner coating that is a sacrificial anodic layer and an outer coating that is a protective dielectric material made of inorganic metal oxide. Some versions of the coating include an intermediate layer as well that serves to improve adhesion between the coatings and may provide additional galvanic protection. Although the coating can be made by a variety of methods, advanced methods of spray application are provided for making high-quality lightweight versions the coating.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved non-destructive thickness measurement systems and methods. Embodiments of the present invention utilize quarter wave resonant frequency to measure the thickness of high-temperature pipe walls. In one embodiment, an improved non-destructive thickness measurement system is provided that utilizes Gaussian white noise to produce maximum mechanical resonance in the pipe wall and laser vibrometers to detect the pipe wall's maximum displacement.

Abstract: A protective coating for a metal substrate is provided that is light, durable, galvanically protective, and easily applied at the site of manufacture. The coating has at least two layers, one of which is a galvanizing layer and one of which is a micro-composite of a galvanic metal and a non-conducting material, such as polymer. Such coatings are useful for example to protect pipes or other metal surfaces in corrosive environments. Methods of producing the coating are provided, including methods that use advanced spraying techniques to provide very thin but consistent layers. Using the advanced spraying methods the composite layer can be created by co-spraying the galvanic metal and the nonconductive material onto the surface of the galvanic coating. Optionally, an outer coat of insulating material can be applied to provide further protection to the surface.