Abstract: A fluid-tight coupling and sealing apparatus for first and second tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough comprising a non-metallic ring rigidly received in the first tube via an interference shrink-fit and a metallic, resilient annular sealing element rigidly coupled to and extending from the second tube and having a ring portion with a curved outer surface in contact via an interference fit with the inner surface of the non-metallic ring. The coefficient of friction between the metallic sealing element and the non-metallic ring is low, to minimize the moment required to angulate the apparatus under load, and the wear properties are optimal, to decrease the chance of galling along the sealing line and thus loss of sealing.

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 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 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.