Abstract: The converter for converting a mechanical joint to a socket fusion joint includes a body having an inner surface, a stop disposed on the inner surface, and a fusion surface extending from the stop for a distance d1. The converter also includes a marker disposed on the outer surface for providing a reference location as to where the body can be severed to keep d1?FM, wherein FM is the minimum fusion surface length allowable for the fusion socket joint. A method for repairing a leaking mechanical joint is provided which includes severing the mechanical coupling from the converter and the pipe. The method also includes performing a facing operation on the converter end surface to form a faced end such that the fusion surface extends between the faced end and a stop for an axial distance d1?FM.

Abstract: The converter for converting a mechanical joint to a socket fusion joint includes a body having an inner surface, a stop disposed on the inner surface, and a fusion surface extending from the stop for a distance d1. The converter also includes a marker disposed on the outer surface for providing a reference location as to where the body can be severed to keep d1≧FM, wherein FM is the minimum fusion surface length allowable for the fusion socket joint. A method for repairing a leaking mechanical joint is provided which includes severing the mechanical coupling from the converter and the pipe. The method also includes performing a facing operation on the converter end surface to form a faced end such that the fusion surface extends between the faced end and a stop for an axial distance d1≧FM.

Abstract: A coupling receives a non-metallic tube (12) in an opening of a coupling body (10). A seal assembly (22, 24) disposed inside the coupling body (10) seals between the body (10) and the tube (12). A collet (16) disposed in the coupling body (10) includes a tapered external surface (50) that engages a tapered wall in the coupling body (10) to resist pull-out of the tube (12). The collet (16) includes an inner toothed (52) surface for gripping the tube (12) and has a split (70) or slots (54) that allow the collet (16) to radially expand and contract. A rotation prevention member, which in a preferred embodiment is a longitudinal rib (56) extending inwardly from the collet (16), limits relative rotation between the collet (16) and the tube (12). Moreover, edges (74) of the split (70) are rounded so that the collet can rotate relative to the coupling body (10).

Abstract: A riser assembly to transmit gas from a buried fluid line to a manifold. Inner (50) and outer (90) casings are received in a first end of an adapter (54). The other end of the adapter (60) is secured to the manifold. A gripping assembly (70) holds the inner casing in the adapter and prevents a pullout while also providing a sealed inner face between the inner casing and the adapter. A mounting assembly is provided to secure the outer casing in the adapter. It, too, prevents pullout of the outer casing and also allows the outer casing to freely rotate relative to the adapter. In selected embodiments the outer casing is formed of a non-corrosive material such as a PVC or polyethelene to address corrosion resistant properties.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining two spaced coaxial pipe ends comprises an elongate sleeve adapted to receive coaxially two opposing pipe ends to be connected. The sleeve has frusto-conical ends opening outwardly and receiving a pair of annular elastomeric gaskets adapted to fit into the frusto-conical ends of the sleeve in sliding engagement around the pipe ends to be connected. A separate retaining ring member is located axially outward of each end of the sleeve to encircle the pipe ends to be connected. Each retaining ring member has a frustoconical inner wall facing the sleeve to define a gripping ring chamber. Positioned in each gripping ring chamber is a separate radially compressible gripping ring member. Separate engagement ring members are located at each end of the sleeve at a location between the elastomeric gasket and the gripping ring at that respective end.