Abstract: A pair of substantially opposed mating surfaces are joined to each other and sealed in place by means of an electrically-conductive member which is placed in proximity to the mating surfaces. The electrically-conductive member has at least one element secured thereto which is positioned to contact the mating surfaces, and which softens when the electrically-conductive member is heated by passing an electric current therethrough. The softened element conforms to the mating surfaces, and upon cooling of the softened element the mating surfaces are joined together in an effective seal. Of particular significance is an embodiment of the electrically-conductive member which is a gasket having an electrically-conductive gasket base and a pair of the elements secured to opposite sides of the gasket base. This embodiment is positioned between the opposed mating surfaces to be joined to each other.

Abstract: A thermally activated joining apparatus is provided for reversibly joining piping components of a fluid management system. The joining apparatus includes a thermally activated sealant layers for securing the components together in a leakage free manner. A thermal conductor includes a ring shaped contact portion disposed between the layers for transferring heat from one or more heating elements to the sealant layers. After the seal in place, the components can later be disconnected by supplying heat from the heating element or elements through the thermal conductor to the sealant layers to cause breaking of the seal and thereby enable separation of components.

Abstract: A structural assembly device and method for securing together a pair of surfaces of two fusible materials wherein an electrically conductive thermal element is located between the surfaces which will melt, without substantially degrading, when heated. When the thermal element is heated, it is elevated to a temperature sufficient to melt the first and second elements and then is allowed to cool such that the first and second elements are joined to the thermal element and may be joined to each other as well.

Abstract: A gasket assembly for securing a pair of surfaces together wherein an electrically conductive gasket base having a central opening is provided with a pair of layers secured to opposite sides of the gasket base, with the layers being a fusible alloy, a brazing alloy or a synthetic, thermoplastic material which will melt, without degrading, when the gasket base is heated. The surfaces may be secured to each other by a plurality of bolts to squeeze the gasket assembly therebetween or by some other clamping means. An electrical current is passed through the gasket base to heat it to a temperature sufficient to melt the layers to seal the surfaces to opposite sides of the gasket base.