Abstract: Described are data abstraction systems, methods, and media for aggregating and abstracting data records from data providers, which are not substantially interoperable with each other. Features include data provider connector modules dynamically loaded, based on definitions stored on disk, that facilitate data mapping and individual matching.

Abstract: Described are data abstraction systems, methods, and media for aggregating and abstracting data records from data providers, which are not substantially interoperable with each other. Features include data provider connector modules dynamically loaded, based on definitions stored on disk, that facilitate data mapping and individual matching.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming tapered spiral tubes from strips, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spiral tube forming system for forming a strip into a spiral tube; a strip infeed system adapted for feeding a strip to the pipe forming system; and computer-controlled means for continuously varying the angular orientation of the tube forming system relative to the strip infeed system to selectively vary the diameter of the forming tube. The selective variation of the diameter includes linearly tapered and curved profiles, as well as constant (unchanging) diameter profiles and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming tapered spiral tubes from strips, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spiral tube forming system for forming a strip into a spiral tube; a strip infeed system adapted for feeding a strip to the pipe forming system; and computer-controlled means for continuously varying the angular orientation of the tube forming system relative to the strip infeed system to selectively vary the diameter of the forming tube. The selective variation of the diameter includes linearly tapered and curved profiles, as well as constant (unchanging) diameter profiles and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed, which prevents penile leakage. The clamp includes a generally convex lower bow; a generally concave upper bow; and a hinge which pivotally joins the bows at one end. A releasable, preferably removable latch at the opposite end is used to hold the bows closed about the penis. When the clamp is closed, the bows form an enclosure having center and side regions which together approximate the area of the uncompressed penis. The bows are spaced apart a small distance at approximately their center, for compressively closing the urethra. The musculus expands into the side regions of the enclosure to permit blood circulation to the head. One or both of the bows may be a one-piece member of rigid, yet flexible material. Preferably, the hinge and latch are adjustable, to provide spacing between the bows and adjustable compression of the penis. Alternatively, one or both of the bows may comprise a frame member and a tubular cover.

Abstract: The useful life of a dry abrasive blasting head is greatly extended by two design features. First, the tube on which the rotating nozzles are mounted is protected from abrasion by an easily-replaced wear tube which is a sleeve-like liner. Secondly, the relatively expensive nozzle holder is protected by providing it with a cup-shaped cavity facing the incoming abrasive particles. The cup-shaped cavity soon becomes at least partially filled by the particles, so that later-arriving particles strike the particles contained in the cavity and do not directly reach the nozzle holder, thereby prolonging its life. Taken together, these structural features of the present invention result in a high-performance blasting head that can operate for more than 1,000 hours without interruption.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is described comprising a pair of flanged collars, each collar having a sleeve that fits within one end of a pipe and an integral radial flange that extends radially outward of the pipe section circumference. An annular ring gasket is formed or disposed around each sleeve and the gasket is lodged between the inside surface of the pipe and the sleeve. The end of each pipe section which receives the sleeve is then crimped to form indentations in the exterior surface of the pipe, said indentations compressing the gaskets and forming a watertight seal between the sleeves and the end of each pipe section.

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing helically formed pipe from strip material. One side of the strip material is formed to provide a first side flange that projects substantially 90.degree. relative to the plane of the strip. The opposite side of the strip is formed with a channel that includes a second side flange that also projects substantially 90.degree. relative to the plane of the strip but in the opposite direction from the first side flange. The strip material is then helically coiled while the first and second side flanges are moved into abutting contact. Pressure is then applied radially of the pipe axis, forcing the contacting edges of the flanges together while the flanges are welded, thus forming a rib with a helical weld seam located at or near the line of neutral forces in the rib.

Abstract: A spiral ribbed pipe formed from an elongate strip coiled helically. The pipe has a helical seam and an integral reinforcing rib formed along and around the seam, thereby increasing strength and rigidity of the pipe and its seam. The helical seam comprises a pair of interlocking edges located radially inward of the rib and intermediate a pair of offsets, whereby the inner surface of each coil of strip is longitudinally aligned with the surfaces of adjacent coils to provide a smooth interior pipe surface.

Abstract: A section of corrugated pipe is provided having complementary bell and spigot end portions, the bell end portion being longitudinally segmented and having integrally formed flexible side wall strips connected to and projecting from a substantially cylindrical shroud. The spigot end portion of each section is receivable within the bell end portion, and an annular recess is formed in the exterior surface for receiving the side wall strips of another section when connected therewith. A plastic liner extends through each pipe section with sealing means provided to form a continuous, smooth inner conduit.

Abstract: Method for removing camber from strip preparatory to forming helical pipe is taught utilizing the steps of feeding the strip longitudinally along a directional line of feed, sensing lateral deviations of the strip relative to the directional line of feed, laterally moving and realigning the strip in response to lateral deviations, then severing both side edges of the strip on lines parallel with the directional line of feed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing camber from strip preparatory to forming helical pipe is taught utilizing the steps of feeding the strip longitudinally along a directional line of feed, sensing lateral deviations of the strip relative to the directional line of feed, laterally moving and realigning the strip in response to lateral deviations, then severing both side edges of the strip on lines parallel with the directional line of feed.Apparatus for practicing the method comprises a pair of laterally spaced guide rolls which are mounted for lateral adjustment toward and away from the other, means for moving the guide rolls simultaneously as a unit as well as independently of each other, and control means, including servomechanisms for positioning each roll in response to variations in both width of the strip and camber.

Abstract: Double wall helical pipe formed from a single metal strip, pipe forming method and configuration of strip for forming such pipe. A metal strip is formed with pipe seam elements and curled into overlapped helical convolutions, and the seam elements are secured together to provide a helical pipe seam. One or both pipe walls may be corrugated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to machines for recorrugating the ends of a helically corrugated pipe. One end of the pipe is inserted between and engaged by a juxtaposed pair of recorrugating rollers. The rollers are mounted on shafts which are driven to recorrugate the end of the pipe. As an improvement in such machines, the present invention provides a rotatable annular thrust ring, the marginal portion of which passes between the shafts. At least a portion of the end of the pipe to be recorrugated is abutted against the thrust ring to prevent axial movement of the pipe as it is being recorrugated. The ring is allowed to rotate during the recorrugating process to minimize damage to the end of the pipe.