Abstract: A raised pipeline sleeve for a pipeline includes a tubular sleeve body insertable into pipeline pipes. Recessed sleeve shoulders are radially positioned about each end of the tubular sleeve body with a central portion therebetween. An outer surface of the tubular sleeve body along the central portion is shaped to conform to an inner surface of the pipeline pipes. The recessed sleeve shoulders are recessed a distance radially below the central portion to support a pipeline seal between the recessed sleeve shoulders and the pipeline pipes. A raised hump extends radially from the central portion along the outer surface of the tubular sleeve body. As the tubular sleeve body is inserted in the pipeline pipes, the pipeline pipes engage the raised hump and conform the raised hump to the inner surface of the pipeline pipes whereby installation of the tubular sleeve body into and alignment of the tubular sleeve body about the pipeline pipes is facilitated.

Abstract: A lockable pipeline seal, pipeline sleeve, and sealed pipeline connection for a pipeline. The pipeline seal includes a ring-shaped body having a head along a first ring end and a tail along a second ring end of the ring-shaped body, with a body portion therebetween. The ring-shaped body has an outer surface and an inner surface along its periphery. A deflection surface and abase surface are defined along the outer surface. The deflection surface is at an angle to a horizontal axis of the ring-shaped body, and a recessed grip is defined along the inner surface. The ring-shaped body is compressible such that, when the pipeline seal is installed between the pipeline sleeve and the pipeline pipe, the deflection surface is urged against the pipeline pipe and the recessed grip grippingly engages the pipeline sleeve whereby a locked seal is formed between the pipeline sleeve and the pipeline pipe.

Abstract: A rubber or elastomer laminate comprising a plurality of layers that can be vulcanized or crosslinked, wherein at least one of the layers includes a blowing agent. During vulcanization the layer containing the blowing agent expands to form a closed cell foam rubber layer. In a preferred embodiment, the closed cell foam rubber is interposed between two layers free or substantially free of a blowing agent. Composites, including the laminate, and preferably a metal article, most preferably a rail for use in an electric transit system, are formed by bonding the laminate to the metal article using a suitable bonding agent such as a rubber to metal adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the unvulcanized laminate is applied or connected to the metal article prior to vulcanization. Rubber clad rail assemblies having a closed cell rubber foam layer and methods for preparing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A rubber or elastomer laminate comprising a plurality of layers that can be vulcanized or crosslinked, wherein at least one of the layers includes a blowing agent. During vulcanization the layer containing the blowing agent expands to form a closed cell foam rubber layer. In a preferred embodiment, the closed cell foam rubber is interposed between two layers free or substantially free of a blowing agent. Composites, including the laminate, and preferably a metal article, most preferably a rail for use in an electric transit system, are formed by bonding the laminate to the metal article using a suitable bonding agent such as a rubber to metal adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the unvulcanized laminate is applied or connected to the metal article prior to vulcanization. Rubber clad rail assemblies having a closed cell rubber foam layer and methods for preparing the same are disclosed.