Abstract: An improved coupler and method for fusing profile wall thermoplastic pipe in a manner to form a substantially flush joint are disclosed. The improved coupler is preferably configured to be inserted between the inner and outer walls of each of the pipes being joined. The improved coupler preferably has a radial thickness that is less than the radial dimension of the gap or channel that is formed between the inner and outer walls of the pipes being joined and is preferably configured and adapted to have an annular interference fit with one of either the inner or outer walls of such pipe ends. Electrofusion is preferably used to heat-fuse the improved coupler to each of the pipes to create a strong, leak-proof joint between the two pipes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a thermoplastic profile wall pipe joint or weld assembly without the use of a coupler to provide for a leak free pipe joint with substantially flush interior and exterior surfaces. The pipe joint consists of configuring the two pipe ends to be joined by removing substantially all of a first wall and the helical rib from the first pipe end, removing a portion of the helical rib from the second pipe end, coupling the pipe ends together and heating the weld assembly couple to fusion weld the pipe ends together. An electrical resistance element is provided for and placed within the pipe joint to provide the required heat. Also disclosed is the use of a thermoplastic sheet with the electrical resistance element to allow the end margins of the electrical resistance element to overlap without shorting by separating the end margins radially from one another and to allow for a more uniform fusion welded pipe joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a thermoplastic pipe joint. The pipe joint consists of a channel machined or routed into each end of the pipes to be joined and a coupler manufactured from substantially the same type of thermoplastic material as the pipes, with an electrical resistance element embedded into the coupler. Application of power to the electrical resistance element raises the temperature of the interface between the coupler the pipe walls causing the thermoplastic material to form a fusion bond between the coupler and the pipes, resulting in a leak free joint with no interior flow obstructions or exterior collars or protrusions. There is also disclosed a method for electrofusion welding solid wall thermoplastic pipes without leaving an interior or exterior obstruction by machining a socket and nipple on the pipes to be joined and adding an electrical resistance element to the nipple.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a thermoplastic pipe Joint. The pipe Joint consists of a channel machined or routed into each end of the pipes to be joined and a coupler manufactured from substantially the same type of thermoplastic material as the pipes, with an electrical resistance element embedded into the coupler. Application of power to the electrical resistance element raises the temperature of the interface between the coupler the pipe walls causing the thermoplastic material to form a fusion bond between the coupler and the pipes, resulting in a leak free Joint with no interior flow obstructions or exterior collars or protrusions. There is also disclosed a method for electrofusion welding solid wall thermoplastic pipes without leaving an interior or exterior obstruction by machining a socket and nipple on the pipes to be joined and adding an electrical resistance element to the nipple.

Abstract: A connector sleeve for polyolefin pipe ends for connecting butted pipe ends by a coupling. The connector sleeve is metallic and has a pair of internal circumferential ribs mated in external grooves of the pipe end which is press-fitted within the sleeve in sealing relation. The connector sleeve has a pair of external grooves registering with the ribs formed by a pressing or rolling operation. Butted pipe ends with their fitted connector sleeves are connected by a coupling engaging the connector sleeves. The connector sleeve and pipe end have registering bevelled ends and in the fitting operation the sleeve and pipe end are axially aligned and forcefully engaged whereby the bevelled end of the connector sleeve causes the pipe end to be internally deflected and compressed in mating engagement with said connector sleeve.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage device and method for making the same. The thermal energy storage device is in the form of a sealed tube-like container such as a tube-like cylinder or other geometrical configuration partially filled with a phase change material such as calcium chloride hexahydrate. The cylinder is made of tubular high density polyethylene and more particularly an ultra high molecular weight high density polyethylene having a molecular weight of about 500,000 to 700,000 which is tough, chemically resistant, withstands low and high temperatures, acts as a moisture vapor barrier and can be fused and sealed. The calcium hexahydrate is filled in an open top cylinder, closed at the bottom by dissolving two parts of calcium chloride dihydrate with one part of water to provide calcium chloride hexahydrate in liquid form. The cylinder is filled to about 90% by volume and a cap of the same material is then preheated to about fusion temperature.

Abstract: A connector sleeve for polyolefin pipe ends for connecting butted pipe ends by a coupling. The connector sleeve is metallic and has a pair of internal circumferential ribs mated in external grooves of the pipe end which is press-fitted within the sleeve in sealing relation. The connector sleeve has a pair of external grooves registering with the ribs formed by a pressing or rolling operation. Butted pipe ends with their fitted connector sleeves are connected by a coupling engaging the connector sleeves. The connector sleeve and pipe end have registering bevelled ends and in the fitting operation the sleeve and pipe end are axially aligned and forcefully engaged whereby the bevelled end of the connector sleeve causes the pipe end to be internally deflected and compressed in mating engagement with said connector sleeve.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage device and method for making the same. The thermal energy storage device is in the form of a sealed tube-like container such as a tube-like cylinder or other geometrical configuration partially filled with a phase change material such as calcium chloride hexahydrate. The cylinder is made of tubular high density polyethylene and more particularly an ultra high molecular weight high density polyethylene having a molecular weight of about 500,000 to 700,000 which is tough, chemically resistant, withstands low and high temperatures, acts as a moisture vapor barrier and can be fused and sealed. The calcium hexahydrate is filled in an open top cylinder, closed at the bottom by dissolving two parts of calcium chloride dihydrate with one part of water to provide calcium chloride hexahydrate in liquid form. The cylinder is filled to about 90% by volume and a cap of the same material is then preheated to about fusion temperature.