Abstract: A fluid pressure circuit includes an HST circuit having a variable capacity fluid pressure pump configured to be driven by a mechanism to perform forward-reverse rotation, a fluid pressure motor configured to be driven by fluid discharged from the fluid pressure pump to perform forward-reverse rotation, a first line configured to connect a first port of the fluid pressure pump and a first port of the fluid pressure motor, and a second line configured to connect a second port of the fluid pressure pump and a second port of the fluid pressure motor; an accumulator connected in parallel with the fluid pressure pump; an accumulator pump configured to accumulate pressure fluid in the accumulator; and an accumulator switching valve configured to switch connection between the fluid pressure motor and the accumulator.

Abstract: A control device for a continuously variable transmission includes a belt type continuously variable transmission and a controller. The controller is configured to calculate an actual gear shift ratio based on rotation speed sensor values from a primary rotation speed sensor and a secondary rotation speed sensor, and to perform gear shift ratio control using feedback control to converge the actual gear shift ratio to a target gear shift ratio. The controller is further configured to stop calculation of the actual gear shift ratio when one of the rotation speed sensor values is less than a first threshold value determined based on a lower limit value of sensor detection accuracy, and stop calculation of the actual gear shift ratio even when one of the rotation speed sensor values is the first threshold value or greater, when a deceleration level of the drive wheel is a prescribed deceleration level or greater.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a drive-force transmitting apparatus that includes a gear mechanism and a continuously-variable transmission mechanism including primary and secondary pulleys and actuators that apply first and second thrusts to the respective first and second pulleys. When a target gear ratio of the continuously-variable transmission mechanism is a highest gear ratio in a gear running mode, the control apparatus sets a value of the thrust ratio, which is used when calculating a target value of a secondary thrust, to a value that increases a difference between a lower limit value of the primary thrust and the target value of the secondary thrust, and sets a value of the thrust ratio, which is used when calculating a target value of the primary thrust, to a value that increases a difference between the target value of the secondary thrust and the target value of the primary thrust.

Abstract: A shift device of a transmission includes: a cylindrical or columnar shift cam that is formed, at an outer circumferential surface of the shift cam, with a cam groove for operating a shift fork; a drive plate that oscillates by rotation of a shift pedal shaft; a shift cam plate that is fixed to one end portion of the shift cam and rotates the shift cam according to the oscillation of the drive plate; a shift cam sensor that detects a rotation angle of the shift cam; and a transmission shaft that transmits the rotation of the shift cam to the shift cam sensor, as defined herein.

Abstract: An electronic parking lock actuator includes a driving motor configured to generate a driving force, an output mechanism including an emergency unlocking feature, a reduction transmission mechanism connected between the driving motor and the output mechanism to transfer a driving force generated by the driving motor to output mechanism, a control device electrically connected to the power mechanism for controlling the power mechanism, and a casing receiving all of the driving motor, the output mechanism, the reduction transmission, the controller therein. The casing defines an opening configured to expose the emergency unlocking feature.

Abstract: Air ingestion into a transmission hydraulic system may lead to a number of issues. For example, the time to engage a hydraulically actuated parking mechanism may be excessive. As another example, the pump may not prime properly on a subsequent engine start. The air ingestion issue may be detected based on variability of transmission line pressure. When the line pressure variability exceeds a threshold, actions are taken to mitigate the potential issues.

Abstract: A vehicle with an automatic downshift function, comprises an engine including a throttle device and an ignition device; an engine speed sensor which detects an engine speed; a shift operation member which is operated by a rider; a manual transmission connected to the engine, a shift operation sensor which detects the operation of the shift operation member; and a controller which controls the engine based on a detection signal of the engine speed sensor and a detection signal of the shift operation sensor. In a case where the controller determines that a deceleration shift operation has been initiated based on the detection signal of the shift operation sensor, the controller performs an automatic downshift control so that the controller controls the throttle device to increase an intake-air amount and controls the ignition device to change an ignition timing, based on the engine speed detected by the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: A piston assembly is provided for an unloader valve of an air compressor. The assembly comprises an unloader piston having a first bore of a first diameter, and a second bore of a second diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first bore. The assembly also comprises a coil spring having a central opening, one end portion disposed in the second bore, and an opposite end portion extending into the first bore. The assembly further comprises a balance piston including a head portion sized to be disposed in the first bore, a first stem portion extending from the head portion and having a diameter smaller than the first and second bores, and a second stem portion extending from the first stem portion and extending into the central opening of the coil spring and having a diameter smaller than the first stem portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes depositing one or more layers of a first material on a metal base plate of a second material to form a main seal body of the seal. The second material is different from the first material. The method further includes separating the seal from the metal base plate such that the seal includes the main seal body and an outer seal layer retained on the main seal body to form a seal face surface of the seal. The outer seal layer is formed of a portion of the metal base plate.

Abstract: A seal comprises an annular portion having a static seal surface in contact with a first element and made of an elastomeric material. An annular lip exerts a dynamic seal in relation to a second element. A garter spring and a leaf spring cooperate to maintain the annular lip in an operating configuration abutting on a sliding surface of the second element, whilst an annular locking element holds in position the leaf spring.

Abstract: To suppress static leakage in a seal device, a seal lip is configured for sliding contact with a seal flange that includes a thread groove exerting a fluid pumping action at a time of shaft rotation. The seal device prevents sealing fluid on the inner-machine side from leaking to the outer-machine side between a housing and a rotating shaft inserted into a shaft hole on the housing. The seal lip is attached to the inner periphery of the shaft hole and the seal flange is attached to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft. A sliding area in the seal flange in sliding contact with the seal lip is a flat surface with no thread grooves, and has an outer peripheral side area and an inner peripheral side area, which each have a thread groove exerting a fluid pumping action when the rotating shaft rotates.

Abstract: A face seal assembly includes a first and a second metallic sealing ring having a common center axis, and each including an outer ring surface and an inner ring surface. A non-metallic sealing element is positioned upon the outer ring surface. The metallic sealing ring also includes a sealing face facing an axially outward direction and extending circumferentially around the center axis in a path that varies from parallelism with a plane normal to the center axis. A stiffness relief groove extends inwardly from the inner ring surface and circumferentially around the center axis and forms an annular spring zone of reduced material thickness to compensate for the varying of the path of the sealing face. One machine system application includes a final drive in a ground-engaging machine.

Abstract: A compressor system includes: a compressor including a rotor that rotates around an axis and a bearing device that supports the rotor; a lubricant tank in which a lubricant is stored; a lubricant supply line through which the lubricant is supplied from the lubricant tank to the bearing device; a lubricant return line through which the lubricant is returned from the bearing device to the lubricant tank; and a seal gas supply line through which a seal gas supplied to the compressor flows and is introduced to the compressor via an inside of the lubricant tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a housing assembly for a knife gate valve with a knife gate. The housing assembly includes a valve body defining a passageway and having a first body half and a second body half, and a one-piece liner arranged between the first body half and the second body half. A first part of the one-piece liner includes a first chest portion, a first liner bore, and a first sealing bead that is configured to engage the knife gate and extends circumferentially around the passageway. The first sealing bead defines a varying protrusion height as the first sealing bead extends around the passageway.

Abstract: Particle scattering is suppressed only by controlling the gate valve in opening the gate valve with the internal pressure of the chamber being matched to the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a valve apparatus provided in a pipe. The valve apparatus includes a bypass pipe connected in parallel to the pipe, a first valve configured to adjust a flow rate of a fluid flowing an inlet part of the pipe to an outlet part of the pipe, and a second valve configured to adjust a flow rate of the fluid flowing the bypass pipe to the outlet part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: A changeover valve includes a wall connection housing with at least one inlet channel and at least three outlet channels opening into a valve seat for receiving a valve upper part. The valve upper part has a base piece with at least three outlet openings connectable to a respective outlet channel via the valve seat. The valve upper part has at least one feed connected to the at least one inlet channel and connectable to at least one outlet opening via a control disc rotatable relative to a stationary inlet disc. The control disc engages with a spindle for rotating the control disc. The base piece has at least one positioning pin engaging into a positioning bore arranged in the valve seat. The valve seat has at least two positioning bores for engaging with the at least one positioning pin in different assembly positions of the valve upper part.

Abstract: To improve the reliability of gas space monitoring of a gas space (17) of an electrical system (40) filled with a harmful gas, the invention provides a multi-path valve device (44) for connecting a density monitor (20) to a system to be monitored for gas density, comprising a first gas connection (13) for connecting the valve device (44) to the system, a second gas connection (14) for connection to the density monitor (20), a third gas connection (15) for connection of a testing device (19) for testing the function of the density monitor (20), and switching device for selectively connecting the second gas connection (14) to the first gas connection (13) or the third gas connection (15).

Abstract: A single fill valve for a cryogenic liquid storage vessel. The valve includes a central opening configured to receive a cryogenic liquid and distal and bottom openings configured to direct cryogenic liquid into the cryogenic liquid storage vessel. The valve further includes a plunger and a pin configured to move the plunger and block at least the distal and bottom openings of the single use valve.

Abstract: A near field energized electronic valve actuator includes a power receiver that enables powering of control electronics using wireless RF energy received from an external device such as a laptop computer or smart cellular telephone handset when conventional power is unavailable to the actuator, thereby enabling exchange of data between the external device and the control electronics. Embodiments further enable data exchange between the control electronics and non-volatile memory during the wireless energization. The data can be exchanged, for example, during initial configuration of the actuator before customer delivery, during an unpowered maintenance period to retrieve operational log information stored by the control electronics, and/or to retrieve valve position information measured by a position sensor and/or fault-relevant data from the actuator when power has been interrupted due to an actuator or valve failure.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a positioner apparatus for use with fluid valves. An example apparatus includes a fluid valve, an actuator operatively coupled to the fluid valve, and a positioner fluidly coupled to the actuator to control a position of the fluid valve via a fluid provided from a fluid supply line, the positioner having first and second transducers configured to increase or decrease a pressure of the fluid in the actuator, the positioner to enable the first and second transducers to change the position of the fluid valve during a safety event.

Abstract: A valve guide unit is movably accommodated in a valve housing in an axial direction. A valve member is movably supported in the valve guide unit. A valve-unit supporting member movably supports a female screw member of the valve guide unit. A shaft member connected to an electric motor is screw engaged with the female screw member. A shaft inside space is formed in an inside of the female screw member, while a shaft outside space is formed in the guide-unit supporting member. An air communication passage is formed at an inner wall surface of the female screw member so that the shaft inside space and the shaft outside space are communicated to each other via the air communication passage. A response of a valve device is thereby improved.

Abstract: A movable core includes an iron core formed into a plate having a substantially rectangular section, and a valve support portion continuous with the iron core. The valve support portion includes a pair of support arms. The pair of support arms are arranged side by side in a width direction of the movable core to be parallel to each other and seamlessly integrated with the iron core. A surface of the movable core on one side in a thickness direction and a surface of the movable core on the other side are single flat surfaces parallel to each other and extending continuously from the iron core to the pair of support arms. A valve disk is supported between the pair of support arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (10, 50, 52) for operating a pressurizing medium driven actuator of a process control valve for technical process equipment, comprising a valve seat (14) in a basic valve body (48), a closing body (12) and an electromagnetic drive (18, 30), which closing body (12) is ball -shaped and cooperates with a valve seat (14) so as to block the flow from an inlet side to an outlet side, said closing body (12) cooperating with a piston surface (20) which can be moved within a piston chamber (25) connected to the inlet side, characterized in that a connecting element (17) is provided between the closing body (12) and the piston surface (20) which is actively connected to an armature (18) of an electromagnetic linear direct drive, with a coil assembly (30) being embedded in the basic valve body (28) and a magnetic field with alternating polarity in the axial direction being present at the armature (18).

Abstract: An electromagnetic impact valve arrangement for a pneumatically operated field device of a processing plant, such as a chemical plant, a food-processing plant, a power plant can include an air chamber into which three air conduits lead. The three air conduits can include an air supply conduit to receive compressed air from a compressed air supply source, a control air conduit to aerate and vent a pneumatic actuator of the field device, and a venting conduit to output compressed air to a pressure sink, such as the atmosphere. The impact valve arrangement can also include a first electromagnetic impact valve (“aeration impact valve”) to open and/or close the air supply conduit and a second electromagnetic impact valve (“ventilation impact valve”) to open and/or close the venting conduit. The first impact valve and the second impact valve can be electromagnetically coupled to one another.

Abstract: A valve device includes a valve housing, a valve member, an engaging portion, a valve member side thread portion, a driving portion side thread portion, a driving portion, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, and a second biasing member support portion. The valve housing has a plurality of through holes through which a fluid flows, a valve seat formed around the first through holes of the plurality of through holes, and a valve chamber that communicates the plurality of through holes. In the valve device, the first through hole is formed on the movement axis of the valve member, and the second through hole is formed in a radially outward direction of the valve member. A distance between the second biasing member support portion and the valve seat is longer than a distance between the valve member and the valve seat.

Abstract: Valve packing installation apparatus and related methods for use with fluid valves are disclosed. An apparatus includes a tube to receive a stack of packing components. The tube has a first end and a second end. A plunger is disposed within the tube adjacent the second end. The plunger is slidable toward the first end to expel the stack of packing components into a valve in a predetermined order associated with an installation sequence.

Abstract: A valve may include: a valve body; a valve member in the body, movable between closed and open, comprising a first orifice, a second orifice, a main conduit between them, and a bypass in fluid communication with the main conduit. The bypass includes a first portion with a first cross-section area and a second portion with a second cross-section area different from the first cross-section area. The valve body comprises a compensation chamber having a compensation orifice. The bypass comprises an outer bypass orifice defined by and disposed on the outer surface of the valve member. The valve member comprises an internal orifice situated between the bypass and the main conduit. In the closed position, the inlet is in fluid communication with the compensation chamber via the outer bypass orifice, the bypass, the internal orifice of the valve member, the main conduit, the first orifice, and the compensation orifice.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve seat and a rotary valve element. The valve seat comprises a valve opening having a sealing surface. The valve element is mounted with respect to said valve seat for rotation about an axis of rotation between a closed position in which the valve element substantially closes the valve opening and an open position in which the valve element permits flow through the valve opening. The valve opening is elliptical in shape, having spaced apart upper and lower edges the upper and lower edges being generated as respective ellipses formed by parallel sections through a conical surface. The valve seat sealing surface is defined between said upper and lower edges.

Abstract: A pipe support has a pair of arms. The first end of one arm has a tongue and the first end of the other arm has an elongate groove configured to slidably receive the tongue. Base plates are pivotably connected to the second ends of both arms.

Abstract: Cable brace brackets and a system for bracing are provided. The cable brace bracket includes two hooks of different sizes and having a bracket angle between them that is less than 90°. The system using to cable brace brackets connected with a cable. One hook of each bracket is held against a surface using a threaded rod through the surface, and the other hook is interlocked with loops at the end of the cable.

Abstract: Insert half for sealing around a cable, pipe or wire. The insert half includes a body with a first and a second end, a first side intended to be arranged towards a corresponding first side of a substantially identical insert half, and a groove arranged in the first side and extending between the first and second end along an axis A. A number of recesses extending transverse to axis A are formed in the groove along axis A. At least one insert is removably arranged within the groove. The insert is formed by at least two elements bonded to each other and arranged side by side along axis A. The insert has an outside shape corresponding to the shape of the groove and the recesses such that the insert could be arranged anywhere along the groove. Each element includes a semi-circular passage with different radius co-axial to axis A.

Abstract: A tube array and a method for additively manufacturing the tube array are provided. The tube array includes an outer wall formed by a plurality of curved segments and defining a primary flow passage. A plurality of divider walls are positioned within the primary flow passage to divide the primary flow passage into a plurality of tubes, each of the plurality of tubes being defined at least in part by one of the plurality of curved segments and two of the plurality of divider walls. Integrally formed inlet and outlet manifolds provide fluid communication between the tube array and an array inlet and outlet.

Abstract: In order to prevent gap corrosion at a freely accessible face of a threaded connection (1) in particular when used in sea water the threaded connection (1) is encapsulated in a circumferential tight annular chamber (3) in order to prevent a penetration of sea water to the threaded connection (1) and thus prevent the gap corrosion between the two threads (2, b) of the threaded connection (1) meshing with each other. This is achieved by a particularly pressure tight and long service life primary seal (6) and advantageously a supplemental secondary seal (16), in particular for a threaded connection (1) which seals a cable pass through (15) of a housing (22).

Abstract: There is provided a breech lock coupling for coupling riser sections together. The breech lock coupling may be used non-pre-loaded or pre-loaded according to the user's preferences. In addition, the breech lock coupling may be disassembled for inspection and maintenance and reassembled. A locking ring secures two coupling components together. The coupling components may be attached to opposite ends of the riser sections, such as via welding. The locking ring may be pre-attached to the first coupling component for easy storage and fast assembly. Assembly of the riser may be accomplished by inserting the second coupling component into the locking ring and the first coupling component, then rotating the locking ring with respect to the second component. Furthermore, the coupling may be pre-loaded by tightening fasteners on the locking ring to provide a more stable coupling. Unlike with traditional riser couplings, the pre-load fasteners may be tightened via hand-held tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing air hose couplings together, and for protecting such air hose couplings. A method of securing air hose couplings together.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two tubular members. The coupling being comprised of two hubs with annular flanges having axially outwardly facing frustoconical surfaces. The hubs have axially inwardly facing tapered faces, the radially innermost point of said tapered faces being perpendicular to the axis of the tubular members. The tapered faces of the hubs have registering seal rings grooves formed therein, a seal ring being positioned in the seal ring grooves. The hubs are held together by a pair of outer clamps having inner surfaces shaped for engaging the axially outwardly facing frustoconical surfaces of the hubs. Compression of the clamps toward one another forces the inwardly facing tapered surfaces toward one another and brings them into engagement. The engagement of the tapered surfaces forms a primary metal-to-metal seal. The seal ring within the seal ring groove forms a secondary metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: Method and assembly of a pair of pipe flanges, a sealing ring and tensioners for sealing between the pair of flanges. At least one flange face has a circular groove to at least partly receive a sealing ring which has its ring wall rectilinear as seen in a cross-section when front faces of the pipe flanges are spaced apart. The ring fits at least partly into the flange groove. The ring in side view exhibits a truncated cone shape. The pipe flanges are attached to each other such that the flanges in operative state are forcibly held in abutting and facial engagement, and that upon tensioning of the tensionersto create said operative state, compressive forces act onto the sealing ring to yield that its wall, viewed in cross-section, is bent radially to exhibit a curved configuration. The groove may in an embodiment exhibit an isosceles trapezoid cross-section.

Abstract: A ball and socket coupling that avoids threaded tightening-components instead has telescoped components that are bonded together. Such a coupling has a hollow seat-formed link, a counterpart hollow ball-formed link, and a socket-forming collar. Both the links have fitting extensions. The ball-formed link has a spherical bulb at one end as the seat-formed link has a conforming, spherically-widening seat surface at one end. The socket-forming collar has a centrally apertured web with a conforming spherically-narrowing socket surface at one end of an axially elongated sleeve. The coupling is adapted to be assembled and bonded into solid rigidity by workers in the field with the spherical bulb bonded to and clamped between the seat-formed link's spherically-widening seat surface and the collar's spherically-narrowing socket surface. In addition, the collar's elongated sleeve is bonded internally to the seat-an outer sidewall of the seat-formed link's seat-formed end.

Abstract: A garden hose with an outer flexible sheath of spirally wound and linked turns of sheet material, an inner tube of flexible polymer inside the sheath and end couplers with nipples press fit into ends of the tube and connector mechanisms connecting the couplers to the outer sheath. Each connector mechanism has inner and outer press fit shells at the end of the sheath, with flared ends separated by a washer.

Abstract: A connector for the reciprocal connection of an end member of a water supply or of a sprayer with a flexible hose includes a tubular main body defining an axis and having a first end portion for coupling with the end member and a second end portion that includes an elongated spigot, on which an end of the flexible hose may be fitted, and further includes an abutment wall, from which the elongated spigot extends. The connector also includes a substantially tubular shaped ring nut placed peripherally to the spigot and reciprocally screwable with the main body, and an annular pressure element interposed coaxially between the ring nut and the spigot.

Abstract: A pipe system includes a pipe having an axis and a retainer groove formed in an exterior of the pipe. A retainer is mounted in the retainer groove. An entirety of the retainer is both axially movable and radially movable relative to the retainer groove during formation of a pipe assembly with a tubular body to form a pipe assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose connector system (1) for use in an agricultural spreader machine (15), which system is characterized by rapid and secure assembly, and therefore economical production and high modularity.

Abstract: A double containment fitting for connection to a double containment tubing system with an outer, secondary containment tubing surrounding an inner, primary tubing. The fitting includes a fitting body defining a central passageway, the fitting body having a center portion disposed between opposed first and second body ports. The fitting body is configured to receive the tubing system into the first body port. The central passageway has a diameter in the first port selected to allow the secondary tubing into the first body port. A connection system mechanically secures the secondary tubing to the first body port.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing an interface between a conduit and a case includes a boot and a bushing. The boot includes a tube and rubber flange. The rubber flange extends generally radially outward from the tube. The rubber flange includes an opening passing through a portion of the rubber flange. The bushing is disposed in the rubber flange and includes a tubular body, a channel, and a lip. The tubular body is disposed in the opening of the rubber flange. The channel extends through a center of the body. The lip is generally flat and extends radially outward from the tubular body. The lip is in contact and engages with the rubber flange so as to compress the rubber flange against the case.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hydraulic plug. A shell with a circumferential wall, a sealed end, an open end and an axially extending cavity within is provided in which the cavity is defined by an internal surface with an inner diameter which narrows towards the open end. A head of an expander is inserted into the cavity, the expander further comprising a stem extending from the cavity for applying a tensile force (T) to the head. A sleeve is provided on a stem side of the head extending into the cavity, an end of the sleeve adjacent the head having an inner diameter which is less than a maximum outer diameter of the head. The sleeve is formed by expanding the sleeve by forcing the head into the end of the sleeve through urging the sleeve and/or expander towards the other in an axial direction.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for refurbishing an existing host pipe. According to presently preferred embodiments, a first phase is to make a longitudinal cut in the host pipe. A second phase is an expansion phase, wherein the host pipe is expanded, preferably nondestructively, via separation of the longitudinal cut. A third phase is to insert liner pipe sections into the expanded host pipe. In confined space environments, sections of liner pipe are concatenated end-to-end as they are inserted into the host pipe. In some embodiments, the expansion phase and the liner pipe section insertion phase may be combined. A fourth phase is to grout the annular space formed between the host pipe and the concatenated liner pipe sections.

Abstract: A heat-shrink sleeve is provided for covering a pipe joint formed between two pipes that are coupled to one another to form a tube. The heat-shrink sleeve includes a heat-shrinkable material that is configured to conform to the first and second pipes when heated to cover the pipe joint.