Abstract: The Invention relates specifically to an improved method of joining plastic socket fit piping components for vacuum, pressure, and structural applications where a leak and contamination free connection is needed. A unique Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seal is installed in a special Seal Groove located on the end of the male component. The male components are then inserted into the female sockets until contact is made between the Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seals and the Female Socket Base Surfaces. The final assembly is evacuated with a vacuum pump to actuate and fully compress the seals. The final assembly is then checked for leaks. If the connections are to remain under vacuum and the ability to disassemble is advantageous, no further work is required.

Abstract: An insulated duct, for example for electric cables, comprises first and second co-operable members forming a duct therebetween and toggle clips to secure the first and second members together such that the first and second members are urged towards each other. Each member comprises a base of thermal insulation material and at least one wall portion of thermal insulation material extending from the base of at least one of the members. An external skin is provided on the thermal insulation material, and an internal lining is provided on the thermal insulation material. The thermal insulation material, the external skin and the internal lining of the first member are dimensioned substantially to abut against the thermal insulation material, the external skin and the internal lining respectively of the second member.

Abstract: A pipe joint for first and second profile wall pipes of the type having generally concentric, spaced apart inner and outer walls, and a helical rib connecting the inner wall to the outer wall. The convolutions of the helical rib extend in multiple turns around the exterior of the inner wall and along the interior of the outer wall for substantially the entire length of the pipe. The pipe joint includes a first exposed portion of the rib of the first pipe, and a second exposed portion of the rib of the second pipe. The exposed helical rib of the first pipe is threadably interengaged with the exposed helical rib of the second pipe.

Abstract: Modifying that type of integral flange outstanding from a sheet metal duct characterized by an outstanding first width of sheet metal and a second substantially equal width bent reversedly back to extend at 180.degree. from the first, in the present flange a sheet edge margin is bent reversedly back and inwardly between the second and first such widths. As compared to prior art flanges, this results in substantially lessened deflections under internal duct pressures without appreciable increase in sheet metal used. An added advantage is that the sheet metal edge is positioned so that it cannot endanger workmen's hands.

Abstract: A portable and highly efficient method for filling the hard to reach watering stands of inside trees, and particularly where the environment or nearby objects are susceptable to damage from splashes or spilled water. The invention is made up of approximately four sections of loosely fitting tubing sections with an angular set funnel at the top, which are held together with a tensioned inside elastic cord, and which can be placed downward through the limbs of an inside tree to quickly feed water from the funnel to the watering stand with a syphon effect generated by the moving water in the full length assembled tubing.

Abstract: A flexible hose particularly suitable for use with automatically operated swimming pool cleaners, the hose being blow moulded from suitable plastics material such that separate lengths can be cut with each length having an integral coupling component at each end. Preferably there will be a male component at one end and a female component at the other end.

Abstract: Equipment for welding pipe elements of a melt-weldable plastic material comprises a heatable metal plate and first and second heat-conductive elements attached respectively to first and second opposed faces of the plate. The first element has a concave melting surface of elliptical cross-section which is complementary in shape to that of the circumference of a manifold pipe to be heat-welded. The melting surface is raised and has a reduced wall thickness along its minor axis and is depressed and has an increased thickness along its major axis. A pipe fitting for use with the welding tool has a welding end which is substantially identical in configuration to that of the melting surface of the first element. The second element is complementary in shape to the end of the pipe fitting for melting the welding end of the pipe fitting.

Abstract: A shirred fibrous casing article containing about 20% to about 30% moisture by total casing weight and composed of shirred portions spliced together and retained in an overwrap wherein a flag which identifies the splice location between the shirred portions is extended radially through the overwrap.

Abstract: A compact, easily stowed removable drain line for a Recreational Vehicle holding tank provides a rigid straight line flow path to prevent puddling or trapping of waste flows between Recreational Vehicle holding tank and sewage dump station. The invention also provides for minimal force transfer into the holding tank structure and the drain valve, minimizing the possibility of accidental damage or rupture of these sensitive components. In particular, no exposed components exist during movement of the Recreational Vehicle, minimizing the risk of breaching of sewage during over road movement, and the invention particularly protects against damage from accidental movement of the vehicle while attached to the sewage dump station.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining precast concrete units. A precast concrete unit, such as a section of pipe, decking and pavement includes a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned tubular members. The ends of each concrete unit are flush and are bounded by rounded edges to prevent chipping. The ends of the tubular members are flush with the end of the concrete unit. When two of such units are to be joined together, a guide member is inserted in one end of each tubular member on one concrete unit while an internally threaded insert member is inserted into each end of the tubular member in a second concrete unit. The guide members and insert members have axial apertures with the aperture in the insert member being internally threaded. The two precast concrete units are brought together so that the guide member on one concrete unit enters into the ends of the tubular members containing the inserts in the second concrete unit.

Abstract: Thermal insulation for the piping of a sink or the like comprises an elongate tubular piece that is fabricated from a resiliently yieldable material and that has integrally formed, resiliently yieldable internal rib formations projecting into the passageway through which the piping extends. The rib formations enable more universal application to pipes of various sizes, while also affording better insulating and cushioning properties. Angle valve piping insulation includes a hinged cover component that is normally at least substantially closed, and that is readily displaceable to permit access into the internal body passage.

Abstract: A novel joint for connecting a closed composite adherend utilizes complementary scarf surfaces on the adherends and then bonds the adherends together. The angle of the scarf is determined by the materials used and the expected loads. Preferably, constant stiffness is achieved through the joint. In alternative embodiments, lap joint areas are included to create localized stress free zones. A method of creating the scarf surfaces utilizes a wrapping technique in which the edges of a lamina of composite material are prepared so as to provide a desired edge termination which permits each layer to be bonded to the adjacent adherend.

Abstract: Slit pieces of thermal insulating molded rubber are configured to conform to under-sink piping, so as to provide protection against burn injury from contact with hot surfaces. Three or four pieces are telescopically and rotatably interengaged with one another to cooperatively enclose an installed P-trap assembly, and the piece covering the J-bend is formed with a protrusion to accommodate clean-out structure provided thereon.

Abstract: An insulation sheath for a pipe in a furnace is provided. The sheath has excellent insulation properties together with adequate resistance to the corrosive environment and thermal shock conditions. A pre-formed, substantially C-shaped, elongate member shaped to conform to the pipe over a portion of its circumference, the member comprising an inner layer of bonded insulating material integrally-bonded to a protective outer layer of refractory material. The inner layer is preferably formed of bonded ceramic fibre.

Abstract: A concrete structure is lined with a statically self-supporting glass shell composed of shell segments which are themselves joined together by sealing strips. In a pipe embodiment of the invention, the shell segments form a ring spaced from the concrete body with the spacing being filled by a backfill mass so that a compressive prestress is provided to the arch shape. When used in a container, the shell may be a laminate of two or more glass layers bonded full surface together.

Abstract: A one-piece, unitary, molded resin wall sleeve precursor has two cup-shaped end sections of external diameter D1 each having a hollow transition section of enlarged diameter that connects the end section to a sleeve of internal diameter D1; one transition section has an outer diameter D2 and the other has an inner diameter just slightly larger than D2. D2 is appreciably larger than D1. A wall sleeve assembly of extended length is derived from two of these precursor members by cutting off the end sections; the precursor members can then be joined with a strong, inexpensive, welded joint to afford a long wall sleeve of consistent internal diameter.

Abstract: A longitudinally heat shrinkable closure sheet has a hold-down adhesive portion adjacent each longitudinal end for application on the exposed end portions a heat shrinkable wrap-around sleeve applied around a pipe or other article to be covered. Heat is applied to the closure sheet in order to weld the adhesive free portion of the underside of the closure sheet to the end portions of wrap-around sleeve. The initial shrinkage of the closure sheet between the hold-down adhesive portions draws it tightly into contact with the upper side of the end portions. Shearing forces are applied between the closure sheet and the end portions firstly as the closure sheet contracts relative to the end portions, and secondly, as the sleeve shrinks, develops hoop stress and stretches the closure sheet, and a high strength fusion bond is achieved between the closure sheet and sleeve.

Abstract: A secondary containment system for conduits, pipes and electric cables includes a plurality of separate duct sections connected in end-to-end relation to provide an electrically insulating fluid tight system. Each duct section includes a pair of generally Z-shaped structural members formed from a fiber reinforced plastic material with each structural member including top and bottom flanges for supporting a removable top cover panel and a rigidly joined bottom panel. The structural member top flanges are preferably shaped to deflect the top cover panel to present an outwardly convex top surface to prevent the collection of condensate and other fluids.

Abstract: A unitary article is cut into sections to provide pieces that are configured for emplacement upon under-sink piping, as insulation against burn injury from contact with hot surfaces. Three pieces cooperate with one another to provide a system for enclosing an installed P-trap assembly.

Abstract: A joint for end-to-end coupling of two tubular elements includes tapered coupling surfaces on the tubular elements which are bonded together by adhesive. The coupling surfaces comprise a plurality of cylindrical sections of gradually increasing and decreasing diameters, respectively. A plurality of axially spaced-apart centering rings are interposed between the tubular elements to provide proper positioning thereof and to facilitate injection of bonding material between the coupling surfaces. A series of axially spaced-apart conducting rings forming part of an antenna surround one of the tubular elements and are insulated therefrom by a layer of bonding material. The conducting rings are separated from each other by toric joints and shims. Openings are provided in one of the tubular elements for injecting the bonding material under pressurized conditions, and an insulating sheath is bonded to inner peripheries of the tubular elements.

Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix forming a basic component of the material. There is included a cross-linking system of the elastomer matrix and at least one fiber reinforcement including fibers with a maximum length of about 30 mm. The fibers are disposed throughout the elastomer matrix and are generally oriented to extend in a first direction of reinforcement. There is at least one thermosetting resin in the elastomer matrix. The elastomer matrix which includes the cross-linking system, the fiber reinforcement and the thermosetting resin has a first equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for a hypothetical elongation of 100% in the first direction and a second equivalent tensile modulus which is calculated for an actual or hypothetical elongation of 100% in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A second equivalent tensile modulus is at least 6 MPa.

Abstract: There is provided a cylindrical link and armor for electrical, electronic, or fiber-optic cables, hoses, conduits and the like. The armor comprises links which can either rigidly or flexibly interlock and can support their own weight.

Abstract: A flexible housing, for use in protecting one or more transmission lines in a pressurized environment comprises a conduit (10) contained within a protective outer jacekt (16). The conduit (10) is constructed of a plurality of conduit segments (18a and 18b), each segment having an opening (28) therethrough, the segments (18a and 18b) being arranged in series and caused to abut adjacent segments in such a way that the opening (28) through each segment (18a and 18b) is in communication with the openings through each of the adjacent segments so as to provide a passage to contain a microwave transmission line. Each segment (18a and 18b) is flexibly linked to its adjacent segments by coupling means (34).

Abstract: An insulating covering for pipes with an air inflatible flexible envelope having an inner and an outer skin, the inner skin adapted to fit loosely over the outer diameter of a pipe to be insulated and including respective male and female end portions adapted to respectively engage a female and male end portion of another envelope to form a continuous insulating cover for the pipe and an air valve mounted in the outer skin for the ingress and egress of air into the envelope thereby inflating the same to provide a substantially firm, self-supporting envelope not requiring any means of support when inflated other than the air encased within the envelope and surrounding the pipe and insulating the same from the ambient.

Abstract: An air conduit flange structure has a plurality of flange strip elements connected by angle connections. Each flange strip element is formed by folding a plate into an L-shape with its two opposite end edges defining a guide space, having a plurality of retainer projections and slide way portions for retaining a plurality of connecting strips which are formed in the casing of the air conduit. A shock-absorbing connector has two opposite metal end portions with a canvas connection. The metal end portions each have a plurality of raised porotrusions around its edge for fastening the two opposite end edges to the flange strip elements. Rubber strips are respectively attached to the air conduit flange and the shock-absorbing connector to protect against air leakage.

Abstract: Ventilation ducting having a substantially oval and/or elliptical cross-section includes an intermediate section, and an end section at opposite ends of the intermediate section. Both the intermediate and the end sections include a pair of adjacent ducts. The ducts in the intermediate section are separated along their length by a common wall. The common wall may be perforated sheet, mesh or net material. The ducts at each end section are separate tubular members. An engaging device is provided at the intermediate section for suspending the ducting above the ground. A coupling device is provided at each end of the intermediate section for joining together adjacent lengths of the ventilation ducting.

Abstract: An axial flow-type pump for separating immiscible fluids having different specific gravities and a discharge manifold fluid connected to the fluid pump for drawing of the fluid having the heavier specific gravity. The fluid pump employs a rotatable impeller mechanism having a hollow core and a decreasing axial pitch in the direction of fluid flow. The fluid interface between the pump and the discharge manifold is adjustable, so that the discharge of the fluid having the heavier specific gravity can be adjusted. The fluids are introduced into the inlet end of the rotatable impeller to produce a high velocity swirling action in the fluids and a low pressure area along the longitudinal axis of the flow line, to generate a high centrifugal force as the fluids move axially and cause the fluid having the heavier specific gravity to migrate to the perimeter. The discharge manifold is then used to draw off the fluid having a heavier specific gravity.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the size of a spacesuit is provided in which threaded rings of varying sizes are screwed into annular collars which are affixed to the section of the spacesuit whose size is to be adjusted. The rings and the collars include redundant interlocks designed to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the components. In certain preferred embodiments, multi-start, centralizing, acme screw threads are used.

Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal is disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer is detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.

Abstract: Slit pieces of thermal insulating molded rubber are configured to conform to under-sink piping so as to provide protection against burn injury from contact with hot surfaces. Three pieces cooperate with one another to enclose the installed P-trap assembly, and a fourth piece is severable into two parts which serve to enclose the hot water valve and its supply pipe and tube.

Abstract: A pipe section of an outer metallic pipe and a nonmetallic inner lining is provided so that the lining can be removed. To this end, the lining consists of lining segments, the terminal members of which are braced against the ends of the pipe in a form fitting manner and the successive lining segments can interfit with, for example, complementary frustoconical formations.

Abstract: A replacement pipe section for a defective pipeline that includes two tubular members telescopically assembled so that the assembly has an adjustable overall length. The replacement pipe section includes a collar that can be disposed around and attached to both tubular members, thereby fixing the overall length of the assembly. The ends of the replacement section can then be attached to the fixed open ends of the pipeline to create a fluid-tight assembly. The replacement pipe section is particularly effective for permanently replacing a defective section of an internally coated pipeline.

Abstract: A oiltight lay-in wireway comprised of wireway sections with hinged covers and a joint connector between the covers of two adjacent wireway sections. The covers overlay the joint connector. The joint connector has a free floating hinge connecting it to the wireway sections, allowing the cover to provide the main compression force on the joint connector gasket. A bolt with a splined shoulder provides a grounded connection between adjacent wireway sections while still allowing the joint connector to float freely. The compression force on the joint connector is exerted by the covers which are held closed by clips on the wireway sections. An oil resilient gasket provides a seal between adjacent wireway sections, between the joint connector and wireway sections, between the cover and joint connector, and between the cover and wireway sections. Raised ends on the cover contact the joint connectors while still maintaining a seal with the wireway sections.

Abstract: A pre-press tube is composed of several lengths of tube with a plug-in end at one end and a plug-in socket at the other opposite end. Plug-in end and plug-in socket are chosen to be conical in such a way, that when the plug-in end is pressed into the plug-in socket, not only a form - and force locking arrangement is obtained, but even a tight connection of the material by means of a lattice like polymerization of the contact surfaces is obtained. As a result a tight, solid connection of tubes with a smooth surface is achieved.

Abstract: A delivery line for conveying viscous or pasty material to be filled into a food can or the like from a conveyor pump to a filling machine, having a delivery path developed in the form of a trombone tube with two sections extending parallel to each other and a U-shaped arch, the legs of which cooperate telescopically with the two sections. A pneumatic or hydraulic piston unit is provided to act on the U-shaped arch against the pressure of the filling material in the direction toward a shortening of the delivery path.

Abstract: A sheathing for extending members having either a rectangular cross section or a circular cross section is formed of sheathing sections wherein the sheathing sections have two positions. In a first substantially flat position the sheathing sections are convenient to stack and when stacked the surfaces of adjacent stacked sheathing sections are substantially in contact with each other. In a second folded position the sheathing sections define an enclosed hollow space for disposing an extending member therein and surrounding the extending member to protect vehicles or other objects striking the extending member. Articulating hinges are provided for transposing the sheathing sections from one of these positions to the other. The sheathing sections are provided with dove tailing interengagement for joining sections of the sheathing to each other. Inserts brace the walls of the sheathing against extending members inside the space defined by joined sections.

Abstract: A pipe section of an outer metallic pipe and a nonmetallic inner lining is provided so that the lining can be removed. To this end, the lining consists of lining segments, the terminal members of which are braced against the ends of the pipe in a form fitting manner and the successive lining segments can interfit with, for example, complementary frustoconical formations.

Abstract: Members especially hollow members 10, 12 such as pipes and pipe fittings one member 12 of cross-linked polyethylene say and the other member 10 of medium density polyethylene say are joined by fusion using a butt fusion machine. End surfaces of the members are pressed at higher pressure against a hot plate 18 to upset only the medium density material to form beads 20, 22. No cross-linked material is upset to form beads. The pressure is reduced during a soak stage then the plate is removed and the surfaces are mutually engaged at the higher pressure. The beads formed are adjacent the interface between the members and both beads are offset towards the medium density material, member 10. Careful alignment will avoid faults caused when the beads do not cover exposed parts of end surfaces. Other materials include polypropylene, copolymer or monopolymer types. Natural gas distribution systems can be fabricated using the invention.

Abstract: In a steam turbine having a first turbine element adapted to receive a flow of steam for operating at a first predetermined pressure, the first turbine element including an exhaust protion, a second turbine element adapted to receive the flow of steam for operating at a second predetermined pressure that is relatively lower than the first predetermined pressure, the second turbine element including an inlet portion, a method and apparatus for connecting the inlet portion to the exhaust portion by crossover piping which includes a pair of vaneless turning subsections each of which have a substantially long radius of curvature.

Abstract: Pipes, typically of medium density polyethylene for use in underground distribution systems for natural gas are joined by fusion using a very short period (25 seconds) for heating the pipe ends and a very short period (3 seconds) between separation of ends from the heater body and engagement of the ends. Those periods are such that the beads formed by upset of the softened end material of the pipes are relatively small, e.g. beads have a cross-sectional area of 10mm.sup.2 for pipe for 250 mm outside diameter and wall thickness 15 mm. Typically such a bead extends only some 2.5 mm away from the adjacent pipe wall surface. Tensile, bending and impact tests show joint strength equivalent to the parent wall strength. In accelerated lifetime tests at high pressure and temperature the joints are at least equal to conventionally made joints.

Abstract: Tubing or pipe bend or elbow for use in carrying pneumatically conveyed granular material has an axial bore with an input opening at one end and gradually diminishes to a smaller opening at the output end, such that the incoming material sees a pressure relief, or drop, at the input to the bend. As a feature, a tubing bend may be segmented, i.e., made out of a series of separate or individual bends with the output of one coupled to the input of another.

Abstract: First and second members (e.g. pipes, fittings) of cross-linked polyolefinic material such as polyethylene having a melt flow index (MFI) of zero are joined using a third member of polyolefinic material such as polyethylene having a higher MFI e.g. 0.3. The first member 10 and the third member gripped by clamps 18, 20 of a butt fusion machine are pressed against opposite faces of a heater plate which is then withdrawn and the members are pressed together by the clamps. Only the third member is upset to form beads 24, 26. Part of the third member is removed leaving a stub part 16. The second member is joined to the stub's face 36 using the heater plate. The part 16 is upset leaving a thin wafer 48. The two interfaces 30, 50 limit the growth of cracks in the wafer to prevent their propagation through the pipe thickness under hoop stress. The beads are preferably removed at each stage.

Abstract: A waste pipe system of an injection moulded or extruded pipe part of thermoplastic material with soundproofing properties having a weight per unit area of at least 8 kg/m.sup.2. The weight per unit area is adjusted by incorporating a filler in the plastic, preferably barium sulphate is used as such a filler. The density of the plastic pipe part is comprised between 1.8 and 2.7, preferably between 1.8 and 2.0 g/cm.sup.3.Suitable thermoplastic materials are PVC, polyolefins and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) copolymer, particularly PVC or polypropylene.The plastic pipe part may also be a socket or a double sided socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically supporting an internal conduit subject to temperature fluctuations comprising a conduit with shear lugs secured around its perimeter. These shear lugs rest upon a spool member surrounding the conduit that is configured to permit the thermal expansion/contraction of the supported conduit as needed. This spool member is, in turn, supported by an outer casing in a manner permitting the spool member to move or rotate independent of the casing. In this fashion, no rigid connector couples the internal conduit to the outer casing, instead a spool member provides the necessary support while being fully movable with respect to both the internal conduit and the outer casing.

Abstract: A tube coupling system for joining a plurality of metal tubes that are used in air flow systems which includes at least two tubular members each having at least one curled end. A clamping member is used to join the tubular members in an abutting interfacing engagement, the clamping member having a one-piece split coupler with two free ends which removably and circumferentially surround the joined tubular members along their curled ends. The coupler also has a spring locking member which is connected to the coupler free ends and moveable to connect and release the free ends and latch and unlatch the coupler from the members. A split pin can be used to secure the spring locking member. The clamping member coupler has a body portion and leg members affixed to and depending from the body portion so that the body portion and depending leg members are configured to envelope and grip substantially all of the curled ends of two connected tubular members.

Abstract: A blast joint and related handling apparatus and method for installing the blast joint in a pressurized well, using a snubber unit. The blast joint has a pressure rated protective jacket, a pressure operated ring load compensator, and an adjustable tubing anchor.

Abstract: A buried conduit consisting, in transverse cross-section, of a lower component (2) and a covering upper component (1) which bears on the upper part of the side walls (22) of the lower component (2) by means of lengthwise bearing members (3). According to the invention, the upper component (1) forms an arched vault made so as to have sufficient flexibility to distort slightly under the effect of the forces to which it is subjected, and the lower component (2) is made so as to resist, without distortion, the forces transmitted by the ground and by the upper component (1), both components being fixed to each other along the lengthwise bearing members (3) and the latter consisting of socket joints, so as to permit the bearing parts of the distortable upper component to pivot without sliding relative to the undistortable lower component.

Abstract: In a ribbon consisting of a cross-linked plastic which can be shrunk by the action of heat and can be placed in the manner of a collar (2a) around an elongated object (4), and after the connecting together of the edges (3a, 3b) of the ribbon, can be shrunk onto the object (4) by the action of heat. The edge regions (3a, 3b) of the ribbon consist of non-cross-linked plastic and a connecting together (5) of the ribbon edges (3a, 3b) is effected by fusion welding.

Abstract: The end of a duct section having flat sheet metal plates is bent up to form connecting flanges having an essentially hollow closed profile. Flange walls of the connecting flanges bearing the free edges of the duct section are lock-seamed into folding pockets which are formed between the duct wall and the adjoining flange wall. To connect duct sections having larger duct cross-sections, the flange walls can have outwardly extending protrusions for reinforcement.

Abstract: An assembly for the coupling of a multi-duct conduit system for sealing the outer and inner ducts of adjacent conduit sections in end to end relationship. There is provided a primary coupling housing which includes preferably a premolded body portion which is insertible into the outer most housing of a ducted system. The body system in the body portion comprises first and second half body portions. Each first and second half body portion is adapted to receive a plurality of ducts into bores in the body housing so that a first plurality of ducts enters and is insertible into the body portion at a first end and the second adjoining plurality of duct members are insertible into the body portion on the second end, the first and second portions of ducts being slidably engaged into the body portion and meeting substantially at a center point within the body portion, for defining a continuous pathway within the ducts for housing transmission lines therewithin.