Abstract: To provide a cable or the like protection and guide device excellent in endurance and reliability by preventing breakage of a flexible cable-shaped body (cable, rope, wire or the like). A cable or the like protection and guide device of the invention includes link frame members (10) each having a rectangular section, and a pair of flexible cable-shaped members (20) insertion-passing through the respective guide holes (15) formed on both side walls of the link member. A cable or the like is inserted into the link frame members to be protected and guided in a state where a number of the link frame members are articulately connected to each other by the flexible cable-shaped members. The guide hole (15) through which the flexible cable-shaped member is insertion-passed is formed of an arc surface (15b) concentric with an arc formed of mutually bent said link frame members.

Abstract: A method of forming a torque tube (64) is provided. The method includes forming a fitting (80) having an elongated tube conforming area (88). The conforming area (88) includes chamfer areas (82) having upper surfaces (90), lower surfaces (92), and chamfer surfaces (94) that transition between the upper surfaces (90) and the lower surfaces (92) and have chamfer angles (96) of approximately 20 relative to the lower surfaces (92). An elongated tube (86) is procured and an end portion (106) of the elongated tube (86) is formed onto the conforming area (88) to form a torque-transmitting coupling (84). The torque tube (64) is also provided and formed according to the above-stated method.

Abstract: A coupling system, comprising: a first bellows element; a fluid handling component; and a coupling assembly releasably connecting the first bellows element to the fluid handling component for maintaining a secure connection between the first bellows element and the fluid handling component. The coupling assembly comprises a first flange attached to the first bellows element and a second flange attached to the fluid handling component, the first and second flanges alignable with each other to form a locking space; a locking member sized to fill the locking space; and a sealing structure positioned between the first bellows element and the fluid handling component to form a seal proximate the effective diameter of the first bellows element. A kit and a method for connecting a bellows element to a fluid handling component are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pipe section for lining sewer pipelines along with a system of such pipe sections and method of lining a sewer pipeline are provided. The pipe section has a first end portion having a spigot. A protective ring is mounted around the spigot for transferring a load to the pipe section for axially moving the pipe section within a sewer pipeline. A second end portion of the pipe section is designed for surrounding the spigot of an adjacent pipe. A seal is formed is formed around the spigot for sealing with the second end portion of the adjacent pipe section.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe includes first and second length portions, each having an outer pipe and an inner pipe positioned relative to one another to define an annular gap therebetween. The length portions are placed in confronting disposition with their adjacent first ends interconnected for relative movement in a longitudinal direction. An end piece of the outer pipe of the first length portion is disposed in surrounding relationship to an end piece of the outer pipe of the second length portion at interposition of an end portion of the inner pipe of the first length portion, wherein the end pieces of the outer pipes of the first and second length portions and the end portion of the inner pipe of the first length portion are positioned for relative movement in the longitudinal direction, so as to define a triple sliding fit.

Abstract: Tube for pumping a space between two tiles, comprising a metal end-piece 9 and a glass tube 25 bonded together via a glass-to-metal seal 26; the metal end-piece 9 has shoulder means 3. Such a tube is especially intended to be fitted onto plasma displays or field emission displays. This tube is inexpensive and allows rapid and precise handling and fitting.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint joins, in a bendable manner, a first pipe member provided with a partially spherical outer circumferential surface that protrudes outward in radial direction and a second pipe member provided with a partially spherical inner surface that can slide along the partially spherical outer circumferential surface. A sleeve made of a synthetic resin is inserted and fitted in a state of contact, bridging the inner circumferential surfaces of the two pipe members. The sleeve has a length that covers a cavity portion that opens inward in radial direction at a location where the two pipe members are joined together, and is elastically deformed substantially maintaining its circular tube shape when following a flexure of the two pipe members.

Abstract: A flexible hose with connect flange and a method for obtaining such a hose. The flexible hose (1) whereof the elastomer wall (1a) is reinforced by at least a main carcass (2) comprises flexible cables, including at least at one of its ends an annular flange (3), provided with longitudinal perforations, whereto is fixed at least the main carcass, the flange having an external diameter not greater than the external diameter of the hose wall proximate to the flange. The flange comprises perforations (34a) emerging on one or more indentation(s) (12) provided on the outer surface (9) of the hose wall and whereof the dimensions enable to house therein at least linking elements (15) externally accessible for abutting connection of pipes without interposition of an intermediate component between their respective flanges.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly is disclosed that includes an outer fluid line and an inner fluid line disposed substantially within the outer fluid line. The inner and outer fluid lines each include a slip joint. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the slip joints includes a reservoir in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line. Among other things, the reservoir is suitable for receiving fluid from the corresponding fluid line as the fluid line assembly is contracted and expelling fluid into the corresponding fluid line as the fluid line assembly is extended. In another embodiment of the invention, the inner and outer fluid lines include a ball joint assembly.

Abstract: A hot gas cyclone separator is provided with a segmented dip tube whose smooth sheet metal dip-tube segments have tops which are securely fastened to a cap of the separator in hook like manner by U-shaped angle rails. The adjacent lower ends of the dip-tube segments may also be interconnected by angle rails having U-shaped profiles which serve to protect the lower end of the dip tube from excessive wear caused by the impinging hot gas/solids suspension.

Abstract: A method and component for repairing broken conduit ends extending from concrete foundations is disclosed. The method and component for repairing broken conduit ends of this invention eliminates the need to break up the concrete foundation around the broken conduit end. The specialized repair components include a reaming bit for milling out and turning down the inside wall of the broken conduit end and repair coupling for joining a new section of conduit to the broken conduit end. The reaming bit is designed to be used with any conventional handheld power drill. The reaming bit mills out the inside of the broken conduit end so that the repair coupling can be inserted into the broken conduit end. With the coupling fitted into the broken conduit end, a new section of conduit can be connected completing the repair.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass-like carbon pipe is provided. The method comprises the steps of producing a plurality of thermosetting resin molded articles by centrifugal molding, said molded articles each having the shape of the sections of a pipe divided in the longitudinal direction and each provided with threaded or fitting portions; integrating these molded articles by joining at the threaded or fitting portions; and carbonizing the joined pipe to thereby produce a glass-like carbon pipe. This method is capable of producing a straight or bent pipe with excellent mechanical strength and gas sealability at the joint, and this method enables production of a pipe at a low cost since no machining is required for providing the threaded or fitting portions.

Abstract: A metal pipe 11 of a smaller diameter engages a metal pipe 13 of a larger diameter to provide a double-pipe structure in a predetermined area in the longitudinal direction, wherein the diameter of the two pipes 11 and 13 of the double-pipe structure section is integrally expanded using a pipe expansion technique. By making a predetermined section of the pipe member a double-pipe structure, it is possible to provide the strength and rigidity necessary for each section. It is also possible to join the two pipes by expanding the diameter of each pipe at the double-pipe structure section. By forming a section where high strength is not required by a pipe of a smaller diameter, it is possible to lighten the pipe member. Materials for the pipes 11 and 13 are carbon steels for machine structural use. If aluminum is used for the metal pipe 11 of a smaller diameter, it is possible to further lighten the pipe member.

Abstract: A pneumatic transfer system (10) includes a service provider station (12) and a customer station (14). A carrier is movable through a transfer conduit (26) between the stations responsive to differential pressure. The transfer conduit (26) comprises tubing (40, 42) fastened together by a clamp apparatus (70). The clamp apparatus includes a band portion (72), a retainer portion (74), and an adjusting device (76). The band portion is able to be tightened by use of the adjusting device. The retainer portion includes tapered walls (92). The clamp apparatus is able to be initially positioned so that portions of tube flanges (44, 46) are disposed within the retainer portion. A resilient seal (100) may also be used. Tightening of the clamp results in the tube flanges being guided toward both longitudinally abutting contact and circumferential alignment. The clamp permits the guiding, aligning, sealing, and retaining of pneumatic tube flanges.

Abstract: A drain, waste and vent (“DWV”) fitting is made from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conduit repairing material, repairing structure, and repairing method thereof, and particularly provides a repairing method for an existing conduit characterized by comprising using a plurality of reinforcing members capable of being carried in the existing conduit, assembling said reinforcing members into a hollow skeleton-like reinforcing body extending substantially along the inner surface of the existing conduit, attaching a plurality of inner face bars to the inside of the reinforcing body to assemble them into a tubular form along the lengthwise direction of the conduit, and injecting a curable infilling into the gap between the inner face bars and the inner surface of the existing conduit.

Abstract: A tubular assembly 10 is disclosed for passing fluids within a hydrocarbon recovery well. The tubular assembly 10 has an insulated connection 12 between insulated tubing segments 14, 16. Tubing segments 14, 16 are connected via a threaded connection, and the resulting joint 10 is insulated by an external insulating sleeve 18. The insulating sleeve 18 may have unitary construction, such that the sleeve 18 may only be installed or removed by first breaking apart the joint 10. Alternatively, the sleeve 18 may comprise a plurality of arcuate partial-sleeves, which may be assembled about or removed from the completed joint 10 without first breaking apart the joint 10.

Abstract: A universal pressure washer extension/replacement hose adapted for use with pressure washers which have different diameter liquid discharge outlets. The extension hose has identical connecting fittings at its opposite ends, one of which can be coupled in sealed relation to a pressure washer outlet of either of two known sizes and the other of which is connectable to a spray gun hose through a universal adaptor having connecting chambers of said two known sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transitional telescoping plenum apparatus that is intended to facilitate the interconnection of HVAC equipment to duct systems. The unit expands in length, width and height directions, and is composed of modular tier sections. Each modular tier includes at least four corner sections, with each corner section being interleaved with two adjacent corner sections to complete a single modular tier. Each modular tier includes a tier-connecting flange that communicates with a tier-connecting flange on another modular tier, such that the modular tiers can be interconnected to form a finished transitional telescoping plenum apparatus. Clips are also taught for connecting modular tiers to each other.

Abstract: A universal pressure washer extension/replacement hose adapted for use with pressure washers which have different diameter liquid discharge outlets. The extension hose has identical connecting fittings at its opposite ends, one of which can be coupled in sealed relation to a pressure washer outlet of either of two known sizes and the other of which is connectable to a spray gun hose through a universal adaptor having connecting chambers of said two known sizes.

Abstract: A tubular assembly which includes a first (or outer) tube (12), a second (or inner) tube (21) and a plug (42) within the second tube (21) is described. The plug (42) resides within at least a portion of the second tube (21), which itself resides within a portion of the first tube (12). The first (12) and second (21) tubes each have perforations (15, 24), at least some of which are aligned. The plug (42) has cavities (45) in its exterior surface (48), at least some of which are aligned with the aligned perforations (36). Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is molded through aligned perforations (36) and at least partially fills aligned cavities (45). The edges (39) of aligned perforations (36) are embedded in the plastic material (53) molded therethrough. The plastic material (53) extending through aligned perforations (36), into cavities (45) and embedding perforation edges (39) therein, serves to fixedly attach the first tube (12), second tube (21) and plug (42) together.

Abstract: A pivoting blow-gun with a pivoting barrel having sufficient strength to receive pressurized air while at the same time dimensioned to allow the manipulation of the pivoting barrel into non-linear configurations which non-linear configurations are maintainable during use of the blow-gun in order to use the pivoting blow-gun to reach areas which would otherwise be hard to reach. A quick-connect attachment device can be used to permit relatively fast and easy changing of barrels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the corrosion protection of a steel pipeline, and to improvements in pipe clamps useful for this purpose. The invention provides a pipe clamp or coupling which makes electric contact with the pipes on which it is assembled and provides a continuous electrical connection, of the pipes. The pipe clamp according to the invention for sealing by means of a metal clamping band to surround the pipe or a pipe coupling for removably holding extremities of a pair of metallic pipes provided with a flexible inner sleeve disposed inside the clamping band; the inner sleeve is attached to the clamping band by means of metallic fasteners, the metallic fasteners being arranged to contact the metallic pipes when the assembly is tightened, to form a continuous electrical connection of the pipes.

Abstract: A unique protective cover system for hot water pipes and other pipe installations and which relies upon a plurality of jackets capable of being disposed about the pipes. In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an under-sink heat protective cover system having a first J-shaped jacket to cover a J-shaped pipe arrangement or J-trap and a portion of straight pipe cover to cover the waste arm pipe in an under-sink pipe installation. Moreover, a unique coupling mechanism in the mating jackets allows one jacket to be fitted and tightly connected with the other jacket. Each of the jackets are slit longitudinally so that they can be spread apart at the slit and fitted on the pipes of the installation. A unique locking system is provided to retentively and tightly hold each jacket around a pipe section. Moreover, in another embodiment, fiber fastening strips are located adjacent the opposed edges of the slit for quickly releasably locking together with two edges of the jacket adjacent the slit.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly comprising a tube in composite material including carbon fibers embedded in a resin, an extremity of which is equipped with a sleeve in plastic material such as polyamide, optionally equipped with a jointing thread. According to the invention, the tube comprises at least one layer of composite material, and the sleeve is obtained by overmolding injection of material on the tube. Preferably, the composite material constituting the tube comprises two adjacent layers of carbon fibers embedded in carbon, the inner layer being a layer whose fibers are substantially longitudinal, whereas the outer layer comprises helically arranged fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe having at least one end portion (2) forming a section for coupling onto a rigid endpiece (7) and containing an inner tubular jacket (5) of elastic material. According to the invention, at least one longitudinally-extending indentation (4) is formed in the end portion (2) of the pipe (1). The invention is applicable in coupling a pipe to a member to which it is to be connected in the field of fluid transport.

Abstract: A straight opposing member insertion section located at the end of a hose tube and has a ring-shaped groove for inserting a sealing ring. The opposing member insertion section has a ring-shaped tongue piece and/or a ring-shaped ring supporting section. Tongue-piece has a sloped surface and an overhang positioned over the ring-shaped groove. Ring supporting section is an indentation on the ring-shaped groove that protrudes away from the end of the hose tube. A sealing ring is tightly inserted into the ring-shaped groove. A ring-shaped engagement projection on the end of the tube-shaped opposing member is pushed into the opposing member insertion section until the engagement projection abuts the sealing ring. Sealing ring and the section of the tube wall with the ring-shaped groove can be constructed to handle seal deterioration. The resulting fuel hose connection structure has superior fuel sealing properties, fuel impermeability and can be contructed simplely and inexpensively.

Abstract: A temporary fixing structure includes recesses formed with a mounting hole of a first tubular body to face each other wherein the diameter of the mounting hole extending along the recesses is smaller than that of a flange, and protrusions arranged at the head of an end portion of a second tubular body wherein a spacing between the protrusion and the flange is substantially equal to the thickness of a mounting surface of the first tubular body and wherein the protrusions are arranged inside the fist tubular body through the recesses. The second tubular body is turned with respect to the first tubular body to bring a flat portion of the flange into close contact with the mounting surface of the first tubular body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a concrete floor, particularly a temperable concrete floor, containing an upper side and an underside, containing first concrete-free spaces, particularly cavities, that comprise at least one first wall surface, particularly two, three, four or more wall surfaces, along at least one section, said at least one first wall surface being essentially planar, concave, convex or corrugated or denticulate and being aligned not essentially parallel or perpendicular to the underside and/or upper side of the concrete floor, and containing second concrete-free spaces, particularly second cavities, whereby the first concrete-free spaces, particularly two, three, four or a plurality of first concrete-free spaces, and the second concrete-free spaces are arranged in the concrete floor in alternating succession, at least in sections, and, in particular, connectible to one another or connected to one another, whereby said first concrete-free spaces have a larger maximum diameter in crossect

Abstract: Articulated joint for tubes of electric household appliances, comprising a plurality of axially hollow modular elements, each modular element comprising a male end and a female end, coupling means for joining said modular elements to each other and resilient means fitted to at least two adjacent modular elements.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint joins, in a bendable manner, a first pipe member provided with a partially spherical outer circumferential surface that protrudes outward in radial direction and a second pipe member provided with a partially spherical inner surface that can slide along the partially spherical outer circumferential surface. A sleeve made of a synthetic resin is inserted and fitted in a state of contact, bridging the inner circumferential surfaces of the two pipe members. The sleeve has a length that covers a cavity portion that opens inward in radial direction at a location where the two pipe members are joined together, and is elastically deformed substantially maintaining its circular tube shape when following a flexure of the two pipe members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible hose with connect flange and a method for obtaining such a hose. The flexible hose (1) whereof the elastomer wall (1a) is reinforced by at least a main carcass (2) comprises flexible cables, including at least at one of its ends an annular flange (3), provided with longitudinal perforations, whereto is fixed at least the main carcass, said flange having an external diameter not greater than the external diameter of the hose wall proximate to the flange. The invention is characterised in that the flange comprises perforations (34a) emerging on one or more indentation(s) (12) provided on the outer surface (9) of the hose wall and whereof the dimensions enable to house therein at least linking means (15) externally accessible for abutting connection of pipes without interposition of an intermediate component between their respective flanges.

Abstract: A housing of a device for the treatment of gases hotter than the ambient temperature, in particular flue gases, comprises an exterior frame made of supports. At the interior side of said frame an insulating wall is arranged which comprises an interior side metal sheet and an exterior side metal sheet, wherein insulating material having an extremely low heat conductivity is arranged between said metal sheets.

Abstract: The invention concerns an energy guide chain for guiding hoses, cables or lines comprising chain links (2) each consisting of two link plates (3) and at least one crossbar (8) connecting the link plates, wherein link plates (3) of adjacent chain links (2) have pivot regions comprising mutually corresponding pivot pins (4) and openings (5) for receiving the pivot pins, by means of which the chain links (2) are pivotably interconnected, and wherein the link plates (3) of adjacent chain links (2) have mutually overlapping overlap regions (21, 22), forming lines (6, 7) of link plates, and wherein at least one link plate (3) is provided with a region (15, 20) of weakened material, which permits a variation in length of the link plate line (7) beyond the play which occurs in the pivot region (4, 5) in all directions of the link plate (3). In order to permit improved straight-ahead movement of the chain the material-weakened region (15, 20) is in the form of an elastically deformable region of the link plate (3).

Abstract: An adjustable coupler is disclosed for interconnecting leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. A coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber. The coupler can comprise a mating feature and an adjustment feature.

Abstract: An active slender tube as implemented as a catheter, guide wire, or any other medical or non-medical micro-mechanical or -system or system's active micro-component is disclosed that has a simple structure which facilitates the active slender tube to be reduced in diameter and with the capability of being multi-functionalized. The slender tube is provided in its distal, active end portion in the form of “J” with a bending, a torsionally rotating, an extending and retracting and/or a stiffness control mechanism. These mechanisms are adapted to bend, torsionally rotate, extend/retract and adjust stiffness of, the active end portion, respectively, with precision. Each mechanism comprises an outer skeleton including a liner coil spring, and an SMA (shape memory alloy) made coil actuator disposed inside of the liner coil coaxially therewith and fastened thereto.

Abstract: A first tube has an end portion with a socket that is tapered by, a frustoconical wall that ends with a radially extending land. A copper brazing ring is disposed on the land. An end portion of a second tube having a knurled surface is press fitted into the socket to provide a coupling assembly. Upon heating the coupling assembly, the copper brazing ring melts and flows through the grooves in the knurled surface to weld the second tube to first tube and to seal the interface therebetween.

Abstract: A bead and interconnecting bead structure for use in a flexible arm assembly having improved interface characteristics allowing for simple, quiet adjustment of the structure in three dimensions, while simultaneously increasing the weight of object the arm assembly can support. The interface characteristics are improved by utilizing two different materials at the area of contact between two adjacent beads.

Abstract: A pipe section for lining sewer pipelines along with a system of such pipe sections and method of lining a sewer pipeline are provided. The pipe section has a first end portion having a spigot. A protective ring is mounted around the spigot for transferring a load to the pipe section for axially moving the pipe section within a sewer pipeline. A second end portion of the pipe section is designed for surrounding the spigot of an adjacent pipe. A seal is formed is formed around the spigot for sealing with the second end portion of the adjacent pipe section.

Abstract: A transition duct with a thermally free aft frame for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The transition duct includes an aft frame that is thermally free through the use of a plurality of retention lugs, bushings, and bulkhead assemblies. The aft frame is allowed to adjust from thermal changes as a result of relative sizing between the bushings and retention lugs of the aft frame. An additional feature of this invention is the use of radially extending ribs along the sidewalls of the aft frame, to form an interlocking sealing means with adjacent transition ducts to reduce the amount compressor air leakage into the turbine inlet.

Abstract: The flexible pipe comprises a plastic sealing sheath and, an inner plastic sheath which define an annular space in which structural elements are placed, the said structural elements comprising at least one armour ply consisting of metal wires wound helically with a long pitch, a end fitting (12, 13) being fitted at each end of the said flexible pipe (1), the device (14) comprising at least one external anode electrically connected by connection means to the said armour ply, and it is characterized in that the anode is placed in an intermediate region (40) of the flexible pipe (1) distal from the said end fittings, the connection means connecting the anode to at least one of the metal wires in the said intermediate region.

Abstract: The invention concerns an energy guide chain for guiding hoses, cables or lines comprising chain links (2) each consisting of two link plates (3) and at least one crossbar (8) connecting the link plates, wherein link plates (3) of adjacent chain links (2) have pivot regions comprising mutually corresponding pivot pins (4) and openings (5) for receiving the pivot pins, by means of which the chain links (2) are pivotably interconnected, and wherein the link plates (3) of adjacent chain links (2) have mutually overlapping overlap regions (21, 22), forming lines (6, 7) of link plates, and wherein at least one link plate (3) is provided with a region (15, 20) of weakened material, which permits a variation in length of the link plate line (7) beyond the play which occurs in the pivot region (4, 5) in all directions of the link plate (3). In order to permit improved straight-ahead movement of the chain the material-weakened region (15, 20) is in the form of an elastically deformable region of the link plate (3).

Abstract: An adjustable coupler interconnects leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. The coupler can comprise a mating feature, which can be used to mate the coupler between a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber, and an adjustment feature, which can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. Either, or both, features can include a swivel connector mateable to an end of one of the chambers. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A ram device has a cylindrical housing (10) in which is arranged a pressure medium actuated impact piston and a control unit for controlling the pressure medium flow into the housing (10) and which housing (10) at its rearward end is provided with a pressure medium connector (16) and is closable by a closure part (12). The closure part (12) is threadable into an end portion (22) of the housing (10) provided with an internal thread by an externally threaded section (18) and has a second threaded section (20) which stands in engagement with a counter element (22) which abuts a housing surface (40) perpendicular to the housing axis.

Abstract: An adaptor for forming a branch in a conduit is shaped and dimensioned to slide onto a cylindrical conduit. The adaptor includes a collar having an outer generally circumferentially extending wall, end walls and a cylindrical passage extending between the end walls. The passage has an inner wall and an opening at each end, and spaced resiliently deformable sealing means adjacent each opening. The sealing means is positioned to provide a seal between the collar and the cylindrical conduit when the adaptor is slidingly engaged with the cylindrical conduit. The collar includes at least one fluid flow passage extending between the outer wall and the inner wall.

Abstract: An high pressure seal comprises a tube with a first end adapted to fit into a first bore of a first mating part and a second end adapted to fit into second bore of a second bore of a second mating part and allow fluid communication between the first bore and the second bore. The seal is expandable radially about an axis to form a seal between the first and second mating parts.

Abstract: A pipe construction kit comprises two pipe sections in the form of twin-wall pipes. A spigot is formed on one end of a pipe section, while a socket is formed on the associated end of the other pipe section. The socket and the spigot are twin-wall pipes, having predominantly smooth-walled internal pipe sections and corrugated external pipe sections with elevations and troughs. The outside diameter of the pipe sections and the outside diameter of the socket are approximately equal.

Abstract: A pressure vacuum breaker cover assembly for protecting a vacuum breaker while simultaneously improving the appearance. The inventive device includes a pair of covers having a shell structure attachable to one another about a vacuum breaker. Each of the covers includes a lip that mates with the opposing cover lip, a plurality of apertures that allow the securing of the covers together with a conventional fastener, a lower cutout for receiving a lower pipe, and a side cutout for receiving an upper pipe from the vacuum breaker. The covers are preferably constructed of a STYROFOAM or polyfoam material for insulating and protecting the vacuum breaker and pipes. The exterior surface of the covers may be painted to match the exterior of the building structure.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe includes first and second length portions, each having an outer pipe and an inner pipe positioned relative to one another to define an annular gap therebetween. The length portions are placed in confronting disposition with their adjacent first ends interconnected for relative movement in a longitudinal direction. An end piece of the outer pipe of the first length portion is disposed in surrounding relationship to an end piece of the outer pipe of the second length portion at interposition of an end portion of the inner pipe of the first length portion, wherein the end pieces of the outer pipes of the first and second length portions and the end portion of the inner pipe of the first length portion are positioned for relative movement in the longitudinal direction, so as to define a triple sliding fit.

Abstract: A metal pipe 11 of a smaller diameter engages a metal pipe 13 of a larger diameter to provide a double-pipe structure in a predetermined area in the longitudinal direction, wherein the diameter of the two pipes 11 and 13 of the double-pipe structure section is integrally expanded using a pipe expansion technique. By making a predetermined section of the pipe member a double-pipe structure, it is possible to provide the strength and rigidity necessary for each section. It is also possible to join the two pipes by expanding the diameter of each pipe at the double-pipe structure section. By forming a section where high strength is not required by a pipe of a smaller diameter, it is possible to lighten the pipe member. Materials for the pipes 11 and 13 are carbon steels for machine structural use. If aluminum is used for the metal pipe 11 of a smaller diameter, it is possible to further lighten the pipe member.