Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning mild steel reinforcing bars within a precast, moment resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a hand-receiving access component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame so as to permit convenient access to the reinforcing bars that are slidably carried within bar receiving passageways formed within the concrete beams. Additionally, the apparatus includes a bladder-receiving component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame in a manner to permit an expandable bladder to be conveniently positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam. When in position within a cable-receiving passageway, the expandable bladder spans the interface between the beam and the column and effectively prevents grout from entering the cable passageway during the grouting step.

Abstract: A seal apparatus including an elongated body formed of a resilient expandable material defining an interior chamber and having a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is capable of being rolled up on itself by rolling one of the first and second ends of the elongated body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one stem is attached to the elongated body and is in fluid communication with the interior chamber.

Abstract: A double ring seal of unitary construction is made from a resilient deformable material. The ring seal comprises two coplanar sealing rings for use in sealing between two substantially planar surfaces, and means interconnecting the rings, such that an interspace volume is formed between the rings when the seal is in use.

Abstract: An inflatable sealing device is used to seal a door, such as a shutter door in a submarine, when the door is closed. The inflatable sealing device includes a seal retainer positioned around the opening through a structure, such as a submarine hull or other type of wall. An inflatable seal is positioned with a retainer cavity within the seal retainer. The inflatable seal includes a seal periphery and a seal tip extending from the seal periphery. The seal periphery preferably has an elliptical cross section in a deflated state and a circular cross section in an inflated state such that the seal tip extends into a gap to seal the door when the inflatable seal is pressurized and inflated. The seal tip retracts into the seal retainer when the inflatable seal is deflated. A pressure actuator, such as a bellows, is used to pressurize the inflatable seal using an actuating fluid.

Abstract: An assembly and method of joining a pipe with a catch basin, the catch basin having an apertured side wall, the assembly and method including providing an elastomeric ring having an annular hollow expansion space, a foam injection port, a flow checking inflation valve for resesting fluid back flow within the foam injection port, and having a slide stop extending outwardly from the elastomeric ring; inserting the elastomeric ring into the catch basin's aperture; inserting an end of the pipe through the elastomeric ring; and injecting a closed cell resilient foam through the fluid injection port for expansion within the expansion space, the expansion driving the ring's annular inner and outer surfaces inwardly and outwardly, forming a seal spanning between the pipe and the catch basin.

Abstract: A sealing device seals the inner side of pipelines and building openings. The sealing device comprises a rim, which is closed on the inner side by a panel. A tube with a ring-shaped wall made of elastomeric material is mounted on the rim. The tube encloses a sealed hollow space that can be filled with compressed gas. So that the tube will substantially expand only in the radial direction when it is filled with compressed gas, the wall of the tube comprises a reinforcement with increased tensile strength exclusively in the radial area. Furthermore, so that a number of sealing devices can be assembled one directly next to the other, the sealing device comprises a counterpressure panel. The tube is pressed against the rim and against the counterpressure panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable pre-formed plug that is suitable for sealing and/or structurally reinforcing a structure having surfaces defining a space therebetween. The plug is comprised of at least an expandable inner core having an outer surface and a transportable outer skin that preferably substantially encapsulates the core. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the unexpanded plug is designed to mate with the surfaces that define a space therebetween upon expansion. The adhesive skin is generally dry to the touch at room temperature, however, upon initiation of expansion, the inner core expands and the surrounding skin is displaced in a coordinated manner. After some period of expansion, the outer skin preferably durably adheres or bonds to the walls of the surfaces defining a space therebetween and the outer surface of the core. A method for using such a plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: A improved seal for a outwardly opening door in a pressure vessel is achieved by providing an elastic inflatable tube in a groove between opposed facing surfaces rigidly associated with the door and with the vessel chamber. The groove and tube completely surround the opening of the chamber in a closed fashion. Clamps are provided to retain the door on the chamber. After the door is closed, the tube is inflated to a pressure at least equal to the pressure in the chamber and sufficient to cause the tube to fill any gaps caused by distortion of the door under the effect of the outward pressure from the chamber.

Abstract: An expandable baffle for sealing a cavity of an automobile is provided. The baffle includes a thermally expandable sealing material which has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of the automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., the paint bake stage). The inventive baffle further includes a support for the sealing material which maintains the material at the desired location within the cavity until thermal expansion. The support is formed of a material having a melting point higher than the thermal expansion temperature of the sealing material. In one embodiment, the support comprises a pair of solid, spaced-apart sidewalls that “bow” upon expansion of the sealing material. In an alternate embodiment, the sidewalls include a plurality of openings formed therein through which the sealing material flows during thermal expansion.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing at least two facing surfaces of two adjacent machine elements includes an inflatable sealing tube arranged in a groove in a first surface of a first machine element. The sealing tube can be filled with a medium to which pressure can be applied, and can be inflated by the medium as well as made to rest against a second surface of a second machine element, forming a seal. The ends of the sealing tube are each arranged in an insert piece. The insert pieces are each structured as a sleeve and surround the ends of the sealing tube under elastic pre-stress, forming a seal. The sleeves are each arranged in a recess of the first machine element that extends essentially crosswise to the lengthwise direction of the groove. In the non-pressurized state, the sealing tube and the face of the sleeves that faces the second surface of the second machine element are essentially flush with the first surface of the first machine element.

Abstract: A method of preventing water leakage which comprises the steps of interposing a waterproof seal which consists of a hollow, water-absorbing, swelling rubber piece covered with a fabric tube in a clearance between the ends of pipes or planks to be joined together, injecting air into the hollow of the rubber piece and thereby block off the clearance and obtain a contacting surface pressure greater than a leakproof pressure just needed, and thereafter allowing the water-absorbing, swelling rubber piece to swell with water. The waterproof seal may have an inlet valve through which air is forced into the hollow, or the seal may be pierced through with a hollow needle from the outside to inject air into the hollow.

Abstract: An inflatable seal system in a tool having opposed parts which are relatively movable together with the inflatable seal system therebetween. The inflatable seal system comprising a longitudinally extending seal cavity and a seal extending longitudinally along the seal cavity. The seal comprises an inflatable portion and an abutment portion for sealingly abutting against an opposing surface, wherein the inflatable portion remains in the seal cavity when the seal is deflated.

Abstract: A method and an installation for dispensing a flowable material. The material (11) is contained in a sleeve 60 positioned in a container (12) underneath a follower plate (36). The follower plate (36) is moved into the container (12) and in the process the material (11) is dispensed via a conduit system. On its contour, the follower plate (36) has a sealing element (50) which can be displaced between a sealing position and a retracted position. In the sealing position this sealing element (50) rests against the inner container surface (16) and constitutes a sealing device. In the retracted position the sealing element (50) is spaced apart from the inner container wall (16) and, together with the latter, delimits an opening (50) for venting the space underneath the follower plate (36).

Abstract: A device for sealing a gap between two members. The device comprises at least one elastically expanding hose accommodated in a groove (2) in the wall of the gap. The hose can be expanded by a compressible fluid introduced through a rigid opening such that the hose cannot be displaced in relation to the opening. To provide a device that is easy to install and remove and that requires no straps to secure it, the hose (1) is inserted into the opening (3) and has one end loose and the other end secured by supports.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Seal Element particularly for sealing the junction between the settler of an extraction apparatus and the overflow launder located at the far end of the settler. The essential factor is that the junction between the overflow launder and actual settler, which is a non-circular profile joint, is sealed with an elastic seal.

Abstract: A piston for dispensing material from a commodity container includes a nose section connected to a piston shaft. A recessed channel is located between the nose section and piston shaft. In the channel, there is a seal lifter over which a solid wiping seal is placed. Upon inflation, the seal lifter forcers the wiping seal to extend beyond the periphery of the piston to come into sealing contact with the interior wall of the container.

Abstract: A seal for a shut-off device moved in a rectilinear manner, which is switched from a closed to an open position and vice versa so as to shut off material flows. The seal is formed of metallic components which define a pressure chamber to which external pressure can be applied to achieve seal tightness. Employing only metallic components makes it possible to use the seal in a wide temperature range and under conditions of exceptional wear caused by either frequent actuation or the composition of the flowing medium. The sealing system includes a shut-off device (1) against which a movable seat (5) forms a seal. The seat is connected to the tubular casing (2) in a pressure tight manner, and the casing in turn is connected to a flange (3). The assembly is connected to a housing (8) by a flange (6) and is sealed by seal (7). Membranes (9, 10) and support plate (14) form a pressure chamber (11) to which pressure Ps is applied through connecting nipple (13) and bores (12).

Abstract: An interface seal between a gas flow line within a support surface for a pod and a flow valve mounted within the pod. The kinematic coupling between a pod and support surface aligns a pair of inlet and outlet valves on a bottom surface of the pod with a corresponding pair of inlet and outlet holes in the support surface, through which gas may be injected into and removed from the pod, respectively. The interface according to the various embodiments of the invention provides a durable seal substantially preventing leakage between the pod and support surface while at the same time being compatible with kinematic couplings. In embodiments of the invention, the seal is thin and flexible, and expands into engagement with the pod to establish the seal. This type of interface seal will not interfere with the proper seating of the pod on the kinematic pins.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided to close off and seal a gap between undersurfaces of a machine tool installation and a coolant collection channel. The sealing arrangement includes a pair of lengths of sealing hoses inflated with air pressure to close off and seal the gap. The inflated hose seals accommodate the variable gap created by sloping collection troughs to simplify the construction thereof.

Abstract: An anti-freezing seal for vehicle compartments, doors, trunks, etc. In cold climates, one of the problems is freezing shut of vehicle doors, for example, due to the moisture which accumulates on the seals during the daytime and then freezes at night. This is a problem for all vehicle compartment lids using seals to prevent leakage of moisture or dust into the compartment and can be resolved by heated or vacuum actuated seals. A heated anti-icing seal may be similar in construction with various existing compartment lid or door seals, which include a bulb or compression section, means for attaching the bulb to a compartment flange, a reflective shield, heat strip, and electrical wires or electric clips adapted to be connected to a DC or AC power supply via, for example, a switch, thermostat, and timer. The attaching means may be an adhesive or a seal setting flange compartment having grippers.

Abstract: A sealing system for a closing flap in a passage orifice of a facility where, in a coupled position, the closing flap rests in parallel against an identical closing flap on another facility in a sealing plane and cooperates therewith in such a way that the interiors of the two facilities are connected to one another. In a closed position, the individual closing flap has a seal on its circumference for sealing off an associated passage orifice. At least one of the two cooperating closing flaps has, on its circumference, a groove which is delimited on both sides by annular legs. A first leg delimits the groove toward the interior of the respective facility and extends near to the sealing surface of the passage orifice. The second leg is radially shortened relative to the first leg.

Abstract: An inflatable seal system in a tool having opposed parts which are relatively moveable together with the inflatable seal system therebetween. The inflatable seal system comprising a longitudinally extending seal cavity and a seal extending longitudinally along the seal cavity. The seal comprises an inflatable portion and an abutment portion for sealingly abutting against an opposing surface, wherein the inflatable portion remains in the seal cavity when the seal is deflated.

Abstract: Expansion seal ring with an essentially torus shaped expansion seal (1) which is provided between two concentric positionable connection pieces (2, 3) to be sealed or the like, which include a sealing section (1a) which is pulled over the edge (3a) of one of the two connection pieces (3), and which includes an expandable section (1b), which is provided to be radially effective between the two connection pieces (2, 3), as well as a jacket (4) which essentially completely covers or envelopes the expansion seal (1) at least in the area of the expandable section (1b).

Abstract: An intake/outtake arrangement of a container for a material may communicate with a tube, a transfer container or the like. In order to control intake or outtake of the material container, the intake/outtake arrangement is movable relative to wall means of the container between an open position and a closed position whereby an intake/outtake opening is opened and closed. A sealing body is located between the material container and the intake/outtake arrangement, and is elastically deformable. The sealing body has an inner cavity to be connected to a source of fluid. When in communication with the source of fluid, the sealing body expands in outward direction while being supported by a rigid inner wall.

Abstract: For cleaning endoscopes which have at least two channels with one inlet and one outlet that each open into a chamber of the endoscope, wherein the inlets are connectable to a source of cleaning fluid, the invention provides for an insertion element insertable into the chamber of the endoscope head, said insertion element features controllable seals that in the activated state rest against the wall of the chamber and thus form mutually separated annular spaces that communicate with each channel and connect one associated inlet in the sense of the flow with an associated outlet, whereas in the deactivated state they feature a distance between the insertion element and the wall. This ensures that each channel is individually cleaned, and that the cleaning can also be monitored. In order to clean the surface of the chamber covered by the activated seal, the seal is deactivated so that this location can then also be rinsed.