Abstract: A coupling between parts subject to differential expansion and contraction comprising first and second sealing abutments and an intervening constraint on relative movement whereby differential movements provide a self-compensating tightening and loosening of the sealing abutments. The coupling is especially useful for joining tubular parts such as caps or spray nozzles in containers for agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: Two coaxial bodies of revolution made of materials having distinctly different expansion coefficients are joined together to form an assembly by fixing means comprising at least three resilient brackets of trapezoidal shape, the larger end of each bracket having a flanged edge secured at at least two points by hollow rivets to a metal ring and by bolts extending through the rivets to the body with the higher expansion coefficient, and the smaller end of each bracket being secured by at least one bolt to the body with the lower expansion coefficient in a manner which imposes a cold prestress on the bracket.

Abstract: In a joint structure for a tube support plate and a tube, a ceramic tube is provided aligned with a retaining hole of a tube support plate cooled by cooling medium and a bellows is placed in or near the retaining hole. An end of the bellows is fixed directly or indirectly to the tube support plate and the other end thereof is linked to the ceramic tube.

Abstract: A high-temperature vacuum probe has a body and base positioned on opposite sides of a vacuum bag's wall. These parts are connected together by a differential screw drive which causes the bag to be tightly pinched between them.

Abstract: In a joint structure for a tube support plate and a tube, a ceramic tube is provided aligned with a retaining hole of a tube support plate cooled by cooling medium and a bellows is placed in or near the retaining hole. An end of the bellows is fixed directly or indirectly to the tube support plate and the other end thereof is linked to the ceramic tube.

Abstract: A coupling between parts subject to differential expansion and contraction comprising first and second sealing abutments and an intervening constraint on relative movement whereby differential movements provide a self-compensating tightening and loosening of the sealing abutments. The coupling is especially useful for joining tubular parts such as caps or spray nozzles in containers for agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: A system and method for passing conduit through a wall so as to maintain a firebreak for the wall wherein a coupling having relatively low thermal conductivity properties and relatively high fire resistance properties is mounted in an opening in the wall and secured therein by thermal barrier sealing material and one end of a first conduit is inserted into a first side of the coupling and one end of a second conduit is inserted into a second side of the coupling and wherein the first and second conduits have relatively high thermal conductivity properties and wherein the one ends of the first and second conduits are located and maintained a distance from each other so as to provide a thermal barrier therebetween.

Abstract: A high-temperature resistant sealing gasket, adapted to be clamped between flanged pipe ends for service in a static environment, comprises a flat mica mat including, in a superposed relationship, a great number of mica scales, each formed of a plurality of stacked, extremely thin mica platelets held together by natural cohesion. The mica scales are oriented, with their largest opposite faces, essentially parallel to the opposite mat surfaces. The mica mat further includes a binder situated between overlapping zones of immediately superposed scales. Particular materials for the mica scales and the binder are selected such that the mica mat, in a non-installed state, has the property of undergoing, when heated, a thickness increase in a direction perpendicular to the largest scale faces. The thickness increase starts at a temperature of about 500.degree. C. and reaches, at 800.degree. C., 100% relative to the thickness at 20.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for limiting tension produced in a tubular string extending from a packer set in a subterranean well to the well surface. Such apparatus comprises a receptacle secured to the packer and defining an elongated seal bore, and a mandrel telescopically and sealably related to the seal bore, the mandrel being connected to the bottom end of the tubing string. In one embodiment, a collet, incorporated in the receptacle for cooperating with an abutment formed on the mandrel, thereby securing the mandrel and the receptacle in a telescopically contracted position until sufficient tensile force is exerted on the mandrel to cause the collet arms to be expanded by the abutment to permit upward movement of the mandrel relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for transferring of high-temperature, low-pressure fluids is disclosed as comprising a device having an axial bore for receiving one end of a conduit, a retaining element being demountably coupled to the device in the axial bore, the retaining element having a securing portion for securely fastening the conduit in the retainer element, a device engaging portion for retaining the retainer element in the axial bore of the device and the retainer having a sealing element with a concentric ring design for effecting a seal between the device and the conduit.

Abstract: The inlet flow guide includes a generally cylindrical shroud plate, a generally cylindrical bridge piece, elongated attachment members, biasing members and sealing members. The shroud plate is in confronting cylindrical sections, is adapted to be attached to the pair of confronting stationary blades of the annular rows of turbine blades, and includes tapped bores therethrough. The cylindrical sections of the shroud plate are in arc cylindrical sections. The bridge piece is in semi cylindrical sections and has bores therethrough of a predetermined size to accommodate expected movements during the operation of the turbine, and which are capable of alignment with the bores of the shroud plate. The attachment members have enlarged heads and shoulders and are disposed within the bores of the bridge piece and shroud plate to attach the bridge piece to the shroud plate.

Abstract: A gasket for use in an engine exhaust system. The gasket includes a layer of ceramic fibers with particles of mica or vermiculite dispersed in the ceramic fibers. The mica or the vermiculite expands when it is heated and then the free dimension is increased after the heat is relieved so that the gasket thickness is increased after the first cycle of the heating and cooling. Thus, a positive gas sealing can be ensured even if thermal deformations are formed in the connecting flanges in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A swivel joint for connecting fluid pipes includes a plurality of elements placed one upon another. Each element includes a cylindrical stationary portion and a cylindrical rotatable portion surrounding the stationary portion and supported rotatably thereon by a pair of vertically spaced apart sliding bearings. The two portions define therebetween an annular fluid passage having a fluid inlet to which a pipe is connected and a fluid outlet to which another pipe is connected. The rotatable portion has a pair of inclined edge surfaces. Each bearing has an inclined edge surface which is complementary to one of the inclined edge surfaces of the rotatable portion and which cooperates therewith to align the axis of rotation of the rotatable portion with the center of the stationary portion. The two portions have therebetween a clearance for absorbing any positional variation by thermal expansion thereof relative to each other.

Abstract: A thin-walled connecting pipe for pipeline, having an annular protuberance formed at a predetermined distance from a pipe end, the annular protuberance having an outer side face serving as a disengagement preventing face approximately perpendicular to the pipe axis, and the outer peripheral surface of a straight pipe portion on a front end side with respect to the annular protuberance serving as a seal ring abutting surface.

Abstract: In a joint structure for a tube support plate and a tube, a ceramic tube is provided aligned with a retaining hole of a tube support plate cooled by cooling medium and a bellows is placed in or near the retaining hole. An end of the bellows is fixed directly or indirectly to the tube support plate and the other end thereof is linked to the ceramic tube.

Abstract: A split case expansion coupling for steel pipe conduit that is made in two identical half sections that fit over any given commercial steel pipe size with one pipe end fixed and with the other pipe end being free to expand or contract. The free end has a bolted split cup containing a packing seal. The casing body at the fixed end fits the outside diameter of the connecting pipe and is clamped tightly in place by means of bolted mating flanges containing a compressible gasket. The expansion coupling can be installed or removed without disturbing the contents of a pipe conduit and without any torch-cutting or welding being required on the pipe conduit.

Abstract: To connect two pipes which may carry high-temperature potentially corrosive fluids, for example exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, while permitting flexing of the pipes with respect to each other in torsion or twist, bending or lateral shift, while maintaining a sealed connection, a ring chamber is formed in the region of the pipe ends, by an overlapping pipe end portion of the like, an external sleeve, or overlapping flange construction, which retains therein a sealing and support pillow of ceramic or metal materials in form of fibers, filaments or the like, felted, matted, woven, knitted and compressed together; a metal sealing foil, for example of aluminum or specialty steel, crinkled or creased and preferably formed with expansion/contraction undulations, is located within the pillow.

Abstract: A seal system between two metal pipes (1, 2) flanges (4, 5) exposed to extreme temperatures, includes at least one elastic annular lip (11, 12) which is held by one of the flanges, with its highest point (10) in contact with the other flange to form a seal line when the flanges are assembled. The lip (11, 12) is an integral part of one of the flanges (4, 5) and it is made by lathing two grooves (13, 14; 17, 18) with one groove (13, 17) radially penetrating the cylindrical surface (15, 19) of the flange, and the other groove penetrating perpendicularly to the former in the flat surface (7, 8) of the flange to define a thinned area (16, 20) between the two grooves to ensure the elasticity of the lip (11, 12).

Abstract: Seal for a rotatable pipe coupling of large dimensions such as the swivel of a mooring device, comprising a sealing ring (30) of substantially rectangular cross-section (31) place in a rectangular groove (29) which bridges the gap (27) to be sealed, the sealing ring (30) being placed in the groove (29) in a manner such that it can expand or contract by temperature variations inside the groove (29). This can be achieved by providing radial clearance (34) between the inner face of the ring (30) and the opposite wall (28) of the (29) and/or clearance (35) between the ring (30) and the outer wall of the groove.

Abstract: A temperature responsive, self-actuated nuclear reactor shutdown control rod assembly 10. The upper end 18 of a lower drive line 17 fits within the lower end of an upper drive line 12. The lower end (not shown) of the lower drive line 17 is connected to a neutron absorber. During normal temperature conditions the lower drive line 17 is supported by detent means 22,26. When an overtemperature condition occurs thermal actuation means 34 urges ring 26 upwardly sufficiently to allow balls 22 to move radially outwardly thereby allowing lower drive line 17 to move downwardly toward the core of the nuclear reactor resulting in automatic reduction of the reactor powder.

Abstract: A connection assembly for joining two parts having confronting ends with a joint therebetween, particularly ceramic pipes, includes a dimensionally stable coupling member surrounding the joint and at least one of the two confronting ends of the two parts to be joined. The coupling member is dimensioned to define a space with the at least one part end. This space is filled with a ceramic fiber mat material containing a swelling agent capable of volume expansion when subjected to a temperature above a given minimum temperature. As a result, upon being subjected to an operating temperature above such given temperature, the swelling agent swells the ceramic fiber mat material, such that the mat material is compressed between the coupling member and the at least one part end surrounded thereby, thereby connecting the two parts.

Abstract: The coupling comprises a sleeve which receives a pair of tubular elements thereabout. One of the elements is pinned to the sleeve, and the other has a restricted, axially-movable relationship with the sleeve. Terminal ends of the tubular elements are spaced apart, in a mutually confronting relationship, and have mounted thereto circular and resilient webs or discs. The peripheries of the discs are fastened together, and the discs resiliently flex to accommodate for expansion and contraction of the tubular elements.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal for incorporation into a pipe coupling includes a fire-ring which acts to retain a residual portion of a radial flange of the seal in sealing relationship with the pipe ends in the event of thermal destruction of the remainder of the seal.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cold air meat keeper that is adjustable to a plurality of alternate vertical positions. The cold air is introduced into the refrigerated food compartment through a port in the back wall of the liner. The meat keeper, which is suspended below a height-adjustable cantileverly-supported shelf, has an elastic conduit extending rearwardly therefrom. The conduit has an enlarged rear chamber that seals against the liner wall around the port in a plurality of elevational positions. The conduit is compressed in an interference fit to provide a positive sealing force against the liner surface.

Abstract: A temperature-actuated apparatus is disclosed for releasably supporting a safety rod in a nuclear reactor, comprising a safety rod upper adapter having a retention means, a drive shaft which houses the upper adapter, and a bimetallic means supported within the drive shaft and having at least one ledge which engages a retention means of the safety rod upper adapter. A pre-determined increase in temperature causes the bimetallic means to deform so that the ledge disengages from the retention means, whereby the bimetallic means releases the safety rod into the core of the reactor.

Abstract: A seal assembly for incorporation into a pipe coupling has a fire-ring which is adapted to seal against the juxtaposed ends of pipes and provide a substantial seal between the pipe ends in the event that the body of the elastomeric seal is subjected of thermal destruction.

Abstract: An improved universal expansion joint having counterthrust means for controlling pressure-induced expansion. Movable bellows means in the form of one or more expansible bellows or one or more contractile fluid power cylinders are disclosed for applying counterthrust force to the expansion joint. Means responsive to the pressure within the expansion joint or the temperature of or the strain on the conduit connected to the expansion joint are disclosed for applying the desired fluid pressure to the bellows means to achieve the proper counterthrust force. Also disclosed are a method of employing the improved expansion joint and a system in which the improved expansion joint is advantageously utilized.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid fitting made up of telescoping sleeves providing an annular space therebetween adapted to receive the end of a tube. The outer sleeve is attached to the inner sleeve by being deflected around annular ridges at one end of the inner sleeve. The sleeves are attached to the tube by swaging the outer sleeve so as to grip the tube between the two sleeves. Grooves in the inner sleeve provide corners which dig into the inner surface of the tube and provide seals and retention, while recesses in the outer sleeve receive deflected material of the tube to prevent rotation.

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting tubular members in an exhaust system. The adaptor comprises a tube having opposite ends that are curled outwardly in a generally circular configuration. The curled ends of the adaptor are press fitted within the ends of the tubular members of the exhaust system and each curled end is disposed adjacent an internal shoulder in the respective tubular member. Exhaust gases passing through the adaptor will heat the adaptor causing it to expand axially to bring the curled ends into firm contact with the respective shoulders, and the outer surfaces of the curled ends will flatten against the walls of the respective tubular members to provide a tight seal between the adaptor and the tubular members.

Abstract: A pressure-assisted dynamic seal mechanism for sealing two relatively movable members within a tubing string in a well includes a primary seal member having a first cross-sectional area positioned for sealing engagement between the two relatively movable members. The primary seal is pressure-assisted by a back-up seal mechanism comprising a second seal member having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the primary seal member and a third seal member having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the second seal member. The pressures which act directly across the primary seal member also act in the same direction across the third seal member, whereas these pressures act in an opposite direction across the second seal member.

Abstract: A first sleeve is connected to a second sleeve by means of a bellows. Brackets are arranged at the mutual circumferential distance along the circumferences of the sleeves which brackets are welded to the first sleeve at an end section thereof. The opposite end section of the brackets rest slidingly on the second sleeve. A clamping ring extends around the second end sections of the brackets at an inclined surface area thereof. This clamping ring is pushed onto these inclined surfaces and urges the end sections of the brackets against the second sleeve. The limiting of the stroke of the compensator is provided by circumferential rings welded to the second sleeve. The relative rotation blocking means is an elongated profile member which is welded onto the second sleeve and contacts a respective bracket.

Abstract: For sealing the joint between a pipe end (2) and a pipe or housing (3) into which it is to be inserted, a metal sleeve (1) has a part (a) which is secured, such as by welding, to the pipe end (2), a first annular corrugation (b) and a second annular corrugation (c) which is of greater diameter than the first annular corrugation (b) and resiliently deformable into sealing engagement with the pipe or housing (3).

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, this invention provides a threaded pipe coupling for connection with a conventional threaded pipe end so as to effect improved sealing against internal fluid pressure and against external fluid pressure as may be required in an oil or gas well. The coupling form causes the thread contact pressure to be greater at the maximum and minimum thread contact diameters than exists at intermediate points along the length of thread contact. An auxiliary plastic seal that will undergo thermal cycling is also provided.

Abstract: A reclosable remote control pipe joint particularly suitable for use in fusion reactors and in other radioactive environments employs a spring to maintain sealing force between a sealing ring and a sealing face. The spring permits the pipe joint to remain intact despite mechanical disturbances of the pipes. A backup ring partially encloses the sealing ring to control thermal strain of the sealing ring. A closure system employs a plurality of pivoting arms and a movable roller assembly to clamp together the end fittings to seal the joint.

Abstract: A connection or attachment joint between two coaxial cylindrical members having substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion. Each cylindrical member has an outstanding flange at its mating end with the end portions of the cylindrical members being separated by an annular resilient strain pad to evenly absorb radial growth between the cylinders and the flanges being held together in a manner to permit one flange to slide over the other flange as a result of thermal expansions and contractions. A torque transfer arrangement is provided to control relative rotation between the cylindrical members.

Abstract: A radially contractible hose clamp is provided with axially spaced serrations having inwardly facing openings and spaced gripping edges symmetrical about a centerline of each opening, with the serrations extending substantially the entire circumference of the clamp.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant component is provided for a corrosion-resistant tube assembly. The component includes a corrosion-susceptible metal tube and a sleeve of corrosion-resistant metal mechanically joined to the tube for protecting the end portions of the tube. The sleeve includes a first portion terminating in a ring-shaped second portion. The first portion annularly extends about a surface of a tube and is mechanically joined thereto. A second portion of the sleeve overlies the annular end surfaces of the corrosion-susceptible tube. The component includes a corrosion-resistant liner for the tube which is sealed with an inside surface of a portion of the sleeve about the circumference by an expansion joint between the liner and tube.A corrosion-resistant tube assembly having a corrosion-resistant component is also provided such that tubes are mechanically and threadably joined by the sleeves. The assembly has all inside surfaces of the tube assembly of corrosion-resistant material.

Abstract: A geothermal expansion wellhead system is provided which adapts the wellhead and control valves to the casing in the wellbore. The system suspends and seals the casing while expanding and contracting during geothermal operations at temperatures up to 550.degree. F. and above. The system consists of an expansion spool in which there is mounted an expansion mandrel which is secured on the end of the production casing extending out of a cemented geothermal well. The expansion mandrel has a hard smooth surface, preferably produced by electroplating. Annular seals seal the annulus between the expansion mandrel and the expansion spool and have a sliding engagement with the hard smooth surface of the expansion mandrel. The annular seals are energized by pressurization with a high temperature plastic composition and the seal may be re-energized at any time during operation. The expansion mandrel includes scraper elements which scrape off corrosion or other deposits on the inner surface of the expansion spool.

Abstract: A geothermal wellhead assembly (22) has a casing head (26). An inner casing (12) within the casing head has a restrained lower end portion and an unrestrained upper end portion extending above the casing head. An expansion spool (28) is mounted on the upper end of the casing head and receives the upper end portion of the inner casing. An expansion sleeve (92) fits within the expansion spool. The outer surface (94) of the expansion sleeve is adjacent the inner surface (60) of the expansion spool and an annular space (98) is defined by the inner surface (96) of the expansion sleeve and the outer surface (76) of the inner casing. A packing assembly (108) is mounted within the annular space and extends in sealing relation between the inner casing and the expansion sleeve. The packing assembly is movable with the upper end portion of the inner casing as the inner casing moves longitudinally in response to temperature changes within the wellhead.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for compensating for the movement of the pipelines which supply two separate gaseous agents to an industrial revolving appliance. The device possesses two independent systems of compensation positioned coaxially such that an external conduit movement compensation assembly is positioned relative to the external conduit. Each of the compensation assemblies possesses a packing comprises the body (15) and (25), the sealant (16) and (26) placed inside it and the gland (17) and (27) and two elastic collar-type articulated joints comprises elastic collars (19) and (29) and spacing rings (20) and (30), holding rings (21) and (31) and fastening rings (22) and (32).

Abstract: A bellows-type spring seal has a flexible bellows with an upper sealing end adapted to mate with a bell housing of an air intake pipe. The seal provides an effective breakaway joint when the cab is tilted forward from over the engine. A means, such as coil springs, encircles the bellows to push upon the underside of the sealing end of the bellows to provide a positive preload sealing force. The seal is self-aligning in the vertical and horizontal planes to accommodate cab rocking and minor misalignment in manufacture of the truck.

Abstract: Penetrations or passageways through fire resistant walls, floors, partitions and ceilings are frequently necessary to provide for present or future pipes, cables or conduits. A device fixed to the walls of the penetration provides a barrier to prevent the passing of fire, heat, smoke and toxic gases, and water through the penetration under adverse conditions of fire or elevated temperatures. The device includes at least one end cap capable of providing a cold smoke seal. An intumescent material which in the event of excessive heat or fire, foams and expands to substantially fill the penetration, is provided. The device may include a laminated restraining layer to provide assurance that the char formed during the intumescent reaction to fire and heat, is generated so that the penetration cavity is optimally filled.

Abstract: A high temperature lined conduit comprising, a liner, a flexible insulating refractory blanket around and in contact with the liner, a pipe member around the blanket and spaced therefrom, and castable rigid refractory material between the pipe member and the blanket. Anchors are connected to the inside diameter of the pipe and extend into the castable material. The liner includes male and female slip joint ends for permitting thermal expansion of the liner with respect to the castable material and the pipe member. Elbows and tees of the lined conduit comprise an elbow liner wrapped with insulating refractory blanket material around which is disposed a spaced elbow pipe member with castable refractory material between the blanket material and the elbow pipe member. A reinforcing band is connected to the elbow liner at an intermediate location thereon from which extend a plurality of hollow tubes or pins which extend into the castable material to anchor the lined elbow and permit thermal expansion.

Abstract: A swivel joint for connecting together a pair of pipes and for transferring fluid between the pipes at ambient temperatures and at cryogenic temperatures. A cryogenic seal between the joint's relatively rotatable inner and outer elements prevents fluid leakage at cryogenic temperatures, and an ambient seal assembly between the joint elements provides a seal at ambient temperatures and prevents fluids from contacting the cryogenic seal. The ambient seal assembly includes an elastomeric O-ring retained in the outer element, and an annular sealing ring fastened to the inner element and spring-biased towards the O-ring. At ambient temperatures the sealing ring is held against the O-ring in a fluid-tight manner. As the temperature decreases, a plurality of rods or wires, or an annular sleeve, having a high coefficient degree of linear expansion, contracts and pulls the annular sealing ring away from the adjacent O-ring to prevent wear of, and other damage to, the O-ring at low temperatures.

Abstract: To provide a flange connection between two materials of substantially different thermal coefficient of expansion, for example a glass, typically quartz glass or ceramic material and a metallic material, for example cast iron or steel, with an interposed sealing ring of an elastomer, for example rubber, the flange seating surfaces are formed at an angle of inclination with respect to the central axis of the tubes to define a shallow cone having a cone angle (.alpha.) defined by arc tan .mu..sub.O, in which .mu..sub.O is the coefficient of friction between the material of the sealing ring and the adjacent material which includes the theoretical core of the cone, typically the glass or ceramic element forming the connection, the maximum cone angle being 45.degree.. One of the elements, typically the metal element, can be formed with a groove to receive a portion of the sealing ring and locate it in position.

Abstract: A split ring pipe spacer used to separate a pipe from the fitting shoulder during welding. The spacer has yieldable protrusions for the purpose of maintaining proper spacing and alignment of the pipe and fitting during welding.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide means to connect a valve bonnet with a valve that controls the flow of high temperature fluids such that, no leakage occurs and such that removable assembly may be accomplished without the use of large wrenches and high torques.From the bonnet depends a flange (50) formed so as to encompass the end of the valve body wall (35) so as to allow the end of the flange to be welded to the valve body wall as at (58) so as to seal between the body and bonnet and to withstand fluid and mechanical forces there between and to minimize thermally generated forces there between.The flange is made long enough to allow for a plurality of removals and reattachments and still be sufficiently flexible to relieve thermal stresses between the body and the bonnet.

Abstract: Heat-recoverable articles carrying a "thermochromic" composition comprising organic materials which melt and decompose to provide a color-change indicating that the articles have been heated to a certain temperature, e.g. to melt a sealant carried on the surface of the article which is to contact a substrate around which the article is to be shrunk. Mixtures of relatively simple compounds may be used to graduate the color change, and means are described for preventing reversion to the original color on long-term exposure to moisture.

Abstract: A valved assembly capable of being removably mounted on a geothermal well head from which a first casing extends downwardly and is cemented in a bore hole. A second casing of smaller external diameter than that of the interior diameter of the first casing extends downwardly to the hot fluid producing zone, and is concentrically disposed within the first casing. The assembly is characterized by first and second groups of resilient sealing rings, so disposed that longitudinal contraction and expansion of the second casing string may take place without the seal between the interior of the assembly and the ambient atmosphere being disrupted.

Abstract: The multiple wall angle connection allows to connect pipes and containers with great flexibility and a good compensation of the heat expansion. To connect two pipes (1, 2), for example, three coaxial angle connections (3, 4, 5) are interconnected. The internal connection (5) is connected to the first pipe (1) and the external connection (3) to the second pipe (2). The connections are interconnected by junction pieces (7) of semi-toric shape arranged at each side, at respective ends. Straight pipe portions (9-13 and 19-23) can be provided between the connections and the junction pieces. They can be cylindrical or conic. Control apparatus can be inserted within the space comprised between the different connections.