Abstract: The invention relates to a weldable connecting element 2 for connecting or joining thermo-plastic line elements 3. The connecting element 2 comprises: a thermoplastic body 4; at least one heating element 6, which is embedded in the body 4, wherein the heating element 6 serves to generate heat in a welding area 5 for welding the body 4 to the at least one line element 3. Furthermore, a joining control 12 is provided, which is configured to prohibit the welding operation and/or to interrupt the welding operation if the body 4 and the line element 3 are not joined correctly.

Abstract: An electroweld fitting is made of plastic material for welding plastic pipelines. The electroweld fitting has: a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis; a heating wire winding; contacts configured to conduct an electric current; and a pipe stop. The pipe stop is arranged on an inner lateral surface of the cylindrical body. The pipe stop is flexible and resilient. The cylindrical body and the pipe stop arranged thereon are a one piece injection molded part. The heating wire winding is an embedded wire in the inner lateral surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A power convertor configured to output power to an electrofusion welding coupler for performing electrofusion welding. The power convertor comprises an array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits. In use, the array of connected DC to DC power convertor circuits is configured to receive, at a first interface, power at a first voltage level from a battery and output power, at a second interface, at a second voltage level to provide power to electrofusion welding cable means. The DC to DC power convertors are arranged in a buck-boost configuration which can operate in a boost mode in which the first voltage level is less than the second voltage level and in a buck mode in which the first voltage level is greater than the second voltage level.

Abstract: A resin connector (10) includes a tubular connector main body portion (11) which is formed to contain a reinforcing filler in a main portion base material resin, and a tubular connector end portion (12) which is formed of a end portion base material resin without containing the reinforcing filler or containing the reinforcing filler at a lower proportion than the connector main body portion (11) and is joined to the connector main body portion (11) to constitute a tubular end portion. The resin tube (20) is formed of a material having a higher absorption rate of a laser beam than the connector end portion (12) and is fitted to the connector end portion (12) to be welded to an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface of the connector end portion (12) and not to be welded to the connector main body portion (11).

Abstract: A welding process may be configured to convert a substrate into a welded substrate by applying a process solvent to the substrate, wherein the process solvent interrupts one or more intermolecular force between one or more component in the substrate. The substrate may be configured as a natural fiber, such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, and silk. The process solvent may be configured as an ionic-liquid based solvent and the welded substrate may be a congealed network after the process solvent has been adequately swollen and/or mobilized the substrate. A welding process may be configured such that individual fibers of a substrate are not fully dissolved such that material in the fiber core may be left in the native state by controlling process variables. The welding process fibers may have a tenacity 10% or 20% greater or a diameter 25% less than that of a cellulosic-based yarn substrate.

Abstract: An article comprising additively manufactured metal portions is described. The article comprises a first additively manufactured metal portion, and a second additively manufactured metal portion coupled to the first additively manufactured metal portion at a welded joint. The article further comprises a resistive heating material disposed within an interior of the welded joint, the resistive heating material comprising a different material than the first additively manufactured metal portion and the second additively manufactured metal portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pipe lining systems and methods of use are described. Systems and methods may include a CIPP lateral liner that is inserted into a bladder forming a CIPP liner assembly that can be inserted into a pipe line for a pipe repair. CIPP liner assembly can include a membrane that produces superior results compared to the prior art. A backing ring may be used with these systems and methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a carbon fiber reinforced plastic electrofusion fitting and a self-monitoring method of strain for the fitting. Carbon fiber filled polymer is used to fabricate the fitting to improve the mechanical strength of the fitting. The fitting comprises an electrofusion fitting body embedded with a resistance heating wire and two terminals arranged on the electrofusion fitting body and connected to the two ends of the resistance heating wire respectively. For the self-monitoring of strain, at least one pair of electrodes are set on the surface of the electrofusion fitting. The resistance change between electrodes caused by fitting deformation due to temperature change or mechanical loading during operation can be measured, and could be further used for structural health monitoring of the electrofusion fitting. The combination of mechanical enhancement and strain sensing of the electrofusion fitting can improve the performance and reliability of plastic pipelines.

Abstract: A media channel assembly for an internal combustion engine includes at least one distribution channel for distributing a medium to various components of the internal combustion engine, and at least one supply channel, which is coupled to the distribution channel by way of at least one media passage opening. At least a wall region of the distribution channel lying opposite the media passage opening is curved, at least in parts, toward the media passage opening. An internal combustion engine includes such a media channel assembly, and a motor vehicle includes such an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A connector for forming a substantially aseptic connection is provided, said connector having a connector member a coupling end with a coupling element for engaging a similar coupling element on a similar connector to form a seal. A method for connecting and disconnecting two such connectors is also provided.

Abstract: A method of coupling polymeric components utilizing electromagnetic energy is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a first component having a first coupling portion, a second component having a second coupling portion, and a susceptor. The method can also include mating the first and second components such that the susceptor is proximate the first and second coupling portions. In addition, the method can include applying electromagnetic energy to the susceptor. The susceptor can convert the electromagnetic energy to heat, which can melt portions of the first and second coupling portions about the susceptor to couple the first and second components to one another upon solidification.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for monitoring damage of electrofusion joints of a non-metallic pipe are provided. In one aspect, a system includes: a data collector for collecting monitored resistance data of an electrofusion joint; one or more processors; and one or more memories having instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform operations including: storing a first damage critical value, a second damage critical value, and the monitored resistance data; processing the monitored resistance data to obtain a first monitored value and a second monitored value; comparing the first monitored value with the first damage critical value and the second monitored value with the second damage critical value; and determining the electrofusion joint is damaged in response to determining at least one of: the first monitored value being greater than the first damage critical value or the second monitored value being greater than the second damage critical value.

Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). The coupler comprising a resistive element implanted therein and connected to electrodes extending to an exterior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of electricity to the electrodes, the resistive elements are heated sufficiently to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler.

Abstract: A liner tube for lining a pipe and pipe lining method. Liner material that includes a strength layer and felt backing layer forms the liner tube. The strength layer includes chopped strands of fiber oriented generally parallel to one another and distributed along the strength layer. The felt backing layer can be needle punched to the strength layer. Joining structure can connect opposite longitudinal edge margins of the liner material to form a tube shape. The liner tube is impregnated with a curable polymer, positioned in the pipe, and cured to form the liner. The liner stretches radially when it is positioned in the pipe. As the liner stretches, the strength layer remains fixed to the felt backing and the width of the overlapping edge margins does not decrease.

Abstract: A flow cell and a method for connecting components of a microfluidic flow cell, in particular for integrating component parts into a carrier structure of the flow cell, in which a gap is formed between the components to be connected. The gap is filled with a solvent. The material of at least one component bordering the gap dissolves in the solvent and the material completely fills the width of the gap and partially fills the height thereof after evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing the so-called “bladders”, that is generally tubular elements made of rubber, which can be inflated and used as compacting tools in the processed for curing composites, allowing to distribute homogeneously, on the surface in contact to the portion to be cured, the pressure obtained by inletting air or other gas inside thereof.

Abstract: Described is a heating means for thermally connecting two objects each having a plastic material, wherein, in the connecting, a first inner object is surrounded at least partially by a second outer object, and the heating means is located between the first inner object and the second outer object. The heating means has a ribbon-type structure, in which a plurality of openings is formed. These openings are dimensioned such that molten-on plastic material of the first inner object and/or of the second outer object can intrude and can connect to molten-on plastic material of the respective other object. Alternatively or in combination, the openings are filled with a plastic material, which can connect to molten-on plastic material of the first inner object and/or of the second outer object. The ribbon-type structure has a ferromagnetic material, which is inductively heatable and which has a Curie temperature that is lower than 460° C.

Abstract: A flangeless conduit coupler for joining the ends of two conduits together includes a metallic element and a polymeric element. The metallic element includes a hollow cylindrical element having a plurality of perforations established therethrough. The polymeric element is overmolded at the metallic element so that the metallic element is encapsulated by the polymeric element with the polymeric element present within the perforations of the metallic element. The coupler is disposed in flared ends of opposing conduits and is fused therein to join the conduits and seal the conduit joint. The coupler has an inside diameter that corresponds with the inside diameter of the conduits remote from the flared ends.

Abstract: An injector tube assembly that includes thin foil insulation around a receiver tube and a relatively rigid housing secured to the thin foil and bearing on tube insulation while also being packed with junction insulation.

Abstract: Fittings to join and tightly seal tubes such as plastic tubes used in but not limited to various plumbing applications. The fittings allow for rigorous and non-destructive tests of the integrity of seals, where the integrity of seals can be readily and quickly tested one by one, as a pipe system is being built. The seals can also be tested again, after installation and completion of the plumbing arrangement. The fitting comprises two pairs of sealing zones, each pair having in between sealing zones a pressure testing chamber with an inlet, which allows for pressurizing the chamber and testing the integrity of the adjacent seals. The fittings have a series of cold zones that enhance flexibility and integrity of the fittings.

Abstract: An integral, unitary pre-expanded cover assembly unit for covering an electrical connection between first and second electrical cables each having a primary conductor and a sleeve defines a cable passage to receive the electrical connection and the primary conductors of the first and second cables. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve. The duct is neutral conductor includes a cover assembly and a removable holdout. The cover assembly includes an elastomeric inner sleeve, an elastomeric outer sleeve, and a duct. The inner interposed radially between the inner and outer sleeves. The duct defines a duct passage configured to receive at least one of the neutral conductors therethrough. The holdout is mounted within the inner sleeve. The holdout is operative to temporarily maintain the inner sleeve in an expanded state and the outer sleeve in an expanded state. The duct is flexible.

Abstract: An electrofusion coupling member made of a thermoplastic substance having aluminum particles incorporated therein and further comprising an electric resistance heating element disposed therein, an electrofusion coupler device which includes the same, and a method for welding the device to other thermoplastic objects are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of chemistry and concerns a method suitable for example for use in the automotive industry or in aircraft construction. The object of the present invention is to provide a method by which a bonding of the regions of the plastics that are in direct contact is accomplished. The object is achieved by a method for bonding plastics in which materials which contain at least one electrically conductive material and only partially cover the plastics are applied to at least one of the plastics to be bonded, then the plastics are brought into contact with one another, at least in the region with the materials, and after that at least this region is exposed at least once to an alternating electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for forming a pipe connection includes: a wall formed as a tube and including an inner surface defining an inner diameter and an outer surface; an electrical conductor supported by the wall and extending about a circumference of the coupling; and a pair of contacts exposed on the outer surface and electrically in contact with the electrical conductor for connecting an electrical power source to the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A penetration fitting unit for seal-connection between a wall and a pipe passing through a wall opening. The unit has a cylindrical sleeve having inlet and outlet ends which internally define a tubular passage. Between the inlet and outlet ends there is at least one limit stop element protruding outwardly from the outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve having a locking ring that can be coupled with the cylindrical sleeve at the outlet end thereby forming a seat for the wall. A heat transfer apparatus is interposed between the limit stop element and the sleeve outlet end. The heat transfer apparatus is placed at a portion of the cylindrical sleeve's outer surface and has a first area at least partially overlapping with respect to the seat for the wall and a second area overlapping with a portion of internal surface of the locking ring.

Abstract: Provided is a cooker with a steam generating function without leakage of water and having excellent reliability and durability. A connecting member is formed of a soft material, and is guided by a convex-shaped guide portion having a rounded tip when it is inserted into an opening concave portion of a water tank (FIG. 4), and a convex-shaped seal portion for ensuring a seal can uniformly contact the opening concave portion. Moreover, the convex-shaped seal portion for ensuring the seal is integrally formed with a connection portion 3. Therefore, the durability and the reliability for slipping-off prevention can be enhanced, and the number of components can also be reduced.

Abstract: A pipe reduction piece (10) made from plastic material, having an interior volume (12) that is provided for being flowed through by a fluid in a predetermined flow direction, wherein the pipe reduction piece (10) is formed from a first section (14) and a second section (16), said sections having interior walls (18, 20) adjoining one another in a flush manner, wherein the interior wall (18) of the first section (14) delimits a first cylindrically configured partial volume (22) of the interior volume (12), and wherein the interior wall (20) of the second section (16) delimits a second partial volume (24) of the interior volume (12), the second partial volume being configured with a decreasing cross-sectional surface in the direction of the first partial volume (22).

Abstract: Improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe) to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing. An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel provides fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to allow leak testing to be performed. The channel may be provided through the fitting itself, or alternatively through the pipe lining. Methods of fabricating or laying pipeline may incorporate use of the improved fitting whether using length-by-length construction methods or joining subsequent reel-laid or towed-in pipe lengths.

Abstract: Pipe joint, which comprises at least one first pipe section (2), and a sleeve part 5, into which the butt end part of the pipe section (2) is disposed in such a way that the sleeve part (5) extends a distance on top of the pipe section (2) from the butt end of the pipe section that is inside the sleeve, and heating means (7), such as resistance wires. For forming the joint, a joint component (3) is arranged between the outer surface (16) of at least one pipe section (2) and the inside surface (15) of the sleeve part (5), which joint component is configured to form a joint with the sleeve part (5) when the joint area is warmed with the heating means (7), and that a collar (6) is arranged on the pipe section (2), which collar comprises a detent surface (10) for the joint component (3). The invention also relates to a method for forming a pipe joint.

Abstract: A pipeline system is enclosed including unlined or plastic lined pipes. A mechanical metal to metal connection is employed that can provide a fluid tight seal. A pipe coupling may be employed to span the connection. Plastic lined pipes can have their plastic liners connected to form a fluid tight bladder. Electro-fusion may be employed.

Abstract: An electrofusion fiting (20) comprises a fitting body (24) and an electrofusion collar (26). The fitting body (24) has an exterior surface (30), an interior surface (32), and a terminal portion (44) extending to a rim (34). The collar (26) has: an inner wall (42) having a heating element (60); a segmented outer wall (40) spaced radially apart from the inner wall; and a linking portion (46) linking the outer wall and inner wall. The fitting body terminal portion is between the inner wall and the outer wall. The collar and fitting body have interfitting features (150, 152) axially retaining the collar against extraction from the fitting body while permitting relative rotation of the collar and the fitting body.

Abstract: A lined sleeve for tube welding is in the form of an inner tube including a first protruded portion and a second protruded portion. The first protruded portion and the second protruded portion are respectively received in two ends respectively of two tubes to be welded together. The inner tube further includes a recessed portion between the first protruded portion and the second protruded portion.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between two tubular sections, said casing member having a first, cross-linked, heat shrinkable plastic layer, and a second, inner, non-crosslinked (or less cross-linked) layer. The casing member also has an electrically heatable member spaced inwardly from the first layer, for fusion bonding the second layer to the tubular sections.

Abstract: Fluid flow conduits and apparatus and methods for joining the conduits, preferably in a sterile manner, are disclosed. Each conduit has a polymeric open end that is sealed by a sealing member that may include a heating element. The polymeric end material is melted, the sealing members are moved to expose the melted open ends of the conduits and the ends are brought together to form a fused or welded connection between the conduits.

Abstract: A method for forming a connection between two tubular sections having a polymeric outer surface jacket, using induction heat to fusion bond a casing of similar, non-crosslinked polymer to the outer surface of the tubular sections. Casing with a configuration capable of such fusion bonding.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between two tubular sections, said casing member having a first, cross-linked, heat shrinkable plastic layer, and a second, inner, non-crosslinked (or less cross-linked) layer. The casing member also has an electrically heatable member spaced inwardly from the first layer, for fusion bonding the second layer to the tubular sections.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for forming a pipe connection includes: a wall formed as a tube and including an inner surface defining an inner diameter and an outer surface; an electrical conductor supported by the wall and extending about a circumference of the coupling; and a pair of contacts exposed on the outer surface and electrically in contact with the electrical conductor for connecting an electrical power source to the electrical conductor.

Abstract: An internal ring coupler for fusing and sealing abutted ends of two pipes is provided. The ring coupler formed by a plastic ring having a substantially flat outer surface with at least two bands of thermoplastic welding rod encircling the outer surface of the plastic ring is provided. The coupling is placed on the inner circumference of two abutted plastic pipe ends. An electrical current is applied to the bands fusing the ring coupler to the interior of the ends of the two pipes to fuse the welding rod between the pipes and the coupler forming a seal over the pipe join.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a sealed communication between conduits or conduit subassemblies, each of which has a wall with an exterior surface, and at least one of the walls includes an electrically conductive portion. The exterior surfaces may be brought into a facing relationship, and each conductive portion is heated sufficiently to sterilize the exterior surfaces of the walls by generating electrical current in the conductive portion, such as by application of a voltage or by induction. An aperture is then provided, as by an aperture-forming member, through the facing walls to provide communication between the conduits or conduit subassemblies.

Abstract: A moulded electrofusion fitting for connection to a plastics pipeline comprises a hollow body formed with a tubular opening that has a longitudinal axis and is adapted to receive and end of the pipeline as a close sliding fit. An electrofusion element is formed in the internal surface in the opening, spaced from its end. Fingers are on the end of the opening, circumferentially spaced around the opening and separated by slots between them. Cam surfaces in the form of ribs are defined on the fingers, and a grip ring is received on the fingers and includes wedge elements in the form of grooves. These are adapted to fit the ribs so that, when a pipeline is inserted in the opening and the grip ring is rotated about said axis, the ribs and grooves engage to press the fingers radially inwardly against the reaction of the grip ring, whereby said pipe is gripped by said grip ring and centralized in the opening.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the flow rate of a flowing medium has a plastic measurement tube for routing the medium and a connecting device for connecting an end of the measurement tube to an end of a plastic pipeline. So that measurement tube of plastic can be connected easily and to the plastic pipeline, the connecting device is formed by a heating means that is integrated into an inner wall of the end of the measurement tube and that melts at least the end of the measurement tube to thereby form a melted connection between the measurement tube and the pipeline.

Abstract: An electrofusion fitting includes a tubular length of thermoplastic material, of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe, there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A method for coupling corrugated pipe segments is disclosed. The method includes providing first and second thermoplastic corrugated pipe segments arranged to form a fluid flow path and aligning ends of the pipe segments adjacent one another to form a joint. The method further includes providing a coupling assembly having a thermoplastic sheet with a flexible weld rod of a thermoplastic material attached thereto and circumferentially contacting the coupling assembly with the first and second thermoplastic pipe segments. An electrical current is applied to the weld rod to cause the weld rod, sheet and pipe segments to fuse to one another and form a circumferential weld seam on each side of the joint.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for a heatable piping of a SCR (“Selective Catalytic Reduction”) system presents a body defining a hydraulic connection to make flow an urea solution from/to such piping; the pipe fitting further presenting an electrical connection, which is provided with a first terminal connectable to an electrical power supply, and with a second terminal connectable to a heating element of the piping (9); the electrical connection being also provided with an electrical resistor embedded in the body of the pipe fitting, whose material is a polymeric base and is thermally conductive to heat up the urea solution when the electrical resistor is powered.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention a thermoplastic element for the protection against corrosion in the thermofused splicing of a thermoplastic tube to a thermoplastic connection, which element has the shape of a fully thermoplastic tubular sleeve, able to be introduced into a socket mouth formed by the expansion of the tube end, said splice element bearing only one internal diameter and two external diameters which define a cylindrical external portion of larger diameter and a tubular projection which diameter is smaller than the former, and which is introduced into the thermoplastic tube, a lateral wall of the external portion defining a front butt of said thermoplastic element against the end of the thermoplastic tube. Said splicing element also exhibits an auxiliary ring which operates as a reference point for the assembly thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrofusion fittings. Hitherto, electrical leads (13) to electrofusion fittings have been passed through the gap between adjacent metal pipe length (1) ends, that are subsequently welded. The electrical leads remain in the weld metal as a contaminant that can be harmful to the integrity of the weld, and the objection of the invention is to eliminate the problem. The objection is met by a construction of electrofusion fitting comprising a tubular length of thermoplastic material (3), of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe (1), there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting device (1) for fluid mediums, in particular hydraulic fluid mediums, consisting of a plastic connecting element (2) having at least one connecting section (4) with a receiving opening (6) for a tubular conduit end (8) to be laser-welded. The connecting element (2) consists of at least two components (K1, K2) with different material properties, a first component (K1) surrounding the receiving opening (6) in the area of the connecting section (4) and consisting of a material that is substantially transparent to laser beams.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for joining and sealing conduits are provided. The apparatus includes an edge trim positioned proximate to an end of a first conduit, and a sleeve positioned between the first conduit and a second conduit. The sleeve includes a flexible end positioned adjacent to the edge trim such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve overlies at least a portion of the edge trim, a semi-rigid end opposite the flexible end and positioned over at least a portion of the second conduit, and a flexible medial portion extending between the flexible end and the semi-rigid end. The apparatus also includes a retaining element configured to be secured over the flexible end of the sleeve such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve is sandwiched between the retaining element and the edge trim.

Abstract: A method for coupling corrugated pipe segments is disclosed. The method includes providing first and second thermoplastic corrugated pipe segments arranged to form a fluid flow path and aligning ends of the pipe segments adjacent one another to form a joint. The method further includes providing a coupling assembly having a thermoplastic sheet with a flexible weld rod of a thermoplastic material attached thereto and circumferentially contacting the coupling assembly with the first and second thermoplastic pipe segments. An electrical current is applied to the weld rod to cause the weld rod, sheet and pipe segments to fuse to one another and form a circumferential weld seam on each side of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite laminated sheet material suitable for structures such as containment sumps. The laminated material comprises a fabric-backed thermoplastic layer upon which thermoset plastic is applied to the fabric side. The thermoplastic layer is formed by contacting a layer of fabric onto a layer of molten thermoplastic such that the liquid thermoplastic permeates a portion of the fabric layer to form a mechanical bond with the fabric layer when the thermoplastic layer cools and hardens. Thermoset plastic, such as fibreglass resin, is sprayed onto the fabric side of the thermoplastic layer to allow the liquid resin to permeate the fabric layer. Once the resin cures and hardens, the fabric layer is mechanically bonded to the cured thermoset plastic layer to effectively bond the thermoplastic layer to the thermoset plastic layer.