Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe distribution system is assembled by electromagnetic bond welding of a thermoplastic pipe to a thermoplastic fusion pipe joint assembly comprising a threaded fusion pipe ring, a threaded fusion pipe socket, and a susceptor layer between the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket. The fusion pipe ring is screwed into the fusion pipe socket, and the pipe is inserted into the fusion pipe ring. An induction coil is placed around the fusion pipe socket. Radiated electromagnetic energy heats the susceptor layer to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe. The fusion pipe ring is further screwed in to compress the molten material. The joint is then cooled to solidify the molten material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for connecting a lateral pipe to a main pipe are provided by a tool having a first end within the main pipe and a second end outside the lateral pipe so as to apply pressure to the below-ground connection of the main and lateral pipes from an above-ground location. The entire operation may be done without a person having to enter into an access opening in the ground to connect the lateral pipe to the main pipe. A laser is used to determine the depth of the access hole relative to the surface of the ground and the main sewer pipe.

Abstract: An electrofusion coupling (93) for joining together two or more sections of pipe, said coupling comprising: (i) a substantially cylindrical coupling body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being sized and shaped to form a clearance fit with the outer surface of the pipe regions to be joined; (ii) at least one electrical heating (94) element set on or in the inner surface of the coupling body; (iii) terminal means adapted to connect the electrical heating means to an electrical supply; characterized in that the terminal means does not project beyond the outer cylindrical surface of the coupling body once the welding process is complete.

Abstract: The invention is directed to device and a method to establish a Joint connection (17) with a sleeve (12) comprising at least one susceptor (13, 14) by inductive heating by a welding device (1).

Abstract: A fitting for providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between an opening in a chamber wall (10) and a pipe (4) passing through said opening, said fitting comprising: (ii) a tabular sleeve (22) adapted to pass through the opening in the chamber wall (10) and further adapted to allow the pipe (4) to pass through the sleeve (22); (ii) a flange (24), extending radially outwardly from the sleeve (22), a first surface (26) of the flange (24) being configured to contact the chamber wall (10) around substantially the whole circumference of the opening; characterised in that the flange (24) incorporates an energy transfer means at or near the first surface (26), said energy transfer means enabling the first surface (26) and/or the wall of chamber (6) in the vicinity of the flange (24) to be heated to cause the flange (24) and the wall (10) to fuse or bond together in order to form a substantially fluid tight seal.

Abstract: An electric fusion piping materials is adapted for bonding with plastic pipes by electric-fusion. The piping materials can convert the rotation of a pressing member into linear motion by means of threads to directly or indirectly press a heating element provided in the inner periphery of a pipe joint of the piping materials in order to press melting parts heated by the heating element, thereby producing pressure necessary for fusion bonding as well as eliminating an interface of impurities, thereby enhancing fusion efficiency.

Abstract: A fitting for providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between an opening in a chamber wall and a pipe passing through the opening, the fitting including a tubular sleeve adapted to pass through the opening in the chamber wall and further adapted to allow the pipe to pass through the sleeve, a flange extending radially outwardly from the sleeve, a first surface of the flange being configured to contact the chamber wall around substantially the whole circumference of the opening wherein the flange incorporates an energy transfer device enabling the first surface and/or wall of chamber in the vicinity of the flange to be heated to cause the flange and the wall to fuse or bond together in order to form a substantially fluid tight seal.

Abstract: An electrofusion coupling for joining together two or more sections of pipe or for joining a section of pipe and a pipework fitting, said coupling comprising: (i) a first part (14) having a first internal diameter at a first end adapted to form a tight sliding fit with a first pipe section and a second internal diameter at a second end, larger than the first; (ii) a second part (14) having a first internal diameter at a first end adapted to form a tight sliding fit with a second pipe section and an outside diameter at a second end adapted to form a tight sliding fit with the second internal diameter of the first part such that the two parts can nest together tightly with an overlapping region; (iii) electrical heating elements (16, 17, 18) and electrical terminal connections being provided in the two parts such that the first part can be used independently of the second part to join a section of pipe to a pipework fitting or the first and second parts can be used in combination to join two adjacent sections o

Abstract: An electrofusion fitting for a composite plastics pipe, the pipe comprising at least one inner plastics layer, at least one outer plastics layer and at least one barrier layer therebetween, the fitting comprising a tubular body formed at least in part from a thermoplastic polymer material and adapted to receive a cut end of the pipe, and a plurality of electric heating elements disposed within the body, the body having a first section adapted to receive a length of the inner plastics layer and a second section adapted to receive a cut-back length of the outer plastics layer, each of the first and second sections being provided with a discrete heating element adapted, when energized, to make a fusion joint between the section and its adjacent pipe layer, such that the exposed barrier layer at the cut end of the pipe is environmentally sealed on each side by a fusion joint.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is applied as a permanent outer cladding shield over a joint infill at the welded end closure portions of adjacent coated sections of pipe for a pipeline in or beneath a body of water. The sleeve once installed forms a seal against entry of water to protect the pipe from corrosion. The sleeve takes the form of a sheet of synthetic resin mounted to form a cylinder about the area to receive the joint infill. A flap is provided on a longitudinal edge of the sheet to prevent leakage and hold the cylindrical shape of the infill when to be applied. Electrically conductive mesh or wire element bands are mounted with an inner side of the sheet to circumferentially engage the coated sections of the pipe on either side of the infill. The sheet and conductive bands are held in place to be applied by an applicator clamp. Electrical current is applied to the mesh bands to fuse the sleeve circumferentially to the coated cover sections of the pipe. The infill is applied in the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe splice is formed from two sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly including a sleeve mated to a pipe section. Each sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a rim, the outer wall surrounding at least a portion of the inner wall and forming a gap therewith. In the pipe splice, the inner and outer walls sandwich a pipe wall within the gap.

Abstract: A method according to the invention, comprising the steps of producing a first band of material made of meltable plastics with incorporated heating conductors, winding the band on the pipe to cover the pipe zone to be repaired or joined, supplying the conductors electrically until desired melting of the material of the band melts is caused on the wound zone to create a cover block covering that zone. An assembly for implementing the method is also proposed.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a component to a fuel tank having a wall defining a tank cavity, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an access opening extending through the wall. The component is placed in contact with the inner surface of the fuel tank. The component is inductively welded to the inner surface of the fuel tank by an emitter coil disposed exterior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: When resin members (3, 4) are fusion-bonded to each other by electric-conduction heating, a net-form or pattern-form metal wire (2) as a resistance heating element is disposed at a joint portion of the resin members (3, 4), and a metal wire (2) is heated by electric conduction for fusion-bonding the abutting resin members (3, 4) at temperatures sufficient for fusion-bonding with the resin members kept abutting against each other. A production method for a resin-processed product that can increase the strength of the joint portions between resin members, is free from carbon generation and short-circuiting during the electric conduction of a built-in resistance heating element (heating element), and is simple to produce while hardly being affected by environmental temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for coupling a device to a heat pipe, wherein a heat transformable material is placed at the location on the heat pipe at which the device is to be coupled. The device is positioned relative to this location and in contact with the heat transformable material and subsequent heat is applied to the end of the heat pipe opposite the coupling location. The external heat which is applied to the heat pipe is transferred along the heat pipe to the proximity of the coupling location. The heat transformable material undergoes a change due to the application of heat and mates the device with the heat pipe. The heat transformable material changes into a substantially solid state upon the removal of the external heat source, thereby coupling the device to the heat pipe.

Abstract: A method is shown for joining and sealing a female plastic pipe end having a belled end opening to a mating male plastic pipe end having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A sealing element is installed within a groove formed in the belled end of the female pipe section. The male pipe end is then inserted into the end opening of the female pipe end so that the elastomeric sealing gasket makes sealing contact with the exterior surface of the male pipe. A modified transition angle controls the distance the male pipe travels longitudinally within the end opening of the female plastic pipe to prevent overinsertion of the male pipe within the female pipe opening. The modified transition angle thereby lowers the incidence of damage caused by overinsertion by reducing the stress concentration on the socket.

Abstract: A saddle wye for connecting a branch pipe to a heat fusible thermoplastic main pipe, including a heat fusible thermoplastic saddle shaped and adapted to be received on the main pipe. The saddle includes top and bottom surfaces and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces for alignment with an opening in the main pipe. A branch extension extends at an acute angle from the top surface of the saddle such that a first open end of the branch extension is connected the opening of the saddle and a second open end of the branch extension extends above an end of the saddle. A resistance heating wire is secured to the bottom surface of the saddle around the opening of the saddle in a pattern that includes a parabola. The wire pattern assures that fusion occurs close to the opening in the saddle to prevent fluid from reaching between the saddle and a sidewall of the main pipe as fluid travels between the branch pipe and the main pipe.

Abstract: An electrofusion coupling for coupling a first device to a second device, includes a first part having an outer end for coupling to the first device, and an inner end formed with a surface of a curved configuration; and a second part having an end engaging the inner end of the first part and formed with a surface of a complementary curved configuration as the first part. The curved configurations of the two parts is such that the second part may be pivoted to locate its longitudinal axis at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first part. At least one of the parts is of a thermoplastic material and includes an electrical heater coil embedded along its curved surface for fixing by electrofusion the angular position of the second part with respect to the first part.

Abstract: An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a leak in a plastic pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a body and an electrofusion element. The body is constructed of a substantially rigid material and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is adapted to be positionable about at least a leak portion of a plastic pipe. The electrofusion element is disposed about the lower surface of the body and operable to sealably couple with the plastic pipe to encapsulate the leak.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrofusion joint made of a thermoplastic resin for connection with a resin pipe by heat generation of heating wires embedded in its saddle portion through electric conduction, such as a saddle joint comprising a saddle portion to be fitted to an outer circumferential surface of a resin pipe provided with heating wires embedded in its surface to be joined to the resin pipe, also comprising a spigot projecting from the saddle portion and to which a branch pipe is to be connected, or a service tee joint comprising a saddle portion in which heating wires are embedded, a trunk portion projecting from the saddle portion and a spigot projecting in a lateral direction from the trunk portion.

Abstract: A welded flange connection and methods and apparatus for producing the connection are disclosed. A weld insert is disposed between the flared ends of abutted plastic pipe or plastic-lined pipe sections. The weld insert includes an annular support disc having a resistance heating element disposed at least about the inner circumference of the disc. When held tightly between the flared ends of abutted pipe sections power can be applied to the heating element to produce sufficient heat to temporarily raise the temperature of the adjacent surfaces of the flared sections of pipe above their melting point. When the weld is cooled, a strong, fluid-tight, thermoplastic weld is formed. A welded flange connection using the weld insert of the present invention effectively and efficiently produces high quality, fluid-tight connections in plastic pipe and plastic-lined piping systems.

Abstract: An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.

Abstract: A weldable plastic tube has at least one end designed to be butt welded and designed for the conveyance of a fluid producing a drop in mechanical resistance of the weldable plastic. The tube includes an internal layer for protection of the plastic of the tube from contact with the fluid conveyed and adjoining the welding end has a terminal section permanently covered with an external reinforcing sleeve also of weldable plastic to participate in the butt welding of the tube. The sleeve has a thickness such as to make the mechanical resistance of the tube section nearest the welded end at least equal to the mechanical resistance of the tube not in contact with the fluid when in contact with the fluid in the welding zone which will be without the internal protective layer.

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 tank joint part has a welding member welded to the outer surface of a fuel tank and a main body formed of a material of low fuel permeability and welded or otherwise joined to the welding member. The welding member is formed of modified polyethylene, which is easily weldable or otherwise joinable to the outer surface of the fuel tank and the main body, and in which very fine particles of a layered mineral are easily dispersible. The mineral is dispersed in layers oriented substantially at right angles to the direction of any possible permeation from the tank joint part. The tank joint part ensures a low fuel permeability and a high bonding strength.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a heat fusion fining, which comprises i) forming a body (1) comprising at least a first layer of a first cross-linked polymeric material, ii) embedding or partly embedding a ferromagnetic heating element (11, 12) in a second polymeric material (13, 14) to form an insert (7, 8), the ferromagnetic heating element (11, 12) having a Curie temperature equal to or greater than the crystalline melting point or softening point of the second polymeric material (13, 14), and iii) assembling the body and the insert (7, 8) to form the fitting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pipes for the transmission and/or distribution of combustible gases, and liquefied gases, comprising a polyethylene layer and a polyamide inside and/or outside layer. These pipes may advantageously be connected together by adhesively bonded sleeves and thus form medium-pressure and low-pressure gas distribution and transmission networks or else they may be installed inside already existing metal pipes. These pipes may be manufactured by coextrusion.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring the welding voltage at the heating coil of a heating coil fitting a welding current supply unit is connected to the connecting elements of the heating coil fitting by way of connecting lines and junction elements, and the welding voltage is detected by means of a voltage measurement unit. The welding voltage is detected at a respective contact of each of the two connecting elements of the heating coil fitting in electrically insulated relationship with respect to the connecting lines and the junction elements.

Abstract: A weldable plastic tube (10) has at least one end designed to be butt welded and designed for the conveyance of a fluid producing a drop in mechanical resistance of said weldable plastic. The tube comprises an internal layer (12) for protection of the plastic of the tube from contact with the fluid conveyed and adjoining said welding end has a terminal section permanently covered with an external reinforcing sleeve (13) also of weldable plastic to participate in the butt welding of the tube. The sleeve has a thickness such as to make the mechanical resistance of the tube section nearest the welded end at least equal to the mechanical resistance of the tube not in contact with the fluid when in contact with the fluid in the welding zone which will be without the internal protective layer.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve (4) for connecting to at least one pipe section (2,3) fitted in an insertion end (29) thereof comprises an inner bush (5) made of thermoplastic material and an outer bush (6), in which inner bush resistance wires are accommodated, which resistance wires (7) can be connected to an electric power source for melting the surfaces of the coupling sleeve which face each other and those of each pipe section, in order to create a welded joint, which inner bush and outer bush in axial section have parts (8,9) which mesh with each other, in order to transmit axial and/or tangential forces. The inner bush has at least one part with a flank which faces the insertion end and which in an axial plane is determined by a tangent forming an angle of less then 45° with the axis of the inner bush.

Abstract: A piping system that includes a plurality of pipe made of thermoplastic material, a coupling and an arrangement for securing the pipe to the coupling. The coupling is configured so that either a fusable seal or mechanical seal can be used with the coupling to connect the pipe to the coupling. Preferably, the pipe and coupling are made of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for coupling together opposed ends of two plastics pipes by fusion welding, the pipe fitting comprising an annular body having an inner cylindrical surface of plastics material surrounding a cylindrical cavity for receiving opposed ends of two plastics pipes to be coupled together, an electrically conductive coil provided in said inner cylindrical surface and surrounding the cylindrical cavity, the coil having opposed ends, a pair of terminals each connected to a respective end of the coil and provided on the body for connection to a source of controlled electrical power, and an annular reinforcing member disposed in the body and surrounding the coil, the annular reinforcing member having a grooved surface which interfaces the annular body, the grooved surface defining a plurality of axially facing surfaces.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for coupling together opposed ends of two plastics pipes by fusion welding, the pipe fitting comprising an annular body having an inner cylindrical surface of plastics material surrounding a cylindrical cavity for receiving opposed ends of two plastics pipes to be coupled together, an electrically conductive coil provided in said inner cylindrical surface and surrounding the cylindrical cavity, the coil having opposed ends, a pair of terminals each connected to a respective end of the coil and provided on the body for connection to a source of controlled electrical power, and an annular reinforcing member disposed in the body and surrounding the coil, the annular reinforcing member having a grooved surface which interfaces the annular body, the grooved surface defining a plurality of axially facing surfaces.

Abstract: A thermally activated joining apparatus is provided for reversibly joining piping components of a fluid management system. The joining apparatus includes a thermally activated sealant layers for securing the components together in a leakage free manner. A thermal conductor includes a ring shaped contact portion disposed between the layers for transferring heat from one or more heating elements to the sealant layers. After the seal in place, the components can later be disconnected by supplying heat from the heating element or elements through the thermal conductor to the sealant layers to cause breaking of the seal and thereby enable separation of components.

Abstract: A fusion welding socket (18) for coupling together plastic pipes, is adapted to receive the pipe parts to be coupled together with a tight fit. The diameter of the ends (19) of the socket is greater than the diameter of the socket along an intermediate part (20) and the diameter at the ends is adapted to receive with a tight fit an outer pipe (1) and the diameter of the intermediate part is adapted to receive with a tight fit an inner pipe (2) of a double-pipe conduit which includes two coaxial pipes and a leakage detection space (3) therebetween. The socket includes coils (24-27) having resistance wires or filaments which enable the socket material to be fused locally together with the material in both the outer pipes and the inner pipes of two double-pipe conduits that are to be coupled together with the aid of the socket. The socket also includes at least one passageway (21) which interconnects the spaces in the socket on both sides of the intermediate socket part.

Abstract: A structural assembly device and method for securing together a pair of surfaces of two fusible materials wherein an electrically conductive thermal element is located between the surfaces which will melt, without substantially degrading, when heated. When the thermal element is heated, it is elevated to a temperature sufficient to melt the first and second elements and then is allowed to cool such that the first and second elements are joined to the thermal element and may be joined to each other as well.

Abstract: A pipe connector (1) for a multi-layer composite pipe, the pipe comprising at least one reinforcing layer (13, 14), or layer of high axial strength, at least one inner thermoplastic layer (9, 10) and at least one outer protective layer (15, 16), the connector comprising: (i) a hollow, tubular enclosure (2) adapted to receive the pipe; (ii) fusion means adapted to make a fusion connection with the inner thermoplastic layer of the pipe; (iii) mechanical gripping means (7) adapted to grip the reinforcing layer, or layer of high axial strength of the pipe; and (iv) optionally sealing means (6) adapted to form an environmental seal with the outer protective layer of the pipe, the electrofusion means (8), mechanical gripping means and optional sealing means being disposed within the enclosure and the enclosure being adapted, in use, to apply a constraining force to the mechanical gripping means and the sealing means.

Abstract: A clamp of a thermally weldable material for a pipe of a thermally weldable material has two segments surrounding the pipe in a position of use of the clamp. The segments have heating mats of heatable electrical conduits integrated into inner surfaces of the segments. Each segment has two border edges facing one another in the position of use and clamped to one another by fastening elements. A first border edge of each segment has at least one segment flap projecting past the first border edge, and the second border edge has at least one pocket recessed relative to the second border edge. Segment flaps and pockets are complementary to the segment flaps and pockets of the opposed segment in the position of use. The heating mats have projecting flaps integrated into the area of the segment flaps and gaps in the area of the pockets.

Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic pipes made by spiral winding a hollow profile with mainly rectangular cross section.

Abstract: A test sample card is provided with a locking feature for achieving a positive, locking engagement with a transfer tube that conducts fluid into the interior of the test sample card. The locking feature consists of a tubular channel inwardly disposed from the fluid intake port that has an inner annular rim defining a restriction. The annular rim is of a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the transfer tube. A recessed region is positioned inwardly from the restriction that has an opening in one of the surfaces of the card body. When the transfer tube is inserted into the tubular channel, the first end is forced past the restriction into the recessed region, with the annular rim compressing the transfer tube. The user is able to sense with their hands when the first end is inserted past the restriction. Visual observation of the first end of the transfer tube through the opening in the card surface confirms that the transfer tube has been properly inserted into the test sample card.

Abstract: A piping system that includes a plurality of pipe made of thermoplastic material, a coupling and an arrangement for securing the pipe to the coupling. The coupling is configured so that either a fusable seal or mechanical seal can be used with the coupling to connect the pipe to the coupling. Preferably, the pipe and coupling are made of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for leak proof connection of branch lines such as house lines (1) to main lines such as rehabilitated sewer pipes (2). A lining hose (4) with a flat textile material such as nonwoven fabric, woven cloth, knit fabric, mesh fabric or laminate, which can be soaked in curable liquid resin, is introduced into the feeder line before or after soaking with a resin and its other, collar-shaped expanded end is bonded in the inside of the main line by means of a ring-formed fitting (5) to form a leak proof seal. The ring-formed fitting (5) consists of thermoplastic (7) on one side and of a flat textile material (8) such as nonwoven fabric, woven cloth, knit fabric, mesh fabric or laminate on the other. The ring-formed fitting (5) is welded with the inner thermoplastic surface (6) of the main line, while the flat textile material (8) of the ring-formed fitting (5) is connected with the collar-shaped, expanded end of the lining hose (4) by gluing.

Abstract: An electrical sleeve heater has an inner tube centered on an axis and formed with an axially extending and radially inwardly open cutout open at an axial end of the tube, an electrical heater coil wound around the tube, an outer tube engaged around the heater coil and tube, and an axially elongated thermal sensor probe having a sleeve and a pair of wires extending axially in the sleeve fitted in the cutout. The inner tube has substantially cylindrical inner and outer surfaces and the thermal sensor probe has a radial thickness smaller than a radial distance between the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A shaped part formed as a welding sleeve, consisting of thermoplastic material with a resistance wire winding arranged on its inner circumference, having at least one weld indicator. The indicator consists of a stem which is formed from the material of the body of the shaped part or sleeve. The stem prevents the material which comes under increased pressure upon the welding operation, and is urged towards the surface of the sleeve, from passing into the free space, by the resting against a corresponding surface of the sleeve recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing a pipe to a fitting includes an induction heating element wholly encased or coated with a flusible thermoplastic polymeric material, a fitting having a socket or a flange. The induction heating element is adapted to be inserted into said socket or mounted on said flange, the fitting and the element together defining a throughbore, a portion of a pipe adapted to be inserted into the throughbore or mountable on said flange. The apparatus also includes a locating and maintaining member on the induction heating element with one or more projections adapted to be snap-fitted on the fitting, the pipe or both, and capable of locating and maintaining the position of the heating element relative to the fitting or the member portion. The induction fusion element is capable of fusing the fitting and the pipe portion.