Abstract: The spigot joint for metallic pipes, particularly for liquids comprises a protector for the lining of the pipe. The protector is associated with an end portion of the outer surface of the pipes.

Abstract: A flexible connector has a plurality of bearings housed in a single housing to attenuate vibration and noise. In one embodiment, the bearings have a spherical configuration with the center point of the spherical segment of one of the bearings at a different location from the center point of the spherical segment of the other bearing thereby providing efficient and compact bearings and a smaller envelope for such bearings.

Abstract: A flexible joint 13 is employed to sealingly connect a pair of tubular members 16, 18 while still permitting limited articulated movement therebetween. The flexible joint 13 includes a housing 26 with upper and lower ring-like plates 32, 34 coaxially arranged about the tubular members 16, 18. A pair of annular elastomeric bearings 40, 42 are positioned within the housing 26 and act against shoulders 44, 46 of the tubular members 16, 18 to flexibly retain the tubular members 16, 18 within the housing 26. A bellows 20 sealingly couples the tubular members 16, 18 together while permitting movement therebetween. An annular chamber 56 formed between the bellows 20 and housing 26 is filled with a fluid, such as silicon or oil. Means is provided for adjusting the volume of the chamber 56 or volume of fluid in the chamber 56 to maintain an approximately zero pressure differential across the bellows 20.

Abstract: A connector for sealingly joining together lengths of tubing such as those used in automobile fluid conveying systems accommodates large angular bending and twisting motions as a result of a spherical shell which rotates inside guide/thrust circumferential bearings. Noise and vibration damping are achieved by an elastomeric pad of non-uniform thickness bonded between the spherical shell and an enlargement formed on one of the lengths of tubing.

Abstract: Several versions of a flex joint (10, 100, 200) are provided which provides for relative flexible movement between a first member and a second member about a pivot point. The pivotal motion is provided by the use of elastomeric assemblies which are placed in elastomeric shear as one member pivots relative to the other. With each of the flex joints, at least two concentric and separate passages are formed through the flex joint for carrying fluids and the like through the flex joint. The passages remain separate and essentially unchanging in cross-section throughout the entire range of pivotal motion of the flex joint.

Abstract: An insulating joint for pipelines comprises two metal tubular parts each having a dilated end portion, the dilated portion of one of the tubular parts being located within the dilated portion of the other tubular part and the dilated portions extending substantially parallel to each other so as to form a gap therebetween, two sleeves composed of an insulating material and forcefully introduced into the gap one after the other in a longitudinal direction so as to form a space therebetween, and a gasket located in the space and forcefully compressed between the two sleeves.

Abstract: An aircraft engine bleed air ducting system including at least one universal ball joint within said ducting, said joint fitted with an annular bearing seal to seal and reduce the coefficient of friction between moving parts in said joint during angulation of said joint. The annular bearing seal includes a reinforcement wire surrounded by a graphite composition, which composition is in direct contact with parts of said bearing seal and said wire aids in prevention of deformation of said bearing seal.

Abstract: A flexible exhaust coupling between a first length of exhaust pipe (1) and a second length of exhaust pipe (2), in which the first length of exhaust pipe (1) comprises a pivot portion (3) in the form of a spherical ring projecting outwardly from a portion of the cylindrical outside surface (4) of the first length of exhaust pipe, a first annular exhaust gasket (8) pressing against an inside surface of the pivot portion (3), at least one anti-friction member (9) pressed against an outside surface of the pivot portion (3), and a housing (5) carried by the second length of the exhaust pipe and pressing both the annular gasket and the anti-friction member against the pivot portion (3), and in which the housing comprises a sheet metal collar (6) fixed to the second length of exhaust pipe and extending outwardly therefrom, together with at least one sheet metal bearing sector (7) having an outside edge fixed to the outside edge of the collar (6).

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for rapidly joining fluid-carrying conduits in either straight line or angled alignment. The device utilizes a male portion and a female portion which interengage at mating spherically contoured surfaces. A circular resilient gasket such as an O-ring is embedded in one of the mating surfaces. A rotatable lock ring is disposed upon one of the portions and is adapted to engage interactive locking projections associated with the other portion.

Abstract: Several versions of a flex joint (10, 100, 200) are disclosed which provides for relative flexible movement between a first member and a second member about a pivot point. The pivotal motion is provided by the use of elastomeric assemblies which are placed in elastomeric shear as one member pivots relative to the other. With each of the flex joints, at least two concentric and separate passages are formed through the flex joint for carrying fluids and the like through the flex joint. The passages remain separate and essentially unchanging in cross-section throughout the entire range of pivotal motion of the flex joint.

Abstract: A flexural joint for connecting opposing ends of first and second annular ducts. The joint includes a lip which extends outwardly from the first duct and a flange member which extends outwardly from the second duct. The flange member contains a recess which is adapted to engage the lip.

Abstract: A flexible connector for effecting fluid-tight flexible joints between fluid conduits which comprises a housing with a central bore, a pair of movable flanges extending one from each end of the central bore and means interposed between the flanges and the inner surfaces of the central bore so that a fluid tight seal is achieved therebetween and the flanges can undergo angular motion; additional means are also interposed between the flanges and the inner surfaces of the central bore which accommodates linear motion of the flanges along the axis of the housing while maintaining a fluid-tight seal therebetween; and means for holding the elements of the coupling in a functional relationship.

Abstract: An adjustable flowline joint having an arcuate bell flange and a flanged assembly including a flange and a ring which are connected by studs and nuts, the assembly flange and ring have facing arcuate surfaces adapted to receive the arcuate bell flange therebetween, the nuts are tightened sufficiently to tension the studs to bring the arcuate surfaces into gripping clamping engagement with the arcuate bell flange and thereby make the joint rigid with metal-to-metal seals, an annular recess between the assembly flange and ring, and means for introducing fluid under pressure into the annular recess, whereby introduction of pressure into the recess increases the tension on the studs to cause sufficient elongation in them to relax the gripping clamping engagement of the surfaces on the arcuate bell flange and allow relative angular movement between the arcuate bell flange and the flange assembly to adjust angular relationship, release of pressure in the recess bringing the surfaces back into gripping engagement wi

Abstract: A showerhead includes a housing which defines different sets of spray outlets and includes a mounting for the housing that defines a path of water flow from an inlet. Formed on the housing are circumferentially-spaced grooves and formed on the mounting are mating lugs. Lands disposed between successive ones of the grooves include a cam surface which elevates in continuation toward the entrance of a next groove and then terminates in a step leading toward the bottom of that next groove, as a result of which the assembly atop the lands and subsequent movement of the lugs over the cam surface lockingly drops the lugs into corresponding ones of the grooves. The mounting includes a handle through which water flows and which is removably received within arms of a bracket to which water is supplied and therefrom led into the handle. A channel within the body of the bracket accepts a shank projecting from a pivot ball which sealing seats within a nut that, in turn, is threaded onto a water-supply pipe.

Abstract: A locking clamp (10) is provided for preventing loosening of two threadedly coupled members (18, 20). The clamp (10) has a band (36) that encircles one of the members (18) around an outer cylindrical surface thereof. A pin assembly (62) prevents circumferential slipping of the band relative to this surface. An indexing member (48) connected to the band is engaged with the second coupled member (20) and thus prevents rotation of the second member relative to the first.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together a ball and a cup wherein the ball has mounted thereover a hydraulic flange assembly which includes extendable guide arms which extend outwardly for initial centering of the ball in alignment with the cup and includes a mechanism for pulling the ball into the cup. After the ball is fully aligned within the cup, radial latching segments move down and finally latch the ball and cup together. The entire apparatus is hydraulically operated such that it may be used for diverless connections of flowline portions together.

Abstract: A remotely-operable connector comprising a pair of female end fittings, each adapted to be permanently fixed one to each of a pair of pipes to be coupled together, and a jumper assembly having a jumper pipe terminating at opposite ends in male end fittings which are received one in each of the female end fittings. Each mating pair of male and female fittings is received in a pivot housing which is mounted for universal articulation on the female fitting for enabling the housing to be angularly aligned with the end of the male fitting which is received in the female fitting.

Abstract: A swivel coupling element for use in sealingly coupling a tubular element to an annular coupling flange.

Abstract: This invention provides for an assembly of elements for conducting fluids where such fluids subject the interior of this assembly to a pressure greater than the pressure exerted on the exterior of the assembly by an ambient fluid. The assembly comprises a plurality of elements connected end-to-end by connecting means and at least one pair of such elements being connected by a flexible connector means. The flexible connector means includes a cylindrical housing that has a greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the elements that it is to connect, and is positioned such that these elements extend inwardly into said housing. A retainer means is employed at each end of the housing and it is adapted for retaining the elements in a fixed position relative to the housing and the flexible connector means.

Abstract: Flexible joint means for fluid conduits comprises an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member having an end portion positioned within the outer member and a bearing assembly acting between the outer and inner members. The bearing assembly comprises first and second bearings each of laminated construction comprising interleaving layers of elastomeric material and reinforcement material. The bearings are disposed on opposite sides of an annular collar associated with an inner member and act between the collar and a pair of axially spaced annular flanges associated with an outer member. Collar and flanges extend axially and radially such that one bearing is disposed radially inwards of the outer bearing. The radially inner bearing includes elastomeric material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the elastomeric material of the outer bearing such that the bearings have substantially similar axial stiffnesses.

Abstract: A seal pressure reduction system for protecting fluid seals located in the sealing gap between the moving parts of a fluid-carrying system from deterioration due to chemical action, excessive temperature or excessive pressure is disclosed. A first seal resistant to chemical action and excessive temperatures is installed in the sealing gap such that the front side of the first seal is in contact with the production fluid. A second seal resistant to excessive pressure is installed in the sealing gap between the first seal and the ambiance to form a sealed cavity along the sealing gap. A hydraulic fluid is located in the sealed cavity. A hydraulic pressure means located between and communicating with the production fluid and the hydraulic fluid is used to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pressure means is actuated by the pressure of the production fluid to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to a pressure greater than, less than, or equal to that of the production fluid.

Abstract: An exhaust extension pipe kit for replacing original equipment of different size and configuration, where the connector to which the exhaust extension pipe connects is of a ball type and the original equipment have differing ball radii, wherein the exhaust extension pipe is dimensioned to connect to the large diameter ball and an adapter is provided for connecting the smaller diameter ball which is configured as a cup-like body having an opening in the base thereof together with means for restricting the non-axial rotary movement of the adapter.

Abstract: A housing (110) defines an enlarged central bore (162), from which protrudes a multi-conduit nipple (126). An elastomeric seal (128) flexibly joins the inner end of the nipple to the outer end of a respective sliding seat (116), the inner end of the seat being adapted to slide longitudinally within the central bore, whereby the elastomeric seal located is subjected to a shearing action as the nipple is pivotally deflected relative to the housing. One or more piston disks (174, 176) extend across the enlarged central bore so as to define a series of individual pressure chambers (182, 184, 186). A plurality of hollow cylindrical sleeves (188) extend through the disks, with the interior of each sleeve functioning as a continuation of a respective conduit through the connector.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vibration attenuating fluid coupling characterized by its ability to soundproof fluid conduit systems and permit limited misalignment between interconnected conduits without leakage. In particular, the structure of the invention may be utilized with existing couplings and fluid systems with minor modification. The coupling comprises a housing receiving the inner end of a nipple which supports a flange. An annular elastomeric ring within the housing imposes an axial force upon the nipple, and an inner bearing complimentary in configuration to existing housing surfaces and oriented therein by such surfaces is engaged by the nipple inner end and includes an elastomeric material wherein elastic material, alone, supports the nipple relative to the housing for absorbing vibrations and permitting misalignment.

Abstract: A flexible joint for deep-sea oil installations.This joint combines the two parts of a swivel joint, consisting of a spherical ring-shaped male adapter and a spherical ring-shaped female adapter, by using means of connection comprising a plurality of identical resilient devices, positioned in even numbers in two crowns, the far ends of these devices resting on two ring-shaped end-plates, the upper end-plate being integral and coaxial with the male adapter, and the lower end-plate being connected to the upper end-plate by a system that also attaches it coaxially to the male adapter, and the close ends of the resilient devices resting, by means of thrust-plates, either on one of two opposed shoulders associated to the male adapter, equidistant from the end-plates on which the far ends of the two crowns rest, or on one face of a ring-shaped flange integral and coaxial with the female adapter.Prestressing of the resilient devices makes this joint particularly suitable for use with riser pipes.

Abstract: A submarine ball and socket pipe connection employs male and female coupling members, of which the male member has an enlarged portion with concentric forward and rearward facing part-spherical external surfaces and the female member has a housing defining a part-spherical recess to receive said forward facing, part-spherical surface of the male member. The male member furthermore carries, slidably with relation thereto, a hub having a part-spherical surface to engage said rearward facing, part-spherical external surface of the male member, and means are provided for drawing said hub towards said housing to make the connection. The male member furthermore carries means biasing the hub towards the rearward facing part-spherical surface of the male member, from the rearward side thereof to assist in assembling the connection.

Abstract: A fluid-tight coupling and sealing apparatus for first and second tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough comprising a non-metallic ring rigidly received in the first tube via an interference shrink-fit and a metallic, resilient annular sealing element rigidly coupled to and extending from the second tube and having a ring portion with a curved outer surface in contact via an interference fit with the inner surface of the non-metallic ring. The coefficient of friction between the metallic sealing element and the non-metallic ring is low, to minimize the moment required to angulate the apparatus under load, and the wear properties are optimal, to decrease the chance of galling along the sealing line and thus loss of sealing.

Abstract: A ball joint having a gland liner free to rotate with respect to both the gland and the ball is disclosed.

Abstract: Combination tension connector and flex joint for underwater tension elements, such as the tension elements of a leg of a tension leg platform. The flex joint is of generally ball and socket type, with the ball member connected to the lower end of the tension element and the socket member connected to an upwardly projecting annular portion of the male member of the connector.

Abstract: A flexible joint for conduit includes inner and outer conduit parts having a common longitudinal axis. The inner conduit part includes a spherically curved end portion received in the outer conduit part and having inner and outer surfaces. Inner and outer ring assemblies carried by the outer conduit part include inner and outer rings of low friction material engaging the inner and outer surfaces on the curved end portion of the inner conduit. The curved end portion is squeezed between the inner and outer ring assemblies with predetermined preloading force to provide the sole connection between the conduit parts. The conduit parts are pivotally movable relative to one another during which the ring assemblies and the inner and outer surfaces of the curved end portions slide past one another.

Abstract: A flexible joint for connection of two pipes comprises a cup-shaped piece which can be connected to a first pipe, a tubular piece which can be connected to a second pipe, the tubular piece being coaxial with the cuplike piece and being arranged partially inside it, and two flexible spherical rings arranged between the cuplike piece and the tubular piece. The two flexible spherical rings are bolted together and arranged on opposite sides of the center of oscillation, the concave surfaces of the rings being directed towards the center of oscillation and being concentric with respect to this center.

Abstract: A system for filtering vibrations from an internal combustion engine towards an exhaust pipe wherein an interruption is arranged on the latter and as close as possible to the source of the vibrations, the ends of the pipe facing the level of the interruption having the shape of a spherical area, a composite joint between these ends being then re-established via a first internal, cylindrical element with beveled ends fitting together within the preceding areas and a second external element supported by the central part of the latter while its ends hold tightness segments against the upper part of the spherical areas, at least one space being provided between these two elements allowing the placement of a ring, two envelopes being in addition crimped onto the widened ends of the second element supported on the spherical areas, thus holding the composite joint in place.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting tubular members, particularly subsea pipeline sections, the apparatus including, in various combinations, a slip joint, which, following adjustment, can be sealed and fixed against further relative axial movement, a first boltless connection apparatus employing a force imparting system disposed between mating male and female bodies forming the connection apparatus, the force imparting system serving to urge engageable stop surfaces in the male and female bodies into engagement with one another and a second connection apparatus providing relative, universal type movement between components adjoined by the second connection apparatus.

Abstract: A ball joint has a flange and nut with matching spherical surfaces in the seal area of the joint. A frusto-conical wear ring seals between the matching surfaces with an inner and an outer line of contact between the ring and the surfaces to provide a spring type seal.

Abstract: A flexible union for connecting together two rigid tubular sections capable of oscillating with respect to each other, the union comprising elastic annular members each having its inner and outer faces connected to annular spherical surfaces bordering a gap separating from each other two rigid bodies each fast with or connected to a respective tubular section. Each elastic element is in one piece and adheres to the spherical annular surfaces between which it is located and the elastic elements delimit in said gap at least one closed annular chamber completely filled with a liquid which is little or not compressible.

Abstract: System for the remote control, the maintenance or the fluid injection for a submerged satellite well head comprising a platform equipped with equipment usable for the remote control, maintenance or fluid injection for the well head and located substantially perpendicular to the well head, at least one pipeline connecting the platform to the well head, a control device located on the well head or in the immediate vicinity of the latter, and at least one remote control line connecting the platform to the remote control device, wherein the platform is on the surface and the pipeline is connected to the platform by a connector and to the well head by a spherical articulation equipped with a flexible joint.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for use in engine exhaust systems includes a pair of flanges maintained at a fixed distance with respect to one another by a pair of spaced shouldered bolt components and wherein one of the fixed flanges has a free end directed therefrom supportingly receiving a ring seal with a spherical surface thereon; and wherein the other of the flanges includes an edge portion thereon bent over to form a spring seat and to define a pipe opening to receive a spherically flared end of a downstream pipe and supportingly receiving one end of a coil spring that surrounds the downstream pipe, the coil spring having the opposite end thereof supported by one of the spaced flanges and a movable retainer ring on an outer spherical surface of the spherically flared end whereby a resilient force is maintained continuously around the outer surface of the flared end of the downstream pipe to bias it into sealing engagement with the ring seal and to force the ring seal into a sealed shouldered relationship with the

Abstract: A flexible pipe coupling comprises an annular housing, a nipple member partially submerged in the housing, and an annular elastomeric seal assembly between the nipple and the housing. The nipple is insulated in order to reduce the heat flow to the elastomeric seal from the material falling to the pipe coupling. The pipe coupling can also comprise a means, e.g., an annular ring, for bridging the nipple and housing to provide a constant inside diameter for the coupling. The means can also be insulated in order to aid in reducing the heat flow to the elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A device for connecting pipe ends comprising a bearing ring for attachment sealingly to one pipe end, the ring having a spherical outer surface and an annular end surface lying in a plane inclined to a plane extending at right angles to the ring axis, a coupling part surrounding the bearing ring, axially displaceable relative thereto and having an inner spherical surface matching to the outer spherical surface of the bearing ring, the coupling part having a stop ring extending inwardly behind the bearing ring, a seal between the two spherical surfaces, an annular inclined stop surface associated with the coupling part and complementary to and in engagement with the annular end surface of the bearing ring and a connecting part connectable with the coupling part for attachment to the other pipe end.

Abstract: A joint for two pipe ends comprising a ring having a spherical outer surface to be mounted on one of the pipe ends, and a body having a complementary spherical inner surface to be mounted on the other pipe end, while for axially fixing the ring with respect to the body a retaining ring is present to engage the ring with a spherical inner surface, which retaining ring can be connected to the body, while sealing means are provided, wherein substantially concentrically in the assembly of the body and the ring a second, similar assembly of a second body connected to the respective pipe ends and a second ring having complementary spherical surfaces is provided, in which the sealing means are positioned.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting tubular members, particularly subsea pipeline sections, the apparatus including, in various combinations, a slip joint, which, following adjustment, can be sealed and fixed against further relative axial movement, a first boltless connection apparatus employing a force imparting system disposed between mating male and female bodies forming the connection apparatus, the force imparting system serving to urge engageable stop surfaces in the male and female bodies into engagement with one another and a second connection apparatus providing relative, universal type movement between components adjoined by the second connection apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible joint assembly for interconnecting two conduits that transport fluid under pressure includes an annular housing and a tubular member of smaller diameter than the housing. The housing has an opening at each end, as well as two spaced apart, annular flanges that extend radially inwardly with respect to the housing. The tubular member has adjacent one end a flange which extends radially outwardly and which is disposed between the two flanges of the housing. The other end of the tubular member projects from an opening at one end of the housing for attachment to a fluid conduit. Between each housing flange and the flange of the tubular member is an annular flexible element that includes at least one body of elastomer. One side of one of the flexible elements is exposed to the pressurized fluid flowing through the conduits and the joint, while one side of the other flexible element is exposed to the exterior of the joint.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a conduit transporting fluid under pressure includes a pair of spaced rigid rings. An annular flexible element is disposed between and sealingly engaging the rings so as to define a pair of annular exposed side surfaces on the element. One side surface is exposed to pressurized fluid flowing through the conduit, thereby creating a pressure differential across the flexible element between its side surfaces. To resist the load that results from the pressure differential, the flexible element incorporates a body of elastomer that has a thickness between the rings which decreases from the one side surface of the element to the other side surface. The flexible element can thus resiliently accommodate relative motion between the rings, while providing a fluid-tight, pressure-resistant seal.

Abstract: The flexible ball joint is provided with a bellows which is protectively mounted inside a shell. A portion of the shell serves as the spherical socket and a portion of a sphere serves as the ball for the ball joint. The ball is mounted in the socket and is concentric therewith. One end of the bellows is attached to the shell and the other end is attached to the ball. A plurality of generally equally angularly-spaced Purbon buttons are mounted on a support ring which is mounted on the surface of the socket. These buttons are in engagement with the surface of the ball so the ball joint can pivot freely over a wide range of temperatures. A generally spherical shell-like member is mounted in fixed and closely-spaced concentric relation to the outer surface of the spherical socket to limit axial movement between the socket and the ball and hold the Purbond button on the support ring. In addition, the shell-like member has formations shaped to define cooling channels for the protective bellows.

Abstract: A misalignment connector has a pair of hubs providing internal, opposed spherical surfaces loaded into engagement with an internal, metal sealing ring having a spherical, outer sealing surface, the hubs being constrained together to maintain loading of the seal ring over a range of angles of misalignment. The internal seal ring is initially retained in position with respect to one of the hubs and is shiftable for proper sealing and loading engagement by the hubs over the range of permissible misalignment. The metal-to-metal seal between the hubs and the seal ring is backed up by a resilient seal. The metal seal ring has an outer peripheral projection forming a connection for the retainer, and the projection is engageable by the hubs to angularly shift the seal ring during assembly.

Abstract: A misalignment connector for large pipelines, conductor pipes or the like, includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical periphery which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical surfaces of connector structures which are operable by hydraulic piston and cylinder means to be interconnected over a range of angular misalignment. The internal sealing ring is preloaded when the connector parts are secured together. Initially, the internal sealing ring is supported in or nearly in engagement with one of the companion spherical surfaces of the connector parts for proper engagement and angular motion upon the interconnection of the connector parts over the permissible angular range of misalignment. The connector is made up by the application of fluid pressure to the actuator cylinder and piston means after the connector parts have been stabbed together. Radially shiftable locking elements are wedged towards one another by the action of the actuator cylinders.

Abstract: A misalignment conductor for large pipelines or conductor pipes includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical surface which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical metal surfaces of connector hubs. Connector body parts engaged with or formed on the pipe connector ends or hubs have spherical surfaces enabling the connector to be made up with the pipe connector hubs disposed over a range of angular misalignment. The sealing ring is preloaded by a loading tool when the connector body parts are secured together to prevent relaxation of the preload on the sealing ring. The metal sealing ring is initially supported on one of the hubs by means enabling angular adjustment of the sealing ring as it is loaded between misaligned hubs.

Abstract: A misalignment connector for large pipelines includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical surface which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical metal surfaces of pipe connector hubs having parts engaged with holding means having spherical surfaces enabling the connector to be made up with the pipe connector hubs disposed over a range of angular misalignment and with the sealing ring loaded axially and inwardly when the connector body parts are secured together by the holding means to prevent relaxation of the preload on the sealing ring. The metal sealing ring is initially supported on one of the hubs by means enabling relative angular motion of the sealing ring as it is loaded between misaligned hubs. The hubs are provided with thrust surfaces enabling them to be initially preloaded against the sealing ring by a loading tool.

Abstract: A ball joint for connecting lengths of pipe particularly for use in automotive exhaust systems. One end of a first pipe is enlarged to an increased diameter to form a female portion into which one end of a second pipe is received. A tubular sleeve is inserted into said first pipe and connected thereto as by welding. The sleeve and the female portion together define an annular, axially elongated and radially narrow passage receiving said one end of said second pipe. The first and second pipes and the sleeve are together placed in a die, and the overlapping ends are spun radially outwardly by an internal, expansible arbor or the like to form a generally spherical, interlocking pipe ball joint.

Abstract: A flexible joint assembly for interconnecting two conduits that transport fluid under pressure includes an annular housing and a tubular member of smaller diameter than the housing. The housing has adjacent each end an annular flange that extends radially inwardly relative to the housing. Disposed between the flanges of the housing is an annular flange which extends radially outwardly adjacent one end of the tubular member. The other end of the tubular member projects through an opening at one end of the housing for attachment to a fluid conduit. Within the housing and encircling the tubular member is a rigid annulus. On each side of the rigid annulus is an annular flexible element that encircles the tubular member and includes at least one body of elastomer. The flexible elements are joined to the rigid annulus and to adjacent flanges of the tubular member and the housing so as to define a fluid-tight seal and load bearing connection between the tubular member and the housing.