Abstract: A metal conduit assembly for interconnecting the discharge duct of the pump and the inlet coolant duct or reactor core in a pool-type nuclear reactor. The conduit assembly comprises an upper section for connection to the discharge of a reactor pump, a lower section for connection with the coolant inlet duct with reactor core and a third intermediate tubular section for interconnecting the other two sections. Joint means are provided for interconnecting one end of the intermediate section with an adjoining end at the upper section and an opposite end of the intermediate section with an adjoining end of the lower section. The joint means comprises a male portion having a ridge provided with a circumferential groove for receiving a seal means and an associated female portion having an inside diameter greater than that of the ridge for receiving said male portion and a seal means.

Abstract: An expansion and length adjustment joint for use with a double walled metal chimney, the chimney having an inner flue wall and an outer casing wall, the adjustment joint having an inner sliding sleeve with a flange at one end thereof. An upper flue wall connecting band is sealingly disposed around the inner sliding sleeve flange and a flange of the inner flue wall. A gasket retaining collar is secured against the inner sliding sleeve, thus retaining a flue gas seal therealong with thermal expansion.

Abstract: A section of metal pipe has one end connected to a main line pipe. A hollow cylindrical plastic piston having a plurality of O-rings thereabout is slidingly and sealingly received within the open end of the metal section. A plastic carrier pipe is fixedly received within the outwardly facing end of the piston for suitable interconnection to other equipment. First and second limits are spaced along the pipe section to locate the piston within the pipe section. These limits may be flanges machined into the pipe section, or the pipe section may be rolled so as to include an inwardly directed, circumferentially extending ridge. In a further version, the transition joint is incorporated into a riser arrangement in which the plastic carrier is located within an outer tubing or pipe and held spaced from the tubing walls throughout the entire length of the tubing. Also, replacement of a service line is accomplished by threading plastic pipe through original line and terminating via transition joints at each end.

Abstract: An upper marine riser package (10/10A) comprising a diverter (D) for diverting uncontrolled gas and return drilling mud therethrough, a flexible joint FJ for allowing tilting motion between a vessel and a riser string (RS), a self-tensioning slip joint (SJ) and riser rotation bearing joint (RB) suspended below said vessel (V) to compensate for vertical motion between a subsea well (W) and a floating vessel (V). The upper marine riser package (10/10A) is sized to be run through a confined opening such as a riser handling spider (HS) and rotary table (RT) and to be suspended and operated below the deck of the vessel (V). The upper marine riser package can be used to eliminate the conventional riser tensioners normally above the platform and can be used in combination with such conventional riser tensioners normally above the platform for deeper and deeper drilling opertion.

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: A connector for attaching a downhole tool to the end of a tubing string insertable in a wellbore includes a frangible coupling portion having a pin with a predetermined cross sectional area which will fail in tension to separate the connector from the tool if the tool becomes stuck in the wellbore. The pin is disposed in a body member of the connector and interconnected therewith by spring washers to absorb transient shock or impact loads on the tool. The connector includes passages for extending electrical conductors through the coupling portion whereby electrical signals may be transmitted through the tubing string to the downhole tool.

Abstract: A pipe connection joint comprises two coaxial tubular joint members which are telescopically engaged, one within the other. The outer joint member has a bore, and the inner joint member a through bore, of the same diameter as that of the pipeline with which the joint is to be used. The inner joint member is received in a counterbore in the outer joint member, being an interference fit therein over an interface region to provide both a seal and a friction lock precluding relative axial separation of the joint members under internal working pressure. One of the joint members incorporates an externally connectible duct which leads to the interface region, whereby fluid under pressure can be introduced through the duct to relieve said friction lock.

Abstract: A receptacle for accumulating spilled liquids about the inlet pipe of a storage tank is slidably fitted within a stationary housing. The receptacle includes an outlet spout connected to the inlet pipe. A center pipe fits within the spout for connection to a supply line. Liquid flows from the supply line through the center pipe into the tank inlet pipe. Spillage is collected in the receptacle and, if desired, permitted to flow into the tank via valved passages in the receptacle bottom.

Abstract: A slip joint for use in a well string and having a removable torque transmitting key. The slip joint includes an outer female mandrel having a central opening therethrough in which is slidingly positioned a male mandrel, also defining a central opening therethrough. In one embodiment, the male mandrel defines at least one longitudinal slot therein and the female mandrel defines a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the slot. The torque transmitting key is positioned in the transverse opening and extends into the slot. In the second embodiment, the inner mandrel includes a flat surface thereon and the outer mandrel has a longitudinal slot therein adjacent the flat surface. The key includes a ring portion having a flat surface therein engageable with a flat surface on the male mandrel and a lug portion extending from the ring portion into the slot.

Abstract: An in-line pipe coupling comprising a joint housing which encloses a piston means having a standard diameter pipe section which protrudes from one end of the joint housing may be compressed and inserted into a small cutaway section of existing pipeline and then expanded to fit over the two free ends of pipe, forming a continuous water-tight connection. The slip joint may be utilized in conjunction with either a standard straight pipe coupling or a T-coupling or cross coupling in order to facilitate addition of one or more branch lines to an existing pipeline.

Abstract: A spraying device (10) includes a compound fourway rotatable control valve (30), an additive fluid control disc member (84) and a spray selector disc member (104), whereby a primary fluid, such as water, and an additive fluid, such as detergent, can be sprayed or dispensed in various spray patterns separately, or as a mixture having selectively variable concentrations of the additive fluid in the primary fluid. The compound fourway rotatable valve 30 is movable from an inoperative "OFF" position into first, second and third "WATER RINSE", "SOAP-AND-WATER" and "SUDS ONLY" operative positions. The control disc member (84) includes a plurality of orifices (86) of various diameters for controlling the amount of additive fluid dispensed into the primary fluid from a resilient bladder (16) containing the additive fluid as the bladder is collapsed in response to external pressure thereon by the primary fluid.

Abstract: A rotatable reciprocating collar is provided for series connection into a borehole casing string. The collar includes a cylindrical barrel connected to one segment of the casing and a cylindrical mandrel telescopically positioned within the barrel and connected to the other segment of the casing. The mandrel has a plurality of splines projecting radially outward and the barrel has a corresponding plurality of splines projecting radially inward from its inner surface. The splines of the mandrel engage the splines of the barrel when the mandrel is telescopically extended so that the entire casing string can be rotated as a unit. After the lower segment of the casing string is fixed in place by a lower stage cementing operation, the upper segment of the casing string can be reciprocated toward the lower segment to telescopically retract the mandrel into the barrel.

Abstract: A system for supporting and deploying a rocket motor nozzle extension that is stowed in concentric overlapping relationship with the nozzle. The system includes a plurality of articulated frames having first and second pairs of links pivotally connected, respectively, to the nozzle and to the nozzle extension. Articulation for each frame is provided by a knee hinge connecting the two pairs of links at their outer ends, thereby permitting the pairs of links to swing apart. A retractable cable looped around the knee hinges of each of the frames is capable of forcing the hinges inwardly toward the nozzle and nozzle extension to force the pairs of links of each frame apart and to move the nozzle extension to a deployed position at the end of the nozzle. Retraction of the cable is accomplished by a motor driven spool on which the cable is wound.

Abstract: A waveguide expansion joint for connecting two circular waveguides operating in the TE.sub.01 mode while allowing for waveguide expansion and contraction due to temperature variations. The expansion joint includes first and second rings on the outside surface at one end thereof. When the expansion joint is inserted into a waveguide the rings are proximate to the inside diameter of the waveguide for absorbing undesired propagating modes, for pressurization of the expansion joint, and for coaxially aligning the waveguide and the expansion joint.

Abstract: A size-adjustable construction element involves use of channel spacers to maintain spaced parallel relationship and positive physical contact between adjacent panel members. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises multilayered mirror insulation having an adjustment section to permit use of a standard size component to fit nonstandard dimensions and further includes channel spacers that effectively reduce convection between adjacent layers, provide positive structural support, provide a bearing surface for ease of adjustment and maintain the parallel space relationship between adjacent sheets.

Abstract: A two-stage type of freely elongatable sucking pipe comprising a larger-diameter pipe (e.g. for use as a drinking straw) member and a smaller-diameter pipe member inserted in the larger-diameter pipe member wherein the larger-diameter pipe member has a smaller diameter at the tip thereof to be brought into close contact with the outside surface of the smaller-diameter pipe member and/or the smaller-diameter pipe member has an expanded tip kept in close contact with the inside surface of the larger-diameter pipe member, the larger-diameter pipe member being made of a propylene type of polymer having a melt flow index of 7 to 14 g/10 min and stiffness of 10000 to 13000 kg/cm.sup.2, and the smaller-diameter pipe member being made of polypropylene homopolymer having a melt flow index of 7 to 14 g/10 min and stiffness of at least 13500 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A telescoping handle and liquid pressure conduit concentrically positioned inside the handle, with a liquid seal holder affixed to an outer part of the pressure conduit, and a resilient sealing member in the seal holder to sealingly engage against an inner part of the pressure conduit, so as to permit simultaneous telescoping of the outer handle and the inner pressure conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging sewage from a holding tank on a travel trailer or the like to a sewer inlet includes a flexible inlet coupling section for connecting to the discharge fitting on the holding tank, an L-shaped fixed outlet coupling section for insertion into the sewer opening, and a telescoping tube section connected to the inlet and outlet coupling sections. The joints or connection points to the flexible inlet coupling sections are sealed by hose clamps, and the connection between the tube sections and the connection between one end of the tube sections and the outlet coupling section are sealed with locking couplings having "O" rings. The flexible coupling and telescoping section accommodate various positions of the holding tank relative to the sewer inlet. A rigid tube section can be inserted between the telescoping tube section and the outlet coupling section to further increase the length of the sewage discharge apparatus.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for the pin and box of a threaded connection between tubular members includes annular piston means for positioning in the box of one of the tubular members. Resilient seal means supported on the piston means seals between the pin end, box and piston means when the pin is threadedly engaged in the box. Additional seal means on the piston means is responsive to fluid pressure in the tubular members whereby the piston means may be urged toward sealing engagement with the pin end and the resilient seal means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a joint for risers, and particularly to a telescopic joint suitable for expandably connecting composite-pipe type riser pipes provided internally with tubing pipes. Its structural features reside in that connectors adapted to connect risers in up-and-down relationship are slidably engaged with each other and air cylinders capable of cancelling volume changes of the engaged portions, which volume changes occur due to expansion and contraction movements of the connectors, are communicated to the spacing of the engaged portions, and hydraulic cylinders adapted to cancel volume changes of the engaged portions of an internally-threaded nose portion and an externally-threaded nose portion, which engaged portions serve to communicate the upper and lower tubing pipes to each other, is communicated with the spacing of the engaged portions of the nose portions.

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

Abstract: A fluid flow system comprises a plurality of operational elements which are interconnected by rigid conduits. The present invention provides a rigid interconnecting conduit which includes a statically adjustable assembly comprising two telescopically associated members having a combined length which is variable to accommodate objects spaced at different distances and orientations. The assembly also includes a member for clamping the relatively movable elements to provide a rigid linkage once the interconnection of the objects is made.

Abstract: A burner element for gas fired barbecue grills of varying designs and styles is rendered universal in its applicability to such grills by the provision therein of gas/air inlet openings in varied arrangements to enable connection of the burner element to flexible length adjustable venturi tubes in different modes of use, such as in a bent extended mode or a straight foreshortened mode. Inactive gas/air inlet openings of the burner element are covered during non-use. A burner system is provided which is compatible with grills having either post mounted or panel mounted burner controls.

Abstract: A fluid flow system comprises a plurality of operational elements which are interconnected by rigid conduits. One type of rigid interconnecting conduit includes a statically adjustable assembly including two telescopically associated members having a combined length which is variable to accommodate objects spaced at different distances. The assembly also includes a member for clamping the relatively movable elements to provide a rigid linkage once the interconnection of the objects is made. Another type of rigid interconnecting conduit automatically compensates for distance variations under dynamic operating conditions. This dynamic coupling assembly includes two ball joints and a telescoping assembly which provide for transverse and longitudinal distance adjustments, respectively.

Abstract: A telescoping joint for plastic pipe comprises a pair of sleeve members bonded to adjacent ends of a pair of pipe sections, a tubular body member into opposite ends of which sleeve members telescope, with O-ring seals carried by the sleeve members forming a seal against the inner surface of the body member, and tubular adaptor members which fit on the respective pipe sections adjacent the sleeve members and thread into opposite ends of the body member to provide thrust restraint precluding withdrawal of the sleeve members and the pipe sections therefrom. The joint may be used for in situ repairs of fractured pipe, or may be supplied with pipe sections bonded-in, for use in a telescoping joint or union to be coupled into a pipe line.

Abstract: A fitting which couples two conduit members in a manner to permit relative longitudinal motion therebetween and which prevents the gases within the fitting from escaping at a temperature which might ignite an external ambient atmosphere. One form of the fitting includes a bushing affixed to an end of one of the conduit members and positioned and configured to mate with the interior of a body member affixed to an end of the other conduit member to permit sliding motion therebetween. The bushing has sufficient surface area in close proximity to the interior surface of the body member as to cause any gases passed between the bushing and body member to approach a temperature equilibrium with the body member.

Abstract: A hose tensioning device is provided to suitably tension a flexible hydraulic hose used on a lift truck so as to reduce damage that might otherwise occur should the hose become slack. The hose tensioning device serves as a hydraulic connector and its outer component is a protective housing for the biasing spring by which the hose is tensioned.

Abstract: A conduit consisting of a metal tube, with or without a plastic tube liner, is rendered strain accommodating by securing to its ends fittings that have a first component part to one end of which is joined the usual male or female coupling means or other connector means and to the other end of which is joined a sleeve which, in turn, is connected either directly or through another component part to the metal tube end. Said sleeve is joined to the component part or parts with provision for limited axial and angular movement and a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The plastic lining tube when present may be independently connected to the first component part with a fluid-tight seal or may pass therethrough. Alternatively, a short section of plastic tubing is connected with fluid-tight seals between the two component parts when present or between the first component part and the sleeve.

Abstract: An airtight telescoping rigid conduit is disclosed which includes rigid tubular sections which are coupled together using multiple bearings and a pressure actuated resilient seal ring. The tubular sections are constructed with a heat insulating foam core to minimize losses to, or gains from, the atmosphere. The conduit is designed to be attached to a telescoping passenger loading bridge which connects an airport terminal to an aircraft. The conduit provides preconditioned cooling or heating air from the terminal to the aircraft.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for remotely connecting, disconnecting and reconnecting a flexible communication member between two spaced apart bodies which are in predetermined relative positions to one another within given tolerances, and more particularly, to the connecting of an electrical connector to a carried spacecraft from an orbiter while providing for a minimum transfer of energy therebetween. A remote actuation of an electrical connector between two bodies is accomplished by driving an extendable member carrying a detachable connector from one of the bodies into mating contact with a fixed connector on the other body. A locking means associated with the other body retains the detachable connector in such mating contact while the extendable member is withdrawn. A flexible cable is first secured between said one of the bodies and the detachable connector.

Abstract: The gas well includes a plurality of generally tubular gas extracting means which extend from the ground surface downwardly, a lower interval of which means have longitudinally extending slots in the body wall through which gas may enter while the means lower end is closed. The slotted interval resides in the gas producing ground region. The extracting means two major parts are a lower part including the perforated interval which is of relatively larger diameter, and an upper part that extends outwardly of the ground plane and which is of smaller diameter. A transition joint interrelates the two diameter extracting means parts enabling the two parts to move longitudinally with respect to each other for accommodating ground subsidence in the gas producing region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to slip joint means for use in connecting pairs of axially spaced risers in an off-shore multi-line riser system that conveys petroleum from a collection point on the ocean floor to a floating buoy for delivery to tankers. The slip joint permits considerable latitude in the movement of the riser system yet assuring leak proof joints at the points of movement by providing elastic seals that facilitate motion between conveying conduits.

Abstract: A spacing apparatus for tubing conduit in a subterranean well, normally for use with an electric component with a longitudinally extending external electrical cable, permits irrotational adjustment of the length of the tubing conduit. The spacing apparatus comprises telescoping members which are keyed to prevent rotation therebetween. A threaded member, longitudinally fixed relative to one longitudinal member, normally engages threads extending substantially along the entire length of the other telescoping member. Movement of a retaining sleeve permits disengagement of the threaded segments which ratchet along the threads during telescoping movement. The length of the conduit can thus be irrotationally adjusted to remove slack from the electrical cable.

Abstract: An expansion joint for use with a retrievable packer includes a stop to limit the extent to which the joint may be extended and for providing vertical support for packer retrieval and further includes and interfitting key and slot acting between a housing and a mandrel telescoped into the housing in order to transmit torque through the joint.

Abstract: A fan assembly, which includes a centrifugal-type fan wheel mounted for rotation in, e.g., a scroll-like fan casing or a tubular fan casing is provided with a retractable fan inlet funnel which may be selectively positioned relative to the fan wheel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the inlet funnel axially overlaps the inlet side of the fan wheel with substantially all the inlet air being directed into the fan wheel. In the retracted position, the inlet funnel is spaced away from the fan wheel to permit a portion of the fan wheel outlet air to recirculate to the inlet side of the fan wheel. The inlet funnel has a converging/diverging venturi shape and is movably connected to a truncated conical base by a linkage assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of links each of which has one end pivoted to the base and the other end pivotally connected to a support ring which is connected to the inlet funnel by struts.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates a torque transmitting expansion joint providing a selectively adjustable extent of axial contraction. The expansion joint essentially comprises a telescopic inter-relationship of two sleeve assemblies. One sleeve assembly carries a fixedly mounted rectangular key which is engagable only with an axially extending slot provided in the other sleeve assembly. The first mentioned sleeve assembly also rotatably mounts a key which cooperates with a peripherally extending slot provided in the other sleeve assembly. The axial extending slot connects with a trough portion of the peripherally extending slot. Successive reciprocations of the two sleeve assemblies produce an incremental rotation of the round key around the peripherally extending slot and normally limits the extent of axial contraction of the two sleeve assemblies to the axial extent of such peripherally extending slot.

Abstract: A suspension unit for a power tool comprises a pair of telescopically engaged members and a spring unit acting between the members to draw one member within the other. The member is provided with a support bracket whereby it can be hung from a support in use and the member is adapted to support the power tool. Means in the form of a lateral peg mounted upon a movable guide block to which the member is secured, and a slot through which the peg extends, acts to prevent relative rotation of the members. In this way any reaction torque developed on the power tool will be transmitted to and resisted by the support.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a pipe repair coupling including a barrel formed centrally with a hollow cylinder for telescopical receipt therein of a hollow piston. The barrel is surrounded by a protective sleeve and is formed at one extremity with a first fitting and at the opposite extremity with a neck portion. The piston is formed in its exterior with a plurality of annular O-ring grooves which receive O-rings for dynamic sealing engagement with the interior wall of the barrel. Telescoped within the hollow piston in the area of the O-rings is a tubular stiffener which supports the walls of such piston against radial inward collapse. Consequently, the piston may be telescoped into the cylinder to facilitate connection of the cylinder fitting to an end of a pipe which is aligned axially with a second end spaced therefrom. Such second end may then be easily connected with a fitting formed on the end of the free end of such piston.

Abstract: Flexible, electrically insulating pipe connections are required for electrical machines with liquid-cooled rotor winding between the water distribution chambers, which are rigidly connected to the body of the rotor, and the water distribution headers in the coil end. A pipe connection is proposed whose section on the side of the distribution chamber is designed as an insulating link which projects at least partially into the wall of the water distribution chamber. The section on the side of the coil end is designed as a flexible link which can be shifted in axial direction relative to the insulating link or which is axially movable in itself.

Abstract: A dredger device for conveying sand or gravel or the like lying under water in which the material enters a conveyor head and is conveyed through a variable length tube into a receptacle on the dredger. In the interior of the variable length tube there is a flexible tube having one end connected to the conveyor head and the other end connected to a hose reel. The conveyed material travels through the interior tube to the hose reel and through an opening therein to a receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously extending ventilating conduits in tunnelling or mining environments includes a tubular store to which a funnel guide is releasably connected. A folded flexible ventilating pipe is received on the store and fastening means are provided to connect an end of the ventilating pipe to the end of the ventilating conduit to be extended. In use, the apparatus is advanced and the ventilating pipe is gradually pulled off the store and unfolded by being passed over the funnel guide.

Abstract: A telescoping conduit for directing air at moderate pressures to a waiting aircraft along a telescoping bridge is disclosed. One telescoping tube is suspended from each segment of the telescoping bridge. The tubes are coaxially supported from the bridge by adjustable brackets. A tube at one end of the bridge is suspended from its bridge segment at both ends of the tube, while the remainder of the tubes are suspended from a single end. This allows the tubes to fully telescopically extend and retract while providing support for the tubes at each end. A sealing portion at one end of the tubes is somewhat flexible to accommodate slight misalignment of the tubes. Also disclosed is a roller cage for centering the nesting tubes so that a wiper seal between the nesting tubes is not damaged.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously extending ventilating conduits in tunnelling or mining environments includes a tubular ventilating pipe store to one end of which a nozzle is releasably connected and to the other end of which a nozzle is releasably connected and to the other end of which a funnel guide is releasably connected. The ventilating pipe store contains a folded-up flexible ventilating pipe adapted to be connected to the end of a ventilating conduit to be extended. A frame is provided and support means adapted to support the nozzle, the ventilating pipe store and the funnel guide on the frame. In use, the apparatus is continuously advanced and the ventilating pipe is gradually pulled out of the store and unfolded by being passed over the funnel guide. When the store is empty it is moved away laterally and replaced with a new one, and the end of the ventilating pipe within it is connected to the free end of the ventilating conduit without it being necessary to halt the advance of the apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable pipe union for tubing strings including an outer lower mandrel, an inner upper mandrel threaded along a lower end portion into the outer mandrel, packing between the mandrels, an annular seal chamber between the mandrels, a metal-to-metal seal assembly between the mandrels, and a jam nut threaded into an end portion of the outer mandrel around the inner mandrel against the metal-to-metal seal expanding the seal to lock the members together and seal between the members. A short embodiment of the union permits rotational orientation of tubing string apparatus such as valves. A longer embodiment of the union performs a spacing-out function for fitting a tubing string assembly between longitudinally spaced fixed members such as two packers.

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

Abstract: There is provided a pressure-compensating pipe joint which includes sleeve members adapted to be affixed to respective lengths of pipe to be joined, and telescoping means which allows the sleeve members to move axially with respect to each other while maintaining fluid-type communication between them.A number of piston-type contraction units are located exteriorly of the sleeve members and of the telescoping means, and are connected to link members attached to the sleeve members. By placing the contraction units outside of the general telescoping arrangement of the pipe joint, replacement and repair of these units is a relatively simple matter.

Abstract: For use with a pop-up sprinkler of the full or part circle type, a multi-purpose seal is provided between the movable stem of the pop-up sprinkler and a stationary mounting base which is fixed with respect to the sprinkler housing. The seal is preferably a unitary molded article and includes a grit wiper at its upper end, a central bearing to slidingly guide the stem within the housing, a sliding water-activated seal, and an annular static seal for providing a watertight seal between the movable stem and stationary housing during normal operation of the sprinkler.

Abstract: A pipe part comprising an abutment-edge and a retaining ring being interconnected by means of retaining strips or dumb-bells which dumb-bells or strips will yield under a load without breaking. The pipe part consists of a polyolefin, preferably a polypropylene.