Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.

Abstract: In a structure for joining a first plastic part and a second plastic part, the first plastic part is composed of at least one resin such as polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), while the second plastic part is composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Between the two parts, a metamorphic polyethylene layer exhibiting a good joining property for both the first and second plastic parts is interposed to join the parts.

Abstract: An adjustable pipe connector for joining ends of lined pipe where corrosive or erosive gases, fluids or slurries may flow to provide a continuous corrosion barrier between the ends of adjacent pipe liners. The connector provides a telescoping arrangement of sleeves that may be adjusted in length to meet the needs of the pipes being welded. The connector also provides heat shielded weld points for welding to the pipe ends to ensure that the integrity of the pipe coatings is maintained.

Abstract: A fitting and pipe section assembly 10 that is capable of being installed in tubing 20A and 20B of a jetted bath to render the tubing 20A and 20B adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device 30. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 includes a pipe section 12, first and second fittings 18A and 18B, and first and second indicia 17A and 17B. The pipe section 12 has a center segment 16 between inlet and outlet end portions 14A and 14B. The inlet and outlet portions 14A and 14B may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing 20A and 20B. The first and second fittings 18A and 18B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section 14A and 14B. The first and second indicia 17A and 17B on the pipe section 12 define the center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section 12 at predetermined points.

Abstract: A sectional, modular and orientable element for the formation of fairlead raceways (7) for wires (8), including a central body (2) provided with a plurality of shaped and aligned arms (6) which extend radially from said central bodies (2) and with means for their coupling. Said coupling means includes at least two sequential coaxial cavities (4, 5) obtained at an end (2) of said central body (2), and an extension provided at the free end of an hemispheric coaxial bull (3) obtained at the opposite end of said central body (2) and coaxial to said cavities (4, 5). The modular concatenation takes place by fitting the hemispheric bulb (3) of a first modular element with one of the cavities (4, 5) of a second modular element. The fitting in either the first (4) or the second sequential cavity (5) allows obtaining of concatenations that can be oriented following direction variations of the raceways, or that can be straight for linear raceways.

Abstract: This invention relates to a more serviceable seal assembly of the above type, particularly adapted for applications in the cooling systems of internal combustion engines. The seal assembly of this invention comprises an annular ferrule, an elastomeric seal circunferentially disposed thereabout, a pair of annular mounting rings and a clamping device. Tightening of the clamp expands the elastomeric seal outward against the annular mounting rings which are statically sealed within the members of the engine. Selective sizing of the annular mounting rings can be used to control coolant flow. The use of this seal assembly does not require the removal and replacement of members of the engine for installation or servicing.

Abstract: Replacement fittings for substantially rigid pipes. Each fitting preferably includes a main body with telescoping, sleeve members mounted on it. The sleeve members can be individually slid along the main body but cannot be removed from it. In this manner, the preferred fittings of the present invention can be handled as a single unit and all of the linked pieces will stay together and cannot be inadvertently left behind. They also cannot be accidentally lost or dropped on the way to the job site or during the repair operation. The various pieces of the fittings employ tapering surfaces that not only ensure the pieces will stay together while the fittings are being manipulated into position but also aid in creating the strongest bonds and seals with the pipes.

Abstract: Replacement fittings for substantially rigid pipes. Each fitting preferably includes a main body with telescoping, sleeve members mounted on it. The sleeve members can be individually slid along the main body but cannot be removed from it. In this manner, the preferred fittings of the present invention can be handled as a single unit and all of the linked pieces will stay together and cannot be inadvertently left behind. They also cannot be accidentally lost or dropped on the way to the job site or during the repair operation. The various pieces of the fittings employ tapering surfaces that not only ensure the pieces will stay together while the fittings are being manipulated into position but also aid in creating the strongest bonds and seals with the pipes.

Abstract: An expansion tube joint of the present invention comprises a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body inserted along an axis of the first cylindrical body, a seal member mounted between the first and second cylindrical bodies closer to an insertion port of the first cylindrical body, a lock mechanism provided at a position deeper than the seal member for restricting a relative movement range along the axis of the first and second cylindrical bodies, and a coming-out preventing member for preventing the seal member from coming out from the insertion port of the first cylindrical body, wherein after a member constituting the lock mechanism is mounted, the seal member can be mounted.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. One embodiment of the connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a segmented exhaust manifold with a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an outlet end. The second segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an additional inlet end connected with the outlet end of the first segment. An exhaust connector is connected between the outlet end of the first segment and the additional inlet end of the second segment. The exhaust connector includes an inner tubular element, an outer tubular element and a bellows. The outer tubular element is positioned radially around the inner tubular element. The bellows engages the inner tubular element and biases the inner tubular element against the first segment or the second segment. The bellows also engages the outer tubular element and biases the outer tubular element against the other of the first segment or the second segment.

Abstract: A system is provided for maintaining a sprinkler head in a position to allow continued operation during a fire in the event that the support structure for the sprinkler head fails or is otherwise removed. The support system includes a central hub adapted to receive a sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having first and second ends. The support system also includes first and second ends having fastening devices adapted to attach the ends to the support structure. The fastening devices are configured to break away from the support structure in the event of support structure failure.

Abstract: A support system for positioning a sprinkler head relative to a support structure in a ceiling, floor, or wall includes a central hub adapted to receive the sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having a first end configured to be attached to the support structure, a second leg attached to the central hub and having a second end configured to be attached to the support structure, the second leg being spaced-apart from and substantially parallel to the first leg. The support system combines increased flexibility in installation with increased support for the sprinkler head during operation.

Abstract: A fitting is provided for joining to a smooth exterior periphery of a tubular conduit with a seal member sealing therebetween. The fitting has a tubular body with a central passage for receiving the tubular conduit. The central passage defines a central axis for the fitting and has a tapered opening, a threaded section, a seal section and a stop which circumferentially extend coaxially about the central axis. An annular shaped seal member extends from the seal section for sealingly engaging the exterior periphery of the tubular conduit. The tapered opening of the fitting provides an entrance to the central passage which is sized for receiving and end of the tubular conduit having an oval shaped periphery, and then rounding the exterior periphery such that annular shaped seal member will sealingly engage the exterior of the tubular conduit. The seal section is disposed between the tapered opening and the threaded section of the central passage.

Abstract: A subsea flowline (10) deployed onto the sea floor (S) has tie-in points for interfacing other subsea facilities. Mudmats (14A, 14B, 14C) support hubs (16A, 16B, 16C) at the tie-in points. One embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has a cradle (22) supporting flowline (10) for relative rotative movement. Hydraulic jacks (26) are connected to arms (24) to position and maintain hub (16) in a vertical orientation. Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, has an outer swivel sleeve (21A) which is mounted on mudmat (14A) and receiving flowline (10A) for relative rotation. An annular fluid chamber or toroid (25A) provides fluid communication between flowline (10) and hub (16A) connected to outer swivel sleeve (21A). Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, combines the features and characteristics illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Abstract: A repair fitting is provided for sealably connecting ends of a pipeline, when a damaged section of the pipeline has been removed. In a preferred embodiment, the pipeline ends are connected using the repair fitting with two stab fittings. The repair fitting includes a first and second piston and a first and second cylinder, wherein the first piston is slidable in the first cylinder and the second piston is slidable in the second cylinder. In an alternate embodiment, two fusion joints are used with the repair fitting to sealably connect the ends of the pipeline. A method is provided for making a repair fitting and a method is also provided for repairing a damaged section of a pipeline.

Abstract: An exhaust repair kit, including methods of manufacture and use thereof, in mounting a damaged pipe end to a flanged pipe end in a vehicle exhaust system comprising a length of tubing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being sized for engagement with the damaged pipe end. A replacement flange engages the second portion through a replacement flange aperture. The replacement flange aperture is of a sufficient diameter to allow the replacement flange to be freely movable axially and circumferentially about the second portion and enables the replacement flange to universally engage a variety of flanged pipe ends. Securing means for securing the first portion to the damaged pipe end. Locating means for locating the replacement flange about the second portion, said replacement flange being freely movable thereabout the second portion.

Abstract: Cast iron pipe and other elongated hollow articles are lined with a cementitious mortar for certain applications, such as the transmission of potable water or sewage. To improve the resistance to attack from acids and to provide a crack and holiday free cement lining, a calcium alumina cement is used to line the article. A plasticizer such as fireclay is added to the calcium alumina cement prior to its application. The cement lined article is then coated with an asphaltic based coating and then cured in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a quick connect connector in a port that receives a tube that carries the water. The tube is received along the axis of the port in a first reference direction along the axis. The connector is assembled by inserting, in sequence, a support ring, an O-ring, and a plug into the port along the axis, but in a direction opposite the first direction. The plug is held in place by adhesive or conventional welding. To complete the assembly, a collet is inserted into the port along the axis and in the first direction. A tube is then connected to the water purifier by urging the tube through the collet, along the axis, and in the first direction. The tube is gripped by the collet, supported by the support ring, sealed by the O-ring, and stopped against the plug.

Abstract: A method for repairing a drainage system adjacent a foundation wall includes the step of digging a first ditch to provide access to a section of drain tile, removing that section of the drain tile, digging a second ditch to provide access to a damaged area of the foundation, the second ditch being of a width that is narrower than the first ditch to provide support areas of undisturbed earth. The damaged area is then repaired and a rigid pipe installed and supported on the support areas. Since the rigid pipe is supported on support areas, no sagging of the replaced portion of the drainage system will occur in the event that the underlying earth settles or becomes unstable.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a port having a collet, an O-ring seal, and a support between the collet and the seal. The collet axially receives a tube for water passage. The support limits radial movement of the tube off the axis. The support has an L-shaped cross section having a radial leg that seats the O-ring, and an axial leg. Water purifiers are often installed in confined spaces near mechanical equipment. Conventional water purifiers installed with sharp bends in influent and effluent water tubes and exposed to equipment vibration conducted by the tubes often exhibit weeping at the port. In an embodiment of the present invention, weeping is eliminated by maintaining axial relation between the tube, the seal, and the collet.

Abstract: A system for disconnecting the pump mechanism of the fill system that allows for the removal of the pump mechanism or access to the internal components thereof without removing the supply and dispensing components from the fill system. The disconnect mechanism allows for a valve assembly to be separated from an inlet or outlet to the pump mechanism while the pump mechanism is supported by the mechanism. One disconnect mechanism includes a base, a lifting plate, a cam to move the lifting plate with respect to the base in order to separate the valve assembly from the pump mechanism. Another disconnect mechanism employs a pivot arm having a first end connected to the pump mechanism and a second end in fixed engagement with the valve assembly thereby allowing for the separation of the valve assembly from the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. The connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: A dual shower head device having elongated tubular sections that are connected in a telescopic manner to form an elongated unit is disclosed. The elongated telescoping tubes serve to adjust the length of the device to fit a particular tub/shower enclosure, to aid in securing the unit in place between opposite walls of the enclosure, and to allow the unit to be compressed for ease in installing and positioning the unit in place between the walls, and to provide a conduit for moving water. A helical spring is compressed within the tubular unit and serves to urge the tubular sections apart and to secure the device between the walls of the enclosure. Rubber bumpers are secured to the ends of the unit for contacting the walls of the enclosure and a shower head is mounted at one end and directed inward and a second shower head is secured to a diverter which is connected to the conventional shower pipe and, via a flexible hose, to the unit.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a mounting device between two flanges of a pipeline system, wherein the two flanges can be connected via preferably bolt-shaped connection means. The adjustment device consists of an expansion element that can be expanded basically by an inflowing medium wherein the expansion element in its expanded state is adjacent to the mounting device and the connecting means.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible dolly and track system is movably supporting a tripod which retains a camera or the like thereon. Once the dolly and the track have been assembled, the dolly is positioned on top of the track. A tripod is positioned on the dolly, and thereby the dolly with the tripod will roll along the track in a horizontal plane with the camera thereon for filming a scene or taking photographs. The track comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal parallel rails arranged in a space apart relationship by three pivotable transverse bars. The pair of rails are comprised of a plurality of cylindrical tubes. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are held together with a unique BUNGEE cord type joining member in order to enable them to be very quickly and efficiently assembled and set into place and then disassembled for storage. The track can be folded for storage by withdrawing the ends of the plurality of cylindrical tubes from each other.

Abstract: A coupling device especially adapted for the joining of polyethylene underground irrigation hoses, having a female portion, a male portion and a lock cap, the female portion having a threaded nipple for insertion into a hose end, the male portion likewise having a threaded nipple for insertion into a second hose end and several lugs that fit into grooves in the lock cap, enabling the male portion to be pulled out of the assembly for a limited distance, for ease of fitting into difficult hose coupling situations. The presence of the lugs prevents rotation of the male portion with respect to the cap until the male portion is pulled out of the assembly far enough that the lugs are pulled past the end of the locking cap.

Abstract: A condensate trap installation comprises a condensate trap 6 and one or more further components such as a strainer 8 and a check valve 10. The condensate trap 6 and the further components 8, 10 are placed in face-to-face engagement at end faces 30 and clamped together by a clamping device, comprising bolts 22 or comprising a carrier 60, which applies a compressive force by means of a clamping body 18 and a flange 20 provided respectively on pipe ends 2 and 4. An isolating valve 14 is provided to isolate the condensate trap 6 and the components 8, 10 so that they can be removed.

Abstract: An axially extendible conduit that includes an elastic conduit member and an actuator means. The elastic conduit member extends from a first terminal end to a second terminal end. The actuator means encircles the elastic conduit member. The first terminal end of the elastic conduit member is attached to a fixed end of the actuator means. The second terminal end of the elastic conduit member is attached to a ring member of the actuator means. The first terminal end of the elastic conduit member includes an integral gasket or sealing surface for providing a dustless seal with an abutting apparatus. The second terminal end includes an integral seal means for providing a dustless seal with an abutting receptacle. Selective actuation of the actuator means moves the ring member from a retracted position to an extended position. The actuator means may be a single acting or a double acting type of linear actuator. The inside diameter of the elastic conduit member may be uniform or tapered.

Abstract: A fitting used to bridge a gap in a conduit between fixed ends of a conduit. The fitting includes a first collar at a first end of the fitting having an open end made to a dimension for fitting closely around one of the ends of the conduit, and the first end being flared inwardly of the open end so the first end of the fitting can be slid over the first end of the conduit, whilst the fitting is held angled axially relative to the conduit such that the second end of the conduit is positioned to one side of the conduit. The first collar is sufficiently deep to allow for the fitting to be slid over the first end of the conduit until the second end of the fitting is clear of a second end of the conduit. The fitting can then be pivoted so as to be in line with the conduit, and then slid back to connect with the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an enclosure for establishing a coupling between two tubes. In particular, the invention provides shielding for transmission lines extending through the coupling. The enclosure is comprised of lengths of identical split tubing portions are engaged with one another form a tubular replacement section. Identical interlocking elements engage one another and secure the replacement section between the two tubes.

Abstract: A handwheel expansion mechanism including a meter adapter, a handwheel body and an expansion cup. The expansion cup is slidingly engaged with the meter adapter, and the handwheel body is rotationally coupled to the meter adapter. Rotation of the handwheel body cause the handwheel body to create a space between the base of the meter adapter and the handwheel body. At the same time, metal-on-metal contact between the handwheel body and the expansion cup causes the expansion cup to pushed along the meter adapter.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting two open-ended, generally aligned conduits comprises a sealing unit movably connected to a toggle mechanism. The connector is lowered by a simple tool between the conduit ends until yokes of the toggle mechanism move inwardly to engage the flanges of the conduit ends to align further the conduits. Clamps interconnected by tension rods pivot downwardly to clamp the conduit ends against the sealing unit. Tubular seals within the sealing unit are then moved outwardly to engage with the conduit ends by further toggle arrangements actuated by downward movement of a bar.

Abstract: A pipeline connector and repair system for sealingly connecting the ends of first and second pipes together without welding or bolting. First and second connectors are provided at each end of a pipe joint and are inserted between the ends of the first and second pipes to be connected, the connectors are extended outwardly for enclosing the ends of the first and second pipes, and dual slip means and dual seal means in each of the connectors are hydraulically set for making the repair.

Abstract: A flexible coupling is provided for two relatively movable pipes, which coupling hasa) a bellows tube having transversely corrugated sidewalls which bellows terminates in two rounded nozzles, which nozzles insert into connecting pipes, (e.g. in the air bypass duct of a gas turbine engine) andb) means to seal each nozzle in each respective pipe such that upon relative axial and lateral displacement between connecting pipes, the bellows tube flexes to maintain the sealed juncture between it and the connecting pipes.

Abstract: An oil drain tube disposed and connected between a turbocharger and an engine block for providing a fluid communication conduit includes a hollow tubular member having a first insertion end which is receivable within an engine block bore, and a second opposite mounting end having a flange for attaching the oil drain tube to the turbocharger. The insertion end of the oil drain tube having a sealing portion which includes two annular grooves with O-rings circumferentially mounted therein, and a stop portion defined by an annular protuberance formed adjacent to the annular grooves of the tubular member. A leak proof connection is provided at the engine block. The protuberance formed on the drain tube abuts the engine block when the drain tube is connected thereto and limits the axial insertion of the drain tube into the bore.

Abstract: A method of joining conduits includes using a coupler, which includes a pliable tubing and a pair of end sleeves. The coupler is attached to the ends of a pair of conduits by flexing the tubing to cause the coupler to flex into proper alignment and connection with the conduits.

Abstract: The invention resides in a rotary blow molding machine in which under an extruder for extruding a parison, a turntable is arranged which has plural sets of molds mounted thereon for holding the parison therebetween and blow-molding the parison, the turntable is rotated by a motor, an annular driven gear is provided on the turntable, and one pair of idle gears are made to intervene between the driven gear and a driving gear for transmitting the rotation of the motor so as to intermesh with both the gears.

Abstract: A fluid handling installation for selectively connecting any one of a plurality of inlet conduits to any one of a plurality of outlet conduits includes a frame supported manifold configuration of a plurality of perpendicular conduits and corresponding connection modules that can be selectively operated to connect inlet and outlet conduits.

Abstract: A connector device for connecting a small diameter pipe is disclosed. The device has a joint body internally formed with a communication bore, first and second pipes intruded into end parts of the joint body, a socket member having elastic pawl walls each impinging on an annular swelling, and sealing members internally provided. The second pipe is movable a given distance in the axial core direction.

Abstract: An expansion coupling and method of use for joining the ends of a pair of first and second conduits along a longitudinal axis. Each of the conduits is a tubular member of circular cross-section having an outside threaded leading end and an outside threaded trailing end. The coupling comprises an inner and outer sleeve. Both sleeves are elongated tubular members having a first end in the form of an internally threaded throat adapted to threadedly receive a respective threaded end of a respective conduit. The inner sleeve has a second end of a square outer periphery. The outer sleeve also has a second end of a square outer periphery. The second end of the inner sleeve is arranged for disposition within the second end of the outer sleeve to readily slide with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis, with the contiguous surfaces of the second ends of both sleeves preventing the rotation of the sleeves with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a residential cookstove or range includes a fire extinguisher mounted above a hood in a cabinet positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected by flexible hoses and/or adjustable pipes to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position, but held in the inoperable position by a cable system having a plurality of fusible or reusable, heat-activated links distributed therein. The cable system is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood and includes a section of chain to facilitate installation. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable system and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant.

Abstract: An expansion coupling and method of use for joining the ends of a pair of first and second conduits along a longitudinal axis. Each of the conduits is a tubular member of circular cross-section having an outside threaded leading end and an outside threaded trailing end. The coupling comprises an inner and outer sleeve. Both sleeves are elongated tubular members having a first end in the form of an internally threaded throat adapted to threadedly receive a respective threaded end of a respective conduit. The inner sleeve has a second end of a square outer periphery. The outer sleeve also has a second end of a square outer periphery. The second end of the inner sleeve is arranged for disposition within the second end of the outer sleeve to readily slide with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis, with the contiguous surfaces of the second ends of both sleeves preventing the rotation of the sleeves with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An improved length compensating joint suitable for use in repairing pipelines includes an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member which receives the inner member in close fitting engagement, seals disposed radially and axially between the inner and outer members define annular piston areas for providing selective relative motion between the inner and outer members, a pressure responsive locking piston with a camming surface for urging gripping elements into locking engagement with the inner member, a metal-to-metal seal between the inner and outer members which can be deenergized during extension or retraction operations and a test port for verifying the integrity of the metal-to-metal seal after installation. Additionally, a second embodiment provides an alternative metal-to-metal seal configuration which can also be deenergized during extension and retraction operations.

Abstract: A cut-in repair coupling for connecting two free ends of a pipeline from which a section of pipe has been removed. The coupling includes a first sleeve and second sleeve which telescopically fit over the free ends of the pipeline, each of the sleeves being of an axial length less than the length of the section of pipe being repaired and the sum of the lengths of the sleeves being greater than the section of pipe being repaired. The coupling further includes two glands with sealing members therein used in conjunction with a nut and bolt assembly to tightly seal and make-up the repair coupling.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed herein having an open-ended passageway with a movable gate inbetween its opposite ends for selectively opening and closing the passageway. The opposite valve ends defining the passageway include a threaded fitting or cap carried on a valve body defining a tapered gland occupied by a frustro-conical resilient seal cooperating with the gland to seal between a conduit and the valve body. The valve body is adapted for installation in a situation joining opposing ends of separated conduit or pipes.

Abstract: A water meter service coupling facilitates removal and/or replacement of a water meter by allowing for expansion of the water service line upon disconnection of the water meter. One embodiment of the water meter service coupling includes a housing having first and second ends, an expansion piston having one end thereof slidably inserted into the first end of said housing for being slidably moved into and out of said housing, a retaining insert disposed at the outer end of said expansion piston, and a nut disposed about said retaining insert for coupling said expansion piston to a water meter, wherein the second end of said housing is coupled to a water service line and the water meter service coupling is installed in an expanded state so that upon disconnection from the water meter, the water meter service coupling may be retracted so as to allow for easy removal of the water meter.

Abstract: A vertically mountable sight gauge is comprised of one or more serially connectable sections for visually determining the level or the volume, or both, of liquid stored in a container. Each section has an upper and lower housing. Each housing has a passage therethrough with a first end and second end, is surrounded by a flange, and is attached to the ends of a straight length of substantially transparent, flexible pipe. The pipe is surrounded by a cylindrical, substantial transparent, rigid shield and a cylindrical, substantially transparent, rigid sleeve. The bottom end of the sleeve is surrounded by a shoulder. The outer diameter of the top end of the sleeve is less than inner diameter of the shield, such that the sleeve telescopically engages the shield. Biasing means bears against the bottom end of the shield and the sleeve's shoulder, surrounds and overlaps the sleeve, and urges the shield against the upper housing and the sleeve against the lower housing.

Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting a pair of conventional, circular cross-section pipes whose axes are generally coplanar but are angled relative to each other, is formed of a pair of identical, but reversely arranged, tubular sections, each having an outer end for coupling to an adjacent pipe end and an inner end coupled to the adjacent section inner end. The coupling comprises conventional, releasable, circular pipe couplings which surround and clamp adjacent pipe ends together. The connector sections are bent and flattened in cross-section so that their inner ends are engaged in the plane of the pipe axes while their outer end openings are transverse to the pipe axes and overlap and open into the ends of the pipes. The portions of the connector sections between their opposite ends are of cross-sectional areas that are roughly the same as the cross-sectional areas of their end openings.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for connecting a pair of asbestos-cement pipes in fluid communication with a replacement pipe, the coupling apparatus including a coupling assembly having a bore which is dimensioned telescopingly to receive the spigot ends of the asbestos-cement pipe, and the replacement pipe, and a pair of sealing members are mounted in the bore and are individually adapted to sealingly engage the spigot end of the asbestos-cement pipe and the replacement pipe respectively.