Abstract: A composite fabric structure comprising a plurality of warp and fill fibers or yarns forming a fabric substrate which is impregnated with a matrix material which contains a plurality of cells which impart compressibility to the fabric substrate. This fabric may be used, for example, in a composite structure for use with one or more additional layers or coatings. Articles which may be formed from the composite structure include gaskets, packing materials, flexible diaphragms or printing blankets. In the printing blankets, one or more of a vulcanized rubber layer, a fabric layer and a compressible layer may be included.

Abstract: An improved expandable gasket, sealed joint and method of forming a sealed joint which includes a gasket having at least 5% by weight unexpanded or unexfoliated graphite. The graphite material is preferably a mixture of expanded and unexpanded graphite compressed in a sheet or other shape affixed to a metal plate. The preferred composition is 5 to 70% by weight of unexpanded graphite and 30 to 95% expanded graphite, wherein the percentage of unexpanded graphite is controlled to provide the desired gasket expansion. A more preferred composition includes at least 10% by weight unexfoliated graphite or more preferably 15 to 50% by weight. The gasket is placed between the surfaces to be sealed and clamped in place. When the joint is heated, the unexpanded graphite exfoliates, causing the gasket to swell or expand, tightly sealing the joint.

Abstract: A joint for casing tubes comprises a pair of tubes each having an external threading on at least one end, and hollow sleeve having corresponding internal threading on both ends. The internal threading of the sleeve on each end terminates in an annular seat which extends radially inwardly and axially toward its corresponding end of the sleeve, and thus has a frustoconical shape. The end surface of each of the threaded ends of the pair of tubes is correspondingly shaped. The threading on the sleeve and pair of tubes is so configured that when the sleeve and tubes are interassembled the crest of the internal threading of the sleeve will contact the root of the external threading on the tubes, whereas the crest of the external threading on the tubes will be spaced from the root of the internal threading on the sleeve.

Abstract: A casing seal for use with a source of high pressure fluids with apparatus for preventing shredding of the seal with variations in fluid pressure. A T-shaped annular metal ring provides a multiplication of fluid pressure so pressure exerted on an elastomeric sealing ring is greater than the fluid pressure. This multiplication prevents gases from entering the elastomer and prevents shredding of the elastomer when pressure is released. The multiplication of pressure also forces the elastomer firmly against a casing and a casing head to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: An arrangement for joining of ventilation ducts and the like comprises a first and a second member intended for connection with a first duct end and a second duct end resp., the second member being provided with an upright stiffening leg and a horizontal leg terminated by a hook-shaped member, which can be snapped over a raised edge of the first member. The first member comprises a horizontal lip intended to be received by the second member.