Abstract: Clamps and clamping systems for sealing the interface between two generally tubular conduits are disclosed. The clamps of the present invention are especially well adapted for use in nuclear reactor systems, especially as clamps for the instrument port interfaces of nuclear reactors. The clamps are comprised of articulated members pivotally joined by link plates such that the clamp may be opened in jaw like fashion so as to allow easy assembly around the conduits to be sealed. The open ends of the clamps contain datum surfaces which are brought into intimate contact when the clamp is fully assembled. The datum surfaces preload the clamp so as to exert the proper axial pressure on the conduit interface. In one embodiment, the interior surface of the clamp contains a generally flat sloped surface which is used to exert the appropriate axial pressure on the interface between the conduits.

Abstract: A pair of frame members are secured to the ends of a pair of adjacent generally circular ducts. Each frame member includes a vertical wall extending upwardly from the circular duct and a sloped outer wall angularly spaced from the vertical wall. Each frame member includes an annular pocket for receiving an end of the circular duct, and a base wall abutting the annular pocket. The base wall has a rebent end portion for engaging a plurality of protuberances positioned on the inside wall of the circular duct. The frame members have an expanding means to urge the frame end portions away from each other to increase the diameter of the frame and engage the duct end portion. A gasket is positioned between the vertical walls of adjacent frame members to contact the adjacent vertical walls, and a clamp is positioned in surrounding relationship with the pair of adjacent frame members secured to the pair of adjacent circular ducts. The clamp has a pair of legs, each leg contacting a frame member sloped outer wall.

Abstract: A pair of frame members are secured to the ends of pair of adjacent generally circular ducts. Each frame member has a generally circular configuration and has an inner vertical wall, an outer vertical wall. The outer vertical wall is connected to a sloped rigidifying portion which extends outwardly from the inner vertical wall. Both the inner and outer vertical walls have horizontally extending flanges which are in abutting relation and their end portions are clampingly engaged. The frame members have a circumferential dimension less than the circumferential dimension of the duct member so that a gap is formed in the circular frame member. The frame members are positioned on the duct end portions by inserting the frame member flange portions inside the duct end portions with the top surface of the frame member upper flange abutting the underside of the duct.

Abstract: A band clamp apparatus having two 180.degree. segments which are bolted together at flanges on the horizontal centerline. A substantial portion of each segment has a scalloped band contour for weight reduction. An internal groove in the band clamp which has parallel facing walls which engage the mated flanges of the casings of the engine/exhaust system. Local radial restraints are provided on the engine/exhaust system casings to achieve radial constraint and circumferential positioning of the band clamp apparatus.

Abstract: Butt joint between two thin-walled round sheet metal pipe sections. The butt joint has a flange ring (14) with a triangular hollow section at each pipe end (10); said hollow section has a slit (26, 26') at its radially inner side, into which the radial annular edge (12), flanged at pipe end (10), is inserted. As a result, the annular edge (12) is prevented from getting caught in the opposite pipe end (10) and, at the same time, a firm fit of the flange ring (14) is guaranteed on the appropriate pipe end (10).

Abstract: Clamps and clamping systems for sealing the interface between two generally tubular conduits are disclosed. The clamps of the present invention are especially well adapted for use in nuclear reactor systems, especially as clamps for the instrument port interfaces of nuclear reactors. The clamps are generally comprised of articulated members pivotally joined by link plates such that the clamp may be opened in jaw like fashion so as to allow easy assembly around the conduits to be sealed. The conduit seal assembly includes an upper positioner which has a frusto-conically shaped surface and a male flange with a frusto-conically shaped upper surface. These two surfaces create an annular wedge-like opening for accepting a wedge-shaped upper clamp. The upper articulated clamp when assembled thus provides the proper clamping force between the conduit seal and male flange.

Abstract: In a clamping sleeve for pipes, which consists of a rubber-elastic sealing ring and a clamping ring (2) encircling the sealing ring, on the ends of which clamping ring (2) are attached parts (4, 5) having clamping plates directed outward and located opposite one another, the gap between the clamping plates is bridged by a sheet-metal part which sits against the outer side of the clamping ring and, like the clamping ring (2) itself also has edges which are bent radially inward and, at the overlapping point with the end of the clamping ring (2), fit between the bent edges of the clamping ring. The sheet-metal part (15) is formed by an end section of the clamping ring (2) which has a longitudinal slot (18) which extends up to its end and, in turn opens at its inner end into a transverse slot (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for seating and tightening clamps around joints between tubular sections comprises an elongate flexible member such as a chain for extending around a clamp positioned over a joint, the member having rollers spaced along its length, and a tightening device for applying tension to the member to tighten it around the clamp so that the rollers roll around the surface of the clamp and apply a radial force to the clamp.

Abstract: A joint for rigidly coupling first and second pipes having high temperature fluid flowing therethrough. The joint comprises first and second annular members including mating spherical segments which are rigidly coupled, respectively, to the pipes; a coupling assembly to couple the annular members in telescoped engagement and to radially inwardly compress these members to resist relative angular movement therebetween; an annular cavity defined by the telescoped annular members and communicating with the interface of the engaged annular members; and an annular, metallic and torsionally flexible seal located in the cavity to resist fluid escape from the joint through the interface of the annular members. The joint accepts annular misalignment of the pipes as the pipes are being connected, but thereafter the coupling assembly applies the radially inwardly directed compression to the mating spherical segments to resist further relative angular movement therebetween.

Abstract: A circumferentially contractible clamp operated by a bolt and nut actuator wherein a U-shaped safety saddle pivotally mounted upon one end of the clamp band includes a threaded bore receiving a threaded stem of the nut threaded upon the bolt. The inner end of the stem is operatively associated with the band other end wherein rotation of the nut tensions the bolt and the interconnection of the nut stem and the saddle supports the nut such that the stem will maintain the band in a contracted condition even if the bolt fails.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely assembling and disassembling a Graylock type coctor between a pipe and a closure for the pipe includes a base and a receptacle on the base for the closure. The pipe is moved into position vertically above the closure by a suitable positioning device such that the flange on the pipe is immediately adjacent and concentric with the flange on the closure. A moving device then moves two semicircular collars from a position free of the closure to a position such that the interior cam groove of each collar contacts the two flanges. Finally, a tensioning device automatically allows remote tightening and loosening of a nut and bolt assembly on each side of the collar to cause a seal ring located between the flanges to be compressed and to seal the closure. Release of the pipe and the connector is accomplished in the reverse order. Preferably, the nut and bolt assembly includes an elongate shaft portion on which a removable sleeve is located.

Abstract: A hingeable segmented pipe coupling includes dual or plural coupling segments which are hingeable relative to each other in the absence of transverse hinge pins, at least one pair of bolting pads including arcuate surfaces which roll with respect to each other, and each of which includes a fulcrum for engagement with a headed securing member associated with those bolting pads. In preferred embodiments, the bolting faces of the bolting pads are contoured to prevent rotational movement of the coupling segments about the axis of the securing member.

Abstract: A multitube heat exchanger is provided with a take-apart fitting. The fitting is coupled to one end of the exchanger product tube. A cap ring is secured to the inner tube of the exchanger. An end cap adapted to seal against the cap ring is secured to the fitting. A split ring clamp serves to urge the end cap against the cap ring by virtue of a chamfered surface on the clamp urging against a complementary chamfer of the end cap.

Abstract: The clamp comprises two members articulated about a common pin. These members form on one side of the pin two half-clamps having profiles complimentary to that of the frustum-shaped nipples fixed to the pipes to be coupled together. On the opposite side, the members form two gripping levers between which is placed a compression spring for closing the clamp. By acting on the levers with the aid of a gripping tool, the clamp is opened and it can then be fitted to the nipples. The tightening of the clamp is controlled by a rocking bolt.

Abstract: At least one pressure deformable insert is provided in a split ring "V" clamp for flanged plastic lined pipe to aid in alignment of piping elements being joined.

Abstract: A butterfly valve has a housing formed from two stamped sheet parts. The shaft of the valve flap is located in shaped-out parts of the housing halves. The two flanges of the housing halves are held together by a clamp, which has an inwardly open, U or V-shaped cross-section and can be secured in articulated manner by two semicircular parts and presses by chamfered inner faces on tori on the flanges. Thus, the valve can be assembled and disassembled by loosening a single screw.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping unslotted overlapping ends of metal tubes in an exhaust system. The clamp assembly includes a metal ring having a generally circular cross section and the ends of the ring are in overlapping contacting relation. One leg of a generally U-shaped bracket is secured to each overlapping end, while the other leg of the bracket engages the outer surface of the other end of the ring to urge the overlapping ends of the ring into contacting relation. A bolt extends through the aligned openings in the brackets, and the axis of the bolt is in a plane passing through the line of contact between the overlapping ends. The head of the bolt bears against the side edge of one bracket while a nut threaded on the opposite end of the bolt bears against the side edge of the other bracket. By threading down the bolt, the ring is contracted in diameter to provide a low cost, strong, 360.degree. closure for clamping the tubes.

Abstract: A segmented coupling for use in sealing adjacent pipe ends includes coupling segments having bolting pads at their ends, the ends of the coupling segments including inclined end faces for cooperation with correspondingly inclined end faces of an adjacent coupling segment to produce self-adjustment of the coupling and rigid clamping of the pipe ends upon tightening down of the coupling.

Abstract: A segmented coupling for use in sealing adjacent pipe ends includes coupling segments having bolting pads at their ends, the ends of the coupling segments including inclined end faces for cooperation with correspondingly inclined end faces of an adjacent coupling segment to produce self-adjustment of the coupling and rigid clamping of the pipe ends upon tightening down of the coupling.

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 flangeless, disc-like seal plate is disclosed for insertion between opposing flowline hubs for sealingly connecting, blocking or rerouting fluid flow between various fluid carrying lines within said flowline hubs. For connecting flow lines, straight throughbores within the seal plate are provided with V-seals in channels on said seal plate around the throughbores, as well as O-ring seals around said V-seals and another O-ring near the periphery of the disc itself. No seals or seal grooves are necessary on the hub faces. For connecting hydraulic control lines, the seal plate is equipped with transverse channels interconnecting various throughbores but may also be provided with blind ports for totally blocking off certain control lines at the plate. Within said throughbores, fluid diverter plugs are inserted which are either equipped with protruding caps for opening up corresponding check valves housed within hub lines or flush plugs such that said check valves remain closed after clamp-up.

Abstract: A plug container has a flanged, splined end which mates with a complemental end of a casing adapter member. These two ends are secured to each other by a clamping mechanism which permits easy connecting and disconnecting of the two ends, thereby affording easy interchanging of different adapter members. The plug container has a cavity with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the plug to be retained in the cavity so that pressure equalization around the plug is maintained without an external bypass. Pressure equalization is also maintained adjacent a cap which closes an end of the plug container. This pressure equalization of the cap is achieved by one or more radial openings in an abutment wall of the cap. The cap is sealed by a pressure-energized seal disposed in the interior surface of the housing into which the plug is threadedly connectible. Two manifold ports are disposed near the two ends of the cavity in which the plug is to be disposed.

Abstract: At least one pressure deformable insert is provided in a split ring "V" clamp for flanged plastic lined pipe to aid in alignment of piping elements being joined.

Abstract: A conduit-connector coupling structure, otherwise sometimes known as a clamp-type connector, incorporates plural clamp segments operating to cam together flange members producing the coupling. Clamp segments are employed with connecting attachment means so as to draw together the flange members employed upon the tightening down of the clamp segments relative to each other. The forward flange portions of each of the flange members are provided with recesses mutually accommodating the insertion of a metallic sealing ring. When the flange members are drawn together the sealing ring is held in radial compression. The ring itself is provided with mutually spaced peripheral sealing lands on respective ones of its oppositely tapered sides. The ring is designed so that the recesses separating the lands will essentially maintain their integrity for all radial compressions to the ring which is intended for use solely within the elastic limit and below the yield point of the material of such ring.

Abstract: A fluid-tight sealing apparatus with a protective liner for sealing a pair of tubes having high temperature and pressure fluid flowing therethrough. The apparatus comprises an inner tubular surface coupled to the first tube and a sealing assembly coupled to the second tube and receivable in the inner tubular surface in an interference fit. The sealing assembly comprises a metallic, annular resilient sealing member and a rigid protective liner located inside and substantially concentric to the sealing member but spaced inwardly therefrom for limiting radially inward deformation of the sealing member to prevent plastic deformation thereof.

Abstract: A coupling especially for connecting pipe or tubing that must not be subjected to torque as connections are made, or afterward. It includes a connector for each of the pipe ends that has a socket to receive the pipe and an extension with a flanged tip. There is a split ring clamp to hold two of the flanged tips together in butting relationship and a hose clamp holds the split ring clamp in place.

Abstract: A seal load ring having a radial face and a tapered face is installed between the flared gasket portion of the piping plastic liner and the frusto-conically flared flange end of a section of light-weight metal piping. The radial face of the ring is provided with a plurality of concentric circular grooves to resist plastic cold flow, and the connection is effected by a split V-clamp.

Abstract: A clamp for joining a pair of flanges has a clamp chain with grooved clamp shoes thereon which, in the closed position of the clamp, straddle the edges of the flanges to press them together. At least some of the clamp shoes are fastened to the clamp chain through an intermediate member which pivots at both the clamp chain and the clamp shoe.

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 quick-connect coupling is disclosed for thin-walled pipes which can accommodate pipes of the same internal diameter but of differing wall thickness, the coupling member being constructed to deform pipes of less than maximum wall thickness into a substantially elliptical condition in which the coupling is fully seated, bolting pads of the coupling being spaced from each other to induce deformation and seating of the pipes upon tightening of the coupling.

Abstract: Flanges (12, 14) attached to duct sections mate to form a ribbed portion around the circumference of the ducts. A plurality of U-channel shaped sections (50, 52, 54) are placed over the ribbed portion with a band (40) holding the sections in place, thereby securing the coupling. Each U-channel section is formed of parallel side sections (20, 22) secured to a segment via shearable fasteners (26). A sufficient bending load to the ducts causes shearing of the fasteners thereby releasing the duct coupling.

Abstract: A coupling unit is provided for joining flanged pipe ends. The ends are held in a pair of semicircular clamp members having inclined recesses and wedge elements for separating the flanges apart and bringing them into contact with the clamp.

Abstract: A plastic clamping ring for securing and sealing the joint between adjoining peripherally flanged ducts has a generally V-shaped cross-section provided with a molded in place or bonded seal which engages the flange rims. A latching feature permits the ends of the clamp to be temporarily latched in position to frictionally limit, without preventing, adjustment of the relative angular position of the two adjoining coaxial ducts prior to application of the full clamping force.

Abstract: The invention is a pipe coupling particularly adapted for coupling together the ends of pipes that may or may not have annular end ribs, i.e. spigot beads. The coupling embodies a gasket into which the ends of the pipes are fitted. Deformable (semi-rigid) clamping members clamp around the gasket and the ends of the pipe. These members have shallow internal annular recesses. The gasket has diametrically opposed extending ears which are clamped between mating end parts forming lugs on the clamping members. The gasket has an integral external annular rib which fits into the annular recesses in the clamping members; pipes with spigot beads are accommodated in the annular recesses of the clamping members. The clamping members when clamped (torqued) deform to apply clamping pressure to the gasket throughout the entire circumference.

Abstract: A split collar for use with pipe and the like including a pair of discrete semicircular collar halves each having outwardly extending flanges at their terminal ends, and which halves cooperate to define an essentially circular opening. The inner surfaces of adjacent flanges abut along their inboard portions and then generally diverge. Aligned holes of elongated configuration are provided in the flanges to permit securing of the halves together in assembled relation with bolt and nut combinations or the like. The point where the inner surfaces of adjacent flanges commence to diverge is inboard of the inner edges of the bolt head and nut; and, as a result, the halves may be swung to a substantially open position after removal of one of the bolts only and without any loosening of the other bolt.

Abstract: A flexible clamp for hose, cable and the like in the form of a strip with opposite ends joined to produce a band. A portion of the strip is formed into parallel sections with at least one section having a corrugated shape and with another section having a variable length, non-corrugated, and conforming to the shape of the band, with this section having a plurality of overlapping tongues providing a substantially continuous portion of the band. In use, the corrugated section provides flexibility for the clamp permitting change of clamp circumference with temperature cycling and the like.

Abstract: The connector of the present invention comprises a hydraulically actuated connector which may be remotely actuated. The connector of the present invention comprises body means, hydraulically actuated cylinder means surrounding the body means and a plurality of segmental lug means interposed between the body means and cylinder means which selectively engage the end of a flow line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic pipe fitting having a connecting portion for attachment to another fitting and a joining portion to be fuse bonded to a length of pipe, whereby successive lengths of plastic pipe may be releasably connected. The connecting portion consists only of plastic suitably reinforced to increase its mechanical strength, primarily the flexural modules above the flexural modulus of the joining portion of the fitting and compatible with the flexural modulus of a mechanical couplings to provide a reliably effective connection between adjoining pipe lengths. The connecting portion of the pipe lengths desirably shaped to conform with the configuration of a conventional coupling commonly used to connect metallic pipe lengths.

Abstract: A clamp type connector for securing the ends of conduits having mating end flanges providing a fluid pressure tight connection, the connector comprising a plurality of clamp segments pivotally secured to each other in end-to-end relationship and having arcuate grooves of wedge-shaped cross-section. The conduit flanges are wedge-shaped in cross-section and adapted to be compressed tightly by the grooves of said clamp segments. The clamp segments are actuated by a double acting screw which is operable to clamp or unclamp the connection. The arcuate grooves in the clamp segments are provided with antifriction bearings, e.g. ball bearings, roller bearings or bushings, and the segments are provided with external stops limiting the movement of the individual segments in clamps having four or more segments. This clamp type connector is secured on one of the conduits and is removed or installed with such conduit.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a conduit connection including a first and a second conduit part, each having an axially extending flow passage and an end surface radially intersecting the flow passage. Each of the conduit parts includes an internal sealing cavity adjacent the end surface and radially off-set from the flow passage. A composite annular seal is interposed between the conduit parts and extends into the two sealing cavities. The composite annular seal includes a central rim portion from which extend two generally axially disposed lip portions projecting oppositely outwardly into the conduit sealing cavities, each lip portion having an annular groove therein. An elastomeric sealing member having a portion which mates with the annular groove in the lip portion of the composite sealing ring extends peripherally about each end of the lip portions and into conforming engagement with the internal sealing surfaces of the conduit parts.

Abstract: The device is adapted to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of pipe sections in a blast downpipe. It comprises two flanges defining frustoconical bearing surfaces and a collar comprising clamping jaws which engage on said bearing surfaces. The collar is suspended from a support constructed in two parts, one of which parts is fixed and the other pivotally mounted on the first part. The collar may be clamped or unclamped by means of two screw and nut units.

Abstract: A pipe coupling which includes a continuous ring-shaped gasket that can be fitted around the abutting ends of two pipes and a clamp that can be fitted around the gasket and around flanges of the pipes. The clamp includes a grease fitting, while the gasket has a pair of upstanding flanges or ridges near its axially opposite ends, to form a grease reservoir that can hold grease under pressure. The grease applies pressure that helps seal the gasket against the pipe ends. The grease leaks out especially when the pipe carries pressure pulses, to lubricate the coupling so as to facilitate the turning of one pipe relative to the other with minimal wearing of the gasket. The gasket has a pair of inwardly-directed flanges that can rest upon the pipe flanges at the ends of the pipes and that are of greater height than the outer gasket flanges. The gasket can be easily turned inside-out, so that the thick flanges form a grease reservoir to enable more grease to be held in heavy duty and repeated rotation applications.

Abstract: A device for sealing the joint between ducts having sheet metal flanges mated with V-band couplings. Seal assemblies are interposed between the V-band coupling and the abutting duct flanges. As the V-band coupling is tightened to draw the ends of the duct flanges together the seal assembly is compressed, deforming the sealing material in contact with the duct flanges and effectuating a tight seal therebetween. A variety of seal assembly configurations are contemplated including those of continuous or segmented structure, those having compressible resilient materials or ductile metals as sealing materials, and those having a support band bonded to the sealing material for added structural rigidity.

Abstract: An effective seal is provided which fulfills the requirement for a trouble free joint, particularly "V" band joints which are dependent on accurately controlled tube end flanges. Rolled sheet metal flanges are particularly subject to excessive leakages due to deformation during handling and installation. The normal tendency to stop leakage on any joint is by additional torque of the coupling. With the rolled sheet metal flanges, this causes additional deflection of the flange and aggravates the leakage problem rather than reducing it. Furthermore on aircraft environment systems leaks are extremely difficult to pinpoint and time consuming to repair.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is disclosed in which two identical tubular parts, to receive pipe ends, each have a flange at one end thereof and are held together, via their flanges, by a clamping ring which has a radially inwardly facing groove which receives the flanges. Each flange on its side remote from the other flange slopes outwardly from the periphery of the tubular part towards said one end thereof providing a ramp surface engaged by the free edge of a respective one of the two side walls of the inwardly facing groove of the clamping ring so that a circumferential tension in the clamping ring produces a wedging action urging the flanges into engagement with each other. In a variant each of the two tubular parts is angled with respect to its end flange so that by adjusting the tubular parts relative to each other about the common axes of their flanges, the angle between the axes of the main portions of the tubular parts can be adjusted, thus providing a pipe bend of adjustable angle.

Abstract: A seal-welded pipe joint mechanically braced by a clamp for preferred use in handling toxic and radioactive materials is disclosed together with a process for joining the same. The joint comprises a pair of abutted male frustroconical skirts, each attached integrally to the pipe segments to be joined and confronting each other at opposed mating and finished surfaces which define a sunken ridge at their periphery. A uniform continuous seal weld of relatively slight penetration seals the opposed mating and finished surfaces at the ridge. The pipe joint is physically secured by a plurality of, for example, three female frustroconical segments forming a circumscribing collet which is circumferentially clamped to the skirt by a plurality of, for example, three tangentially disposed bolts. The abutted frustroconical skirts taper from a broad cross section adjacent the pipe wall radially outwardly to a narrower cross section.

Abstract: A generally circular clamp band assembled from a pair of identical clamp band members each having an integral connection formed at one end for cooperation with a like connection on a like member to join a pair of members at one end without the use of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A fluid-tight pipe coupling for interconnecting two pipe sections, comprising two flanges integral with said pipe sections, respectively, and clip means for clamping said flanges against each other, the engaging faces of said flanges being flat, one of said flanges having a frusto-conical shape whereas the other flange has a cylindrical shape and said clip is formed with a clamping groove of complementary or mating cylindro-conical shape.

Abstract: A pump wherein the parts of the casing forming, together with the partitions and sealing members, chambers for the accommodation of impellers mounted in a counteropposed manner on a shaft, are interconnected in the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the impellers by a clamp. The clamp consists of two parts with the joining plane passing through the rotation axis of the impellers and the clamp has circular collars at the edges, the collars entering circular recesses provided in flanges located on the opposite sides of the casing parts. The clamp is adapted for compressing the sealing members while the clamp parts are being brought together.

Abstract: A switching station for pipes has a panel equipped with projecting pipe ends designed for connection to the ends of other pipes by a clamp having a pair of members pivotally connected to each other about an axis of pivotal connection and designed and shaped to be pivotted relative to one another to clamp about the connected pipe ends. A clamp is provided corresponding to a projecting pipe end and mounted on the side of said panel on which said pipe end projects with the clamp arcuate members being pivotallymounted on the panel to pivot about the axis of pivotal projection relative to the panel. The pivotal mounting of the clamp members is located and dimensioned so that the clamp members may be swung into position to clamp about the corresponding pipe end and a pipe end to be connected thereto.