Abstract: After an annular plate is blanked from a metal flat plate in a blanking step, an inner peripheral portion of the annular plate is deformed upward in a burring step. As a result, a hat-shaped intermediate product having an upstanding tubular portion and an annular plate portion is formed. After that, an outer peripheral portion of the annular plate portion is folded step by step toward an inner peripheral side of the annular plate portion. As a result, a folded portion composed of a first folded portion and a second folded portion is formed, whereby a connection portion having a second flange portion is formed.

Abstract: A flanged joint is described. The flanged joint has a first flange member with a first sealing surface and a second flange member with a second sealing surface. The flanged joint further has a hollow-metal gasket between the first flange member and the second flange member, and a spacer between the first flange member and the second flange member. The spacer defines a minimum distance between the first flange member and the second flange member. The flanged joint can be configured to seal a metal-conveying volume.

Abstract: The invention discloses a duct section for an air distribution system, the duct sections including an elongate frame having two opposed flange members each having an opening forming an air passage therein. A plurality of the duct sections are able to be joined together through the flanges to form an air passage of desired length. Each duct section is lined with a thermal insulating material to provide a thermally insulating lining to the air passage, the ends of the lining being at least flush with the end faces of the flanges so that when adjacent duct sections are secured together, the thermal insulation lining of adjacent duct sections is arranged to provide a continuous insulating lining of the air passage.

Abstract: A bearing system includes a first bearing, the first bearing being annular in shape and defining a ring aperture, the first bearing including a first surface and a second surface, a second bearing being substantially the same in construction to the first bearing, a first surface of the second bearing contacting a second surface of the first bearing, wherein each of the bearings is constructed of nylon MDS.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a joint flange using a thickness-increased, machined pipe is provided. The method includes a pipe cutting operation in which a pipe is cut to a predetermined length, a flange forming operation in which a flange having a mounting hole for installing the pipe is formed by die casting, a bump-forming operation in which a thickness-increased part, which is formed by increasing a thickness of one end of the pipe, is bumped to form a first bead locked to the flange, a machining operation in which a circumference of the thickness-increased part is machined to form a sealing groove having an O-ring installed, and a fixing operation in which the pipe is inserted in the mounting hole of the flange and the other end of the pipe is pressed to form a second bead so that the pipe is pressed to a lower end of the flange.

Abstract: In one example, a hygienic fitting assembly is disclosed. The hygienic fitting assembly includes a first fitting member defining an exterior opening, an interior opening, and a passage extending therebetween. The hygienic fitting assembly further includes a second fitting member receivable by the first fitting member with the first and second fitting members configured for removable mechanical attachment with one another along an interface region within the passage. The hygienic fitting assembly further includes a seal formed from a compression controlled and self-lubricating material. The seal is configured to receive an annular feature of one of the first or second fitting members and define sanitary fitting connection therebetween. The sanitary fitting connection is operable to prevent fluid escape toward the interface region during flow of a product between the first and second fitting members.

Abstract: A system to provide at least two circumferential metal to metal seals between coaxial tubulars. Where a first tubular includes a circumferential shoulder having a circumferential first metal seal and a circumferential second metal seal. A second tubular has a circumferential shoulder that matches and abuts the first tubular circumferential shoulder. Each metal seal is of a material having a higher yield strength than the second tubular shoulder such that the first metal seal and the second metal seal will penetrate the material of the second tubular shoulder thereby providing a seal. Additionally a test port is provided from the exterior of the exterior tubular to a point on either the first or second tubular between the first and second metal seals.

Abstract: An ethylene oxide (EO) reactor is provided in which a removable impingement basket is configured to be inserted into the reactor inlet pipe of the EO reactor. The removable impingement basket provides protection for the silver-based catalyst filled tubes and other components that are present inside the EO reactor as well as providing another access point into the EO reactor. The removable impingement basket also can provide better distribution of the inlet gas as compared to an EO reactor containing a non-removable impingement plate.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for flanges is described. The sealing assembly includes a wedge, a first sealing element, a second sealing element, and a fastener. The wedge has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. The first surface defines a pressure void with a first flange and a second flange. The first sealing element engages the second surface of the wedge and the first flange. The second sealing element engages the third surface of the wedge and the second flange. The fastener couples the first sealing element, the first flange, the second flange, and the second sealing element together. The wedge slides toward the sealing elements responsive to a pressure increase in the pressure void. The sealing elements force the flanges toward each other responsive to the wedge sliding toward the first sealing element and the second sealing element.

Abstract: A pipe coupling arrangement includes two end members, each having a pipe attachment end and a sealing end that engages the other's sealing end. Each sealing end includes radially inner and outer collars, which are radially separated by a pocket. When the sealing ends engage one another the pockets form a chamber. At least one seal member is positioned in the chamber. An alignment ring fits in the chamber, aligning the end members. A coupling pushes the end members towards each other, compressing the at least one seal member sufficiently to seal against fluid leakage. The inner collars engage one another while the outer collars of the end members are axially spaced apart by a gap selected to reduce to zero upon application of a selected clamping force on the end members, thereby limiting deformation of the outer collars.

Abstract: A turbine exhaust case (TEC) includes an outer case, an inner case, and a plurality of struts structurally connecting the inner case to the outer case. At least one of the struts has an airfoil body with a hollow core. A leading edge stiffener is provided at the radially inner end of the airfoil body. The leading edge stiffener projects into the hollow core and merges with a stiffener ring projecting from a radially inner surface of the inner case.

Abstract: A restraint system configured to stabilize catalyst loading tubes. The restraint system includes a first restraint that has a first collar portion and a second collar portion. The restraint system further includes a first fastener configured to attach the first collar portion to a first tube segment and a second fastener configured to attach the second collar portion to the first tube segment. The restraint system also includes a first linkage having a first end and a second end, and a second linkage having a first end and a second end. The restraint system includes a second restraint having a third collar portion and a fourth collar portion. The restraint system further includes a third fastener and a fourth fastener. The first ends of the first and second linkage couple to the first restraint and the second ends of the first and second linkage couple to the second restraint.

Abstract: The present application provides a pipeline adapter including a first connection block, a second connection block, a fastener and a seal ring. The first connection block is provided with a first channel and a first annular positioning groove disposed around the first channel. The second connection block is provided with a second channel communicating with the first channel and a second annular positioning platform fitting inside the first annular positioning groove. The second annular positioning platform is disposed around the second channel. The fastener connects the first connection block to the second connection block. The seal ring fits between the first annular positioning groove and the second annular positioning platform. The pipeline adapter is convenient to use, has a favorable sealing effect, and facilitates pipeline connection of a refrigeration system.

Abstract: A flange sealing system can include a loading member layer adapted to receive a sealing force thereon, at least one intermediate member receiving the sealing force from the loading member and adapted to distribute the load force to branch members in subsequent layers, and at least one contact member adapted to apply the sealing force evenly around a flange and press a surface of the flange and against at least one of a second flange surface or a cap to seal an opening associated with the flange via at least one of connection to the second flange surface or the cap. The system can be provided in the form of a first pipe receiving section and a second pipe receiving section for securing two flanges together with associated pipes with pivot points distributed about the first and second pipe receiving section and distributing even pressure around the flanges.

Abstract: In an example, a raised face flange assembly, comprises an upper flange to couple to a lower flange using one or more bolts: wherein the upper flange or the lower flange comprises: a bolting face defining one or more openings for the one or more bolts, respectively; a pair of raised faces including a first raised face and a second raised face to make contact with a mating surface of the other of the upper flange or the lower flange; wherein a distance between an area of the second raised face and a plane corresponding to the bolting face is greater than a distance between an area of the first raised face and the plane to distribute contact force with a mating surface over the area of the second raised face to maintain a seal.

Abstract: A tower section 12 of a wind turbine is provided, the tower section 12 including an upper segment 100 that includes a lower flange 110; a lower segment 200 that includes an upper flange 210; a plurality of first bolt connections that include first bolts 310 and first nuts 320; a plurality of second bolt connections that include second bolts 410 and second nuts 420; wherein the first bolt connections and the second bolt connections connect the lower flange 110 to the upper flange 210; and wherein the first bolt 310 and the second bolts 410 have different axial positions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tower section 12.

Abstract: A flanged connecting assembly, which comprises: a first flange (210); a second flange (220) with a diameter greater than the diameter of the first flange; and a third flange (230), provided with a first portion (231) and a second portion (232) forming a step; wherein the first portion (231) is fitted to the first flange (210) through a first sealing element (310), and the second portion (232) is fitted to the second flange (220) through a second sealing element (320); and the first flange (210) and the second flange (220) are spaced from each other by a first distance. In this way, a gap formed under the fit of the three flanges can allow a used sealing element to be taken out vie the gap and/or a new sealing element to be assembled in via the gap.

Abstract: A structural connection between in-line circular or rectangular pipes. The connection is maintained within the outer dimensions of the pipe or tubes, eliminates the need for numerous large welds, and provides for a large center hole that enables items to pass through the connection inside the pipes.

Abstract: A rotatable flanged component is adapted for assembly into a flow line of a high-pressure fluid transportation system. The rotatable flanged component comprises a body and a conduit. The body has at least two ends. The conduit extends between the ends. The rotatable component also has a flange and a union face at each of the ends. The flanges and union faces are adapted to provide a flange union between the component and other flowline components at each the body end. At least one of the flanges is a rotatable flange. The rotatable flange has a central opening and a plurality of holes. The holes are adapted to accommodate threaded connectors for loading the flange with an axial force. The flange is mounted on the body end through the central opening for rotation and for transmission of the axial force to the body end.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump (1) comprising a pump body (2), an inlet (21), an outlet (22) and a pipe (4) attached to the inlet (21) and to the outlet (22) by a device comprising: —a flange (5) held to the pump body (2) by a bracket (6), —an insert (8), inserted against the inner wall (41) of the pipe (4) and comprising a shoulder (82), the inner wall of which bears against the outer wall (52) of the flange (5), characterised in that the pump body (2) comprises an inner circular groove (23) at the inlet (21) and at the outlet (22), and in that the securing device comprises a deformable elastic ring (10) inserted into said circular groove (23), and a pusher (11) having the shape of a ring comprising a projection matching the shape of the groove, the elastic ring (10) being compressed by the pusher (11).

Abstract: Pipe joint, which is formed from the end portions of pipe sections to be joined together with the portions including a collar, and from flange parts which, as seen from the junction, are placed on different sides of the collars and tightened with applicable fixing members, such as with screws and nuts. The collar of the pipe section is formed from the wall of the end of the pipe section by shaping with a shaping member. The joint surface of the collar of at least one of the pipe sections to be joined is arranged to be divergent by the amount of an angle ?, ? from the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe section. A method and to a flange part arrangement are disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum pump comprises a vacuum exhaust section, the vacuum exhaust section including a stator, and a rotor having a rotor cylindrical section, the rotor cylindrical section discharging gas in cooperation with the stator, a suction port; a base; an exhaust port disposed on the base, wherein at least a part of the exhaust port faces an outer peripheral surface of the stator, and gas sucked through the suction port by the vacuum exhaust section is discharged through the exhaust port; and a conductance increasing function section formed on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the stator and an inner peripheral surface of the base, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface facing an exhaust path for gas discharged by the rotor cylindrical section and the stator leading to the exhaust port.

Abstract: A coolant bridging line for a gas turbine having inner and outer sides which are separated by a wall, wherein the coolant bridging line extends from a first component of the gas turbine to a second component of the gas turbine is provided herein. The coolant bridging line for a gas turbine provides a further increase in the service life of the components of the gas turbine possible with a degree of efficiency which is nevertheless as high as possible. To this end, the coolant bridging line has means which change the heat transfer between and/or the flow conditions on the inner and outer sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave sealing device of an opening for a rotating shaft (26) or axle. The sealing device (10; 30; 50) is provided for enclosing a section of the shaft (26) or axle. The sealing device (10; 30; 50) includes a front panel (12; 32; 52) and a basis part (14; 34; 54). The front panel (12; 32; 52) is formed as a plane disk and comprises a central hole (16; 36; 56) in its center and a plurality of cuts (20; 40; 58, 60). The basis part (14; 34; 54) is formed as a hollow part with a peripheral wall and two opposing face sides. At least one of the two opposing face sides of the basis part (14; 34; 54) is open. The basis part (14; 34; 54) comprises a plurality of cuts (22; 42; 62) in the peripheral wall. The front panel (12; 32; 52) is attached at the open face side or at one of the two open face sides, respectively, of the basis part (14; 34; 54).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a riser flange for coupling adjacent riser sections. A main tube of the riser system forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The flange includes an offset outer face and a raised inner face. The flange further includes a plurality of bolt and auxiliary line holes distributed about the flange. The bolt holes are all located within the raised inner face of the flange. The bolt holes are angled with respect to the axis of the main tube. A transition between the main tube and riser flange is gradually tapered and convex.

Abstract: A flange fixing structure is provided that fixes flange parts respectively provided to two pipe conduits by means of a fixture in a butting manner via a gasket. In this flange fixing structure, when an effective length of the fixture is denoted by L0, a linear expansion coefficient of the fixture is denoted by ?0, thicknesses of n (where n is an integer of 1 or more) members held by the fixture are respectively denoted by t1 to tn, and linear expansion coefficients of the n members are respectively denoted by ?1 to ?n, a product L0?0 of the effective length L0 of the fixture and the linear expansion coefficient ?0 of the fixture is substantially equal to a sum ?ti?i (i=1 to n) of products of the respective thicknesses t1 to tn and the respective linear expansion coefficients ?1 to ?n.

Abstract: An air conditioner system fitting includes a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A swivel misalignment coupling for connecting pipe sections in a high-pressure conduit. In one embodiment, the coupling is a three-bolt coupling having a female coupling member, a male coupling member, and a swiveling collar member. The male and female coupling members have contact surfaces that are spherical to enable sealing contact between them. A seal ring may be positioned between the contact surfaces to ensure a good seal. The collar swivels around the male coupling member to facilitate fastening of the collar to the female coupling member, which holds the male and female coupling members in sealing engagement. Recesses may be positioned radially inward from the attachment points (e.g., bolt holes) of the female coupling member to reduce stress and potential deformation of the contact surface.

Abstract: A measuring tube for a flow measuring device, wherein the measuring tube has a lining, wherein the lining has at least one sealing lip, which sealing lip serves to provide a sealing action between the measuring tube and a pipeline section adjoining the measuring tube in the installed state.

Abstract: A sealing system, comprises a male block including an annular flange, a female block including an annular recess configured to accommodate the annular flange, a circular seal having a diameter configured to fit within a hose aperture, and an O-ring configured to fit between the annular flange and a wall of the annular recess when the blocks are in a mated position.

Abstract: A hydraulic tube assembly for connecting two hydraulic components in a hydraulic system is provided. The hydraulic tube assembly may include a first hydraulic component, a second hydraulic component, a tube subassembly, and at least one port connection subassembly. The tube subassembly may include a tube having two ends, a first packing box, and a second packing box. The port connection subassembly may have two ends, with a first end coupled to the tube subassembly and a second end coupled to a hydraulic component. The port connection subassembly may include a packing box flange, at least one tension rod, at least one fluid seal, and a connecting cylinder flange.

Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.

Abstract: A high-pressure connection in a conduit or enclosure utilizing a bidirectional, pressure-energized seal. Male and female flanges are provided, where one of the flanges has a recess that accommodates a seal ring. The outer peripheries of the two flanges' sealing surfaces are in contact with each so that clamping, bolting and bending stresses are not borne by the seal ring. The seal ring has a cross-section that includes a solid body and two V shaped sealing portions that extend from the body at an angle between 90 and 160 degrees. Each sealing portion has a set of opposing sealing faces with a cavity between them, so that fluid pressure within the cavity urges the sealing faces outward from the first cavity toward the flanges.

Abstract: A flexible, water tight seal for a movable component. The seal has a border plate sandwiched between two sealing gaskets. The seal is compressed between two components that remain out of contact with each other. The seal is installed axially between the components. For components having circular contact areas, the seal can be constructed from a washer sandwiched between two O-rings. The components float on the compressed seal to allow some flexibility between the components while maintaining a water tight seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes an external clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior surface of the pipe and an internal clamp for frictionally being secured to the interior surface of the pipe. A sealing plate, connected to one or both of the clamps seals the open end of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a means for pressurizing the interior of the pipe. A method of sealing and pressurizing the pipe is also provided.

Abstract: A combined hub joint and connector arrangement for rigidly connecting two axially consecutive tubular members is shown. The tubular members have respective hub end surfaces to be mated, where each hub further includes a flanged end having an external tapered activation surface adapted for complementary engagement with an internal tapered activation surface of the connector, The activation surfaces are able to transform a transversally acting force, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the joined hubs, to an axially acting force when the connector is activated to make up the joint. The hub end mating surfaces diverge at least over some area of said mating surfaces and opens up in a radially outwards direction. The connector can either be a clamp connector, collet connector or split ring connector.

Abstract: A fitting for use with metal tubing in a jacket, the fitting including: an adapter, the adapter having a tubular member defining a longitudinal passage having a longitudinal axis for fluid flow; a body for receiving the tubing, the body positioned opposite the adapter and aligned with the longitudinal axis; a sealing member positioned between the adapter and the body; a retainer positioned external to the sealing member, the retainer receiving the adapter and receiving the body; a first flange located near the adapter and a second flange located near the body; and a fastener for drawing the first flange and second flange towards each other.

Abstract: A sensor assembly (5) for a fluid meter (100) is provided. The sensor assembly (5) comprises a sensor assembly body (6) and one or more circumferential grooves (303) formed in the sensor assembly body (6). Two or more retaining components (105, 106) are removably coupled together around at least one of the one or more circumferential grooves (303) with a portion of the two or more retaining components engaging the circumferential groove. A flange (104) is also provided that surrounds at least a portion of the sensor assembly body (6) and is retained around the sensor assembly body (6) by the first and second retaining components (105, 106).

Abstract: A subsea pipe connection assembly has a first flange, a nut magazine positioned against a side of the first flange and having a plurality of nuts therein corresponding to the plurality of holes of the first flange, a second flange having a plurality of holes in alignment with the holes of the first flange, and a plurality of studs extending through holes of the first and second flanges such that the nuts in the nut magazine are affixed to the ends of the studs. A sleeve is affixed to and extending from the second flange. An ROV-delivered frame can be supported on the sleeve of the pipe such that a torquing tool connected to the frame can apply torque to a nut on the stud. The sleeve has a guide surface thereon so as to direct the torquing tool to nuts on the plurality of studs.

Abstract: An eduction tube assembly made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material for use on a containment vessel for corrosive liquids. It includes a vertical eduction tube and a unitary transition flange member having a first flange for connection of the assembly to an attachment flange associated with the vessel and a second flange to receive a connected hose flange. A single segmented ring with multi-directional capability is disposed between the flanges and receives securement elements to accomplish both connections. Bolts are used for one connection, upstanding threaded studs secured to the segmented ring are used for the other.

Abstract: A connection system for carrying a refrigerant may provide a hybrid redundancy in sealing a refrigerant flow from the surround system environment. The connection system may include a first sealing ring of a first type and a second sealing ring of a second type positioned downstream from the first sealing ring. In some embodiments, the first sealing ring may be in a groove positioned around the outside diameter of a male fitting. The second sealing ring may be positioned at an interface between the male fitting and a female fitting. In some embodiments, flanges of each fitting define the interface so that the second sealing ring may be positioned between the flanges of each fitting. The second sealing ring may be selected from a material that has a wider range of operating temperature than the first sealing ring so that in the event of failure in the first sealing ring, the second sealing ring may prevent leakage.

Abstract: A multipart gas pipe flange for connecting to a counter-flange of an internal combustion engine, having at least one flange plate designed as an outer flange, and having a flange inner part that can be received in said flange plate and is used for attaching a gas pipe which is connected downstream of the inner part in the flow direction and which is fluidically connected. The flange plate has at least one recess for the flange inner part, said recess having at least one inner surface and an inner diameter Di, and a mounting surface which can be placed at least indirectly on the counter-flange. The flange inner part has an outer surface which corresponds to the inner surface and which has an outer diameter Da.

Abstract: The invention is directed at joint assembly which includes a first part and a second part to be assembled together. The first and second part are secured together via a set of fasteners and a set of attachment portions. The set of attachment portions cooperate with one of the first or second parts and receive the set of fasteners.

Abstract: A component is provided. The component is configured to bear on a complementary surface. The component includes a flange located on a periphery of the component. The flange of the component defines an extended provided therein. The flange of the component also defines a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures extended through the flange and are structured and arranged to receive fasteners therethrough. Further, the groove on the flange includes first portions and second portions. The first portions of the groove extend between adjoining apertures of the plurality of apertures and the second portions of the groove are detour portions in proximity to the apertures of the plurality of apertures. The groove is structured and arranged to receive a sealant therein. The sealant forms continuous seal along the periphery of the component in response to the flange being pressed against the complementary surface.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint system for joining a male piping member and a female piping member, the female piping member having a bell portion to receive a portion of the male piping member, includes a retaining flange and a restraining gasket, the restraining gasket including a sealing portion, a flange portion, and a restraining portion, the restraining portion including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced restraining segments.

Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.

Abstract: A wave washer includes an annular member surrounding an opening arranged to receive a pipe axially therethrough, the annular member having a plurality circumferentially spaced holes formed therein. The wave washer also has associated with it at least one spring portion protruding axially from the annular member between two of the holes. The wave washer can be used in a pipe joint to join a first pipe and a second pipe, each having a pipe end having a pipe flange and an adjacent sealing flange. The wave washer is positioned against an inner side of the pipe flange of the first pipe. The wave washer and the flanges of the first and second pipes are fastened based on the deflection of the annular member of the wave washer.

Abstract: An arrangement of a biconical annular joint having a laid down V shaped cross-section, in an annular groove having a trapezium shaped cross-section, a small base of the trapezium corresponding to a cylindrical bottom of the groove and being radially inwardly open at a great base of the trapezium. The joint includes a radially outer annular heel and two generally conical annular wings extending radially inwardly from the heel, an inner radial end of each wing being axially bearing against an associated wall of the groove. The joint is mounted in the groove such that the heel of the joint is located radially distal to a bottom of the groove.

Abstract: A cut-in fitting has a flange hub, a flange ring, a central body, a first gasket, a second gasket, a split flange hub, a split flange ring and a band clamp.

Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces on the connection members. The gripping bodies have angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.