Abstract: An extruded metal pipe coupling for coupling end-to-end aligned pipes comprises a main body forming a coupling band terminating in opposed connecting flanges directed radially outwardly of the main body. Fasteneras pass through apertures in the connecting flanges and are tightened to draw the connecting flanges together. The free edges of the connecting flanges have abutment surfaces which abut each other upon tightening of the fasteners to provide a fulcrum about which continued tightening is effective to impart increased tensioning to the main body. The abutment surfaces roll or slide with respect to one another. The coupling is useful in conjunction with other elements for imparting leak resistance to the coupling joint.

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: In pipe coupling systems, elaborate equipment and tools are required for their assembly and disassembly; the disassembly procedure is time consuming and little, if any, of the fittings can be reused.The present invention relates to improvements in pipe attachment system to their fittings, particularly adapted for use with smooth surface pipe and tubing where assembly and disassembly is easily made with simple tools or without tools.Except for the sealing ring, all parts of the system are reuseable without special preparation.

Abstract: A split coupling of clam-shell configuration applied laterally over abutted ends of confronting tube sections with bead-over-wire reinforcement engaged with opposed shoulders of separable body members, and having depressible ring and abutment seals molded into the separable body members hinged for abutment on a diametrical axially disposed plane coincidental with the axis of the body members when closed over said confronting tube sections by link and latch means, all basic structural members operating in tension and shear connections multiplied for greater strength and for uniform load distribution, said ring seals being scarfed for circumferential continuity, and there being an electrical bond between the coupling and said confronting tube sections.

Abstract: An improved split body clamping or pressure containment device is provided where the body members are retained together through the use of a plurality of double ended links. The ends of each of the links are juxtaposed to and associated respectively with each of the clamping body members. Rotary cams mounted on shafts which pass through the ends of the links compress the body members together and cause other movements of one of the body members and the links.

Abstract: A device is provided for connecting together the ends of pipes or tubing or for repairing a fault in a pipe or tubing. The device is comprised of a resilient sheet member in the form of a coil having a layer of heat sensitive bonding material applied to the inner surface of the resilient sheet member. The resilient sheet member coil is formed to an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the pipe or tubing. In the case where the resilient sheet member is used as a connector, the resilient sheet member is sprung to a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the pipe or tubing and retained in this expanded form by a heat sensitive material which melts upon being heated to allow contraction of the connector. At the same time, the heat sensitive bonding material forms a tight bond to the two ends of the pipes or tubing to be connected.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a coupling member assembly is provided which is of multiple-part construction, and which includes an inexpensive and readily replaceable conduit member formed from an abrasion resistant material, the conduit member being supported substantially throughout its entire outer surface by two or more rigid coupling member sections which are bolted or otherwise secured to each other, and, which provide the major structural strength of the coupling member assembly.

Abstract: A connector for connecting the abutted end portions of two pipes includes a ring having a pair of radially inwardly extending surfaces directed towards each other and each for engagement with a radially outwardly extending surface on a respective pipe end. The surfaces on the pipe ends are directed away from the respective pipe ends and the connector includes operating means for causing radial expansion of the ring to disengage the ring from one of the pipes, the ring remaining engaged with the other pipe. To this end the corresponding surfaces on the ring and the other pipe have a greater radial extent than the surfaces on the ring and the one pipe, so that the former surfaces remain engaged for all conditions of use of the connector. The connector is particularly suited for connecting the pipe sections of a pipe string for use in the drilling and/or completion of offshore oil or gas wells, particularly where the pipe string is to be subject to high axial load for example in pile driving.

Abstract: High-pressure hydraulic hoses are employed in hydrostatic drive systems to interconnect the transmission and motors thereof. It is imperative that fluid leakage be held to a minimum, or preferably eliminated, particularly where a vehicle employing the drive system is operated in a high-temperature environment, such as a foundry. The hose assembly (13) of this invention provides a high degree of system reliability, relative to hydraulic leaks, and shields a high-pressure hose thereof (14) against damage and heat conduction to hydraulic fluid therein. The hose assembly (13) comprises a flexible high-pressure hose (14), an impervious flexible jacket (17) surrounding the hose in out-of-contact relationship therewith to define a fluid chamber (18) therebetween, and a mounting assembly (22) for mounting the hose (14) and the jacket (17) on a support member (23) to maintain them in out-of-contact relationship relative to each other.

Abstract: A quickly-attachable pipe coupling comprises a flexible tube having an internal diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the pipe to be coupled, and a cylindrical spring overlying the flexible tube. The cylindrical spring includes a closely-wound coil of flat spring material having more than one turn, and having an inner diameter in its relaxed condition less than the outer diameter of the flexible tube. The coil spring is partially uncoilable under stress to open by increasing its inner diameter at least to the outer diameter of the flexible tube. Thus, the flexible tube and the cylindrical spring thereover, when in its stressed open condition, may be applied over the end of the pipe to be coupled, whereupon the cylindrical spring may be relaxed to close and to cause it to compress the flexible tube into tight engagement with the pipe for the complete length of the coil spring.

Abstract: A split coupling of clam-shell configuration applied laterally over abutted ends of confronting tube sections with bead-over-wire reinforcement engaged with opposed shoulders of separable body members, and having depressible ring and abutment seals molded into the separable body members hinged for abutment a diametrical axially disposed plane coincidental with the axis of the body members when closed over said confronting tube sections by link and latch means, all basic structural members operating in tension and shear connections multiplied for greater strength and for uniform load distribution, said ring seals being scarfed for circumferential continuity, and there being an electrical bond between the coupling and said confronting tube sections.

Abstract: A swivel coupling apparatus includes a pair of aligned metal pipe sections having grooved outer ends for connecting to hoses and rigid pipes by releasable clamp units. A gasket is disposed between the smooth end faces and an outer clamp housing encircles the end portions to mechanically connect the pipe sections. The pipe sections have outer shoulders with inclined clamp walls. The clamp housing includes a pair of semi-circular members having bolt clamping lugs for drawing the members onto the shoulders. The members having outer side clamp legs defining a cavity. A central rectangular spacer projects partially into the cavity for location between the outer portion of the end faces. The cavity has annular base walls between the spacer and side legs aligned with and outwardly spaced from the outer peripheral walls of the shoulders. Grease fittings to the opposite sides of the spacer provide for introducing of grease into the free space. The spacer has a smooth inner wall forming a backing for the gasket.

Abstract: Complementary elongated members of generally semi-cylindrical cross-section are provided. These members are assembled on pipes to be joined so as to enclose the joint between the pipes, and the members include abutting edges extending lengthwise of the pipes and arranged to be bonded together. The coupler is provided with one or more recesses extending across the abutting edges of the elongated members. Reinforcing elements are received in each of these recesses and extend across the abutting edges for reinforcing the coupler. The reinforcing members are bonded to the surfaces of the recesses and to the elongated members. In one form of the invention spaced lugs are provided on each of the elongated members and extend transversely of the line formed by the abutting edges. The reinforcing members are in a form of flat keys which are received between spaced lugs, extend transversely across the line of the abutting edges and are bonded to the lugs and to the elongated members.

Abstract: In a pipe coupling including a housing having a bore for receiving the end of a pipe, and clamping means for clamping the pipe to the housing, the clamping means is formed on its inner face with a first circumferentially-extending recess for receiving a first clamping ring, and with a second circumferentially-extending recess axially spaced from said first recess for receiving a second clamping ring of a different hardness than the first clamping ring, to thereby enable the coupling to be used for coupling pipes of different hardnesses by selecting the appropriate clamping ring and inserting it into its respective recess.

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 pipe clamp is comprised of opposed lugs having base portions. The base portions have axially extending recesses and an axially extending slot of lesser radial dimension than the radial dimension of the recess extends from the inner edges of the bases to the recess to form jaws in each base. The free ends of a flexible band are tightly folded back to form enlarged end portions on the ends of the band, the enlarged end portion and adjacent portion of the band being insertable axially into the recess and slot respectively.

Abstract: A pipe clamp for use in encircling a pipe or main as either a pipe repair clamp or a service side outlet clamp. The pipe clamp comprises a flexible metal band made of sheet metal or the like having a gasket liner which seals with a section of the exterior of the pipe, the band being split and made of at least one section and having at least a pair of lugs attached to each of its opposed end portions. Bolts are used to draw the lugs together and cause the band to tightly encircle the pipe. An improved retention of the band ends in the lugs is provided, the lugs being of the type having ductile jaws initially cast in an open position, one of the jaws having a projection thereon and the other jaw having a recess for cooperating with the projection when the jaws are closed on the band end.

Abstract: A device for connecting two pipes for carrying abrasive material under high pressure employs a flange member welded to an end of one of the pipes and a ring member welded to an end of the other pipe. The pipes and both members have the same internal diameter. One or both pipes may be cold formed into a curved shape. An outward-extending rib on the ring member and a shoulder on the flange member are encircled by a tension sleeve having an inwardly directed lip at each end. The tension sleeve comprises two semi-circular halves. One or more continuous circumferential bands encircle the tension sleeve to hold the two halves together against radial separation. An anti-friction bearing assembly between one of said lips and a shoulder on the ring member permits relative turning movement between said pipes. An axial projection on the ring member is received within a recess in the flange member, and seal means are provided between the projection and the recess.

Abstract: Wellhead distribution valving (known in the trade as a Xmas tree) are protected from potential thieves by security apparatus that prevents access to the mounting flange bolts of the wellhead valving. This security apparatus comprises a housing having two similar half sections. Each half section includes an outer wall, a semi-annular top and a semi-annular bottom. A plurality of locking members are integrally attached to the outer wall at each half to mate with a locking receptacle attached to the inner surface of the outer wall of the mating half section. An inner core of a metallic material is incorporated into the outer wall, the top and the bottom to increase the difficulty of penetration through the surface housing.

Abstract: Pipe coupling comprising two flanges which can be fixed to the ends of the ipes and clamping means which bear on the flanges to sealingly connect the same, wherein the clamping means comprise an extensible member located between the flanges and defining a passage providing a communication between the pipes and at least one movable member controlling the elongation of the extensible member to make it sealingly bear against the flanges, the movable member bearing on the rear face of the flanges to prevent the moving apart thereof during the elongation of the extensible member.

Abstract: A side-outlet pipe coupling having a split housing surrounding split-ring gasket means is provided. Lugs formed at the free ends of the gasket means position said gasket means within the coupling housing such that abutting free ends of the gasket means are off-set from the plane of splitting of the housing.

Abstract: A multiple laminate comprises at least one laminate which is tapered at one or both ends to provide a laminate joint structure having a coupling tensile strength greater than the laminate interlaminar shear strength. The laminate joint structure contains at least one tapered laminate ply support structure containing continuous filament strands oriented parallel to the coupling load direction. The tubular laminate form of the tapered end laminate joint structure finds particular application to mechanically joined structures such as pipe and trusses.The method and apparatus for making the laminate in the form of a desired composite structure comprises winding a first ply of circumferentially oriented continuous filament strands upon a mandrel and forming the ends of the first ply to have sufficient thickness to provide an inwardly tapered conical shaped exterior surface.

Abstract: A pipe clamping assembly is provided with an improved first and second encircling ends on a sheet metal clamping band so as to provide upward and reversely extending end sections each having an inwardly directed flange positioned to extend toward an underlying pipe and act in conjunction with the clamping band to prevent unwanted movement of an underlying sealing gasket under operating conditions of the pipe clamping assembly. In one embodiment, the ends are slotted to allow for adjustment to inexact contours while in another embodiment, the band is unslotted providing greater rigidity for use with pipes of consistently repeatable defined circumference.

Abstract: A low profile pipe clamp for use in encircling a pipe such as a main or the like, the clamp being either a repair clamp or a service clamp with a side outlet. The pipe clamp comprises a flexible band, usually of sheet metal with a gasket material on the interior and having at least a pair of opposed looped ends which receive cylindrical trunnion loading bars. At least one bolt extending through the loading bars is arranged to move the trunnion loading bars toward each other to cause the looped ends of the band to draw the flexible band tightly around the pipe. The relationship of the trunnion loading bars to the bolt extending therethrough is such as to give the clamp a use for a wide range of varying outside diameters of a particular size of pipe.

Abstract: A pipe joint for joining a pair of adjacent pipe ends includes an improved gasket contruction. An annular radially outwardly extending flange is provided on the periphery of each pipe adjacent and spaced from the pipe end, a cylindrical coupling member is provided including at least one axial slit in the cylindrical wall thereof and a pair of annular arcuate grooves extending outwardly from the interior of the coupling member, the grooves being shaped so as to form an enclosed annular space between each flange and each arcuate groove, and a gasket for sealing the pipe joint having a pair of spaced apart O-rings shaped to be fitted over the pipe ends and compressed within the annular spaces, a connecting web extending between and joining the O-rings along only a portion of their circumferences, and a shield attached to the inner surface of the connecting web for protecting the web from the pipe ends. The connecting web is positioned under the axial slit in the coupling member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking pipe and hose couplings of the type comprising two complementary, radially fixed members provided with external, radial abutment surfaces facing on both sides in the axial direction for arcuate locking elements meshing with said abutment surfaces and having inwardly extending end edges, said locking elements being adapted to be fitted over the coupling members and being fixed against radial displacement by a means in the form of a cut ring enclosing said members.The novel feature is that the enclosing means as well as the locking elements are provided with portions for positive interlocking in fixed condition.

Abstract: A flexible drilling fluid skirt for well drilling use. The skirt is wrapped around a drill pipe connection before loosening to contain pressurized spray of drilling fluid and direct the fluid to storage or for re-use.

Abstract: A swivel joint for pressure containing conduits such as movable flow lines may comprise a pair of hub elements each having means establishing interconnection with a section of flow line, the hub elements being abutted in such a manner as to define a flow passage through the swivel joint construction. A thrust flange is formed on each of the hub elements, the flanges being retained within a split housing structure that serves to retain the swivel joint in assembly. Rotatable relationship between the hub elements and the body structure is established by a thrust bearing that is interposed between an internal shoulder of the housing and a segmented bearing retainer that also forms a part of one of the thrust flanges. A low friction spacer element may be disposed between the thrust flanges of the hubs to prevent the development of friction retardation of swivel movement.

Abstract: A header for solar-panels of the type comprising a slab provided with a plurality of parallel through-conduits has a prismatic body. The body is provided with a through-bore that has its axis disposed along the greater dimension of the prismatic body. An aperture made in one side of the prismatic body parallel to the axis of the through-bore is adapted for receiving one end of the slab. A device is provided for attaching the slab to tubular sleeves which project from, in cantilever fashion, the through-bore of the prismatic body.

Abstract: A flexible tubing coupling employs ferrules at the tubing ends, each ferrule being connected to an annular end fitting by way of a bellows. The end fittings are statically secured together by retainer halves encircling the end fittings and captured there by a rigid ring. Engagement between ferrule rims and inner spherical surfaces on the retainer halves prevent undue extension and deflection of the bellows while maintaining a uniform stress distribution on the coupling components. Various end fitting static seal configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining together the ends to a pair of tubes, particularly suitable for use with plastics material, includes a pair of flange bushings, a sealing arrangement effecting a centering function and two semicircular shells having a U-shaped inner cross-sectional profile, each of the shells being provided with a resilient pawl which joins the shells together circumferentially about the coupling assembly. The sealing arrangement includes a centering ring and an inner sealing ring with the outer diameter of the centering ring performing in cooperation with the inner contour of the shells a centering function for the sealing arrangement. This centering function prevents displacement of the sealing arrangement during assembly and operation and permits the utilization of different types of seals and of smooth end faces of the flange bushings.

Abstract: The invention is a composite pipe coupling having a corrosion resistant liner which seals pipes to be coupled by the utilization of heat recoverable metallic material and having a complementary external support structure which allows high tensile loading of the coupling.

Abstract: A connector sleeve for polyolefin pipe ends for connecting butted pipe ends by a coupling. The connector sleeve is metallic and has a pair of internal circumferential ribs mated in external grooves of the pipe end which is press-fitted within the sleeve in sealing relation. The connector sleeve has a pair of external grooves registering with the ribs formed by a pressing or rolling operation. Butted pipe ends with their fitted connector sleeves are connected by a coupling engaging the connector sleeves. The connector sleeve and pipe end have registering bevelled ends and in the fitting operation the sleeve and pipe end are axially aligned and forcefully engaged whereby the bevelled end of the connector sleeve causes the pipe end to be internally deflected and compressed in mating engagement with said connector sleeve.

Abstract: A swivel coupling apparatus includes a pair of aligned metal pipe sections having grooved outer ends for connecting to hoses and rigid pipes by releasable clamp units. A gasket is disposed between the smooth end faces and an outer clamp housing encircles the end portions to mechanically connect the pipe sections. The pipe sections have outer shoulders with inclined clamp walls. The clamp housing includes a pair of semi-circular members having bolt clamping lugs for drawing the members onto the shoulders. The members having outer side clamp legs defining a cavity. A central rectangular spacer projects partially into the cavity for location between the outer portion of the end faces. The cavity has annular base walls between the spacer and side legs aligned with and outwardly spaced from the outer peripheral walls of the shoulders. Grease fittings to the opposite sides of the spacer provide for introducing of grease into the free space. The spacer has a smooth inner wall forming a backing for the gasket.

Abstract: A pipe assembly in which a plurality of abutting pipe sections are connected together by a clamp assembly. Each pipe section has a pair of diametrically opposed slots in its outer surface which are spaced a predetermined distance from its end. A support sleeve is inserted within the end portions of each pipe section and has a circumferential groove formed therein in axial alignment with the slots. The clamp assembly extends over the corresponding end portions of the adjacent pipe sections and includes two shoulder portions spaced apart a distance corresponding to the distance between the respective slots of adjacent pipe sections so that portions of each shoulder extend in a corresponding pair of slots.

Abstract: A coupling assembly particularly for connecting sections of plastic pipe comprises a sleeve and a clamp assembly. The sleeve has internal seals for providing a seal between the sleeve and pipe sections inserted into the sleeve. The clamp assembly comprises two identical clamp members, each generally arcuate in shape, adapted to fit in opposing relationship and formed for connection to each other. The clamp members are each formed with a serrated inner surface to bite into the outer surface of the adjoining pipe section. The coupling assembly may be easily and quickly installed without special tools or equipment and is especially useful for the field repair of damaged pipe sections.

Abstract: A device for placement between a rotary drill motor and a drill rod for use in pumping instruments down the drill rod. The device has pressure seals at each end and an opening for an instrument cable which slides through the opening as the instruments are pumped down the drill rod.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining interengaging ends of a pair of pipes in axial alignment comprised of a pair of semi-circular substantially identical sections adapted to mate with one another to hold the pipe ends therein. Each of the sections have cooperating locating flanges engaging corresponding surfaces in one of the pipe ends to facilitate the assembly thereof whereafter releasable securing means are disposed in aligned openings to maintain the sections in place.

Abstract: A clamp-on tube holder for use in teeming metal is disclosed having a slotted tube holder band and a toggle assembly which biases the slot for clamping the tube holder onto the nozzle of a ladle. Independently, a yoke is engaged with the tube holder, and a handle engaged with a socket on the toggle for remotely clamping the same. The method contemplates providing a toggle mechanism and clamp and a support yoke, with the support yoke pivotally secured to a fulcrum for manipulating the clamping mechanism and holding the same in place while the toggle is activated to clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping two side-by-side pipes together comprising two recessed holding bodies receiving the pipes therein, two clamping elements having the holding bodies therebetween and a screw interconnecting these four members. Interlocking projections and indentations on one of the clamping elements and its adjacent holding body prevent relative rotation during tightening of the screw.

Abstract: An improved clamp for hoses and other tubular members includes two rigid clamping members having semi-circular recesses, one or more annular wedge-shaped grooves in the recesses, and fasteners. An elastomeric insert, or a pair of inserts, has one or more ribs shaped to fit the groove or grooves. The rib height is less than the groove depth leaving an annular gap to improve the clamping action. Inserts of different thickness can be provided to accommodate hoses of different dimensions.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for interconnecting pipes experiencing length changes, comprising a sealing gasket enclosed within a housing and having a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional configuration and open towards the inside. The end faces of end sections of the sealing gasket which merge at the web of the sealing gasket are each clamped, by means of a compression spring arranged within the sealing gasket, against a related substantially ring-shaped support disk which, in turn, is axially movable in conjunction with the one or other pipe with which such corresponding support disk is operatively associated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pipe joint comprising a first pipe having an end portion engaged as a snug fit in a concentric end portion of a second pipe. The pipes have, at positions spaced from their adjacent ends, external annular ribs with corresponding internal annular grooves, an annular seal being accommodated in the annular groove of the outer pipe between the outer pipe and the inner pipe.A clamping ring which spans the annular ribs of the two pipes comprises two arcuate parts connected end to end by a hinge and having at their ends remote from the hinge outwardly turned edge formations which are received in a wedge-shaped channel member and engage relatively inclined opposing side walls of the channel member. The clamping ring can simply be closed around the pipe joint by relative pivoting of the two arcuate parts and can be retained by sliding the wedging member, in a direction parallel with the axis of the pipe joint, over the edge formations at the ends of the arcuate parts remote from the hinge.

Abstract: An improved decorticating drum with a selective mode of processing is disclosed, composed of a hollow cylinder horizontally resting on support rollers and being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, being adapted to receive wood fed in at one end and discharge it at the other, in particular a decorticating drum for dry debarking including longitudinal slots at the surface thereof for the elimination of the bark, the improvement comprises detachable covers in the region of the longitudinal slots whereby a wet decorticating drum may be formed, said covers resting against the outer surface of the drum.

Abstract: A fixed cavity, integral bonded, flexible coupling for joining ferrule terminated tubing ends in an aircraft environment in which a clam shell coupling is spring loaded at its hinges so as to bias it toward an open configuration. The clam shell coupling latches in a closed configuration by means of a plurality of latch pawls engaging latch pins, with the latch pawls being spring-biased into engagement with the latch pins.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for sealing a leaking pipe weld or pipe flange joints. The clamp comprises a collar having hinged-together arcuate segments. The collar is further provided with flanges adapted to be bolted together to connect the hinged segments which may be hinged together to form a pair of semi-circular sections. Each of the segments is provided with a main annular groove on the interior circumference with means on the exterior for filling the groove with a fluid sealant under pressure. A pair of annular border grooves spaced from the main groove are provided on the opposite sides of the main groove. Additional groove means are provided in the end walls of each of the segments which connect the main groove and the border grooves to provide a sealing means between the opposed end walls when butted together.

Abstract: A pair of first and second coextensive generally semicylindrical nut halves are provided and include exterior surface portions engageable by hand or tools to facilitate turning of the halves, together, as a unitary nut. The nut halves include coextensively threaded inner surfaces and abuttingly and releasably interlocking structure on their adjacent arc ends whereby the nut halves are secured together as a unitary structure for utilization as a threaded coupling nut.

Abstract: Insulated jacketed conduit units sealed in end to end relation by expansion couplings are insulated, sealed and spaced at the coupling zones with protective combined spacer and sleeve rings or washers which surround the coupled ends of the conduits, are bottomed on and squeezed between the insulation of adjacent units to position the conduit ends for expansion and contraction without breaking the seal therebetween and seat on adjacent ends of the jackets to protect the insulation. The combined spacer and sleeve rings or washers can be molded to have a relatively soft compressible inner washer portion and a tough stiffer sleeve portion with resilient sealing lips in the open ends thereof for sealingly engaging the jackets.

Abstract: This invention is a ridged pipe coupling so shaped as to allow the same to be tensioned down tightly on a pipe or fitting regardless of slight irregularities or size variations. Th coupling also has provision for use in conjunction with both plain fittings, fittings having a bead, or a combination of the two. A plurality of different types of gaskets can be used with the present invention and the coupling bolts can be either threaded into the coupling itself or used in conjunction with standard bolt and nut type fasteners.

Abstract: A generally circular pipe joint clamp able to compress a flexible packer around a joint between substantially aligned pipes. The clamp comprises a plurality of plates forming a flexible shield. Each plate overlaps one neighboring plate and underlies the other neighboring plate. There is a joint in between each pair of neighboring plates except the plates at each end of the flexible shield to allow the plates to pivot relative to each other. Clamps allow a compressing force to be applied to the flexible shield.