Abstract: The insertion apparatus includes: a linearly-extending insertion section main body, an outer tube covering the outer circumference of the insertion section main body, and an annular band member provided on the outer tube in such a manner as to meander on an imaginary circle on the outer tube whose center is the same as the central axis of the insertion section main body. The annular band member is configured to shrink in the direction along the imaginary circle and thereby secure the outer tube to the insertion section main body.

Abstract: A reinforced helical pile system suitable for use in seismically active areas incorporates steel fibers in the grout and a fiber reinforced polymer sleeve (casing). A low-friction driving assembly and low-friction sleeve couplings enable the sleeve to be drawn into the soil substantially without rotation, reducing power consumption and preserving the integrity of the casing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of joining tubular members.

Abstract: A device including a first part made of ceramic material shrink fitted with a first shrink ring, in which an edge of an axial end of a cylindrical portion of the first part to which the first shrink ring is fitted and an edge of an axial end of the first shrink ring belong to one and the same transverse plane.

Abstract: A device including a first part having a substrate made of a material based on a silicon compound, a coating made of a coating material having a ceramic oxide, a transition layer having silica extending between the substrate and the coating, the transition layer exhibiting a thickness of less than 10 ?m, and a first shrink ring and/or a layer made of a compliant material having an alloy with at least two materials selected from silver, gold and palladium, the coating defining at least a portion of the interface between the first part, and the first shrink ring and/or the layer made of a compliant material.

Abstract: A method for making conduits includes inserting an inner tube into an outer tube and melting a portion of the inner tube to form a bond with the outer tube. The inner tube includes a polymeric material and the outer tube includes a material having a greater yield strength than the polymeric material. A conduit includes one or more inner tubes at least one of which is melt-bonded to one or more outer tubes. An analytical instrument includes a separation column, a solvent reservoir and pump, a sample injector, a detector to observe an eluent of the separation column, and tubing to transport fluid between components of the instrument.

Abstract: A device including a first member joined to a second member, the joining being carried out via a compliant material having an alloy with at least two materials selected from silver, gold, and palladium, the second member being a shrink ring of the first member.

Abstract: An engine exhaust system comprises duct pieces and a thermally expandable sealing joint for interconnecting their adjoining ends. The sealing joint comprises a tubular body including a first axial end portion, a second axial end portion, and a bridge portion extending therebetween. The first end portion is at least partially positioned within a female recess of the first duct piece and the second end portion is at least partially positioned with a female recess of the second duct piece. The bridge portion can extend across a gap and/or it can be positioned partially within female recesses. Upon thermal activation, the sealing joint radially expands permanently to engage the inner radial surfaces of the duct pieces.

Abstract: A field replaceable wing nut having an arcuate body and an arcuate insert is disclosed. The wing nut is designed to replace an existing wing nut which has deformed or non-useable lugs on a hammer union connection. The wing nut has accurate alignment of the mounting threads using an alignment attachment device. Replacing the wing nut in the field does not require any special equipment or training. Each wing nut is designed for a particular pipe diameter.

Abstract: A device including a first part made of ceramic material shrink fitted with a first shrink ring, in which an edge of an axial end of a cylindrical portion of the first part to which the first shrink ring is fitted and an edge of an axial end of the first shrink ring belong to one and the same transverse plane.

Abstract: A device having a first part shrink-fitted with a first shrink ring, the first shrink ring being shrink-fitted with a second shrink ring exhibiting a lower thermal expansion coefficient than a thermal expansion coefficient of the first shrink ring.

Abstract: A new shrink fitting method including deformation is disclosed, in which a high bonding force can be obtained without accurate mechanical process such as forming an insertion body having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of an object for receiving the insertion body. The shrink fitting method comprises preparing a pipe and a rod material whose inner and outer diameters are different from each other; bonding the pipe and the rod material to each other in a state that the pipe or the rod material is deformed by heating; deforming the pipe to allow the inner diameter of the pipe to be equal to the outer diameter of the rod material; and cooling the bonded pipe and rod material. The shrink fitting method can be widely used for various mechanical parts.

Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.

Abstract: A sealing device that may expand more planar dimensions due to internal thermal expansion of a filler material. The sealing material is of a composition such that when desired environment temperatures and internal actuating pressures are reached, the sealing materials undergoes a permanent deformation. For metallic compounds, this permanent deformation occurs when the material enters the plastic deformation phase. Polymers, and other materials, may be using a sealing mechanism depending on the temperatures and corrosivity of the use. Internal pressures are generated by either rapid thermal expansion or material phase change and may include either liquid or solid to gas phase change, or in the gaseous state with significant pressure generation in accordance with the gas laws. Sealing material thickness and material composition may be used to selectively control geometric expansion of the seal such that expansion is limited to a specific facing and or geometric plane.

Abstract: A joint is provided permitting relative radial and axial movement between a first wall thermally expanding at a first amount and a second wall thermally expanding at a second amount. The joint includes a first fixed connection between a first edge of the second wall and the first wall. The joint also includes an endplate including a first edge and a second fixed connection between a second edge of the second wall and the first edge of the endplate. The joint also includes a clip and a third fixed connection between the clip and the first wall. The joint further includes a fourth fixed connection between the clip and the endplate, the clip permitting the relative radial and axial movement.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for making a pressure-containing threaded tubular connection, suitable for remotely operated connection and separation, utilizing electrical heating to reduce the amount of make up torque required to produce reliable preloading of the connection. One aspect of the present invention comprises: 1) a first hub with male threads on its exterior and having a sealing face and axial flow passage, b) a second hub having an axial flow passage and carrying an annular seal which can be mated with the sealing face of the first hub and mounting a rotatable nut having female threads on its interior and integral nut heating means. After stabbing and initial make-up of the connection, the nut is heated and thereby expanded in a controlled manner and the connection retightened. Following cooling, the structural connection is fully preloaded and the annular seal fully compressed so that it seals. Reversing the procedure permits disconnection.

Abstract: A fitting for a pipe, in particular a plastic pipe or a plastic-metal composite pipe, is provided with a fitting body (12) for receiving an end (24) of a pipe (26) to be connected and a fixing element (32) for fixing said end (24) of said pipe (26) to be connected to said fitting body (12), wherein said fixing element (32) comprises a shape memory metal alloy, and said fixing element (32) is deformable by thermal activation from a non-fixing state in which said end (24) of said pipe (26) to be connected, is received by said fitting body (12) without being fixed, into a fixing state in which said end (24) of said pipe (26) to be connected is fixed to said fitting body (12).

Abstract: A first flange and a second flange are superposed and fastened with a bolt and a nut in a fastening operation, to implement a fastening structure used at temperature lower than atmospheric temperature for the fastening operation. Assuming that the first flange has a thickness L1 and a coefficient of linear expansion ?1, the second flange has a thickness L2 and a coefficient of linear expansion ?2, superposed first flange and second flange have a thickness L, and the bolt has a coefficient of linear expansion ?, a relation of L·??L1·?1+L2·?2 is satisfied, i.e. heat shrinkage of the bolt is not smaller than the total heat shrinkage of the first and second flanges. Thus, impairment of sealing property due to heat shrinkage is avoided at a flange junction used at low temperature.

Abstract: A submersible robotic pool cleaner is provided with an integral sealed rechargeable battery and an inductive charging assembly, a first portion of which is mounted in the pool cleaner housing and during the charging, receives a second separate portion that is connected by a cable to a conventional power source. The pump motor drive shaft is treated with a specialized anti-friction lubricant composition to minimize frictional energy losses where the shaft contacts the seal(s) and any shaft bearing(s), to maximize efficiency and minimize the power consumption of the pump motor assembly and permit the pool cleaner to completely traverse the surfaces to be cleaned within the fully-charged power capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a permanent, leak-proof plastic tubing joint including a length of plastic tubing, a fitting component and a device capable of generating a local electromagnetic field. The fitting component is manufactured of a polymer containing nonpolymeric particles capable of absorbing a specific frequency of electromagnetic energy. An end of the length of plastic tubing is slidably inserted into the fitting component. When the tubing has been fully inserted, a device is activated to generate a local electromagnetic field surrounding the fitting component. The nonpolymeric particles absorb the electromagnetic energy and increase in temperature. This temperature increase causes the fitting component to begin melting at the interface with the plastic tubing while at the same time causing the end of plastic tubing to become pliable. The electromagnetic field is then removed and both the fitting component and the end of plastic tubing cool to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A cooling system in an aircraft has fluid flow pipe sections that are mounted to the aircraft structure. The pipe sections have pipe ends that form part of pipe junctions. The two pipe ends of a pipe junction are facing each other and are surrounded by a shrunk hose member of a shrinkable material which overlaps both pipe ends in a fluid- and pressure-tight manner.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for making a pressure-containing threaded tubular connection, suitable for remotely operated connection and separation, utilizing electrical heating to reduce the amount of makeup torque required to produce reliable preloading of the connection. One aspect of the present invention comprises: 1) a first hub with male threads on its exterior and having a sealing face and axial flow passage, b) a second hub having an axial flow passage and carrying an annular seal which can be mated with the sealing face of the first hub and mounting a rotatable nut having female threads on its interior and integral nut heating means. After stabbing and initial make-up of the connection, the nut is heated and thereby expanded in a controlled manner and the connection retightened. Following cooling, the structural connection is fully preloaded and the annular seal fully compressed so that it seals. Reversing the procedure permits disconnection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint (6) between insulated pipes (4), which comprises: (a) two transport pipes joined together; (b) insulation on each transport pipe which ends short of the joint; (c) a casing surrounding the exposed portion of pipe; (d) a sleeve which provides a seal between an end of the casing and the adjacent pipe insulation, wherein the sleeve comprises recoverable polymeric material (1) coated at discrete regions with a sealant (3) and/or a heat-activatable adhesive (2), (preferably with the sealant (3) bridging the end of the casing and the pipe insulation to form a seal therebetween which can accommodate movement of the casing relative to the pipe insulation, and the adhesive (2) forming substantially annular bonds between the sleeve and the casing and between the sleeve and pipe insulation), characterised in that at least one region (4) of the sleeve, preferably between the sealant-coated and the adhesive-coated regions or at the edge of the sleeve, remains uncoated to provide a re

Abstract: For a pipe joining method using shape memory alloy capable of preventing a shape memory capacity loss due to a pipe's tolerance, a shape memory alloy joint having an inner diameter greater/less than an outer diameter of pipes to be joined is installed at the outer/inner circumference of a pipe joining portion, and the pipes and the shape memory alloy joint are simultaneously enlarged/reduced. In addition, a general metal joint having an inner diameter greater/less than an outer diameter of shape memory alloy pipes to be joined is installed at the outer/inner circumference of a shape memory alloy pipe joining portion, and the shape memory alloy pipes and the general metal joint are simultaneously enlarged/reduced.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a kit for installing an underground piping system. The kit includes a protective conduit having flexible piping contained therein and a plurality of sealing members. The installer positions the protective conduit and flexible piping as a single unit thereby facilitating installation.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a metal tube to a hose fitting in which the end of the metal tube is flared to form a generally conical tube end, and the conical tube end is inserted into a fitting to seat against an opposing conical shoulder. The portion of the fitting surrounding the tube is then plastically deformed around the tube firmly and sealingly to grasp the tube, but without scarring a corrosion resistant coating on the tube. A plurality of barbs preferably are formed on the radially outer surface of the flared end of the tube for engaging the fitting when the fitting is crimped over the flared end of the tube and thereby preventing rotation of the tube with respect to the body of the fitting. The other end of the fitting may be crimped or otherwise secured to a constituent part such as a fluid hose.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided to form a gas-tight joint between two housing portions, e.g. between an end flange and a tubular pole-unit housing for a circuit interrupter or an insulating support column. The joint is formed via a heat-shrink process to provide an interference fit. The housing is provided with grooves to retrain adhesive during the assembly process.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a kit for installing an underground piping system. The kit includes a protective conduit having flexible piping contained therein and a plurality of sealing members. The installer positions the protective conduit and flexible piping as a single unit thereby facilitating installation.

Abstract: A tubular body made of a first metal and having a box end and a connection end, the box end having an internally threaded portion and an internal cylindrical thread-free portion axially outward of the threaded portion, the tool joint further including an anti-fretting section, preferably in the form of a sleeve of a second metal that is snugly received in a counterbore formed in the box end, the sleeve having an internal cylindrical surface having a diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter of the cylindrical thread-free portion of the box end, the second metal having a modulus of elasticity less than the modulus of elasticity of the first metal, the invention further including a drill pipe made by affixing first and second tool joints as described above to first and second opposed ends, respectively, of an elongate pipe body, the pipe body being affixed to the tool joints by a threaded shrink-grip connection, the first tool joint forming a box connection, the second tool joint forming a pin co