Abstract: A heat accumulator comprises an interior envelope containing an accumulator core, an exterior envelope surrounding the interior envelope at a distance therefrom so as to form an insulating chamber, two lines extending through the insulating chamber and including an inflow line and an outflow line for a heat conveying medium, each of the lines having a line section extending in the insulating chamber, the line sections being formed of a metal having low heat conducting capability.

Abstract: A device for jointing feeding hose appropriate to such a case as jointing a feeding hose made of synthetic resin to a part-feeding metallic pipe, in which a guiding base plate (20) in the shape of a single plate is connected to a part-feeding pipe (5) and said guiding base plate (20) is provided with a cylindrical holding part (23) for receiving a feeding hose (12) as a mating member so that a fixing piece (25) of the feeding hose is fixed to the guiding base plate (20) in a position spaced from said cylindrical holding part (23).

Abstract: A strain relief for electrical fittings includes a body portion having a pair of ends, the first end for attachment to a connector, and the second end having a worm drive clamp for releasable clamping upon a cable. The strain relief may include a flexible boot to provide a sealing function, or a flexible tube of braided shielding wire to provide EMI shielding.

Abstract: Mechanical pipe connections are provided by this invention which include an interlocking system between two pipes to be connected within a tubular fitting member. The interlocking system includes male and female portions which mechanically mesh together to form binding contact between the pipes to reduce the individual rotation of the pipes relative to one another.

Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting adjacent ends of spiral corrugated pipe includes a generally cylindrically shaped body having generally tubular ends extending axially outwardly from a circumferential stop. One of the tubular ends defines a substantially continuous spiral or thread which is adapted to threadably connect to one of the adjacent ends of spiral corrugated pipe. The other tubular end of the coupling defines a sleeve which is adapted to slidably receive the other of the adjacent ends of spiral corrugated pipe within the sleeve to thereby interconnect the adjacent ends of pipe. Gaskets may be provided within the coupling to further reduce infiltration or exfiltration at the coupling. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling includes a generally cylindrically shaped body having generally tubular ends which each define a substantially continuous spiral or thread. The tubular ends are adapted to be threadably connected to adjacent ends of corrugated spiral pipe to form an interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: A connector for a rigid electrical conduit has an internal cylindrical socket sized to snugly receive the end of the conduit. A spring leaf detent is externally mounted on the connector body, with a free end of the leaf extending through a slot in the connector body side wall. Inserting a conduit into the socket deflects the spring leaf away from the socket axis, thereby generating a resilient stress in the leaf that enables the free end of the leaf to exert a gripping action on the conduit. The grip action can be removed by unloosening a screw that is used to mount the leaf spring on the connector body.

Abstract: A protective sleeve includes an outer member and an inner member slidable within the outer member. The outer member has a tubular portion with a first end and a second end, and an attachment assembly is located at the first end of the tubular portion. The outer member further includes a plurality of spring plungers secured to an inner wall of the outer member. The attachment assembly includes a collar and a drip skirt secured to the collar. The attachment assembly is threadedly engaged to the first end of the outer member tubular portion. The inner member includes a first end positioned within the outer member and a second end. At least a portion of the inner member extends from the second end of the outer member. The inner member is movable relative to the outer member. A plurality of spring plungers are secured to an outer wall of the inner member. The spring plungers extend between the outer member and the inner member.

Abstract: A connection of rotationally symmetrical components, in which minimal overturning torques and consequently minimal deformations of the supporting components are generated by generating the smallest, theoretically possible lever arm, on which the forces of the connection to be transmitted act. As a result, a nonpositive and positive-locking connection is obtained, in which the bolts no longer represent the dominantly loaded component. The maintenance and testing of the bolts is considerably reduced in all connections. Optimal flux of forces through the components close to the line of force application is achieved in the case of the tensioning of large rolling bearings. The requirements in terms of concentration of the contact pressure of the bearing tensioning in the vicinity of the line of force application are satisfied. In the case of a flange connection, optimal conditions are provided for tightness, besides a more economical manufacture, compared with the prior-art designs.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for fluidically interconnecting first and second piping runs and includes a body with first and second end sections each forming a respective receiver for receiving a piping run end. A body transition section is provided for interconnecting the first and second sections. A retainer assembly includes a retainer strap which can mount annular clamps on one or both of its ends for attaching the piping runs to the adapter. The body sections include notches or crimps which facilitate effective connections between the piping ends and the body sections.

Abstract: A reinforcement insert for use in a coupling components in marine exhaust systems. The insert is generally made of a much stronger material than fiberglass and is inserted within corresponding openings of exhaust system components which are to be coupled. Thereafter, a sleeve and pipe clamps are secured to the exhaust system components and tightened thereon. The inserts prevent fracturing of the coupling area between the exhaust system components and thereby prevent dangerous leakage conditions which could otherwise result in the sinking of a vessel or other undesirable consequences.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a coupling body 50 and swage ring 52 for urging over the coupling body 50 in order to secure pipes 108 together. The coupling body 50 includes a first main sealing tooth 50 and a second outboard sealing tooth 56. The swage ring 52 includes a kickdown device 101 which restores a loading force between the first main sealing tooth 50 and the pipe 108, which loading force may have been reduced due to sequential tooth engagement and pipe radial deformation.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy pipe coupling in the present invention for joining two pipes, the pipe coupling comprising a tube of a shape memory alloy, and a cover of stainless steel having a sufficient thickness and having high corrosion resistance for covering the tube. The shape memory alloy is enclosed by the cover of high corrosion-resistant stainless steel, by which high-temperature water can be prevented from making the shape memory alloy brittle and from corroding and damaging the shape memory alloy particularly through galvanic corrosion even in the case where such high-temperature water exists in the inside or outside of the pipes.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is defined by a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof to a medical device. The stem has a plurality of comparably configured engagement barbs encircling and radially, outwardly extending on an exterior surface of the stem. A locking barb also encircles and radially, outwardly extends on the surface of the stem between the medical device and the engagement barbs. A rigid first locking sleeve is provided for inwardly compressing a portion of a body wall of a silicone catheter against the locking barb on the stem when the stem is received in the lumen of the silicone catheter to create a mechanical joinder and liquid-tight seal between the silicone catheter and the stem. In the alternative, a compression sleeve housed within a rigid second locking sleeve is provided for compressing a body wall of a polyurethane catheter against the engagement barbs on the stem to create a mechanical joinder and liquid-tight seal between the polyurethane catheter and the stem.

Abstract: Method for increasing the distance between two faces, inserting into a space between the two faces a diaphragm power jack, the shape of which being adapted to the shape of the space, the diaphragm power jack comprising two abutting sheets being sealingly bonded along the entire circumference, a pipe penetrating the bonded, injecting a pressurized fluid through the pipe to the interface between the two sheets thereby forcing the sheets apart whereby substantially all the energy from the pressurized fluid being converted to forces perpendicularly to the sheets.

Abstract: A heater used on a body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface has a heatable generally cylindrical sleeve fittable over the body and having one end formed with a screwthread and a ring threadable into the screwthread locks the sleeve on the body. More particularly the ring is also formed with a screwthread complementary to the body screwthread and both screwthreads are tapered. This ring is split along its full length so that when the ring is screwed into the body it is compressed radially of a central axis of the body.

Abstract: A connector for a rigid electrical conduit has an internal cylindrical socket sized to snugly receive the end of the conduit. A spring leaf detent is externally mounted on the connector body, with a free end of the leaf extending through a slot in the connector body side wall. Inserting a conduit into the socket deflects the spring leaf away from the socket axis, thereby generating a resilient stress in the leaf that enables the free end of the leaf to exert a gripping action on the conduit. The grip action can be removed by unloosening a screw that is used to mount the leaf spring on the connector body.

Abstract: A capillary column connector assembly includes a pair of body members fabricated from a resilient, inert ceramic having high compressive strength. Each body member has an inwardly tapering longitudinal throughbore within which the end of a capillary column can be inserted by press-fitting. A split sleeve holds the two body members in mutually facing alignment with inner end surfaces in compressed mutual contact. The inner end surfaces are slightly radiussed in order to deform upon compression and provide a fluid-tight seal surrounding the junction between the inner ends of the longitudinal bores, thereby eliminating the need for any separate sealing gasket.A mechanical assembly comprising an inner spool, an outer housing, a spring, and a bearing-mounted support provide axial compression forces tending to urge the ceramic body members into mutual facing contact with the radiussed surfaces deformed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression joint for reinforcement and support over bent tubular components. According to the invention, a first sleeve (5) is applied around the bent tubular component, the inner surface (10) of the first sleeve being formed to fit closely around the tube at the point of reinforcement. This sleeve (5) is divided into at least two parts along axial sections and has an outer, substantially rotationally symmetrical surface (11). Around this sleeve (5), a second sleeve (9) with an inner rotationally symmetrical surface is arranged. The outer surface of this second sleeve (9) is adapted to receive a winding (14, 15) comprising several layers of strip or wire of memory metal.

Abstract: A fitting for attachment to a tube by swaging comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a tapered outer surface and an inner surface for receiving the tube. A cylindrical swaging ring having a tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the sleeve such that axial movement of the ring in a forward direction with respect to the sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to swage it to the tube. The swaging ring is locked onto the sleeve both before and after swaging by one or more protrusions on the outer surface of the sleeve which cooperatively engage an annular groove in the swaging ring. The location of the protrusions and groove in relation to the tapered surfaces on the swaging ring and sleeve is especially configured to provide smooth axial loading during swaging and increase tube retention capabilities at the conclusion of the swaging operation.

Abstract: An improved electrical fitting is provided in a first embodiment that is a coupling which consists of a housing to receive in each side a distal end of a length of electrical metallic tubing carrying wiring therein. A pair of hose clamps are each built into the housing at each side, so that the distal end of each length of electrical metallic tubing can be retained thereto. A second embodiment that is a connector which consists of a housing to receive in a first side a distal end of a length of electrical metallic tubing carrying wiring therein. A fastener is for connecting a second side of said housing to an electrical junction on a stud box. A hose clamp is built into the housing at the first side, so that the distal end of the length of electrical metallic tubing can be retained thereto.

Abstract: A friction sealed coupling assembly (10) for connecting sections of pipe (P1, P2) having a connecting sleeve (12) and a pair of opposed draw sleeves (14, 16). The connecting sleeve is formed of a hollow cylinder (24) having a uniform inner diameter (D2) and an outer diameter that decreases from a midpoint (M) toward each open end (26, 28) resulting in diverging external tapers (T1, T2). One of the draw sleeves is placed over each taper of the connecting sleeve, each draw sleeve having a uniform outer diameter and an inner diameter that decreases from the first end to the second end creating an inner taper. The inner wall of each draw sleeve is oppositely tapered to the corresponding connecting sleeve end. Each draw sleeve has a bolting flange formed at one end. Ends of the sections of pipe to be connected are first inserted in each end of the connecting sleeve. The opposed draw sleeves are drawn together by tightening connecting bolts (22) so the sleeves move toward each other.

Abstract: A well tool (e.g. well screen) having a single connector for fluidly connecting the shunt conduits carried by adjacent joints of a well tool to thereby eliminate the need for separate, individual connectors. The single connector is slidably mounted on the central conduit of one of the joints and has a plurality of passages therethrough, each of which is adapted to receive a respective shunt conduit on one of the adjacent joints. After the central conduits of two adjacent joints are coupled together, the single connector is moved whereby the upper ends of the respective shunts on one joint enter the lower ends of the respective passages to thereby fluidly connect the respective shunt conduits. The single connector is then secured in a connected position.

Abstract: A fitting for attachment to a tube by swaging is disclosed. The fitting comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a tapered outer surface and an inner surface for receiving the tube. A cylindrical swaging ring having a tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the sleeve such that axial movement of the ring in a forward direction with respect to the sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to swage it to the tube. The swaging ring is comprised of a lightweight, high strength material, such as a composite material, having high tensile strength in a circumferential direction and a high modulus of elasticity, with relatively low density and low elongation properties. One preferred composite material comprises an epoxy resin matrix and a high strength graphite fiber. The swaging ring is locked onto the sleeve both before and after swaging by one or more protrusions on the outer surface of the sleeve which cooperatively engage an annular groove in the swaging ring.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a unique modular design whereby the steam dispersing structure can be quickly connected and disconnected from the headers. This allows the apparatus to be broken down and assembled on site, which simplifies and reduces the expense of installation.

Abstract: A pair of pipes are joined airtightly and securely through a pipe joint including a cylindrical main body and a pair of contact portions integrally protruded apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the main body on the central inner wall of the main body individually capable of contacting end surfaces of the pipes, and a pair of retaining portions integrally protruded from inside ends of the contact portions along the longitudinal direction of the main body for clamping joining ends of the pipes in conjunction with the main body, by inserting the pair of pipes between the main body of the pipe joint and the pair of retaining portions from both ends of the main body, and upsetting the pipe joint and the pair of pipes until the pair of retaining portions closely contact each other while projecting the central portion of the main body along with joining ends of the pair of pipes in the radial direction so that the joining ends of the pipes clamped between the projected central portion of the main

Abstract: A tube union for coupling the ends of a pair of tubes which are butted together includes a sleeve and two swaging collars about the sleeve without other components. Grooves and lands in the sleeve mate with a tube which is deformed into the grooves as the sleeve is urged inwardly under compression. The rings are urged centrally towards the central position of the sleeve by a tool constituted by two housing members which each have several components. Torsional wrenching of the housing members screws the housing members together, causing the collars to deform the sleeve. Thereafter pins are removed from the one housing members and the wrench from the other. This permits separation of the housing members from the swaging collars. The tool can effect connection or assembly of different elements.

Abstract: A concrete conduit is completely encased within a shell of a plastic resin such as polyethylene. The plastic shell functions to insulate the concrete conduit from mechanical shocks thereby preventing breakage and cracking of the conduit. The shell also effectively provides an impermeable barrier for water vapor and a smooth, relatively frictionless, surface for receiving electric cables, wires and the like. The conduit is made by preforming the shell, for example by rotational molding, and filling the shell with pourable cement through a filler hole in the shell. The filler hole can then be closed with a plug of the resin used to form the shell.

Abstract: A pipe coupling member for coupling together the ends of two pipes has a sleeve portion and a band member. The sleeve portion has an opening that extends between first and second ends. The band member is band shaped and is lcoated or embedded with the wall of the sleeve portion so as to be concentric therewith. The sleeve portion is made of a flexible elastomeric material and the band member is made of either fiber glass or polycarbonate plastic to provide reinforcement. The band member is stiff, yet resilient. The band member is confined to a central portion of the sleeve portion so that the first and second ends are flexible. The coupling member is manufactured using an annular mold. In the production process, the band member is supported and located within the central portion of the mold annulus by plural pins extending from the mold ends in a longitudinal direction. The annulus is then filled with elastomeric material. After molding, the pins are pulled out of the coupling member.

Abstract: A pipe fitting 20 adapted for joining pipe 28, 30 comprises a swage ring 22, 24, 52 with a locking mechanism area 42, 63 which can lockingly engage with either a coupling body 26 and/or a pipe 28, 30, 56 which has a locking mechanism 44, 64 in order to prevent relative motion between the swage ring 22, 24 and the coupling body 26 and/or the swage ring 52 and the pipe 56. Such an arrangement prevents the swage ring 22, 24 from backing off of the fitting 20 should the fitting 20 be subject to flexing due to bending forces.

Abstract: A snap-on tubular coupling for joining tubular conduit members of the type having axially extending grooves for guiding geophysical instruments. The coupling comprises an unthreaded sleeve slotted to provide outwardly deflectable segments at one or both ends to snap onto ends of the conduct members to be joined. An internal circumferential rib on the sleeve engages a circumferential groove on the conduit. A cylindrical key or button on the casing engages a slot in the end of the coupling to ensure that the longitudinal grooves of the conduit members are in alignment.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (100) including a coupling body (104) and a swage ring (102) for urging over the coupling body (104) in order to secure the pipes (122) together. The coupling body (104) includes a main sealing tooth (105) with an outboard isolation tooth arrangement (106). The isolation tooth arrangement (106) includes a plurality of isolation gripping teeth (108) which allows for a reducing gradient of pipe deformation in a direction toward the edge 118 of the coupling body (104) of the pipe fitting (100).

Abstract: A pipe coupling including a coupling body and swage rings for urging over the coupling body in order to secure the pipes together. The coupling body includes a main sealing tooth with an outboard isolation tooth and an inboard tooth located on opposite sides of the main sealing tooth. First and second grooves are defined between the main sealing tooth and the outboard isolation tooth and the inboard tooth, which grooves are of sufficient length and depth so that pipe secured by the coupling is not substantially deformed adjacent the first and second grooves in order to enhance the ability of the main sealing tooth to bite into the pipe in order to provide a hermetic seal and also to increase the resistance of the coupling to tensile loads. The outboard isolation tooth and inboard tooth protect the seal created by the main sealing tooth from external forces caused by bending. The main sealing tooth can include a twin tooth having a parent tooth and one or more sealing teeth extending therefrom.

Abstract: A tube union for coupling the ends of a pair of tubes which are butted together includes a sleeve and two swaging collars about the sleeve without other components. Grooves and lands in the sleeve mate with a tube which is deformed into the grooves as the sleeve is urged inwardly under compression. The rings are urged centrally towards the central position of the sleeve by a tool constituted by two housing members which each have several components. Torsional wrenching of the housing members screws the housing members together, causing the collars to deform the sleeve. Thereafter pins are removed from the one housing members and the wrench from the other. This permits separation of the housing members from the swaging collars. The tool can effect connection or assembly of different elements.

Abstract: A fitting for attachment to a tube by external swaging is disclosed. The fitting includes an outer surface that fits within the dies of a swaging tool, and an inner surface that includes a plurality of axially spaced annular grooves that bite into the tube upon swaging. A reinforcing ring surrounds the outer surface of the fitting in the area of the annular grooves to provide reinforcement. The fitting also has an outer end with a special double tapered configuration such that, after swaging, the tube and inner surface of the fitting in the area of the annular grooves forms a wedge that equally distributes the load and increases the tube retention capability of the fitting. The fitting also includes a tapered shoulder for positioning the fitting within the dies of the swaging tool in a reliable and repeatable manner, and further includes tapered axial grooves on the inner surface of the fitting for preventing torsional movement between the fitting and the tube after swaging.

Abstract: Ground anchors are installed by drive rods or gads connected in end to end relation by sleeves or couplers which accommodate sliding of adjacent rod ends into abutting relation under impact or compression loads and which retain the rods in connected string relation under tension loads. The sleeves have smooth rolled internal rope type threads in their end portions separated by a slide chamber receiving mating threads on end portions of adjacent rods which are threaded through and beyond the internal threads into the slide chamber. The rods slide in the sleeves and ends of adjoining rods will abut under compression loads and separate under tension loads while still being retained in end to end relation. A string of drive rods is successively built up to be impacted successively from ground level.

Abstract: A thread coupling includes at least one male thread and one female tread. The male thread is arranged upon a spigot that constitutes an integral part of one drill string element. The one drill string element is provided with a contact surface spaced from the free end of the spigot. The female thread is a part of a coupling sleeve that is connected to another drill string element. The coupling sleeve is provided with an internal stop surface. The contact surface of the one drill string element contacts a free end of the sleeve, but the free end of the spigot is spaced slightly from the stop surface by a gap which is eventually eliminated after the threads have become worn-in. The gap is greater than zero, but no greater than 1 mm.

Abstract: Carbon or graphite tubes which are mutually connected by bonding are less highly stressable than individual tubes. A sleeve formed of fibers is drawn on to the connection location of the tubes. An intermediate section of the sleeve is firmly connected with the tubes. Foils are introduced between end sections of the sleeve and the tubes. The foils are displaceable in the direction of the tube axes. This structure increases the resistance of the connected tubes to stress. The strength reduction factor of the connection is about 10% as compared to the tubes alone.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant threaded connector for connecting adjacent sections of a tubing string subject to cyclic dynamic stress variations is disclosed. The connector comprises a pin member which is threadedly engageable with a corresponding box member. In its preferred embodiment, the connector is radially preloaded. The connector has tapered threads with a straight load path having substantially no eccentricity. The preferred thread form is a modified buttress thread having a zero (or near zero) degree load flank, a 45 degree stab flank, and a large root radius. Additionally, the thread may include a small stab flank relief to reduce stress concentrations, and a differential between the pitch of the pin threads and the pitch of the box threads to compensate for the Poisson's ratio effect of the radial preload. The connector utilizes an elliptical stress relief groove at the base of the pin threads and elliptical contours on all thickness transitions to reduce peak stresses.

Abstract: A cable conduit for textile machines houses the supply cables, ground plates and motor bars which are connected to the ground plates, for the drive and control of an individual drive of the textile machine. The cable conduit has a housing, a detachable cover provided on the housing, and an intermediate cover connected to the housing. The intermediate cover divides the housing into a partial conduit which is not accessible to the outside adapted to receive the supply cables, and a portion which is covered by the detachable cover and adapted to receive the ground plates and motor bars. Grooves formed in the housing securely receive the ground plates in the portion of housing covered by the detachable cover.

Abstract: A one-piece connector has a stepped bore, a first end to accommodate an outlet pipe of an outlet tap of a urine drainage leg bag, and a second end to accomodate a nozzle on an inlet pipe of an overnight drainage bag.The second end includes a hand-grippable tab with an enlarged free end.The connector is removed from the nozzle by pulling the tab in a direction towards the leg bag. This pulling action on the tab reduces substantially the tension needed to separate the connector from the nozzle.

Abstract: Described herein are composite devices comprising two members. The first member is a heat recoverable driving member and the second is a metallic member associated with the first in such a way that upon heat recovery of the driver, the second member is dimensionally altered to engage a substrate. In one embodiment, useful for example as a composite coupling for joining cylindrical substrates, the driver comprises a tubular heat recoverable compression sleeve having a generally uniform interior surface. In this embodiment, the second member comprises a tubular insert snugly, and concentrically disposed within the sleeve. Although both its interior and exterior surfaces may be uniform, preferably one or both surfaces has a weakened portion to facilitate its deformation or bears integral radial teeth or a combination thereof. Upon heat recovery of the compression sleeve, the insert is compressed about the substrate.In another embodiment, the driver is positioned internally of the second member.

Abstract: A system and method for passing conduit through a wall so as to maintain a firebreak for the wall wherein a coupling having relatively low thermal conductivity properties and relatively high fire resistance properties is mounted in an opening in the wall and secured therein by thermal barrier sealing material and one end of a first conduit is inserted into a first side of the coupling and one end of a second conduit is inserted into a second side of the coupling and wherein the first and second conduits have relatively high thermal conductivity properties and wherein the one ends of the first and second conduits are located and maintained a distance from each other so as to provide a thermal barrier therebetween.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A conduit system for the flow of a fluid medium therethrough wherein the system is made up of a plurality of elongated conduit segments connected by means of fittings, such as straight connectors, elbows, T's or the like. The conduit segments are composed of opaque material and the fittings are composed of transparent material.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A current-carrying screw connection between two tubular conductors located in a high-voltage switching installation having a metal encapsulation and insulated with compressed gas comprises radially oriented screws and a tubular shield, the screw heads being disposed inside the wall of the shield. The shield extends in a longitudinal direction over the ends of the two conductors and covers the butt joint between them. The shield is connected to each conductor via screws which are disposed within a region having a maximum circumferential extent of 180.degree..

Abstract: A blast pipe (2) primarily intended for introducing gas, such as oxygen gas, into molten metal in metallurgical processes, such as steel manufacturing processes, including a pipe element (1) made preferably of steel and coated at least externally with at least one protective layer (3). The blast pipe (2) is particularly characterized by the fact that the pipe element (1) is provided with an external, preferably high compact layer (3,4) which mainly comprises organic fibres, preferably wood fibres in the form of paper, and by the fact that the fibre layer (3,4) is preferably completely or partially impregnated with a refractory substance.

Abstract: A coupler for interconnecting in fluid communication a pair of axially aligned flexible pipe ends, employs a tubular member for insertion between two sections of drainpipe to be coupled. A first thread is included on a first end portion of the tubular member for threaded engagement of a first one of the two sections of drainpipe, along with a second thread on a second end portion for threaded engagement of the second section. An integrally formed annular flanges in one form of the invention serves as a grip with which to manually screw the tubular member onto the drainpipe, while a cutback portion on the flange prevents misalignment of the coupled sections at the coupling when placed upon the ground. Tapered end pieces that screw onto each end to accommodate smaller drainpipe are provided in another form, with the threads of the tubular member matching the helically-corrugated plastic casing surface of conventional RV drainpipe.

Abstract: A fitting formed with a circular flange formed coaxially with a spigot which is formed along its length with a series of frusto-conically shaped, axially spaced apart, sealing rings which are formed at their enlarged ends with respective annular holding rings. A metallic stiffener tube is received telescopically in the fitting to provide support against radial inward collapse thereof. The spigot may be formed adjacent the flange with an enlarged in diameter centering shoulder and may be formed at its extremity remote from the flange with a reduced in diameter stress relief nipple. A finishing sleeve is provided for telescopical receipt over a polyethelene pipe fitted over the spigot. Thus the spigot may be inserted into the end of the plastic pipe to expand such pipe to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A clamp which comprises a metal band adapted to be wrapped around a pipe over a suitable gasket. The longitudinal edges of the band are secured to lug bars, one having fingers secured to it and the other having threaded bolts secured to it. The free ends of the bolts are each provided with a nut and washer soldered together to form a nut/washer combination. Each finger is generally U-shaped including a base portion and two leg portions. The bottom edges of the legs adjacent their free ends are welded to a lug bar. The legs converge over a part of their length from a first spacing in the region of the base portion sufficient to accommodate a nut/washer to a second spacing in the region of the lug bar sufficient to accommodate a bolt but not a nut/washer. The top edges of the converging parts of the legs slope outwardly with respect to the bottom edges. The legs have flat ends to accommodate a nut/washer and tabs adjacent the top edges restrain the nut/washer against outward movement while the nut is tightened.