Abstract: In order to easily automate the coupling work of a pipe and a hose without damaging the mechanical strength of the structure, a hose with a coupling portion includes a nipple, a hose inserted into the end portion of the nipple, and a resin covering portion integrally covering the coupled portion of the hose and the pipe, the hose being previously configured to include a general part having an inner diameter equal to that of the nipple, a first enlarged part having a diameter enlarged at the fore end of the general part, the inner diameter of the enlarged part being smaller than the outer diameter of the nipple, and a second enlarged part having an inner diameter which gradually increases starting from the fore end of the first enlarged part and becoming larger than the outer diameter of the nipple, the first and second enlarged parts being applied to the nipple.

Abstract: A flexible pipe connector is disclosed for connecting to a hard plastic pipe. The flexible pipe connector, preferably made of polyethylene, has a tubing member which defines a cylindrical wall with inner and outer surfaces, the cylindrical wall having a male end which has a plurality of undercuts formed on the outer surface. The male end with the undercuts is inserted into the female end of a hard plastic pipe with a solvent weld glue applied at the inner surface thereof. The solvent weld glue liquifies the inner surface of the pipe's female end to form a liquified layer of hard plastic which is received in the male end's undercuts and then hardens into a reconfigured solid layer. In this manner, the flexible pipe connector, which is inert and normally cannot be attached with glue to a hard plastic pipe, can be sealably secured to a hard plastic pipe as the liquified layer solidifies within the undercuts to prevent separation of the pipe connector and the hard plastic pipe and to provide a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible pipe connector is disclosed having two female ends, each for receiving a length of corrugated pipe and creating a gravity flow water-tight seal between the two lengths of corrugated pipe. The flexible pipe connector is made of flexible, stretchable plastic material, with each female end having a receiving length with a mouth at a first end thereof and a stopping flange at a second end thereof. Each female receiving end is constructed to stretch radially outward along a substantial length of the corrugated pipe which is inserted into the mouth and receiving length, such that the receiving length exerts radially inward compressive forces against the outer diameter of the corrugated pipe effectuating a gravity flow water-tight seal. The invention also includes a male-to-female form of connector having a female end and a male end, which coupler is adapted to be used to connect a corrugated pipe to a flexible seal member of a drop box and is able to receive a speed leveling device.

Abstract: An end fitting for a composite tube used in high pressure hydraulic systems. The tube includes a composite matrix wrapped around a metal liner. The fitting includes an inner sleeve having a plurality of holes with pins therein extending into the matrix for securing the sleeve to the matrix. An outer sleeve fitting over the inner sleeve retains the pins within the holes, and the inner sleeve prevents the outer sleeve from sliding off the end of the tubing. A forward inner sleeve or ring encloses the end of the matrix and is also surrounded by the outer sleeve. A nut is retained on the outer sleeve for joining to a connector having an end surface which mates with the end of the liner flared against the end ring.

Abstract: A coupling assembly entirely formed from plastics material is provided for selectively connecting and disconnecting first and second fluid lines. A male coupling member includes an external groove that receives a radially inward extending shoulder of the sleeve. An external groove on a female coupling member is selectively engaged by latching tabs extending radially inward from the sleeve. The latching tabs are selectively pivoted radially outward through depression of release buttons. The pivoting action of the latching members is defined along a central portion in which circumferential strips undergo a twisting action. A ring may also be provided as an accessory to the coupling assembly for selectively maintaining the male and female members in coupled relation. The ring is adapted for movement between first and second positions. In the first position, movement of the latching tabs is prohibited by the ring. In the second position, the ring does not interfere with the movement of the latching tabs.

Abstract: A coupler (A) defines a bell (C) having a cylindrical wall (40) of substantially the same inner diameter as an outer diameter of peaks (22) of a length of corrugated tubing (B). The corrugated tubing includes a gasket (30) received in a valley (24) near one end thereof. The gasket includes a flange portion (32) which is compressed into the valley by the side wall (40) as the end of the tubing is slid into the coupler (A). The coupler includes an annular groove (44) which is in alignment with the gasket when the inner end of the tubing engages a stop (10). The flange is resiliently biased outward into groove (44) where an outward facing groove engaging surface (46) of the gasket engages an inward facing gasket engaging surface (48) of the groove. The gasket may include a stiffer higher durometer rubber portion (52) for biasing the flange more stiffly into the groove and to transfer axial load to the bell more stiffly.

Abstract: A quick connect device for coupling a vent or exhaust hose to the exhaust pipe of a clothes dryer or the like, the device having a tubular member of unitary construction with a first, female end portion and a second, male end portion; the first portion including magnetic material for magnetically engaging with a exhaust pipe of dryer, the second portion threadably engaged with an exhaust hose.

Abstract: A drain hose assembly for an automatic washer comprising a flexible corrugated plastic hose having an end inter-connectable with the automatic washer and a second barbed connection end insertable into a tubular elastomeric connection member such that a rotatable sealable connection is provided between the barbed connection end and the tubular elastomeric connection member. A flexible corrugated plastic extension member may be provided having the tubular elastomeric connection member integrally molded onto one end. The extension member may have, at the end opposite the elastomer connection member, a barbed connection end for further interconnections. The extension member may therefore, be sealably and rotatably connected to the drain hose for adding length. An elastomeric tubular nozzle formed into an approximate 180.degree. arc and having an enlarged end including the formed elastomeric connection member may be provided for providing a discharge end to the drain hose assembly.

Abstract: A safety shield for capturing corrosive fluids escaping from a joint formed in a piping system consists of first and second shroud members releasably joined to form an enclosured chamber in assembled position about the pipe joint. The chamber includes at least one aperture which is sized and shaped to form a vapor-tight seal around the pipe. Preferably, the safety shield includes an outlet for discharging any fluid which may accumulate in the chamber. Optionally, devices may be attached in communication with the interior of the chamber for determining the physical conditions therein.

Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling is provided for use with a fuel tank having an outwardly extending tubular and cylindrical nipple and which the nipple has a radially inwardly extending recess at a position spaced from its outer end. The coupling includes a tubular and cylindrical body which is open at each end and which is dimensioned to slidably extend over the nipple to a connected position. The body includes a plurality of elongated and circumferentially spaced slots formed radially through the body and these slots register with the nipple recess when the body is in its connected position. An elongated arcuate retainer is positioned within each slot and is radially movable between an inner locked position in which a portion of the retainer is positioned in the nipple recess, and an outer unlocked position in which the retainers are positioned outside the nipple recess thereby allowing the body to move axially with respect to the fuel tank nipple.

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: A shrouded tubing interface for quickly connecting, disconnecting and avoiding contamination of first and second fluid flow lines comprising male and female connectors, each of which are connected to a respective one of the fluid flow lines. The male connector includes a first tubular portion defining a distal tip and a tapered outer surface, while the female connector includes a second tubular portion having a distal tip and a tapered inner surface. The tapered surfaces of the first and second tubular portions are mutually tapered such that the first and second tubular portions are axially interfittable. The male and female connectors further include first and second tubular skirt portions, respectively, associated with and extending about the respective tubular portions which are adapted to prevent contact to respective ones of the distal ends, and are further positioned to radially and axially overlap when the tubular portions are brought into interfitting engagement at the tapering surfaces.

Abstract: A plumbing and heating pipe system for water supply purposes, made either completely or mainly of plastic material, especially of polypropylene, said system being provided with metallic connecting sleeves as well as reducers for connecting the plastic pipes to fittings of metallic materials, and being provided with shut-off valves made of plastic material and having a plastic-encased metallic valve seat for mounting in pipe lines, and being provided with pressure-type screw connections for the pipes to be joined to each other and with reducers for connection to radiators, wherein a welding device having an arrangement for equalizing the lengths of the plastic pipes is used to weld parallel plastic pipes.

Abstract: A narrow, thin, metal strip is arranged around the periphery of the end portion of at least one of two pipes arranged in axial alignment for forming a coupled joint. The adjacent pipe end portions are provided with circumferential grooves. A coupling surrounds the end portions of the pipes and has radially inwardly extending keys for fitting into the grooves in the pipes. The strip has a groove formation for fitting into and lining the groove formed in the end of the pipe upon which it is arranged. The localized pressure of the key fitted into the strip groove is dispersed through the strip into the adjacent pipe areas which the strip overlies to protect the pipe groove walls and base and the pipe-end portions from being damaged by engagement with the coupling key. The strip permits coupling a pair of relatively easily damaged plastic pipes or coupling a plastic pipe and a stronger metal pipe by resisting damage to plastic pipes caused by coupling key pressure.

Abstract: A base member has an elongate bore, a base end, a distal end, an elongate inner sleeve extending from the base end to the distal end, a generally frusto-conical outer surface having a larger diameter adjacent to the base end and a reduced diameter at the distal end, and a radially extending flange attached to the base end of the inner sleeve. The outer surface of the inner sleeve has axially spaced protrusions positioned along its length. An outer sleeve extends around the inner sleeve, has an annular base portion positioned axially adjacent to the flange, and a plurality of finger portions attached to the base portion and distributed in mutually opposing relationship circumferentially about the inner sleeve and extending from adjacent to the base end of the inner sleeve to the distal end of the inner sleeve. The finger portions are movable radially relative to the inner sleeve and have frusto-conical inner surfaces generally conforming to the outer surface of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A security seal device is shown formed of plastic material generally in the shape of two hollow half cylinders connected together by a longitudinally extending living hinge and having apertured end faces. Spaced, opposed lips are formed in laterally extending shelves attached to each half and a locking pin is received between the lips and projections formed in the pin received in detents formed in the lips to lock the two halves together. The device is used by placing a joint formed between first and second members within one of the halves with the first and second members placed through respective end face apertures. The other half is then pivoted to close the cylinder and the locking pin is inserted. The device can then be reopened only through physical damage by breaking the seal.

Abstract: A connection assembly for vehicle engine coolant circuits, wherein a tubular element is connected to a branch pipe via snap-on connecting means and fluidtight sealing means located between the tubular element and the branch pipe and supported on respective tubular bodies. The snap-on connecting means comprise two projecting portions supported on diametrically-opposed appendixes on the first tubular body, and designed to fit partially inside a respective annular groove formed on the other tubular body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air manifold having a plurality of apertures communicating with each other interiorally of the air manifold, wherein one of the apertures is adapted to communicate with a compressed air source, and the other apertures are adapted to selectively receive either closing means for maintaining the compressed air source interiorally of the manifold or compressed air conduits for communication with the compressed air source.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting together porous and non-porous irrigation tubing, threaded garden hose, and pipe with conventional pipe thread. Some openings in the fitting have both exterior male threads to engage the hose and interior compression rings to engage the tubing. Another opening in the fitting is provided with pipe threads to allow connection to ordinary threaded risers used in underground distribution systems.

Abstract: The system is used for connecting sections of plastic tubing which form a sampling pipe for a well, in which a nose of one tube engages a sleeve on the neighboring tube. The system is an improvement to the tangential-key type of tube jointing system, where a flexible key passes through a key-hole in the sleeve, and around the circumference of the key-groove. The now system includes a rectangular key in place of the usual round key. Also shown is an O-ring seal, which resides in a seal-groove cut in the nose, outboard of the key-groove.

Abstract: A water injector system is provided for inter-connecting a water hose to a fill opening in the wall of a dishwasher tub. The injector includes an elongated body having a water ingress opening at the upper end and a water egress opening at the bottom end. A coupler having a plurality of lugs is provided at the lower end of the body and is adapted to cooperate with notches surrounding the fill opening of the dishwasher tub for connecting the injector to the tub and for holding the egress opening in communication with the fill opening of the tub. A ferrule is integrally provided on the upper end of the body for connection to a water hose to provide fluid communication from the hose through the injector into the fill opening of the water tub.

Abstract: A double air duct boot which includes a pair of identical opposed severable parts, joined through a central section. The two parts are geometrically symmetrical about the central section which joins the two parts. The central section includes a pair of identical halves joined at a central plane. The central section includes a pair of opposed segments of a cylinder constituting spaced, arcuate opposed side walls and a pair of opposed transverse walls joining the opposed arcuate side walls and lying in parallel planes. The central section is completed by a pair of elongated parallel end walls which extend perpendicular to the transverse walls to complete the closure of the central section. Each of the opposed severable parts includes a tapered riser section joined to the central section through an intermediate, optionally usable, arcuate duct mating section.

Abstract: A filament wound pipe for conveying fluids, said pipe having a central longitudinal axis which extends along a length of said pipe which includes at least an end thereof that is for connecting said pipe to another body, said pipe comprising a filament wound axial section, two ramp sections and at least one end section wherein said ramp section is between said axial and said end sections along said central longitudinal axis, and wherein said end section is internally threaded; and wherein said filaments extend from said axial section through said ramp section to a first, to a second and to other locations in one of said end sections and wherein from said ramp section to an end of said end section remote from said ramp section inner dimensions increase along said central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hose coupling wherein a sleeve is made of one piece with axially parallel elastic arms engageable with an external rib of a pipe which is inserted into one end portion of the sleeve. The other end portion of the sleeve is sealingly connected with and surrounds an end of a hose, and the sleeve is surrounded by a turnable or axially movable locking ring having prongs which are caused to bear against the adjacent arms so that the arms are urged against the rib. The sleeve has one or more elastic tongues which can snap behind the adjacent portion or portions of the locking ring to hold the ring in the operative position and to indicate that the ring is maintained in the operative position. The arms have internal grooves for reception of adjacent portions of the rib.

Abstract: A double-wall composite pipe comprises a permeable annulus structure separating impermeable inner and outer walls. The permeable annulus structure has micro-fractures formed therein that function to reduce the flow rate and pressure of fluids leaking through the inner wall to thus inhibit fluid leakage. The annulus structure resists the stresses produced by internal fluid pressures and other service loads. The inner and outer walls will remain permanently impermeable while the pipe annulus structure undergoes stress-induced dimensional changes. A coupler assembly mechanically connects each longitudinally adjacent pair of pipes together and comprises two semi-cylindrical half-couplers, a compressible seal ring, a cylindrical retaining sleeve, and a flexible boot that encloses and seals the assembled half-couplers. A leak detecting sensor may be located at the coupler assembly. A preferred method and apparatus for making the pipe and coupler assembly are also taught.

Abstract: A structural member comprising a main body molded of synthetic resin, an insert portion molded from a engineering plastic having better functional properties at least in respect of strength than those of an ordinary synthetic resin and a metallic reinforcement ring entirely embedded in the structural member between the main body and the insert portion is disclosed. The foremost end part of another member is threadly engaged with a plurality of female threads around the inner surface of the insert portion or press fitted into the insert portion.

Abstract: A plastic pipe seal for dual wall plastic pipe includes a plastic single piece or multi-piece fitting formed of rigid plastic sheet. At each inlet to the fitting, two formed grooves are radial to the line of flow through the fitting. The groove closest to the fitting inlet mates with a corresponding groove on the pipe, which groove receives a mechanical retainer. A second radial groove spaced from the retaining groove holds a gasket sealing device which provides a seal between the inside of the fitting and the outside diameter of the pipe. The retainer can be an extruded or molded plastic or metal spring cut to appropriate size, or a dual durometer structure, which allows for compression to a solid retainer.

Abstract: A squeeze-to-release quick connector for engaging a flanged male member includes a cylindrical body portion which is open at one end for receiving the male member and forms a conduit receiving adapter at its opposite end. An annular retainer ring is axially spaced from the open end and is attached to the body portion by two circumferentially opposed, generally parallel axially elongated beam members. Each beam member is affixed at one end to the retaining ring and at an opposed end to a mount located on the body portion axially spaced from the open end. Two circumferentially spaced detents extend inwardly from a retaining ring to capture the male abutment surface to effect positive engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced plastic pipe with a male-threaded and/or female-threaded end joint section having improved axial strength and thread contour, exhibiting a high degree of seal tightness, and withstanding a high internal pressure. The female threads comprise a first resin layer, a second fiber-reinforced resin layer having continuous filaments extending at an angle of 0.degree..+-.15.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a third fiber-reinforced resin layer having continuous filaments extending at an angle of .+-.85.degree. to 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis. The male threads comprise short fibers flocked in the radial direction on a fiber-reinforced plastic substrate layer and impregnated with a resin.

Abstract: Irrigation apparatus comprising, in combination, a main water feed pipe made of elastically deformable material and at least one branch including a needle having a sharp end and sufficiently stiff to be capable of being connected to the main pipe by being forced through the wall thereof, wherein a portion of the inside surface of the wall of the main pipe includes an extra thickness of a resiliently deformable rubber material of hardness which is much less than that of the material constituting the wall of the pipe and which is suitable for sealing orifices formed through its bulk.

Abstract: A leak-resistant connection between two generally tubular members in which second tubular member is telescopically received in a first generally tubular member. There is at least one integral continuous annular stricture formed in the lumen of the first tubular member for engaging and sealing with the second tubular member. A second, integral stricture of larger profile may be provided as a stop to abut the end of the second tubular member. A method of making the connection is also disclosed. The method includes the step of forming the strictures in the tubular member by inserting a grooved mandril into the lumen of the tubular member and heating and applying pressure to the tubular member to form the strictures in the grooves in the mandril. The tubular member can be conveniently heated with RF energy applied through the mandril.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the combination of a pair of aligned tubular members joined in end-to-end relationship by an internal expansion coupling device, where such coupling device offers thrust restraint to the combination. Each of the tubular members is characterized by the end thereof having one or more circumferentially disposed recesses about its wall. The coupling device, which cooperates with said recesses comprises an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed from at least one relatively rigid, rectangular sheet-like member, where said member is defined by a pair of opposing sheet ends with a pair of opposing sheet sides. The sheet ends thereof overlap such that the end portions lie contiguous with each other.

Abstract: A washing machine drain hose connector for coupling the discharge hose pipe to a sewer drain pipe is made of pliable, elastomeric material. The connector shape is a staggered, coaxial series of cylindrical sleeve sections connected end to end by integrally molded annular shoulders. The cylindrical sleeve radii increase progressively along the sequence of joined sleeve section. A largest sleeve section is folded back over the next-to-largest sleeve section to frictionally grip the drain pipe on both its inside and outside surfaces. The smaller sleeve sections grip various standard sizes of washing machine discharge hose pipes inserted into the drain pipe. All sleeve sections are sized to interfere, so that they are stretched around the pipes and exert friction forces to hold the pipes in coupled relation. To increase the frictional holding force, the sleeve sections (except the largest) are all at least as long as the sleeve radius, the sleeve walls are smooth (i.e.

Abstract: A composite fiberglass tubular coupling comprising an elastically deformable liner. The interior surface of the liner is threaded inwardly from each opposite end. A plurality of buttress ridges are located on the exterior surface of the liner and the exterior surface of the liner is overwound with thermoset resin impregnated fiberglass reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A method of connecting pipes of plastics material of a double pipe system and a pipe connection made by the method. The inner pipes of the pipe system are connected to each other with a sleeve member by welding or gluing. Clamping jaws are used for holding and moving the inner pipes toward each other. The outer pipes are shorter than the inner pipes at least by the thickness of the two clamping jaws. For bridging the gap between the outer pipes, an expandable intermediate ring is inserted in the gap. An electric welding sleeve is used for connecting the outer pipes and the intermediate ring.

Abstract: Improved male/female hose couplings for opposite ends of a hose are disclosed. Each of the couplings is injection molded from a strong plastic material such as polyvinylchloride, and includes coupling member having internal projecting and external coupling portions. The internal projection portion is diametrically sized for insertion into the hose bore and is chemically bonded to the hose. The external coupling portion of the male coupler is externally threaded. The female portion is internally threaded and also includes radially extending tabs to facilitate rotation. A strain relief device in the form of an extruded coil spring extends from the coupling and encircles the hose end, protecting the hose from fracture by repeated bending. In an alternative embodiment, the strain relief device takes the form of a thickened sleeve of softer material such as a plasticized vinyl, and is formed with a plurality of radially extending disks that limit the degree of bending movement of the hose end.

Abstract: A flexible hose mending apparatus including an adaptor portion and a clamping portion having cooperating engagement structure. The engagement structure preferably includes an outwardly projecting flange provided on an end of the adaptor portion adapted for insertion into the flexible hose and inwardly projecting ribs provided on notched areas of shell sections of the clamping portion. The flange and the ribs serve to retain the clamping portion on the adaptor portion when the adaptor portion is detached from the flexible hose and also to localize the clamping force applied to the flexible hose by the clamping portion when the adaptor portion is inserted therein.

Abstract: A method an apparatus are shown for forming a flange on an end of a plastic pipe liner of the type used to line a tubular member. A reinforced disc having a rigid portion and an elastomeric portion is placed about the liner exterior and moved into position flush with the flanged end of the tubular member. A retaining ring is placed about the reinforced disc and the disc and liner exposed end are heated to render the materials malleable. A forming unit is then used to apply force to the liner to flow the liner into a reformed shape having a greater external diameter than the remainder of the liner. The forming operation also bonds the reinforced disc to the reformed liner end to further resist any tendency of the liner end to be retracted into the interior of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bundle-like pipe unit using a blow molding machine having a plurality of heads feeding parisons into a molding die comprises the steps of forming a plurality of hollows independent from each other in the molding die, forming one or more channels connecting the hollows to each other laterally, feeding the parisons into the hollows from the respective heads of the blow molding machine, and blowing air into the parisons in a manner such that a plurality of independent pipes are molded in the respective hollows and the pipes are joined with each other at the lateral walls thereof by the parisons which are forced into the channels upon air blowing. Suction forces are preferably applied on the parisons when the parisons are fed into the hollows of the molding die. The pipe unit thusly fabricated is light in weight and possesses flexibility as well as anti-corrosion properties due to the characteristics of the parisons.

Abstract: A sleeve for clamping and connecting items to be clamped or connected includes a plurality of windings of heat shrinkable material bound into a sleeve which is placed over the item to be clamped or items to be connected. The heat shrinkable material in the sleeve is secured in such a way that upon application of heat to the sleeve, the heat shrinkable windings will shrink and exert inward compressive pressure about the inner surface of the sleeve and thereby about the item to be clamped or the items to be connected. When desired for clamping a tubular item, the clamp can be incorporated as part of the tubualr item by incorporating the windings of heat shrinkable material into the end of the tubular item. The method of clamping of the invention includes the steps of positioning a tubular item over the item to which it is to be clamped and then placing a pluraltiy of windings of a heat shrinkable material about the tubular item where it surrounds the item to which it is to be clamped.

Abstract: An electro-fusion pipe coupler includes an outer shell and an electric resistance heating coil secured therein by an intervening layer of injection moulded thermoplastic material. The coupler is made by winding the wire onto a core which consists of two separable parts, inserting the core into the tubular shell, attaching contacts to the wire ends and inserting them into holes provided in the shell, and injecting molten material into the space defined between the core and the shell to form the layer. For injecting the material the core parts define radial runners therebetween connected to a central sprue inlet and opening at respective outlets spaced around the core.

Abstract: An adjustable pipe bend which has at least two parts joined by flanges (10, 10a) which incorporate an electrical fusion element in the form of a plastic annular disc (15) with a heater wire (16) located at or adjacent both surfaces of the disc.A number of embodiments of the invention illustrate different adjustable bends, the arrangement being that the bend is adjusted to a required position and then the heater wire has a voltage applied to it to produce a heating current which causes the plastic annular disc and adjacent plastic faces of the flanges to melt sufficiently to cause fusion between the two parts of the pipe.

Abstract: In a pipe joint made of resin in accordance with the present invention, a primary sealing is formed between an inner ring pressingly inserted into an insertion portion of a pipe at its one end to increase the diameter thereof, and the joint body into which the insertion portion of the pipe increased in diameter, is being inserted. When the threaded connection of a pushing ring to the joint body is advanced, a sealing force is applied to the primary sealing. The inner ring has an inner diameter equal to that of the joint body and that of the pipe, assuring a smooth movement of a fluid in the pipe without the fluid remaining at the joint.

Abstract: A connector for corrugated pipes or rods includes a housing (2) having an open end (3) for insertion of a pipe or rod into a bore (5). A pair of resilient locking members or fingers (9) are formed in the housing wall and include projections (10) which extend into the bore (5). The projections are so shaped as to lock into a single valley of the pipe or rod corrugations to prevent withdrawal of the pipe or rod. Also disclosed are methods of molding the connector in which the fingers (9) are held and/or forced outwardly from the mold during withdrawal of a central core which forms the bore (5) to avoid damage to the fingers by the core.

Abstract: An improved method for installing lawn sprinkler systems wherein a flexible interconnection line is inserted between the sprinkler head and the water supply line. The flexible interconnection line is preformed having a bend at each end thereof, the bends being orthogonal to each other and to the axis of the interconnection here. This arrangement of bends at the end of a flexible section permits the flexible section to be maintained in close parallel relationship to the water supply line to minimize the width of the trench which must be dug for emplacement of the water supply line beneath the surface of the ground. The preformed interconnection line is also provided with preformed threads at the end so that threaded coupling may be readily made to the water supply line as well as the sprinkler head. This arrangement of threaded coupling permits ready replacement of parts should damage ever occur in the line.

Abstract: A plastic socket pipe joint comprising a cylindrical plastic socket pipe joint body, an electric heating wire buried in the cylindrical inner surface of the plastic socket pipe joint body, and two connector pins embedded in the plastic socket pipe joint body. The lower ends of the connector pins are connected to both ends of the electric heating wire and the upper ends thereof protrude from the cylindrical outer surface of the plastic socket pipe joint body. Two recesses are formed in the plastic socket pipe joint body near the connector pins for receiving respective thermocouples. The plastic pipe joint is welded to a plastic pipe by applying current to the electric wire. The temperature of the plastic pipe joint is measured with the thermocouples so that when the temperature drops to a predetermined value, the application of current is suspended.

Abstract: An assembly for joining a section of pipe to a pipe fitting in which the pipe may be inserted into the fitting. The open face of the fitting has several J-shaped locks around its periphery into which locking lugs on a locking clamp may be inserted. The locking clamp includes a first and second locking clamp element each one being an annular one-half ring with a prong at one end and a cavity at the other to form a ring. The locking lug is on each such element and is adapted to fit into the J-shaped lock on the pipe fitting. The inner surface of the annular ring is provided with blades for embedment into the outside wall of the pipe as the two half rings are pulled together by tightening the bolts.

Abstract: A quick coupling for plastic pipe in which the ends of each plastic pipe are fitted with a metallic sleeve. The metallic sleeve is contoured with a hollow boss at one end and spaced apart from the boss is a radially extending circular groove. The metallic sleeve may be counterbored. The metallic sleeve may be embedded in the plastic pipe end by various heat forming techniques. Further, the plastic pipe may be internally threaded. Then a hollow plug of the same plastic as the pipe with external threads at one end is contoured to form a collar with the face of the unthreaded end. The collar is recessed to receive the boss. The metallic sleeve is fitted over the threads and seated with the boss in the recess of the collar. The plastic plug is then threadably engaged in the end of the plastic pipe and sealed with an o-ring. Two pipes, each having a metallic sleeve thereon, when aligned are coupled together by a mechanical clamp having keys which fit the circular groove of each pipe.

Abstract: A one piece molded combination retaining housing and tee, and a one piece molded combination retaining housing and 90.degree. elbow, for new installations of lawn watering systems, and a separate retaining housing for use with conventional tees and 90.degree. elbows in existing or new installations of lawn watering systems, to eliminate foreign matter from entering into the underground water piping system when a pop-up head is removed for repair or replacement. Adapters, to increase the height of the retaining housings, and retaining housing caps to allow standardization of the retaining housings of these three parts are also a part of the invention. All parts would be made of PVC today, but the material would not be limited to PVC.

Abstract: A refractory pipeline having ceramic pipe sections with joints therebetween located at areas where in which there are the greatest temperature differences in the pipeline. Adjacent pipe sections are connected together by shoulders at the ends of each such section, the shoulder of one pipe section being radially outside the shoulder of an adjacent section. A further pipe section is pushed over the joint so as to form a gastight seal by defining a space in communication with a borehole through the one shoulder and a peripheral groove in the other shoulder. A pressure cushion is provided in the space by applying a barrier medium under pressure to the space and thereby through the borehole to the peripheral groove.