Abstract: An improved locking assembly is disclosed for securing the connection between a push-on fitting having a flared end which is fitted into a cage and surrounded by a garter-type coil spring housed within the cage. The locking assembly includes a generally cylindrical coupling having a knurled outer surface and a single radial slit therein. The coupling includes at least two hinges integrally formed in the outer circumference thereof wherein at least three independent bearing surfaces are formed when the coupling encircles the connection. A multi-step circumferential recess within the coupling is utilized to accommodate variations in the external dimensions of the cage and a circular clamp or single screw are utilized to urge the single radial slit into a mated relationship such that relative axial movement of the cage and push-on fitting is restricted by radial pressure exerted by the coupling.

Abstract: A method of assembling a connection for branched radiator coolant hose in which the hoses to be connected are adhered onto the ends of a T-shaped connector. Then a capsule of rubber is molded around the area of the connection and cured to form a unitary and integral connection.

Abstract: A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith. The female member is hollow and has an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to its axis. There is a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within the annulus and the nozzle has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annulus, thus defining a space therebetween. A hollow portion extends away from the male member and is being substantially coaxial with the nozzle. The male member is generally cylindrical and hollow. It is provided with a collar having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annulus and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle, whereby the collar occupies the space. The male and female members, when connected, form a passage for flow of fluids therethrough.

Abstract: A fitting connection for joining plastic tubing to associated structure comprises a main fitting body having an axially inwardly extending cylindrical chamber with an inner end portion of a diameter d.sub.1 terminating at its innermost end in a radially inward extending wall. The outer end of the chamber opens to the exterior of the body and has an open diameter d.sub.2 which is larger than d.sub.1 with a shoulder at the juncture between the inner and outer end portions of the chamber. Plastic tubing having a circumferential corrugation adjacent an end portion thereof extends axially into the chamber with the innermost end of the tubing abutting the wall. A retaining ring acts to retain the tubing in the fitting body and includes a sleeve received in the outer portion of the chamber with the innermost end of the sleeve in engagement with the shoulder and a plurality of resilient tabs having free ends extending toward the shoulder.

Abstract: Members especially hollow members 10, 12 such as pipes and pipe fittings one member 12 of cross-linked polyethylene say and the other member 10 of medium density polyethylene say are joined by fusion using a butt fusion machine. End surfaces of the members are pressed at higher pressure against a hot plate 18 to upset only the medium density material to form beads 20, 22. No cross-linked material is upset to form beads. The pressure is reduced during a soak stage then the plate is removed and the surfaces are mutually engaged at the higher pressure. The beads formed are adjacent the interface between the members and both beads are offset towards the medium density material, member 10. Careful alignment will avoid faults caused when the beads do not cover exposed parts of end surfaces. Other materials include polypropylene, copolymer or monopolymer types. Natural gas distribution systems can be fabricated using the invention.

Abstract: A technique for forming a pipe flange having radial reinforcement in at least the annular portion of the bolt circle uses a specially woven band of fibers. The woof fibers in the band are longer than the width of the warp fibers so that as the band is wound into the slot of a mandrel, the tails of the woof fibers bend and extend in a radial direction.

Abstract: A plastic pipe fitting for use in an underground water sprinkler system. The fitting design uses multi-thread internal pipe threads on various types of fittings such as elbows, T's, side outlet 90.degree. fittings and side outlet T's among other types. The multi-thread design permits at least two sizes of sprinkler heads to be connected as desired into the fitting. An improved inlet barb connection may also be used on the above fittings and on other types of pipe fittings used in the entire water sprinkler system to prevent improper clamping of connecting pipe on the inlet barbs.

Abstract: A faucet adapter for flushing paint from portable painting equipment tubing has a first end formed of an elastomer with an internal conical recess for coupling to one of a plurality of faaucet nozzles having varying diameters and a second end having a pair of hollow external conical projections of differing diameters, each for coupling to one of a pair of matching diameter lumens in portable painting equipment tubing with the hollow projections communicating with the internal conical recess for permitting the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: Non-releasable, molded, large-diameter, corrugated plastic pipe having a wall structure made of high density polyethylene, PVC or polypropylene of sufficient thickness so as to be rigid but elastic and therefore relatively inflexible and having an integral automatically locking female coupling at one end and a cooperative male coupling at its opposite end, with access to its latching members at its exterior, and a method of manufacturing multiples thereof by a continuous molding process. The pipe has a corrugated wall structure. Only minor auxiliary cutting operations are required to separate portions thereof into individual plastic pipe sections, each having the automatic-locking coupling at one of its ends and a male portion at its other end. The coupling is supported on the corrugated pipe by a frusto-conically shaped collar which functions as a guide for proper alignment as two sections of such pipe are united into latched relation.

Abstract: A connection device having an intermediate member, a first connector, and a second connector. The first and second connectors are releasably retained to the intermediate member, and the first and second connectors are rotatable with respect to the intermediate member. The first and second connectors have a plurality of separate annular channels, and the intermediate member has a plurality of annular channels. The channels of the first and second connectors communicate with the channels of the intermediate member in all rotatable positions of the first and second connectors, such that fluid may be passed through the separate channels of the intermediate member into the separate channels of the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A flexible saddle device provides a leak-proof tap into pipes of various sizes. The saddle device, which is made of a flexible elastomeric material, has a fitting portion for receiving the end of a branch pipe and a coupling portion for coupling onto a main pipe. The coupling portion includes an arcuate wall that can be flexed to accommodate the outside diameters of various sized pipes. The coupling portion has circumferential edge portions which extend circumferentially on the main pipe and longitudinal edge portions which extend longitudinally on the main pipe. The longitudinal edge portions each have a stiffener, which is made of a relatively stiff material, and a lip that projects inwardly from the inner surface of the coupling portion. The stiffeners extend between the circumferential edge portions and resist outward bowing when the coupling portion is flexed to fit onto a pipe that is of a smaller radius than the unflexed coupling portion.

Abstract: First and second members (e.g. pipes, fittings) of cross-linked polyolefinic material such as polyethylene having a melt flow index (MFI) of zero are joined using a third member of polyolefinic material such as polyethylene having a higher MFI e.g. 0.3. The first member 10 and the third member gripped by clamps 18, 20 of a butt fusion machine are pressed against opposite faces of a heater plate which is then withdrawn and the members are pressed together by the clamps. Only the third member is upset to form beads 24, 26. Part of the third member is removed leaving a stub part 16. The second member is joined to the stub's face 36 using the heater plate. The part 16 is upset leaving a thin wafer 48. The two interfaces 30, 50 limit the growth of cracks in the wafer to prevent their propagation through the pipe thickness under hoop stress. The beads are preferably removed at each stage.

Abstract: A method for forming a joint between a product formed of composite material including reinforcing fibers and a connecting piece includes forming the connecting piece with a shoulder within a joint region thereof and during the formation of the product, guiding the longitudinally extending reinforcing fibers of the composite material as continuous, unitary fibers through a first path within the joint region of the connecting piece toward the connecting piece shoulder, around the shoulder of the connecting piece, and then in a substantially opposite direction through a second path within the joint region of the connecting piece to return to the composite material of the product, whereby both the product of composite material and the joint between the product and the connecting piece are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: A connector specially suited for coupling soft resilient hose, in particular polyurethane hose, includes complementary male and female members defining a pair of concentric and generally parallel conical surfaces which receive therebetween the end of the hose to be engaged. At least one sharp circumferential barb is fixedly positioned along the conical surface of the male member to bite into the inner sidewall of the hose, to thereby effectively prevent the hose from slipping off the connector during assembly or subsequent use. The two complementing members are also provided with a pair of cooperating annular shoulders which abuttingly engage when the two members are joined together, to position the conical surface of the male member completely within the female member and thereby eliminate the danger of cutting and for damaging the hose along a projecting edge of the connector.

Abstract: A 90 degree swivel coupling formed of a general purpose and heat-stabilized injection molding grade 6/6 type plastic resin includes a socket member and a stem member in telescoped relation. The socket member includes an outer skirt connected by spaced flexing arms to a connecting body portion. The skirt and opposed stem have a close complementing and mating bearing projection and recess establishing a swivel coupling. The bearing walls are inclined at an angle of 15 degrees. The skirt portion is slightly expandable outwardly. In the unstressed state, the bearing wall has a maximum diameter slightly less than that of the recess to establish a pressurized fit. The stem includes a cam having an inclined wall corresponding to the bearing projection with a maximum diameter slightly greater than the bearing wall of the skirt bearing and the same angle. The cam has a maximum smaller diameter than mating recesses in the flexing arms to allow the pressure bearing engagement.

Abstract: A releasable, swivelable, quick connector assembly comprises a tubular male member, a tubular female member having an end portion configured to mate with the male member when inserted therewithin, and a retainer member including means for preselectively resisting assembly of said male member into said female member where said retainer is preassembled onto male member and where said retainer is preassembled into said female member.

Abstract: A fiberglass pipe joint construction having threaded pin and box ends thereon. Tapered threaded portions are provided with profiles to improve alignment and sealing and prevent galling of the resinous material.

Abstract: Carbon or graphite tubes which are mutually connected by an adhesive connection are less stressable than individual tubes. A sleeve formed of fibers and impregnated with a thermoplast is pulled onto the connection position. The new connection increases the stressability of connected tubes. The thermoplast limits the build up of stressing so that the reduction factor of the strength of the connection amounts only to 10 to 15%.

Abstract: An in-line quick connect multiple port fluid coupler is disclosed. The coupler has two identical coupling units. Each coupling unit has a body and an integral tongue. The tongue has a face which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling unit. Fluid passages interconnect the body and the face of the tongue. Each coupling unit mates in a face-to-face relationship with the other coupling unit. Guide pins and seals are used to provide a fluid tight passage between the fluid passages and each opposing face. A sleeve circumscribes the mated coupling units to ensure a secure assembly.

Abstract: For the connection of two tubes (1, 2), one coupling piece (3, 4), consisting of an external thread (7) adhered, vulcanized or fused onto the end of the tube and a pipe coupling (8) screwed onto this by means of a slide adhesive is each connected with the tube ends. By means of the one coupling piece (4), a coupling lock (5) is slid from behind, which, by means of a flange (12), abuts on a shoulder unit (11). On the free end, the coupling lock (5) supports two swivelable levers (15) with eccentric cams (16), which abut on the shoulder unit (10) of the other coupling piece (3) and press this axially against the first coupling piece (4). By means of this construction, a non-tapered cross-sectional area is achieved in the tube coupling.

Abstract: A hose coupling assembly (10) of the type adapted to secure a hose (12) to a fitting. The assembly (10) includes a hose (12). A coupling member (16) is provided which includes an insert portion (18) for disposition within an opening (14) in the hose (12). An inner collar (28) is positioned about the exterior of the hose (12) and radially spaced from the insert portion (18) of the coupling member (16). An outer collar (38) is positioned over the inner collar (28) to provide an inwardly directed force thereto. The inner collar (28) has a plurality of slots (34) therein. The slots (34) compress in response to the inwardly directed force from the outer collar (38) to reduce the inner diameter of the inner collar (28) to thereby provide radial compression completely about the hose (12). The compression prevents removal of the coupling member (16) from the hose (12).

Abstract: A coupler for joining polymeric pipes comprises a generally cylindrical radially heat-shrinkable member which is composed of a conductive polymer. To recover the coupler, current is passed axially through the coupler via electrodes. The coupler has a center portion of increased wall thickness and in this way, when there is a gap between the pipes, overheating of the center portion of the coupler is avoided.

Abstract: A partial-seepage drainage pipe includes a wall surface of circular profile which is corrugated over the majority of the pipe circumference. Adjoining the circular wall surface is a base having a bottom surface and side wall segments. The pipe has a mating sleeve molded on in one piece at one end, which is adapted to receive the free end of a corrugated pipe segment and has slit-like water seepage openings in the corrugated wall surface.In order to attain a tight mating-sleeve connection, the bottom surface of the base and the corresponding bottom surface of the mating sleeve are embodied such that they arch in a slightly convex fashion.

Abstract: An adapting piece of thermoplastic material includes at least one welding sleeve portion with an electrical heating device formed by two heating mats arranged next to each other in circumferential direction. The welding sleeve portion has at least one radial incision extending in axial direction. By means of a clamping nut, the welding sleeve portion can be braced together with the heating elements against a tubular piece inserted in the welding sleeve portion. As a result, the pieces are fixed and supported before and during welding.

Abstract: An adjustable tubular wall structure, which may be cylindrical or tapered, comprises a tubular body of asymmetrical accordion-folded pleats. Each pleat is defined by a thrust cone wall segment and a Belleville washer-like wall segment. The Belleville washer-like wall segments of each pleat are proportioned to be snap shifted through the articulation of the thrust cone of the next adjacent pleat, and thus shorten or lengthen the tubular body. Similar partial snap shifting of the individual Belleville washer-like wall segments provides for angulating the tubular body. The tubular structure is stable in its adjusted position, both at its ends and lengthwise of same. Tapered tubular structures may be integrally molded into a container to serve as a collapsible pouring spout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacture of structures having flanged nozzles attached thereto and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for attaching flanged nozzles to pipe headers in manufacture of reinforced thermosetting resin structures. A main pipe section is provided with a through branch outlet, and a shaped mold is provided to fit through the outlet and to fit in a tight fitting relationship with a preformed flanged nozzle. Parts of the main pipe section and the preformed nozzle which are adjacent to the mold are chamfered on the outside. Resinous matrix laminates are then provided to cover the mold and adjacent parts of the main pipe section and the preformed nozzle. The method provides a smooth corrosion resistant interior joint between the pipe header and flanged nozzle, with a new primary laminate providing both corrosion resistance and strength properties comparable to preformed pipe parts of the same resinous matrix laminate materials.

Abstract: Pipes and couplings for manufacturing pipelines comprising a wall having at least one layer of core material consisting essentially of a crosslinked polyolefin resin and at least one layer of surface material consisting essentially of a thermoplastic resin, said core material being crosslinked to a rate higher than 30%.

Abstract: A quick-connect tube connector consisting of male and female parts wherein a retention system defined on the female part comprises a plurality of homogeneously formed resilient fingers which engage a shoulder defined on male part to maintain connection of the parts upon the male part being fully inserted into the female part. Both pasts are molded of a synthetic plastic material and a release sleeve may be axially displaceably mounted on the male part moveable to a release position engaging the fingers and deflecting the fingers from engagement with the shoulder permitting separation of the parts.

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 multi-ply tubular inflatable support beam structure that can readily be disassembled to become portable. When inflated the beams are covered with a fabric cover. The tubular beams are sealed on both ends mechanically with a hard plastic device by a sealant, and then clamped. A valve located at one end of the tube permits attachment of an air hose in order to inflate the tubular beams.

Abstract: A connection fitting for a corrugated tube includes a cylindrical housing, a bow-shaped locking element attached to the housing by a hinge portion and a corrugated tube for insertion into the housing. The cylindrical housing has two openings and a wall element between them for receiving a bow-shaped locking element provided with two pairs of ribs on its inner surface corresponding to the openings. When inserting the corrugated tube into the cylindrical housing, the corrugated tube is fixed firmly to the cylindrical housing by the ribs on the locking element engaging with the groove portions of the corrugated tube through the openings.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for interconnecting two sections of pipe and comprising an interior male portion having a band of flexible material bonded to the outer surface, a female portion, and end of which is positioned over and slidably engaged over the elasomeric ring, to allow rotative movement of the female portion with respect to the male portion, so that an angle of deflection may be achieved between the first section of pipe and the second section of pipe engaged into the fitting. There is further provided means on the interior of the fitting for allowing unrestricted flow of fluid at least in a single direction through the fitting as the fitting is deviated through the range of angles in its use.

Abstract: Non-releasable, double-walled, molded, large-diameter, corrugated plastic pipe having walls made of high density polyethylene, PVC or polypropylene of sufficient thickness so as to be rigid but elastic and therefore relatively inflexible and having an integral automatically locking female coupling at one end, with access to its latching members at its exterior, and a method of manufacturing multiplex thereof by a continuous molding process. The pipe has a smooth interior wall and a corrugated outer wall integral therewith. Only minor auxiliary cutting operations are required to separate portions thereof into individual plastic pipe sections, each having the automatic-locking coupling at one of its ends. The coupling is supported on the corrugated pipe by a frustoconically shaped collar which functions as a guide for proper alignment as two sections of pipe are united into latched relation.

Abstract: An improved connecting arrangement (10) by which to secure one end of a drain conduit (12) to the stub conduit (13) of a drain port (14). A unique coupler (11) is interposed between one end of the drain conduit (12) and the port (14). The coupler (11) has an annular sleeve portion (20) and an annular fitting portion (21) that are joined by a generally annular transitional portion (24) which is interposed between the sleeve and fitting portions (20 and 21, respectively). The hollow interior (22) of the sleeve portion is provided with threads (25), and an annular sealing recess (26), which opens toward the interior of the sleeve portion (20), is presented from the interior of the transitional portion (24). A novel drain conduit (12) interconnects with the coupler (11). The drain conduit (12) is provided in substantially continuous lengths and has a body portion (15) with a plurality of threaded portions (16 ) provided at longitudinally spaced locations along the body portion (15).

Abstract: A compound tapered flange assembly for sealing axially aligned flanged tubular members. Opposed annular recesses are formed in each flange. Each recess has a radial shoulder tapered with respect to a transverse plane disposed between the flanges such that the axial distance between the radial plane and the shoulder at a maximum diameter is greater than the axial distance from the plane to the shoulder at a minimum diameter. Each recess also has an inside frustoconical surface tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis with a minimum inside diameter adjacent the shoulder, and a maximum inside diameter adjacent a face of the flange. A bifrustoconical annular seal ring has outside and end surfaces complementarily tapered to engage the shoulder and the inside surface of the recesses.

Abstract: A branched hose construction contains a rigid insert having at least three legs. There is a plurality of hoses, the number of hoses being equal to the number of legs of the insert. Each hose has one end fitted over a leg of the insert. A securing means secures the hose to the leg. A molded saddle encapsulates the rigid insert and the junction of the hoses.

Abstract: A connection fitting for a corrugated tube has a cylindrical housing for receiving the corrugated tube and a U-shaped locking element for fixing the corrugated tube firmly to the cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing is provided with a sunken portion on the side surface and slits running circumferentially at a bottom of the sunken portion. The locking element has ribs projecting on its inner surface which penetrate into the slit and engage with the grooves of the corrugated tube. The engaging members are formed on both sides of the sunken portion of the cylindrical housing. Corresponding hook-like elements are formed at both ends of the locking element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a branch type seal which is self adjusting for use on existing pipelines of various diameters and materials. The invention includes an adapter with a longitudinal bore which is axially aligned with the hole in the main pipeline. A plurality of deformable retaining fingers extending outward from the adapter engage a compression seal. The retaining fingers are deformed to contour to the pipeline surrounding the hole by a hubbed retainer which places pressure on the retaining fingers deforming the fingers and compression seal against the wall of the pipeline creating a leak proof seal.

Abstract: A technique for forming a pipe flange having radial reinforcement in at least the annular portion of the bolt circle uses a specially woven band of fibers. The woof fibers in the band are longer than the width of the warp fibers so that as the band is wound into the slot of a mandrel, the tails of the woof fibers bend and extend in a radial direction.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for hoses, fabricated of plastic and comprising one-piece male and multi-piece snap together female coupling sections. The male section includes an externally threaded fitting and an integral hub adapted to fit over the end of a hose section, the hub having internal circumferential ribs or barbs. A ferrule inserted into the hose expands the hose wall into engagement with the barbs for securing the section to the hose. The female section includes an annular collar likewise fitted over and secured to the end of a hose section. An annular flange is formed on the collar, and an internally threaded connector is provided, including an inwardly turned annular lip adapted to snap over and engage behind the flange for rotatably mounting the connector on the collar. The barbs are specially configured to bite into the hose material and resist separation of the coupling section from the hose in response to axial forces tending to pull them apart.

Abstract: In a primary sanitary sewer line having at least one lateral secondary sewer line connected therewith and having the bore of the primary line sealed by an impervious plastic liner tube, a sleeve is inserted into the end portion of the lateral line at its connection with the primary line prior to the installation of the liner tube and abuts and is sealed with the wall of the liner tube in a manner permitting visual indentification, from within the liner tube, of the exact position of the lateral line connection with the primary line whereby, using the inner wall surface of the sleeve, that portion of the plastic liner tube wall covering the adjacent end of the sleeve may be reamed out of the sleeve without damage to the primary or secondary sewer lines.

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector for attachment of flexible plastic tubing which is most compatible with filament reinforced tubing which resists elastic expansion. The connector has a central radial flange with opposite cylindrical ends which provide mandrels to receive adjacent ends of tubing. A cylindrical cage surrounds the cylindrical ends and supports chuck members. A pair of collet members are provided which slide over the tubing and the chuck members, compressing the chuck members radially inwardly without axial movement of the chuck members relative to the tubing. This deflects the chuck members into the wall of the tubing, thereby locking the tubing securely onto the mandrel. The collet member has an internal annular groove on its inside wall which receives an outer edge of the chuck members, thereby serving as a detent or interlock to resist the retraction of the collet member once it is moved into final position.

Abstract: A molded hopper tee for a hopper truck, tank trailer or the like is disclosed as having a first generally vertically directed hollow pipe section including a laterally outwardly directed flange at an upper end thereof for attachment to the bottom of a hopper and a second hollow pipe section extending generally transversely to the first hollow pipe section and extending beyond the first hollow pipe section on opposite sides thereof and terminating in opposite free ends for attachment to pipeline tubing at a discharge location. Bulk granular material particles can be pneumatically unloaded from the hopper and routed first through the vertically and horizontally directed hollow pipe sections, and then into the pipeline tubing. Opposite free ends of the second hollow pipe section include at least one circumferentially extending metal reinforcing element molded in-situ within and adjacent each free end.

Abstract: An improved flexible pipe connector for interconnecting in sealing relationship two pipe or tube sections comprising a deformable resilient hollow connector portion having a first tubular end portion sealingly engageable with an end of a first pipe or tube section, a second tubular end portion connectable to a second pipe or tube section and an intermediate portion having a plurality of annular strengthening ribs, a short length rigid reinforcing collar surrounding the first end portion and a coupling slip nut slidably located on the collar for both rotational and axial movement relative thereto, the slip nut being adapted for connection to the end of a first pipe or tube section.

Abstract: A coupling is provided for joining segments of plastic pipe. The coupling includes a body portion having an inner bore opening to an enlarged outer bore. A metal stiffener tube having a flange at one end is inserted into the bore of the body until the flange contacts an internal stop. An elastomeric gasket encircles the stiffener. A flexible spring washer encircles the stiffener and contacts the outside end of the gasket. A grip ring, comprising a frustoconical radially outer surface, an inner surface with gripping members, a segmented lateral slot, and a resilient lip around one end, encircles the stiffener so that the lip is in contact with the spring washer. A connecting nut having a frustoconical bore for mating with the outside surface of the grip ring surrounds the stiffener and engages the enlarged bore of the body. The plastic pipe is inserted into the bore and around the stiffener.

Abstract: Plastic, such as polyolefin, pipe having a locking integral end connection. The pipe is fabricated with male and female end connections in order that the pipe may be press-fitted together with the interior and exterior forming a flush uninterrupted surface. One or more radial ribs and grooves are formed on the interior of the female connection while a registering series of ribs and grooves are formed on the exterior of the male connection. The ribs and grooves are of an interfitting axially extending wedge shaped configuration to provide a locking engagement to resist any tendency for separation. Interfitting corners of the ribs and grooves may be rounded to distribute stress and minimize damage when the pipe ends are fitted together.

Abstract: A joint for joining together lengths of fiberglass reinforced pipe or assembling joint components to a length of fiberglass reinforced pipe has abrasive threads capable of cutting matching threads into the surface of the pipes being joined. The abrasive threaded coupling requires no shaving or other surface preparation of the pipes to be joined for assembly of the joint. If a bonding adhesive is used in the joint, the joint is not sensitive to and will not be damaged by the movement of the joint before the adhesive has cured. The abrasive threaded joint can be modified for use as a pipe coupling, fitting, flange, adapter or a quick and effective repair coupling.

Abstract: A device for coupling to an object such as a pipe, particularly for joining pipes together, comprising a tubular sleeve of which at least one end portion has a wall that is weakened to facilitate radial deformation, a shape memory alloy driver having a portion of the sleeve other than the weakened portion positioned in the direction of its recovery, and a collar of a dimensionally heat-recoverable polymeric material having at least part of the weakened portion of the sleeve positioned in the direction of its recovery.Tensile strength or a seal or both between the sleeve and the object is provided by the shape memory alloy driver which deforms the sleeve into sealing contact with the pipes. Relief from transverse strain imposed on the joint between the pipes and the device is provided by the weakened portion of the sleeve which is supported by the collar.

Abstract: A fitting arrangement where a fitting body has a collar portion for accommodating an end of an inner plastic tube. The collar portion defines a tapered seat which cooperates with a tapered ferrule which surrounds the tube and which abuts a tapered gripping sleeve which also surrounds the tube. An intermediate one-piece annular member has a nut part which externally threads onto the collar portion, and also has an interior conical seat which wedgingly cooperates with the gripping sleeve to wedgingly hold the ferrule and gripping sleeve between the opposed seats to radially compress them against the inner tube. This intermediate member also has a collar part projecting axially thereof for surrounding the end of a concentric outer tube. An annular nut surrounds the outer tube and is externally threaded onto the collar part.

Abstract: Split fittings for use in the installation of a semi-rigid secondary pipe over a primary pipe comprise a pair of housing halves which, when mated, form a housing enclosure, sealing means and clamping means capable of holding the secondary pipe and housing halves as a sealed enclosure. A method of fitting a rigid pipeline system with secondary containment system with a secondary semi-rigid pipe uses the split fittings.