Abstract: A rotary union for delivery of a coolant fluid to a spindle of a metal working machine comprises a housing having a cylindrical bore containing bearings for journaling a tubular shaft therein wherein the improvement resides in the provision of a floating bushing seal as the high-pressure seal. The floating bushing seal assembly includes a seal housing containing a plurality of longitudinally disposed bushing rings that have a low clearance fit with respect to the tubular shaft of the rotary union.

Abstract: A flexible joint comprises: first cylindrical bodies comprising a pair of spherical ring members; a second cylindrical body comprising a sleeve relatively movably inserted in the first cylindrical bodies from an axial direction X of the second cylindrical body; third cylindrical bodies comprising a pair of casing tubes which are fitted around outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylindrical bodies and are provided with mutually slidable spherical inner peripheral surfaces, the casings being formed at their opposite ends with connecting portions, and being provided at their outer peripheral surfaces of large diameter portions with projections having through holes; and rods capable of being inserted into the through holes formed in the outer peripheral surfaces of the large diameter portions, each of the rods being provided and fixed between the projections of the pair of third cylindrical bodies for restricting the telescopic movement of the tube joint, wherein the rods comprise a pair of rods connected to e

Abstract: A flange structure formed from a plurality of joined flange segments is provided. The joined flange segments form a generally circular opening for a conduit. The flange structure can be connected to a substrate by fasteners extending through two oval shaped openings connecting the two forces. At least one shim is attached to the flange segments through narrow bridge connections which can be fractured by hand or with a hand held tool.

Abstract: A fitting and attachment assembly including a connector having a conventional proximal end and a distal end having a barbed portion thereon; said distal end being mateable with fluid delivery tubing. The mating end portion of said tubing including a separable annular collar in abutting relationship with the end of said tubing and a severable heat-shrinkable sleeve positioned externally of said tubing. A mechanism is further provided for severing said sleeve.

Abstract: A masonry lead-in fixture having a housing (2; 102) including an axially extending through bore (10; 110), a radially protruding attachment flange (4; 104) provided at least at one end of the housing (2; 102), and a mass (11; 111) intumescible in case of a fire, with the mass (11, 111) limiting the bore (10; 110) at least regionwise and closing the bore (10; 110) upon being intumesced, and a substantially disc-shaped partition (12; 112) located in the housing (2; 102) and which elastically and springy extends over an entire inner diameter of the bore (10, 110) and has a predetermined breaking area which is broken through upon pipe cable or the like being pushed therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-coupling device for coupling a tube to a rigid element (50) having a bore, the device comprising a tubular insert (1) having means (7) enabling it to be anchored in the bore of the rigid element (50), declutchable tube retaining means (11), and a slide (13) mounted to move in translation in the tubular insert (1) to declutch the retaining means (11) when it is pushed into the tubular insert (1). The declutching slide (13) possesses a rear portion which projects outside the tubular insert (1) and which presents a shoulder surface (23) situated facing an end surface (24) of the tubular insert (1) and co-operating with said end surface to define a groove in which a removable intermediate ring (25) is received to oppose pushing in of the declutching slide (13).

Abstract: There is provided a pipe connector connection checking assembly in which it can surely be checked that a male connector is incompletely connected with a female connector. A connection checking member is formed with an ear portion for integrally connecting a pair of claws disposed opposingly and a portion having a low strength formed at a portion except the ear portion, and the claws of the connection checking member are inserted into holes in the female connector. When the connection checking member is pulled outward in the state in which the male connector is incompletely inserted into the female connector, the portion having a low strength is broken before the engagement of the claws is released.

Abstract: A caisson wellhead system having a weak point wherein the wellhead system may be installed in a well as a single unit. The caisson wellhead system of the invention includes a lower tubular member having an upper rim. A lower rim of an upper tubular member is placed on the upper end of the lower tubular member. A removable connector is installed inside of and between the lower tubular member and upper tubular member for temporarily connecting the upper tubular member and the lower tubular member. A weak point is formed at the interface between the lower tubular member and the upper tubular member when the removable connector is removed. Therefore, the caisson wellhead system will break at a controlled location if any external components of the well equipment are struck by a foreign object such as an iceberg.

Abstract: A concrete floor insert includes a peripheral side wall and a breakaway mount. The peripheral side wall has an inner surface which is disposed between a top end and a bottom end. The breakaway mount is adapted to fasten to a floor form and coupled to the inner surface of the peripheral side wall through a weakened portion such that when the floor form is removed from the hardened floor, the breakaway mount separates from the inner surface at the weakened portion.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for machine parts having aligned grooves comprising a spring ring engageable in the grooves of the machine parts in a locking position and wherein the material of the spring ring is weakened continuously in the circumferential direction at the juncture between the machine parts to define a predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: A tube plug seal has an improved tear line pattern which tears when a mating tube having a circumference smaller than the seal is inserted through the seal. The improved tear line pattern is designed to initially tear where the circumference of the mating tube applies the highest stress. As a result, the improved tear line includes a portion which extends at least partially circumferentially about an axial center point of the seal. More specifically, the circumferential portion of the improved tear line pattern generally aligns with a circumference of the mating tube. In one embodiment the improved tear line pattern is C-shaped.

Abstract: A device in a pipe coupling between a pipe end portion and a wall surrounding the pipe end coupling which is constituted by a socket, consists of a stop face device which is fixable in axial directions in relation to the surrounding wall and engages an end surface of the pipe end portion so as to define the final, fully seated position of the pipe end portion in relation to a surrounding wall of the socket when the pipe end portion is introduced therein. The stop face device becomes inactivatable subsequently to defining the position of the pipe end portion in the surrounding wall.

Abstract: A grommet includes a hollow cylindrical body that is positionable in a bore hole of a transmission case and into which an oil fill tube can be advanced, to thereby establish a seal between the tube and case. The grommet defines an open top end, and a scored membrane is formed integrally with the body to cover the top end. Consequently, the grommet can be positioned in the bore hole to cover the bore hole prior to engaging the oil fill tube with the bore hole, thereby permitting pressure testing of the transmission case and preventing contaminants from entering the case. The oil fill tube can then be advanced through the membrane and into the bore hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe junction holder for connecting a pipe to a mechanical joint. The junction holder contains a wedge placed between a seal gland and a wedge gland. The wedge has a split opening along its outer sloped surface. The seal gland is adapted for connection to the mechanical joint and the wedge gland. The wedge gland is adapted to seat over the wedge and cause the wedge to clamp on the pipe when the wedge glang is connected to the seal gland. The inner surface of the wedge is designed to clamp along substantially the entire circumference of the pipe when the wedge is tightly held in place over the pipe. The invention also provides a method of joining pipes with mechanical joints, wherein a free end of the pipe is adapted to be seated in a socket end of the mechanical joint.

Abstract: A prefabricated junction box and lid for use in the floors, walls and ceilings of a building. The junction box has tubular projections extending from an exterior sidewall and sealed by removable knockouts. When a knockout is removed, an annular ring extends into an interior of the tubular projection so as to retain corrugated electrical conduit inserted therethrough. The junction box lid includes locking tabs aligned with each tubular projection which substantially improve the capacity of the box to retain electrical conduit. The annular ring and corresponding locking tab, in combination, are operative to engage against an outer surface of the corrugated electrical conduit so as to lock the conduit.

Abstract: A connector system that is useful for attaching a flexible hose assembly to PEX pipe produced by either the Engle or Silane process. One embodiment relates to a connector system using a nipple in combination with either an expandable PEX ring or a compression ring and threaded nut. The nipple has on one end a hose barb that is attachable to a flexible hose segment and on the other end a male connector attachable to a PEX supply pipe. Another embodiment relates to a flexible hose assembly comprising a flexible hose segment and at least one connector system comprising a nipple attached to one end of the hose segment in combination with either an expandable PEX ring or a compression ring and nut for securing the end of the nipple opposite the hose segment to a PEX pipe.

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: A penetration pocket, useful to seal roof openings at protruding pipes or the like, is made of a material compatible with roofing asphalt. The penetration pocket material is asphalt-based with polymeric materials added to impart strength and toughness. Fibrous material may also be added for increased strength. The roofing asphalt, when applied around the penetration pocket, fuses with penetration pocket walls and base, and upon cooling, the penetration pocket and the roofing asphalt are welded together to effect a secure, water-proof joint.

Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking the male and female components of a quick connector. The retainer is releasably insertible into a transverse bore in the female component and is blocked from full insertion by a projection. An extension projects from the retainer and has an aperture sized to receive the tip end of the male component, but not a radial flange on the male component when the retainer is partially inserted into the female component. Forced insertion of the male component breaks off a ring portion of the extension thereby enabling the radial flange on the male component to fully move into the female component. The retainer can then be urged into the fully latched position locking the male and female components.

Abstract: A new overload protection device has been invented of the type in which components are fixed mutually by means of a safety member adapted to be cut or broken when the components are subjected to an overload, wherein the safety member is a thread spiral or spirals adapted to be cut loose from a member, rod or sleeve when the thread spiral (or spirals) is subjected to an overload.

Abstract: A manually-severable coupling device for coupling two tubes (12a, 12b), particularly useful in peritoneal dialysis, including a flexible plastic member having passageways (30) therethrough and formed with tubular end sections (31, 32) for receiving tubes (20, 24) to be coupled, an annular groove (33) formed intermediate the tubular end sections defining a flexible, weakened, annular web (33) capable of being severed by rotating one of the tubular end sections (31, 32) with respect to the other, and a finger gripping formation (34, 35) integrally formed in each tubular end section (31, 32) on opposite sides of the weakened annular web (33) grippable by a user to rotate the tubular end sections with respect to each other to sever them from each other along the weakened annular web (33).

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: A joint for a fluid transport pipe is provided for use in e.g. connecting and communicating a fluid piping device such as a branch pipe or a sluice valve to a through bore defined in a fluid transport pipe. The joint includes a joint body, to be connected to a fluid transport pipe. This joint body has a cylindrical connecting portion projecting therefrom. The cylindrical connecting portion includes a fixed cylindrical member formed integrally with the joint body and a movable cylindrical member fluid-tightly connectable to the fixed cylindrical member to be pivotable three-dimensionally relative thereto.

Abstract: Thus, the present device provides a nut and bolt assembly having a lower threaded end and opposing upper threaded end. A first flange seats above the lower threaded end and an upper flange seats below the upper threaded end. A weak point having a known torque limit is provided below the upper flange. A nut is mounted on the upper threaded end. When the nut is turned beyond the torque limit of the weak point, it causes the bolt to break at the weak point. The bolt of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to make and use. It is designed preferably to be used in conjunction with a pressing member and a pipe junction holder for holding a pair of joined pipes.

Abstract: An automatically operating shut-off valve has a valve body (12) with a weakened zone (15) about which the body will break, in the event the valve is subjected to a shock load. A valve seat (25) is formed within the body (12) and a valve member (29) is pivoted to move between an open position and a closed position, against the valve seat. The valve member is spring-urged to its closed position but is held in its open position by a crank (34) having a pin (35) bearing on a brittle glass rod (33). The valve will close whenever the rod (33) breaks, even if the shock load is only sufficient to crack the valve body, about the weakened zone.

Abstract: A frangible region is provided around at least one end of the outer connector part or cover of a hose and connector assembly, whereby a significant portion of such outer cover can be easily removed from the frangible connection to its end. This frees the end of the underlying hose to be removed from the inner connector part, a new hose part engaged over the exposed portion of the inner connector part, and a conventional clamp used to secure the new hose piece in place on the inner connector part. The outer jacket can be comprised of a plurality of bands, each band molded in place around a hose end, instead of a single piece outer jacket. The frangible region is created in the original molding process, and can, if desired, be formed on more than one of the ends of the outer molded connector part or the bands.

Abstract: An improved multi-function seal component for use in the walls of poured concrete or plastic tank or box components of fluid distribution systems is disclosed. The seal component includes a cylindrical wall member, an angled frustro-conical wiper blade which is connected to a front end of the cylindrical wall member, and a backplate component which is connected to the back end of the cylindrical wall member. The backplate component may be integrally molded with the cylindrical wall member or may be formed as a separate component which attaches to the cylindrical wall member during assembly. When the backplate is molded as a separate component, it includes a U-shaped groove for attaching to the cylindrical wall member and includes a locking mechanism for releasably securing the backplate to the cylindrical wall member.

Abstract: A tube nut torque limiting method and apparatus provides direct mechanical control of the maximum torque that can be generated when securing a tubular member within an internally threaded component. The torque limiting tube nut includes an externally threaded portion (14), a service head portion (16) and an installation head portion (22). A shoulder (24) is disposed between the service head portion (16) and the installation head portion (22) to mechanically control the maximum torque applied to the externally threaded portion (14). Upon separation of the installation head portion (22) at the shoulder (24), the installation head portion (22) includes a removal passage (40) for allowing the installation head portion (22) to simply be removed from the tubular member (28).

Abstract: A terminal box for a motor is made of a thick plastic plate and includes a plurality of closed windows provided on the terminal box. Each of the closed windows is made of a thin plastic plate. The plurality of closed windows are each surrounded by a groove which is one of a plurality of concentric circular grooves. The terminal box is also provided with a plurality of radial linear grooves passing through a center of the concentric circular grooves to produce an open window for positioning a conduit therein when one of the plurality of closed windows is broken.

Abstract: An improved pipe seal assembly for use in the walls of a poured concrete tank or box in an on-site waste disposal system, a drainage system, and other poured concrete structures, the assembly including a seal member having an inclined, frusto-conical shaped wiper flange which is integrally connected by a living hinge to a cylindrical seal body, the wiper flange initially extending outwardly when the seal member is formed, such as by injection molding, but then folded inwardly about the living hinge member to its normal operating position. The improved pipe seal assembly includes an integrally-formed tearaway membrane, which has a pull tab member and associated score lines, to permit the membrane's selective removal when desired, thereby allowing the seal member to slideably receive a pipe extended through the folded wiper blade.

Abstract: A device for coupling a pipe made of rubber or the like on an endpiece, the device comprising a part of plastics material overmolded on the end of the pipe engaged on the endpiece to compress said end radially, the part having a longitudinal slot or groove enabling it to be dismounted by being cut or broken. The invention is particularly suitable for coupling hoses in motor vehicles and household appliances.

Abstract: A roof flashing for establishing a weather-proof seal with upstanding pipes of different diameters includes a frusto-conical shape collar having smaller diameter upper and larger diameter lower seals for sealingly engaging different diameter pipes and an internal annular groove immediately above the lower seal providing a frangible wall section in the collar to facilitate removal of the upper seal from the collar when the collar is to be used to seal against larger diameter pipes. Immediately below the internal groove on the exterior wall of the collar is an external annular bead which together with the lower seal resist stretching of the collar when engaged by a gripping tool immediately above the internal groove and pulled to provide a relatively clean tear in the region of the internal groove around the entire periphery of the collar to separate the upper seal from the collar.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A quick connect pop top indicator for use with thin walled connectors includes a generally annular sleeve adapted to fit adjacent an opening on a thin walled tubing housing member. The sleeve nests an indicator member substantially within the cap and housing. The indicator includes a base member and axially extending leg members extending from the base and connected to a generally annular indicator member. Means are provided for separating the indicator member from the base and leg members upon proper coupling of the housing with a corresponding male member. Means are also provided on the sleeve and indicator for maintaining the sleeve and indicator in proper axial and circumferential alignment prior to proper coupling of the housing and male member.

Abstract: A tube- or hose connector for the transport of a fluid has at least at one end a ring type nipple 2 with a cross hole 4, which serves to mount the connector at an aggregate for receiving a banjo bolt 12 having a head 13 and a threaded shank 14 as well as two gaskets 10, 11. It has a protecting cap 18 to hold together a premounted unit of ring type nipple 2, banjo bolt 12, and the two gaskets 10 and 11, and has an approximately U-shaped form with a clamp 19, at the one end of which a flank 20 overlaps the head 13 of the banjo bolt 12 and at the other end of which a protecting cover 20 for the threaded shank 15 of the banjo bolt 12 is provided. The protecting cap 18 has an extension 26 supporting itself at the threaded shank 15 of the banjo bolt 12, and the protecting cover 22 is borne pivotably at the clamp 19.

Abstract: An air duct fitting or pipe coupling used for connecting air conditioning or heating ducts. The fitting may be used as an integral unit to connect the ducts at a predetermined angular relationship from one another. The fitting may be severed into two sections, each section of which may be used to connect ducts at a different angular relationship from the integral unit. The fitting may be characterized as an elbow fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the fitting is a thin wall molded unit made of a non-metallic material. The first and second sections may be severed along a plane defined by a V-shaped groove molded in the fitting.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided comprising a cartridge body including an upper portion defining a vial receiving area and terminating in a wall, the cartridge body including a cannula extending from the wall. A vial including a beneficial agent is coupled by a retaining member to the cartridge body in an inactivated position. The retaining member allows the vial to move to an activated position. The retaining member including an outer member and an inner member, the inner member separating from portions of the outer member as the vial moves from the inactivated position to the activated position.

Abstract: An emergency shut-off valve is designed to be retrofitted into an existing gasoline nozzle by interposing the shut-off valve between the handle assembly and nozzle assembly of an existing gasoline dispensing nozzle. The inventive shut-off valve is spring biased in a closing direction and is held open by a protrusion extending proximal of the nozzle portion of the existing gasoline dispensing nozzle so that with the shut-off valve assembled between the existing handle assembly and nozzle assembly, the valve is held open. A sleeve having a weakened annulus holds the nozzle assembly onto the shut-off valve. If a driver drives away from a gasoline dispensing pump with the nozzle remaining within the gas tank opening, the weakened area fails allowing the sleeve to separate and the nozzle assembly to remove itself from the shut-off valve causing the shut-off valve to instantaneously close preventing fuel spillage. Embodiments of vapor recovery structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal and closure member of elastomeric material adapted to be cast in situ and including a cylindrical body portion and an integral frusto-conical skirt therewithin. The skirt includes two weakened narrow annular portions of different size, on different centers, across the smaller diameter end portion of the skirt, and another weakened narrow annular portion on the skirt, axially displaced from the smaller diameter end portion.

Abstract: A medical connector to be attached to a liquid introducing tube has a first connecting part adapted to be connected to one portion of a medical liquid introducing tube, a second connecting part adapted to be connected to another portion of the medical liquid introducing tube and being formed integrally with the first connecting part, a breaking portion formed between the first and second connecting parts and adapted to be broken under finger pressure, and a seal cap for sealing an opening of the second connector part after breaking the breaking portion.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A flashing including an elastomeric collar with an inner surface and an outer surface and adapted to seal against more than one size of a vent pipe passing vertically through a central opening in the collar. The elastomeric collar has a circular base adapted for interconnection with a base member and a central opening including, a first annular ring defined by a first separation circle and a second separation circle, at least one additional annular ring outwardly therefrom that is frangibly separable from the first annular ring at the second separation circle and frangibly separable from the elastomeric collar at a third separation circle. Each annular ring selectively is removable by a pull tab that extends vertically from the outer surface of each annular ring at a location proximate to the separation circle of that ring with respect to the elastomeric collar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering dialysis including a breakable tubing coupling is provided wherein the tubing coupling is a hollow cylindrical element insertable into the lumens of distal and proximal sections of a fluid delivery tubing system, the breakable tubing coupling having a scored circumference on which the coupling can be broken and separated by application of a bending force. The breakable tubing coupling is suitable for medical applications including peritoneal dialysis tubing administration set utilization for administering fluid from fluid containers into a patient's peritoneal cavity through a peritoneal catheter and out of the peritoneal cavity and into a drain container wherein the tubing administration set having a tubing supply leg and a tubing drain leg requires means for separating the peritoneal catheter following dialysis at a predetermined location along the tubing path.

Abstract: An adapter device is provided for varying the length of a ball point pen refill cartridge to enable the cartridge to be used in a variety of ball point pen housings. The adapter consists of a barrel which slips over the distal end of a refill cartridge and is securely connected to the cartridge by a channel formed in the barrel. The barrel comprises detachable sections which are removed as necessary so that the cartridge with the adapter attached barrel sections is substantially equal in length to the exhausted refill cartridge. The channel permits air to flow to the ink cartridge, enabling ink to be flow easily from the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-complex, simple to use and economical coupling device or connecting two elements, which provides for disconnection of the two elements when the tension applied to the coupling device exceeds a predetermined load. The coupling device includes an outer and an inner sleeve each having an axial bore. The lower end of the inner sleeve is slidably disposed within the upper end of the outer sleeve and the sleeves are relatively moveable. A frangible elongated member with a predetermined tensile strength connects the outer and inner sleeves through the axial bores. The frangible member breaks under a predetermined amount of stress thereby allowing the outer and inner sleeves of the coupling device to separate and disconnecting the attached elements. One or more internal longitudinal passages through the outer and inner sleeves adjacent to the axial bores allow passage of wire cables, gases, fluids or mechanical linkages through the coupler.

Abstract: A one-piece, unitary, molded resin wall sleeve precursor has two cup-shaped end sections of external diameter D1 each having a hollow transition section of enlarged diameter that connects the end section to a sleeve of internal diameter D1; one transition section has an outer diameter D2 and the other has an inner diameter just slightly larger than D2. D2 is appreciably larger than D1. A wall sleeve assembly of extended length is derived from two of these precursor members by cutting off the end sections; the precursor members can then be joined with a strong, inexpensive, welded joint to afford a long wall sleeve of consistent internal diameter.

Abstract: A predetermined separation fitting for a fluid conduit includes a body and walls in the body defining a predetermined separation point. A force applied to the body above a predetermined value will cause the fitting to separate.

Abstract: A break-away flowline fitting for protecting a subsea Christmas tree to which the flowlines are connected when the flowlines are subjected to an externally applied axial load and/or bending moment. The fitting comprises a tubular member having a reduced wall thickness section integrally formed in the member and designed to part or separate axially at an externally applied load less than what would be necessary to harm the tree. A clamp closely surrounds the reduced wall thickness section and limits the pressure induced hoop membrane stress in the reduced wall thickness section to about the same value as in the adjacent normally configured fitting portions, thereby maintaining the pressure integrity of the fitting. A frame having supports disposed on the normally configured fitting portions and axially beyond each end of the reduced wall thickness section has removable reinforcing members which span the reduced wall thickness section prior to placing the fitting in service.

Abstract: An arrangement for radially expanding a tubular gasket includes a sliding sleeve and a compression sleeve. The sliding sleeve is formed of a thin membrane of relatively rigid material, such as nylon, hypalon or polyester. The sliding sleeve is positioned adjacent an inner surface of that portion of the tubular gasket to be expanded. The compression sleeve is disposed immediately adjacent the sliding sleeve such that the sliding sleeve serves as a slip plate for the compression sleeve when the sleeves are expanded against the inner surface of the tubular gasket. The sliding sleeve may be attached to or integrally molded into the inner surface of the tubular gasket. Another aspect of the invention involves forming the compression sleeve so as to allow it to be locked in any one of a plurality of expanded positions.