Abstract: A dilation catheter for dilation of an anatomical passageway includes a luer member, an elongate shaft, and an inflatable dilator. The luer member comprises at least one fluid port. The luer member is rotatably disposed about the elongate shaft such that the luer member is configured to rotate relative to the elongate shaft about the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft comprises a first lumen. The at least one fluid port is in fluid communication with the first lumen such that fluid may be passed through the at least one fluid port into the first lumen. The inflatable dilator is positioned along a length of the elongate shaft. The inflatable dilator is in fluid communication with the first lumen such that the inflatable dilator is inflatable by fluid passed through the at least one fluid port and into the first lumen.

Abstract: A fitting for sealingly connecting to a pipe end of a pipe comprising a plastic material, comprising a base member and a support member, wherein the base member is made of a metal, and the support member is designed as a separate part made of plastic. The base member comprises means on the inside thereof, and the support member comprises means on the outside thereof for connecting the base member and the support member in a sealing fashion. A system comprising such a fitting with a composite or multi-layered pipe and a sleeve, or such a fitting with a plastic pipe and a sleeve.

Abstract: A system for connecting fluid-passed conduits which can be integrated into a refrigerant circuit of a heating, ventilation and air condition system of a motor vehicle. The system includes two connection blocks, wherein the connection blocks are joined together by a fastener having an elastically deflectable transfer component, the elastically deflectable transfer component compensates for a thermal expansion of the fastening means and the connection blocks.

Abstract: An expansion joint for use between a turbine duct and an exhaust duct. The expansion joint may include a flange attached to the turbine duct and a number of plates attached to the exhaust duct that extend towards the flange. The plates and the flange may include a gap therebetween, the gap being narrower when the turbine duct is hot than when the turbine duct is cold.

Abstract: Seal assembly comprising (a) two or more seal elements, each element having having a coefficient of thermal expansion; and (b) a clamping element having a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting segment between and attached to the first and second segments, wherein the two or more seal elements are disposed between the first and second segments of the clamping element. The connecting segment has a central portion extending between the first segment of the clamping element and the second segment of the clamping element, and the connecting segment is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the connecting segment is intermediate the largest and smallest of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the two or more seal elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling pipes made of dissimilar materials in applications that are subject to large variations in temperature. In one embodiment, a connection comprises a first flange made of a first material and a second flange made of a second material. Each flange is designed to be welded to a pipe of the same material. One of the flanges has a male mating surface, while the other flanges as a female mating surface. The male flange is made of the material that experiences greater expansion or less contraction when the temperature of the connection is changed from a connection temperature to an operating temperature. The female flange is made of the other material. A sealing ring having elastic properties is preferably used between the mating surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: A casing of a hydraulic machine such as a gas turbine is formed as a horizontally split type flangeless casing. The flangeless casing consists of an upper casing and a lower casing joined together at joint faces and fastened by fastening bolts. The fastening bolt has a screw thread which engages the threaded hole on the joint face of the lower casing. A bolt hole having an internal screw thread and through which the fastening bolt passes is provided in the upper casing. A sleeve having an external screw thread is fitted into the bolt hole of the upper casing by engaging the external screw of the sleeve with the internal sleeve of the bolt hole. An enlarged diameter portion is formed on a shaft of the fastening bolt at the portion where the enlarged diameter portion abuts an upper end face of the sleeve when the fastening bolt is screwed into the threaded hole in the lower casing.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite component, in particular a valve (10), and to a method for producing the composite component.

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

Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths.

Abstract: A tubing coupling and a method for connecting tubing sections in which one tubing section is placed upon another tubing section in an overlapping manner. The first tubing section (1) is enlarged in the cold state in the area (2) where it overlaps, and the enlarged area is then placed over the second tubing section (3). Subsequent heating of the enlarged area (2) results in shrinkage of the first tubing section (1) which produces a firm seating of the first tubing section (1), for example a plastic suction tube as an air inlet tube, on the second tubing section (3), for example a flange for attachment to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An improved tubing adapter or coupling apparatus, and combination of same with other fittings, is characterized by an adapter member having a first end including at least one exterior barb for engagement with tubing and a sleeve member operatively positioned around the adapter. In some systems, the tubing or hose may include a fitting at its other extremity, such as a hose end, an ell, or another coupling. The sleeve member of the coupling apparatus preferably includes one or more view ports. The ports can enable the user to visually confirm the tubing has been properly and completely assembled onto the adapter member, and, following initial assembly, to visually ascertain the position of the tubing on the adapter. The apparatus also preferably includes corresponding engagement detents on the adapter and sleeve member, for initial engagement of the retaining member with the adapter member prior to assembly with tubing.

Abstract: A method is used for interfacing materials of dissimilar thermal expansion in an X-ray tube. Initially, a first joint is identified, which has a first component to be received into a second component. Typically, the first component has a higher coefficient of expansion than the second component, so the purpose of the invention is to reduce the physical expansion of that component in the joint. A plurality of slots is introduced along the approximate axial length of a coupling member at the joint, to achieve the aforementioned purpose. The coupling member is provided between the two components, and has a thermal expansion rate greater than one component and less than the other component.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus and methods for replacing a core spray line downcomer pipe coupled to a shroud T-box are described. In one embodiment, the coupling apparatus includes a seal ring, a mating flange, a housing, at least one coupling bolt, at least one spherical washer, and at least one lateral pin. The thermal expansion coefficient of the coupling bolt is lower than the thermal expansion coefficient of the seal ring, mating flange, and housing. After extending the downcomer pipe into the housing, the seal ring is inserted into the opposite end of the housing adjacent the downcomer pipe. The seal ring is then seated on the mating flange seat. The two seats allow the downcomer pipe to be rotational misaligned with the coupling apparatus. The coupling bolts extend through the mating flange and the housing to rigidly secure the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrostatic rotary union has a shaft with an axial passage therethrough received within a housing having a radial passage in fluid communication with the axial passage. The shaft and housing have a radial clearance between them which establishes a squeeze film bearing and seal, when in use. End annuluses receive the oil establishing a squeeze film bearing and provide a return path to a supply source. The inner circumferential portion of the housing interfacing with the shaft is preferably of an anti-seizure material, such as bronze. Moreover, the housing and shaft are of materials of different coefficients of thermal expansion, such that excessive heat generated at the interface between the housing and shaft will cause the housing to expand away from the shaft.

Abstract: A high temperature vapor coating container, including a hollow interior, resists distortion and cracking at a vapor coating temperature of at least about 1700.degree. F. as a result of making the container of a nonmetallic material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 4.5.times.10.sup.-6 at the vapor coating temperature, the material being nonreactive with the coating vapor at the vapor coating temperature.

Abstract: A pipe clamp with a headed bolt for securing a pipe connection, in particular pipes of the exhaust system of a motor vehicle which are to be connected to one another, in the case of which the end of a first pipe is pushed into an axially slit end of a second pipe and, when the headed bolt is tightened, the pipe clamp, fitted on the slit pipe end, connects the two pipe ends to one another in a frictionally locking manner, is to be secured against a reduction in clamping force. For this purpose, the pipe clamp is formed of a material which has a higher coefficient of expansion than does the material of the pipes which are to be connected. The head of the headed bolt is elongated, in order to avoid impermissibly high local stressing during tightening of the pipe clamp. Due to the elongate form of the head of a headed bolt, the forces on the pipe clamp which support the tightening torque are reduced by a lengthening of the lever arm with respect to the axis of the headed bolt.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling device for selectively connecting and disconnecting an apparatus to a thermal source. The coupling device includes a thermal bridge element comprised of a flexible structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a thermal stress element disposed about the thermal bridge element with the thermal stress element having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The difference in coefficients of thermal expansion act to cause stressing of the thermal bridge element into thermal contact with the apparatus.

Abstract: In a pipe coupling between first and second pipe sections having end areas received within one another, one of the end areas has radial projections which are arranged circumferentially around its outer or inner circumference and extend toward the inner or outer surface of the other end area which has a smooth cylindrical surface adjacent the projections to permit sliding and some tilting of the pipe sections relative to each other.

Abstract: In a connector for a hardshell venous reservoir, improved positioning and better line holding ability is provided by forming a line-retaining barb on only the upper half of the connector. A dual-size or combo connector using this principle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint between a hot and unrefrigerated pipe (1) and a refrigerated pipe (2). The end of the unrefrigerated pipe is bifurcated in cross-section, leaving two sections joined at one end. The exterior section (6) is fastened tight to the refrigerated pipe (2). The interior section (5) extends into the refrigerated pipe leaving a radial and axial gap. The cylindrical space between the interior and the exterior section is full of heat insulation. There is a flexible component, an O ring (13) for instance, between, and resting tight against, the face of the refrigerated pipe and that of the interior section of the unrefrigerated pipe. The insulation comprises an axial series of layers (10, 11, & 12), each with a different heat conductivity.

Abstract: A self-adjusting refractory joint which finds principle utility in teeming valves in which a pair of overlapping collars are provided on a plate and on the pour tube, the collar on the plate extending downwardly in surrounding relationship to the teeming orifice, and the collar on the pour tube extending from its upper portion in overlapping interfering relationship with the collar on the plate. Ideally the tangent of the angle (theta) of undercut between the respective collars where they overlap is the ratio of the height of the collar of the inner member divided by the radius of the outside diameter (O.D.). In the precast environment, an independent preformed retainer is used to define the extension from the bottom of the plate. In both instances a holder surrounds the extension from the bottom of the plate to essentially the bottom of the plate collar forming member.

Abstract: A coupling is provided wherein each of two members to be coupled are provided with a series of centering elements for preventing decentering of the two members during periods of thermal change. Inner and outer centering elements are provided on each member, each element having centering surfaces extending radially and transversely relative to contact surfaces of the members to be coupled. The centering elements of one member contact the centering elements of the other member only at their centering surfaces, thereby allowing for thermal expansion toward other surfaces of the elements without deformation of adjacent elements. Additional decentering arrangements are disclosed for coupling flat members. The couplings disclosed are particularly advantageous for coupling metal to ceramic.

Abstract: Thermal expansion compensating arrangement including a vessel and a first member anchored to the vessel so that it can thermally expand uniformly radially outwardly in a given direction from a longitudinal axis of the vessel. A second member is disposed in the vessel with a desired alignment in the given direction relative to the first member at a base temperature, the second member being made of the same material as the first member. An anchoring arm is provided for anchoring the second member to the vessel. The anchoring arm has one end which forms a rigid connection with the vessel and another end which forms a rigid connection with the second member. The anchoring arm is made of material having a coefficient of thermal expansion for causing the anchoring arm to expand away from its rigid connection with the vessel while the second member thermally expands away from the rigid connection with the anchoring arm.

Abstract: A longitudinally expansible and contractible duct characterized by the employment of a pair of expansible and contractible bellows protected by internal, thermally insulated, baffles which are slidably secured to the external shell members of the duct to accommodate differential thermal expansion both longitudinally and radially of the duct.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid fitting made up of telescoping sleeves providing an annular space therebetween adapted to receive the end of a tube. The outer sleeve is attached to the inner sleeve by being deflected around annular ridges at one end of the inner sleeve. The sleeves are attached to the tube by swaging the outer sleeve so as to grip the tube between the two sleeves. Grooves in the inner sleeve provide corners which dig into the inner surface of the tube and provide seals and retention, while recesses in the outer sleeve receive deflected material of the tube to prevent rotation.

Abstract: A rotor disc structure is provided with a sleeve within an axial bore of a disc and mounted through a driving connection on a rotor shaft. Before being mounted on the shaft, the sleeve and bore have been plastically deformed such that the sleeve is subjected to compressive stresses. Plastic deformation is accomplished by inserting a plug, having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the disc and sleeve, into the heated sleeve and heating the assembled disc, sleeve and plug. The sleeve includes an eccentric turn which fits into a corresponding eccentric portion of the disc bore. Keying occurs at the sleeve-rotor interface to remove stress risers in the disc bore.

Abstract: A connector for medical tubing for liquid transfusion includes a short tubular male connector member made of thermally resistant corrosionproof materia; a short tubular female connector member made of thermally resistant corrosionproof material; and a fitting surface portion on the outer surface of an insertion end of the male connector, shaped in the male form and made of a material having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than the material of a corresponding fitting surface portion on the inner surface of an insertion end of the female connector shaped in the female form. The fitting surface portion of the insertion end shaped in the male form, and the fitting surface portion of the insertion end shaped in the female form, are of relative sizes such as to permit the insertion ends to be connected to and separated from each other by shrink fit utilizing the difference between the thermal expansion coefficients thereof. A medical solution bag device using the connector is also disclosed.