Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of pumping equipment to a cylindrical member.

Abstract: A repair flange comprising members of flat, thin, preferably non-corrosive sheet material dimensioned so as to be flush mounted over finished floor surface. The repair flange is designed to fit around the necks under the attachment rim of various size closet flanges and has an opening offset from the usual circular opening wherein the inner edges of two flange members can be proximate one another, spaced a distance apart or staggered. The flange members wherever their location, fit closely around the neck of the closet flange and the flange body extends over the floor surface beyond the area encompased by the rim of the closet fiancee so that attachment to the floor material can be made beyond the base cf the closet flange. The repair flange primarly adapted to repair floor material directly under the base of toilet bowls which contributes to a snug and tight connection of the toilet bowl to the floor system.

Abstract: A pipe joint is formed between two annular flanges at the end of pipe elements and includes a gasket in the form of an annular band having an outside diameter less than the bolts and an inside diameter equal to the diameter of the duct through the joint. The band is recessed on both surfaces from a shoulder spaced inwardly from the outer edge to the inner edge and these recessed portions are filling by annular bands of sealant material which is compressed in the finished joint.

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 sealed connector for an automotive air conditioning system compresses a sealing ring between accurately ground, axially opposed sealing surfaces of a pair of mated connector blocks that are bolted together. A steel retainer to which the sealing ring is molded prevents it from being blown out under high pressure, and one of the connector blocks is relieved to accommodate the retainer, thereby preventing interference with the clamping of the blocks. Seal compression is even and complete.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device in fuel tanks, preferably for vehicles, said tanks being provided with a mouth socket to which a filler tube is connected so as to have its one end portion projecting into the tank. Between the mouth socket and the filler tube a seal is provided, the latter being formed with a portion grippingly enclosing the mouth edge of the socket and defining, together with the filler tube, an intermediate space allowing oscillation of the filler tube relatively to the socket. A washer is pressed against the filler tube and is formed with a bent-over portion grippingly engaging said portion of the seal. A reinforcement sleeve is positioned inside the filler tube and presses against the inner face of the filler tube. A clamp-joint sleeve is fitted around the mouth socket, enclosing portion of the seal and the washer.

Abstract: This invention provides an expansion joint that uses a flexible sealing element in conjunction with a packed seal in a manner that allows a reduction in break-away forces and permits continued operation of the joint after a failure of the bellows or bellows attachment point. The expansion arrangement includes a flexible sealing element, usually in form of a bellows, and a containment chamber in communication with the exterior portion of the flexible sealing element or bellows and an interior portion of the packed seal. The containment chamber has an opening that permits relative movement between the ends of the expansion joint and is sealed by the packed seal. In the event of a bellows failure, the packing material acts to restrict or prevent leakage from the containment chamber to the outside environment. The packed seal is made of a combination of materials that provide packing friction coefficient of less than 200 lbs/in.

Abstract: The seal (4) has an annular body (10) with a generating section which is substantially rectangular and with an inner cylindrical surface (18) having a diameter (d1) substantially equal to the nominal diameter of the tubing (2) to be connected to the coupling (1). The seal (4) has a rib (20) projecting radially inwardly and having an inner diameter (d2) less than the outer diameter (d1) of the tubing. The seal also has an annular lip (24) which projects axially and has an inner surface with a diameter (d3) intermediate the internal diameter (d2) of the radial rib (20) and the diameter (d1) of the inner surface (18) of the seal (4).

Abstract: A sealing plate which is positioned under annular O-rings or built-in coupling gaskets. The sealing plate carries gasket material on its inner surface to complete an annular seal around the pipeline on either side of a leak location, and on its outer surface to prevent fluid from reaching the axial joint of the coupling between the annular seal. Once one positions the sealing plate properly, the annular gasket material does not become misaligned. Furthermore, the sealing plate can be used interchangeably with discrete O-rings and a coupling, or with a coupling having built-in arcuate gasket sections.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of pumping equipment to a cylindrical member. The coupling apparatus includes at least one sealing member that may be hydraulically biased to provide a fluid tight seal between the coupling apparatus and a cylindrical member.

Abstract: A pipe joint comprising two sealing surfaces (6, 36) one positioned on each of two end portions (2, 4) of two pipes and a sealing device comprising a sealing ring (18). The sealing surfaces (6, 36) form a cylindrical sealing space in which the sealing ring (18) is compressed. In connection with the sealing ring there is in one of the pipe end portions arranged a circumferential cavity (34) partially receiving the elastic material of the sealing ring (18). The sealing surfaces (6, 36) form sealing space portions having a small and substantially equal space width on either side of the sealing ring (18) in the axial direction of the joint for forming supports for carrying transverse loads on either side of the sealing ring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved containment, detection, and monitoring of leaks of piped substances in which piping systems are constructed of connections of flanged, plastic-lined concentric pipe segments, these segments each having an inner and outer shell with an annulus therebetween and an aperture connecting the annulus with the exterior flange face of the pipe segment. A connector is described which may be placed between pipe segments to be connected and which has annular resilient sealing members and inner plastic seals to provide seals at the connection. The piping system provides an annular containment passageway to capture fluid escaping from the inner shell of a pipe segment and communicate the fluid to a fluid detection port in the connector. The annular containment passageway comprises at least one pipe segment annulus, at least one aperture in the pipe segment, and an annular fluid opening at the connector to communicate fluid toward the fluid detection port.

Abstract: A coupling for pipes having confronting ends with conical or flat outwardly extending flanges utilizes an elastomeric sealing ring which is placed between the flanges and a variable-diameter clamping device which is positioned to surround the flanges and has two radially inwardly divergent sidewalls each of which is adjacent the exposed side of one of the flanges. The conical radially inner portions of the sidewalls engage and penetrate into the external surfaces of the pipes in response to a reduction of the diameter of the clamping device, and any further reduction of the diameter entails a movement of progressively larger parts of radially outer portions of the sidewalls into engagement with the exposed sides of the adjacent flanges to bring about radial compression of a large portion of the sealing ring.

Abstract: A pipe coupling gasket insert is provided for optional use within a conventional C-shaped in cross-section, resilient gasket which is fitted within a conventional rigid C-shaped in cross-section coupling formed for encircling and coupling together the end portions of a pair of co-axially arranged, adjacent pipe end portions. The gasket has band-like lips formed on its inner portions for encircling and engaging the surfaces of the respective pipe end portions with the lips having free edges that are spaced apart. The pipe ends are slightly gaped apart. The insert, form of a resilient ring, is manually positioned within the gasket, for engaging the base of the C-shaped gasket, and has a radially inwardly extending rim that extends between the free edges of the gasket lips for engaging the end portions of the adjacent pipes and spanning the gap therebetween. The insert rim portion may be shaped to extend into gap or over the gap for sealing the gap between the adjacent pipe ends.

Abstract: A metallic sealing ring which in radial cross-section is hollow and of sinuous profile having axial end faces sinuously curved so as each to define an axially outward facing deep peripheral groove, the interior of the ring profile being in communication with the exterior thereof.

Abstract: One or more rigid sealing segments are attached to pipe end sections and the assembly lined to form a fluid-resistant joint. A segment surface forms the primary sealing interface of lined pipe sections without the need for a conventional removable liner edge seal. The lining process and configuration sealably bonds the liner to the fluid-resistant sealing segment and to the non-fluid-resistant pipe. The manner of bonding both avoids (or limits) liner stress and covers the non-fluid-resistant material of the pipe. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing segments are engaged at mating threaded surfaces, the mated threads providing a single primary sealing and engagement interface. Redundant liner end sealing may also be accomplished by a sandwiched deformable material if added reliability of sealing harsh fluids is desired. In another embodiment, portions of the rigid sealing segments are slidably mounted relative to each other and the primary seal interface is temperature actuated.

Abstract: A flange assembly (24) includes a cover (26), a base (28) and a compliant gasket (30) all of which are of circular configuration with a central opening. Gasket (30) is assembled within a nest formed by tapered surface (52) and rim (50) of base (28). Cover (26) is assembled with base (28) by the snap fit of inwardly turned edge (38) of the cover into annular groove (56) of the base. In this position, an inwardly turned lip (34) of cover (26) engages a ledge (70) of gasket (28) to retain the gasket within the nest. A section (78) of gasket (28) extends into a central opening of flange assembly (24) and includes a tapered inner side wall (62) which frictionally engages a conduit (20) of a faucet as the flange assembly is slid onto the conduit. Conduit (20) compresses section (78) of gasket (28) which includes side wall (62 ) into the nest where the forces of the compressed gasket retain flange assembly (24) with the conduit.

Abstract: This invention provides an expansion joint that uses a flexible sealing element in conjunction with a packed seal in a manner that allows a reduction in break-away forces and permits continued operation of the joint after a failure of the bellows or bellows attachment point. The expansion arrangement includes a flexible sealing element, usually in form of a bellows, and a containment chamber in communication with the exterior portion of the flexible sealing element or bellows and an interior portion of the packed seal. The containment chamber has an opening that permits relative movement between the ends of the expansion joint and is sealed by the packed seal. In the event of a bellows failure, the packing material acts to restrict or prevent leakage from the containment chamber to the outside environment.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising a sealing gasket to fit over adjacent ends of pipes to be connected end-to-end and a housing which clamps around the gasket, has the housing in the form of a cast metal or alloy band which substantially encircles the gasket and has at its circumferential ends opposed lugs between which a wedge portion of the gasket extends and which are connected by at least one clamping bolt engaged with retaining means, whereby the lugs can be urged towards one another to contract the band onto the gasket. The lugs grip the wedge portion as the band is contracted and prevent the body of the gasket from bulging outwardly between the lugs. Preferably the band is made of a ductile metal or alloy, e.g. ductile iron, and is slightly oval in its free state so that it assumes a substantially true circular form when fully contracted onto the gasket.

Abstract: The oil tightness between a union and a seat portion on the outer side surface of a caliper is maintained by a copper packing. A rubber packing is provided on the outside of the copper packing so as to prevent water drops from adhering to the copper packing. As a result, copper ions never dissolves into the water drops, so that the aluminum caliper is prevented from corroding.

Abstract: A tube connector for sealing a flareless tube to a fitting having a flat sealing face perpendicular to the fitting axis. The tube connector incorporates a ferrule engaged by a sleeve mounted on the end of the tube and having a flat radial surface for engaging the fitting sealing face. The ferrule is deformable and establishes a primary wedge type metal-to-metal sealing engagement with the tube by a compression nut threaded upon the fitting. The ferrule radially bows under axial and radial compression and this deformation suppresses vibration while the shape of the ferrule end engaged by the nut increases the radial forces on the ferrule as the nut is tightened to provide firm tube support remote from the seal region. The sleeve is provided with an internal undercut adapted to outwardly flare the end of the tube to lock the tube to the sleeve, and radially support the tube end as the tube is compressed during connection.

Abstract: An anti-extrusion apparatus for a seal sealing on the outside diameter of a conduit. The anti-extrusion device is positioned at each end of the seal and includes a metal ring engaging an end of the seal in which the ring has a wedge shaped inside. A plurality of arcuate ring segments form a close ring having inner diameter equal to the outside diameter of the conduit. The segments have a wedge shaped outside coacting with the metal ring and are wedged inwardly against the conduit prior to compression of the seal for reducing extrusion of the seal as it is compressed.

Abstract: The exhaust coupling of the invention comprises a first length of tubing having a first assembly flange fixed thereon, a second length of tubing associated with a second assembly flange, clamping means disposed to urge the assembly flanges towards each other via first resilient members, and second resilient members disposed between the assembly flanges in order to be compressed therebetween and to exert a force on the flange which is less than the opposing force exerted thereon by the first resilient members.

Abstract: A seal ring socket is disclosed having a ball ring at an insert end which rolls up on a socket neck portion when an insertion pipe is pushed into the ring socket. The rolling of the ball ring expands its volume to insure a water-tight seal against the insertion pipe. Grooves formed in a socket neck portion cause unbalanced stressing of the interior and exterior surfaces of the ring socket thereby assisting in the rolling of the ball ring.

Abstract: A cuff type air seal for sealing the overlap of partly telescoped parts that has an annular body of rubber or elastomer material having annular internal air sealing beads thereon which are adapted to fit on outer peripheral surfaces of the parts adjacent their overlap. Both parts have fixed outer diameters but the outer part may be a blow molded annular component having an internal diameter which varies so usually there is clearance and a potential air leak path at the overlap. An adjustable clamp encompasses the air seal and provides a constricting force so that the air sealing beads seal on the outer surfaces of the parts even though the clearance remains. The cuff is formed with a pocket that receives and retains a headed portion of the blow molded part when telescoped over the facing headed portion of the first part, particularly when the clamp is constricted.

Abstract: A quick disconnect nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle body, a spray tip, and an annular sealing member interposed therebetween. The nozzle body and spray tip have inclined seal engaging surfaces that compress the annular sealing member at three distinct points for exerting both axial and radial pressures thereon, and the body and spray tip have cams and separate radial detents for smoothly drawing the tip and body together into sealing engagement with the annular sealing member in repsonse to tip rotation and without the necessity for overcompressing the sealing member. A secondary, external sealing member is provided, which together with the internal sealing member, seal the cams and detents in an internal chamber area isolated from the liquid sprayed by the nozzle.

Abstract: Gasket apparatus and hermetically sealed joints employing the apparatus are provided wherein a tapered male member and a tapered female member are joined and a substantially hermetic seal is created around a predetermined circumferential zone between the male member and the female member by a gasket disposed to have a protrusion thereon at the predetermined zone to engage one of the male or female members to concentrate the sealing forces for making up the joint at that zone.

Abstract: A quick-acting coupling for the fluid-tight connection of two parts, each with sealing elements with sealing faces, is provided with at least one sealing face having a flexible seal, as well as a coupling for connecting the parts in such a way that they do not move relative to each other. In order to simplify the coupling and to reduce its costs, the sealing element of one part has a bevelled end and the sealing element of the other part has a correspondingly bevelled socket. The flexible seal is free-standing and radially unconfined over the entire height of its contact with the other sealing face.

Abstract: A symmetrical elastomeric seal for providing a fluid-tight joint in the annular space between the spigot of one pipe and the bell of an adjoining pipe. The gasket includes tapered ribs projecting from an annular web with their peripheries forming a continuous raised rim. The ribs are symmetrically tapered about axially-spaced parallel planes. A clamp may be installed between adjacent ribs to positively secure the gasket on the spigot. The hardness of the elastomer in the web relative to the ribs may vary according to the fluid pressure of the joint.

Abstract: A gasket and retainer arrangement for use in a coupling of the type having first and second coupling components with opposed end faces including sealing ribs extending axially therefrom with an annular sealing gasket interposed therebetween comprises a retainer device for maintaining the gasket in a predetermined located position relative to the end face of one of the components. The retainer includes a generally sleeve-like body defining a retaining portion closely received over the one component at an area rearwardly from the associated radial end face. A plurality of axially extending leg portions are spaced about the retaining portion and extend axially beyond the associated end face. The annular sealing gasket has an outer periphery of a diameter at least slightly greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve-like body with recesses formed in the outer periphery to receive the axially extending leg portions whereby the gasket is maintained in aligned relationship with the end face.

Abstract: This invention relates to a joint mechanism of pipes having high maintainability for a pipeline disposed in a building or a buried object. An insertion member is interposed between the pipes or between the pipe and equipment to be connected and packing is applied over these three members. The packing is set and clamped by meshing of two screwed clamping rings.

Abstract: An improved pipe branch fitting for use with a pipe having a pre-cut hole is disclosed. The branch fitting has a cylindrical body freely slidable along the pipe to a point where the hole is pre-cut. On one side, the cylindrical body carries an internally threaded boss into which a modified sprinkler head may be threaded. A gasket positioned between the sprinkler head and the pipe gives the seal as the sprinkler head bears upon the gasket upon tightening of the sprinkler head. The inner end of the modified sprinkler head has a stepped shoulder which abuts the periphery of the hole in the pipe and limits compression applied to the gasket. A reduced diameter end portion of the modified sprinkler head locates itself in the hole and indicates if the fitting is misaligned with the hole. The end walls of the body are each tapered toward the boss to facilitate the sliding of the cylindrical body, when assembled on the pipe are supporting structures of a building in which the piping system is being installed.

Abstract: A tube coupling assembly particularly suited for ultra-high vacuum applications comprises a pair of coupling components having through passages and abutting end faces. Each end face includes an annular continuous rib or bead. A threaded coupling nut acts to drive the ribs into sealing engagement with the opposite sides of flat annular sealing washer gasket positioned between the end faces. To prevent relative rotation between the end faces and the sealing gasket, as well as to prevent torque transmission to related system components, protrusions are provided which engage the coupling components to produce a driving connection between the gasket and/or the two coupling components prior to engagement of the ribs with the gasket. Also, a resinous plastic bearing washer is used between the coupling nut and the associated coupling component to reduce torque transmission during make-up.

Abstract: An improved sliding pipe joint seal for use in sealing an annular space created between a sealing surface of a spigot at an end of a length of pipe and a sealing surface of a bell shaped end of another length of pipe when the two pipes are connected end-to-end. The pipe joint seal includes an annular body having an inner gripping surface and an outer tab. The gripping surface is adapted to engage the sealing surface of the spigot to retain the seal thereon. The body has a normally closed annular chamber storing a lubricant, such as a grease. An annular slit in the body extends into the chamber forming a flap intermediate the slit and tab. The slit is spread apart when the bell shaped end engages the seal as the pipes are joined, thereby releasing the grease against the sealing surface of the bell shaped end as the seal slides over the remainder of the sealing surface of the bell shaped end.

Abstract: A reusable union coupling is provided, particularly for refrigeration service, comprising two fittings, a body and an adapter, which are attached to the two conduits or other components to be joined. A variable washer seal cavity is created when the body and adapter are mated, within which a teflon washer is disposed. Means are provided for moveably connecting the body to the adapter and selectively compressing the washer within the cavity, in particular a rotatable collar is provided which engages the adapter and threads onto the body. Means are also provided to prevent extrusions, displacement, and over-compression of the washer.

Abstract: Opposed ends of two tubular members are relatively displaced toward opposite sides of an annular seal to deform the seal and reduce the seal bore into approximate or actual alignment with the tubular members bore.

Abstract: An airtight, flexible joint is disclosed for the interfacing of two pressure vessels such as between the Space Station docking tunnel and the Space Shuttle Orbiter's bulkhead adapter. The joint provides for flexibility while still retaining a structural link between the two vessels required due to the loading created by the internal/external pressure differential. The joint design provides for limiting the axial load carried across the joint to a specific value, a function required in the Orbiter/Station tunnel interface. The flex joint comprises a floating structural segment which is permanently attached to one of the pressure vessels through the use of an inflatable seal. The geometric configuration of the joint causes the tension between the vessels created by the internal gas pressure to compress the inflatable seal.

Abstract: A pipe joint sealer for providing a watertight joint in metal pipe, cast concrete pipe, plastic pipe and the like is disclosed. The pipe joint sealer prevents fine dirt and sand from entering the pipe through the joint. The pipe joint sealer is comprised of an absorbent material such as low density, open cell, resilient foam which is saturated with a quantity of water reactive urethane prepolymer. The urethane prepolymer saturated foam is sandwiched between two layers of a geotextile fabric such as polypropylene which permit moisture to come into contact with the urethane prepolymer saturated foam. Moisture causes the urethane prepolymer saturated foam to expand and thereby form a dynamic watertight seal. Drying of the urethane prepolymer saturated foam causes it to shrink back toward its original volume. Thereafter, the pipe joint sealer of the present invention forms a new watertight seal each time it is wetted.

Abstract: A hinged joint for pipes having a sealing element such as, for example, a pipe with corrugated walls and reinforcing flanges at each end. At a certain distance from its end, each pipe carries a flange, which has two diametrically arranged, outwardly directed fastening attachments, each serving to be directly or indirectly connected to the corresponding attachment of the other flange, so as to permit a rotary movement about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the pipes thereby resulting in a hinged joint, which is particularly suitable for joining motor vehicle exhaust pipes.

Abstract: In a system for providing a direct sealing connection between flat coupling hardware and VCR-type coupling hardware, a gasket is provided having a conical inwardly facing side surface to engage the toroidal projection on the endface of the VCR-type coupling hardware. The opposite side surface of the gasket is provided with an internal shoulder to receive a metal O-ring to be sandwiched between the gasket and the flat end surface of the flat coupling hardware.

Abstract: In the present invention, when a multi-injection molded body made of at least a first and a second resins is molded, catching means are formed generally by pressing a part of the surface about an opening of a concave section formed in a first molded body made of the first resin to project interior side wall faces of the concave section inward, and injecting a second resin to mold a second molded body thus formed has catching means in the concave section, so that the second molded body is tightly fixed to the first molded body.

Abstract: A two or three piece seal apparatus and method is described for providing a positive seal of threads in extreme temperature ranges up to 2000.degree. F. for at least 20 minutes. A stainless steel compression/retaining nut is utilized in combination with a high temperature alloy ring or diamond-shaped seal to effect sealing of the threads.

Abstract: A metallic seal ring assembly including a U-shaped ring having a bight section and a pair of legs, a flange on the end of each of the legs, each flange including a radial surface and an annular surface, the distance between the radial surfaces being greater than the width of the bight section of the ring and a resilient sealing material filling the space between the legs of the ring.

Abstract: A pipe coupling and method for sealing pipe joints or leaks from the interior of the pipe line are disclosed. A continuous gasket member is positioned against the inside surface of the pipe line on each side of the leak location, a coupling member including at least one axial joint within the line is positioned to span the continuous gasket members, an axial gasket is positioned at the axial joint, and the coupling member is expanded to compress the continuous gasket members and the axial gasket member to prevent leakage of fluid from within the pipe line. The invention provides a convenient apparatus and method for repairing leaks in pipe lines when the exterior of the pipes cannot be conveniently exposed and the interior of the pipe line is accessible.

Abstract: A combination air seal for opposed flanges of a casing structure containing air at elevated pressure includes rectangular cross-section groove in one face of one of the opposed flanges and a narrow compressible gasket or seal strip in the groove at one side thereof to define an open transverse channel in the groove oriented transversely to the direction of air leakage through the flanges from the elevated pressure conditions in the structure. Air under elevated pressure leaks across the interface of the flanges to be taken up by the open transverse channel and conducted to a lower pressure region of the structure for further utilization. The gasket is adapted to be adequately but not excessively compressed when metal to metal engagement of the flanges is achieved. The compressed gasket prevents excess air in the channel from escaping from the channel to pass across the flange interface and escape from the casing structure.

Abstract: A self-actuating restraining gasket having optional integral sealing means is provided which is used particularly in bell-and-spigot pipe joints or joints employing pipe appurtenances, and more particularly in joints to be assembled in the field, the bell end of the pipe or pipe appurtenance to be employed having an annular recess adapted to receive the gasket therein, the gasket further employing a plurality of pairs of cooperating metal retaining elements embedded in the elastomeric gasket, the pairs of retaining elements being spaced apart around the circumference of the gasket, each pair of retaining elements comprising a wedging member and a backing member for the wedging member, and wherein the pairs of retaining elements act as the self-actuating retention or restraining elements, and an optional compressible back part of the gasket acts as a fluid seal when a pipe spigot is inserted in the bell.

Abstract: An annular gasket 1 for sealing joints between male and female socket pipes has an anchoring structure 2 and a sealing body 3, the anchoring structure having an anchoring heel 5 provided with outer peripheral recesses 27.

Abstract: A desirable seal structure for use in forming a seal around the exterior of a pipe or the like can be constructed so as to use a retainer member, a compression member, a sealing member located generally within the retainer member and generally between the compression and retainer members and bolts for compressing the retainer and compression members against the sealing member. The compression and retainer members are provided with beveled surfaces which are complementary to corresponding tapered surfaces on the sealing member. The sealing member is shaped so that it will move inwardly when compressed between the compression and retainer members.

Abstract: A spherical sealing body is to be inserted in a space defined by three of an end edge of an exhaust pipe on upstream side, a flange fixed on an outer periphery of the exhaust pipe on upstream side, and a concave spherical portion disposed on an end edge of an exhaust pipe on downstream side. The spherical sealing body comprises a wire mesh body obtained through weaving or knitting a fine metal wire, the metal mesh body has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe on upstream side, a convex outer circumferential surface to be fitted in the concave spherical portion, and a bottom surface on large diameter side to be abutted against the flange. A refractory material is filled in meshes and clearances of a part of the wire mesh body corresponding to the convex outer circumferential face and the bottom face.

Abstract: Opposed ends of two tubular members are relatively displaced toward opposite sides of an annular seal to deform the seal and reduce the seal bore into approximate or actual alignment with the tubular members bore.