Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion joint (1) for joining two adjacent parts of a pipe. The expansion joint (1) comprises an expansion bellows (5), an expanded wall (2) and an inner sleeve assembly (8). The expanded wall (2) comprises a first wall part (3) and a second wall part (4), wherein the first wall part (3) and the second wall part (4) are spaced apart from each other axially by an axial gap. The expansion bellows (5) is connected to the first wall part (3) and to the second wall part (4) such that the axial gap between the first wall part (3) and the second wall part (4) is closed and such that the first wall part (3) and the second wall part (4) are connected flexibly. The expanded wall (2) and the inner sleeve assembly (8) limit at least one sealed chamber (9, 10) between each other, and the at least one sealed chamber (9, 10) is filled by a first gas.

Abstract: A platform and method for configuring and erecting a platform of support beams to which decking is applied so that it is suspended from and disposed below a main cable of a bridge. In one embodiment, a plurality of main cable clamps are spaced along and grippingly attached to the main cable. A pair of elongate members are each attached at one end to a respective one of the main cable clamps and at an other end to the respective support beam. In another embodiment, spaced slings are applied to the main cable so that each extends around the main cable. Ends of each of the slings are attached to a respective one of the support beams respectively. One end of a cable is attached to a sling intermediate ends thereof. The cable is extended between the sling and an anchor point and substantially parallel to the main cable there along to restrain the sling from slippage along the length of the main cable.

Abstract: A pipe conductor is formed by a conductive tubular body. The pipe conductor includes a connection for connecting with another conductor. The connection is formed by crushing an end of the conductive tubular body in an axial direction. A flat surface is formed on a first surface of the connection, and a surface having a groove is formed on a second surface of the connection. The groove reaches a tip end of the connection, and an end of the another conductor is in contact with only the flat surface.

Abstract: A crossfire tube assembly between adjacent combustors includes a first sleeve adapted to provide fluid communication from a first combustor and a second sleeve adapted to connect to provide fluid communication from a second combustor. The second sleeve extends at least partially inside the first sleeve. A bias is between the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: A casing head assembly for landing on a stem head of a floating structure can include a stem head adapter assembly that includes a ring shaped stem head adapter plate. A solid upper ring is spaced axially above the stem head adapter plate, defining an adapter gap between the upper ring and the stem head adapter plate. At least one load cell can have a first end that is supported by the stem head adapter plate and a second end that engages the upper ring. At least one piston assembly is selectively secured to the upper ring. The casing head assembly also includes a casing head landed on, and secured to, the upper ring of the stem head adapter assembly. The load cell is selectively constrained between the upper ring and the stem head adapter plate by a load on the casing head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing the integrity of a portion of flexible pipe body. The method includes the steps of, via at least one port in an end fitting assembly in which an end of a portion of flexible pipe body is terminated, monitoring at least one parameter associated with an annulus region disposed between layers of the flexible pipe body, the annulus region being connected to the port by a connecting passageway.

Abstract: A seal (100) for connecting to a tube (110) having a wall, the seal comprising: •an elongated cavity (130) for receiving an end of the tube (110); •a first elastic ring (140) in the cavity (130); and •a fluid inlet (150) for radially pressing the first elastic ring (140) against the wall of the tube (110) inserted in the cavity (130).

Abstract: A coupling device for a sealed coupling of first and second pipe sections, which are movable with respect to one another and at the ends of which respective flanges are fastened to be mutually sealed. The end face of the second flange, which is directed toward the first flange, includes an annular groove and a sealing element is disposed within the annular groove. The annular groove is configured to be subjected to pressure so as to press the sealing element against the end face of the first flange. The sealing element is a sealing ring made of elastic material.

Abstract: A testing method for connectors usable with oil or natural gas wells using a test part connector and a control component connector. The method uses a test fluid in a test reservoir that is pumped to each connector simultaneously, uses a test part pressure transducer and a control component pressure transducer to create a test response and a control response. The responses are then transmitted as compared results to a user.

Abstract: A threaded joint comprises a pin coupled to a box with an annular groove, one or a pair of seal rings, and hydraulic actuating means to pressurize the seal ring or rings against the pin to provide sealability of the joint. The seal ring or rings comprise a frustoconical surface, an external surface, and an internal surface with one or more protruding annular ribs. In the unpressurized state, the seal ring or rings do not protrude from the groove. In the pressurized state, the frustoconical surface of the sealing ring is in sealing contact with an internal surface of the annular groove of the box, and the annular ribs of the sealing ring are in sealing contact with the external surface of the pin.

Abstract: The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.

Abstract: A threaded joint comprises a coupling, a first pin, and a second pin, wherein the thread of the first pin has a pitch different from the pitch of the thread of the second pin. The extremities of the pins have slanted contact surfaces of complementary shape that make mutual contact after make-up of the joint. The slanted common plane of contact of both pins has an angle to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint which is greater than 0°. In an alternative embodiment the contact surfaces of the pins are split into two staggered planes and comprise a seal in-between.

Abstract: A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit.

Abstract: An externally testable redundant seal connector for a well comprising a connector body and a ferrule disposed on an end of the connector body. The ferrule is adapted for forming a primary seal between an outer diameter of the connector body and a profile in a mandrel. A sealing groove can be formed on the outer diameter of the connector body. A sealing device can be disposed in the sealing groove. A conduit can be formed in the connector body parallel to but disconnected from the thru-bore. Ports can be disposed in the connector body for receiving fluid and introducing fluid to at least one conduit. A plug can be insertable in each port upon completion of testing wherein each plug forms a secondary seal between the connector and the mandrel.

Abstract: A joint for connecting two tubes. The joint includes a first tube that provides a ball interface at its end. The joint also includes a second tube that provides a cup interface inside its wall. The cup interface of the second tube and the ball interface of the first tube form a cup-ball interface. This cup-ball interface is located in the interior of the second tube.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved seal structure of cutting fluid supplied to a spindle of a milling spindle. The milling spindle 100 comprises a spindle 20 supported within a housing via a bearing 16, and a drawbar 24 having a through coolant passage 22. The cutting fluid C1 passing through the rotary joint 40 and 50 is sent to the through coolant passage 22, but a portion thereof is collected in a drain chamber 105. A rotation member 110 is attached to a rear end portion of the spindle 20, which is equipped with a labyrinth device 150 having a lip seal member 152. An air supply member 120 has two air seal members 142 and 144, and air A1 is sent toward the labyrinth device 150, by which an air seal is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates tight sealing between a first space and a second space. The second space is at least partially enclosed by a member. The apparatus includes or performs creating or maintaining a pressure difference between a pressure in a third space at a seal assembly and pressure in each of the first space and the second space; and pushing, caused by the pressure difference, against a seal in the seal assembly to tighten sealing provided by the seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and reacting to an upper packer failure in a riser slip joint. An upper packer failure is determined by comparing pressures at two points in the upper packer pressure circuit using a differential pressure valve. In the event of a failure of the upper packer, a secondary pressure source is used to energize a lower packer in the riser slip joint.

Abstract: Systems for actuating a pair of pipe flanges to cause the flanges to be sealingly engaged. In one embodiment, a connection includes a first flange, a second flange and a coupling. The first and second flanges have complementary mating surfaces. The coupling engages both the first and second flanges, with the flanges oriented so that their mating surfaces face each other. The coupling movably engages the first flange to form a cavity between the coupling and the flange. When fluid is forced into the cavity, expansion of the cavity moves the first mating surface toward the second mating surface. This is continued until the mating surfaces make contact and a desired amount of pressure is applied between them to create a seal. The pressure of the fluid is distributed evenly through the cavity, so the contact pressure between the mating surfaces of the flanges is also evenly distributed.

Abstract: A fitting for sealing against the inner surface of an inlet includes an elongate mandrel and one or more resilient bushings supported on the mandrel. The fitting has a first condition wherein the resilient bushing can be received within the inlet. The fitting can be actuated to a second condition the resilient bushing expands radially to sealingly engage the inner surface of the inlet. When the inlet is sealingly engaged by the resilient bushing in the second condition, fluid may be admitted to the inlet through an axial bore in the mandrel. When the fitting is used to fill a pipe system, fluid supplied to the inlet may be pressurized to facilitate monitoring the pipe system for leaks. The fitting may include a sealing member configured to seal against a terminal end of the inlet when the bushing is radially expanded to seal against the inner surface of the inlet in the second condition.

Abstract: A rotating passage feed system for admitting pressure means into two machine parts (hub part (2), shaft (3)) which rotate relative to one another about a common axis. Conduits (17) that convey the pressure means are located in the shaft (3) and are joined to pressure means connections (6) via tapped holes while a connecting part (5) in which ring channels (8) are provided is also joined thereto. A central sleeve (9) is joined to the connecting part (5) in a non-rotatable manner. The connecting part (5) and the central sleeve (9) are produced in an inexpensive manner as lightweight structure formed from sheet metal through a shaping process.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiments, a hollow shaft rotary fluid joint assembly includes: (a) a hollow shaft through which electrical cables are passed; (b) a rotary fluid joint surrounding an outer diameter of the hollow shaft through which a fluid medium is passed, the rotary fluid joint including inner and outer races defining an interior chamber that are rotatably connected together and that include one or more respective inlet or outlet port.

Abstract: Relative and controlled sealing between a pipe (1) and a ceramic tube (7) utilizes a cylindrical chamber (5) that is attached in a sealed manner to the pipe (1), and to one end of the ceramic tube that is placed inside the chamber. At least two sets of sealing fixtures (3, 3?) are placed in an annular space between the ceramic tube and the chamber. A crosspiece (4) is interposed between the two sets sealing of fixtures (3, 3?). A metal mating flange (6) is pressed against a compression ring (4?) to compress the sealing fixtures (3, 3?). Injection of a fluid (8) between the two sets of sealing fixtures (3, 3?) applies a pressure differential that is determined on each of the fixtures.

Abstract: A locking ring-type pipe joint has a spigot ring provided on a first pipe section, a bell ring provided on a second pipe section, and a locking ring that may be contracted to engage the spigot ring to the bell ring. First and second circumferential grooves formed in the spigot ring are configured to receive a test gasket and a pipe seal gasket respectively. An annular test space between the gaskets is in closed connection with a pressure port, whereby the pressure seal of the pipe seal gasket may be evaluated after the pipe sections are joined and prior to activating the joint restraint feature, installing the next pipe, and back-filling the pipe sections.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (10) for joining together the ends of two adjacent pipes includes a housing (12) which defines a generally central bore (13) along a central axis of the housing for receiving the ends of the two adjacent pipes, and a locking arrangement (14) at each end of the housing (12) for locking the pipes to the coupling. Each locking arrangement (14) includes an annular chamber (23) within the housing, an inlet for allowing fluid into the chamber, an outlet for allowing fluid out of the chamber, and an annular seal (24) which is arranged to move within the annular chamber axially of the housing. A locking ring (26) is provided between the annular seal (24) and a plurality of radially movable grippers (30) for locking the grippers to a pipe end within the housing.

Abstract: A high pressure seal consists of a minimal convex excess which induces a plastic-elastic deformation on the flat opposing surface. The excess can also be formed by means of a ring with a circular cross section which after tightening of the screw coupling likewise forms a small convex excess. Removal of the ring without damage is accomplished by application of pressure by means of a smaller additional groove and a pressure feeding bore discharging into the additional groove.

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting two ceramic material tubes has a cup-ball interface. One of the tubes has at a first end a cup shaped member, and the other tube has at a first end a ball shaped member adapted to be received in the cup shaped member. The ball shaped member and the cup shaped member define the cup-ball interface. The cup shaped member is provided with a gas feed channel discharging at a first end into an annular groove at the cup-ball interface. At the other end, the cup shaped member is connected to a conduit outside the cup shaped member. The conduit is connected to an inert gas source having a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Joint assembly for connecting two ceramic material tubes. One of the tubes is provided with a cup and the other tube with a ball to be received in said cup. To prevent atmospheric gases entering at the joint of the cup and ball inert gas in introduced at super atmospheric pressure at the innerface between cup and ball.

Abstract: A multi-channel rotary joint comprising-elastic seal rings each having an annular groove that are used to form a low-pressure channel space and a high-pressure channel space between the opposing peripheral surfaces of a joint housing and a rotator that rotates inside the joint housing. Seal rings that seal the low-pressure channel space which forms part of a vacuum suction route are engaged with and supported by one of the opposing peripheral surfaces such that annular grooves are disposed symmetrically and opening into spaces adjacent to the low-pressure channel space. The seal rings that seal the high-pressure channel space which forms part of a pressurized fluid supply route are engaged with and supported by one of the opposing peripheral surfaces such that the annular grooves are disposed symmetrically and opening into this high-pressure channel space.

Abstract: A connector for a plain end pipe comprising a housing (7) for location over the pipe, an annular recess (4) formed in an inner surface of the housing (7), a seal (1) located in the recess (4), a nipple (8) for the supply of grease under pressure, and segmental grippers of L-shaped cross section comprising a leg (6) and a foot (5) having a serrated inner surface for engagement with the pipe. Such connectors have wide tolerance within a certain range of nominal pipe outside diameter.

Abstract: A rotating connector for the transfer of at least one pressurized process fluid, and comprising a central stem (2) on which there is placed a number of ring elements (3, 4) comprising at least one annulus element (3) for fluid transfer between an associated course (8) in the stem (2) and an outlet (9) from the connector, and a bearing ring element (4) arranged on each side of the annulus element (3) and sealed there-against by dynamic seals (14) operated by means of a barrier liquid having a higher pressure than the process fluid pressure, and a looking nut (21) to keep the ring elements (3, 4) preloaded against a shoulder (20) on the stem (2).

Abstract: A device for connecting two bodies, especially a quartz body and a metallic body, which assures with few and simply formed components a high sealing ability at high temperature differences and at very low pressures and makes possible an easy assembly and disassembly. The device for the vacuum-tight connecting of two bodies of different materials, each of which has an essentially tubular end section (20, 30) and in the connected state of which the tubular end section (30) of the first body surrounds at least partially the end section (20) of the second body, includes an intermediate conduit (13) for intermediate suction removal of gases and is formed between the tubular end sections (20, 30) of the bodies with two seals (100, 150) which seal off the intermediate conduit (130).

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for a tube comprising a sleeve part having at least one insert end for the tube and a sealing part suitable to provide a seal around the tube inserted into the sleeve part. The sealing organ comprises a plurality of substantially identical, slidably abutting elements which form part of a substantially closed ring. The elements increase radially in thickness. Furthermore pressure means are provided for pressing the elements against the tube.

Abstract: A low profile parenchymal bolt having a cap, a body, and a base with two rods located through the cap that the base. Levers are located at the cap and are interconnected with the rods. Moving the levers outwardly pulls the rods and base towards the cap compressing the body and causing its outer diameter to increase into contact with an opening in the skull of a patient to form a fluid-tight seal and fixing the bolt in position. A lumen permits mounting an instrument through the bolt and when the body is compressed, the lumen reduces in size thus clamping the instrument in place in the bolt and forming a fluid-tight seal. Through use of non-ferric materials, artifacts in MRI are reduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device adapted to be fixed and sealed to at least one cylindrical member (1, 1'), characterized in that it includes:a first sleeve (2),a second sleeve (3) coaxial with the first sleeve (2) having a greater capacity for deformation than the first sleeve (2) and fixed and sealed to the first sleeve (2) at both ends,at least two cylindrical rings (4, 5) coaxial with the second sleeve (3), pressed against the latter and each fixed by one edge to one end of the second sleeve (3), andmeans (6, 6') for injecting a pressurized fluid between the first sleeve (2) and the second sleeve (3).

Abstract: A pipe connector for attachment to a plain end pipe includes a housing (2) for location over the pipe end, an annular recess (4) formed in the inner surface of the housing, an inlet (10) for feeding a fluid under pressure into the recess, a sealing ring (6) in the recess, having at least three arcuate gripper elements (14) bonded thereto, the gripper elements having aligned recesses at the radially inward surfaces in which an O-ring seal (16) is mounted. After a pipe end is placed within the housing, fluid is pumped into the annular space (8) between the housing and seal ring (6), which pushes the seal ring and attached gripper elements radially inwardly to engage the pipe, the O-ring seal (16) forming a tight seal against the pipe. The plurality of gripper elements can conform to a pipe which is not perfectly round.

Abstract: A swivel device comprising inner and outer mutually rotatable swivel members having respective inner fluid paths communicating with each other through one or more associated annular spaces at the interface between the swivel members. The annular spaces being sealed from each other by seals. The swivel members are formed as an outer female member and an inner male member so that the male member can be introduced axially into the cooperating female member to an operative working position, or withdrawn from the female member when disconnecting the swivel members. The seals between the annular spaces are arranged to be activated for active sealing in the operative working position, and to be relieved in case of manual disconnection of the swivel members.

Abstract: An inline pipeline expansion joint is provided having a first sleeve with the outer end adaptable to attach to a pipe. A second sleeve also has an outer end adaptable to attach the attachment of a pipe, the inner end of the first sleeve being co-axially and telescopically received within the second sleeve. A seal is interposed between the interior of the first sleeve and the exterior of the second sleeve. A tubular liner is positioned within the second sleeve, one end of the liner being telescopically received within the interior of the first sleeve to thereby reduce turbulence of fluid flow through the expansion joint. The first sleeve has an external annular circumferential flange with openings therethrough that receive circumferentially spaced alignment rods that are secured at one end to the second sleeve so that as the first sleeve moves telescopically with respect to the second sleeve, the two sleeves are prevented from rotating with respect to each other.

Abstract: A connector arranged for high pressure fluid carrying conduits comprises a central core having at least one fluid passage such as an integral bore, formed therein and an outer member surrounding the central core and being moveable relative thereto. The outer member comprising at least one segment having a fluid flow conduit and sealing means for the connector junction comprising an intermediate member, at least one static seal for non-moveable surfaces and at least one dynamic seal for relatively moveable surface.A plurality of segments may be stacked on top of each other and held together by the application of a compression force on shoulders of the segments.A relative rotational capability is preserved for the parts of the connector yet a more reliable and versatile connector is achieved in which the modular construction allows a variety of sizes to be offered more easily and cheaply and engineering tolerances can be more easily be met than with a single piece construction.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system externally mounted around an air cooled condenser to increase the rate of heat transfer. Spray cooling takes place in stages around succeeding portions of the condenser as determined by thermostats which respond to increasing condenser air discharge temperature.

Abstract: Method for increasing the distance between two faces, inserting into a space between the two faces a diaphragm power jack, the shape of which being adapted to the shape of the space, the diaphragm power jack comprising two abutting sheets being sealingly bonded along the entire circumference, a pipe penetrating the bonded, injecting a pressurized fluid through the pipe to the interface between the two sheets thereby forcing the sheets apart whereby substantially all the energy from the pressurized fluid being converted to forces perpendicularly to the sheets.

Abstract: A pipeline connector apparatus comprising piston actuated means for gripping and sealing a pipe comprising a cylinder having an inner surface, the cylinder having a first groove for receiving a spring biased ring, a piston movable in the cylinder and actuating one of the gripping and sealing means, the piston having a second groove holding a spring biased ring. A plurality of compressible and relaxable spring biased rings are provided, each having an outer surface and a radius such that each will compress within the second groove and will expand within the first groove. The outer surfaces of the different rings have shoulders of different widths which allows the operator to control the piston stroke in the cylinder. The apparatus further comprises a means for predetermining and/or monitoring the displacement of the pistons.

Abstract: A pipeline connector and repair system for sealingly connecting the ends of first and second pipes together without welding or bolting. First and second connectors are provided at each end of a pipe joint and are inserted between the ends of the first and second pipes to be connected, the connectors are extended outwardly for enclosing the ends of the first and second pipes, and dual slip means and dual seal means in each of the connectors are hydraulically set for making the repair.

Abstract: A slip-type expansion joint including a body portion for connection to a pipe or conduit and having an inner annular recess for receiving packing rings and injectable packing material and the joint further including a slip portion for connection to another pipe or conduit and guidedly received in the body portion for limited axial movement therein to accommodate limited axial movement of the pipes or conduits, the packing rings providing the main sealing function of the joint and the packing material exerting force on the packing rings to maintain the sealing function thereof, the expansion joint characterized by a plurality of ports around the body in communication with the annular recess for introducing the packing material to the recess and a manifold arrangement extending around the body and connected to the ports for supplying packing material to all of the ports from one location on the manifold arrangement so that packing material can be supplied readily to all of the ports even if some locations aroun

Abstract: A rotatable flange union for use with vacuum systems includes a first flange, a second flange and a connector which connects the first flange to the second flange and allows the first flange to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the second flange. In the preferred embodiment, tubing of the first flange is placed within tubing of the second flange. Additionally, the connector includes a first quad ring seal, a second quad ring seal, and a cavity in the second flange. The first quad ring seal is in contact with an inner diameter of the second flange and is in contact with an outer diameter of the first flange. The second quad ring seal is in contact with the inner diameter of the second flange and is in contact with the outer diameter of the first flange. The cavity is between the first quad ring seal and the second quad ring seal. The cavity is pumped to a pressure of less than ten millitorr.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connection with an inside of a fluid conduit including seal member, sleeve member and collet assembly to seal and grip the fluid conduit which is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway. The connection apparatus further includes a resilient member and a control valve to cause actuating and deactuating relative movement between the collet assembly and the sleeve member so as to grip and seal the inside of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A wellhead seal for establishing and maintaining a seal between a wellhead and inner pipe element. The seal is an annular elastomeric body having an inner axial surface with a generally convex central portion for pressing against the inner pipe element surrounded by the wellhead and an outer axial surface with a generally concave central portion which, in one embodiment, receives an annular energizing element to increase the sealing force between the body and casing. An annular anti-extrusion ring is provided at the inner edge of each radial end surface.

Abstract: A sealing device of this invention is designed to prevent entering of the open air through a coupling of a process tube of a CVD apparatus. The sealing device includes a first flange having a mirror-finished face, a second flange having a face which is brought into contact with the face of the first flange, at least one gas guide which is open to at least one of the faces of the first and second flanges and an evacuation system for evacuating a region, in which the first and second flanges are brought into contact with each other, through the gas guide.

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

Abstract: An improved length compensating joint suitable for use in repairing pipelines includes an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member which receives the inner member in close fitting engagement, seals disposed radially and axially between the inner and outer members define annular piston areas for providing selective relative motion between the inner and outer members, a pressure responsive locking piston with a camming surface for urging gripping elements into locking engagement with the inner member, a metal-to-metal seal between the inner and outer members which can be deenergized during extension or retraction operations and a test port for verifying the integrity of the metal-to-metal seal after installation. Additionally, a second embodiment provides an alternative metal-to-metal seal configuration which can also be deenergized during extension and retraction operations.