An expansion joint for flexibly joining two tube segments for producing a tube for an evacuated tube transport system (ETT), wherein the expansion joint includes two annular rims and an annular flexible and airtight sleeve for rendering the expansion joint airtight wherein the sleeve includes two annular bead sections connected by an annular flexible carcass wherein each annular bead section includes a bead wire, and wherein the bead sections are designed to airtightly co-operate with rims that are fixed to the outside perimeter of each of the tube segments, wherein the rims are fixed at, or close to the opening of the tube segments.

The invention relates to a compensator arrangement comprising a first fixing unit (10), a second fixing unit (20), and an intermediate flexible member (30) removably arranged between the first fixing unit (10) and the second fixing unit (20) and comprising a main body (33), a first radial end flange (31) and a second radial end flange (32), wherein the first fixing unit (10) comprises a first connecting member (11) having a first connecting body (11a) and a first fixing flange (11b) having a plurality of through-holes (11c), a first counter ring (12), a first clamping ring (13) and a first clamping device (14) for releasably clamping the first radial end flange (31), the first clamping device (14) comprising bolts (15) and elongated recesses (13a) for receiving the bolts, the second fixing unit (20) comprises a second connecting member (21) comprising a connecting body (21a) and a second fixing flange (21b) having a plurality of through-holes (21c), a second counter ring (22), a second clamping ring (23) and second clamping device (24) for releasably clamping the second radial end flange (32), the second clamping device (24) comprising bolts (15) and elongated recesses for receiving the bolts, wherein the first end flange (31) of the flexible intermediate member (30) is fluid-tightly clamped between the first fixing flange (11b) of the first connecting member (11) and the first counter ring (12), and wherein the second end flange (32) of the flexible intermediate member (30) is fluid-tightly clamped between the second fixing flange (21b) of the second connecting member (21) and the second counter ring (22).

A tubular string having a box end and pin end coupled to one another with a threaded attachment and a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes an annular outer thrust ring having an axial end abutting a shoulder on a terminal end of the box end. Included with the coupling assembly is an inner thrust ring, which is also annular, and which has an end that axially abuts a shoulder formed along an outer surface of the pin end. An alternate type of the inner thrust ring is made up of two separate semi-circular members that circumscribe the pin end when positioned in the recess so their arcuate ends adjoin. The inner thrust ring inserts into the outer thrust ring, and has a radial surface on its outer circumference that lands on a shoulder formed along an inner circumference of the outer thrust ring.

A bellows member (10) for use in connecting two plumbing interfaces to one another. The bellows member is a generally hollow design with cuff ends (12, 14), each of which connects to an ends of another interface. The bellows member has a flexible bellows body center section that moves to accommodate operational off-axis misalignment, while being able to absorb vacuum and pressure differentials. The disclosed bellows resists vacuum implosion and internal pressurization. The flexible center section is provided with a plurality of convolutes (34, 36, 38) oriented radially outwardly on a horizontal axis. The bellows functions to accommodate misalignment between the two plumbing interfaces.

A bellows member (10) for use in connecting two plumbing interfaces to one another. The bellows member is a generally hollow design with cuff ends (12, 14), each of which connects to an ends of another interface. The bellows member has a flexible bellows body center section that moves to accommodate operational off-axis misalignment, while being able to absorb vacuum and pressure differentials. The disclosed bellows resists vacuum implosion and internal pressurization. The flexible center section is provided with a plurality of convolutes (34, 36, 38) oriented radially outwardly on a horizontal axis. The bellows functions to accommodate misalignment between the two plumbing interfaces.

An expansion joint including a hollow elastomeric body having coupling flanges at each open end configured to connect to flanges of a pipe system. The hollow elastomeric body is made of a material including an elastomer and fibers. A stretchable sensor is located within the material of the hollow elastomeric body. The sensor is configured to provide a varying electrical characteristic when the sensor is stretched or contracts. An analysis circuit is connected to the sensor, the analysis circuit configured to receive the varying electrical characteristic and to emit a signal corresponding to a level of the electrical characteristic received by the analysis circuit.

A flexible pipe fitting for joining a first length of pipe to a second length of pipe at an arbitrary angle is provided. The apparatus includes a primary fitting having a substantially circular opening at a first end thereof for receiving an end of a first length of pipe, and an enlarged opening at a second end thereof for receiving a first flexible coupling member. The first flexible coupling member includes an outer wall having an outer surface engaging an inner surface of the enlarged opening, and an inner wall having a lower end connected to a lower end of the outer wall. The inner wall further includes a substantially circular opening therein for receiving a second, rigid member. The inner surface of the second, rigid member is configured to receive an end of the second length of pipe. The enlarged opening in the primary fitting is preferably fish-mouth shaped, or alternatively, cone shaped. Adhesive, such as PVC cement may be used to bond the various fittings, and lengths of pipe together to form a sealed joint.

A coupler assembly (10) and method of manufacture (10) for use with pipe comprising a unitary annular body (20) forming first and second cylindrical openings for surrounding a pipe or piping sections to facilitate forming a fluid-tight seal therein. The unitary annular body (20) comprises a medial portion (64) formed from a first material having a first durometer and first and second lateral portions (56, 58) integrally connected to opposite ends of the medial portion (64). The first and second lateral portions (56, 58) are made from a second material having a second durometer relatively higher than the first durometer of the first material. The coupler assembly (10) further comprises at least one clamping assembly (26) surrounding the unitary annular body member (20) adapted for compressing the coupler assembly (10) into a fluid-tight seal.

An expansion joint spring clip can eliminate flutter, pulsations and reverse bending on non-metallic fabric flue duct expansion joints. The expansion joint spring clip can hold the expansion joint in a fixed arch such that it can still perform its function with regard to accommodating the ducting system movements. The expansion joint spring clip allows the entire width of the non-metallic expansion joint to retain its position during start-ups, downloading and during full or partial boiler, kiln, furnace loads and the like. The expansion joint spring clip can be installed in the existing geometry of an expansion joint by producing an arch while not damaging the expansion joint after being installed. The expansion joint can still accommodate axial and limited lateral movements, allowing the expansion joint to perform its function.

An expansion joint spring clip can eliminate flutter, pulsations and reverse bending on non-metallic fabric flue duct expansion joints. The expansion joint spring clip can hold the expansion joint in a fixed arch such that it can still perform its function with regard to accommodating the ducting system movements. The expansion joint spring clip allows the entire width of the non-metallic expansion joint to retain its position during start-ups, downloading and during full or partial boiler, kiln, furnace loads and the like. The expansion joint spring clip can be installed in the existing geometry of an expansion joint by producing an arch while not damaging the expansion joint after being installed. The expansion joint can still accommodate axial and limited lateral movements, allowing the expansion joint to perform its function.