The disclosure relates to improved friction drive systems, control algorithms for friction drive systems, and automatic traction control for friction drive systems. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may improve control over an amount of normal force between a contact surface on a friction drive (e.g., disposed on a drive motor) and a tire or wheel of a wheeled vehicle. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may dynamically adjust the normal force between the contact surface and the tire or wheel in response to rapidly changing conditions, such as weather, road surface, and/or tire inflation. Embodiments of an automatic traction control system may adjust the normal force to avoid slippage while minimizing tire wear and maximizing battery efficiency. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may allow a user to calibrate or adjust the amount of normal force delivered based on their preferences or based on a selected mode of operation.

The disclosure relates to improved friction drive systems, control algorithms for friction drive systems, and automatic traction control for friction drive systems. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may improve control over an amount of normal force between a contact surface on a friction drive (e.g., disposed on a drive motor) and a tire or wheel of a wheeled vehicle. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may dynamically adjust the normal force between the contact surface and the tire or wheel in response to rapidly changing conditions, such as weather, road surface, and/or tire inflation. Embodiments of an automatic traction control system may adjust the normal force to avoid slippage while minimizing tire wear and maximizing battery efficiency. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may allow a user to calibrate or adjust the amount of normal force delivered based on their preferences or based on a selected mode of operation.

A watertight flange for jointing and repairing pipes is provided that includes a ring-shaped sealing gasket (2) and a metal body (3) that is perimetrically coupled on the circular surface of the ring-shaped gasket (2). The sealing gasket (2) and the metal body (3) are pressed by closing and clamping elements externally incorporated determined by bolts (4) transversally inserted in respective pairs of parallel through-axles (5) and joined integral with the metal body (3). The metal body (3) has approximately the same length as the ring-shaped gasket (2), with respective lateral ends perpendicularly folded inward and having radial cuts (31) that define related rims (32) that determine retaining means of the said ring-shaped gasket (2) in the metal body (3) and, eventually, means interlocking the watertight flange (1) itself on the surface of the pipes to be jointed.

A split T-shaped pipe serving as a housing device and comprising: an annular case body that has a split part in at least one location in the circumferential direction, and that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of a water pipe in a sealed state with a seal material therebetween; and fasteners for tightening the split part, thereby joining a plurality of split pieces constituting the case body. Joining surfaces are provided at the circumferential end portions of the split pieces, and protrusions protruding along the circumferential direction are formed on the joining surfaces but only at both end portions of the case body in the pipe axis direction of the water pipe.

A split T-shaped pipe serving as a housing device and comprising: an annular case body that has a split part in at least one location in the circumferential direction, and that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of a water pipe in a sealed state with a seal material therebetween; and fasteners for tightening the split part, thereby joining a plurality of split pieces constituting the case body. Joining surfaces are provided at the circumferential end portions of the split pieces, and protrusions protruding along the circumferential direction are formed on the joining surfaces but only at both end portions of the case body in the pipe axis direction of the water pipe.

A bracket arrangement for supporting an elongated pole element that is welded to a base flange. The bracket arrangement surrounds the elongated pole element at a first position and spans from the first position to a second position that is secured at a point beyond the weld area. An energy-absorbing element lies between the bracket and the elongated pole element at the first position to dampen vibrations.

A pipe coupling encapsulation assembly includes an elastomeric ring including two elastomeric annular pipe interface portions that extend from two opposite axial ends of an elastomeric intermediate annular portion. The elastomeric annular pipe interface portions have a smaller annular radius than an annular radius of the elastomeric intermediate annular portion. Each of the elastomeric annular pipe interface portions and the elastomeric intermediate annular portion includes edges that face each other when the elastomeric ring is placed around a pipe. A repair coupling includes a band and opposing clamp members extending outwards from ends of the band, the elastomeric ring being radially inwards of the band.

A pipe coupling encapsulation assembly includes an elastomeric ring including two elastomeric annular pipe interface portions that extend from two opposite axial ends of an elastomeric intermediate annular portion. The elastomeric annular pipe interface portions have a smaller annular radius than an annular radius of the elastomeric intermediate annular portion. Each of the elastomeric annular pipe interface portions and the elastomeric intermediate annular portion includes edges that face each other when the elastomeric ring is placed around a pipe. A repair coupling includes a band and opposing clamp members extending outwards from ends of the band, the elastomeric ring being radially inwards of the band.

The present invention relates to a pipe coupling comprising: a tubular casing, having a longitudinal gap between a first free end and a second free end, for fitting around a pipe; and a tensioning system for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipe, the system comprising: at least one fastener having a first end and a second end, for tightening the casing around the pipe; a first member, coupled to the first free end of the casing, configured to engage with the first end of the or each fastener; and a second member, slidably coupled to the second free end of the casing, configured to engage with the second end of the or each fastener, the second member being longitudinally slidable from a first position, in which the or each fastener is free to move radially out of engagement with said second member, to a second position in which the or each fastener is in retained engagement with said second member.

The present invention relates to a pipe coupling comprising: a tubular casing, having a longitudinal gap between a first free end and a second free end, for fitting around a pipe; and a tensioning system for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipe, the system comprising: at least one fastener having a first end and a second end, for tightening the casing around the pipe; a first member, coupled to the first free end of the casing, configured to engage with the first end of the or each fastener; and a second member, slidably coupled to the second free end of the casing, configured to engage with the second end of the or each fastener, the second member being longitudinally slidable from a first position, in which the or each fastener is free to move radially out of engagement with said second member, to a second position in which the or each fastener is in retained engagement with said second member.