An apparatus for connecting two pipes in fluid communication includes a connector body having opposing open ends, with each open end configured for receiving a free end of a pipe, and a mechanical interlock arrangement for preventing or limiting axial movement of the connector body relative to a free end of a pipe when the free end of the pipe is received in an open end of the connector body. A mechanical seal arrangement provides a metal-to-metal seal between a pipe inserted into one of the open ends and the connector body.

A valve device (20) includes male and female housings (22, 24) that together define a fluid through-passage (28). The male and female housings have, respectively, exterior and interior annular channels (22a, 24a). The male housing is receivable into the female housing such that the exterior and interior annular channels together define a toroidal tube. First and second valve elements (30,32) are disposed, respectively, in the male and female housings. Ball locks (36) are receivable into the toroidal tube and axially lock the male and female housings together. A lock (40) engageable when the first and second valve elements are in functional alignment and which when engaged rotationally locks the male and female housings.

A connection device for at least one plug-in portion including an annular external groove includes a housing, into which at least one plug-in portion can be plugged, and also at least in each case one integral locking element and a securing device. A locking element includes a securing portion and a locking portion which can be preassembled in the housing. In the preassembled state, the locking portion, by elastic deflection, permits a plug-in portion to be plugged into the housing and brings about the locking of the plug-in portion in the housing. By means of the securing device, the securing portion can be secured on an outer side of the housing opening against displacement in a circumferential direction. A securing device is designed as a ring which engages around the housing and is movable on the housing at least axially counter to a resistance and has an axial recess in a plugging-in direction. A cam arranged on the securing portion of the locking element engages in the recess, as a result of which displacement of the locking element in relation to the securing device is prevented.

An apparatus for connecting two pipes in fluid communication includes a connector body having opposing open ends, with each open end configured for receiving a free end of a pipe, and a mechanical interlock arrangement for preventing or limiting axial movement of the connector body relative to a free end of a pipe when the free end of the pipe is received in an open end of the connector body. A mechanical seal arrangement provides a metal-to-metal seal between a pipe inserted into one of the open ends and the connector body.

A plug-in connection system for fluid-conducting components of fire extinguishing systems that has a first component having an outer peripheral surface and a first recess in the peripheral surface, and a second component having an inner peripheral surface and a second recess in the inner peripheral surface, wherein the first and the second component can be plugged into one another such that the recesses lie opposite one another and define a locking element channel. A locking element which can be inserted into the locking element channel until an interlock position is reached and at least part of which engages in both recesses in the interlock position. A locking element safety device is provided for reversibly releasably securing the locking element on the first and/or second component.

Apparatus and related method for coupling adjacent pipe lengths, for example, a drop pipe assembly that utilize an intermediate coupling member to prevent rotational disengagement of adjacent pipe lengths under the influence of rotational torque. The coupling member can comprise an internal key feature that physically engages a keyed end on at least one end of a length of pipe. The internal key feature can include key members located on each coupling end of the coupling member such that the key members engage corresponding keyed ends of adjacent lengths of pipe such that the coupling member prevents rotation of the adjacent pipe length relative to each other.

A coupling can include a coupling body having an axis, an axial length, an axial center, axial ends and an inner surface comprising an inner diameter that is substantially constant over an entirety of the axial length. A single shoulder can protrude radially inward relative to the axis from the inner surface, such that the inner surface has no other shoulders. In a version, the single shoulder is not axially aligned with the axial center of the coupling body.

A pipe seal assembly includes a stiffener having an axis, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD). The seal assembly also includes an elastomer that is coupled to and extending though the stiffener, such that the elastomer is located on both the ID and the OD of the stiffener. A method of manufacturing a tubular member includes forming the tubular member with a female end; locating a seal assembly having an extension inside the female end, pressing the seal assembly into the female end to form a seal groove, belling the tubular member using the seal assembly to form a belled shape, and pressing the extension into the interior of the female end to form a spline groove inside the female end adjacent the seal groove; and then sacrificially removing the extension, but leaving the seal assembly to form a final assembly.

A polymer pipe has a length between a first end and a second end. The length and the first end have a first diameter and the second end is a belled end having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. An insert device is received within the second end and has an annular body and a spline groove formed in the annular body and facing radially inward. The insert device is pre-installed in the belled end during the belling process.

A polymer pipe has a length between a first end and a second end. The length and the first end have a first diameter and the second end is a belled end having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. An insert device is received or pre-installed within the second end and has an annular body with a seal part coupled to the annular body and a spline groove formed in the annular body and facing radially inward. Another polymer pipe is inserted in the belled end to form a pipe joint assembly and has a mating spline groove on the outer surface. The spline groove and mating spline groove axially align and receive a spline therein to axially interlock the two polymer pipes to form a pipe joint assembly.