A joining apparatus is an apparatus for performing joining of a joining target object including multiple members stacked on each other and a thermosetting adhesive arranged on joining target portions of the multiple members. The joining apparatus includes a first electrode; a second electrode; a pressurization mechanism configured to cause the first and second electrodes to pressure-contact the surface of the joining target object in the vicinity of the joining target portions; a power source configured to distribute power to between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control unit configured to distribute the power to between both electrodes by the power source in a state in which the first electrode and the second electrode pressure-contact the surface by the pressurization mechanism, thereby performing joining of the joining target object by curing of the thermosetting adhesive by resistance heating generated at the joining target object.

A device for joining a first component to be welded to a second component to be welded, the joining device having at least one electrically conductive, resistive heating film which comprises a central connection portion and two lateral electrical connection portions. The joining device comprises at least one first electrical insulation member which is positioned in contact with the first face of the heating film, and at least one second electrical insulation member which is positioned in contact with the second face of the heating film, the two electrical insulation members being configured to allow the transfer of heat and to prevent the flow of electric current between the heating film and each component to be welded.

A heating element for resistance welding of thermoplastic components for aircraft comprises electrically conductive elements in the form of wires or fibers, which heat up upon application of an electric voltage to the heating element, to weld a first component to a second component in a region electrically heated by the heating element. The electrically conductive elements extend parallel to one another between contact regions for electrically contacting the heating element. After the welding procedure, the heating element remains between the welded components to enhance the strength of the welded bond. A device for bonding thermoplastic components by resistance welding comprises the heating element and a unit in the form of roller electrodes for displacing an electrically heated region of the components in the welding direction. The electrically conductive elements extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller electrodes.

Pipe fittings, systems, and methods are discussed including-pipe fittings with pairs of circumferential sealing zones and a pressure-testing chamber between the sealing zones. In addition, pipe fittings with sensors for detecting a breach in one or more sealing zones, data trackers for collecting information about the pressure-testing chamber and/or breaches in the sealing zones and a dormant power source that becomes powered upon an aqueous breach of one or more sealing zones are discussed.

A pipeline system is enclosed including unlined or plastic lined pipes. A mechanical metal to metal connection is employed that can provide a fluid tight seal. A pipe coupling may be employed to span the connection. Plastic lined pipes can have their plastic liners connected to form a fluid tight bladder. Electro fusion may be employed.

The invention provides improvements to electrofusion fitting methods that allow for continuity and repeatability of welds between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe). An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining. However, prior to the weld step taking place the electrofusion fitting is heated and expands accordingly to ensure contact with the pipe lining. Preheating the electrofusion fitting also provides a predetermined starting temperature for the fitting and the lining which results in improved fusion cycle reliability. Furthermore, the need for clamps or support frames to support the electrofusion fitting in situ is removed, with corresponding reductions in cycle times, complexity, and hence cost.

Electrofusion tape and method for the production thereof for welding together with plastics pipes in particular for use in a fixed-point fastening, consisting of a jacket element preferably of an electrically insulating plastics material, at least one heating element of electrically conductive plastics material and at least two contact elements for supplying electricity to the heating element, wherein the jacket element and the heating element take the form of tapes, wherein the jacket element surrounds the heating element at least in part, wherein the contact elements are arranged in the mutually opposing marginal regions of the heating element and extend parallel to one another along the heating element.

An electroweldable branch fitting for high diameter pipes comprises at least a first collar (20, 20) provided with a predetermined radius of curvature (R), wherein the collar (20, 20) identifies on opposite sides a concave surface (21) and a convex surface (22), further comprising at least one first electrical wire winding (23) associated with the concave surface (21) of the collar (20, 20) and carrying one first pair of electrical terminals (24), arranged on the convex surface (22) of the collar (20, 20) for applying an electric current adapted to cause the electrofusion of the collar (20, 20), wherein the concave surface (21) of the collar (20, 20) is continuous, i.e. not perforated, and wherein the first electrical wire winding (23) is uniformly distributed on the concave surface (21) at least in the central part thereof, the collar (20, 20) being provided with a branch sleeve (30), centrally on the convex surface (22), for the connection to a branch pipe, the branch sleeve identifying a blind hole (32) having a bottom wall (32) consisting of the wall of the collar (20, 20).

A device (20) for installing a tubular junction sleeve inside a pipe (1), having a mandrel (20a) of longitudinal axis (XX) supporting on its surface at least a first peripheral chamber (21) having a wall (21a) that is radially expandable by inflation. The first wall including at least one electrical connector (21b) suitable for being connected to one end of said heater wire. The connector being connected to an umbilical (24) including at least a compressed air feed duct for inflating the first chamber and an electrical power supply duct connected to the electrical connector. The device being characterized in that the mandrel supports on its outer surface a second peripheral chamber (22) having a wall (22a) that is radially expandable by inflation, and also a weld inspection device (23) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel.

A coupling component having a first end and a second end, said fitting having a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first end of the component comprising a first tubular portion having a first internal diameter adapted to form a sliding fit with a first pipe section, and a first sealing means adapted such that the first end can be sealed in use to the first pipe section; the second end having a second diameter or cross-sectional area which is larger than the first diameter and wherein the second end incorporates a flange, wherein at least part of the face of said flange is in a plane substantially non-perpendicular to, or offset from, the longitudinal axis of the component.