A connection, and methods of making an using such a connection, the connection comprising a first layer; a second layer concentrically disposed about the first layer; and a laser-induced seal between portions of the first and second layers; wherein the laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers. As to particular embodiments of the connection, the first layer can be incorporated into a first conduit and the second layer can be incorporated into a second conduit.

An apparatus configured to apply protective sheeting of polymer material around a cutback on a pipeline has a frame located close to a pipeline extending along a longitudinal axis; a manipulator fitted to the frame and having a guide system movable between a rest position at a distance from the pipeline, and a work position in which the guide system is fitted around the pipeline; and an extrusion die movable selectively along the guide system and around the pipeline to supply and apply protective sheeting around the cutback on the pipeline.

A method of connecting together two unit elements (4, 4) of a fluid transport pipe, each unit pipe element being covered in an outer insulating coating (6, 6) made of a thermoplastic material, with the exception of an end portion that does not have an outer insulating coating. The method includes: a step of welding together two abutting unit pipe elements; a step of positioning an annular sleeve (14) around a cut-back and in part around the outer insulating coatings of the two unit pipe elements, the sleeve being made of a thermoplastic material; a step of fastening the sleeve in sealed manner by weld bonding on the outer insulating coatings; and a step of applying an external pressure on the sleeve to enable it to be deformed elastically and match the shape of the respective end portions of the two unit pipe elements.

A connection, and methods of making an using such a connection, the connection comprising a first layer; a second layer concentrically disposed about the first layer; and a laser-induced seal between portions of the first and second layers; wherein the laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers. As to particular embodiments of the connection, the first layer can be incorporated into a first conduit and the second layer can be incorporated into a second conduit.

A rivet connection has a hollow rivet composed of plastics material and connects a first component to a second component. The first component has a first surface and the second component has a second and third surface. The first surface and the second surface bear on one another. The second component has a first opening between the second and the third surface. The hollow rivet has a tubular component having a lateral wall, a cavity, a first end and a second end. Part of the tubular component is disposed in the first opening of the second component. The second end of the tubular component protrudes beyond the second component. The lateral wall of the tubular component adjacent the first opening of the second component is heated and compressed and configures an outwardly bulging region. Part of the outwardly bulging region contacts the third surface of the second component.

A method for the quasi-simultaneous welding of at least two types of welding by means of a laser beam, wherein the laser beam originates from a laser optic which is associated with a platform of a delta robot and is guided by a movement of this platform.

The present invention relates to a method and to a device for assembling together two tubes (1, 2) comprising a tubular junction sleeve and an internal pipe liner tube made of thermoplastic materials by laser welding two contact surfaces of revolution (1-1, 2-1) pressed one against the other at the ends of the tubular sleeve of said liner tube overlapping coaxially.

A method of welding a gasket to a spigot portion of a pipe section is described. The method includes supporting the gasket in a recess on the spigot portion of the pipe section. The gasket includes a seating portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. A first bonding portion extends from the first shoulder portion and a second bonding portion extends from the second shoulder portion. The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are provided to bond the gasket to the spigot portion. The method further includes heating a portion of the gasket and an adjacent surface of the spigot portion and applying a force onto the portion of the gasket following the application of heat to fuse the gasket onto the spigot portion.

A roller for compressing protective sheeting of polymer material around a pipeline rotates about a given or designated axis of rotation and has a shaft; and a first tubular portion which extends about the shaft and varies in elasticity along the given or designated axis of rotation; more specifically, the first tubular portion is of greater elasticity at the ends of the roller than at the center of the roller.

A method of applying protective sheeting of polymer material to a pipeline extending along a longitudinal axis and having a cutback bounded at opposite axial ends by two end portions of respective protective coatings of polymer material, the method including directly heating the free faces of the end portions; extruding and simultaneously winding about the pipeline a protective sheeting wide enough to cover the cutback and the end portions; and compressing the protective sheeting against the pipeline, the end portions included.