Disclosed embodiments provide an electrofusion pipe coupler with mechanical support. The electrofusion pipe coupler comprises a coupler housing. A wire is configured and disposed within the housing. Electrodes are affixed to the coupler housing and in electrical contact with the wire. A threaded pattern is formed in an outer surface of the coupler housing. Gripping wedges are affixed to the coupler housing. Each gripping wedge extends from the coupler housing. A nut is attached to the coupler housing, engaging with the threaded pattern, and compressing the wedges against the connecting pipes. This serves to provide axial load transfer from the connecting pipes to the coupler housing via the wedges, thereby providing improved mechanical stability for such pipe assemblies.

A positive crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine routes blowby gases into the intake of the engine. Because the blowby gases have about 12% water vapor, during cold-weather operation, the water vapor may freeze in the PCV valve or in the port that couples the PCV duct with the intake manifold. In situations in which the PCV duct is pointing toward the direction of flow of the intake gases, a hood or cap is placed over the end of the tube according to the present disclosure. It can be as simple as a 90-degree elbow or multiple openings in the cap. A centerline of the openings is perpendicular or at an obtuse angle with respect to the direction of flow in the duct so that the intake gases do not directly access the openings and cause freezing in the openings (or ports).

A coupling component (60,30) having a first end (61,71) and a second end (66,76), the component having a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first end of the component comprising a first tubular portion (62,71) having a first internal diameter adapted to form a sliding fit with a first pipe section, and a first seal 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 (67,77), 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.

Fittings to join and tightly seal tubes such as plastic tubes used in but not limited to various plumbing applications. The fittings allow for rigorous and non-destructive tests of the integrity of seals, where the integrity of seals can be readily and quickly tested one by one, as a pipe system is being built. The seals can also be tested again, after installation and completion of the plumbing arrangement. The fitting comprises two pairs of sealing zones, each pair having in between sealing zones a pressure testing chamber with an inlet, which allows for pressurizing the chamber and testing the integrity of the adjacent seals. The fittings have a series of cold zones that enhance flexibility and integrity of the fittings.

A nasal/oral cannula for collecting a flow of exhaled gases and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The cannula comprises an elongated tubular body having a first and a second end portion, a surface and an internal volume; a wall internally disposed within said tubular body, said wall defining a first subvolume of said internal volume in the lengthwise direction of the tubular body; and an inlet through said surface, for introducing exhaled gases into said first subvolume. The first end portion defines an exit port for exhaled gases from said subvolume, and said wall is arranged directly adjacent to said inlet.

Disclosed herein is a method for connecting first (110) and second (120) plastic pipes. The method includes: placing an end of the second plastic pipe (120) on a target portion of the first plastic pipe (110) that is intended to form a connection hole (111), the end of the second plastic pipe (120) being provided with an arch-shaped heating element (130) made of conductive plastic material, electric connection terminals (140) disposed in the heating element (130) on opposite sides of the target portion, and a cover (121) covering at least an outer surface of the arch-shaped heating element (130); supplying power to the electric connection terminals (140) to heat the arch-shaped heating element (130) so that the second plastic pipe (120) is fused to the first plastic pipe (110); and forming the connection hole (111) in the cover (121), the arch-shaped heating element (130) and the side surface of the first plastic pipe (110), so that the first plastic pipe (110) and the second plastic pipe (120) communicate with each other.

A positive crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine routes blowby gases into the intake of the engine. Because the blowby gases have about 12% water vapor, during cold-weather operation, the water vapor may freeze in the PCV valve or in the port that couples the PCV duct with the intake manifold. In situations in which the PCV duct is pointing toward the direction of flow of the intake gases, a hood or cap is placed over the end of the tube according to the present disclosure. It can be as simple as a 90-degree elbow or multiple openings in the cap. A centerline of the openings is perpendicular or at an obtuse angle with respect to the direction of flow in the duct so that the intake gases do not directly access the openings and cause freezing in the openings (or ports).

An electro-welding fitting includes a main body from a first plastics material having an elasticity modulus E2 and at least one heating element for heating the plastics first material. The at least one heating element is entirely or partially surrounded by a second plastics material that does not correspond to the first plastics material or that has other properties from those of the first plastics material

An overmolding method for forming joints in a fluid-flow apparatus utilizes a connector or fitting as a component for mold forming. The connector or fitting is not removed after the overmolding and thus forms part of the joint assembly.

A tubing including an overmold is connected to a fitting by welding the overmold to the fitting. Methods for doing the same are also provided. Also provided are methods for forming an overmold on a tubing or on a tubing and fitting assembly.