A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

An electrofusion joint includes a main body and a heating wire. The main body is configured to be connected to a first resin pipe and a second resin pipe containing a thermoplastic resin. The heating wire is disposed in the main body. The heating wire includes a conducting wire and an insulating cover film that is provided around the conducting wire. The insulating cover film has a melting point of at least 230 degrees.

The electrofusion joint includes a tubular main body, a stopper portion, a first heat generating section, and a second heat generating section. The tubular main body includes a joint receiving portion. The stopper portion projects inward on the inner surface of the main body. The first heat generating section includes a heating wire wound and arranged at the joint receiving portion. The second heat generating section includes a heating wire wound so that wound parts are adjacent to each other and the heating wire is disposed in the stopper portion. The first heat generating section includes at least one heat generating portion in which the heating wire is wound so that the wound parts are adjacent to each other.

A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe; and a resistive element. The first pipe, the second pipe, and the coupler are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). The resistive element includes a first layer and a second layer of thermoplastic material; and an electrically conducting resistive heating element with positive and negative terminals for connecting electrical power. The electrically conducting resistive heating element is sandwiched by the first layer and the second layer of thermoplastic material. The resistive element is disposed between an interior of the coupler and at least one of: an exterior of the first pipe and an exterior of the second pipe. Upon application of electrical power to the positive and negative terminals of the resistive element, the electrically conducting resistive heating element generates heat sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and/or the second pipe to the coupler.

A pipe adapter includes a first tubular element, a second tubular element, and an annular securing member disposed around and fixed to a second portion of the first tubular element. The annular securing member has a flange portion that contacts and secures the second tubular element axially relative to the first tubular element while also allowing the second tubular element to rotate relative to the first tubular element and the annular securing member. An annular sealing member is located around the first portion of the second tubular element to provide an axial seal along the adapter.

The invention relates to a method for connecting a thermoplastic line element (3) to a connecting element (2). The method comprises the steps of: providing the at least one thermoplastic line element (3); providing the connecting element (2) having a thermoplastic body (4 wherein a heating element (6 is embedded in the body (4 for generating heat in a welding region (5 for welding the body (4 to the at least one line element; joining the connecting element (2) to the at least one thermoplastic line element (3; providing a welding device (10) for welding the connecting element (2 to the at least one thermoplastic line element (3); welding the connecting element (2 at least one thermoplastic line element (3 by generating heat in the welding region (5 by means of the welding device (10).

The welding of the connecting element (2) to the at least one thermoplastic line element (3) is stopped by the welding device (10) before the end of the planned welding duration if an error criterion is met.

A tubing and junction assembly and method of making the same are disclosed. The assembly includes a shell having a bore extending from a first opening to a second opening, and a third opening extending from an exterior surface of the shell to a first end portion of the bore. A tubing is seated within the bore. A bonding agent is disposed between the tubing and the shell. The method of making the tubing and junction assembly includes forming or providing a shell, inserting an end of the tubing through the first opening into the shell, inserting a bonding agent through the third opening of the shell into a gap between the tubing and the shell, and curing the bonding agent to join the tubing to the shell.

A pipe joining material for connecting pipes and fittings and a method of making a pipe joining material are provided. The pipe joining material may include a thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and a bonding agent for the thermoplastic material.

A drive shaft includes a first shaft member made of metal, a tubular member made of CFRP, and a first exterior sleeve. The first shaft member is capable of being attached on one end side thereof to a first constant velocity joint, and has a first serrated part on which serrations are formed on another end side thereof. The tubular member is formed with a first fitting part fitted externally over the first serrated part. The first exterior sleeve covers the first fitting part by being disposed to extend over outer circumferential surfaces of the first shaft member and the tubular member. A film provided with a bonding assistance region and an adhesive are interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the tubular member and the inner circumferential surface of the first exterior sleeve.