Coupling Systems, Incorporated

Smith-blair, Inc.

Richard M Halen, Jr

Robert B Walsh

A preformed transition pipe coupling is disclosed for the joining together of a generally cylindrical plastic pipe end to a generally cylindrical metal pipe end. A middle ring is provided and a first end of a length of plastic pipe is inserted into and permanently joined to the first end of the middle ring at the factory. Preferably, the length of plastic pipe is joined by securing the plastic pipe to the middle ring by compressing the plastic pipe end between the middle ring and a compression member and securing it in place by utilizing metal teeth and grooves adjacent the inner periphery or outer periphery surface of the plastic pipe. The second end of a joined plastic length of pipe is heat fused to a plastic pipe in the field. A field installed mechanical coupling is attached to a second end of the middle ring to allow for field connection of the coupling to a metal pipe without welding. The coupling includes a follower movable relative to the middle ring which, when tightened, compresses a gasket to provide a seal and collapses a lock ring onto the metal pipe to grip the surface of the pipe. A control is provided to ensure an adequate seal and an adequate grip even when installed on an anchored metal pipe.

Preformed transition pipe coupling

A coupling for pipes is disclosed which includes a central elongate sleeve into which two pipe ends to be joined are placed, a pair of annular gasket members positioned within the opposite sleeve ends, a pair of annular backup rings positioned longitudinally outwardly of the gasket members, a pair of annular wave springs positioned longitudinally outwardly of the backup rings, a pair of collapsible split ring annular gripping members positioned longitudinally outwardly of the backup rings, a pair of follower members positioned longitudinally outwardly from the wave springs and gripping members, and bolts and nuts engaging the follower to urge the follower members relatively closer together. As force is applied, inward motion of the follower members initially causes partial gasket compression, thereafter causes the wave springs to compress and the backup rings to contact and collapse the gripping members. The compressed wave springs store energy to reduce torque loss caused by stress relaxation of the pipes or gasket members.

Pipe coupling with spring off-set

A flange adapter is provided for insertion between a flanged end valve and a plastic pipe having an elongate cylindrical member with a radial outward flange at one end for fastening to a metal valve flange, a second radial outward flange intermediate the ends of the cylindrical member, the other end of the cylindrical member having an enlarged bore with a frusto conical end, said bore receiving a plastic pipe end and a surrounding elastomer gasket with a frusto conical end, a follower abutting the gasket, a compressible frusto conical jaw assembly surrounding the plastic pipe end within a frusto conical opening of a back up ring and tightening means for separately moving the follower to compress the gasket sealingly on the plastic pipe and the back up ring to compress the jaws into the pipe end.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Richard M Halen, Jr