초록 ▼

A pipe union assembly with embodiments which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. Embodiments of the inventio

A pipe union assembly with embodiments which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. Embodiments of the invention also include structures to automatically check the flow of fluids from the components of the pipe union upon disassembly of the union. The pipe union generally comprises one or more fitting members and a sealing member. The sealing member receives a ridge formed on each fitting member in a sealing fashion. One or more external sleeves hold the fitting member and the sealing member in sealing engagement. The materials from which each fitting member and sealing member are fabricated may be chosen so as to exhibit the proper hardness characteristics and thermal expansion coefficients. A compensating washer is also provided to increase compensation for thermal contractions at low temperatures. Embodiments are provided with restraining clips which are placed in grooves provided on the exterior of the fitting members so as to allow breaking of the sealing engagement and dissipation of any residual pressure before the union is completely disassembled.

대표청구항 ▼

A pipe union assembly for coupling a first pipe member to a second pipe member, the pipe union comprising: (a) a hollow first fitting member having a first end, a second end, and means for attaching the first fitting member at the first end thereof to the first pipe member; (b) a truncated tapered r

A pipe union assembly for coupling a first pipe member to a second pipe member, the pipe union comprising: (a) a hollow first fitting member having a first end, a second end, and means for attaching the first fitting member at the first end thereof to the first pipe member; (b) a truncated tapered ridge peripherally formed at the second end of the first fitting member, the truncated tapered ridge having two opposing flat sides, each of said sides being oriented at an angle in a range from about 6°to about 8°with respect to a central axis of the first fitting member; (c) a hollow rigid sealing member having a first tapered channel peripherally formed on a first end, the first tapered channel being defined in part by two flat tapered walls, the walls being oriented with respect to a central axis of the sealing member at an angle which is substantially equal to the angle at which the sides of the tapered ridge are oriented with respect to the central axis of the fitting member, the first tapered channel also being configured to receive in sealing engagement the tapered ridge such that the truncated tapered ridge does not completely penetrate the first tapered channel; and (d) securing means for selectively applying pressure to the first fitting member to hold the truncated tapered ridge in sealed engagement with the first tapered channel such that the sealing engagement is maintained while the pipe union undergoes thermal cycling.