초록 ▼

A method and apparatus are disclosed for a thermoplastic pipe joint. The pipe joint consists of a channel machined or routed into each end of the pipes to be joined and a coupler manufactured from substantially the same type of thermoplastic material as the pipes, with an electrical resistance eleme

A method and apparatus are disclosed for a thermoplastic pipe joint. The pipe joint consists of a channel machined or routed into each end of the pipes to be joined and a coupler manufactured from substantially the same type of thermoplastic material as the pipes, with an electrical resistance element embedded into the coupler. Application of power to the electrical resistance element raises the temperature of the interface between the coupler the pipe walls causing the thermoplastic material to form a fusion bond between the coupler and the pipes, resulting in a leak free joint with no interior flow obstructions or exterior collars or protrusions. There is also disclosed a method for electrofusion welding solid wall thermoplastic pipes without leaving an interior or exterior obstruction by machining a socket and nipple on the pipes to be joined and adding an electrical resistance element to the nipple.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrofusion weld assembly for uniting a pair of substantially identical profile wall thermoplastic pipes, each of the pipes having an outer wall, an inner wall, an end wall, a helical rib located generally between the inner wall and the outer wall and joining the inn

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrofusion weld assembly for uniting a pair of substantially identical profile wall thermoplastic pipes, each of the pipes having an outer wall, an inner wall, an end wall, a helical rib located generally between the inner wall and the outer wall and joining the inner wall to the outer wall, and a recessed channel in the end wall for receiving a coupler therein, said weld assembly comprising:a coupler uniting the end walls of the profile wall pipes and positioned within the channels, the coupler having an exterior surface adjacent the outer walls of the profile wall pipes and an interior surface adjacent the inner walls of the profile wall pipes; andan electrical resistance element sufficiently close to both the coupler and the profile wall pipe walls to cause the profile wall pipes to fuse to the coupler on energization of the electrical resistance element thereby forming a pipe joint having a substantially constant inner diameter and a substantially constant outer diameter.