Importance

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Abstract

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.

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First Claim