Patent ID: 6237640
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,F16L

Abstract:
An variable length, electrofusion repair fitting for use in repair of a hole or weak point in a polyethylene carrier pipe having a longitudinal axis and an outside surface which defines a pipe circumference, comprising:an encapsulating piece for covering the hole or weak point in the carrier pipe, said encapsulating piece having a wall with a wall thickness and a pair of longitudinally spaced ends, each of said ends having an end surface, said encapsulating piece including electrical wires integrally formed therein, having a pair of electrical leads for connecting electrical current, which said electrical wires extend between;a first end piece for attachment to said encapsulating piece at one of said ends thereof, said first end piece having a wall with a wall thickness and a pair of ends, said ends having respective end surfaces defined by said wall thickness, said first end piece including electrical wires integrally formed therein having a pair of electrical leads for connecting electrical current, said electrical wire terminating at said electrical leads;a second end piece for attachment to said encapsulating piece at the other of said end thereof, said second end piece having a wall with a wall thickness and a pair of ends, said ends having respective end surfaces defined by said wall thickness, said second end piece including an electrical wire integrally formed therein for providing an electrical current to said end piece, said electrical wire terminating in a pair of electrical leads,wherein when each of said end pieces are attached to said encapsulating piece, said electrical wires implanted within each of said pieces such that when an electrical current is applied to said electrical leads, said pieces become heated, thereby melting said pieces to each other and to said carrier pipe so as to seal said weak point or hole.