Flexible piping joint

A fluid-tight coupling and sealing apparatus for a first cylindrical tube and a second cylindrical tube having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough, the combination comprising:

• a metallic, resilient annular sealing element extending from the first tube,
• said sealing element having a ring portion having an outer surface with a maximum free diameter greater than the diameter of the interior cylindrical surface of the second tube and in contact via an interference fit with the interior cylindrical surface of the second tube sufficient to cause elastic deformation of said sealing element, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween;
• and
• guiding means, coupled at least to the first tube, for maintaining the intersection point of the center lines of the tubes during angular misalignment thereof in the plane containing the line of contact of said annular sealing element and the interior cylindrical surface of the second tube;
• said guiding means comprising a guide assembly formed of first and second arcuate ring members spaced apart to define an arcuate annular cavity therebetween, said first and second arcuate ring members being coupled to the first tube,
• said guiding means further comprising a follower assembly coupled to the second tube and having an arcuate follower movable in said cavity, said follower having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of said cavity.