Electro-fusion fitting and control apparatus therefor
AssigneesFusion Plastics Ltd., Vectstar Limited
InventorsEric Bridgstock, David M. A. Kenworthy, Brian Glaves, David A. Bilton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electro-fusion fitting for coupling thermoplastic pipes incorporates a heating coil (2) and has a resistor (6) with a value chosen in accordance with the power to be supplied to the coil connected between a main terminal (4) and an auxiliary terminal (5). Control apparatus is adapted to sense the resistance value and supply electric current to the coil for a predetermined time set automatically according to the resistance value.
Claims12
An electro-fusion fitting adapted for use with electrical control means to control the electrical power supplied to the fitting for welded attachment to a member of thermoplastic material, comprising:
- a body of thermoplastic material having a surface for engagement with said member, an electrical heating element disposed in and adjacent to said surface of the body, terminals electrically connected to the heating element for supplying an electric current to said heating element to fuse the material of the body to said member to be welded to the fitting, a device supported by said body and having a predetermined fixed characteristic electrical parameter, said device generating an electrical signal representative of said predetermined fixed characteristic electrical parameter selected in accordance with the electric power to be supplied to said heating element of the fitting, and electrical contact means supported by the body for electrical connection to said electrical control means and said device being electrically connected to said contact means and said contact means including at least one auxiliary terminal contact additional to said terminals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.