Patents Examined by Patrick Brinson
  • Patent number: 7757722
    Abstract: An insulated pipe concealer is provided comprising an elongated plastic pipe sleeve with a left side and right side pivotally connected to each other and adapted to close. An elongated insulation element is found inside the pipe sleeve with a channel adapted to receive a pipe. Latches for fastening the two sides of the pipe sleeve together; and hinged flaps adapted for attachment to a wall are attached to the exterior of the pipe sleeve. This pipe concealer is particularly useful in covering refrigeration pipes found on building exteriors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: James A. Lesch, Jr., Glen P. Metzler
  • Patent number: 7258253
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the precise dispensation of small volumes of liquids are presented. A fluid microdispenser comprises a liquid-filled tube, an actuator coupled to the tube, and a tip at one end of the tube. When the actuator applies an actuation pressure, a precise volume of liquid is ejected from the orifice of the tip. The orifice is manufactured to control the volume of liquid ejected by each actuation and, therefore, may have a diameter smaller than that of the liquid-filled tube. The invention comprises systems, methods, and devices so that the inner diameter of the liquid-filled tube is decreased (tapered) to that of the orifice so as to maximize transmission to the orifice of the pressure generated by the actuation stimulus. This enables the volume of liquid ejected by each stimulus to be reproducibly controlled by the amplitude of the actuation stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Aurora Discovery, Inc.
    Inventors: David Nicol, Binh Nguyen, Peter J. Coassin
  • Patent number: 7234492
    Abstract: The invention concerns a double-sheath rigid pipe for transporting hydrocarbons consisting of two respectively inner (2) and outer (3) coaxial tubes separated by an annular gap (5), said pipe being adapted to be wound and comprising a device limiting the propagation of a deformation occurring on the outer tube, wherein a radial stop device (10) linked to the inner tube (2) but not linked to the outer tube (3) allows a localized collapse of value G of the outer tube, G being selected to stop the propagation of a deformation of the outer tube (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: Antoine Bastard, Mike Bell
  • Patent number: 7222645
    Abstract: An insulated duct-wrap insulating product for an air duct that incorporates a wicking media to transport condensed water on the duct surface to be evaporated into the atmosphere. A wicking fabric, or fibrous media, incorporated as part of the insulating duct wrap is in contact with the metal air duct surface. A portion of the wicking fabric extends into the interior of the air duct, typically through joints in the duct system. When water vapor condenses on the air duct surface it is transported by the wicking fabric and evaporated from the wick surface within the air stream being transported by the ducting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Shaffer, Manoj K. Choudhary, Steven F Geiger, Charles W. Crim, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7216676
    Abstract: A shaped hose assembly includes a length of hose having an external surface and a hose form including a non-continuous, generally curved wall that extends around the circumference of the external surface of the hose. The wall includes a first axially extending end and a second axially extending end. The hose form also includes at least one bend of predetermined radius. A method for shaping hose is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Barnhouse, George M. Wooley, Kevin J. Hartle
  • Patent number: 7207354
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tubular structure which uses the properties of different materials, such as stiffness, strength, and density are exploited in a manner which combines the most attractive characteristics of existing metal and composite tubes into a metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. For example, an improved tube is suitably created with a conventional metallic tube structure (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium or the like). The original tube is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove various portions of the original tube wall, resulting in a tube with some pattern of “holes” or “cutaway” sections, thus resulting in a lighter tube. The tube is then suitably “fused” with composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Vyatek Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard A Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7195038
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting conduits within a sanitary environment. Some supports are configured so as to avoid the formation of surfaces that might collect dust, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. when installed. In one embodiment, the support includes a pair of opposing support members that may be releasably and sealingly secured together. The upper support member may have a substantially uninterrupted convex surface that has a desired texture. The lower support member may be sized and shaped such that no portion thereof protrudes outwardly beyond the upper member to form any surfaces, pockets, etc. wherein dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. may accumulate. A seal or grommet may be employed to establish a seal between the conduit and support to prevent the infiltration of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc., between the conduit and the conduit support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: PBM, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Friedline, Robert S. Chappo, Jr., Kenneth R. Graham
  • Patent number: 7175106
    Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kendyl A. Román
  • Patent number: 7174921
    Abstract: An extension conduit for providing an extension from a spigot to a hose to distance the hose from the spigot includes a tube having a first end being configured to be in fluid communication with a spigot and a second end being couplable to a hose. A clamp is coupled to the first end of the tube. The clamp slidably receives a male end of the spigot to align the male end of the spigot with said first end of said tube to permit fluid communication between the tube and the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Delane M. Wiltse
  • Patent number: 7168452
    Abstract: A covering body for heating a pipe to be attached to the pipe and to conduct external heat to heat the pipe, including: a surrounding body including at least two parts having a divided shape of a cylindrical body along an axial line of the cylindrical body, the surrounding body having: a through hole having a diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the pipe; and a concave groove provided on an outer peripheral surface of at least one of the at least two parts and extending in a longitudinal direction of the surrounding body, a fitting member including: a first fitting plate including a first arc band-shaped plate longer than a half of circumference of an outer peripheral surface of the surrounding body and having a first extended portion and a first cutout at one end of the first arc band-shaped plate; a second fitting plate including a second arc band-shaped plate longer than the half of circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding body and having, at one end of the second arc band
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Sasaki, Yoshiyuki Motoyoshi, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Mitsushi Wadasako, Kiyoshi Kumasawa
  • Patent number: 7165579
    Abstract: A pipeline repair system includes a sleeve adapted to permanently enclose an outer surface of a longitudinal section of a pipeline having a defect. The sleeve includes two or more longitudinal segments of a cylinder joined at the longitudinal edges to form a sleeve with a first and second radial ends. The sleeve is sealed at the radial ends forming an enclosed annular space between the pipeline and the sleeve. An injection port assembly on the sleeve is adapted for temporary connection to an external source of pressurized material. The pressurized material may be a fluid, gas, or slurry. After filling the annulus with pressurized material, the port assembly is sealed. The permanent sleeve receives a majority of the tangential (hoop) stress load from the section of pipeline via the pressurized material in the annular space and may receive a portion of the longitudinal stress load from the section of pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Neil Borland, Henry E. Topf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163125
    Abstract: An inexpensive, readily visible indicator for liquid levels in a vacuum bottle that includes a coating of reflective material to minimize radiation heat transfer from the interior of the vacuum bottle to the exterior of the assembly. The vacuum bottle assembly includes a container receiving the vacuum bottle and a transparent or translucent window is located in the side wall of the container and in alignment with an interruption in the reflective coating. An indicator is located within the vacuum bottle and is aligned with both the windows and the interruption so as to be visible therethrough to provide an indication of the level of the liquid contained within the inner liner of the vacuum bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Murakami, Masato Hirose
  • Patent number: 7163028
    Abstract: A multipurpose plumbing tool has a body at one end, a head at an opposite end and an intermediate neck portion connecting the body and head. The marginal end portion of the body is cut back to form a reduced section, a shoulder being formed at the junction of the reduced section and a non-reduced section of the body. The reduced section is internally and externally threaded. An inwardly tapered seat for an O-ring is formed in the shoulder. An O-ring positioned in the tapered seat is compressed and contained within the tapered seat to provide a water tight seal when the externally threaded end is threaded into a female fitting. The free end of the head is formed with an internally threaded socket. A washer seated at the bottom of the socket provides a water tight seal when the socket is screwed onto a male plumbing fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Manuel Diaz Atkinson, Mark Abraham
  • Patent number: 7152632
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fiberspar Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan
  • Patent number: 7143789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure hose structure comprising several layers of reinforcing plies where the reinforcing fibers are spirally laid. The hose structure according to the invention is characterized by the odd number of its reinforcing plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Phoenix Rubber Gumiipari Kft.
    Inventors: Tibor Nagy, Andras Boros
  • Patent number: 7143788
    Abstract: An flexible coupling is shown for an insulated piping system of the type used to convey steam and other high temperature fluids. The coupling uses a flexible bellows and additional insulating and joining components to couple conventional lengths of insulated pipe. The bellows arrangement compensates for any relative movement of the inner fluid conveying pipes with respect to the outer layers of insulating material and outer jacket in order to protect the integrity of the assembly and prevent the intrusion of water or other contaminants which could lead to corrosion or early failure of the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Thermacor Process, LP
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Keyes
  • Patent number: 7140398
    Abstract: A tubular structural member that provides directional resistance. The tubular structural member has a flexural resistance that is greater in one direction than in another. The tubular structural member can be employed in variety of devices or structures so as to effect the overall stiffness of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Alliance Design and Development Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Dodge, William C. Doble
  • Patent number: 7140520
    Abstract: A spigot for a beverage container includes a body having a passage with first and second ends formed therethrough. An annular shoulder extends into the passage proximate the first end thereof and an annular valve seat is formed proximate the second end. An elastomeric plunger positioned in the passage includes a button with a sealing flange seated against the annular shoulder and a valve head biased against the valve seat. The body further includes a plurality of fins extending radially into the passage, each fin has a first end adjacent the annular shoulder such that the first ends contact the sealing flange as the button is depressed. The fins act to inhibit the sealing flange from coming unseated from the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Rutland, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay B. Rutler
  • Patent number: 7140397
    Abstract: An insulated duct-wrap insulating product for an air duct that incorporates a wicking media to transport condensed water on the duct surface to be evaporated into the atmosphere. A wicking fabric, or fibrous media, incorporated as part of the insulating duct wrap is in contact with the metal air duct surface. A portion of the wicking fabric extends into the interior of the air duct, typically through joints in the duct system. When water vapor condenses on the air duct surface it is transported by the wicking fabric and evaporated from the wick surface within the air stream being transported by the ducting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Shaffer, Charles W. Crim, Jr., Manoj K. Choudhary, Steven F. Geiger
  • Patent number: RE39968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube, and more particularly to a PTFE tube for a flexible hose. In particular the invention relates to a PTFE tube having a smooth bore for use in the production of a lined hose assembly farther comprising hose braids, external hose protection and end fittings. The PTFE tube comprises external roots and peaks, which tube is obtainable from a non-convoluted tube having an original wall thickness W0 and an internal diameter ID by a process in which a region of the tube is thinned to provide external convolutions with a root wall thickness W1 characterised in that the convoluted PFTE tube has an improved resistance, of greater than 7.6%, to permeation by comparison with the non-convoluted tube, the comparison being made between tubes of (i) equal nominal bore ID; and (ii) equal weight of PTFE per unit length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew John Whitworth