Patents Examined by Richard J. Scanlan, Jr.
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Device for connecting and disconnecting hoses or pipes to and from difficultly accessible structures
Patent number: 4666187Abstract: In a device for connecting and disconnecting hoses or pipes to and from difficultly accessible structures such as under water, it is aimed at providing a reliable device, which will be easy to operate, lends itself to repeated connecting and disconnecting of the hoses or pipes, also if necessary by remote control, and which is to a considerable extent selfcleaning. To this end the device has a movable supporting structure for carrying the hose or tube by engaging a freely rotatable end part thereon and an endless chain slung around a driving pinion and around two other chain pinions in the device, which latter pinions are positioned one to each side of the hose or pipe, are movable towards and away therefrom and are urged away therefrom. The chain is slung around part of the periphery of said part to engage a gear ring thereon with its run between the said two other chain pinions.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1986Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: Ingenieursbureau Marcon (Marine Consultants) B.V.Inventor: Petrus C. Koot -
Patent number: 4666340Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning drilling equipment modules on an offshore platform apparatus which are removeably connected to the platform and adapted to contain equipment associated with the drilling of wells. A major portion of the equipment is secured to and within the modules and is simultaneously removeable with the modules as a unit when drilling operations on the platform apparatus have been completed. The drilling equipment modules are transported to a second location which may be either a jacket positioned on the ocean floor or a storage yard for future use of the modules on another platform. Alternatively, production equipment modules containing previously-installed equipment associated with the production of well fluids and being of a size and arrangement to be interchangeable with drilling equipment modules are subsequently lowered onto the platform apparatus next to the wellhead equipment modules after drilling operations on the platform apparatus have been completed.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1986Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: Shell Offshore Inc.Inventor: Bobby E. Cox
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Patent number: 4664426Abstract: A retaining piece 6 is urged against a pipe A by a push bolt 5, which has an inclined engagement surface 20 in forced engagement with a complementarily inclined engagement surface 16 of a push bolt insertion hole 14. When the pipe A experiences a force tending to dislocate it, the piece 6 is turned such that a ridge-like edge 25 formed at the bottom 23 of the piece 6 wedges into the pipe A, thus preventing the dislocation of the pipe A. The bottom 23 of the piece 6 and also ridge-like edges 24 and 25 formed at the bottom have curved shapes conforming to the outer periphery of the pipe A, so that the edges 24 and 25 can be readily in close contact with the pipe outer periphery. The piece 6 is retained in a ring body 4 by a retainer 7.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1985Date of Patent: May 12, 1987Assignee: Kanto Chuutetsu Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noboru Ueki
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Patent number: 4664428Abstract: A pipe joint includes a novel sealing plate for sealing the axial joint or joints of a cylindrical coupling. The sealing plate carries on its upper surface a pair of axial gaskets which seal against the coupling above the sealing plate and against O-rings on the pipe sections below the sealing plate. In an alternate embodiment, the axial gaskets can be adhered to the inner surface of the coupling so as to engage the edges of the sealing plate. In another embodiment, in lieu of a separate sealing plate, one end of the coupling can carry a single axial gasket and be lapped under the other end of the coupling to form the axial seal. The sealing assemblies of the invention ar particularly useful in situations in which the pipe ends are subject to movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1986Date of Patent: May 12, 1987Assignee: Brico Industries, Inc.Inventor: Donald Y. Bridges
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Patent number: 4662786Abstract: A dynamic load compensation system comprises:(a) a first element to receive predetermined applied loading, and a base spaced longitudinally from that element,(b) structure including articulated members supporting the first element on the base and acting to resist displacement thereof characterized in that the base may move relatively toward and away from the first element while such predetermined loading is applied to the first element,(c) certain of the members extending longitudinally and laterally leftwardly, and others of the members extending longitudinally and laterally rightwardly,(d) first connections including links pivotally interconnecting the certain members, and(e) second connections including links pivotally interconnecting the other members.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1985Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Inventor: T. Dave Cherbonnier
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Patent number: 4662775Abstract: A molded, one-piece adaptor for concentrically connecting a steering wheel and a steering wheel shaft is disclosed. In particular, the adaptor is useful when the steering wheel shaft has a tubular form, but the adaptor may be readily modified in order to connect to a steering wheel shaft having a rod-like form. The adaptor comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a mechanism for meshing with the steering wheel. The lower portion engages with the steering wheel shaft. If the steering wheel shaft is tubular, the steering wheel shaft slips over the lower portion which has a plurality of tapered ribs which are spaced around and extend axially along the lower portion. These tapered ribs tend to take up any variation in tolerances so as to reduce the rocking between the steering wheel and steering wheel shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1985Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Assignee: Teckserve LimitedInventor: Thomas L. Faul
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Patent number: 4662662Abstract: A mounting ring of synthetic material for fitting two pipe sections in place relative to each other, has a radial flange (1) and an axial neck (2). Tongues (3, 4, 5, 6) of differing lengths extend radially inwardly and radially outwardly from the neck. These tongues are preferably formed as part of the ring, for example, when molding the ring of synthetic material. The longer radially outer tongues bend over, snap into a groove, and center the ring in a pipe socket. The shorter radially outer tongues support the ring in the socket. When a pipe end is inserted into the socket through the ring the longer radially inner tongues bend and center the pipe in the socket while the shorter radially inner tongues support the pipe end. Thus, the inner surfaces of the pipe sections remain in alignment with each other because the shorter tongues act like spokes against forces acting crosswise on the pipe sections relative to their length.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1986Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Assignee: Rubber- en Kunststoffabriek ENBI B. V.Inventor: Johannes C. Delhaes
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Patent number: 4662793Abstract: A pile tip is disclosed for use in driving interconnected piles into the ground. The pile tip includes a load bearing base which includes a ground engaging surface which engages and penetrates the ground as the piles are driven in tandem. Pile receiving sockets project from the base in a direction opposite to the ground engaging surface for receiving ends of the piles and for protecting the received ends as the piles are driven. The base also protects the joint or connector used to interconnect the piles.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1986Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Assignee: Versa Steel, Inc.Inventor: Bernard A. Mares
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Patent number: 4660429Abstract: Wherever large forces have to be applied over short distances it is useful to employ a force multiplier device. Very large transmission ratios are, according to the present invention, obtained by interruption of the axis of rotation (2) and insertion of an only slightly displaced force transmission axis (4). The force transmission axis (4) can be continuously displaced to both sides of the axis of rotation (2) by means of positioning facilities, preferable an adjusting screw (5) or two wedges. This way variable force generation is obtained with a widely variable range of transmission ratio.The invention can be employed e.g. for the manufacture and operation of presses, clamping, bending and tension devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1986Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Inventor: Rene Bregenzer
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Patent number: 4660869Abstract: The connection consists of two tubular pieces (1 and 2) clamped end to end against each other by means of a clamp collar the jaws of which (8 and 9) engage with conical slopes (5 and 6) of the connection pieces. Sealing is obtained by the close metal to metal contact of a support surface (17) with its opposite part. A gasket (19) ensures a safety seal in case the contact (17) with the opposite part is not completely sealed.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Inventor: Charles Gabus
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Patent number: 4660860Abstract: A coupler for interconnecting in fluid communication a pair of axially aligned flexible pipe ends, employs a tubular member for insertion between two sections of drainpipe to be coupled. A first thread is included on a first end portion of the tubular member for threaded engagement of a first one of the two sections of drainpipe, along with a second thread on a second end portion for threaded engagement of the second section. An integrally formed annular flanges in one form of the invention serves as a grip with which to manually screw the tubular member onto the drainpipe, while a cutback portion on the flange prevents misalignment of the coupled sections at the coupling when placed upon the ground. Tapered end pieces that screw onto each end to accommodate smaller drainpipe are provided in another form, with the threads of the tubular member matching the helically-corrugated plastic casing surface of conventional RV drainpipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Assignee: ToddcoInventor: Harry V. Todd
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Patent number: 4660863Abstract: A casing patch for providing a connection between two casing sections which comprise a body means adapted to fit over an existing casing in a well bore and guide the patch into place, a slip means actuated by upward movement of the second casing section to tightly connect the two casing sections, and a seal means also actuated by upward movement of the second casing section for sealing the connection to pressure of fluids, under conditions of high pressure and temperature. The seal comprises a lead ring inside the casing patch surrounding the existing casing and a cylindrical seal arranged below the lead ring and having a central section of a deformable material and two end sections of wire mesh.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Assignee: A-Z International Tool CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Nehal M. Shah
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Patent number: 4659119Abstract: A connector assembly includes a pin connector for receipt by a box connector. An external surface of the pin features a helical groove; a generally complementary internal surface of the box features a helical groove of the same rotational sense and pitch. A helical latch coil is carried in one of the grooves, extending partly out of the groove. The connectors are latched together by stabbing the pin into the box, whereby the latch coil is ratcheted into place, partly extending into the groove of the connector not carrying the coil. Subsequent mutual rotation between the connectors in one rotational sense tightens the latched connection; rotation in the opposite sense releases the latching.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1983Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Larry E. Reimert
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Patent number: 4659115Abstract: The invention disclosed herein includes a reducer coupling, a positioner tool for connecting the coupling to a conduit section, and a nut for securing the positioner tool to the coupling. The reducer coupling is useful in various operations, such as some oil field operations in which it is used to connect a smaller conduit (delivery line) into a larger conduit (production casing). In practice, the positioner tool is secured to the reducer coupling and the coupling is moved into its hook-up position above the production casing, by attaching a rig to the positioner tool. The coupling can then be threaded into the casing by turning the positioner tool with a wrench, or similar tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1985Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Dowell Schlumberger IncorporatedInventor: Donald C. Cameron
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Patent number: 4659117Abstract: For decoupling an exhaust system while suppressing or damping motion and cutting down noise as far as possible, a flexible joint or articulation for the exhaust system of a motor vehicle has a flexible duct part with support parts joined with its ends for outer damping members. The flexible duct part is so designed that the support parts are overlapped on the outer side of the duct part forming pockets acting as housings for compacts of compressed metal wire for damping motion of the support parts in relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1983Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: IWK Regler und Kompensatoren GmbHInventors: Wieland Holzhausen, Kurt Albecker
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Patent number: 4659255Abstract: A marine structure comprising steel pipe piles in which the top head, splash zone and tidal zone of each steel pipe pile driven into the sea bed are covered with a polyethylene resinous covering material, and the top head of the steel pipe pile is inserted inside a slab concrete structure, whereby is realized a considerably improvement in the water imperviousness, corrosion resistance, and scratch resistance of the steel pipe piles.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1985Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Nippon Steel CorporationInventors: Motoo Shiraishi, Mansei Tanaka, Minoru Nakamura, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 4658667Abstract: The invention relates to a gear-change device for a multi-ratio gear-change in bicycles or the like. A gear-change lever of the gear-change device is mounted pivotably on a basis part of the gear-change device and is formed in its middle part as winding body for a gear-change draw cable. The middle part of the gear-change lever is provided with detents with which a ratchet pawl is associated which in turn is pivotably mounted to the basic part of the gear-change device. The ratchet pawl is subject to the return force of the stressed gear-change draw cable and may be provided with its own spring element which is effective in the outward pivoting. The gear-change device comprises only very few parts and can be produced at favorable price with no restriction of functional efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1986Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AGInventor: Kurt Schuller
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Patent number: 4657146Abstract: A series of laterally spaced elongated inverted T-shaped bars are coupled together at opposite ends by transversely extending hollow tubes projecting within thin wall tube clamps fixed to the upper surface of the bars at respective ends to form a printed circuit board carrier or rack. The clamps may be loosened for spreading the inverted T-shaped support bars to conform to the width of the printed circuit board whose edges lie adjacent a slotted spline or rail with the edges of the board supported by the base of the inverted T-shaped bars. Alternatively, the plurality of printed circuit boards may be inserted within aligned transverse slots within the splines. Headed bolts projecting upwardly through the ends of the bar, each bear a nut for clamping the thin wall tube clamp onto the top of the base portion of the bars on the ends remote from the spline.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1985Date of Patent: April 14, 1987Inventor: Richard Walters
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Patent number: 4657286Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube coupling having a hollow tubular body having collet form couplings at either end thereof to receive and lock tubes in the body at either end. The body has an internal annular wall and an inner lines which extends over the wall shoulder and along the body to either side of the annular wall shoulder towards the locations of the collets. The liner is formed from a material which is inert to the fluid to be passed through the tubes and has integral annular seals to seal with the tubes inserted in the body to prevent loss of fluid from the tubes into parts of the body not covered by the liner.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1986Date of Patent: April 14, 1987Inventor: John D. Guest
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Patent number: 4657149Abstract: A display assembly of the type having a rear display panel angularly joined by lateral display panels includes foldable end sections which allow the display assembly to become relatively flat when disassembled. The relatively flat folded assembly may then be packed into a relatively small container for more cost-effective shipping.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1985Date of Patent: April 14, 1987Assignee: Lingo Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Paul J. Masson