Patents by Inventor Douglas R. Dole

Douglas R. Dole has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods for manufacture of pipe element having shoulder, groove and bead
    Patent number: 9010164
    Abstract: In a method for forming a pipe element, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element. The pipe element is captured within a die. The method forms a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is formed adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is formed contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Novitsky, Earl Haas, Douglas R. Dole
  • Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies
    Patent number: 8979138
    Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R Dole, Michael V Porter, Torrey G Sipos
  • Method and Device for Forming Grooves in Pipe Elements
    Publication number: 20150040632
    Abstract: A method of forming circumferential grooves in pipe elements using opposed rollers to cold work the pipe elements determines the diameter of the groove while the pipe element is rotated between the rollers. A device for executing the method uses the instantaneous determinations of the groove diameter in a feed-back loop to control the operation of the device and halt groove formation when the groove diameter is within a specified tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Matthew J Puzio, Douglas R Dole, Anthony Price, Daniel B Vicario, II
  • Fitting For Joining Pipe Elements
    Publication number: 20140346769
    Abstract: A fitting for joining pipe elements together includes housing portions held preassembled in spaced apart relation to permit pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly of the fitting. Elbow and tee fittings include sealing elements which support the housing portions in spaced relation. Angled surfaces on each housing portion interact with one another to rotate the housing portions in opposite directions to form a rigid joint between the fitting and the pipe elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole
  • Tamper Resistant Coupling
    Publication number: 20140333062
    Abstract: A tamper resistant pipe coupling is formed of segments connected end to end using fasteners. The segments have bearing pads at each end, each bearing pad surrounded by a shield wall. The shield walls and the bearing pads form a well that receives the fasteners and provides defense against tampering. The well is filled with a potting material, such as refractory cement, to cover the fasteners and provide additional protection. Formations are provided on the bearing pad and shield wall to ensure positive mechanical engagement between the coupling and the potting layer. The shield wall and bearing pad may be integrally formed with the coupling segments or a separate component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne M. Biery, Ahmad Sith, Douglas R. Dole
  • Methods for Manufacture of Pipe Element Having Shoulder, Groove and Bead
    Publication number: 20140260480
    Abstract: In a method for forming a pipe element, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element. The pipe element is captured within a die. The method forms a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is formed adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is formed contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Novitsky, Earl Haas, Douglas R. Dole
  • Combination Sealing Member and Pipe Couplings
    Publication number: 20140246852
    Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter
  • Fitting for joining pipe elements
    Patent number: 8820795
    Abstract: A fitting for joining pipe elements together includes housing portions held preassembled in spaced apart relation to permit pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly of the fitting. Elbow and tee fittings include sealing elements which support the housing portions in spaced relation. Angled surfaces on each housing portion interact with one another to rotate the housing portions in opposite directions to form a rigid joint between the fitting and the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, John Gibb
  • Method of securing pipe elements in end to end relation
    Patent number: 8819914
    Abstract: A method for joining pipe elements end-to-end using a pair of pipe couplings attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space includes inserting the pipe elements into the central space, moving the coupling segments toward one another and engaging surface regions of the coupling segments with outer surfaces of the pipe elements, initially at a first contact point on the coupling segments and subsequently at second and third contact points on the coupling segments. The first contact point is located between opposite ends of the coupling segments and may be located on a region of infinite radius of curvature, may project radially inwardly toward the pipe elements, and may be located midway between the opposite ends of the segments. The second and third contact points are located at opposite ends of the coupling segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael V. Porter, Craig Haney, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole, John W. Pierce
  • Pipe Element Having Shoulder, Groove and Bead
    Publication number: 20140210206
    Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Charles E. Wilk, JR., Scott D. Madara, Anthony J. Cuvo
  • Pipe element having shoulder, groove and bead and methods and apparatus for manufacture thereof
    Patent number: 8777277
    Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Charles E. Wilk, Jr., Scott D. Madara, Anthony J. Cuvo
  • Combination sealing member and pipe couplings
    Patent number: 8733799
    Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter
  • Coupling With Notched Projections Having Gasket Pocket of Varying Depth
    Publication number: 20140070529
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling for joining pipe elements has segments joined end to end, each segment having a pocket of varying depth for receiving a ring gasket. The varying depth of the pocket is used to control the distortion of the ring gasket between a round shape and a non-round shape when the segments are arranged in spaced apart relation around the ring gasket, the spacing between the segments being sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements without disassembly of the coupling. Notches in the projections which engage the pipe elements facilitate insertion of pipe elements and provide for a compact coupling design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Philip W. Bancroft, Frank J. Cygler, Douglas R. Dole
  • Method of securing pipe elements end to end
    Patent number: 8646165
    Abstract: A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation using mechanical pipe couplings. The couplings have a plurality of segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments have arcuate surfaces adapted to interface with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. The method includes inserting end portions of the pipe elements into the central space and then drawing the coupling segments toward one another so as to engage the arcuate surfaces of the segments with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael S. Pigott
  • Pipe element
    Patent number: D720051
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R Dole, Scott D. Madara, Charles E Wilk, Jr., Anthony J Cuvo
  • Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies
    Patent number: RE45304
    Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces on the connection members. The gripping bodies have angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Torrey G. Sipos
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D729356
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Ryan D. Kuehner, Alan M. Yesavage, Douglas R. Dole
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D731031
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Ryan D. Kuehner, Alan M. Yesavage
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D737412
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Alan M. Yesavage, Douglas R. Dole, Ryan D. Kuehner
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D740921
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Ryan D. Kuehner, Alan M. Yesavage, Douglas R. Dole