End Protectors Patents (Class 138/96R)
  • Patent number: 6161568
    Abstract: A decorative pipe protector that can be positioned around a copper water supply pipe to both provide a decorative appearance and protect the copper water supply pipe from corrosion. The pipe protector includes a trim tube extending axially between a first end and a second end. The trim tube includes an inner surface having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the water supply pipe such that the trim tube can be slid onto the water supply pipe. The second end of the trim tube includes an attachment portion formed along its inner surface having a reduced diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the water supply pipe. The attachment portion of the trim tube is sweat soldered to the outer diameter of the water supply pipe to provide a liquid-tight seal between the two components. The second end of the trim tube includes external threads that receive a water shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Dragotta
  • Patent number: 6161589
    Abstract: A pipe hole covering and sealing trim for covering and sealing a hole in a wall through which a pipe extends. The pipe hole covering and sealing trim includes an annular piece has inner and outer perimeters, and front and back faces. The inner perimeter of the piece defining a center hole through the piece designed for extending a pipe therethrough. The piece has an inwardly extending resiliently deformable annular gasket along the inner perimeter of the piece designed for forming a seal between the pipe and the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Russell Bolotte, Rodney Bolotte
  • Patent number: 6102076
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe cover that can be placed over the exhaust pipe of a truck or other vehicle that has a vertically oriented exhaust pipe. The purpose of the exhaust pipe cover is to prevent precipitation and dirt from entering into the exhaust pipe during the time that the truck or other vehicle is not being used. The exhaust pipe cover is to utilize a main section which has one end closed and the opposite end open which is to be placeable over the exhaust pipe. This main section can be shortened for shorter length exhaust pipes. This main section can be attached to an extension for longer exhaust pipes. The extension can be shortened by a longitudinally operated drawstring arrangement mounted within the extension so as to customize the cover to precisely the length of exhaust pipes on which it is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Frank A. Romero, Jr., Kerri N. Daniels-Romero, Paul C. Lascola
  • Patent number: 6095197
    Abstract: A pipe coupling stiffener is adapted for insertion in each open end of first and second pipes being connected in a sealed manner in a water or sewer line for reinforcing the pipe connection without affecting flow characteristics of a medium carried by the connected pipes. The pipe coupling stiffener includes a generally cylindrical member open at both ends and having a slot extending the length thereof, where the slot is defined by first and second spaced inner edges with the first edge extending transversely relative to opposed ends of the cylindrical member, while the second edge is oriented at a non-transverse angle to form a single-tapered slot. The pipe coupling stiffener further includes a single-tapered wedge adapted for tight-fitting insertion in the cylindrical member's lengthwise slot. The wedge includes curvilinear outer and inner plates having the same curvature as the cylindrical member and an intermediate plate disposed between and attached to the outer and inner plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Cascade Waterworks Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Kane
  • Patent number: 6092244
    Abstract: A locking grate for a floor sink includes a screen member having holes dimensioned to allow the passage of liquid but prevent the passage of solid waste and a mounting hole, a threaded member dimensioned to extend through the mounting hole, and a locking member which is adapted to be engaged by the threaded member. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the threaded member is a screw having a non-standard or atypical head which requires a non-standard or unusual screw driver. The locking member includes a tube which is orthogonally engaged by the screw and which has at least one rod slideably disposed therein. The tube and the rod are arranged such that when the screw engages the tube, the screw forces the rod to slide partially out of the tube. The end of the rod which extends out of the tube is preferably provided with a surface which frictionally engages the inner wall of the floor sink drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Perlucid Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Rizzardi, Guido Greco
  • Patent number: 6085362
    Abstract: A water closet fitting installation assembly for installation and optional testing of a water closet fitting within a poured, permanently set floor. The assembly permits the fitting to be rapidly and efficiently installed flush with the floor surface, without risk of fouling the drainage system or blocking drainage of water from the system with slopped or mispoured floor material such as concrete; facilitates mounting and placement of a water closet stool. Optionally the system further facilitates pressure testing of the drain system after the fitting has been installed, without the necessity of placing permanent structures or other blockages in the drain system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Donald G. Huber
  • Patent number: 6085478
    Abstract: A safety system is provided for use with a concrete reinforcing bar or rebar. The system includes a cover having a cover base plate with a first, force-receiving surface and a second surface and a collar having a collar wall attached to the second surface of the cover base plate and having an inner surface defining a bore. A mechanism is attached to the collar wall for maintaining the system in an operative position relative to an end of a rebar. A plate is disposed in the bore spaced from the second surface of the cover to define an interior space and having an engagement surface abuttable against the rebar end. One of the plate and the collar is deformable to resist movement of the rebar end through the interior space and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Deslauriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Workman
  • Patent number: 6082410
    Abstract: A plug for a threaded port is formed of resilient elastomeric material and has upper and lower ends. A smooth non-threaded outer cylindrical wall is disposed between the ends. The outer cylindrical wall has an outer diameter sufficient to frictionally engage the threads of the port. An outwardly protruding collar is disposed between the upper end and the outer cylindrical wall. An annular bead is integrally formed on the collar and is adapted to sealingly engage an inner peripheral surface of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Pohar
  • Patent number: 6076559
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable protective cover which securely yet releasably attaches to a conventional plumbing fixture via locking tabs, thereby reserving an annular space around the fixture and the underlying pipe during floor construction and allowing easy and rapid access to the fixture once the floor construction has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Gregory N. Castillo
    Inventors: Gregory N. Castillo, Bradley E. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6056015
    Abstract: A versatile plastic cap assembly for plugging and/or protecting fittings comprising a joined pair of capping members, one of such capping members being adapted for snap fit onto a male fitting, and the other being adapted for snap fit onto a female fitting. The capping members are initially joined together with an easily breakable connector so as to retain them in pairs until put into use, at which time the two capping members may easily be separated as, for example by pulling or twisting. The invention also includes a method of retaining identification of and temporarily protecting ends of components adapted for connection or re-connection while the ends are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Joe Lewis
  • Patent number: 6047739
    Abstract: A cover 10 for an outlet O of a vertically-oriented exhaust stack S is provided. The cover 10 includes a cylindrical sleeve 20 with a convex cap portion 30. The cap portion 30 includes a lip 35 to provide a means to grasp the cover 10 during installation or removal. An inverted circumferential ridge 40 depends from the lip 35 to form a channel 50 and provide a latching profile to mate with a separate latching lug 60. The latching lug 60 is attached to a distal end 84 of a telescoping pole 80. With the latching lug 60 engaged with the ridge 40 and channel 50, the telescoping pole 80 is extended to raise the cover 10 over the top the outlet of an exhaust stack S. The cover 10 is then lowered onto the exhaust stack S and the latching lug 60 disengaged. Once installed, the cover 10 prevents entry of unwanted matter or debris into the exhaust outlet O of the top of the exhaust stack S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Kurtis D. Nixon
  • Patent number: 6032695
    Abstract: Plug for sealing or capping the open ends of tubular members, such as tubular rails or railing support members in boats. The plug has a cap from which extend upper, lower, right side and left side rearwardly projecting and connected planar panels. Each of the upper and lower planar panels and one of the side planar panels includes an outwardly protruding array of ramped teeth formed integrally therewith. The other side planar panel lacks an array of ramped teeth. The height of the teeth in each array increases incrementally from a minimum height remote from the cap to a maximum height adjacent to the cap. The ramping of the teeth allows for accommodational frictional engagement with various inside dimensions of tubular rails or railing support members to secure the plug tightly therewithin. A tapered indexing guide bar is located at the junction of the upper planar panel and the side planar panel which lacks an array of ramped teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Premier Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Wellen, Robert J. Menne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6032697
    Abstract: A cover for standpipes comprising a tube of brightly colored sheet plastic having one open end and another open end turned back to form an encircling sleeve with notches cut at opposite ends of the encircling sleeve and oppositely directed draw strings, each extending from a notch, through the encircling sleeve to exit at the opposite notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: James M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6032694
    Abstract: Plug for capping or sealing the open ends of tubular members, such as tubular support members utilized on a Bimini boat top or other boat structure. The plug has a cap from which extend upper and lower rearwardly projecting tapered planar support panels each of which includes an outwardly protruding array of ramped teeth formed integrally therewith. The height of the teeth in each array increases incrementally from a minimum height near the end of the plug remote from the cap to a maximum height adjacent to the cap. The ramping of the teeth allows for accommodational frictional engagement of the teeth with various inside dimensions of tubular support members to secure the plug tightly therewithin. A hole extends transversely through the body of the plug for receipt of a pin for pivotally securing the end of a tubular support member containing the plug to a support bracket or other members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Premier Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Wellen, Robert J. Menne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6003558
    Abstract: A system for locking caps, to be used especially in those tanks containing inflammable liquids, said cap (10) comprising a body (11) which is seated over a tank nozzle (2), an articulating lock arm (14) bearing a respective lock displaceable between locking and releasing positions relative to the tank nozzle upon the corresponding angular movement of the lock arm, an arm activating assembly provided in the cap body (11) and whereto a drive shaft (51) is mounted in a freely rotating manner and to which torque is selectively applied, an impelling piston (15) coupled to lock arm (14) and being axially displaced between corresponding locking and releasing positions of the lock arm (14); an electromagnetic clutch causing the selective axial displacement of the impelling piston (15) between operational limit positions upon the rotation of the drive shaft (51) and comprising a coupling means displaceable between engaging and disengaging position; coil means (60) causing the displacement of the coupling means to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Locktron Ind. E Com. LTDA
    Inventors: Manoel Antonio Dutra Rodrigues Neto, Rogerio de Araujo Sacchi
  • Patent number: 6003556
    Abstract: A capped connector for a tubing set and/or medical equipment is provided. The connector comprises a hollow tube having a cap securing leash pivotally attached to its exterior. A cap is pivotally attached to the leash's opposing end. The leash is designed to hold the cap in an orientation that facilitates automated capping while allowing the cap and leash to be rotated away from the connector opening when the cap is not is use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Helmut W. Frey
  • Patent number: 5996637
    Abstract: Protection device for flexible hoses, in particular shower hoses, which device is intended to prevent the hose (12) from collapsing when being bent close to the connector end of the hose. The device includes a socket shaped nipple (14) capable of being inserted into the hose and a resilient portion (16) connecting thereto. The nipple (14) and the resilient portion (16) are manufactured in one piece from a plastic material. The resilient portion (16) is constituted by a nipple comprising radial apertures (17) extending over a major part of its circumference and thin, at least partially annular wall segments (18) between these. The apertures (17) are so deep that the connection between the wall segments is implemented by thin bridges (19) arranged axially disposed in relation to the bridges (19) in the adjacent apertures (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Nils Larsson
  • Patent number: 5996634
    Abstract: A stress-bearing umbilicus for conveying fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body comprises an umbilicus body made from an extruded first polyester elastomer material having flexibility. A support block, made from a second polyester elastomer material, is over-molded about at least one region of the umbilicus body. The second polyester elastomer material has flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of the first polyester elastomer material. Surface energy of the region between the support block and the umbilicus body is increased before over-molding to prevent delamination and peeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc
    Inventors: T. Michael Dennehey, Indrajit Patel, Dean M. Glash
  • Patent number: 5996134
    Abstract: A plumbing installation assembly includes a closet flange and a cooperating spacer and cover. The spacer holds the closet flange above the floor a selected height to allow the pouring of lightweight concrete. The cover fully covers the face and slotted mounting apertures in the closet flange upon which the toilet is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Plastic Productions a LLC
    Inventor: Ralph B. Senninger
  • Patent number: 5988223
    Abstract: A removable sealing plug device for protecting the interior of a refrigerant compressor from dust, dirt, and corrosion during storage and/or transport of the compressor before it is assembled into a refrigerating system, including a plug element made of a rubber material and having a body portion adapted to being sealingly fitted in an inlet and/or outlet port of the compressor and a columnar head portion formed in an upper face of the body portion, and a base plate element having a through-bore in which the columnar head of the plug element is fitted with an interference fit, the base plate being secured to the outer circumference of the compressor, by using an existing threaded hole and a screw bolt, to hold the plug element between the base plate element and the outer circumference of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeki Kanzaki, Takahiro Hoshida, Minoru Mera
  • Patent number: 5983947
    Abstract: A medical fluid set comprises tubing sections interconnected with at least one tubing connector component which connects the tubing sections together to form the set. The set further comprises external connectors carried on ends of at least some tubing sections of the set. At least one of the tubing connector components or external connectors carry, as an integral part thereof, a retaining-sealing member for removable, sealing connection with at least one of the external connectors. The retaining-sealing member is free of fluid flow connection with the set flow path. Thus, separate or tethered closure caps for external connectors can be dispensed with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Medisystems Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David S. Utterberg
  • Patent number: 5979505
    Abstract: A sewer vent deicer for reducing the accumulation of ice within the exhaust portion of the sewer vent pipe during cold weather by increasing the flow of warm sewer gases through the sewer vent pipe. The inventive device includes a cap defining a cavity, a plurality of side apertures within the cap, an upper aperture within the cap, a tube attached to the lower portion of the cap, and an insulating sleeve removably positioned within the tube. The sewer vent pipe is surrounded by the insulating sleeve positioned within the tube thereby maintaining the temperature within the sewer vent. A stream of air enters a side aperture into the cavity which then horizontally passes over the open sewer vent pipe and thereafter exits an opposing side aperture. The air stream passing through the cavity reduces the pressure above the sewer vent pipe thereby causing the warm sewer gases within the sewer vent pipe to rise into the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Lowell Drechsel
  • Patent number: 5974653
    Abstract: The invention provides for an intermediately formed quasi-half metallic annulus useful in constructing a full metallic annulus that can be mounted at the ends of insulated pipes and like equipment for weatherproofing purposes. Each quasi-half annulus includes (a) an arcuate side wall defined by a common radius originating along a longitudinal line of formation parallel to the side wall, (b) an end wall connected at one end of the side wall, (c) the side and end wall including an integrally formed corner for uniting them wherein the side wall has a rectangular opening parallel to the line of formation and an arcuate opening normal to the line of formation at an end opposite to the end wall. The rectangular opening is offset to a side of the line of formation in a direction opposite to the position of the side wall so that the combined area of the side and end walls is slightly greater that a conventional half annulus of similar shape and dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: John C. Chulick
  • Patent number: 5967190
    Abstract: A tail pipe protector for military vehicles is formed with a plurality of gs shaped and joined to form a structure with free ends on the legs that will adapt to the various types of tail pipes. The structure is clamped in position to hold the protector in place and the clamping results in the structure being rigidified by the same action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John G. Korpi, Kenneth A. Greene, Diane M. McCarthy, Alexander M. Sneddon, Nicholas LoGreco
  • Patent number: 5967192
    Abstract: A process for rehabilitating sewer pipes whereby a plurality of plastic pipes made of thermoplastics is inserted into a sewer pipe, closing off any incoming house drain inlets, and is subsequently connected to the house drain inlets. For this purpose the position of the house drain inlet in the area closed off by the plastic piping is located, and a through-hole is created in the plastic pipes in the area in which they close off the house drain inlet. The size of the through-hole is at least equal to the projection of the cross-section of the house drain pipe. A saddle-type branch fitting, having a pipe segment member and a pipe socket integral therewith and outwardly extending therefrom, is placed in the closed-off area so that the pipe socket projects into the house drain inlet via the through-hole. The pipe segment member is secured to the plastic pipe in the area of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Kanal Technik Ingenieurburo
    Inventor: Hans Gunter Lewin
  • Patent number: 5954094
    Abstract: A new and improved end-cap for use with a fluid heater is disclosed. The end-cap includes an end wall, a first groove in the end wall for receiving a first tube, a second groove in the end wall located radially inward of the first groove for receiving a second tube, and a third groove in the end wall located radially inward of the second groove for receiving a third tube. A first side wall separates the first and the second grooves, and a second side wall separates the second and the third grooves. The first and the second side walls each are relatively thin which facilitates deformation in a radial direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the tubes. In addition, the side walls compress in a circumferential direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the tubes. An annular flange is positioned radially inward of the second side wall to facilitate centering the third tube in the third groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lufran Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard J. Base
  • Patent number: 5950680
    Abstract: Disclosed is an impalement protector for use in shielding protruding concrete reinforcing bars, typically found on construction sites, used to prevent personal injuries caused by falling or otherwise coming into contact with the tip thereof. It consists of an elongated U-shaped channel that is formed such that the free ends thereof are drawn together such that the impalement protector slides over the reinforcing bars, creating a friction fit therewith and securing itself thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Robert F. Randall
  • Patent number: 5946871
    Abstract: A protective cover for concrete reinforcement bars includes an elongated cylindrical collar for securing the protective cover to an exposed end of a concrete reinforcing bar, a cap which is perpendicularly attached to the collar by reinforcing ribs, and a metal seat arranged between the collar and the cap and having slots for permitting direct attachment of the reinforcing ribs from the collar to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Don De Cristo Concrete Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasken Kassardjian, Patrick Joseph Wilson
  • Patent number: 5927760
    Abstract: A female hose coupling comprises a rigid sleeve for receiving a conduit stub on a liquid tank. The female hose coupling includes a smaller diameter conduit which slips inside a flexible hose. A pair of pivoted levers are mounted on the exterior of the rigid sleeve. A cam on each of the levers extends through an opening in the sleeve to engage a shoulder on the conduit stub. A protective sleeve surrounds the end of the female hose coupling and remains in place during normal use of the flexible hose. The protector provides a passage to accommodate the pivoted elvers and allow the coupling to operate in a normal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Robert M. Rocha
  • Patent number: 5927343
    Abstract: A hose fender device includes a clamp mechanism and a deflector member. The clamp mechanism is adapted to be received over an end portion of a hose adjacent to a connector provided on the hose for attaching an appliance thereto. The deflector member includes a pair of opposite arms. Each of the arms has first and second ends. The first ends are attached to respective opposite sides of the clamp mechanism. The opposite arms extend from their first ends in a flared divergent relationship to one another to the second ends thereof being free ends. In such manner, the opposite arms together define a substantially triangular-shaped protected area therebetween and extending rearwardly of the connector of the hose. The clamp mechanism is adjustably movable between an open position and a selected one of a plurality of closed clamping positions which adapts the device for securement to hoses of different diameter sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: John V. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5915418
    Abstract: A cap capable of being used to close off an unthreaded cylindrical member and capable of being removed after closing off the unthreaded cylindrical member is disclosed. This cap has a one-piece, generally circular, relatively flexible, relatively impervious, self-supporting body. It is made of elastomeric material, preferably rubber, and is shaped so as to include between about 2 and about 12 successive levels, each level having a larger diameter than the level before it. This multi-level cap is useful for capping water or sanitary systems during testing of the systems. The cap preferably has 3 levels which fit three different standard sized pipes, one pipe at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Glennard Bruce Turner
  • Patent number: 5915899
    Abstract: A flexible fabric envelope defines a generally conical shape and is formed to provide a plurality of outer rib portions each receiving an eyelet having a passage therethrough. The flexible fabric envelope is formed of a high visibility fabric material having substantial strength and flexibility. A drawstring is passed through the eyelets to enable the envelope to be placed upon the common ends of a bundle of elongated items transported upon a truck rack or the like. The drawstring is tightened to conform the envelope to the outer surface of the bundle and secure the envelope to the bundle of elongated items. The drawstring is tied to complete attachment and is further secured to the truck rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: John G. Dennis
  • Patent number: 5908048
    Abstract: A reusable dust cap for tubing connectors on medical devices has an internal shoulder or ridge which engages a barb or groove on the connector to hold the cap during shipment. A grasping nub is provided on the cap to allow the cap to be forcibly disengaged from the barb or groove by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Van Driel
  • Patent number: 5899235
    Abstract: A ferrule includes a tubular wall and end wall which is divided into radially extending fingers, each of which terminates at a barb member formed by deflecting a tapered end portion of the finger. The end wall fingers extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the tubular wall and the barb members are each inclined at an acute angle to the carrying fingers and axis such that when a tubular body, such as a braided or like textile sleeve, is received in the tubular wall and the end all is swaged to cause the fingers to enter the body and lie flat against the tubular wall, the bars are caused to penetrate the body and be flattened by the tubular wall to point in the direction towards the body end and inhibit its removal. The tubular wall may be circumferentially continuous (annular) or discontinuous (slit) and openable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Systems Protection Group Limited
    Inventors: Jason Thorpe, Philip C Dawson
  • Patent number: 5896892
    Abstract: A conduit covering system is provided including a cover having a pair of planar faces and a periphery formed therebetween. The periphery has a pair of circular portions with a pair of intermediate portions formed therebetween. The cover further includes a pair of cap side walls each having a hollow cylindrical configuration. Each cap side wall is integrally coupled to the corresponding circular portion of the periphery and extends therefrom to define a circular opening. As such, the circular openings of the cover are adapted to releasably receive ends of a pair of conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Bret Adamson, Devin Thomas, Brian Haslam
  • Patent number: 5896891
    Abstract: A pipe cap protective cover including at least one cover including a pair of U-shaped members having first ends hingably coupled together and second ends with a clip mechanism. Such clip mechanisms are adapted to be releasably coupled such that the U-shaped members define a central bore with a diameter similar to that of a pipe. Each U-shaped member further has a peripheral flange integrally coupled to an outer periphery thereof and extended perpendicularly with respect thereto. When the clip means are coupled, the U-shaped members and the flanges define a compartment with a circular open face and an interior space for protecting the flange and bolts of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Dane M. Dierwechter, Jeanie Clemens
  • Patent number: 5881774
    Abstract: A connector for blood or solution sets (including dialysis solution sets) comprises a tube having an open outer end. The tube carries a side arm which extends radially outwardly from the tube. A cap is connected to the side arm by typically an integral plastic living hinge in a position permitting said cap to pivot between a closed position in which said cap closes the open, outer end, and an open position in which the cap is spaced from the open, outer end. The side arm defines an effectively rigid, fixed configuration to position the hinge and cap at a position permitting a directed path of motion between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Medisystems Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David S. Utterberg
  • Patent number: 5876282
    Abstract: A weather cap for use with a vent cap. The weather pipe includes a top surface portion which is mounted at an angle in relation to a side wall extending downwardly from the top surface portion. The weather cap also includes a device for securing the cap structure fixedly to the pipe, and a device for connecting and retaining the cap structure to the securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Robert L. Kenny
  • Patent number: 5850854
    Abstract: A reusable pipe closure is constructed using an O-ring end cap and split collar. In practice the end cap and O-ring are inserted over the end of a pipe, the split collar is placed over the end cap and the end of the pipe and the two halves of the split collar are closed; securely compressing the collar around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Norman Lee Carroll
  • Patent number: 5848616
    Abstract: A closing device for closing pressure fluid conveying channels in a housing by a closing member press fitted into a channel. The outside periphery of the closing member including at least one indentation into which, during press fitting the closing member into the channel, basic material of the housing is deformed to provide a form lock, and the channel is configured as a stepped bore having an outside bore portion of large diameter that is remote from the pressure fluid side which, through a step, is followed by an inside bore portion of smaller diameter that is close to the pressure fluid side. The closing member has two piston portions of differently large diameters which correspond to the two bore portions, and the indentation provided between the piston portions is undercut relative to the small diameter portion, and the basic material is press fitted by plastic deformation into the indentation to provide the form lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Vogel, Peter Volz
  • Patent number: 5803126
    Abstract: A protective closure including: a closed-cell foam plastic plug of a first density, for resilience and flexibility in insertion into a water pipe for shipping and storage, and in removal therefrom for installation; and a cap of a second, higher density for limiting the extent of the insertion of the plug into the pipe; with the cap including a scooped-out handle or similar grasping construction for pulling on the cap to remove the plug from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Marvin Zaro
  • Patent number: 5770286
    Abstract: A seal for use on a tubular member in post-tension construction including a cap having a tubular body and a surface extending across the of the tubular body, and a corrosion-resistant material contained within the interior area of the cap. The surface closes an end of the tubular body. The surface has a frangible area formed thereon. The surface extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body at one end of the tubular body. The frangible area has a thickness less than a thickness of a non-frangible remainder of the surface. The cap is formed of a polymeric material. The surface is formed of a deformable polymeric material such that the non-frangible portion of the surface forms a liquid-tight seal with an outer diameter of a tendon extending through the surface. The corrosion-resistant material is contained within the cap of a suitable volume so as to fill a void in the tubular member between the inner diameter of the tubular member and the outer diameter of a tendon extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 5758693
    Abstract: An end cap for a flexible hose is provided which includes a depending pivotable member attached to an outer wall. The pivotable member can be swung upwardly between the inner and outer walls of the end cap to secure the end of a flexible hose therein. The end cap is integrally formed such as by molding from a medium density polymeric material such as polyethylene and includes an integral clamp mechanism to insure retention of a flexible hose therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: CAMCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Caine
  • Patent number: 5738285
    Abstract: A secondary seal in the form of a plug member insertable in the open end of a pneumatic discharge nozzle of a covered hopper car carrying granular material, such as plastic pellets, wherein the plug member includes means for maintaining the pellets in spaced relation to the open end of the nozzle to prevent spillage when the plug member is removed, and having retaining means connecting the plug member to the nozzle when it is removed from the open end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Zeftek, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5706860
    Abstract: A pipe end protector includes a protector body having a shape substantially matching that of a pipe end and at least one knock-out formed integrally with the protector body. The at least one knock-out has a peripheral edge having a first portion connected to the protector body by a hinge and is deflectable from the protector body. The at least one knock-out remains attached to the protector body while hingedly deflecting from the protector body about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Bunzl Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Gonyea
  • Patent number: 5687773
    Abstract: A removable exhaust pipe cover for placement over an exhaust pipe opening of a non-running internal combustion engine for excluding water and debris from entering the pipe. The cover is an elongated tubular member of water repellant material which is preferably flexible to a degree, the flexibility being for allowing constricting and sealing against the pipe when in use, and for compact folded or collapsed storage of the cover when not in use. The tubular cover has a closed top end, an oppositely disposed open bottom end, and an annular sidewall extending between the two ends. The bottom open end of the cover, in at least one embodiment, has a elasticized gathered hem which holds the cover tightly closed about the exhaust pipe with the closed top end and upper portion of the sidewall covering and thus closing the open end of the pipe when installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventors: Stephen M. Ryan, Elizabeth C. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5687772
    Abstract: An end cap comprising a hollow base section 11 which can be fitted over the end of a bar. A larger cap section 12 is attachable to the base section 11 to project radially outward therefrom. The base section 11 includes a braced intermediate cap section 13 having a slot 14 into which a bar 14a (shown in phantom) can be fitted using a hand insertable snap action. The intermediate cap section 13 includes an eyelet 15 into which a tab 16 of the cap 12 is fitted as the tab 16 is manually pulled downward as shown in phantom at 17. The enlarged cap section 12 is snap fitted in place via the downwardly projecting legs 18 being forced into the slot 14 so that the shoulders 19 engage the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Charles Underwood
  • Patent number: 5685343
    Abstract: A well pipe end cap attached to the top of a well pipe extending from the ground. The well pipe end cap includes a platform for supporting lawn decorations or accessory items. Items such as birdhouses, flags, or potted plants are supported for decoration, whereas items such as lawn tools, or mailboxes are supported for utilitarian or accessory uses. The platform and cap are coupled via a shaft. The ends of the shaft are threadingly or adhesively received into both the cap and the platform. The present invention further serves the function of identifying and locating the well pipe end in a sure and easy manner. The invention also integrates an electrical wire conduit end cap for well pipe ends that have associated conduit carrying the conductors of a subsurface water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Richard D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5685345
    Abstract: Air conduit construction is provided. The construction generally comprises a conduit section having an open end; and, a support member positioned inside of the conduit section open end. In preferred arrangements, the conduit construction has two open ends, with a reinforcing member in each of the open ends. In preferred arrangements, the reinforcing member includes a friction fit construction on an outer surface thereof. In typical and preferred embodiments, the friction fit construction includes a bead on the reinforcing member. A method of preparing air conduit constructions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Gieseke, Thomas A. Boeckermann, Larry R. Nepsund
  • Patent number: 5678607
    Abstract: A pipe cap assembly with embodiments which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. The embodiments of the invention include a pipe cap for sealing a pipe comprising a hollow fitting member with a first end and a second end and an annular tapered ridge extending from the first end of the first hollow fitting member and threads to attach the hollow fitting member at the first end thereof to a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky