C-shaped Section Patents (Class 285/111)
  • Patent number: 11660484
    Abstract: A safety monitoring device is provided for fire extinguishing systems that includes a main body couplable to any type of head of fire extinguishing systems. The safety monitoring device is screwed on between the discharge valve or device, that incorporates the fluid outlet as well as electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or manual activation and the thread of the valve. The safety monitoring device further includes a sensor connected to an electronic board and through it, to a control room, programmable automaton, or other control means of the extinguishing system, that detects whether the head is correctly screwed on and that, if it is not, sends a signal, through the electronic board to the control room of the installation. Preferably, the sensor is a push-button termination that protrudes at the lower part of the main body and when fully screwing on the device it contacts the surface of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: RG GREEN SYSTEMS, S.L
    Inventor: Raul Melgosa Arcos
  • Patent number: 11397017
    Abstract: A stub pipe housing and a method for installing a stub pipe housing in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, the stub pipe housing comprising a first end for sealed contact with an external surface of a cabinet in the HVAC system and a non-permeable material extending to a second end for sealed contact with an external pipe. Sealed contact between the first end and the cabinet, sealed contact between the second end and the external surface, and the non-permeable material ensures any fluid escaping the connection between the stub pipe and the external pipe is directed to the cabinet. The stub pipe housing supports the connection using resilient material, rigid material with compliant seals or some combination. Fluids are directed to flow through the stub pipe opening in the cabinet or directed to flow through other openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Uselton
  • Patent number: 11264625
    Abstract: A cooling plate assembly includes an anode half-plate having an anode upper surface and an opposing anode lower surface, and a cathode half-plate having a cathode upper surface and an opposing cathode lower surface, the cathode lower surface configured to engage the anode upper surface. The assembly further includes a cooling tube disposed between and engaging the anode upper surface and the cathode lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pinakin Patel, Jonathan Malwitz, Ray Kopp, Ludwig Lipp, Jesse Roy
  • Patent number: 11105175
    Abstract: An adjustable flow line may include an outer pipe body having a first flange, an inner pipe body partially disposed within the outer pipe body and axially translatable with respect to the outer pipe body, a metal seal positioned between an outer surface of inner pipe body and an inner surface of the outer pipe body, a sleeve positioned around the inner pipe body and outside of the outer pipe body, and a second flange positioned around the inner pipe body, wherein when connected to the first flange. The sleeve may be axially translatable with respect to the inner pipe body. The second flange may axially secure the sleeve with respect to the outer pipe body and cause the sleeve to energize the metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Chirko, Dan R. Fink, Brian J. Baca
  • Patent number: 10982522
    Abstract: Missiles for frac manifolds manifold the discharge from a plurality of pumps. The missile comprises a missile body and inlet assemblies. The missile body has a straight primary bore and a plurality of feed bores. The primary bore extends axially through the missile body. The feed bores extend radially through the missile body and define a socket. An inlet assembly is associated with each feed bore. The inlet assembly comprises a nipple and a collar. The nipple has a bore extending axially between a spigot and a union end. The nipple is connected to the collar. The spigot is received in the socket of the feed bore. The union end is adapted for connection to a flowline component. The collar comprises mating parts releasably coupled together around the missile body. The nipple is thereby releasably coupled to the missile body by coupling the collar to the missile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KHOLLE Magnolia 2015, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Mitchel Hill, William Brent Stroebel, Scott Taylor Donaldson, E. Lee Colley, III
  • Patent number: 10958059
    Abstract: A clamp for suspending an aerial conductor wire from a transmission tower includes an inner sleeve formed by a pair of sleeve halves which are mated and fastened together to define a cylindrical open-ended conductor bore for compressing the conductor wire, the inner sleeve having outer enlarged ends each forming an opposing shoulder, and an outer sleeve formed by a pair of outer sleeve halves which mate together to define an inner bore which closely fits an outer diameter of the inner sleeve and having a length which fits between the opposing shoulders of the inner sleeve, to permit rotation of but restrict longitudinal movement of the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve, wherein each outer sleeve half each comprises an interlocking assembly which mates with an interlocking assembly on the other half and a mounting tab on an longitudinal edge opposite the interlocking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Walter Ahlisch
  • Patent number: 10844988
    Abstract: A connection to releasably connect and disconnect to a pipe to a fitting provides a pipe fitting body for receiving a pipe and a retaining ring located within the fitting body for retaining and releasing the pipe. The retaining ring has axially extending resilient retaining tabs, each of which has a radially inwardly extending portion for engaging the pipe, and, a radially outwardly extending portion which extends through corresponding radial openings in the fitting body. When the pipe is inserted into the fitting body to an inserted position and the retaining ring is in the first locked axial position, the radially inwardly extending portions engage and retain the pipe in the inserted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: IPEX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jis Simon, Filippo Martino, Ivan Lee Stiehl, James Bruce Anthony Campbell, Raymond George Puache, Paul Agapito, Qing Li
  • Patent number: 10766323
    Abstract: Hitch plugs and methods for installing hitch plugs for covering an opening in a trailer hitch are provided. In one implementation, a tow hitch plug may include a body having an outer surface that may correspond to inner dimensions of a cavity of a tow hitch receiver of the trailer hitch. The tow hitch plug may include a flange connected to a front end of the body in embodiments. The flange may radially extend beyond the outer surface of the cylindrical body and a threaded hole may extend through the flange in embodiments. Also, in embodiments, the tow hitch plug may include an arm connected to an end of the body and a lock insert connected to the arm. In a locked state, the lock insert may be inserted through an opening in a bracket of the trailer hitch at a back end of the tow hitch receiver in embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Terry Michael Brown, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10704721
    Abstract: A coupler assembly includes a fluid fitting formed with a first bore at one end thereof and a second bore at an opposite end thereof, both of the bores being formed with female threads. A fluid adaptor includes a neck portion ending in a terminal portion larger in diameter than the neck portion. A fitting ring secures the fluid adaptor to the fitting. The fitting ring includes a split ring that fits over the terminal portion. The fitting ring is formed with a male thread, which mates with the female thread of the second bore of the fitting. The fitting ring has a first inner portion with a flat annular shape and a second inner portion with a curved annular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: A.R.I. Fluid Control Accessories Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoel Bahahlul, Amir Davidesko
  • Patent number: 10441983
    Abstract: A lock ring that has a first ring half, a second ring half and a latch assembly. The first ring half includes a nest opening on a front portion of the first ring half, a back end portion of the first ring portion hingedly connected to a back end portion of the second ring half. The latch assembly is connected to a front portion of the second ring half. The latch assembly includes a connection arrangement and a spring system. The connection arrangement is designed to be releasably positionable in the nest opening. The spring system is designed to cause the front portions of the first and second ring halves to be drawn toward one another when the connection arrangement is positioned in the nest opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gaines, Marc Pentecost, Dan Frank, Steve Reilly
  • Patent number: 10415321
    Abstract: A washpipe assembly includes a seal stack including at least one packing ring adapted to seal between a washpipe and the seal housing; a packing spacer ring adapted to maintain spacing between the seal housing and the washpipe, and a guide bushing ring positioned between the packing spacer ring and the washpipe. The guide bushing ring is made from a softer material than the wash pipe such that any contact therebetween will avoid damage to the washpipe. Additionally, the inclusion of the guide bushing ring may allow the packing spacer ring to be offset further from the washpipe than otherwise allowable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NABORS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Deel
  • Patent number: 10352390
    Abstract: Provided are a damper configured such that the axial play between a coil case and a case member can be eliminated without increasing a size of a solenoid, and a method of assembling the damper. An O-ring (seal member) is elastically supported by a tapered hole formed in an inner peripheral surface of a case member and a tapered shaft formed in an outer peripheral surface of a coil case, and a retaining ring is configured to receive an axial force generated by the O-ring. The configuration enables the play between the coil case and the case member of the solenoid to be eliminated. A damping force regulation mechanism, and in turn the damper, may be made more compact in comparison with a case in which the O-ring is received by the opening side end face of the case member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Hase, Fumiyuki Yamaoka, Shunsuke Mori, Mikio Yamashita, Daiki Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 10344541
    Abstract: In accordance to an aspect a connection to attach a first downhole tool to a second downhole tool includes an externally threaded member positioned about the first downhole tool and an internally threaded member disposed with the second downhole tool to threadedly mate with the externally threaded member, wherein threadedly connecting the externally threaded member with the internally threaded member interconnects the first downhole tool and the second downhole tool with a defined tensile force and a compressive force at an interface between a hard shoulder of the first downhole tool and a hard shoulder of the second downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Miguel Marcel Jose Delgado
  • Patent number: 10301887
    Abstract: A drill string section includes one or two tool joints that are removable from a body. Tool joints with different thread configurations may be interchangeably used with the same body. The tool joints have a compact construction that can facilitate making the drill string section short. The body overlaps with threads of one or both of the tool joints. The drill string section has non-exclusive application between a mud motor and a drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Derkacz, Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan
  • Patent number: 10280696
    Abstract: A jumper tube for use with a shunt tube assembly comprises a first tubular member configured to engage a first shunt tube, a second tubular member axially disposed within the first tubular member, and a locking member configured to prevent the second tubular member from axially displacing into the first tubular member. The second tubular member is configured to slidingly engage within the first tubular member, and the second tubular member is configured to engage a second shunt tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Thomas Least, John C. Gano, Jean Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 10196864
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting sensitive electronics in a downhole tool from mechanical shock and vibration. The apparatus includes a frustum-shaped sleeve configured to be disposed between the downhole tool and another downhole component through which a mechanical shock may travel to the downhole tool. The mechanical shocks may result in axial, radial, and/or rotations stress on the downhole tool. The frustum-shaped sleeve is disposed on one part of an interconnection pair made of a mating plug and a mating receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOLTEQ GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Deere, David Chandos, Graham Motzing, Jacob Thomas, Patrick Mendez
  • Patent number: 10024298
    Abstract: A mounting ring arrangement adapted for alignment of root bushings in a rotor blade root end during a rotor blade assembly step includes a mounting ring segment; and a partial mounting ring, which partial mounting ring is a closed annular component and includes a recess dimensioned to accommodate the mounting ring segment. A method of manufacturing a rotor blade, includes (A) arranging a fiber layup in a first blade mold and arranging a fiber layup in a second blade mold; (B) arranging the partial mounting ring of a mounting ring arrangement in the first blade mold and arranging the mounting ring segment of the mounting ring arrangement in the second blade mold; and (C) joining the first and second blade molds such that the partial mounting ring and the mounting ring segment join to form a full mounting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Kasper Koops Kratmann, Karsten Schibsbye
  • Patent number: 9958098
    Abstract: A tubular-member lock mechanism includes a cylindrical housing to which a tubular member having an engagement portion at one end is mounted, and a lock member for engaging or releasing the housing and the tubular member. The housing includes a lock-member guide wall turnably guiding the lock member, at least two sliding surfaces with different inclinations wherein a tip portion of the lock member slides by turning the lock member, and a slit through which one portion of the lock member passes to engage the engagement portion of the tubular member mounted to the housing. The lock member, at a standby/lock position, engages the engagement portion formed on an outer periphery of the tubular member, and the lock member, at a release position where a rotational load is applied, spreads by the sliding surfaces having the different inclinations releases the engagement portion of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Mikio Nezu
  • Patent number: 9915383
    Abstract: A connection of two pipes each including a liner. Liner sections connected to the liners are sections joined together forming a joint of the liner sections. An electrofusion coupling may overlie the joint of the liner sections and be used to fuse the joint. A collar may be positioned to overlie the joint of the liner sections. A bushing may be positioned between the joint of the liner sections and the collar. Hubs may be connected to the ends of the pipes. The liner sections and hubs may include corresponding structure which resists movement of the liner sections away from the joint of the liner sections. A connection of two pipes each including a liner may be formed according to disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: United Pipeline Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Compton, Douglass Fairfax Wilson, Brennan Metcalf
  • Patent number: 9803446
    Abstract: A mechanical lockdown system for a subsea wellhead connector includes a lockdown member or plate that engages with a tie rod that is connected to the wellhead assembly. The lockdown system includes a support member that is permanently secured to an annular ring through which the tie rod passes. The lockdown system also includes a first handle and a second handle that are installed using a plunger or spring loaded system such that mechanical lockdown system can be easily moved from a lockdown open position to a lockdown engaged position as and when desired with minimal ROV interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Rockford Dee Lyle, Irving Jair Villasenor, Viviana Resendiz, Sergio Romero
  • Patent number: 9744576
    Abstract: A lock ring that has a first ring half, a second ring half and a latch assembly. The first ring half includes a nest opening on a front portion of the first ring half, a back end portion of the first ring portion hingedly connected to a back end portion of the second ring half. The latch assembly is connected to a front portion of the second ring half. The latch assembly includes a connection arrangement and a spring system. The connection arrangement is designed to be releasably positionable in the nest opening. The spring system is designed to cause the front portions of the first and second ring halves to be drawn toward one another when the connection arrangement is positioned in the nest opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gaines, Marc Pentecost, Dan Frank, Steve Reilly
  • Patent number: 9429185
    Abstract: A coupling rod (1) for a turbocharger has a first rod part (2) which has a ball head (3). The coupling rod (1) further has a second rod part (4) which has a joint socket (5) for holding the ball head (3). A guide element (8, 9) is arranged between an inner peripheral surface (6) of the joint socket (5) and an outer peripheral surface (7) of the ball head (3). The guide element (8, 9) has at least one spring tongue (10, 11) which bears against the outer peripheral surface (7). The guide element (8, 9) is connected to a support section (12, 13) which is supported on the inner peripheral surface (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Silvio Koch
  • Patent number: 9316084
    Abstract: An expandable fracture ball seat assembly for use in wellbore zone fracturing operations functions to permit passage therethrough and exit therefrom of fracture ball plugs of only diameters less than a predetermined magnitude. In a representative form, the seat assembly includes a ring stack disposed within a tubular member and formed from a first expandable ring coaxially sandwiched between a setting ring and a second expandable ring. When an oversized fracture ball plug is forced into the seat assembly it axially compresses the ring stack and reduces the diameter of the first expandable ring and telescopes it into the second expandable ring, with the first expandable ring and the setting ring blocking passage through and exit from the seat. A reverse passage of a suitably large diameter fracture ball plug through the seat assembly axially returns the setting ring and first expandable ring to their original positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: UTEX Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek L. Carter, Mark Henry Naedler
  • Patent number: 8864181
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling adjacent ends of a pair of pipes includes a sleeve, a split-ring gland positioned around one of the ends of the sleeve, and at least one annular gasket positioned within the split-ring gland and configured to be compressed by the split-ring gland for sealing one pipe end to the sleeve. The split-ring gland includes two partially circular gland members with spaced ends defining a gap. The pipe coupling includes an armor positioned to span the gap between the spaced ends to provide a generally closed annular periphery about the gasket. The armor includes a corrugated portion having a plurality of corrugations engaging the split-ring gland and the gasket during compression of the gasket. The armor is cold formed to improve structural strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin A. Bird, George D. Gabert
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8718222
    Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing a jet pump riser includes: an elbow upper clamp for covering a riser elbow coupled to a thermal sleeve from an upper side thereof; an elbow lower clamping member for clamping the riser elbow from a lower side thereof; an elbow vertical portion clamping member for covering a vertical portion of the riser elbow; and an elbow horizontal portion clamping member for covering a horizontal portion of the riser elbow. These members are disposed in different orientations with respect to the elbow upper clamp so as to fix the thermal sleeve, the riser elbow and the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masakazu Abura, Toshihiro Yasuda, Kazuo Sudo, Haruhiko Hata, Yasushi Kanazawa, Kunihiko Kinugasa, Hajime Mori
  • Publication number: 20140084580
    Abstract: A pipe and fitting coupling system includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a joint. A receiving end of the second pipe includes a first axial flange, a second axial flange, an axial groove, and a sealant. The second axial flange extends further axially than the first axial flange. The axial groove is disposed at the pipe diameter and between the first axial flange and the second axial flange. The first axial flange has an inwardly angled face to meet the axial groove and the second axial flange has an outwardly angled face to meet the axial groove. The sealant is disposed in the axial groove to seal the plain end of the first pipe in the receiving end. The joint is formed by the cooperative alignment of the plain end being inserted into the receiving end and being sealed by the sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: FAMOUS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Bauerdick, Don Smith
  • Publication number: 20140070527
    Abstract: A pipe and fitting coupling system includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a joint. A receiving end of the second pipe includes a first flange, a second flange, a groove, and a sealant. The second flange extends further than the first flange. The groove is disposed at the pipe diameter and between the first flange and the second flange. The first flange has an inwardly angled face to meet the groove and the second flange has an outwardly angled face to meet the groove. The sealant is disposed in the groove to seal the plain end of the first pipe in the receiving end. The joint is formed by the cooperative alignment of the plain end being inserted into the receiving end and being sealed by the sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Famous Industries, Inc. dba Heating & Cooling Products Company
    Inventors: Jan Bauerdick, Don Smith, Thomas J. Moses, Jeffrey A. Koller
  • Patent number: 8657341
    Abstract: A connecting element for establishing a frictional connection with a neck portion of a liquid container, like a vial. The connecting element may include a basic structure and contact elements connected with the basic structure that provide contact surfaces for contacting the neck portion. The contact surfaces may be configured to form a receiving space for receiving the neck portion. The receiving space can be enlarged by moving apart the contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnositics International Ltd.
    Inventors: Torsten Kraft, James Richard McLaren, Allen John Pearson
  • Patent number: 8132780
    Abstract: A subsea female coupler has a body defining a socket for the reception of a probe of a male coupler. The socket includes an annular shoulder and, outwardly of the shoulder, a part-conical seat which tapers towards the interior of the socket. An annular seal is disposed to provide radial sealing between the socket and the probe and is positioned in the annular shoulder. A metal retainer in the form of a securing ring, which has a bevelled rim for abutment with the seat, provides sealing between the region of the seal and the exterior of the body of the coupler. The retainer has a screw-threaded periphery for engagement with a complementary thread on the interior of the socket. An inner ring liner fits within the retainer and has a flange for abutting the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Matthew H Tibbitts
  • Patent number: 8087700
    Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member includes a bidirectional, pressure-energized probe seal for sealing between the body of the female coupling member and the cylindrical probe section of a male coupling member seated in the receiving chamber of the female member. In one embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a first curved section which is oriented towards the external end of the receiving chamber in which it is installed and a second curved section oriented towards the interior end of the receiving chamber. The two curved sections are joined by a substantially straight back section. When the pressure of fluid within the coupling member is above the ambient fluid pressure, the first curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. When external pressure (e.g., the hydrostatic head) exceeds the pressure of fluid within the coupling member, the second curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7931310
    Abstract: A coupler for use with a sealing member for releasably securing together adjacent ends of grooved end pipe and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The coupler includes a pair of arcuate segments, each segment having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section so as to define a pair of depending leg portions and an outer spanning wall extending therebetween, each of the coupling segments further defining first and second end portions. The first end portions of each arcuate segment are joined together in a pivotal connection. A closure including a bail pivotally mounted on a release/locking lever, an attachment hook and a pair of abutment surfaces is provided at the second end portions of the arcuate segments for releasably joining and securing together the second end portions of the segments about the sealing gasket and adjacent pipe ends with the leg portions of the segments projecting into the grooves therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Western Oilfields Supply Co.
    Inventor: Robert C. Lake
  • Patent number: 7789434
    Abstract: A concave bearing surface for use with lugs of pipe coupling segments and a method of joining pipe ends. The concave bearing surface is positioned on the lug and surrounds an aperture which receives a fastener attaching the coupling segments together end to end surrounding pipe ends to be joined. Either the nut or the head of the fastener that engages the concave surface may be rotated to tighten the fastener. Engagement between the concave surface and the rotating member reduces the torque required to tighten the fastener and effect a stiff, fluid tight joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William A. Nagle, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7686345
    Abstract: The plug-type coupling includes a molded sealing ring for producing liquid-tight or gas-tight connections, the plug-type coupling having a socket and a plug that can be axially plugged into each other, and the molded sealing ring being implemented as a lip seal disposed in a circumferential groove of the plug. The object is to further develop a plug-type coupling including a molded sealing ring of the above type in such a way that a pumping effect is prevented, in order to thus prevent a vacuum on the groove bottom during pulsating stresses on the plug-type coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Henn GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Harald Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7654586
    Abstract: An improved static seal element, sometimes referred to as a gasket, which maintains contact with a pipe and a flange during and after seal compression, such seal being particularly useful in a removable pipe coupling. The improved elastomer static seal element is for the prevention of leakage from between two pipes to be connected end to end, a flange being provided to contact the element, and being at least partially contained in a sheet metal housing which is arranged to apply diametric pressure to seal the element against the outer surface of one of the pipes and against the flange, the improvement being the addition of a stabilizer and seal lip projecting beyond the outer diameter of the seal element to maintain the seal in position against the metal housing vis-à-vis the flange of the center component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Krausz Industries Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Publication number: 20100001514
    Abstract: A housing type pipe joint 1 for connecting a pair of pipes comprising: a pair of housings 3 each including a housing body 4 and a flange portion 5; fitting portions 4a located in parallel on the inner surface of the housing body to fit with the pipes P, each fitting portion including one stepped section 4a3 angles diagonally relative to the center axis line C; and a positioning member 6 on opposed surface of the flange portion, the positioning member engaging with the other positioning member to position the housings at a first or second position when one housing is rotated on a plane about a symmetric point Sy; at the first position the distance between the opposed fitting portions is the closest and the pipes are movably coupled; and at the second position the distance is the largest and the pipes are fixedly coupled to the housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Syuichi MIKAMI
  • Patent number: 7597360
    Abstract: A coolant union includes a seal assembly having a first seal member and a non-rotating second seal member. At least one of the annular sealing surfaces presented by the rotating seal member and the non-rotating seal member is chamfered such that the chamfered sealing surface presents a sealing surface width less than the width of the dimension of the other sealing surface. The fluid coolant union further includes a U-shaped annular secondary seal member having a chamfered portion structurally arranged to receive a triangular back-up ring which stores sufficient relative displacement of the floating seal assembly to create a separation between the first rotating seal and the second non-rotating seal members during the unpressurized condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Deublin Company
    Inventor: Zbigniew Kubala
  • Publication number: 20090200793
    Abstract: A crown seal for sealing between the body of a female hydraulic coupling member and the probe section of male hydraulic coupling member has sealing projections on or near its outer diameter to provide enhanced sealing effectiveness between the crown seal and the body of the female member and obviate the need for circumferential O-ring seals. In a first embodiment, the sealing projections have a substantially circular cross section and project both axially and radially from the body of the crown seal. In a second embodiment, the sealing projections have a semicircular cross section and project in an axial direction from certain outside edges of the crown seal. Crown seals according to the invention may be retrofitted to female hydraulic couplings of the prior art. Alternatively, the body of the female coupling or a seal retainer or seal cartridge fitted therein may be provided with grooves or contoured surfaces to fit the sealing projections on the crown seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL COUPLING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20080203672
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaft seal with an axial opening is disclosed having annular “lips” or “legs” on one or both ends that are separated by a fluid-filled cavity. The seal is adapted to seal between a support or housing holding the seal and a generally cylindrical shaft passing axially through the seal. Fluid, under pressure, may enter the cavity and urge the lips or legs in a radial direction which enhances the sealing engagement of the seal member to the shaft and the housing. In certain embodiments, the seal has a concave inner surface to minimize the contact area (and hence the friction) between the seal and the movable shaft. The outer circumference of the seal may be equipped with one or more O-ring seals for sealing to the housing or support. The seal may be fabricated from natural or synthetic polymers, metal or composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: NATIONAL COUPLING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7396053
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (11) comprises a tubular casing (12) and a sealing gasket (13), which fit over the ends of the pipes to be coupled. The casing (12) is formed from a strip of rolled steel into a cylindrical shape, with a longitudinal gap (14). The free ends of the strip, which forms the casing, are bent outwardly to form radially projecting flange (15) along opposite edges of the longitudinal gap (14). The outer ends of the flanges (15) are bent back at right angles to form stiffening flanges (16) along the longitudinal outer edges of the flanges (15). A bridging member (18) fits inside the casing so as to span the longitudinal gap. Tensioning screw bolts (25) pass through reinforcing plate's (20) and the flange (15). A hexagonal nut (34) is threaded onto the end of each screw bolt. The nuts fit into the channel but are prevented from turning. The heads (35) of the bolts have a hexagonal recess to take an Allen key so that they can be tightened to clamp the coupling around the pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Kerr (Couplings) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Richard Webb, Neil John Thornton Taylor
  • Patent number: 7309035
    Abstract: A flow-through joint in an irrigation machine between the main pipeline section and a swing span, such as a corner span, permits a limited amount of generally linear displacement of the swing span within the joint for speed control or other purposes. A turret that rotates freely on the upright outlet port of the main pipeline section has a pair of coupling assemblies on opposite sides of the upright pivot axis through the outlet port, one of such coupling assemblies having a ball joint and the other being provided with relatively displaceable components. The arms of a connecting yoke on the inner end of the swing span are coupled with the ball joint on the one hand and the displaceable components on the other so as to provide the necessary swinging and pivoting motions while at the same time allowing displacing movement as necessary for control purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 7303194
    Abstract: An improved seal retainer for an undersea hydraulic coupling member, which utilizes pressure energized metal seals to maintain fluid integrity. One or more metal seals designed to have a press or interference fit are utilized in such a way that pressurized fluid trying to escape past the seal actually helps to pressure energize the seal to ensure a better seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7243955
    Abstract: A universal pipe connector for forming a connection with at least one pipe end includes a connector body having an opening for receiving the pipe end. A clamping ring, extending around, and mechanically engaging, the opening, features a tightening mechanism for tightening it between a first maximum diameter and a second minimum diameter which differ by at least a length d. An annular sealing element is deployed around an inner surface of the clamping ring for sealing around the pipe end. The sealing element is formed with a primary inner surface and at least one roughly cylindrical coaxial layer of thickness ½ d. The layer is connected to the primary inner surface by a readily severable connection such that, by selectively removing the layer and tightening the tightening mechanism, the pipe connector forms a sealing connection with pipes having diameters varying over a continuous range of at least 2 d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Krausz Metal Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7229102
    Abstract: A coolant union includes a seal assembly having a first seal member and a non-rotating second seal member. At least one of the annular sealing surfaces presented by the rotating seal member and the non-rotating seal member is chamfered such that the chamfered sealing surface presents a sealing surface width less than the width of the dimension of the other sealing surface. The fluid coolant union further includes a U-shaped annular secondary seal member having a chamfered portion structurally arranged to receive a triangular back-up ring which stores sufficient relative displacement of the floating seal assembly to create a separation between the first rotating seal and the second non-rotating seal members during the unpressurized condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Deublin Company
    Inventor: Zbigniew Kubala
  • Patent number: 7118139
    Abstract: The invention relates to couplings for fluid flowlines and more particularly to couplings that can be dismantled comprising flanges and a static ball-and-socket joint for use with flowlines having a diameter lying in the range 40 mm to 200 mm and transporting fluids (gases or liquids) of high penetrability, at high temperature of up to 800° C., and at high pressure of up to 450×105 Pa. Teh device comprises a flanged coupling device with a static ball-and socket joint comprising a first coupling member (1) having a conical sealing surface (8), a second coupling member (3) having concave sealing surface (10) of spherical shape, a two-barrier metal gasket (2) disposed between the sealing surface (8, 10) of the first and second coupling members (1, 3), and assembly means (4) for assembling the first and second coupling members (1, 3) together so as to hold the gasket (2) between their respective sealing surfaces (8, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Snecma Moteurs, NPO Energomash
    Inventors: Boris Ivanovitch Katorgin, Vladimir Konstantinovitch Tchvanov, Boris Mikhailovitch Gromyko, Eygueni Mikhailovitch Matveev, Igor Alexandrovitch Mikhaliov, Youri Vassilievitch Mitioukov, Ivan Denissovitch Postnikiov, Olga Nikolaevna Jelezniak
  • Patent number: 7073796
    Abstract: A metallic packing is used to seal a connection between steam pipes. The metallic packing has an annular basement. This annular basement has an opening that joins the holes of the steam pipes. Two annular lips project from an inner circumference of the annular basement towards a central axis of the opening. Each annular lip steps away form the other lip, and the distance between free ends of the lips is longer than the width of the annular basement along the direction of the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadateru Tanioka, Mituo Ukai, Tadao Yashiki
  • Patent number: 7032905
    Abstract: A seal includes a resilient carrier with opposed limbs holding sealing rings that engage sealing surfaces. The seal is oriented so that a space between the limbs is exposed to a higher than ambient pressure that biases the limbs apart to increase the force pressing the sealing rings against sealing gland surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Michael J. Mullally
  • Patent number: 7021677
    Abstract: An improved seal retainer for an undersea hydraulic coupling member, which utilizes metal seals to maintain fluid integrity, is disclosed. The metal seals of the present invention are designed to either create an absolute barrier to fluid flow, or utilize a press or interference fit to create a barrier to fluid flow to ensure fluid integrity between the undersea hydraulic coupling and the environment outside the hydraulic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6843516
    Abstract: A coupler for a low pressure piping system has a hollow metal tube terminating in a pair of end portions defining open ends for slidably receiving and joining together sections of other metal tubes in a substantially air tight relationship. Slots are formed in at least one of the end portions to aid in the crimping of the hollow metal tube by an annular clamp. A radial flange is formed adjacent the end portion and receives an annular seal therein. A stop for limiting the insertion of a tube section into the end of the hollow metal tube is formed on the inside of the coupler adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots. The annular clamp encircles the slots and is tightened to clamp the end portions to form metal to metal contact between the metal tubes and to form a seal between the annular seal and both metal tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: H-P Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Bishop, Gregory A. Calderone, Leland J. Dick, James F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6758500
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for permitting fluid-tight, pressurized fluid flow therethrough includes a pair of conduit members located in end-to-end alignment, each of the conduit members having a flared end. An encircling coupling unit surrounds the ends of the conduit members and has structure to tighten the coupling unit around the flared ends of the conduit members, the coupling unit having inner lateral surfaces partially defining a coupling cavity. An encircling, deformable gasket is disposed in the cavity of the coupling unit. The gasket has exterior lateral surfaces spaced from the inner lateral surfaces of the coupling unit, and interior surfaces defining an annular recess therein. A rigid ring liner is retained within the annular recess of the deformable gasket to reinforce the gasket. The flared ends of the conduit members are engaged in wedging and sealing relationship between the inner lateral surfaces of the coupling unit and the exterior lateral surfaces of the deformable gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Construction Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Lehnhardt