Bellows Patents (Class 285/226)
  • Patent number: 11946581
    Abstract: A removable cover to protect a connector between two conduits includes a single body having a wall surrounding an interior volume. The body has a neck sized to grip a portion of a first of the conduits. The body has a size-adjustable section to permit the body to be shortened or lengthened. The body has a casing section. The casing section protects a coupling connecting together the two conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E Miller, Benjamen Michael Schmitt
  • Patent number: 11402041
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the manufacture and maintenance of flexible joint gimbal systems. The apparatus and method reduce metal corrugated bellows gimbal joint fatigue damage due to loose fitting parts by implementing a spherical washer to reduce clearance in the flexible joint of the gimbal within desired tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Corll, Joel Rhode, Craig C. Brower
  • Patent number: 11326724
    Abstract: A plastic drain pipe for drainage includes a first end, a second end, and a pipe sub-section between the first end and the second end. The pipe sub-section includes a collapsible section of corrugated pipe, a first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe, and a second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe. The collapsible section of corrugated pipe has a first joining area and a second joining area. The first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe is connected to the collapsible section of corrugated pipe at the first joining area, and the second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe is connected to the collapsible section of corrugated pipe at the second joining area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OMNIMAX INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Randolph Elliott, Donald Stephen Gazdick, III, Bryan Garth Lamb, John Earnest Satta, III, Jeffrey Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 11313502
    Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a pipe branch, a hose, and a retainer. The pipe branch forms a proximal branch section, a distal branch section, and an expanded section with an increased diameter therebetween. The hose includes an opening that receives the proximal branch section and includes a proximal fold, a distal fold, and a gasket therebetween. The gasket is arranged to seal between the hose and the proximal branch section. The retainer is configured to enclose the pipe branch and the hose and forms a proximal flange and a distal flange. The proximal flange and the distal flange both extend inwardly and define a passage for the pipe branch, the passage having a diameter which is smaller than the increased diameter. The proximal flange engages the proximal fold and the distal flange engages the distal branch section. The pipe coupling provides an easy and reliable connection between vibrating machine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Poul T. Tietze, Tommy Eschelund
  • Patent number: 11311896
    Abstract: A diffuser assembly for diffusing a liquid in irrigation plants has a supply conduit includes a diffuser with a nozzle adapted to direct a jet of liquid along a longitudinal axis, at least one deflector facing the nozzle for radially spraying the jet outwards, and a connection device for ensuring fluid connection of the diffuser to the supply conduit of the plant. The diffuser is mounted onto the irrigation plant with the axis extending in a substantially vertical direction and with the nozzle facing up, and the deflector is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing oscillations in the assembly. The connection device includes a tubular body with end joints that connect to the diffuse, and the supply conduit and the body is monolithic with the joints and is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material. Furthermore, the body has an outer surface with annular folds, which imparts elasticity and damp the oscillations induced by the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Patent number: 11293329
    Abstract: A system for sealing components of an exhaust system in an engine system comprises a bellows with an elongated portion. A flange is coupled to the elongated portion, the flange comprising a first portion and a second portion. An extended portion extends between the first portion and the second portion, the extended portion defining a gap and having a cross-sectional shape different than the first portion and the second portion. A connector is configured to couple an aftertreatment system to the flange. The connector comprises a sealing surface adjacent to the flange. A sealing component is sized and configured to fit partially within the gap and contact the sealing surface to create a seal between the extended portion and the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Russell Cox
  • Patent number: 11209110
    Abstract: An elbow includes an elbow body, and a pipe wall of the elbow body is saw-toothed along an extending direction of the elbow body so that a bending angle of the elbow body is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xufang Wu, Zhenshan Lu, Ting Cai, Xijiang Zhang, Peng Wang
  • Patent number: 11136893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gimbal body comprising: an end part (51) for use in welding the gimbal body to a pipe; and a main body (53) attached to the end part (51); wherein: the end part (51) is made of a first material; and the main body (53) is made of a second material that is different from the first material. Embodiments provide a new method of manufacturing a gimbal that allows the use of the most appropriate materials for high temperature and high pressure performance whilst overcoming manufacturing and installation problems experienced by known gimbals constructed with such materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Richard N. March
  • Patent number: 11118686
    Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation boot assembly for securing span pipes. According to a preferred embodiment, an irrigation boot assembly of the present invention may preferably include a center body portion formed as a laterally extending, hollow tube having a first side opening and a second side opening for receiving and securing connected span pipes. According to a further preferred embodiment, the irrigation boot assembly of the present invention preferably further includes securing straps extending around the first and second side openings. According to a further preferred embodiment, the center body portion of the present invention preferably further includes a plurality of bellows which each include a ridge portion extending above the surface of the center body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew T. Olson
  • Patent number: 11072234
    Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a vehicle body frame supporting a front wheel and a rear wheel, a seat fixed to the vehicle body frame, an engine, a fuel tank, and a canister to adsorb vaporized gas generated by evaporation of a fuel inside the fuel tank. The engine includes a crankshaft that rotates around a crank axis extending in the left-right direction and located lower than the seat. The fuel tank is located farther forward than the seat and higher than the engine. The canister is connected to the fuel tank through a gas pipe. The canister is located farther forward than the crank axis and lower than the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazunari Takata, Yasuo Miyake
  • Patent number: 10995650
    Abstract: A heat shield for a bellows includes a central section, a first outer section, a first annular insert, a first annular flexion member, a first pipe, and a first rod. The first outer section includes a first outer section first end and a first outer section second end opposite the first outer section end. The first annular insert includes a first slot and is positioned within the first outer section second end. The first annular flexion member is coupled to the first outer section first end of the first outer section and coupled to the central section. The first annular flexion member facilitates movement between the first outer section and the central section. The first pipe is partially received within the first slot in the first annular insert. Movement between the first outer section and the central section causes movement between the first pipe and the first rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Cox, Thomas R. Shuttleworth
  • Patent number: 10937556
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, and specifically to sealed inlets of electrical circuits into a sealed area of a multi-layered containment shell of a nuclear power station. This design can be used in passages through an external and an internal wall which are subject to relative mutual displacement as a consequence of a seismic phenomenon or thermal expansion of the walls and passage. The problem addressed by the present invention is that of increasing the operating reliability of a sealed cable inlet when high-voltage electrical conductors which have little bending capacity are used. The problem addressed is achieved in that the sealed cable inlet through an external and an internal wall of a containment shell of a nuclear power station comprises an embedded pipe (3) which is arranged in the internal wall (1), with an inlet section (44) of a cable (2) fixed rigidly within said pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Joint Stock Company “Atomenergoproekt”
    Inventors: Marat Renadovich Mustafin, Aleksandr Grigoryevich Gerasimenko, Valentin Ivanovich Tsapalikov, Nikolai Anatolyevich Ivanov, Gennady Alekseevich Novikov, Arnold Borisovich Tikhomirov, Ivan Mikhailovich Khaustov
  • Patent number: 10898929
    Abstract: A bellows (1) connecting adjacent carriages (3), in particular carriages of a material handling sorter (2) along a predetermined path (P), being robust and reliable, comprises opposite heads (4a, 4b) each being associated with a carriage (3) and a pleated structure (5) with a preset number of substantially M-shaped elements (6) being provided with a plurality of vertices (7), as well as a bearing structure (8) formed by a base structure (8) and by a frame (8?) slidingly abutting on the base structure (8) such base structure (8?) and such frame (8?) being rigid and cooperating with each other, being placed between adjacent carriages inside the bellows (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DEMATIC S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Carvelli, Emanuele Vaiti
  • Patent number: 10883412
    Abstract: A flexible conduit element with an end portion that is designed for attachment to a rigid conduit element. The flexible conduit includes a bellows member, an interlock member, an outer fixing member and a connection nozzle. An attachment portion of the connection nozzle extends beyond the outer fixing member and the interlock member and ends in a flared shape to form a gas-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SJM Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Kwang Lee, Uwe Webel
  • Patent number: 10821258
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow, Dan Kao
  • Patent number: 10738923
    Abstract: A turbine engine duct assembly including a joint assembly having an outer shroud, a bellows, a flared tube, a backing ring, and a kinematic ring. The joint assembly provides for dynamic movement of the duct assembly during operation of the engine. Such dynamic movement can be resultant of vibrational forces or thermal expansion of the engine. The joint assembly permits such dynamic movement without excessive system stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Unison Industries LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Tajiri, Michael Thomas Kenworthy, Douglas R. Millward, Lonnie Ray Stewart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10697575
    Abstract: An expansion compensator are at least two axially extending elongate members, which combined, circumferentially extend around the expansion compensator while each elongate member individually circumferentially extends only part way around the expansion compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 10655759
    Abstract: A plastic drain pipe for drainage includes a first end, a second end, and a pipe sub-section between the first end and the second end. The pipe sub-section includes a collapsible section of corrugated pipe, a first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe, and a second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe. The collapsible section of corrugated pipe has a first joining area and a second joining area. The first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe is connected to the collapsible section of corrugated pipe at the first joining area, and the second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe is connected to the collapsible section of corrugated pipe at the second joining area. An outermost diameter of the collapsible section of corrugated pipe is approximately the same as an outermost diameter of the first non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe and an outermost diameter of the second non-collapsible section of corrugated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: OmniMax International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Randolph Elliott, Donald Stephen Gazdick, III, Bryan Garth Lamb, John Earnest Satta, III, Jeffrey Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 10570781
    Abstract: A connection system for coupling a steam turbine to a condenser is provided. The connection system includes a dog-bone connector, a first clamp, and a second clamp. The dog-bone connector includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end with respect to the third direction, and a body extending therebetween. The first clamp includes a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion, and a first retention cavity defined therebetween. The first clamp is configured to couple to one of the steam turbine and the condenser such that the first portion is movable relative to the second portion along the third direction. The second clamp is configured to couple to the other of the steam turbine and the condenser and includes a third portion, a fourth portion coupled to the third portion, and a second retention cavity defined therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Alessandro Sgambati, Thomas Griesser
  • Patent number: 10563796
    Abstract: The extensible hose (1) comprises a first elastically extensible tubular element (2) and a second tubular element (3) extendable and coaxial to said first tubular element (2). The second extendable tubular element (3) is inserted into said first elastically extensible tubular element (2). Herein proposed is also an extensible hose unit (G) comprising the hose (1) and at least one fitting (11) associable to at least one end of the hose (1), for connecting to liquid dispensing structure and/or a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEN DI DE NORA PAOLO
    Inventor: Paolo De Nora
  • Patent number: 10427517
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment mounting arrangement is provided that is mounted outside of an engine compartment and has a perforated enclosure allowing air to permeate the enclosure and establish an airflow through the enclosure to maintain part integrity of components of an exhaust after-treatment system with maximum temperature thresholds. Components of the exhaust after-treatment system may be mounted to permit movement of such components relative to upstream and downstream components in the exhaust system. The enclosure is configured to prevent contact of the hot components by operators and/or flammable materials with small venting holes through top surfaces of the enclosure and large vent holes in bottom areas of the box that allow large volumes of air to easily flow into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Frederic George Kuhn, Karl M. Luebke
  • Patent number: 10260401
    Abstract: Provided are a method for determining the disposition position of a spherical joint for coupling exhaust pipes to each other in an exhaust system, and an exhaust system, which enable engine vibrations to be more effectively damped. In the present invention, strain gauges are attached at a plurality of locations in an exhaust system (1), simulated vibrations which simulate engine vibrations are imparted to the upstream-side end of the exhaust system (1), and bending strain is measured at each strain gauge. On the basis of the bending strain measured at each strain gauge, detected is a position at which generated is a bending moment that is equal to or greater than or equal to a torque amount which generates a maximum static friction force between a spherical inner-circumferential surface (26) and a spherical outer-circumferential surface (27) of a spherical joint (2) which come into contact with each other, and the detected position is determined to be the disposition position for the spherical joint (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kaida, Yukito Matsumoto, Shoichiro Fujita, Shunya Oda
  • Patent number: 10228148
    Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus for an air conditioning system may include a flow passage, at least a portion of which has a convoluted structure. The flow passage may also be coupled to two stabilizing members. The vibration isolation apparatus may include a structural supporting member to retain the two stabilizing members. The rod may be isolated from the stabilizing members by vibration isolation members. The vibration isolation apparatus may be positioned in a refrigeration line between an outlet of a compressor and a refrigerant pipe. The stabilizing members, the convoluted flow passage and the vibration isolation members may attenuate the vibration generated by the compressor so as to reduce the vibration transmitted to the refrigerant pipe. The structural supporting member may enhance the structural strength of the vibration isolation apparatus to withstand the pressure of the compressed refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Pavak Mehta, Todd W. Smith, Rod Lakowske, Daniel R. Crum
  • Patent number: 10072413
    Abstract: A water resistant expansion joint system for installation into a building joint in vertical and horizontal configurations is designed such that it can be used for either an inside or outside corner. According to an aspect, the system comprises open celled foam having a water-based acrylic chemistry infused therein. A layer of an elastomer is disposed on the open celled foam and is tooled to define a profile to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between coplanar substrates. The system is delivered to a job site in a pre-compressed state ready for installation into the building joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Lester Hensley, Bill Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 10036498
    Abstract: A flexible joint includes a pair of generally tubular members and a ring (e.g., gimbal ring). The tubular members are pivotally connected to the ring by pivot pins such that the pivot axes of the tubular members is generally perpendicularly related to each other to form a hinge. A support structure may interconnect the pivot pins and may be configured to support the pivot pins across the joint to maintain a generally perpendicular hinge orientation. A conduit may connect the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Norman K. Tabb, Daniel T. Munley
  • Patent number: 10030778
    Abstract: A sealing sleeve seals off a shaft rotating in a rotary joint coupling having a joint outer part and a coupling end facing toward the sealing sleeve. The sealing sleeve includes a first end and a second end. The second end has a larger diameter than the first end and is connected seal tight with the joint outer part and the first end is connected seal tight with the shaft. A first section of the sealing sleeve extends from a lip seal and is in contact engagement with the shaft. The first section has an inner periphery and a plurality of inner grooves distributed over the inner periphery. A second section extends from the first section at the coupling end. The second section has an inner periphery and sawtooth-shaped rib-like projections aligned toward the shaft and the rib-like projections have tips in contact engagement with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ContiTech Vibration Control GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Hermanski
  • Patent number: 9970578
    Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a liner, a bellow, and a liner sleeve preferably defined by a compressed woven mesh strip spirally wound around the liner between the bellow and liner and moveable longitudinally with respect to the bellow and liner when the coupling expands linearly. An alternate sleeve in the form of a cylinder is disposed about the liner, under the bellow and is formed of a woven non-compressed mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: American BOA, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Barbely, Rolf Janssen, Srinivas Gade
  • Patent number: 9873522
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a screen configured for use in association with a cooler of an aircraft, the screen comprising: a first portion arranged as a grid and located in a line-of-sight of the cooler with respect to a fluid inlet, and a second portion located out of the line-of-sight of the cooler with respect to the fluid inlet, wherein the second portion is grid-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims
  • Patent number: 9835076
    Abstract: A decoupling element for an exhaust system (1) of a combustion engine, with an elastic exhaust gas-conducting body (3), with at least one support ring (7) connected to the body (3) in a fixed manner, which encloses an axial end portion (8) of the body (3) on the outside in the circumferential direction (5), and with at least one flange (9), which is fastened to the support ring (7) by means of a weld seam (12), wherein the flange (9) comprises a connecting piece (13), which is inserted in the end portion (8) of the body (3) enclosed by the support ring (7), and wherein the weld seam (12) is configured circumferential on the outside and connects an axial face end (14) of the support ring (7) facing away from the body (3) to the outer circumference (15) of the connecting piece (13) of the flange (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspaecher Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Schmitt, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9764435
    Abstract: A heat exchange system includes a tubular fan air inlet portion and a tubular cooled air outlet portion connected to a first end of a tubular mid portion. The heat exchange system further includes a tubular hot air inlet portion and a tubular recycled fan air outlet portion connected a second end of the mid portion. Still further, the heat exchange system includes an integrally-formed, compliant heat exchanger tube extending between the hot air inlet portion and the cooled air outlet portion within the mid portion to define a heat exchanger first flow passage within the heat exchanger tube and a second flow passage outside of the heat exchanger tube but within the tubular mid portion. Methods for fabricating such heat exchange systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Mark C. Morris, Donlad G. Godfrey, David Waldman
  • Patent number: 9644775
    Abstract: A pipe connector including a compensator and a centering sleeve that, in the mounted state, extends along the entire length of the compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Willi Wiedenmann, Johann Justl, Martin Sauer
  • Patent number: 9637915
    Abstract: A fire and/or water resistant expansion joint system for installation into a building joint in vertical and horizontal configurations is designed such that it can be used for either an inside or outside corner. The system comprises a core having a fire retardant infused therein. A layer of an elastomer is disposed on the core and is tooled to define a profile to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between coplanar substrates. The system can be delivered to a job site in a pre-compressed state ready for installation into the building joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Emseal Joint Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lester Hensley, Bill Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 9631362
    Abstract: A fire and/or water resistant expansion joint system for installation between substrates of a tunnel. The system includes a coating applied at a predetermined thickness to the substrates and a fire and water resistant expansion joint. The expansion joint includes a core and a fire retardant infused into the core. The core is configured to define a profile to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between the substrates. The coating and the fire and water resistant expansion joint are each capable of withstanding exposure to a temperature of at least about 540° C. or greater for about five minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Emseal Joint Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lester Hensley, William Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 9581070
    Abstract: In an uncoupling element for uncoupling vibrations of the turbocharger of an internal combustion engine from an exhaust system with a bellows, provisions are made, especially for achieving a lower stiffness with short overall length, for the bellows to be a diaphragm bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: BOA Balg-und Kompensatoren-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schill, Marc Pontzen, Stefan Neff
  • Patent number: 9512772
    Abstract: A flexible conduit assembly for transmitting exhaust from a combustion engine to an atmosphere includes first and second conduits and a coupler for coupling the first and second conduits. The coupler includes a bellows, a flexible intermediate element surrounding the bellows, first and second flanges disposed over the intermediate element, and an outer insulating element surrounding the intermediate element and supported by the flanges. The coupler further includes first and second extensions coupled to the intermediate element and projecting outwardly from the intermediate element. The first extension spaces the first flange from the intermediate element to define a first air gap, and the second extension spaces the second flange from the intermediate element to define a second air gap. The first and second flanges dispose a portion of the outer element above the intermediate element to define a third air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KATCON USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lucky, José De Nigris
  • Patent number: 9410697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device for premixing combustion air and gas, having a gas regulating device and a gas outlet and a nozzle, wherein a gas inlet is provided on the nozzle or on a bridging element disposed on the nozzle, and the gas path from the gas outlet to the gas inlet is sealed off by a gasket extending from the gas outlet to the gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Rudolf Tungl
  • Patent number: 9316315
    Abstract: A seal assembly seals an interface between adjacent liner sections. The seal assembly comprises a seal carrier mounted to a first plate, a seal body overlapping at least a portion of the seal carrier to define a plane of travel between the seal body and the seal carrier, and at least one resilient member configured to bias the seal body against a second plate. The seal carrier includes an indented portion that extends radially inward of the plane of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Russell P. Parrish, Jeffrey R. Lavin
  • Patent number: 9309999
    Abstract: Fluid line and method of making fluid line that includes an inner contour structured with wave peaks and wave troughs. Each wave peak has a front flank and a rear flank, and the front flanks are structured with an inclination angle, relative to a longitudinal axis, shallower than an inclination angle of the rear flanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Bauer, Christoph Steinkamp, Martin Anders
  • Patent number: 9222383
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes an engine, a vehicle body frame on which the engine is mounted, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas of the engine, and a fixing base for fixing the exhaust gas treatment device, and the fixing base is separated from the engine by a gap. Furthermore, a support body for connecting the fixing base to the vehicle body frame is also separated from the engine by a gap. A bellows pipe for absorbing solid-borne sound is provided in an area where a suction pipe of the exhaust gas treatment device is connected to an exhaust manifold of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Togo
  • Patent number: 9200437
    Abstract: A water resistant expansion joint system for installation into a building joint in vertical and horizontal configurations is designed such that it can be used for either an inside or outside corner. The system comprises open celled foam having a water-based acrylic chemistry infused therein. A layer of an elastomer is disposed on the open celled foam and is tooled to define a profile to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between coplanar substrates. The system is delivered to a job site in a pre-compressed state ready for installation into the building joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Lester Hensley, Bill Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 9175793
    Abstract: An attachment connection is provided including a thin-walled hose line connected with a carbon-containing attachment part of a carbon-containing iron alloy with a carbon component C >0.5% and a weld connection is provided between the hose line and the attachment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: WITZENMANN GMBH
    Inventors: Jorg Hornung, Gerald Kolbe, Michael Rumold, Massimo Messina
  • Patent number: 9163762
    Abstract: A gimbal joint includes a gimbal ring, a first fitting pivotally connected to the gimbal ring such that the first fitting pivots about a first axis, and a second fitting pivotally connected to the gimbal ring such that the second fitting pivots about a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The gimbal ring further includes a separable sealing element having a cylindrical portion with a first rounded end and a second rounded end. The gimbal ring, the first fitting, the second fitting, and the separable sealing element define a fluid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh N. French, Daniel Munley
  • Patent number: 9140172
    Abstract: A coupling for routing and distributing exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The coupling includes an upstream duct having a first end and a second end, and a gas flow distribution device arranged between the first and second ends of the upstream duct. The coupling also includes a downstream duct having a first end and a second end, and a flexible portion arranged between the first and second ends of the downstream duct. The upstream duct is fixed to the downstream duct to generate a continuous, sealed passage for the gas flow between the first end of the upstream duct and the second end of the downstream duct. A vehicle is also disclosed having an engine employing an exhaust after-treatment device and the coupling for routing and distributing the gas flow from the engine to the after-treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary J. Hazelton
  • Patent number: 9140140
    Abstract: A composite flange element formed on a casing comprising a portion of a component and an adjoining flange portion, the composite having a ply layup comprising: one or more first plies extending over both the portion of the component and the flange portion; one or more second plies extending over the flange portion; and one or more third plies extending over the portion of the component; wherein the first, second and third plies are selected to provide desirable properties for the portions over which they extend. The flange element so formed consists of one or more load spreading features associated with the flange portion and one or more stress reduction features in the region where the portion of the component meets the flange portion. Preferably the plies are arranged or interleaved such that they run up the case and flange without distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Alison J McMillan
  • Publication number: 20150137506
    Abstract: A flexible joint for conveying a fluid in a fluid pipe in order to unite two pipes in leaktight and flexible manner comprises a tubular vessel having an upstream end for flexible and leaktight connection with an upstream tube, a downstream end for leaktight connection with a downstream tube, and a tubular bellows fastened in leaktight manner to the inside of the vessel, thereby defining two concentric spaces that are mutually separated in leaktight manner in normal operation. An inner space is provided in which the fluid flows between the upstream end and the downstream end. A peripheral space is situated between the inner space and a side wall of the vessel and is filled with an incompressible liquid. The joint further includes at least one sensor for detecting a hydrocarbon fluid in the incompressible liquid if the seal is broken between the inner space and the peripheral space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Pierre CROGUENEC
  • Publication number: 20150084328
    Abstract: A compensator assembly, including a metal bellows (2) with a weld end or connecting end (3, 4) in each case on both sides, at least one single-part or multipart guide tube (11), two support rings (5, 6), of which one is connected to a weld end (3, 4) in each case, and an anchoring box (7), which is supported on end faces (5a, 6a) of the support rings (5, 6) facing away from the metal bellows (2), wherein the support rings (5, 6), on the end face (5a, 6a) facing away from the metal bellows (2), have support elements (16) projecting in a direction of the anchoring box (7), and/or the anchoring box (7), on an end face (8a, 9a) facing the respective support ring (5, 6), has support elements (16) projecting in a direction of the support ring (5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: WITZENMANN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Kampfe, Bert Balmer, Peter Rittershofer, Frank Thome, Matthias Weber, Harald Betke
  • Publication number: 20150076814
    Abstract: A flexible conduit assembly for transmitting exhaust from a combustion engine to an atmosphere includes first and second conduits and a coupler for coupling the first and second conduits. The coupler includes a bellows, a flexible intermediate element surrounding the bellows, first and second flanges disposed over the intermediate element, and an outer insulating element surrounding the intermediate element and supported by the flanges. The coupler further includes first and second extensions coupled to the intermediate element and projecting outwardly from the intermediate element. The first extension spaces the first flange from the intermediate element to define a first air gap, and the second extension spaces the second flange from the intermediate element to define a second air gap. The first and second flanges dispose a portion of the outer element above the intermediate element to define a third air gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Katcon USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lucky, José De Nigris
  • Patent number: 8973950
    Abstract: An uncoupling element shields against structure-borne sound, especially for the exhaust pipe of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles. The uncoupling element includes a bellows (2) made of metal and a ring-shaped damping element (4) made of a lightweight composite. The damping element has particle-filled hollow steel spheres inserted at least one end of the bellows between the bellows end and a continuing pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: BOA Balg-und Kompensatoren-Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Hebisch
  • Publication number: 20150033734
    Abstract: A coupling for routing and distributing exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The coupling includes an upstream duct having a first end and a second end, and a gas flow distribution device arranged between the first and second ends of the upstream duct. The coupling also includes a downstream duct having a first end and a second end, and a flexible portion arranged between the first and second ends of the downstream duct. The upstream duct is fixed to the downstream duct to generate a continuous, sealed passage for the gas flow between the first end of the upstream duct and the second end of the downstream duct. A vehicle is also disclosed having an engine employing an exhaust after-treatment device and the coupling for routing and distributing the gas flow from the engine to the after-treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gary J. Hazelton
  • Publication number: 20140366972
    Abstract: An arrangement for a fluidic and mechanical connection of two components may include a first component, a second component, and a coupling. The coupling may include a first coupling part arranged on the first component and a second coupling part. A damping part may moveably connect the second coupling part to the second component. An axial overlap region may be formed between the damping part and the second coupling part, which axially on the side facing the first component is bounded by a connecting region for realizing a mechanical connection between the second coupling part and the damping part. The second coupling part may coaxially plug into the first coupling part for fluidic and mechanical connection. At least one sealing element may be radially arranged between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicants: Fordwerke GmbH, Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Sven A. Kaiser, Andreas Kuske, Thomas Proettel, Daniel Roettger, Franz A. Sommerhoff, Christian Vigild