Resilient Sleeve Type Patents (Class 285/235)
  • Patent number: 10578236
    Abstract: A hose and a system including a hose may be used to connect various components. The hose may include a hose body, where an end segment of the hose body may be foldable over a clamp seat area of the hose body. There may be an opening in the end segment sized and shaped to provide access to a clamp, so as to better hold the clamp in place, while still enabling access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Rollins, Roger Khami, Randall Alan Stec, Dennis Davies, Christopher Alan Myers
  • Patent number: 10487882
    Abstract: A double knuckle coupling suitable for transmitting torque applied to a first input shaft to a second shaft wherein the coupling accommodates angular changes between the shafts. Additionally, the disclosure describes an improved mud motor transmission incorporating the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Kuhn, Keith R. Ptak
  • Patent number: 9951897
    Abstract: An elastic seal element seals a fluid passage between a first component and a second component from the surroundings, the fluid passage passing through the seal element. The seal element has a first bead, which provides a sealing line to sealingly contact the first component around the fluid passage. The seal element further has a second bead, which provides a second sealing line to sealingly contact the second component around the fluid passage. The seal element has a tubular shape, a tubular casing extending between the first bead at the first end of the seal element and the second bead at the second end of the seal element, wherein the tubular casing allows a transversal offset of the second bead relative to the first bead to seal the fluid passage by the seal element even when the second component is offset transversely relative to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Diekmeyer, Yves Hansen, Joachim Hein, Dirk Hillbring, Hauke Kraus
  • Patent number: 9512945
    Abstract: An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Andy Ali Jaffari
  • Patent number: 8955943
    Abstract: A seal member includes a communication hole that makes a holder flow path communicate with a connection flow path in a state of the seal member being nipped between a holder projection and a connection projection, a holder-side fitting recess that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the holder projection and also fits to a leading end portion of the holder projection, a connection member-side fitting recess that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the connection projection and also fits to a leading end portion of the connection projection, and a recessed groove that is hollowed in the bottom of the holder-side fitting recess or the bottom of the connection member-side fitting recess along the inner circumferential surface of the holder-side fitting recess or the connection member-side fitting recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shunsuke Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20150016055
    Abstract: A piping connection structure includes: a pipe; and an elastic tube connected to the pipe, the tube including a connection into which the pipe is inserted and fitted, and a main body linked seamlessly with the connection, wherein the main body includes a projection that is formed circularly along a circumferential direction of the main body, and across the main body in an axial direction, and projects into an inside of the tube in a radial direction with respect to an inner periphery of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yosuke TSUNODA, Masumi SUZUKI, Michimasa AOKI, Jie WEI
  • Patent number: 8887858
    Abstract: A curved-pipe portion curved so as to change the exhaust direction is provided to the downstream-side end section of the exhaust guide pipe and the external protective pipe, and the spacing between an end-section outer periphery of the exhaust guide pipe and an end-section inner periphery of the external protective pipe in the curved-pipe portion is configured so as to be greater on the side opposite the center of curvature of the curved-pipe portion than the side nearer thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Tomiho Tanaka, Shinya Ukai
  • Patent number: 8863974
    Abstract: A column assembly for supporting a floating roof used with a storage tank for containing a volatile fluid, including an inner pipe, an outer pipe securable to the floating roof to extend below and generally perpendicular to the roof, the outer pipe surrounding and being movable axially on the inner pipe with a generally annular space defined between them, a pin extendable transversely through the overlapping walls of the inner and outer pipes to releasably fix the axial position of one pipe relative to the other, and a cylindrical sleeve seal having an upper part to slidably engage the inner pipe outer surface, a lower part bore surface to engage the top end outer surface of the outer pipe, and a radially inward extending rib situated axially between the upper and lower parts and extending transversely across and closing the top end of the annular space between the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohammed A. Ben Afeef
  • Patent number: 8820796
    Abstract: To avoid even in rotor-stator dispersion machines with high suction power that the drawn liquid is set into a rotational movement whereby the dispersion performance is impaired, the invention provides transitional elements, such as an intermediate piece, for establishing the connection between a rotor-stator dispersion machine and a container. The rotor-stator dispersion machine comprises a rotor-stator system having at least one toothed ring. The container has a longitudinal axis and an outlet. The intermediate piece has a first opening for the connection with the outlet of the container and a second opening for the connection with the rotor-stator dispersion machine. The intermediate piece comprises a tube line that extends between the first and the second opening and has at least in some sections a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the container by an angle ?30 in the range of 0° to 90 °.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Axel Wittek
  • Patent number: 8696035
    Abstract: A venturi adapter is provided and includes a first collar having an inward projection, a second collar having an outward projection and a shoulder defining an aperture extending between opposing axial faces thereof and having an axial projection, the first and second collars extending in opposing axial directions from the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Cristoffer Welch
  • Publication number: 20140049040
    Abstract: A flexible contoured boot for transmitting air to or from a room register in a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ductmate Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin L. Jefferson, Branden Butella, David Agee
  • Publication number: 20130328303
    Abstract: A pipe system comprises a metallic pipe section having a wall comprising a metal material, and a deformation absorber coupled to the first pipe section in end-to-end relation. The deformation absorber comprises a composite pipe section having a wall comprising a composite material formed of at least a matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres embedded within the matrix. The composite pipe section is configured to sustain a greater level of strain than the metallic pipe section when the pipe system is subject to deformation by a load event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Alexander Tavner, Richard Damon Goodman Roberts, Martin Peter William Jones
  • Publication number: 20130300106
    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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hugh N. FRENCH, Daniel MUNLEY
  • Patent number: 8511713
    Abstract: A fluid connection device (1), comprising a tubular shaft (2), the interior of which is divided by a partition (8) into two partial spaces (6,9) separated from each other. A respective side opening (11,12) opens into each of the two partial spaces. The side openings are covered by an elastomeric sleeve (3) so that the side openings are sealed shut as long as no other external forces act on the sleeve. By means of a union nut (4), which is intended to connect the tubular shaft to a container and is screwed onto the fitting thereof, the sleeve is compressed in the axial direction and produces an annular gap that extends across the side openings, by means of which the side openings are flow-connected from then on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: GL GmbH Metall—und Werkstatttechnik
    Inventor: Adolf Henzler
  • Patent number: 8444182
    Abstract: A water intake pipe of an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant is made by connecting a plurality of connecting sections, and each connecting section includes a plurality of steel ropes between two flange disks and covered with a soft tube material, and each connecting section is in a cage form and fixed by the flange disks, and the water intake pipe includes a support, and the closer the connecting section to the sea surface, the higher is the load-carrying capacity of each steel rope, and the steel rope closer to the sea surface has a greater tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Sea Energy Technology Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang-Sheng Kuo, Chung Hsuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20130068316
    Abstract: A connection part providing communication between biopharmaceutical containers and/or conduits, includes a connection sheath (32) and two connection skirts (38a, 38b). The connection sheath (32) and both connection skirts (38a, 38b) have resiliency such that the connection part (30), from a disassembled state, is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened without loss of integrity so as to be made threadable through both collars (14, 24). Then, due to the resiliency thereof, the connection part contacts, with resilient clamping for support and with sealability, the coupled portion of the outer surface of both collars (14, 24). Moreover, from the assembled state, the connection part is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened so as to be capable of being unthreaded from both collars (14, 24) and thus be converted to the disassembled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH S.A.
    Inventor: Mareva Gueneron
  • Patent number: 8371617
    Abstract: An expansion joint for a pipe system includes a deformable section interconnecting first and second pipe sections. A first mount is secured to the first pipe section in a passageway of the first pipe. A second mount is secured to the second pipe section in a passageway of the second pipe. A flexible tension member, extending through the deformable section, tethers the first and second mounts to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: MECS, Inc.
    Inventor: Rafael C. Take
  • Patent number: 8167337
    Abstract: A quick-release, fluid impervious elastic coupling with hook and loop strips conforms to the shape of conduit ends to join, seal and secure together conduits that can have different diameters. The elastic sheet can be a single or multiple layers and can be reinforced with strengthening ribs or cords and/or provided with gripping ridges to assist securing and sealing the conduits against leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Frank L. Bruno, Marva L. Plummer-Bruno
  • Patent number: 8122924
    Abstract: A coupling closure is provided for substantially environmentally-sealed reversible closure of containers or hose elements. At least one first flexible band with at least one first closure element is provided. At least one second flexible band is provided with at least one second closure element that is complementary to the first closure element. A top side of the first band comprises at least one third closure element and a top side of the second band comprises at least one fourth closure element. Also a coupling closure is provided for substantially environmentally-sealed reversible closure of containers or hose elements comprising a plurality of frame bands and articulation devices. Immediately adjacent frame bands are connected with one another via at least one articulation device between the immediately adjacent frame bands to form a circumferential folding frame wherein inner sides of at least two adjacent or opposing frame bands are foldable one on top the other to form a closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Gea Pharma Systems AG
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Joachim Stoyle, Stefan Vogler
  • Patent number: 8091927
    Abstract: A gas supply coupling is disposed within and extends through an opening of a combustion chamber for a water heater. The coupling includes a fitting which is a relatively inexpensive stamped component. A stepped tubular connection extends from a plate and includes a first portion having a first diameter which necks down to a second portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The stepped tubular connection receives a gas supply tube into the first portion and a gas supply line over the second portion. The tubes are braised to the stepped connection. Other gas supply couplings include a machined fitting and a direct connection between a gas supply tube and a gas supply line in which the gas supply tube itself provides for both the seal to the shield and the connection to the gas supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brass Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James Scanlon
  • Publication number: 20110260448
    Abstract: In, as part of, or for apparatus to discharge, or to receive a discharge of, a particulate material, (A) a tube, conduit, duct or the like and (B) a flexible tube end received and snap fit inter-engaged within said tube, conduit, duct or the like. The snap fit is of a pair of outward circumferential forms each into a complementary receiving groove of a ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Blair Forres McPheat
  • Publication number: 20110101679
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to methods, systems and apparatuses for segmental duct couplers for use during and after formation of concrete segments. Segmental duct coupling systems can include a number of components for coupling ducts both during and after formation of the concrete segments. In one aspect, the coupling system can include a locking member and forming member disposed between coupling ends of segmental ducts. In another aspect, a coupling system can include a deformable member disposed between coupling ends of ducts cast within pre-cast and match-cast concrete segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Crigler, James G. Young, Michael R. Moussa
  • Patent number: 7914049
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector made entirely of an elastomeric material connects tubes or other hydraulic circuit components used in machines for extracorporeal blood treatment. The hydraulic connector comprises a main body (2), which defines a conduit (3), and a predetermined number of protuberances (6) fashioned to enable a stable engagement of the connector to an end of a tubular port (7) of tubing or other hydraulic component. The conduit (3) exhibits a first longitudinal portion (3a) directed along a first development axis (9) and a second longitudinal portion (3a) directed along a second development axis (10); the axes (9, 10) do not coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Luca Vinci
  • Publication number: 20110068571
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spiral-type flexible pipe connector. The spiral-type flexible pipe connector includes a socket, into which one end of a spiral-type flexible pipe is inserted, a nut coupled to the socket to fix the spiral-type flexible pipe to the socket, and a packing and a support ring located between the end of the spiral-type flexible pipe and the socket, and the packing includes a sealing part, into which the tip of the end of the spiral-type flexible pipe is inserted such that the sealing part surrounds the tip of the end of the spiral-type flexible pipe, thereby improving watertightness of a connection part of the spiral-type flexible pipe and efficiency in a coupling process of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Jin Lim CHOI
  • Patent number: 7909370
    Abstract: A root-repellant underground drain-pipe coupling, which may be made of the same resilient rubber-like material as sleeve-type drain-pipe couplings of known art, is made somewhat longer than conventional coupling sleeves and is fitted internally at each end with a thin collar of root-repelling material such as copper sheet. Each collar is located just inside the outer entrance to the interfacing regions, held in place by a clamp strap around the sleeve, and optionally made with a portion extending outwardly as an extension or flange for purposes of inspection and increased effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Richard M. Wilsey
  • Patent number: 7878550
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for joining and sealing conduits are provided. The apparatus includes an edge trim positioned proximate to an end of a first conduit, and a sleeve positioned between the first conduit and a second conduit. The sleeve includes a flexible end positioned adjacent to the edge trim such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve overlies at least a portion of the edge trim, a semi-rigid end opposite the flexible end and positioned over at least a portion of the second conduit, and a flexible medial portion extending between the flexible end and the semi-rigid end. The apparatus also includes a retaining element configured to be secured over the flexible end of the sleeve such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve is sandwiched between the retaining element and the edge trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jayant D. Patel, Alfred R. Wiratunga, Clifford J. Petersen
  • Patent number: 7770936
    Abstract: In a multiple coupling lock system and method for an environmentally sealed filling or refilling of a first container or a first hose, a first coupling lock has an opening area which is opened. A first flexible conveyance unit has a first end connected to the first coupling lock in an environmentally sealed manner. A second opposite end of the first flexible conveyance unit connects to a second coupling lock in an environmentally sealed manner, the opening area of the first coupling lock being sufficiently large when opened to allow the second coupling lock to pass therethrough. The second coupling lock connects in an environmentally sealed manner to the first container or first hose. The system or method provides the ability to environmentally fill or refill the first container or first hose-in an environmentally sealed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: GEA Buck Valve GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Joachim Stoye, Stefan Vogler
  • Patent number: 7752977
    Abstract: A decelerating apparatus includes a sleeve having a forward end and a rear end. A plurality of helical grooves formed in the sleeve. Each helical groove begins at the forward end of the sleeve and has a depth that decreases from the forward end of the sleeve towards the rear end. The depth of each helical groove at the forward end of the sleeve is large enough so that the helical groove cuts completely through the sleeve at the forward end. The plurality of helical grooves define deformable petals therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wade Babcock, Jeff Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7644957
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expansion-deflection coupling which allows for higher angular deflection, as well as greater axial expansion and compression with increased parallel offset movements. The coupling includes a pair of identical hubs adapted to accommodate conduits within, and a flexible hollow cylinder extending between the hubs. At least one mid-coupling is located within the cylinder, and at least two plastic funneled tubes, each of which extends securely within the cylinder between the mid-coupling and one of the hubs. One of the hubs is secured to a union coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Ken Gibbon
  • Patent number: 7562909
    Abstract: A coiled tubing connector having a body and a plurality of entry or transition sections connected to the body wherein the connector has a low cycle fatigue life of at least 30%, more preferably at least 50% of the coiled tubing. A preferred embodiment contains two shoulders that form an annular void, a plurality of centralizers about an exterior of the body, and/or a plurality of elastomer molds separating the centralizers. The connector is preferably longer than the connectors of the prior art and is a composite of fluoroplastics or aluminum alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Hans-Bernd Luft, Lyle Erwin Laun
  • Patent number: 7543804
    Abstract: A fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20090015007
    Abstract: A flexible piping connector 10 includes a flexible elastomeric tubular member 12, with a central annular groove formed around the circumference of the member. Two rigid plastics tubular members 20, 22 engage with the flexible tubular member 12, while inner annular members 28 retain the flexible tubular member 12 in co-operation with the rigid members 20, 22. The rigid members 20, 22 may be connected to sections of piping, while the flexible member 12 allows the assembly to be flexed through a restricted range of angles to allow for construction of piping lengths at non-standard angles, while the connector retains a smooth inner bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: McAlpine & Company Limited
    Inventor: JAMES KENNETH MCALPINE
  • Publication number: 20080265570
    Abstract: In, as part of, or for apparatus to discharge, or to receive a discharge of, a particulate material, (A) a tube, conduit, duct or the like and (B) a flexible tube end received and snap fit inter-engaged within said tube, conduit, duct or the like. The snap fit is of a pair of outward circumferential forms each into a complementary receiving groove of a ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Blair Forres McPheat
  • Publication number: 20080265571
    Abstract: A plumbing strap is fastened to a building. A tubular insert is placed through a hole in a strap with posts on the tubular insert aligning with cut-outs in the strap to restrict rotation of the tubular insert relative to the strap. A flange on one end of the tubular insert abuts the strap to restrict longitudinal motion of the tubular insert. Latches on the tubular insert extend through the hole in the strap to engage the side of the strap opposite the flange and further restrict longitudinal movement of the tubular insert. A collar is placed over the tubular insert and a pipe extends through the tubular insert and collar. The tubular insert has a base adjacent the flange and a skirt distal from the flange. Longitudinal slits in the base and skirt define resilient members in the base and in the skirt that extend in opposing directions, but that can move inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Luis Gallardo, Larry D. Brown, Dennis Hart
  • Publication number: 20080179881
    Abstract: A flexible, semi-rigid connector is provided. The connector comprises a sleeve with two openings on opposing ends and is made up of a plurality of ridges having interlocking crimped elements spaced. The crimped elements allow for the sleeve to be twisted and moved laterally to create a variety of lengths and angles in order to correctly connect the dryer vent and the exhaust vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: DEFLECTO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom Crocket, John Falk
  • Patent number: 7396050
    Abstract: A coupling device for a dishwasher pump with a synchronous motor and external stator, comprising a first tang connected to the delivery tube of the pump, a second tang connected to the suitable pipeline of a washing tank and a connection mean part. The connection mean part comprises a frustum of cone-shaped section, intermediate between said first and second tang and a flexible annular lip formed between said second tang and the smallest base of the frustum of cone-shaped section. Advantageously, the external part of the frustum of cone-shaped section is reinforced with annular ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 7350827
    Abstract: An expansion ring assembly and method for sealingly installing a gasket within an opening in a wall of a structure. The expansion ring assembly includes an expansion ring having first and second adjacent end portions, and first and second cam members are rotatably coupled to the first and second end portions. Each cam member includes tool engagement structure for rotating the cam members, and cam surfaces of the cam members are engageable with one another such that, upon rotation of each cam member, the cam surface thereof engages the cam surface of the other cam member to drive the first and second end portions of the ring apart from one another, thereby radially expanding the ring to compress a gasket into sealing engagement with the wall opening. Only one cam member may be rotated, or alternatively, both cam members may be rotated sequentially, depending upon the amount of expansion which is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Press-Seal Gasket Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan N Zeigler
  • Patent number: 7350822
    Abstract: A lip coupling for connecting together two pieces of pipe above a hole in the floor, the coupling having a semi-spherical upper portion connecting with a lower cylindrical portion, the semi-spherical upper portion having an outer diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion, the lower portion of the semi-spherical portion being provided with a generally transverse lip which is adapted to rest against the floor surrounding the hole, the lip having an underside which is provided with a curved and upwardly directed recess to prevent any unnecessary contact between the lip and any irregularity on the surface surrounding the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 7347456
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for joining and sealing conduits, includes edge trim, a sleeve, and a retaining element. The edge trim is shaped to mount upon and engage an end of a conduit. The sleeve extends between the conduits and at least partially surrounds the edge trim. The sleeve may be made of compressible material, such that when the retaining element surrounds a portion of the sleeve and the edge trim, the retaining element generally compresses the portion of the sleeve portion underlying the retaining element and displaces the sleeve material to expand on either side of the retaining element and limit movement of the retaining element. The method of joining and sealing conduits includes mounting the edge trim and a retaining element upon an end of a conduit, extending a sleeve between the conduits, and sliding the retaining element over the sleeve toward the end of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jayant D. Patel, Alfred R. Wiratunga
  • Publication number: 20080067806
    Abstract: A lip coupling for connecting together two pieces of pipe above a hole in the floor, the coupling having a semi-spherical upper portion connecting with a lower cylindrical portion, the semi-spherical upper portion having an outer diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion, the lower portion of the semi-spherical portion being provided with a generally transverse lip which is adapted to rest against the floor surrounding the hole, the lip having an underside which is provided with a curved and upwardly directed recess to prevent any unnecessary contact between the lip and any irregularity on the surface surrounding the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 7316431
    Abstract: An auto-adapting fitting for releasably connecting in an end-to-end orientation, a first tube end to a second tube end having an outer diameter within a specified range for use between the ammunition feed port of a paintball marker and the outlet port of a paintball magazine. The fitting is formed onto the end portion of the marker inlet tube. The fitting comprises a resilient sleeve-shaped collar having a number of radially, inwardly extending projections that pass through corresponding radially penetrating holes through the side wall of the end portion of the feed port near its upper opening. The projections bear against the outer surface of the magazine outlet tube. Magazine outlet tubes of a larger outer diameter will cause the collar to be resiliently pushed outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: JT Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Lester Broersma
  • Patent number: 7270317
    Abstract: A fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7229105
    Abstract: An auto-adapting fitting for releasably connecting in an end-to-end orientation, a first tube end to a second tube end having an outer diameter within a specified range for use between the ammunition feed port of a paintball gun and the outlet port of a paintball magazine. The fitting is formed onto the end portion of the gun inlet tube. The fitting comprises a resilient sleeve-shaped collar having a number of radially, inwardly extending projections that pass through corresponding radially penetrating holes through the side wall of the end portion of the feed port near its upper opening. The projections bear against the outer surface of the magazine outlet tube. Magazine outlet tubes of a larger outer diameter will cause the collar to be resiliently pushed outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: JT USA LLC
    Inventor: Lester V. Broersma
  • Patent number: 7213847
    Abstract: A diverter for vehicle exhaust fumes inhibits or prevents the accumulation of exhaust fumes in a trailer towed by a vehicle. The diverter includes a flexible component (67) which is able to accommodate misalignment between the vehicle and trailer during transport. A coupling (64, 65) is used to removably attach the diverter to a vehicle exhaust (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Tomasz Umiastowski
  • Patent number: 7077166
    Abstract: A continuous drain hose for an electrical appliance having a water outlet is disclosed. The drain hose comprises a first cylindrical end portion being connectable to the water outlet, a second end portion being connectable to a drain pipe and comprising a bellows that is able to form a permanent bend when a temporary bending force is applied thereto, and a flexible corrugated portion connected between the first cylindrical end portion and the second end portion. The bellows is also permanently expandable or retractable when a temporary pulling or pressing force is applied thereto. The drain hose further comprises an elastic connection member, which is integrally molded to the first cylindrical end portion and is sealably connectable to the water outlet. The first cylindrical end portion comprises at least one annular ring externally formed thereon so as to prevent the molded elastic connection member from being disengaged from the first cylindrical end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Eun Heo, Dong Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7004513
    Abstract: A pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, a clamping ring, a clamp and the forming of a flange on an end of two adjacent pipes. A clamping ring includes an inner groove sized to receive the flanges of the two adjacent pipes. A first end of the inlet insert is inserted into a first pipe and the second end of the inlet insert is inserted into a second pipe. The clamp is placed over the clamping ring. The clamp is tightened to secure the two pipes. A second embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, and a pair of latch clamps for joining a pipe to a sprinkler pipe. A third embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, two collars, a peripheral clamp and enlarging a perimeter of two coupled pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel J. Knoblauch
  • Patent number: 7004508
    Abstract: A flexible drain element is used in place of a trap and has a section that is flexible with a stiffness that is selected to make clearing blockages easy and expeditious.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Barbara J. Flynn, Marvin L. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6994378
    Abstract: The apparatus for joining and sealing conduits, includes edge trim, a sleeve, and a retaining element. The edge trim is shaped to mount upon and engage an end of a conduit. The sleeve extends between the conduits and at least partially surrounds the edge trim. The sleeve may be made of compressible material, such that when the retaining element surrounds a portion of the sleeve and the edge trim, the retaining element generally compresses the portion of the sleeve portion underlying the retaining element and displaces the sleeve material to expand on either side of the retaining element and limit movement of the retaining element. The method of joining and sealing conduits includes mounting the edge trim and a retaining element upon an end of a conduit, extending a sleeve between the conduits, and sliding the retaining element over the sleeve toward the end of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jayant D. Patel, Alfred R. Wiratunga
  • Patent number: 6949163
    Abstract: The apparatus for joining and sealing conduits, includes edge trim, a sleeve, and a retaining element. The edge trim is shaped to mount upon and engage an end of a conduit. The sleeve extends between the conduits and at least partially surrounds the edge trim. The sleeve may be made of compressible material, such that when the retaining element surrounds a portion of the sleeve and the edge trim, the retaining element generally compresses the portion of the sleeve portion underlying the retaining element and displaces the sleeve material to expand on either side of the retaining element and limit movement of the retaining element. The method of joining and sealing conduits includes mounting the edge trim and a retaining element upon an end of a conduit, extending a sleeve between the conduits, and sliding the retaining element over the sleeve toward the end of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jayant D. Patel, Alfred R. Wiratunga
  • Patent number: 6905144
    Abstract: A sealing system adapted for placement into an exterior groove of a structure. The sealing system includes a seal ring having a generally ‘L’-shaped cross-section. The sealing system further includes a canted-coil spring. The seal ring includes an inner surface, an outer surface and two side surfaces. The seal ring's inner surface features a groove that increases the ring's flexibility. The seal ring's outer surface protrudes outwardly until it is pushed inwardly through contact with an inner surface of an external structure. As the outer surface moves inwardly, it causes a compression of the spring while a part of the seal ring flexes and bends about the seal ring's groove. At the same time, the outer surface becomes reoriented in a manner that cause its shape to change to a flatter configuration that is more complementary to the inner surface of the internal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation
    Inventor: Smail Vila