Detachable Hinge Patents (Class 285/283)
  • Patent number: 11608842
    Abstract: A hinge clamp adapted to clamp a hinge assembly with an eyelet to position and protect a retraction spring, a counter-bore in the V-plate to accommodate the spring, and a finger loop to position the user's finger during operation. In some aspects the clamp may have a removable bolt tightening handle, the release of which enables the handle to be removed to avoid damage and to prevent theft. The handle may be removable over the head of the bolt in a first rotary configuration, and be constrained under the head of the bolt in a second rotary configuration. The hole in the clamp plate is counter-bored on the ā€œVā€ side to accommodate a spring, which surrounds the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Stephan Bianchi
  • Patent number: 11325822
    Abstract: A water dispenser which is connected to a pure water source and used for dispensing pure water includes: an arm mounting unit; a water dispensing gun including a nozzle for discharging pure water; a holding unit for holding the water dispensing gun; and at least two arms connecting the holding unit to the arm mounting unit. The at least two arms constitute a parallel link mechanism in which a trajectory of each arm when the at least two arms move is within the same vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: ORGANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takafumi Hoshino, Hiroshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 10876554
    Abstract: A hinge clamp adapted to clamp a hinge assembly with an eyelet to position and protect a retraction spring, a counter-bore in the V-plate to accommodate the spring, and a finger loop to position the user's finger during operation. In some aspects the clamp may have a removable bolt-tightening handle, the release of which enables the handle to be removed to avoid damage and to prevent theft. The handle may be removable over the head of the bolt in a first rotary configuration, and be constrained under the head of the bolt in a second rotary configuration. A hinge clamp with a retained clamp plate that retains the position of the clamp plate near the handle when the hinge clamp is loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Stephan Bianchi
  • Patent number: 10605272
    Abstract: A siphon elbow for pivotally connecting a first pipe and a second pipe in fluid communication. A first elongated body has a bore extending therethrough and a partially spherical indentation within the bore. A second elongated body has a bore extending therethrough and a generally spherical extension on a first end that pivotally engages the partially spherical indentation of the first elongated body. An internal locking system is disposed in at least one of the bores and locks the second elongated body into an operating configuration in which an angle formed between the first elongated body and the second elongated body is less than 180-degrees. Pivoting of the second elongated body from an installation configuration in which the angle is approximately 180-degrees to the operating configuration activates the internal locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Kadant Johnnson Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy N. Henry, Eugene F. Sibley
  • Patent number: 9052046
    Abstract: A coolant circuit includes a first pipe segment, a second pipe segment, and a seal between the pipe segments which are displaceable relative to each other. A resilient locking tang runs parallel to the first pipe segment and has a detent element. An elongated guide portion runs parallel to and is spaced from the locking tang between the pipe segment and the locking tang. Spaced-apart arms run parallel to the second pipe segment beyond the end of this second pipe segment. An axially parallel web is configured between the arms and is fitted at its end facing the second sub-assembly with a detent shoulder which is engaged from behind by the resilient detent element when the pipe segments are plugged into each other. The resilient tang is received at a closed fit between the arms, and the elongated guide portion is guided by the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Rolf Habermann
  • Publication number: 20130161944
    Abstract: A downspout hinge system where a plurality of downspout hinges are used as a one-size-fits-all solution for downspouts of a variety of sizes. The system of hinges utilize a first downspout hinge and a second downspout hinge coupling a downspout to a downspout extension. The downspout hinges are coupled to opposing surfaces of the downspout, including opposing sides of the same horizontal surface. Alternatively the downspout hinge may be coupled to opposing lateral sides of a downspout. Alternatively a downspout hinge may couple to more than one surface of the downspout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Lance D. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20130161943
    Abstract: A sandwich mechanism is disclosed that has to opposing members that form a pocket into which material such as downspout sheet metal can be inserted. The opposing members clamp onto the downspout and can be secured into place using a screw that passes through the opposing members and the inserted downspout. Two sandwich mechanisms may be coupled together using a brace or a hinged member. The hinged member will permit a user to independently articulate the coupled pieces of downspout or downspout extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Lance D. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8381667
    Abstract: An adjustable fuel nozzle assembly [1000] for spraying fuel into a recovery boiler [13] includes at least two fuel nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300]. An adjustment section [1500] adapted to adjust the relative orientation between the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300] and hold them at the desired orientation relative to each other to create a desired spray pattern. The adjustment section [1500] also adapted to simultaneously aim several fuel nozzles at a target location, retaining their relative orientation between the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300]. This allows the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300] to spray fuel with a desired spray pattern to a desired location to properly control combustion of the recovery boiler [13], thereby increasing stability of combustion minimizing the creation of pollutants such as NOx gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Steven R. Gibowski
  • Patent number: 7628774
    Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7497849
    Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6969381
    Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly with a two-piece hub is disclosed. The catheter includes a distal portion having a plurality of catheter lumens, wherein each of the plurality of catheter lumens includes a distal tip and a proximal lumen portion. The distal portion further includes a distal hub portion slidably disposed over the proximal lumen portion, wherein the distal hub portion includes a pivoting locking member. The catheter assembly further includes a proximal portion having a plurality of catheter extensions, wherein each of the plurality of catheter extensions fluidly communicates with at least one of the plurality of catheter lumens. The proximal portion also includes a proximal hub portion having a locking receiver, wherein the pivoting locking member is releasably engaged with the locking receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl Voorhees
  • Patent number: 6916309
    Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040239111
    Abstract: Normally, compressed air coupling plugs lock inside a coupling housing. Decoupling must consequently occur by releasing said plugs counter to the friction forces existing between the plug and the housing. This requires force and the plug may not relieved of pressure when decoupled. The invention works with a locking element (2) which is mounted in a coupling housing (1). The plug (5) and the locking element (2) are provided with reciprocally corresponding locking means (24, 52; 28, 56) whereby the locking element (2) can be pivoted for decoupling without the plug (5) pressing on the housing (1), thereby enabling large caliber tubing, such as those used with construction compressors, to be coupled by hand without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Wuthrich
  • Publication number: 20040134261
    Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is positioned in the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. A coupling for clamping the leak testing device about one or two conduits includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two sections have free end points to be releasably fastened together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Inflow Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pampinella
  • Publication number: 20040094954
    Abstract: A swing-away hopper tee assembly comprises a mounting frame, tee assembly, and a valve assembly. The hopper tee assembly is removably mountable to a flange at the discharge end of a hopper. The mounting frame includes a bottom wall, a top wall spaced from the bottom wall, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a channel sized and shaped to receive the hopper flange. The flange includes at least one opening, and a corresponding opening is formed in the channel. A fastener extends through the aligned flange and channel openings to removably secure the mounting frame to the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 6695817
    Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6406069
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus couples a container of colorant to a feeder structure for a polymer processing machine. The coupling apparatus includes a tubular structure with an outlet portion that engages the feeder structure, and an inlet portion that receives and supports the container above the outlet portion. The inlet portion has an upright position in which it supports the container in an overturned position from which the colorant can flow out of the container under the force of gravity. A joint, which is preferably a hinge, supports the inlet portion for movement to an overturned position. The inlet portion can then receive the container in an upright position from which the colorant will not spill from the container. Preferably, a releaseable locking device interacts with the joint to retain the inlet portion of the tubular structure releaseably in its upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: PolyOne Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel M. Martelli
  • Patent number: 6334439
    Abstract: A tubular heat exchanger for an infrared heater which facilitates the packaging and transportation of such heater. The tubular heat exchanger is formed as a plurality of discrete heat transfer subsections which are typically separately assembled, and then brought together to form the heat exchanger. The heat transfer subsections may be coupled together via a hinge which allows relative rotation between the two subsections, or via conventional hardware. The individual heat transfer pipes of each heat transfer subsection are connected on at least one end to a header plate, which allows the subsequent assembly of the heat transfer subsections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts, International, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner O. Specht, Philip E. Lengauer
  • Patent number: 6059325
    Abstract: The coupling consists of two releasably coupleable coupling parts of which one coupling part is allocated an instrument, apparatus or other tubing and the other coupling part is to be connected to another tubing. In the coupled condition one coupling part with a convex spherical surface lies against a concave spherical surface formed on the neighbouring region of the other coupling part. With this, both coupling parts are sealingly axially braced against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heckele, Thomas Poschko
  • Patent number: 5735085
    Abstract: The top wall of the horizontal spout section of a downspout assembly is cut away at the inlet end to create a notch such that interference with the top wall of the outlet end of the elbow section will be avoided when the horizontal section is pivoted to a lowered position. A hinge is fastened on top of the elbow and horizontal sections over the notch. The hinge includes half sections with each having oppositely disposed leg portions functioning as a saddle to straddle the elbow and horizontal sections. One of the hinge half sections includes a pair of spaced apart sleeves between which a single sleeve on the other half section is received. A bolt extends through the sleeves and draws the pair of sleeves frictionally against opposite ends of the single sleeve to lock the horizontal section in a raised over center position. A slot extends from the inner end of the one half section between the pair of sleeves to allow the pair of sleeves to be drawn together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis Denooy
  • Patent number: 5655795
    Abstract: An inlet duct and seal assembly is disclosed having, as its preferred application, the attachment of an intake air transfer duct to the throttle body of an internal combustion engine. The throttle body is provided with an inlet opening about which extends an annulus defining an outer annular wall. The inlet air duct has an opening which corresponds in diameter to that of the annular outer wall. A seal is disposed in the duct opening and includes an inwardly, radially directed wiper seal which is flexibly deformed between the annular wall and the duct opening when the duct opening is engaged over the throttle body inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Lee Strnad, Dawn Marie Lervik, Daniel Glenn Stuart
  • Patent number: 5328209
    Abstract: An omni-directional yieldable joint for a vehicle exhaust stack includes an upper cylindrical member having a pair of elongated pivot sockets mounted on its lower end; a lower cylindrical member has a pair of elongated pivot rods mounted at its upper end for riding in the pivot sockets and making the upper and lower cylindrical members pivotable with respect to each other; a pair of springs attached between the upper and lower cylindrical members holds the two sections tightly together and, when the joint pivots due to the exhaust stack striking an overhead object, the stack will lean and the springs will stretch as much as necessary until the stack passes under and clears the obstruction, whereupon the springs will pull the upper and lower sections back into their normally vertical and axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Steve D. Cromwell
  • Patent number: 5314215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flange ring which is divided in two along a plane extending in the axial direction and wherein, in the zone of the two abutment places each flange half has a bolt at one abutment place and a pocket at the other, so that the bolt on one flange half engages positively in the pocket of the other flange half, the flange ring being formed with holes in both flange halves for the passage of the fastening screws. The characterizing feature of the invention is that the flange ring is divided in the center into two identical halves (1a, 1b) and the bolt (8) so engages positively behind the pocket (9) that the flange halves (1a, 1b) are joined together in the bent state, and after being joined together the flange halves (1a, 1b) cannot be separated in the radial direction with the flange ring (1) flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 5176407
    Abstract: A hinged vertical exhaust pipe is provided to allow easy adjustment of the height of the exhaust pipe. The upper and lower sections of the exhaust pipe are hinged together by a stiff joint, e.g., a spring-loaded hinged friction joint, and are positioned in line with one another with a slight gap between them. The lower section is double walled, and the inner wall extends somewhat up into the upper section. The upper section is single walled, with its wall aligned with the outer wall of the lower section. Air is drawn into the space between the inner and outer walls at the base of the lower section and also at a gap at the joint between the upper and lower sections. This air is drawn in both due to the aspiration caused by the higher speed exhaust flow through the inner exhaust pipe, and due to thermal rising of heated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bennie J. Vaughn, James A. Miller, Sandra L. Trotter
  • Patent number: 4715404
    Abstract: There is disclosed a loading arm for transfering liquids, gases, and particulate solids, in which the loading arm comprises a riser, inner and outer arm sections, and a rotary pipe joint pivotally interconnected and removably attached to both the inner and outer arm sections for rigidly interconnecting and supporting the arm sections in an arm-assembled position while the rotary pipe joint is being serviced or repaired. The arrangement is particularly advantageous for servicing sealing and bearing means located in the rotary pipe joint. Such joints are used in loading arms employed in transfer apparatus used to conduct cargo between transport and storage containers, for example, a marine transport vessel and wharf, pipeline, or other stationary facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Joel Fusy
  • Patent number: 4697830
    Abstract: A guide for protecting threads and seals when joining lengths of production tubing has a guiding portion made of two semicyclindrical polypropylene elements, which when placed together have an annular cross section and form a funnel-like upper end. A strap made of two generally semicircular halves fits within an outer recess on the surfaces of the guiding elements. Abutting edges of the strap halves are constructed with interfitting projections and a central recess for a torsion spring. A hinge pin extends through the projections and the torsion spring. Opposite edges of the strap halves have central recesses to receive a latch. Pins extend axially through the recesses. A latch is pivoted on one pin and engages the other pin when the latch is closed. Handles fit in diametrically opposite circular recesses between the hinge pin and latch pins. The handles are secured by large bolts having heads which engage internal recesses in the guide halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Petro-Tube, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Wood, Frank Jarveaux
  • Patent number: 4675007
    Abstract: A coupling device is disclosed for attachment to an end of a catheter. The coupling device includes a tubular member having a distal and a proximal portion with the distal portion being insertable within the end of the catheter. An elongate body member having a first and a second end defines a channel which extends between the first and second ends of the body member. The channel receivably supports the proximal portion of the tubular member such that the distal portion of the tubular member extends outwardly from the first end of the body member. A catheter clamp is hingedly secured to the first end of the body member for selectively clamping the end of the catheter around the distal portion of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Concept, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Terry
  • Patent number: 4666346
    Abstract: Rotatable fill pipe for use in blind-filling underground voids has a collapsible backfill elbow on the lower end thereof, including an upper elbow part rigidly connected to the lower end of the fill pipe and a lower elbow part pivotally connected to the upper elbow part for pivotal movement between a lower position in coaxial alignment with the fill pipe to facilitate passage of the backfill elbow and lower end of the fill pipe through a fill hole into an underground void, and a raised position extending at an angle relative to the fill pipe to facilitate distribution of fill material introduced into the underground void through the fill pipe in a circular pile within the underground void as the fill pipe and backfill elbow are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the fill pipe. A cable may be connected to the lower elbow part for remotely actuating the lower elbow part for pivotal movement between the lower and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Hanna-Beric Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. MacLeod
  • Patent number: 4635632
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism for detachably interconnecting a bronch tube with a laser micromanipulator. The bronch tube is provided with a channel aligned transversely to the tube axis and opening downwardly at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The micromanipulator bracket includes a complementary pin adapted to receive the bronch tube channel thereon and to guide and position the tube in proper orientation. The micromanipulator bracket further includes an externally threaded barrel and bevelled locking nut which is threaded downwardly onto the bronch tube thereby locking the bronch tube against the bracket pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Eder Instrument Co.
    Inventors: Stanley Welber, Nick Lakatos
  • Patent number: 4625760
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to mobile concrete delivery devices and similar heavy equipment, which includes a plurality of carrier arms which can be moved or swung with respect to one another. Along the carrier arms are provided conduits or pipes of a concrete distributing apparatus. At the terminal carrier arm an output unit is arranged which is comprised of an additional carrier arm and an additional concrete conveying conduit. The output unit is connected in such a way that in its rest position it extends parallel with respect to the terminal carrier arm. The output unit is adapted to adjust itself when it assumes the operating position to assume a tight coupling position with respect to the terminal carrier arm and the associated concrete conduit. The apparatus makes it feasible to enhance the longitudinal reach of the concrete delivery apparatus by the length of the additional carrier arm without requiring substantial additional efforts for the installation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Walter Scheele GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz Mertens
  • Patent number: 4432571
    Abstract: A retainer gland and gland assembly for mechanical joint pipe. The retainer gland has at least one hinge arm extending axially from a side of a flat ring flange portion on the opposite side of the flange ring from a circular rib gland portion. The hinge arm has a transverse hole through its outer end. The gland assembly includes two identical retainer glands encircling a spacer pipe the ends of which are inserted into opposed mechanical joint bells. The flange ring of each retainer gland is bolted to the flange of the respective mechanical joint bell, and the hinge arms of the two glands are pivotally connected by a hinge bolt passing through the transverse holes. The resulting restrained mechanical joint connection not only permits assembly of angularly misaligned pipes, up to the limits allowed by the standard mechanical joint bells, but also accommodates changes in angular alignment after installation, due to settling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Samuel H. Davis
  • Patent number: 4423774
    Abstract: First means are provided which removably engage an upwardly extending tubular member. Support means for the safety valve sub are pivotally connected to the first means. Means are provided to secure the support means and the first means in axial alignment when the support means is tiltably moved to such position and rotatable means are carried by the support means to rotate the safety valve sub to connect it with an upwardly extending tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Inventor: Joe Mefford
  • Patent number: 4321715
    Abstract: An arrangement for washing the lower parts of the body is arranged within the seat of a water closet. The seat (18) is hingedly mounted on a tank (20). Wash water is conveyed from the tank (20) to the seat (18) by means of a line (66) extending through the hinge joint gap (175), which is enclosed by the mutually facing frontal surfaces of the seat (18) and the tank (20). The line (66) is interrupted in the region of the hinge joint gap (175) and terminates on each side of the hinge joint gap (175) in a coupling device. The two coupling devices form a sealed fluid passage when the seat (18) is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4179243
    Abstract: The invention comprises a pumping device for pumping water from the bottom of a lake or reservoir. The device has a raft with pipe means pivotably mounted to the raft. A rotatable shaft is mounted to the raft having a propellor at its lower end located in the upper end of the pipe means with wind driven means to rotate the shaft. The pipe means is pivotable to either a vertical or horizontal position and has means to lock the pipe means in a vertical position whereby the pipe means may be retained in a horizontal position when positioning the raft in a lake or reservoir whereupon the pipe means may be pivoted to a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Inventor: Richard J. Aide
  • Patent number: 4158462
    Abstract: A device which is to constitute a tubular duct includes a plurality of flexible tubular sections and a plurality of rigid tubular sections. Articulation units are provided between one section and the next. Each articulation unit includes a pair of brackets provided with fastening collars. The respective collars are secured to ends of the rigid sections, ends of a respective flexible section being mounted on skirts of the adjacent rigid sections. The brackets of each pair of brackets are pivotally connected to move about a first respective axis. At least one bracket of at least one pair is additionally mounted to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Coral S.A.S. di Nevio Coral
    Inventor: Nevio Coral
  • Patent number: 4048267
    Abstract: The downcomer through which air is supplied to a header for liberation of air deep in an aeration tank is of straight-line nature to minimize constant waste of power due to air flow friction. The downcomer nevertheless folds when the header is to be raised for inspection or servicing. The folding axis is external of the downcomer, which breaks open as the folding action starts. In one form the header is straight while initially raised, hanging from a first hoist cable, and then as the lower section is raised further by a second cable the upper section is allowed to fold over. In another form, the folding progresses as the structure is raised, the upper section being hinged to the air supply fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
    Inventors: James Donald Walker, Leslie F. Kline
  • Patent number: 4034416
    Abstract: A connection for releasably securing a diving helmet to a suit through the se of nestable upper and lower ring members having mating cylindrical portions sealed by an O-ring. A tongue and slot serve to orient the helmet during donning and cooperate with two sets of pintles and gudgeons disposed 120.degree. from one another to secure the ring members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William R. Buffkin, William W. McCrory