Radially Expansible, Spigot-carried Patents (Class 285/338)
  • Patent number: 11572970
    Abstract: An object to provide a vent pipe isolation balloon for a liquefied gas storage tank, which has excellent physical strength, inflatability, and durability at cryogenic temperatures, and a vent pipe isolation device including the balloon. The vent pipe isolation balloon has inner and outer membranes made of silicon rubber, and a reinforcing substrate sandwiched between the inner membrane and the outer membrane. The balloon has an outer shape of a cylindrical shape or a truncated cone shape with both ends opened, and is inflated when an inert gas is injected into the balloon with the openings sealed. The reinforcing substrate is composed of a fiber bundle and has a network structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: MUTSUBISHI RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Hara, Kodai Maeno
  • Patent number: 10865815
    Abstract: A screw-threaded working cylinder includes a tubular cylinder that an end region. The end region has a first thread. The end region has a tapered wall section and the tapered wall section has an axial annular surface. A closure has a second thread and the closure is screwed by the second thread into the first thread in a final mounting position. The closure has a mating axial annular surface. The axial annular surface and the mating axial annular surface are pressed in a positive fitting contact to one another in the final mounting position for defining a pressure contact surface. The pressure contact surface defines a sealing plane, and a surface pressure in an area of the pressure contact surface that causes a deformation of the tubular cylinder and the closure. The deformation occurs within an elastic limit over a range from zero applied pressure to a maximum permissible pressure by a pressure medium for the working cylinder. A piston unit is accommodated in the tubular cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Buemach Engineering International B.V.
    Inventor: Josef Bueter
  • Patent number: 10221555
    Abstract: A method of installing a drain fixture, the method comprising first installing a sub-floor plumbing system comprising a plumbing trap, a removable drain pipe, and a sleeve. Next, the method comprises connecting the plumbing trap and the removable drain pipe and sliding the sleeve over the removable drain pipe. Next, the method comprises building a flooring surface proximate to the plumbing trap, the removable drain pipe, and the sleeve. Then, the method comprises removing the removable drain pipe at least partly from the sleeve, cutting the removable drain pipe to the desired length, and re-inserting the removable drain pipe through the sleeve and into the plumbing trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Coflex S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Eduardo Coronado, Javier Canales, Pedro Gonzalez, Humberto Flores-Villarreal
  • Patent number: 8925971
    Abstract: A thin-wall tube connecting assembly includes a connecting bar, and a tightening nut connected to the connecting bar through threads. The connecting bar is in a hollow tube-shape. One end of the connecting bar includes an expansion cone having an exterior diameter that is larger than that of other parts of the connecting bar. Another end of the connecting bar includes exterior threads. An elastic tube sits between the expansion cone of the connecting bar and a tightening nut. A rigid ring wraps around the exterior of the elastic tube, which shares a same axis with the tightening nut. A tube to be connected has an interior diameter that is equal to or larger than the exterior diameter of the expansion cone of the connecting bar. The rigid ring has an interior diameter that is equal to or larger than an exterior diameter of the tube to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Hanlin Wang, Zhongxian Wang
  • Publication number: 20140191503
    Abstract: A sealing assembly has an expansion band having an arcuate band portion and a pair of threaded end portions formed at opposing ends of the arcuate band, in which the arcuate band and threaded end portions are monolithically formed as a single piece. Fixed within respective threaded end portions are a pair of oppositely threaded nuts adapted to receive a bolt having correspondingly oppositely threaded ends. Rotation of the bolt causes the threaded end portions to be simultaneously driven apart or drawn toward one another (depending on the rotation direction of the bolt) to thereby expand or contract the overall outer profile of the arcuate band portion. The monolithically formed expansion band may be made of an inexpensive, non-rusting material such as nylon 66, and glass fibers and/or additives may be employed to impart strength and flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: PRESS-SEAL GASKET CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8534715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which forms a sealed joint between two pipes, particularly but not limited to roofing drain pipes. This apparatus includes a cylindrical body made of rubber or similar material that grips and seals two pipes when it is axially compressed by two halves of an articulated housing as they move towards each other. The two half bodies of the articulated housing are threaded to each other such that when one body is rotated in one direction, the bodies move towards each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the housing, and compressing/deforming the rubber seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Abdul Latif Abbasi, Jamal Yousufzai
  • Publication number: 20130214530
    Abstract: A pipe joint between two metallic pipes which have been internally and/or externally coated with a material to prevent corrosion. The pipe joint includes a spigot terminating in an inverted hump supporting an elastomeric seal wherein the inverted hump is spaced from a protruding hump. The pipe joint further includes a socket adapted to fit over the spigot, the socket having an outwardly flared forward end terminating in an annular lip that engages an exterior of the protruding hump wherein the lip is welded to an exterior of the spigot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Tyco Water Pty Limited
    Inventor: Allan Bushell Deans
  • Publication number: 20130076027
    Abstract: A pipe joint is provided with a pressing ring, a pipe or a pipe joint body which having a containing section, a tightening element, and a packing ring compressed by being pressed by the pressing ring moved by the operation of the tightening element. The packing ring includes a base section fitted and mounted in the containing section at a rear thereof, a seal section contained within the containing section at a front thereof, and a connection section which connects the base section and the seal section and has a cutout groove. When the packing ring positioned by fitting and mounting the base section in the containing section at the rear thereof is subjected to pressing by the pressing ring, the seal section is bent into the cutout groove and is deformed, and compression caused by the deformation creates a sealed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: WATERWORKS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tamotsu Maenishi, Yasuyuki Nagamori, Koji Taniwaki
  • Patent number: 8096562
    Abstract: The claimed invention relates to a pressure sealing means (20) for a cable transit (10). The pressure sealing means (20) comprises two wedge shaped pressure applying elements (21) placed vertically opposite each other with their acute sides facing towards each other and two wedge-shaped tensioning elements (22) placed horizontally with their acute sides facing each other. The pressure sealing means (20) further comprises at least one tensioning member (23) arranged between the two tensioning elements (22). The tensioning member (23) is at least one screw (24) secured in axial direction by a securing means (25) in the pressure applying elements (21) and provided with a right hand thread on one side of the securing means (25) and a left hand thread on the opposite side of the securing means (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: MCT Brattberg Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Bengt Johansson, Bo Birgerud
  • Patent number: 7942455
    Abstract: A device for connecting a fluid circulating line to a refractory element having a wall provided with a cylindrical bore comprises a gasket intended to be located into the bore and a first supporting element compressing the gasket from the outside of the bore. A second supporting element which can be introduced into the bore sandwiches the gasket together with the first Supporting element and a rod brings the two supporting elements closer so as to compress the gasket. Also, a refractory element, notably a nozzle or pouring shroud, is provided with a cylindrical bore size to receive two supporting elements and a tightening gasket sandwiched by these supporting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventors: François-Noël Richard, Aldo Ruffaldi
  • Patent number: 7931308
    Abstract: An adapter clamp for clamping an adapting tube. The adapter clamp includes: an adapter tube; a first resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube and including elastic material for expanding inward and clamping to the outer surface of the adapting tube; a hollow adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the inner surface of the adapter tube to generate a displacement force; and a compression ring providing minimum friction resistant for translating the displacement force from the threading hollow adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first resilient ring, causing an inner surface of the first resilient rings to fit to the outer surface of the adapting tube. The adapter clamp also includes a second resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube; and a spacer placed on the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: David Gian-Teh Ho
  • Patent number: 7918486
    Abstract: A connector seal device for connecting a branch pipe to a transverse opening of a main pipe, including a hollow elastomer insert of a first material and a pipe union of a harder second material. The elastomer insert may include a flexible support collar, a sealing wall region with a tapered inside surface having first locking ring zones, and an outside surface adapted to fit the transverse opening. The pipe union may include an engagement end with a tapered outside surface having second locking ring zones. The pipe union may include a socket end adapted to cooperate with the branch pipe. When the elastomer insert is inserted into the transverse opening and the pipe union is pushed into the elastomer insert, the first and second locking ring zones engage in the manner of ratchet teeth to press the elastomer insert against the transverse opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Rehau AG & Co., PT-Poly-Tec GmbH Vertrieb und Hertellung Von Dichtungssystemen
    Inventor: Gerhard Preisendörfer
  • Publication number: 20100282477
    Abstract: A tubular sleeve overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members that are to receive an expansion device for radial expansion and plastic deformation of the threaded tubular connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Scott Costa, Joel Gray Hockaday, Kevin K. Waddell, Lev Ring, Michael Bullock, Robert Lance Cook, Larry Kendziora, David Paul Brisco
  • Patent number: 7712791
    Abstract: A caulking system for applying and maintaining a position of caulk between a pipe and a floor to provide a firestop around the pipe includes a pair of collar portions. Each of the collar portions is positioned around the pipe and engages a peripheral edge in a hole in the floor to maintain a position of the pipe with respect to the hole. The collar portions extend around the pipe when the collar portions are coupled to each other. A caulk is engaged by the collar portions to keep the caulk positioned around the pipe and positioned between the pipe and the floor. The caulk inhibits passage of air, liquid or fire between the floor and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony C. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 7665160
    Abstract: A permanent restoration of one-piece cultured marble bathroom countertop/sinks including the insertion of a polymeric bowl within the existing sink without the need to remove or replace existing plumbing. The polymeric bowl insert is secured in place over the existing sink with an expandable drain insert. Seals and adaptive deformable strips, attached to the outer surface of the bowl, provide support and insure a snug and watertight fit within an existing cultured marble countertop/sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Brent Linder
  • Patent number: 7513536
    Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a socket end of a thermoplastic pipe in a pipe sealing system. The sealing system includes a male, spigot pipe end which is joined to a mating female belled pipe end. The belled pipe end has an internal groove adjacent a mouth region thereof which is simultaneously formed under temperature and pressure as the mouth region is forced over a forming mandrel and about a sealing gasket located on the forming mandrel so that the sealing gasket is prelocated within the internal groove. The sealing gaskets of the invention have a specially designed sealing capability to seal volume ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: S & B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford G. Corbett, Jr., Gerardo Darce, Guido Quesada
  • Patent number: 7441810
    Abstract: A sewer line coupling device to facilitate attachment of a recreational vehicle sewer line to a fixed waste pipe. The coupling device comprising a main body having a second end for insertion into the waste pipe. A movable member is movable relative to the main body and a sealing sleeve is supported by the main body adjacent the second end. One end of the sealing sleeve is affixed to the main body while the other end is coupled to the movable member. When the movable member is moved in a first direction, a minimum dimension of the sealing sleeve is achieved to facilitate insertion into the waste pipe and, when the movable member is moved in an opposite direction, a maximum dimension of the sealing sleeve is achieved to facilitate formation of a seal with the waste pipe. A flange is supported by the main body between the first end and the second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel Wayne Buff
  • Patent number: 7377556
    Abstract: An adapter mount for attaching to a fitting tube includes an adapter tube having an outer circumferential surface; a first expandable ring placed on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding and fitting to the inner surface of the fitting tube; an adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the adapter tube to generate a rotational threading force; a compression ring for translating the rotational threading force from the adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first expandable ring, causing an outer surface of the first expandable ring to fit to the inner surface of the fitting tube; and a stop attached to the adapter tube for preventing the adjustment ring from separating from the adapter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: David Gian-Teh Ho
  • Patent number: 7134698
    Abstract: A sealing device (1) for a high-pressure sealing of line junctions comprises a cutting edge (2) and a protective edge (3). The cutting edge (2) permits a sealing of the line junction by means of plastic deformation. The protective edge (3) extends essentially parallel to the cutting edge (2) and projects beyond the cutting edge (2) in an axial direction 0-0 of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Neumaier
  • Patent number: 7090258
    Abstract: Sealing socket (1) and method for arranging a sealing socket to a tube (2). A sealing socket (1) includes a sleeve (3) having an outer dimension somewhat larger than the tube (2) to be sealed, defining an annular compartment (4) between the tube (2) and the sleeve (3), in which a gasket (6) is introduced. The gasket material is pressurised by a ring (7) which is permanently connected by welding (8) to the sleeve (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Stiching Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland
    Inventors: Frans Rusting, Petrus Paulus Antonius Catharina Pex, Jacobus Anna Josephus Peters, Gerard De Jong
  • Patent number: 7083203
    Abstract: A connecting element for connecting a fuel line to a fuel injector having a first connecting sleeve, which may be inserted into a receiver opening in the fuel line, and a first sealing element positioned on the first connecting sleeve. The connecting element may have a second connecting sleeve, on the end diametrically opposed to the first connecting sleeve, which may be inserted into a recess in the fuel injector and on which a second sealing element is positioned. A radially expanded region may be formed between the first and second connecting sleeves, whose transition to at least one of the two connecting sleeves may be formed as a first contact surface, which, when the connecting element is mounted, may be in contact with a corresponding surface on one of the adjoining components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Glaser, Jochen Staiger
  • Patent number: 6786517
    Abstract: A novel concentric pipe joint restraint is disclosed. The restraint is specifically designed to resist axial movement of an inner spigot pipe relative to an outer socket pipe with which it has been joined. The restraint, which operates within the annulus, generally comprises a spigot wedge ring, a socket wedge ring, and one or more specially designed wedge housings. The spigot wedge ring features one or more spigot gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the spigot pipe. The socket wedge ring similarly features one or more socket gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the socket pipe. The wedge housings position the spigot wedge ring and/or the socket wedge ring so that the gripping protrusions grip the pipes, preventing axial movement (whether separation or compression).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis D. Shumard
  • Publication number: 20030146625
    Abstract: Sealing socket (1) and method for arranging a sealing socket to a tube (2). A sealing socket (1) comprises a sleeve (3) having an outer dimension somewhat larger than the tube (2) to be sealed, defining an annular compartment (4) between the tube (2) and the sleeve (3), in which a gasket (6) is introduced. The gasket material is pressurised by a pressure ring (7) which is permanently connected by welding (8) to the sleeve (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Frans Rusting, Petrus Paulus Antonius Catharina Pex, Jacobus Anna Josephus Peters
  • Publication number: 20030085573
    Abstract: A novel concentric pipe joint restraint is disclosed. The restraint is specifically designed to resist axial movement of an inner spigot pipe relative to an outer socket pipe with which it has been joined. The restraint, which operates within the annulus, generally comprises a spigot wedge ring, a socket wedge ring, and one or more specially designed wedge housings. The spigot wedge ring features one or more spigot gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the spigot pipe. The socket wedge ring similarly features one or more socket gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the socket pipe. The wedge housings position the spigot wedge ring and/or the socket wedge ring so that the gripping protrusions grip the pipes, preventing axial movement (whether separation or compression).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis D. Shumard
  • Patent number: 6557825
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a plumbing appliance and for sealingly attaching an air admittance valve in a vent pipe. The connector assembly has an elastomeric sealing gasket with an interior threaded bore which is expanded by a rigid bottom portion of an air admittance valve. The bottom portion of the valve body has exterior threads and an expander portion which cooperates with the lower sealing ring of the sealing gasket to compress the elastomeric body of the sealing gasket against the interior of the vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Cherne Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Raun A. Kopp
  • Patent number: 6540264
    Abstract: In a quick connector for piping 10 for detachably connecting a male member 12 to a female member 11, an O-ring 15 is interposed between the female member 11 and the male member 12 so as to form a seal therebetween, and the O-ring 15 is subjected to a low-friction treatment so that the O-ring can be moved in a direction of an axis of the quick connector 10 by a pressure of an employed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yokoyama, Kazuo Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6524032
    Abstract: A connector is provided for removably attaching a space frame to the hull of a floating offshore platform. The connector comprises a socket attached to the hull of the platform. The socket has an open bore therein. A stabbing member is attached to the space frame. The stabbing member has a lower end insertable into the socket. An expandable locking ring is carried by the lower end of the stabbing member. The locking ring comprises a plurality of ring segments for removably seating within the socket bore. A backup ring is slidable along the stabbing member. The backup ring removably mates to the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: CSO Aker Maritime, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Russell, Phillip A. Abbott
  • Patent number: 6471254
    Abstract: An elastomeric gripping element is supported and mounted by a housing and is configured to have an interference fit under normal conditions with the surface of the object to be gripped. The housing and the surface to be gripped are separated by a gap. For gripping mating with the surface, the elastomeric gripping element is initially stretched by operative means in the housing element in an axial direction parallel to the generating element of the comating surface to be gripped, with an attendant reduction in its cross-sectional thickness perpendicular to the direction of stretch. In this manner, the gripping element interference with the comating surface of the object to be gripped is minimized or eliminated for installation. When positioning for the installation mating is accomplished, the gripping element tension is selectively released, permitting the gripping element to attempt to return to an unstretched position and thereby to assume a preloaded position against the comating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Patent number: 6406067
    Abstract: A lateral adaptor (6) for a main pipe (1), such as a structured wall plastics pipe consisting of a cylindrical shell (2) and a corrugated shell (3) bonded to the outside thereof, comprises a sleeve (7) with a flange (8) extending outwardly at one end and curved to match the internal curvature of the main pipe (1) and adapted at the other end (as by means of a socket (9) or a spigot, not illustrated) for connection of a branch pipe (not shown), an annular movable member (10) slidable on the sleeve (7) and having a curved face (11) to match the external curvature of the main pipe (1), an elastomeric seal ring (12) held captive between the to flange (8) on the sleeve (7) and the movable member (10) and having inner and outer curved faces (13, 14) to match the curvature of the flange (8) on the sleeve (7) and the face (11) of the movable member (10) respectively, an annular abutment member (15) adjacent the face (16) of the movable member (10) remote from its curved face (11), an annular shoulder (17) on the slee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Flex-Seal Couplings Limited
    Inventor: Robert James Pritchatt
  • Patent number: 6375230
    Abstract: A clamp assembly prevents separation of a thermal sleeve penetrating a nuclear reactor pressure vessel wall and a jet pump riser elbow welded one to the other and lying within an annular space between the pressure vessel wall and core shroud. The clamp assembly includes a pair of heads having semi-cylindrical recesses. Pins project inwardly from each of the heads in the semi-cylindrical recesses and have axes which lie parallel to one another. By using actuators mounting multiple electrodes, holes may be formed in situ in the adjoining ends of the thermal sleeve and elbow. Once the holes are formed, the heads can be applied in situ with the pins being received through the holes and the heads clamped to one another. Thug, the pins in each of the sleeve and elbow prevent separating movement of the sleeve and elbow in the event of failure of the welded joint therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grant C. Jensen, Siamak Bourbour, Jeffrey L. Thompson, Arunachalam Mahadevan
  • Patent number: 6276884
    Abstract: The invention relates to a threaded pairing, consisting of the assigned threaded parts, for the transmission of axial forces, where the screw thread (5) is filled with the sealing compound (6). The task is to create an axially positionable threaded pairing capable of being turned, a joint which at the same time is sufficiently rigid (by means of frictionally connected flanks) and leak-proof (by filling the positively fitting screw thread with sealing compound (6)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Buemach Engineering International B.V.
    Inventor: Josef Bueter
  • Patent number: 6273478
    Abstract: A miniature connector for introducing microliter quantities of solutions into microfabricated fluidic devices, and which incorporates a molded ring or seal set into a ferrule cartridge, with or without a compression screw. The fluidic connector, for example, joins standard high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tubing to 1 mm diameter holes in silicon or glass, enabling ml-sized volumes of sample solutions to be merged with &mgr;l-sized devices. The connector has many features, including ease of connect and disconnect; a small footprint which enables numerous connectors to be located in a small area; low dead volume; helium leak-tight; and tubing does not twist during connection. Thus the connector enables easy and effective change of microfluidic devices and introduction of different solutions in the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William J. Benett, Peter A. Krulevitch
  • Patent number: 6234539
    Abstract: A quick connect sealing and clamping apparatus and method having a pair of oppositely positioned sleeves (12) interconnected by a flexible coupling (14). The pair of oppositely positioned sleeves (12) includes a locking device (16) for locking the oppositely positioned sleeves (12) together when in position. The oppositely positioned sleeves (12) in conjunction with flexible coupling (14), form a passageway (18) into which one free end (20) of device (22) is placed from one side of oppositely positioned sleeve (12). The other free end (24) of device (22), or free end (24) of another device (26), is placed into passageway (18) in the other oppositely positioned sleeve (12). Oppositely positioned sleeves (12) are then rotated in opposite directions so as to wind, twist, and torque flexible coupling (14) around device (22) (device 26) thereby sealing them against contaminants and joining them to quick connect sealing and clamping device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Allen Foster
  • Patent number: 5992899
    Abstract: An adapter for attaching a fluid handling device to a catheter tubing includes a body with a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The body has a proximal end that has a fitting for attaching a fluid handling device. The distal end of the body includes an elongate receptacle with an inside surface that has least one engagement lug. There is an elongate resilient member disposed within the receptacle with a first end and a second end and a coaxial passage therethrough. The passage has an inside diameter to accept and form a releasable substantially fluid tight connection to a preselected catheter tube. The resilient member has a first conjugate engagement to the receptacle engagement lug at the first end and a second engagement at the second end. The adapter also has a latch member disposed over the receptacle to contain the resilient member that has a distal axial access port therein to receive the catheter tube into the resilient member passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Strowe
  • Patent number: 5954345
    Abstract: A grommet includes a hollow cylindrical body that is positionable in a bore hole of a transmission case and into which an oil fill tube can be advanced, to thereby establish a seal between the tube and case. The grommet defines an open top end, and a scored membrane is formed integrally with the body to cover the top end. Consequently, the grommet can be positioned in the bore hole to cover the bore hole prior to engaging the oil fill tube with the bore hole, thereby permitting pressure testing of the transmission case and preventing contaminants from entering the case. The oil fill tube can then be advanced through the membrane and into the bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Svoboda, David A. Salvatori, David Rygiel, Jason Frisch, Jeff Japinga
  • Patent number: 5687998
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a coupling body, an expandable ring, a washer and a press guide tube. The coupling body includes a substantially cylindrical coupling head and a screw rod; wherein the coupling head consists essentially of an obliquity portion and a receiving portion, a longitudinal slot being provided within the coupling body and passing therethrough, the longitudinal slot communicating with the gas or liquid inside a to-be-detected device or object. The expandable ring and the washer are respectively fitted onto the receiving portion of the coupling body. The expandable ring is provided to enable the coupling body and a circular slot to be coupled tightly. The washer prevents the gas or liquid leakage from the contact surface between the coupling body and the circular slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Tzung Ting Pan
  • Patent number: 5401061
    Abstract: A suction pipe coupling mechanism for vacuum cleaners in which the coupling mechanism is provided with a joint pipe on one of two suction pipes to be coupled with each other. The joint pipe is formed in a size suitable for insertion into the opening at the connecting end of the other or second suction pipe and has an elastic sealing member to be expanded radially outward against the inner periphery of the connecting end of the second suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Azuma Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shusuke Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5305903
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device in fuel tanks, preferably for vehicles, said tanks being provided with a mouth socket to which a filler tube is connected so as to have its one end portion projecting into the tank. Between the mouth socket and the filler tube a seal is provided, the latter being formed with a portion grippingly enclosing the mouth edge of the socket and defining, together with the filler tube, an intermediate space allowing oscillation of the filler tube relatively to the socket. A washer is pressed against the filler tube and is formed with a bent-over portion grippingly engaging said portion of the seal. A reinforcement sleeve is positioned inside the filler tube and presses against the inner face of the filler tube. A clamp-joint sleeve is fitted around the mouth socket, enclosing portion of the seal and the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Bo Harde
  • Patent number: 5290073
    Abstract: An expansion seal for sealing pipe through which electrical cables are arranged to pass comprises an elastic ring, a plurality of upper clamping plates and a plurality of lower clamping plates each preferably of plastics or rubber material. The elastic ring is supported between a plurality of the upper and lower clamping plates, at the circumference of this elastic ring having a slit to allow insertion of cable therein and to cover the cable easily. The elastic ring and cable is locatable in a cable pipe and fixed at one end of the cable pipe by screw bolts. When the bolts are tightened addition a compressive force on the upper clamping plates the elastic ring extends inwardly to fill the space between the inner wall of the elastic ring and cable and outwardly to fill the space between the elastic sealing ring and inner surface of the cable pipe, to prevent liquid, mud and moisture from entering into the cable pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Chung F. Chen
  • Patent number: 5190320
    Abstract: A telescoping closet flange for bringing a vertical drain pipe even with the level of a concrete floor comprises a cylindrical body, a seal, a slide and a seal cap held together by fastening members. Prior to pouring the concrete floor, a spacer sleeve is fitted over the drain pipe so that, when removed, sufficient space is left for the telescoping closet flange. After the concrete has set, the spacer sleeve is removed and the telescoping closet flange is placed over the drain pipe. The flange may be slid up or down along the drain pipe to achieve the desired height. By tightening a set of shoulder bolts and nuts, a water tight seal is formed between the flange and the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 5141633
    Abstract: A drain insert having an insert pipe of smaller diameter than the standing drainpipe into which the insert fits, and an elastomeric, tubular sleeve surrounding and seal-bonded to the outside of one end of the insert pipe so that a portion of the sleeve extends axially beyond that end of the insert pipe. A rigid, conical frustum is provided, the smaller end of which frustum is of lesser diameter than the internal diameter of the sleeve, the larger end of which has a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the sleeve but less than the internal diameter of the drainpipe. Coupled to the frustum and extending axially therefrom are a pair of elongated rods adapted to be inserted axially along the insert pipe. The rods are long enough so that when the frustum is adjacent the sleeve, the other ends of the rods, which are threaded, extend outside of the inlet end of the insert pipe and through holes in a bridge to tabs extending across the pipe inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Roof Accessories Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Walczak, Robert M. Bennette
  • Patent number: 5104151
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a conduit to an equipment opening having damaged female threads includes a body, an annular packing ring and a packing follower. The packing ring is formed of an extrudable, non-resilient packing material. The body and the packing follower are threaded to engage the female threads of the equipment opening. The packing ring is compressed and extruded into the damaged threads by relative rotation of the body and packing follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Don L. Adams
  • Patent number: 5098133
    Abstract: A coupling for joining first and second channels in fluid communication includes a tubular housing having a first section including a wear surface, and a second section for being removably joined in fluid communication with the second channel. A first fitting includes a flange for being joined in fluid communication with the first channel, and an integral piston including a piston ring disposed in contact with the wear surface for forming a seal therewith. Differential movement between the housing and the piston is accommodated while maintaining a seal with the piston ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Glover
  • Patent number: 5090737
    Abstract: A telescoping joint for connecting casing between a subsea housing and a surface wellhead can be reenergized. The telescoping joint includes an upper conduit section and a lower conduit section that telescopingly insert within one another. A seal locates in an annular space between the two conduit sections. A torque nut secures between the upper and lower conduit sections. The torque nut bears against the seal. The torque nut has a slot in its bore that is engaged by a running tool lowered from a drilling vessel at the surface. The running tool rotates the torque nut to energize the seal. A ratcheting lock ring locks the telescoping joint against withdrawing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Brammer, Philippe C. Nobileau
  • Patent number: 5060724
    Abstract: A casing hanger seal member has a locking section that will lock the seal member to the casing hanger and to the wellhead housing. The locking section includes a lower split ring that has serrations that will engage serrations on the exterior of the casing hanger. An energizing ring will force the split ring outward after the seal has set. The energizing ring also forces an upper split ring radially. The upper split ring has serrations that engage serrations formed in the bore of the wellhead housing. Tapered load shoudlers on the energizing ring and lower split ring transmit a downward force to assure that the seal member sets before the locking section actuates. A detent shoulder formed in the locking section and on the energizing ring will releasably lock the energizing ring in a lower, set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Abb Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Brammer, Philippe C. Nobileau
  • Patent number: 5052726
    Abstract: A desirable seal structure for use in forming a seal around the exterior of a pipe or the like can be constructed so as to use a retainer member, a compression member, a sealing member located generally within the retainer member and generally between the compression and retainer members and bolts for compressing the retainer and compression members against the sealing member. The compression and retainer members are provided with beveled surfaces which are complementary to corresponding tapered surfaces on the sealing member. The sealing member is shaped so that it will move inwardly when compressed between the compression and retainer members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Logsdon Foundation
    Inventor: Duane D. Logsdon
  • Patent number: 4949787
    Abstract: A casing hanger seal member has a locking section that will lock the seal member to the casing hanger, to the wellhead, or to both. A set of serrations are formed on the wellhead and also on the casing hanger, across from each other. The seal member has a seal on its lower end that seals below the serrations. A locking section extends upward from the seal section. A locking section has inner and outer walls which are separated by an annular channel. Serrations are formed on the inner and outer walls for engaging the serrations on the wellhead and the casing hanger. An energizing ring locates within the channel, urging the inner and outer walls radially apart form each other to cause engagement of the serrations. The serrations on the inner and outer members have a pitch that is the same as the pitch on the wellhead and casing hanger, divided by a whole number greater than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Brammer, Philippe C. Nobileau
  • Patent number: 4900067
    Abstract: A packoff (10) with an elastomeric seal ring (16) interposed between two metallic seal rings (12) and (14) with retrievable characteristics in the form of a relatively thin apertured curved cylindrical band (50) extending between the two metallic seal rings (12) and (14). The metallic band (50) is such that it does not interfere with the deformability of the elastomeric material when the packoff is set, but provides a mechanical connection between the upper and lower metallic rings (12) and (14) thus providing the packoff with retrievable capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Martin B. Jansen, John Pettit
  • Patent number: 4863314
    Abstract: A hydraulic stab sub with multiple seals especially for use in remote and harsh environments with the ability to move the seals radially inward to a retracted position in which the hydraulic stab sub can be easily inserted into a mating receptacle and alternately to move the seals radially outward to perform useful functions such as sealing or locking into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 4854827
    Abstract: A sanitary pump station for removing waste from recreational vehicle and pleasure craft waste tanks is provided. A pump station housing encloses a motor driven pump provided with at least a pair of one-way valve arrangements in both inlet and outlets to the pump. A waste hose is connected to the pump inlet and stored on a reel device within the housing. A water hose connected to an external water source is also provided. The water hose is also stored in the housing on a second reel. The respective hoses may be pulled from the housing, selectively, and after use, may be rewound on the reels by a rewind mechanism selectively engageable with drive pulleys associated with the respective reels. A universal adaptor is also provided to enable connection between the waste hose and the termination valve of the waste tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Sealand Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. McKiernan, James Sigler, Richard Sprang, Richard Lewellen, Mark Geis