Band Type Patents (Class 285/365)
  • Patent number: 11906098
    Abstract: An emergency release system for a fluid transfer system is disclosed. The fluid transfer system includes a first valve and a second valve that is selectively fluidly coupled to the first valve. The emergency release system includes a breakaway coupler mechanism engageable with the first valve and the second valve to releasably couple the first valve and the second valve together, an actuator mechanism defined by a dual rod having a first rod member and a second rod member releasably attached to the first rod member, the first rod member engageable with the first valve and the second rod member engageable with the second valve, and a piston-cylinder assembly configured to engage the actuator mechanism to selectively and simultaneously close the first and second valves, and to disengage the breakaway coupler mechanism from the first valve and the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: EMCO Wheaton GmbH
    Inventor: Filippo Marzola
  • Patent number: 11898478
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe forming a flow path of exhaust gas of a vehicle includes a first end including a first opening, a first flange portion formed on the first end, and a cover member. The first flange portion is configured to be fastened to a second flange portion formed on a second end of another exhaust pipe. The cover member includes a held portion and an inner circumferential portion. The held portion is held between the first end and the second end when the first flange portion and the second flange portion are fastened together. The inner circumferential portion covers a region adjacent to the first opening in the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: FUTABA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Hiramatsu, Shigeru Ogawa
  • Patent number: 11846353
    Abstract: In a gasket ring for sealing flange connections and flange connections including the gasket ring, preferably connections of flanges made of plastic, in the radial direction the gasket ring is subdivided into a primary gasket ring and a secondary gasket ring, both rings being concentrically arranged and connected to each other, the secondary gasket ring being arranged on the radial outside of the primary gasket ring, the modulus of elasticity of material of the secondary gasket ring being at least 10 times higher than the modulus of elasticity of the material of the primary gasket ring, the secondary gasket ring in the major part of its radial extension having an axial main height smaller than the maximum axial height of the primary gasket ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: FH MUENSTER—UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
    Inventor: Alexander Riedl
  • Patent number: 11788653
    Abstract: A hose coupler optimally configured for use with a liquid manure drag hose has a pair of hose coupler ends that are joined using a hose coupler having minimal protrusions and diameter. Each of the hose coupler ends is provided with a plurality of ribs and grooves. These ribs and grooves are arranged to mate with corresponding grooves and ribs formed in a collar. For each hose coupler end, a pair of collars are preferably used to secure a hose thereto. The ribs and grooves are preferably configured to secure the hose and distribute tension applied to the hose throughout the coupler end, while ensuring that the hose wall integrity is maintained. The resulting coupler is compatible with heavier drag hose, will not interfere with or harm the hose during winding and unreeling, and will produce less drag and be less likely to produce interference with obstacles in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventors: Dennis L. Totushek, Daniel W. Schug
  • Patent number: 11739869
    Abstract: A coupling sized for use with a pipe having a pipe outer diameter, the coupling including a pair of segments; and a gasket positioned between the pair of segments, the gasket including an annular body; and a pair of sealing ribs each extending substantially radially inwardly from the annular body, each sealing rib of the pair of sealing ribs defining a cylindrical sealing surface at an innermost radial extent in an uncompressed state, the cylindrical sealing surfaces each defining an inner gasket diameter that is larger than the pipe outer diameter when the gasket is in the uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph William Beagen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11644125
    Abstract: A method of installing a cable finger accessory in a cable manager includes: positioning a first semi-arcuate clamp section against a section of an extruded support member of the cable manager; positioning a second semi-arcuate clamp section, which is hingedly connected to the first semi-arcuate clamp section, against an opposite side of the section of the extruded support member such that, together, the first and second semi-arcuate generally surround the section of the extruded support member; and fastening a clamp mechanism connected to a distal end of the first semi-arcuate clamp section and adapted to secure the distal end of the first semi-arcuate clamp section against a distal end of the second semi-arcuate clamp section such that the first and second semi-arcuate clamp sections are secured against the section of the extruded support member. The cable finger extends outwardly from at least one of the first and second semi-arcuate clamp sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston Ellis Hennrich, James I. Lawrence, John W. Robertson, Johnny C. Fraga
  • Patent number: 11624255
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a bearing housing, an inner mandrel rotatably supported in the bearing housing, and a barrier having upper and lower portions, the upper portion being secured against rotation relative to the inner mandrel, the lower portion being secured against rotation relative to the bearing housing, the lower portion including annular recesses, the recesses being progressively deeper in a radially outward direction. Another barrier can include upper and lower portions, the lower portion including multiple annular walls, an upper surface of each wall being inclined downward in a radially outward direction. Another barrier can include upper and lower portions, the upper and lower portions having annular walls, the upper portion walls being interdigitated with the lower portion walls, and the upper and lower portion walls being circumferentially discontinuous, whereby gaps are formed between circumferential ends of the upper and lower portion walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC.
    Inventor: Tuong T. Le
  • Patent number: 11506107
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (100) for connecting a first fluid-conducting component (110) to a second fluid-conducting component (120), more particularly in the exhaust gas line of a motor vehicle, having a seal (130), which seals the components (110, 120) at the connecting point, and having a band clamp (140), which encloses the components (110, 120) at the connecting point and attaches the components (110, 120) to each other. According to the invention, the seal (130) is formed with a tab (131), which protrudes at the connecting point after the components (110, 120) have been connected and is visible through a separation joint (141) of the band clamp (140). The invention further relates to a corresponding method for connecting a first fluid-conducting component (110) to a second fluid-conducting component (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: AUDI AG, VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Sönke Andreas Tangermann, Holger Morsch, Bertram Seidl, Onur Ulas Car, Janet Schlothauer
  • Patent number: 11486524
    Abstract: A pipe fitting for conveying a medium, including an inlet at which the medium enters in a first direction perpendicular to an inlet cross section, and an outlet at which the medium leaves in a second direction perpendicular to an outlet cross section, wherein the two directions enclose an angle. The pipe fitting has three parts, wherein in each case two parts bearing against one another at a contact point, wherein in each case two parts at their contact point being rotatable relative to one another about the axis of the flow direction at the contact point in order to change the angle, and wherein the two contact points being spaced apart from one another in the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: Doris Spiegel, Herbert Spiegel
  • Patent number: 10815746
    Abstract: A connector (12) such as a multi-coupler stabplate for coupling to or decoupling from another connector (14). The connector may have a secondary release mechanism (80) that allows a seized drive to be rotated to an unlocked position independent of the connector housing moving relative to a multi-coupler plate. Integrated stop features may be provided during such secondary release. The secondary release mechanism may be mounted to the housing (56) and retained with shear pins. Orientation pin(s) (62) may be provided that cooperate with a guide slot(s) (64) for oblique and axial movement of a locking mechanism (46) during coupling/decoupling. A housing shroud (76) may be provided for cooperating with the orientation pin(s) and indicating locked/unlocked states. A stop collar (70) and push-off flange (74) may be provided for facilitating coupling/decoupling. Guide bushings (44) may be provided for facilitating alignment during coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Holst, Leonard Nick
  • Patent number: 10507473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator bowl (4) for a nozzle separator (1). It is primarily characterized in that the bowl (4) is manufactured from one single piece and has an interior comprising pyramidal wall openings (12) pointing to openings (10) for the nozzles (11). The invention further relates to a centrifugal separator (1) using such centrifugal separator bowl (4). With such design a treatment of suspensions with high specific gravity, including of up to 2.0 and beyond is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Andritz Frautech S.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniele Casa, Robert Chaffiotte, Damon Cecchellero, Ivan Holzer, Valeria Motterle, Diego Accelli
  • Patent number: 10436362
    Abstract: Assembly for securing two components by tool free engagement. The assembly including a clamped component and a shouldered component. The shouldered component including a channel for receiving the clamped component. The channel having a first wall and a second wall. The clamped component being in contact with the second wall. The first wall of the channel having a tapered interface. A clamp including a clamp segment having a tapered interface, is adapted to wedge against the tapered interface of the first wall. The clamp segment being positioned between the first wall and the clamped component. Application of clamping force by the clamp on the clamp segment forces its tapered interface against the mating tapered interface of the first wall resulting in a force which translates from the clamp segment through the clamped component and against the second wall of the channel thereby securing the clamped component to the shouldered component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth P. Ahrens, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9863562
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for temporarily applying compressive force to a flange connection assembly, such as a bolted pipe flange. Frame members are pivotally attached to interconnecting linkage members to form an elongate assembly having joinable ends. When installed around the circumference of a flange connection assembly, interchangeable cuff members removably attached to the frame members apply compressive forces to a flange connection assembly in order to facilitate a fluid-pressure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher W. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 9719619
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for temporarily applying compressive force to a flange connection assembly, such as a bolted pipe flange. Frame members are pivotally attached to interconnecting linkage members to form an elongate assembly having joinable ends. When installed around the circumference of a flange connection assembly, interchangeable cuff members removably attached to the frame members apply compressive forces to a flange connection assembly in order to facilitate a fluid-pressure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher W. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 9308407
    Abstract: A fixing bracket of a reducer for a sprinkler, the fixing bracket including: a body portion including a bottom wall having a predetermined width and a pair of bather walls which are disposed at both sides of the bottom wall and between which the bottom wall is interposed, wherein an insertion portion through which a reducer is mounted on the body portion, is perforated in a center of the pair of barrier walls; and a coupling portion that is rotatably coupled to one side of the body portion using a hinge shaft, wherein a fastening concave groove is formed in a top end of one side of the bather walls of the body portion, and the coupling portion includes a cover member, a pivoting member that is pivotably coupled to the cover member, and a fastening member that is separably coupled to the pivoting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SEUNG JIN IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho Jin Jung
  • Patent number: 9228683
    Abstract: An improved flanged tube assembly with insert-reinforced tube flanges to prevent tube flange deformation and leakage when subjected to high compressive forces as well as sustained high-temperature procedures. The flange inserts are configured to form the flange portion of a flanged tube, or configured to provide structural support to the portions of the flange integral to the associated tube. The inserts may be metallic or polymer based and formed with various structural features to create a mechanical lock between the insert and the material used to make the tube/flange assembly. The inserts can be incorporated into the tube flanges so as to provide the desired support without being exposed to any fluids and/or gases that may flow through the reinforced tube/flange assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: ZhenWu Lin
  • Patent number: 8893909
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) for a high pressure press, wherein the pressure vessel comprising a first sub-cylinder (4), a second sub-cylinder (6), pre-stressing means (8), and a securing member (16). The first and the second sub-cylinders (4, 6) are axially connected to form a cylinder body (2) for enclosing a high pressure medium. The first sub-cylinder (4) is in an outer wall provided with a first seat (22) for receiving a first part (24) of the securing member (16) and the second sub-cylinder (6) is in an outer wall provided with a second seat (26) for receiving a second part (28) of the securing member (16). The securing member (16) is fitted in the first and second seats (22, 26). The securing member (16), and the first and second scats (22, 26) are arranged such that the securing member (16), and the first and second scats (22, 26) cooperate to prevent separating axial movement between the first and the second sub-cylinders (4, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Avure Technologies AB
    Inventors: Lennart Svensson, Stefan Sehlstedt
  • Patent number: 8888398
    Abstract: A sanitary clamp comprises a first member coupled to a projection with at least one external ratchet tooth, pivotally connected to a second member having at least one wall at least partially defining a well configured for receiving the projection. A rocker lock having a first portion and an opposed second portion including an engaging member is pivotally coupled to the at least one wall and configured such that the engaging member is resiliently positioned in the well to engage the at least one external ratchet tooth to latch the projection within the well, and such that the second portion travels outwardly when the first portion is inwardly depressed to retract the engaging member from the well and release the engaging member out of engagement with the at least one external ratchet tooth to unlatch the projection with respect to the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Albert A. Werth
  • Patent number: 8777277
    Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Charles E. Wilk, Jr., Scott D. Madara, Anthony J. Cuvo
  • Patent number: 8720955
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a flexible container to a flange or a connecting ring includes an outer ring, which has an inner surface radially inside and a connection side facing the flange or the connecting ring, and an inner ring, which has an outer surface radially outside and over which an end section of the container can be turned. The outer and inner surfaces are at least partially congruent so that the end section can be clamped between the outer and inner rings. The inner ring can be inserted into the outer ring from the connection side. The outer ring has an accommodating groove radially inside. The accommodating groove extends completely around the outer ring, is open radially inwardly, and has a round cross-section. The inner ring is one-piece and has a round cross-section in an area of the outer surface and is made of a single flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Flecotec AG
    Inventor: Guenter Untch
  • Patent number: 8662544
    Abstract: Each of two exhaust pipes has a flared flange with the flange on one pipe spaced from the pipe's end edge forming a corner with the pipe's end segment. A triangular seal between the two flanges abuts the pipe segment and corner. One flange has an outer convex spherical surface and a concave inner spherical surface which engages the outer convex spherical surface of the seal at a contact point. Two depending conical legs of a U shaped in section band clamp engage and force the flanges and pipe corner and end segment against the seal. A clamp leg engages the outer convex spherical surface of the one flange at a tangential contact point. The one clamp leg, the one flange and the seal exhibit two tangential respective contact points defining a plane normal to that flange providing enhanced stress concentration on the seal and flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Metal Textiles Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Broderick, Kurry Emmons
  • Patent number: 8616588
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting two pipe ends having two coupling parts which are partially mated. At least one annular groove having an inserted seal is in the contact region on the outer side of the male part and/or the inner side of the female part. The male part includes an outer ring land and the female part includes a shoulder enclosed by a coupling clip in a form-fit manner when the pipe coupling is closed. In order to design and refine the pipe coupling so that it is possible to provide a pipe having a coupling clip in combination for simplifying the operational procedure, an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the female part into which a guide tab disposed on the inner side of the coupling clip is inserted when the pipe coupling is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 8596692
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a sleeve for hose couplings which has an arched wall section which tapers toward its opposing ends so that the sleeve will fit snugly against the hose coupling. Furthermore, the sleeve has peripheral slots for containing a pair of O-rings to help seal the sleeve to each of the hose couplings. Additionally, the sleeve is contoured to match the shape of the inner wall of the hose coupling so that the sleeve forms a seal against an internal gasket contained in each of the hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Robert S. Gourlay
  • Patent number: 8590944
    Abstract: A band type clamp for securing together first and second pipe sections each having outwardly projecting flanges with opposing flange faces that extend about the circumference thereof is described. The band type clamp includes a conforming material disposed between the band type clamp and the outwardly projecting flanges and is configured to engage the outwardly projecting flanges and to exert an inwardly directed radial force thereon when the band type clamp is tightened from a first un-tightened position to a second tightened position and to radially pilot the outer surfaces and the first and second pipe sections relative to each other and the corresponding centerlines thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Johnson, Marc Friedrich
  • Patent number: 8523243
    Abstract: A pipe clamp that includes a band, tightening mechanism for the band, a split sleeve within the band, and gasket located inside a circumferential channel in the split sleeve. The split sleeve includes a tongue-and-groove joint in which the tongue has at least one side edge that confronts and engages a side edge of the groove during penetration of the tongue into the groove in response to tightening of the outer band using the fastening mechanism. This provides a metal-to-metal seal at the tongue-and-groove joint. The relative construction of the tongue and groove is such that during penetration of the tongue into the groove, there are areas of spaced separation between the confronting side edges of the tongue and groove. Also, during tightening, the gasket is forced into these areas of spaced separation which provides a second, gasketed seal at the tongue-and-groove joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Geese, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 8500174
    Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relationship is disclosed. The coupling includes a sealing member having an inner diameter and an outer surface. A plurality of segments are supported on the sealing member's outer surface. Each segment has a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in space relation on either side of the sealing member. A compression band surrounds the outer perimeter of the segments, the segments being captured between the band and the sealing member. The pipe elements are inserted into the inner diameter between the segments. A tensioning member is mounted on the band. Tightening of the tensioning member causes the compression band to force the segments radially inwardly into engagement with outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: John Gibb
  • Patent number: 8444183
    Abstract: A barrier seal includes a bulkhead having a first end, a second end and a surface extending between the first end and the second end. The barrier seal further includes a rib extending radially outwardly from the surface of the bulkhead. The rib defines a first sealing profile extending from a first side of the rib and a second sealing profile extending from a second side of the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Kathol, Vi (Jim) Nguy, Constantin Vasile Popilian
  • Patent number: 8371623
    Abstract: A cam clamp assembly for a sanitary fitting includes a first arcuate segment having a first extension with a slot. A second arcuate segment has a second extension, and the first and second segments are pivotally coupled together for movement about a first axis. An elongated member is pivotally coupled to the second extension for movement of the elongated member about a second axis so that the elongated member is receivable within the slot, the second axis being parallel to the first axis. An offset cam member is pivotally mounted to the elongated member for movement about a third axis, parallel to the first and second axes. A handle rotates the cam member between an open and closed position, and defines a cam travel stop that provides a tactile indication that a predefined compression of the fitting has been obtained when the cam member has been rotated to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Herve′ X. Bronnert
  • Patent number: 8336579
    Abstract: An emergency disconnection system for a fluid loading arm includes two valves, a collar which when closed secures the valves together and which when opened allows the valves to disconnect from each other, and an actuator which includes a single rod which is movable axially over a length of travel. A first jack moves the rod over a first portion of its travel to close the two valves and a second jack moves the rod over a remaining portion of its travel to open the collar. The first and second jacks are independently controllable and positioned substantially coaxially relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: FMC Technologies SA
    Inventors: Renaud Le Devehat, Anthony Loyer
  • Patent number: 8328243
    Abstract: A conduit coupling includes first and second conduits, an annular adapter and a clamp. The first conduit has an annular flange on an outer surface adjacent to a first end. The adapter is coupled to the outer surface of the first conduit and has an annular first engagement surface positioned adjacent to the flange and an annular second engagement surface that is spherical and convex. The second conduit has a flared end with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface includes an adapter engagement surface that is spherical and concave and engageable with the second engagement surface. The outer surface includes a clamp engagement surface and the clamp includes a flared end engagement surface that is engageable with the clamp engagement surface. The clamp is configured to urge the flared end, adapter and annular flange together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Alexander R. Matthis, Gregor Reimann
  • Patent number: 8322758
    Abstract: A juncture assembly is provided between first and second ends of respective first and second tubes. The assembly includes a first flange that is located at the first end and a second flange that is located at the second end, with the second flange being in confronting relationship with the first flange. The first and second flanges define a gap between them. A gasket member contacts the first and second flanges and is configured to prevent flow of fluids through the gap. A clamp member of the assembly secures the gasket member to the first and second flanges with the clamp member including a channel for receiving the first and second flanges and first and second restriction elements that extend into the channel for positioning the first and second flanges within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Langdon Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Publication number: 20120256416
    Abstract: Provided is a housing type pipe joint to enable the confirmation of an appropriate fastening degree of a joint and reduce a load of a fastening work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Shintaro Ikeda, Yuji Noda
  • Patent number: 8201852
    Abstract: A coupler for joining a pipe to another pipe, a tee, or other fitting, and more particularly, to a coupler which provides positive retention of the gasket about the circumference of the coupler sufficiently to precisely position and hold the gasket during placement about pipe ends and/or fittings to be coupled, and which provides controlled circumferential compression of the gasket during coupling, for positive sealing when the coupler is closed, while allowing one handed handling and operation during placement and coupling, such that the other hand can be used for supporting a pipe to be coupled, and which is operable for releasing and breaking loose the coupler and associated gasket from a pipe during uncoupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Ultraflo Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Linhorst, Corey J. Hemman, Michael Lurk
  • Publication number: 20120126534
    Abstract: A hinged clamp provides quick connection and disconnection of sections of fluid tubing. Some embodiments include a spring-loaded catch mechanism that enables the clamp to be loosely latched, and a winding mechanism that can retract the catch to a securely latched condition. Other embodiments provide a hinged shaft that pivots about an end of the upper clamp ring. A middle section of the shaft can be inserted into a slotted opening in the lower clamp ring, and the winding mechanism can move an engagement surface against the lower clamp ring to securely latch the clamp. An adjustment mechanism is included in these embodiments which can adjust the amount of winding required to engage the clamp. In various embodiments, less than one turn or less than one-half turn is required to engage/disengage the clamp. The clamp can be openable only just enough for insertion of flanged ends of the tubing sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HITCO, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Morton, Daniel B. Gentle
  • Patent number: 7988386
    Abstract: A mounting assembly uses one hinge and one cam bolt mutually offset upon a two piece collar. A hopper tee has a member usually a vertical pipe and occasionally a horizontal pipe that connects to a hopper flange to receive bulk material. This assembly has two collars that mutually engage and surround a hopper flange. Pins pass through the collar pieces and the hopper flange then secure to tapped holes in the collar pieces to prevent rotation. A collar piece mounts a hook bolt and the other collar piece mounts a hinge in a spaced apart and offset manner. The other collar piece has a pivotal connection to a hinge arm and opposite the hinge arm, the hook bolt engages a cam. Opening the cam unfolds the tee downwardly while the hook bolt remains engaged. This partially open position allows for removal and installation of a valve. In opening and closing the assembly, the hinge arm spaces the flange below a hopper to admit a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Bulk Tank, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Publication number: 20110181037
    Abstract: An alignment clamp (10) for aligning a pair of tubular members (16, 18) in a fixed, end to end relationship includes a clamp member (12) having a longitudinal axis (A), and a substantially annular interior surface (26) facing the longitudinal axis. The interior surface (26) includes a discontinuous raised surface (33) and at least one radial gap (34) between portions of the raised surface. At least one indicator key (14) is disposed on the at least one radial gap (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Griffin, Kevin Benoit
  • Publication number: 20110163541
    Abstract: A cam clamp assembly for a sanitary fitting includes a first arcuate segment having a first extension with a slot. A second arcuate segment has a second extension, and the first and second segments are pivotally coupled together for movement about a first axis. An elongated member is pivotally coupled to the second extension for movement of the elongated member about a second axis so that the elongated member is receivable within the slot, the second axis being parallel to the first axis. An offset cam member is pivotally mounted to the elongated member for movement about a third axis, parallel to the first and second axes. A handle rotates the cam member between an open and closed position, and defines a cam travel stop that provides a tactile indication that a predefined compression of the fitting has been obtained when the cam member has been rotated to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Herve' X. Bronnert
  • Publication number: 20110146049
    Abstract: A grooved-ended resilient expansion joint is disclosed. The expansion joint has a resilient expansion member with a central resilient portion and two resilient axially disposed cylindrical ends. Each cylindrical end has a radially outwardly raised distal cylindrical gasket portion with at least one inside shoulder having an inner diameter sized substantially the same as an outer diameter of a pipe to be joined. Each cylindrical end also has a neck portion between the central portion and the gasket portion that is sized to receive a grooved-ended pipe nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Howard Hagiya
  • Publication number: 20110133450
    Abstract: A security splicing system of aligned pipes against an expansion and/or contraction thereof has a double flange including two anchoring elements anchorable to an outer surface of ends of the pipes to he spliced and a water tight joining flange, and internal lock rings disposed correspondingly in an interior of the ends of the pipes to be spliced substantially underneath the anchoring elements and adjustable to abut against an inner face of the ends of the pipes thus preventing from the interior a deformation of the ends of the pipes under the action of a pressure applied by the anchoring elements from an exterior of the ends of the pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Elisabet Patricia Pires Cabado, Barbara Ines Pires Cabado
  • Publication number: 20110121567
    Abstract: A split ring restraint device having dual pipe size capability for securing the connection between adjacent pipes in water piping systems to prevent leakage or failure of the pipe connection. The restraint device comprises an interlocking, stepped joining interface that can be assembled in one orientation to fit a pipe having a first outside diameter and assembled in another orientation to fit a pipe having a second outside diameter. The restraint device can be used without modification on pipes having different outside diameters. The restraint device can be installed more rapidly than current state-of-the art split ring restraint devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Zachary J. Gentile, JR., Earl Sinjon Bradberry, Adam Pennington, John K. Lonergan
  • Patent number: 7931310
    Abstract: A coupler for use with a sealing member for releasably securing together adjacent ends of grooved end pipe and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The coupler includes a pair of arcuate segments, each segment having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section so as to define a pair of depending leg portions and an outer spanning wall extending therebetween, each of the coupling segments further defining first and second end portions. The first end portions of each arcuate segment are joined together in a pivotal connection. A closure including a bail pivotally mounted on a release/locking lever, an attachment hook and a pair of abutment surfaces is provided at the second end portions of the arcuate segments for releasably joining and securing together the second end portions of the segments about the sealing gasket and adjacent pipe ends with the leg portions of the segments projecting into the grooves therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Western Oilfields Supply Co.
    Inventor: Robert C. Lake
  • Patent number: 7914053
    Abstract: A flange connection has two pipe ends (1?, 2?, 51?, 52?) on each of which one flange (1, 2, 51, 52) is disposed and which have flange faces (11, 11?, 61, 61?) and a centering ring (33, 34) with an elastomer sealing ring (14) in contact with the ring. Both flanges include a mechanism for the detachable clamping against one another such that the flange faces (11, 11?, 61, 61?) are in contact on the centering ring and thereby are held at a predetermined flange distance (10, 60, D). The elastomer sealing ring (14) is pressed on the flange faces (11, 11?, 61, 61?) in the direction of the pipe axes (15) forming a seal, wherein the centering ring (33, 34) is positioned such that it is at least partially in contact on the periphery of the flanges (1, 2, 51, 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Pierino Keller, Pascal Good
  • Patent number: 7870725
    Abstract: An exhaust mounting system includes an exhaust component having a pair of ridges along an outer perimeter. A mounting band is disposed around the outer perimeter of the exhaust component between the ridges. An isolation pad is disposed between the exhaust component and the mounting bracket for absorbing vibration energy between the mounting band and the exhaust component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary J. Hazelton
  • Patent number: 7828338
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes pipe sockets of fluid-holding parts to be joined. The pipe sockets are provided with a peripheral locking rib, behind which a groove is formed and which has a conical front flank and a radial rear flank. The front flanks of the locking ribs lie opposite each other. The rear flank of one locking rib bounds a groove. The coupling assembly also contains a steel spring band, which is curved more than 240° and whose axial ends have inwardly directed flanges which engage behind the locking ribs and are interrupted on the side of the spring band opposite the ends of the spring band. The front flanks of the locking ribs enclose an angle <50° with the center axis, the radius of the smallest circumference of the front flanks is smaller than the inner radius of the flanges of the spring band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Janos Kertesz, Gerhard Wachter
  • Patent number: 7784839
    Abstract: A joint (1), especially of an exhaust system is provided for two axially adjacent ends (2, 3) of a tubular body (4, 5), respectively. Each tube end (2, 3) has a ring collar (8, 9) projecting radially outwards. A centering ring (6) is arranged axially between the tube ends (2, 3) and which has a plurality of collar segments (17) in the radial outward direction. Some of the collar segments (17a) project axially on one side of the centering ring (6) and axially overlap the ring collar (8) of one tube end (2), while the other collar segments (17b) project axially on the other side of the centering ring (6) and axially overlap the ring collar (9) of the other tube end (3) in the radial outward direction. A clamp (7) axially and radially overlaps the ring collar (8, 9) and the centering ring (6) in the radial outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Krause, Arthur Wieland
  • Publication number: 20100038903
    Abstract: A coupler for joining a pipe to another pipe, a tee, or other fitting, which provides positive retention of a gasket about the circumference of the coupler sufficiently to precisely position and hold the gasket during placement about pipe ends and/or fittings to be coupled, and which provides controlled circumferential compression of the gasket during coupling, for positive sealing when the coupler is closed, and which provides a coupling system allowing one handed handling and operation during placement and coupling, such that the other hand can be used for supporting a pipe to be coupled, and which is operable for releasing and breaking loose the coupler and associated gasket from a pipe during uncoupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas A. Linhorst, Corey J. Hemman, Michael Lurk
  • Patent number: 7661730
    Abstract: An open clamping ring (11) is provided for connecting tubes (1) that are provided with terminal flanges (2). The clamping ring is drawn together with the aid of a clamping lock that is provided at the open ends of the clamping ring. The clamping (10) substantially has the shape of a U whose legs that are composed of an inner leg section (12) and an outer leg section (14) are bent such that a clamping edge (13) is formed in the central area between the leg sections (12 and 14). The inventive clamping ring (10) thus approximately has the shape of an X. The clamping edges (13) rest more or less linearly on the outside of the final flange sections (2a) such that the friction between the clamping ring (10) and the terminal flanges (2) is reduced when the clamping ring is assembled while force is transmitted and distributed in an optimal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Metu Meinig AG
    Inventor: Manfred Meinig
  • Patent number: 7648107
    Abstract: Brace or pipe clamp with a deformable, essentially cylindrical housing, which has at least one longitudinal slot. The regions of the housing that are situated opposite one another at the longitudinal slot are formed as bent over lugs. The lugs are used to accommodate hollow bolts. The housing can be braced by means of clamping bolts, which penetrate the hollow bolts transversely and are arranged approximately tangentially to the housing, and nuts which can be connected to said clamping bolts. At least one of the clamping bolts is connected directly or indirectly with a handle for manually pretensioning the brace or pipe clamp and/or for operating the clamping bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Straub Werke AG
    Inventor: Hubert Mannhart
  • Publication number: 20090295155
    Abstract: A flange connection has two pipe ends (1?, 2?, 51?, 52?) on each of which one flange (1, 2, 51, 52) is disposed and which have flange faces (11, 11?, 61, 61?) and a centering ring (33, 34) with an elastomer sealing ring (14) in contact with the ring. Both flanges include a mechanism for the detachable clamping against one another such that the flange faces (11, 11?, 61, 61?) are in contact on the centering ring and thereby are held at a predetermined flange distance (10, 60, D). The elastomer sealing ring (14) is pressed on the flange faces (11, 11?, 61, 61?) in the direction of the pipe axes (15) forming a seal, wherein the centering ring (33, 34) is positioned such that it is at least partially in contact on the periphery of the flanges (1, 2, 51, 52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Pieriono KELLER-STAUB, Pascal GOOD
  • Patent number: 7591489
    Abstract: Provided is a joint which can be easily detached from and attached to pipes, in which a flange joint is connected air-tightly at a connection portion of medium-size or large-size pipes, without using bolts. In the pipe joint, flanges are formed at both ends of connection tubes for respective pipes, connection units are fitted with the flanges, to then make the flanges and the connection units easily connected using a connector, respectively, in order to prevent the flanges from seceding from the connection units, respectively, a protrusion and an O-ring groove are formed at the end of one connection tube to thus make an O-ring fitted into the O-ring groove, and a concave portion is formed on the inner circumference of the other connection tube, to thereby closely contact the O-ring at the state where the protrusion closely contacts the groove, to thus maintain air-tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Yang Ho Woo