Internal Sleeve Patents (Class 285/397)
  • Publication number: 20030173781
    Abstract: An adaptor for receiving a fluidic device (12) and facilitating connection of the device (12) to a similar device or other object, the device having defined therein at least one fluid pathway (24), the adaptor being capable of receiving fluid from said at least one pathway (24) and having connecting means (28) for connecting to the, or each fluid pathway (24), so as to substantially immobilise the pathway(s) with respect to the device, thereby preventing damage to the pathway(s), the means for connecting each pathway provides a fluid tight seal, so that in use fluid passes to/from the device, without leakage, to a similar device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: John Robert Dodgson, John Edward Andrew Shaw, Anthony Robert Corless, Christopher Mathew Turner
  • Patent number: 6581978
    Abstract: A tubular connector adapted to extend between two tubular components comprising a tubular body having an internal diameter, a first free end including an annular radial flange having a tapered surface adapted to engage a complementary seating surface on a first of the two tubular components, the internal diameter remaining constant through the first free end; and a second free end having an annular bulbous shape adapted to seat within a cylindrical end of a second of the two tubular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ming Cheng Li
  • Publication number: 20030079332
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods permit splicing or joining a plurality of tubing ends. A central tubular member has a fluid passage therethrough. The tubing ends are mounted over the extremities of the tubular member, and are held in place by a multi-part sleeve around the central member and cooperating detents (on the exterior of the tubular member and on the interior of the sleeve) that pinch or bite the tubing when the sleeve is actuated (such as via a turnbuckle action) to force cooperating pairs of the detents toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Olson Irrigation Systems
    Inventor: Donald O. Olson
  • Publication number: 20030000592
    Abstract: An electrically self-grounding connector for joining end portions of fluid flow conduit sections, and two processes for fabricating the connector. A connector formed according to one process includes an inner layer formed by electrically conductive, contiguous carbon ribbons, an outer layer of chopped carbon fibers, and a layer of surfacing veil between the inner and outer layers. A connector formed according to the other process substitutes a layer of carbon cloth for the carbon ribbons. In both connectors, electrically conductive carbon forming the inner and outer surfaces acts to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond L. Wellman, Michael S. Cork
  • Publication number: 20020180213
    Abstract: A connection piece comprising one or more sealing elements (2), the body of the connection piece (1) and the sealing elements (2) being formed as a substantially integral piece. The connection piece further comprises a sealing area (3) to which the sealing elements (2) are arranged. At the sealing area (3) a wall (4) of the connection piece (1) is made thinner than the rest of the connection piece (1), the sealing elements (2) being located in a recess to minimize the clearance between the connection piece (1) and the counter piece (5) to be attached to the connection piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Rauno Juuti
  • Publication number: 20020074799
    Abstract: An open wedgethread is disclosed that has an included angle measured in the gap between the stab flank and the load flank to be not less than zero, so as to prevent premature wedging between mating flanks before the position of full makeup is reached, as does occur between trapped wedgethreads wherein the included angle is less than zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: John D. Watts
  • Publication number: 20020038954
    Abstract: A protected welded joint for fluid transport pipes which will be implemented at the ends of each pipe segment to be welded together, the pipes being of the type having a protective layer inside, and where the welded joint area has inside it an annular sleeve. The joint is composed of this sleeve which is laminar and tubular, and made of stainless steel, and has both ends curved outward, forming an arched rim whose maximum diameter when adjusted corresponds to the internal diameter of each pipe segment. At the curved ends of each sleeve there are individual annular containment seals. The opposite ends of each segment prepared to be welded are separated from one another, leaving a certain space, and each of them has, at a short distance from the respective end, individual radial drill holes. These holes pass through the wall of the corresponding tubular element at each of its ends, and are plugged with threaded stoppers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Juan Domingo Andreoli
  • Publication number: 20010002756
    Abstract: A connection arrangement is provided for a mineral-insulated conduit with two ends to at least one tube-shaped structure, wherein at least one end is arranged partially overlapping with a tube-shaped structure and is affixed by welding or soldering, and wherein a sheath surface is arranged in the region of the overlap. The problem results of making available a connection arrangement for a mineral-insulated conduit to a tube-shaped structure, which is simple to produce and mechanically stable. The problem is solved in that the sheath surface has a structured surface, the end of the mineral-insulated conduit and the tube-shaped structure contact each other on all sides in the region of the overlap, and the contact surface is smaller than the sheath surface beyond the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan Baerts, Peter van Gerwen, Jean-Paul Jaenen
  • Patent number: 6173996
    Abstract: A method is used for interfacing materials of dissimilar thermal expansion in an X-ray tube. Initially, a first joint is identified, which has a first component to be received into a second component. Typically, the first component has a higher coefficient of expansion than the second component, so the purpose of the invention is to reduce the physical expansion of that component in the joint. A plurality of slots is introduced along the approximate axial length of a coupling member at the joint, to achieve the aforementioned purpose. The coupling member is provided between the two components, and has a thermal expansion rate greater than one component and less than the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark O. Derakhshan, Thomas G. Ebben
  • Patent number: 6126206
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal conduit seal for conduits and pipes having an elongated elastomeric seal with first and second seal segments adjacent to the edges of the seal. The sealing segments are made up of a plurality of sealing ribs and restraining members placed externally of the ribs in each segment. The seal includes grooves positioned over each segment for expansion bands used to compress the seal against the inside of a conduit. The invention also includes an expansion band having a radiused contacting surface which in combination with a locking member of the invention positioned between an outer restraining member and an adjacent rib providing substantially improved sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Miller Pipeline Corporation
    Inventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6027147
    Abstract: An internal flexible dust seal for connecting and accomodating misalignment, expansion, contraction, and torsion between openings of adjacent ducts carrying dust and particulate laden hot gases. The internal flexible dust seal can undergo lateral, axial, angular, and torsional movements while at the same time keeping any particulate matter or dust from leaving the duct and/or entering the space between liner plates and the insulation cavity of an outer gas flexible seal or expansion joint. The internal flexible dust seal is fixed to the inside of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen Elliott
  • Patent number: 6024056
    Abstract: A cooling water passage structure for connecting cooling water passages in cylinders forming a V-shape in a water cooled type V-shaped internal combustion engine. A front cooling water passage of a front cylinder communicates with a front cooling water passage of a front cylinder head. A rear cooling water passage of a rear cylinder communicates with a rear cooling water passage of a rear cylinder head. Water pipes and cylindrical portions project from opposed positions of the front and rear cylinders and extend in one straight line. A connecting pipe is formed of rubber and is inserted in the water pipes. Ring clips and are engaged with annular grooves formed on the outer circumference of the connecting pipe at the front ends of the water pipes. O-rings are engaged with the outer circumference of the connecting pipe near the opposite ends thereof. The water pipes are connected to each other in a water tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atuo Hojyo, Makoto Harada, Fumiaki Okubo, Toshiyasu Murano
  • Patent number: 5971438
    Abstract: A sewage removal system 10 is provided for quickly, securely and sanitarily connecting the onboard holding tank H of a typical recreational vehicle or travel trailer to an in-ground stationary waste disposal site S. The system 10 includes two hoses 20, 21 which may be coupled via a union 50 to provide hoses 20, 21 of greater combined length to reach the site S when located too far for a single hose 20, 21. The hoses 20, 21 include quick connect couplings 30 secured to each end 22. Locking hooks 40 extend from the annular rims 39 of the couplings 30 to provide a means for securely engaging protrusions 56, 66 to create a sealed joint. The system 10 includes two elbow adapters 60 to allow simple connection to an inlet tube T of the stationary waste disposal site S. The first elbow adapter 60 includes a male threaded connector 70 for coupling with a female threaded fitting F of the inlet tube T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Albert P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5944359
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining at least one longitudinal end of a pipe to a member having a longitudinally extending aperture therethrough includes a unitary, one-piece, elongated body with structure responsive to a crimping operation for lockingly and sealingly engaging with an inner surface of the pipe. The lockingly and sealingly engaging structure can include a reduced diameter portion engagable within the longitudinal end of the pipe and having at least two radially outwardly extending annular ridges or teeth formed on the reduced diameter portion. For lined pipe, the engaging structure can also include a ribbed or barbed portion extending longitudinally outwardly from the reduced diameter portion for sealingly engaging the lining between the ribbed portion and the inner surface of the pipe in response to the crimping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Pureflex Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald V. Andronaco
  • Patent number: 5935434
    Abstract: A strainer apparatus capable of being installed within an Acme type coupling of the kind used in a pipe connecting a transport gas tank to a gas storage tank comprises a perforated disc and a retainer ring. The outer surface of the retainer ring has a smooth portion and an adjacent knurled portion. The disc acts as a strainer and is permanently fixed inside of the Acme coupling by means of the retainer ring knurled portion being press fitted against the inner surface of a coupling counterbore within which both the disc and ring are installed. The Acme coupling after being fitted within the strainer disc is installed in the pipe line leading between a gas transport tank and a gas storage tank to prevent debris from being pumped through the pipe coupling and towards and possibly to the gas storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Cates Propane Plant Construction, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Cates
  • Patent number: 5921590
    Abstract: A flexible swivel coupling includes a a first elbow, a second elbow, and a flexible nipple connected between the two elbows. The first and second elbows are threaded on the interior surface of at least one of the legs of each elbow, and the flexible nipple is threaded at both ends, for connection between the two elbows. The outside diameter of the nipple, at least at the threaded ends, is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the threaded legs of the two elbows, so that the nipple threads are slightly compressed when the nipple is threaded into the elbows and forms a water tight seal without the need for o-rings or other additional sealing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Rickey J. Carnes
  • Patent number: 5909904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flange joint assembly for connecting together cylindrical duct sections. A tubular slip collar fits within opposing sections which engage an exterior projecting bead encircling the exterior of the slip collar. Opposing flange clamps are mounted on the ducts having leaf elements pressing against the duct surfaces. Opposing band clamps are mounted around the leaf elements securing the leaf elements to the duct surfaces. Opposing V-band ring locking devices encircle the flange clamps. In the alternative, Van-Stone flange rings secure the flange clamps together by means of locking bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Shea Technology
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Shea
  • Patent number: 5797627
    Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: Peter W. Salter, James N. Curti, Duane D. Kazal, Laurence McGann
  • Patent number: 5769459
    Abstract: An inside sealing sleeve 1 comprised of an expandable steel band for insertion in leaking pipes in need of repair is provided with an arresting arrangement 4 which permits very small detent steps. For this purpose, the internal band end 2 is provided with a slot 5 having two rows of teeth 8, 9, while a tensioning pinion 10, a guide pinion 11 and a locking pinion 12 are rotatably seated on the external band end 3. A tensioning spring 17 engages the pivot axle of the locking pinion 12, it keeps the locking pinion 12 in engagement with the guide pinion 11 and pushes it into the gap 21 between locking pinion 10 and guide pinion 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Uhrig Kanaltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Graf, Juergen Graf
  • Patent number: 5713608
    Abstract: A hollow joint connects an upper lamp pipe and a lower lamp pipe. The hollow joint has a lower flange disposed on a lower rim of the hollow joint, an upper flange disposed on an upper rim of the hollow joint, a middle flange disposed on a middle portion of the hollow joint, a lower toothed portion disposed between the lower flange and the middle flange, and an upper toothed portion disposed between the upper flange and the middle flange. A lower ring encloses the lower toothed portion. The lower ring has an inserting end plate disposed on a first end of the lower ring and a retarding end plate disposed on a second end of the lower ring. An upper ring encloses the upper toothed portion. The upper ring has an inserting end plate disposed on a first end of the upper ring and a retarding end plate disposed on a second end of the upper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Chih-Chih Yang
  • Patent number: 5685345
    Abstract: Air conduit construction is provided. The construction generally comprises a conduit section having an open end; and, a support member positioned inside of the conduit section open end. In preferred arrangements, the conduit construction has two open ends, with a reinforcing member in each of the open ends. In preferred arrangements, the reinforcing member includes a friction fit construction on an outer surface thereof. In typical and preferred embodiments, the friction fit construction includes a bead on the reinforcing member. A method of preparing air conduit constructions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Gieseke, Thomas A. Boeckermann, Larry R. Nepsund
  • Patent number: 5685572
    Abstract: The invention provides a joint 80 for two steel pipes 50, 52 each containing a liner 54, 56 of polyethylene. The invention also provides an electrofusion fitting for joining the liners 54, 56; a method of making the fitting and a method of making the joint 80. The joint 80 consists of an electrofusion fitting having two frusto-conical outer end surfaces which match similar surfaces on the insides of the end portions of the liners 54, 56. Fusion welded joints are formed at the interfaces between the frusto-conical surfaces. A body of insulating material 66 is received in a central recess in the fitting and protects the fitting from the high temperature of the seam 70 between the steel pipes 50, 52. The frusto-conical surfaces make an angle of 10.degree. or less with the longitudinal axis of the fitting. A support body 14 of metal or of synthetic plastics material contained by the electrofusion fitting ensures that the fitting is adequately supported during electrofusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventors: Valerie Margaret Linton, Leslie Maine
  • Patent number: 5671954
    Abstract: A swivel connector for connecting a garden hose with a water receiving device including an inner ring seal member having a central tubular portion and a first and second seal flange extending from either peripheral end of the central portion, each of the first and second flanges having a resilient outer sealing surface that fits within an inner peripheral groove provided within a first and second female swivel member. The first female swivel member has a conventional female hose fitting. The second female swivel member includes a connecting mechanism for forming a fluid connection with a water flow receiving device. The connecting mechanism may take the form of a conventional male hose fitting or an integrally formed connection with a water flow receiving device such as a spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Leon J. Cheramie
  • Patent number: 5667252
    Abstract: A repair sleeve for installation in a parent tube by a sleeve expander of the type operable between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. The sleeve includes an elongated sleeve member having an outer wall and a bore sized and configured to receive the sleeve expander when the sleeve expander is in the unexpanded state. An engagement structure extends radially outward from the outer wall of the sleeve member for engagement with the interior surface of the parent tube. The engagement structure includes a plurality of circumferential teeth located along the outer wall of the sleeve member and at both ends of the sleeve member which are inclined to each other with respect to each of the ends. A plurality of peripheral lands are formed on the outer wall of the sleeve member, wherein the plurality of teeth are disposed between at least two of the peripheral lands located at each end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Framatome Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce William Schafer, Mark Aaron Sloman, Stanley Mark Gryder, Randal Ray Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5603533
    Abstract: A tube flange assembly including attachment flanges associated by interlocking deformation with flared tubes. The flanges are placed with the attachment plates thereof arranged in juxtaposition with a tubular insert extending to within the tubes. A raised section on the tubular insert mates with the concavities formed in the annuluses of the flanges. The joint is drawn together by fasteners. Each attachment flange includes a fixing area for receiving the end of the tube. Outwardly of that fixing area, an annular channel forming a loop in cross section with the small circular gap provides tolerance to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Toshiomi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5573280
    Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: Peter W. Salter, James N. Curti, Duane D. Kazal, Laurence McGann
  • Patent number: 5536050
    Abstract: In the fabricating of a mandrel bar, a plurality of used mandrel bar segments are provided, each of which has a central bore comprising a smooth surface portion and a threaded portion. Each segment has a circumferential recess at an end thereof and a bevelled surface adjoining the recess and extending inwardly of the segment at an angle to the vertical. A coupling has a smooth central boss section and threaded ends. A connection is made by threadedly connecting the ends of the coupling with a pair of opposed mandrel segments, with the smooth boss of the coupling fitting inside the smooth portion of the bore of each segment to effect, with the threaded joint, a straight, tight joint. A weld groove of gull-shaped cross-section is provided between the opposed ends of a pair of mandrel segments, having a body portion formed by a pair of opposed bevelled surfaces and wings formed by a pair of opposed recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: USX Corporation
    Inventors: John F. McDermott, Yoni Adonyi, Jerry Hann, Paul M. Albritton, Miles G. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 5507500
    Abstract: An apparatus for outwardly radially compressing a gasket into sealing engagement with a wall of an opening includes a continuous strip of resiliently flexible material having first and second ends and first and second members. The first and second members are made from a different material than the strip and are respectively attached to the first and second ends of the strip to thereby form a ring. The first and second members are configured to include locking structure that both fixes the ring in an expanded position adjacent to the gasket and secures against contraction of the ring by the gasket. The apparatus may be made from a plurality of continuous strips of resiliently flexible material and have structure for aligning and securing the first end of each one of the strips adjacent the second end of another of the strips to form a closed ring. The aligning and securing structure includes at least one set of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Press-Seal Gasket Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Skinner, Michael R. Miller, Fouad M. Deeb, William O. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5421624
    Abstract: A flange joint assembly having first and second attachment flanges are associated with first and second tubes through an interengagement of the ends of the tubes between an inner annulus and an annular corrugation which are inwardly of an attachment plate. The annulus and corrugation with the interengaged tube end are flared outwardly to interlock the components. The tube also includes an outwardly tapered section adjacent to the end. A tubular insert having inwardly tapered outer surfaces extending to each end from a midsection is positioned within the tapered portions of two axially abutting tubes. Fasteners draw the attachment flanges together to complete the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: Toshiomi Hayashi, Teruo Egami
  • Patent number: 5388526
    Abstract: In a conveyer system including a tubular guide way having a curved guide way section, a magnet-mounted inner slider slidably disposed in the tubular guide way, a pressure source connected to the tubular guide way to feed the interior thereof with a pressurized air thereby to move the inner slider in and along the tubular guide way, and a magnet-mounted outer slider movably disposed on said tubular guide way. The magnet of the outer slider establishes a magnetic connection with the magnet of the inner slider so that movement of said inner slider can induce movement of the outer slider in the same direction. In order to smooth the movement of the inner slider in the tubular guide way, the inner slider is so constructed as to be flexed along its longitudinal axis when an external force is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: I. Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Imai
  • Patent number: 5316352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling pipe, and installing coupled pipe in a trenchless installation, the pipe being adapted for use as a watermain or the like. Lengths of watermain pipe are provided with a bell at each end, and connecting nipples adapted to be received within opposing bells, to effect a fluid-tight seal. As lengths of watermain are urged into a trenchless tunnel, opposing bell-end faces withstand the force being exerted on the pipe sections, so that damage is avoided and a sealed underground pipe installation is economically and quickly effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Michael S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5254127
    Abstract: A device for closing or connecting blood vessels has a plurality of micro miniature barb which pierce the wall of the blood vessel and anchor the device in place. In one embodiment the fastener is comprised of a male member and a female member which are fastened to blood vessel segments with the micro miniature barbs. The male and female members are joined together by inserting the male member into the female member to form a permanent coupling. The device can also be used for opening a blood vessel which has been narrowed by disease or trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Shadyside Hospital
    Inventors: Mark H. Wholey, William E. Novogradac, deceased
  • Patent number: 5234448
    Abstract: A device for closing or connecting blood vessels has a plurality of micro miniature barb which pierce the wall of the blood vessel and anchor the device in place. In one embodiment the fastener is comprised of a male member and a female member which are fastened to blood vessel segments with the micro miniature barbs. The male and female members are joined together by inserting the male member into the female member to form a permanent coupling. The device can also be used for opening a blood vessel which has been narrowed by disease or trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Shadyside Hospital
    Inventors: Mark H. Wholey, William E. Novogradac, deceased
  • Patent number: 5222560
    Abstract: A subsea well assembly has ability to receive an internal tieback connector when providing full bore access. The subsea well assembly has an inner wellhead housing which has a counterbore at its upper end. A tieback profile is formed in the counterbore. A protective sleeve releasably secures the counterbore, covering the tieback profile. After drilling is completed and tieback installation begins, the protective sleeve is removed. An internal tieback sleeve carried by a tieback funnel engages the tieback profile in the counterbore to secure the tieback funnel to the inner wellhead housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Brammer, Stanley Hosie
  • Patent number: 5205593
    Abstract: The tight connection fitting for a circular orifice in a rigid element is composed of a pipe in flexible material, such as rubber, whose external diameter is slightly greater than the bore of the orifice, and of a truncated cone-shaped bushing whose angle of conicity is less than the angle of friction between the two materials constituting the bushing and the pipe, and whose diameter at the base of the cone is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the pipe.The angle of conicity is, for a bushing in polyamide and a pipe in rubber, at the most 20.degree., and preferably between 2.degree. and 10.degree..The bushing is introduced into the pipe so that the head of the bushing is at a certain distance from the end of the pipe; that end of the pipe is introduced by force into the orifice, and then the bushing is caused to slide inside the pipe until it is blocked in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Francois Fondeur
  • Patent number: 5168943
    Abstract: The sub, usable as a length element of a drill string which may include a drilling motor body, comprises three generally tubular members. Two members, each having means to attach to a continuing drill string, have threaded boxes positioned in opposition. A third member is a double ended threaded, shoulderless, pin threadedly extending into the boxes with box faces in contact when the sub is assembled. One box, and the mating pin end, have threads coarser than the finer threads in the other box and on it's mating pin end. Axial position adjustment of the pin causes the abutting box faces to change rotational relationship, thus changing the rotational relationship of axially spaced drill string elements separated by the sub. If the sub is to be used to deflect the drill string centerline, the double ended pin and the threaded boxes have a centerline tilted a small angle from the centerline of the first two members. In one configuration the assembly has, preferably, both end centerlines on one line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas E. Falgout, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5149149
    Abstract: A pipe connecting device for detachably connecting two tubes into a support to be used in a floor lamp, the pipe connecting device comprising two bushes respectively fastened in two tubes at the connecting ends thereof in a flush manner, the bushes each having a curved locating groove extending from a longitudinal guide groove thereof, and a pipe connector for connecting the two bushes together, said pipe connector having a circular outward flange at the middle and two unitary pins projecting from an outer wall surface thereof at right angles, wherein the two tubes can be detached from each other when the guide groove on either bush is aligned with each other, or firmly connected together when said two unitary pins are respectively engaged into the locating grooves on the two bushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Wen C. Wu
  • Patent number: 5143411
    Abstract: A high efficiency an integral, non-upset, full strength, threaded pipe connection that has at least one swaged end. A box swage at 81 and 85 or a pin swage at 82 and 88. Thread engagement extends substantially to the bore of the box and substantially to the outermost diameter of the pin so as to prevent reduction of the cross section area of the wall of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: John D. Watts
  • Patent number: 5018771
    Abstract: A tapered threaded tubular connection is depicted (20) that is formed and dimensioned so as to prevent cross-threading of pin 4 with box 7 when at stab position as at 54 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the stab depth is sufficiently great such that pin and box thread crests contact as at (47) to thereby limit angular mis-alignment to be less than the angular mis-alignment required to permit pin thread crest (55) to pass box thread crest (56) which is it did pass, would effect cross-threading of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: John D. Watts
  • Patent number: 4998597
    Abstract: Attachment means for connecting an insulated pipe to an element, such as the manifold, in the exhaust system of a vehicle. The attachment means includes a conduit which extends into the end of the insulated pipe. A transverse lug or a helical flange on the conduit engages the spiral corrugations of the inner diameter of the pipe to allow the conduit to be threaded into the pipe. The end of the pipe is received in an end cap slidably mounted on the conduit. When the cap hits a stop on the conduit during threading of the conduit into the pipe the lug or helical flange pulls the pipe against the cap, tightening the connection to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Manville Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Bainbridge, William H. Olbert
  • Patent number: 4978244
    Abstract: Fastener (22) connects an insert (24) to a hollow tube (26). Fastener (22) is formed to have a yoke portion (58) extending between a pair of arm portions (56), all of which are formed arcuately to conform to the shape of tube (26). Arm portions (56) have arcuate free ends. Arm portions (56) include protuberances (60) which then may be cammed between an engagement position with edges (34) of openings (30) in tube (26) and edges (44) of cavity space (40) in insert (24) and a disengageable position with edges (34) and (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Interlock Structures International, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredric A. Lange
  • Patent number: 4974882
    Abstract: A connection (20) for oilwell tubing and the like is disclosed which has the same outer diameter (21) as does the tubing joints (8 and 9) that it connects. Tubing joints are formed internally with a tapered thread (6 and 7) having a loadbearing flank angle (75.degree. or more) that negates pullout tendency. A mating coupling (2) having external threads (3 and 4) may be provided with a bore 10 so as to clear a driftbar. Coupling (2) may be provided with bore (13) extending from (14 to 15) so as to develop substantially, a 100% joint strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: John D. Watts
  • Patent number: 4955644
    Abstract: A drill pipe coupling includes a coupling member (2) having an unthreaded central section (13) with a cylindrical bore (26) therein and an outer shoulder (11,12) on each side thereof. Adjoining the shoulders are respective conical external threads for threading into an internal correspondingly threaded upset head section of a drill pipe formed as a bell elements and including end surfaces (9,10). The drill pipe has an undeformed cylindrical bore (14) connected to the threaded upset head. The drill pipe end surfaces (9,10) sealingly abut the outer shoulders (11,12) of the central section (13) when the pipes are joined together. The drill pipe has an intermediate section (16) adjoining the cylindrical bore (14) and has an inside diameter which decreases in the direction toward the threaded section (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Pfeiffer, Erich Quadflieg, Friedrich Lenze, Krug, Gerhard, Josef Siekmeyer
  • Patent number: 4950362
    Abstract: Elastic, heat-insulating shapes of ceramic, refractory or fireproof fibers and, where needed, further refractory or fireproof substances, and temporary or inorganic binders, as well as a process for the preparation thereof. The heat-insulating shapes are characterized by the fact that they contain 5 to 40 weight % of fibrids comprised of organic polymers, as a result of which they have elastic properties and can be formed with ease at moderate temperatures. In preparing these shapes, a customary aqueous dispersion containing the fibers and binder is mixed with the fibrids of the organic polymer, and water is removed therefrom and the shapes are otherwise produced in a known manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Didier-Werke Ag
    Inventors: Peter Steinau, Ludwig Wirth, Ingo Elstner, Andreas Naumann
  • Patent number: 4854384
    Abstract: The pipeline packer described herein typically includes a main body adapted for propulsion through the pipeline in an axial direction. A brake shoe support assembly is located on the main body and a plurality of circumferentially spaced brake shoes capable of gripping the interior wall of the pipeline are mounted to the support assembly. Fluid pressure activated means are associated with the brake shoe support assembly for urging the brake shoes radially outwardly into gripping engagement with the pipeline to secure the main body in a desired location in the pipeline against the pipeline pressure forces acting thereon. A pair of annular wedging means are also mounted to the main body for axial movement toward each other as the fluid pressure activated means acts on the brake shoe support assembly to urge the brake shoes into gripping engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Dawasue Industries Limited
    Inventor: Douglas C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4813717
    Abstract: A connection (20) for oilwell tubing and the like is disclosed which has the same outer diameter (21) as does the tubing joints (8 and 9) that it connects. Tubing joints are formed internally with a tapered thread (6 and 7) having a loadbearing flank angle (75.degree. or more) that negates pullout tendency. A mating coupling (2) having external threads (3 and 4) may be provided with a bore 10 so as to clear a driftbar. Coupling (2) may be provided with bore (13) extending from (14 to 15) so as to develop substantially, a 100% joint strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: John D. Watts
  • Patent number: 4767142
    Abstract: A vacuum-forceps is disclosed. A valve chamber is provided between a first suction passage communicating with an adsorptive member and a second suction passage connected through a suction tube to a vacuum source. A valve member linked to an operating push button is accomodated in the valve chamber. The adsorptive member is rotatable and swayable relative to a forceps body with the aid of a spherical member. A suction tube is connected through a double-coupling to the forceps body. A bypass is provided between the valve chamber and the first suction passage. A semiconductor silicon wafer is adsorbed on an adsorptive plate provided at the tip end of the adsorptive member by actuating the push button and is then moved to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takahashi, Kazuo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4759555
    Abstract: A split ring seal assembly including a split ring seal having a first and a second free end and a connecting member in the shape of a ring segment having first and second ends. The split ring seal and the connecting element have mating E-shaped transverse cross sections such that the connecting element fits within the split ring seal. The E-shaped cross section includes a middle arm portion formed by a curved loop and two outer arms formed by sinuous flanges. The first end of the connecting member is fixedly attached to the first end of the split ring seal. The second end of the connecting member is slidably received within the second end of the split ring seal. This enables the split ring assembly to expand and contract relative to its housing groove as it is exposed to varying temperatures and pressures and to compensate for the accumulation of tolerances in the members forming the joint. The connecting element has a thickness less than the thickness of the split ring seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: EG&G Pressure Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Patent number: 4750761
    Abstract: A connection (20) for oilwell tubular joints (8 and 9) to effect a fluid tight conduit wherein one of two cooperating stop shoulders (19) of limited dimension is formed with peaks (22) and valleys (24) such that the peaks contact the other stop shoulder (18) upon full make-up of the connection so as to provide channels (24) for the escape of lubricant from between the shoulders and thereby effect a higher overload torque capacity for the connection, without sacrificing other characteristics of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: John D. Watts
  • Patent number: 4746150
    Abstract: When joining together pipe-lines, in particular, by means of explosive welding, an outer support tool is generally used, together with an inner peripheral body (3) which is applied by means of explosives (5), to the inner surfaces of the pipes (1 and 2) to be joined. The object of the invention is to replace the support tool by a tube formed from a strip (10), said tube functioning as support during the explosive welding process and which can be removed if desired, by unwinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignees: Nitro Nobel AB, AB Volvo
    Inventors: Per I. Persson, Bengt Persson