With External Patents (Class 285/398)
  • Patent number: 10799771
    Abstract: An improved racquet handle, such as for a tennis or racquetball racquet, comprised of a flex control device that enables a user to adjust the flexibility of the racquet handle. The increased flexibility of the racquet handle enables a user to impart greater force on a ball, such as a tennis ball, and also dampens or reduces the amount of vibration and/or shock otherwise imparted to the racquet user when the racquet strikes the ball. The flex control device of the present invention is comprised of a fixed insert portion and an interchangeable, removable insert that enables a user to control the amount of the flexibility of the racquet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph Jennings
  • Patent number: 10480705
    Abstract: A heatshield for a band clamp, the heatshield having: an attachment member configured to be inserted axially into the clamp; and a thermal insulator secured to the attachment member, the thermal insulator being configured to at least partially extend over an outer surface of the clamp when the attachment member is inserted into the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Donnelly
  • Patent number: 9074534
    Abstract: A seal for a duct having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the duct upstream portion and the duct downstream portion separated by a first gap, includes a first portion having a length greater than a width of the first gap between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion having a first thickness, a first upstream end and a first downstream end; a second portion having a length greater than a width of the gap between the first portion and the second portion, the second portion having a second thickness, a second upstream end and a second downstream end; and an attachment between the first portion and the second portion such that the first portion and the second portion move relative to each other, wherein the first portion is inside the duct and the second portion is outside of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: George J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9027966
    Abstract: A fitting, particularly for connecting two pipes, comprising: a support sleeve (1), having a first connection segment (11a) at a first end, and having a second connection segment at an opposite second end, wherein at least the first connection segment (11a) is formed so that a pipe segment (70) can be pushed onto it and having a middle segment (12) disposed between the first and the second connection segment (11a, 11b), wherein the middle segment (12) comprises a fixing element (32, 34) extending at least partially around the support sleeve and having a separable ring element (20) having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to an outer diameter of the middle segment (12) and designed for being placed on the support sleeve (1) and being retained by the fixing element (32, 34) in the middle segment (12) in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation Ab
    Inventors: Maik Altmann, Rainer Dittmar, Mika Savolainen
  • Patent number: 8939469
    Abstract: A rigid coupler for use in electrically isolating an electrically conductive fluid conveyance system is described. The rigid coupler includes a nonconductive liner having a first end configured to couple to a first adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system, and a second end, opposite said first end, configured to couple to a second adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system. A reinforcing structure circumscribes the nonconductive liner and is coupled to a portion of the nonconductive liner extending between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner. The reinforcing structure includes a multi-axial braided fiber material impregnated with a matrix material. A fiber overwrap is hoop wound about at a least a portion of the reinforcing structure between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Cohen, Arvid J. Berg, James P. Irwin
  • Publication number: 20140116015
    Abstract: An interface air filter and assembly for use with an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The assembly has a housing having an air intake port and an opening. There is an air filter assembly comprising an air filter having a closed end and an open end and a reducing coupling. The reducing coupling has a first end with a first engaging member having an external circumference and outer surface, a second end with a second engaging member having an external circumference less than the first engaging member external circumference, and the second engaging member has an inner surface. The first end of the reducing coupling is attached to the open end of the air filter. The air filter assembly is in contact with the housing such that the air filter resides within the housing and the outer surface of the first engaging member engages the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Shahriar Nick Niakan, Christian Luc Landel
  • Patent number: 8313607
    Abstract: An expansion repair coupling for interconnecting two facing ends of a cut pipe comprises a tubular body, a spigot slidably and rotatably received therein and a locking mechanism to selectively lock or unlock the rotation of the tubular body relative to the spigot. An end of the spigot extends outward from the tubular body to receive a coupling that connects to one end of the cut pipe. A radially enlarged section on the spigot has a sealing mechanism that sealably engages an interior surface of the tubular body. The locking mechanism, engaged by collapsing the spigot into the tubular body or disengaged by extending the spigot therefrom, facilitates a push and twist connection at both ends of the pipe to wipe the adhesive disposed therebetween and obtain a better seal. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a socket having spigot engaging members that cooperatively engage socket engaging members on the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: National Diversied Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory F. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20120274064
    Abstract: A connector is provided for holding a deformable tube, and includes a connection head, an inner portion extending from the head, an outer portion extending from the head and at least partially surrounding the inner portion to define a tube entry passage, the entry passage has a constricting area of lesser width than the width of the tube wall, and the outer and inner portions move relative to each other to allow entry of the tube past the constricting area and further into the passage, after insertion of the tube past the constricting area, and on application of a translational force to the tube, the outer and inner portions are configured to bear further against the elastically deformable tube such that the tube is held between the inner and the outer portions. At least one of the outer portion and the inner portion is at least partially helical in construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Simon Garry Moore
  • Publication number: 20120235407
    Abstract: An integration ring is configured to interconnect two components, such as an exhaust manifold and a turbine housing. The integration ring may include an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from one another. A spacer may be positioned between the inner wall and outer wall. A first and second pocket may be formed between the inner and outer walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Michael John Blackie, Ross Thomas Sawyers, Michael Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120200082
    Abstract: A soft pipe connecting device, comprising: a cylindrical joint, a fixed sleeve inside the joint for supporting the joint, and an outer ring sheathed outside the soft pipe and tightly pressing the soft pipe against the outer wall surface of the joint. The outside wall surface of the cylindrical joint is provided in sequence with a limit baffle, a groove and plurality of pawls whose tooth-tips are oriented towards the groove. The outer ring is made of expandable material. The inside wall surface of the outer ring is provided with a projection on the position corresponding to that of the groove of the joint, and plurality of reverse pawls whose positions correspond to those of the pawls of the joint. The groove may be provided therein with a sealing ring. The sealing effect is very good and can effectively prevent the leakage of gas or liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Guangren Liang
  • Publication number: 20120001423
    Abstract: The male connection device comprises a sleeve (4) and a slide (5) that is adapted to occupy, relative to said sleeve (4), a position in which said slide (5) is advanced in said sleeve (4), said device also comprising a tubular film (6) folded back on itself and pressed between the slide (5) and the sleeve (4). The female connection device comprises a sleeve (40) and a slide (41) that is adapted to occupy, relative to said sleeve (40), a position in which said slide (41) is set back in said sleeve (40), said device also comprising a tubular film (42) folded back on itself and pressed between the slide (41) and the sleeve (40). The male-female connection system comprises such a male connection device (2) and such a female connection device (3) which are provided to be engaged within each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Stephane Olivier
  • Publication number: 20120001424
    Abstract: The male connection device comprises a sleeve (4) and a slide (5) that is adapted to occupy, relative to said sleeve (4), a position in which said slide (5) is advanced in said sleeve (4), said device also comprising a tubular film (6) folded back on itself and pressed between the slide (5) and the sleeve (4). The female connection device comprises a sleeve (40) and a slide (41) that is adapted to occupy, relative to said sleeve (40), a position in which said slide (41) is set back in said sleeve (40), said device also comprising a tubular film (42) folded back on itself and pressed between the slide (41) and the sleeve (40). The male-female connection system comprises such a male connection device (2) and such a female connection device (3) which are provided to be engaged within each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Stephane Olivier
  • Publication number: 20110101686
    Abstract: A coupling construction includes a coupling (1) and at least one high-pressure pipe (2) connected to the coupling. The high-pressure pipe includes an external revetment layer (3), a reinforcement layer (4) as well as an internal liner (5). The coupling furthermore includes a load transfer element (9, 10) which engages the external revetment layer (3), as well as a sealing (6, 14) which engages the liner (5). The reinforcement layer (4) includes a braided material (7, 8) whereby the external revetment layer (3) engages the braided material (7, 8) in such a way that shear forces can be transferred in a reliable way. A further advantage is that the load transfer element (9, 10) of the coupling (1) is positioned only on the outside of the pipe (2), as a result of which the internal volume of the pipe is free of flow restrictions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: PIPELIFE NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Gerrit Peter DALMOLEN, Peter Jeroen CLOOS, Lennert Johannes BAKKER
  • Patent number: 7780027
    Abstract: A wildlife feeder system is disclosed comprised of a first barrel having an open top and an open bottom, a second barrel having an open top and a substantially closed bottom (having orifices as necessary to dispense feed), said barrels being, for example, 30, 55 or 85 gallon steel barrels, the first barrel being axially coupled to the second barrel, the open tops of each barrel being conjoined, a lid adapted to cover the open bottom of the first barrel and rotatable lid handle mechanism adapted to couple the lid proximate the open bottom of the first barrel, a platform and leg support assembly adapted to be coupled circumferentially to the second barrel proximate the longitudinal center thereof, a ladder adapted to be coupled to the platform and leg support assembly, a plurality of removable legs adapted to be coupled to the platform and leg support assembly and a barrel coupling assembly comprising an inner ring (made of plastic or metal) and an outer ring clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Coady
  • Patent number: 7527305
    Abstract: A hose connector with adjustable ambient air inlets includes a conduit section having a plurality of spaced-apart holes covered by an adjustable outer ring having a similar pattern of spaced-apart holes. Turning the outer ring relative to the conduit section permits the holes in the conduit section to be either fully opened, fully covered, or at some intermediate condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Patent number: 7503589
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second hoses, a tubular connector, and a clamp. The tubular connector includes first and second radial projections that are spaced apart along an axial direction of the tubular connector. The tubular connector extends into the first hose, and the first radial projection of the tubular connector engages with the inner surface of the first hose. The tubular connector also extends into the second hose, and the second radial projection of the tubular connector engages with the inner surface of the second hose. The first hose extends into the second hose so that the first and second hoses axially overlap in an area between the first and second radial projections of the tubular connector. The clamp engages the outer surface of the second hose in the axially overlapping area of the first and second hoses to clamp the first and second hoses to the tubular connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Beau Kidman, Stuart Miller
  • Publication number: 20090051166
    Abstract: A holding device for securing a hose clamp in position relative to a tubular fitting connection over which a hose, tube, or pipe is to be positioned. The device is adapted to hold the clamp and maintain the clamp in position on the hose, tube, or pipe. The clamp is positioned orthogonally relative to the hose, tube, or pipe and the assembly is then ready for engagement on a rigid tubular fitting with the holding device positioned on the hose, tube, or pipe adjacent to the tubular fitting. This permits the hose, tube, or pipe to be engaged over the tubular fitting and the holding device to engage the tubular fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Murray Corporation
    Inventor: Robert F. Fay
  • Patent number: 7481461
    Abstract: A device which is expandable to engage the interior of a tube, for example the casing of an oil well, comprises first and second tubular members in partial telescopic engagement with each other, the first tubular member having an end region which is received on the second tubular member and which is expandable radially outwardly to engage the interior of the tube. The second tubular member has tapered regions which, when forced into the end region, will cause radial expansion of the end region. The taper angle of the second tapered zone is less than the taper angle of both the first tapered zone and the third tapered zone. The fourth tapered zone preferably has a taper angle which is greater than that of the second tapered zone and less than that of the third tapered zone. In one embodiment, the tapered zones have respective taper angles of 15°, 1°, 5° and 1.25°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Gary Pape, Tony LaPlante
  • Publication number: 20080295872
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning chamber comprises various components, such as for example, a consumable ceramic liner, substrate heating pedestal, and process kit. The consumable ceramic liner is provided for connecting a gas outlet channel of a remote gas energizer to a gas inlet channel of a substrate cleaning chamber. The substrate heating pedestal comprises an annular plate having a substrate receiving surface with a plurality of ceramic balls positioned in an array of recesses. A process kit comprises a top plate, top liner, gas distributor plate, bottom liner, and focus ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Riker, Wei W. Wang
  • Patent number: 7416395
    Abstract: A sleeve connecting a refrigerant pipe to a sealed compressor container has a reduced outer dimension and an inner step that accommodates the refrigerant pipe. An end of the refrigerant pipe abuts the inner step to accurately locate the refrigerant pipe to permit the refrigerant pipe to be secured in an desired relationship with the sleeve. The sleeve is attached to the container with increased accuracy and less chance of damage to the container through deformation during the attachment process. The sleeve and container may be composed of iron, while the refrigerant pipe may be composed of copper, so that the more rigid sleeve can accurately couple the less rigid refrigerant pipe to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Sato
  • Patent number: 7410192
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in connecting a pair of automotive exhaust pipe ends each having a circumferential rib. The pipe coupler includes a ribbed band and internal split sealing sleeve along with a tightening mechanism for clamping the band and sleeve over the pipe ends. The sealing sleeve fits within the band and both the sleeve and band have a pair of ribs positioned to fit over the ribs on the pipe ends. The sleeve extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end, and includes a tongue-and-groove sealing configuration located axially inwardly of the ribs at the first and second ends. Each tongue has a particular construction that accommodates larger clamp opening dimensions required to fit the coupler over the pipe ribs during assembly. The sleeve can include inwardly protruding sealing beads that help prevent leakage of exhaust gases from the pipe junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure, Alan Polaski, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 7381454
    Abstract: A tubular product has a tubular base layer, a tubular innermost layer made of plastic by continuous extrusion, and a tubular tie layer of foamed plastic between and adhered to the base layer and the innermost layer. The tie layer is made of melt processable adhesion plastic, is extruded simultaneously with the innermost layer against the base layer, and has better adhesions to the base and innermost layers than the base and innermost layers have to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Uponor B.V.
    Inventors: Kari Kirjavainen, Jyri Järvenkylä
  • Patent number: 7222886
    Abstract: A hose clamping assembly comprises a branched pipe having a plurality of projected stoppers thereon, each of the stoppers formed around an outer surface of each branch of the branched pipe and spaced apart a certain distance from each other, a hose connected to each branch of the branched pipe by sliding onto each of the branches, the hose contacting a nearest stopper from the end portion of the branch among the plurality of stoppers, a clamp formed on an outer surface of the hose and between the stoppers by a molding apparatus, a portion of the clamp on the outer surface of the hose connected to a portion of the clamp between the stoppers and an arm connecting the clamp to an adjacent clamp having a different axial direction, the arm formed by the molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: HS R&A Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Suk Kim, In Chan Jeon, Sung Ryong Hur, Chun Won Chol, Byoung Ki Kang
  • Publication number: 20040207202
    Abstract: A riser assembly includes riser segments, each having threaded ends. A coupling nut is connected to the threaded end of the first riser segment. The threads of a second riser segment and a set of corresponding threads of the coupling nut are breech threads, which allow the second riser segment to stab into the coupling nut and engage the first riser segment. The coupling nut rotates a portion of a turn in order for the breech threads of the second riser segment and the first riser segment to engage each other. Castellations on the first and second riser segments engage each other to transmit torsional forces from one riser segment to the other instead of through the threads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Parks
  • Patent number: 6494501
    Abstract: A pipe joint connecting a pipe using an anaerobic adhesive, which possesses a double pipe structure formed with an inner pipe fitting into the inner circumference side of the end of the pipe, and an outer pipe fitting into the outer circumference side of the end of the pipe, integrated with a gap between them, and a tapered surface formed with at least one or the other of the inner piper or outer pipe approaching the other; and a pleated O-ring provided on the end of the outer pipe to set the pipe in place by tightening an O-ring locking material supported by the outer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignees: Nippon Electronics Technology Co., LTD, Kyokutoh Industry, Ltd., Tsukamoto Kuchosetsubi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuichi Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6276727
    Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling for thermoplastic pipe, the coupling including an outer sleeve with cuff portions at opposite open ends and an internally directed flaring, the sleeve having a central circumferential ridge between the cuff portions, the coupling also including a plurality of compression shoes with adjustment screws, with the compression shoes engaging the inside of the ends of the pipe and clamping the pipe against the inside of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Gunter Schlicht
  • Patent number: 6213522
    Abstract: A device and system for securing adjacent segments of duct work formed from fibrous glass duct board insulation and the like is disclosed. The device comprises a corner member having two legs disposed at approximately right angles, each of said legs having oppositely facing and substantially parallel adjacent channels disposed therein to accommodate portions of opposed edges of adjacent segments of duct work. The system includes a plurality of corner members each having two legs disposed at approximately right angles, said legs having substantially parallel and oppositely facing adjacent channels disposed therein to accommodate at least a portion of the opposed edges of adjacent segments of duct work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Jacobson, Murray S. Toas, Thomas A. Cuthbertson, Robert W. Storey, Kurt O. Mankell
  • Patent number: 6098727
    Abstract: An electrically insulating gap subassembly for inclusion in a pipe string (30) comprising a pair of tubular members (90, 98) having an electrically insulating isolation subassembly (94) threadably disposed therebetween is disclosed. The electrically insulating isolation subassembly (94) has an anodized aluminum surface that provides electrical isolation to interrupt electrical contact between the two tubular members (90, 98) such that electromagnetic waves (46, 54) carrying information may be generated thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Harrison C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6022054
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for two pipe ends having the same inner diameter includes a first pipe coupling joining the pipe ends. The first pipe coupling is formed from a section of pipe having approximately the same inner diameter as the pipe ends and is split longitudinally. A second pipe coupling is clamped over the location of the junction between the pipe ends. The second pipe coupling is formed from a section of pipe having approximately the same inner diameter as the pipe ends and is split longitudinally. The split of the second pipe coupling is offset from the split of the first pipe coupling. The couplings may include an inner and an outer coupling, two outer couplings, or an inner coupling and two outer couplings. Each inner coupling have a strip of material removed along its longitudinal split so that it can be compressed to substantially close the gap at its split and inserted into a pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Duane G. Hemphill, Joie L. Folkers
  • Patent number: 5909903
    Abstract: For coupling first and second metal pipes, a coupling structure is provided which comprises a first diametrically angled end portion of the first metal pipe and a second diametrically enlarged end portion of the second metal pipe. The second enlarged end portion is mated with the first enlarged end portion so that the first and second metal pipes are aligned. A collar member of metal is concentrically disposed within the mated first and second enlarged end portions. The collar member is formed, around an axially middle portion thereof, with an annular ridge which entirely and intimately contacts with inner surfaces of the mated first and second enlarged end portions. A fastening ring of metal is concentrically disposed about the mated first and second enlarged end portions. The fastening ring is so shaped as to have a concave inner surface which intimately and entirely contacts with rounded outer surfaces of the mated first and second enlarged end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Calsonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Takahashi, Eizo Suyama
  • Patent number: 5681225
    Abstract: The apparatus includes an annular member having a pivotal member pivotally coupled to the annular member to which an elongated elastic member may be attached with the other end of the elastic member attached to a fixed object. Two clamp members are provided each of which has an enlarged base with a neck extending from one end of the base and a collar formed at the other end of the neck such that a curved slot is located on the outside of the clamp member between the base and the collar. The base of each of clamp member has first flattened portions on opposite sides of a first slot and the neck and collar of each clamp member has second flattened portions on opposite sides of a second slot which is a continuation of the first slot. The first flattened portions of the bases of the two clamp members may engage each other such that the second flattened portions and second slots extend away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: John F. Cary
  • Patent number: 5592974
    Abstract: A restrictor for limiting the volume of fluid flowing from an automotive hose into a heat exchanging device in an automotive heating or air-conditioning system is disclosed. The restrictor includes a generally cylindrical, hollow body disposed in the hose and a flow limiting washer disposed in the body. The body includes an annular wall having a stepped region of reduced cross-sectional area which receives a hose clamp therein to prevent sliding and rotation of the restrictor within the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David D. Grohs, Fred G. Schroeder, Pamela K. Blanco
  • Patent number: 5470112
    Abstract: A coupling ring for joining circular sheet metal ducts has oppositely opening grooves for receiving meeting ends of the ducts, and is diametrically adjustable to accommodate variations in the duct diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Keating Koupling, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Keating
  • Patent number: 5269572
    Abstract: A pair of elongated cylindrical members are constructed with first and second collars extending axially beyond their adjoining ends. The first and second collars have adjoining indentations and projections at their end edges which are adapted to interlock with one another so as to prevent rotation of the two elongated members with respect to one another. A coupler is removably fitted over the exterior of the first and second collars and holds them together against axial movement with respect to one another. The collars are each welded to the axial ends of the first and second cylindrical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Gold Star Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd R. Mefferd
  • Patent number: 5184850
    Abstract: A method of connecting pipes of plastics material of a double pipe system and a pipe connection made by the method. The inner pipes of the pipe system are connected to each other with a sleeve member by welding or gluing. Clamping jaws are used for holding and moving the inner pipes toward each other. The outer pipes are shorter than the inner pipes at least by the thickness of the two clamping jaws. For bridging the gap between the outer pipes, an expandable intermediate ring is inserted in the gap. An electric welding sleeve is used for connecting the outer pipes and the intermediate ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Georg Fischer AG
    Inventor: Jorg Wermelinger
  • Patent number: 5143407
    Abstract: An improved pipe coupling device comprising a cylindrical outer layer of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride formed with a central inwardly-extending boss which coaxially supports a copper pipe extending therethrough and having recesses encircling said copper pipe adajcent each end of said outer layer to permit pipe to be coupled to be inserted into said recesses in a manner to encircle said copper pipe and to facilitate joining of the pipe to be coupled to said outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Emmet Cokeh
  • Patent number: 5139288
    Abstract: A coupling device (10) provides sealing members (24), (26), preferably Indium wire O-rings (72), (74), suitable for sealing engagement with an insulating member (28) under cryogenic, high-pressure conditions. Coupling device (10) is designed to couple a first metal pipe attached to a first adapter (12), and a second metal pipe attached to a second adapter (14), so that fluid may be conveyed via bore (36), chamber (84), and bore (48) under such cryogenic high-pressure conditions. According to the invention, the coupling device (10) provides effective sealing under these extreme conditions while also providing thermal and electrical insulation due to the advantageous construction featuring insulating member (28), first collar member (20) and second collar member (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Habib Najm, Cecil J. Davis, Gregory E. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5135267
    Abstract: A conduit connection fitting includes a core member having an axial bore therethrough and two or more spigot portions, and a sleeve member encasing a central part of the core member. The spigot portions extend beyond the ends of the sleeve member which may be constructed in two hinged halves, preferably of a moulded plastics material. The sleeve member is stepped adjacent each spigot portion to provide an annular rebate to receive a swagable collar. A conduit is combined with the fitting by swaging the collar to the conduit which fixes the collar and the conduit to the spigot portion.A method of assembling such a connection fitting, the sleeve is positioned about the central part of the core member, such that the spigot portions extend beyond the ends of the sleeve. An annular slot is formed around the spigot by putting a collar around the spigot, which collar is supported by the rebate. The conduits to be connected are positioned in eah slot, and the collars are then swaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Van Leer Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Wilson
  • Patent number: 5129689
    Abstract: A pipe union device and method in which terminal ends of well casing, well production tubing or drill pipe are connected in fluid type fashion by stressing compressively a spacer disposed between terminal ends of adjacent lengths of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Milagro Newski, Alejandro Newski, Olegario Rivas
  • Patent number: 4749217
    Abstract: A pipe fitting having an improved means of securing a polymeric pipe thereto, wherein the first part of the pipe fitting comprises a head, a tail extending downstream of the head, an annular ridge surrounding the tail downstream of the head, and a male thread between the ridge and the head. A nut arranged to engage the first part of the pipe fitting, has a number of resilient spaced fingers extending upstream from an outwardly diverging mouth. The fingers have portions of a female movement which engage the male thread to resist upstream movement of the nut, but which can disengage and slide ("ratchet") over the male thread if the nut is moved in a downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Bridges Corporation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Lyall J. Causby, Geoffrey P. Kastelein
  • 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
  • Patent number: 4718698
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a fusion welded butt joint between thermoplastic pipe sections. Thermoplastic tubular insert sleeves having end flanges are inserted into the ends of the pipe sections with the flanges located in abutting relation. A coupling collar mounting a heating device is slid along one of the pipe sections into overlying relation with the butt joint formed by the engaged flanges. The heating device is energized to fusion weld the coupling sleeve to the pipe sections and to the flanges. The insert sleeves internally support the butt joint area of the pipe sections against thermal sagging during the fusion welding, and the flanges in their molten state tend to flow and compensate for dimensional discrepancies in the pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: R. W. Lyall & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Hill
  • Patent number: 4641860
    Abstract: A coupling for fluidly connecting flexible tubing includes a rigid connector and an elastic retaining sleeve. The rigid connector has a main portion and a first and preferably second male end portions projecting therefrom with a fluid passage disposed within the male end portions and the main portion for fluid communication with the flexible tubing. The elastic sleeve member has a connector gripping section that circumferentially grips the main portion of the connector and a first and preferably second section for gripping the flexible tubing. The first and second sections are initially in a retracted position, folded-back over the connector gripping section and are movable to a second tubing-engaging position to grip the tubing. Preferably, handles are attached to the first and second gripping sections of the sleeve proximate their ends so that the sleeve may be gripped manually to facilitate movement of the first and second sections from the retracted position to the tubing-engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Berkley and Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. McMickle, James T. Rumbaugh, Robert L. Netsch
  • Patent number: 4624485
    Abstract: A concentric insulating tubular conduit member for use in forming a conduit string, such as a tubing string in a subterranean well, is disclosed. Each individual concentric conduit comprises an outer tubing and an outwardly flared inner tubing welded to the outer tubing at the end of the flared section. The inner tubing member is formed from an initially straight cylindrical member having enlarged ends and, when outwardly flared, the flared ends, although stretched, have a thickness at least equal to the nominal thickness of the inner tubular member. Insulation may be contained within the annular cavity between the inner and outer tubing members and between inner and outer coupling members at the juncture between adjacent tubing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. McStravick, David V. Chenoweth
  • Patent number: 4621838
    Abstract: An insert for insulating the area of the coupling two doublewalled tubing segments of an insulated steam injection tubing string. The insert is mounted to overlie both of a pair of adjacent tubing segment end portions radially inwardly thereof. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the insert has two walls which are spaced apart and connected at their ends to define an annular space therebetween in which thermal insulation may be provided. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the insert is engaged to one of the end portions and is spaced from the other of the end portions to prevent flowthrough of vapor and to allow vapor to enter between the insert and coupling and condense to provide an insulating medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Kurt E. Kneidel, Minh Luu
  • Patent number: 4564201
    Abstract: A method of forming a seal over at a discontinuity in a tubular area e.g. a joint between two pipes comprises providing a sealing element around the area and clamping the element in position with a clamping element extending around the sealing element. The clamping element has portions with interengaging formations (e.g. teeth) adapted to allow relative movement between said two portions to apply clamping pressure to the element but to prevent relative movement in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Mavie Limited
    Inventor: Joseph R. Hannah
  • Patent number: 4538837
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy pipe having a non-corrosible lining coating the interior surface thereof, and an annular sleeve formed of non-corrosible material to fit over and grip an end of the pipe, this sleeve being shaped to cover the end of the material forming the pipe and overlapping and gripping both the interior lining and the outer surface of the pipe. This sleeve fitted on the pipe end will fit within a standard pipe coupling to be gripped thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Inventor: Allan D. Cronk
  • Patent number: 4519637
    Abstract: A repair coupling is herein disclosed which is particularly suited for use with fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin pipe. The coupling comprises a pair of inner and outer sleeves to be secured on respective end portions of a pair of pipe sections to be coupled, a tubular seal carrier, and a clamp. Each inner sleeve is axially slit and has a tapered external thread. Each outer sleeve has a complementary internal thread. The inner sleeves have internal teeth so that threading of the outer sleeves onto the inner sleeves causes the teeth to grip the respective pipe end to secure the inner and outer sleeves thereto. The seal carrier has opposed seal-carrying sections which fit into the respective pipe ends and form internal fluid seals, and a flange between the seal-carrying sections forming a spacer between the adjacent pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Ameron Inc.
    Inventor: Joie L. Folkers
  • Patent number: 4514244
    Abstract: A plastic pipe element comprises an inner one-piece liner of thermoplastic material. The liner is formed so as to include at least one cylindrical leg having a free outer end and inner end disposed intermediate opposite ends of the liner. At least one pipe section is formed comprising an inner thermoplastic lining and a fiber reinforced outer layer. That pipe section is bonded to an outer surface of the cylindrical leg such that an inner end edge of the pipe section overlies the liner. A sheet of fiber reinforced thermosetting resin molding compound is applied externally around the inner end edge of the pipe section and is subjected to pressure and heat to form the sheet into a desired shape. Thereafter, the sheet is allowed to harden. Elements formed in this manner include a T-fitting, a pipe flange, a 90.degree. fitting, a reducer fitting, a 45.degree. fitting, and a pipe cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shaefer, Kenneth J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 4508370
    Abstract: A rigid, molded fiberglass duct having an integral bendable elbow comprised of two sections of cured fiberglass securely bonded to a corrugated metal-foil sleeve. The method of manufacturing the rigid bendable duct is by sliding a corrugated metal-foil sleeve on to a mandrel and then wrapping the ends of the sleeve with uncured fiberglass. The area of the uncured fiberglass overlapping the corrugated, bendable sleeve is compacted by means of a collar which fits around the sleeve and the fiberglass and compresses the fiberglass into the corrugations of the sleeve. In order to enhance the bond, protusions may be provided in the overlapping area of the sleeve, such as by cutting the corrugated sleeve and bending it up to form tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Inventor: Clifford A. Schroeder