Clamped Patents (Class 285/406)
  • Patent number: 11802641
    Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed having a clamp body configured in a cylindrical shape and having four penetrations that each have a bolt hole penetration with a first side penetration and a second side penetration and at least four jaws, each of the at least four jaws configured to be inserted into one of the at least four penetrations, each jaw having a first side and a second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventors: Gary Warren Stratulate, Gary Pendleton
  • Patent number: 11566733
    Abstract: A v-clamp provides an enhanced axial load to tubular body end flanges in order to establish a fluid-tight joint therebetween. The v-clamp, according to an example, has a v-angle that varies in value over a section or more of a band of the v-clamp. The varying v-angle has been shown to effect an axial load that is more evenly and uniformly applied around a circumference of the v-clamp and to the underlying tubular body end flanges. Furthermore, in an example, the tubular body end flanges have a partially spherical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 10811746
    Abstract: A waveguide connecting apparatus including two waveguide connecting clamps each including a pair of clamp pieces positioned to oppose each other and sandwich outer peripheral portions of flanges positioned to oppose each other. A fastener pressing the pair of clamp pieces against the outer peripheral portions of the flanges. Each clamp piece includes two abutting members having first faces abutting against faces on the opposite side of faces that oppose each other of the flanges positioned to oppose each other. Second faces abutting against side faces of the waveguides, and third faces serving as tapered faces of the flanges, on the opposite side of the faces opposing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: MICROWAVE CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akinori Ishizuka, Hisao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9829119
    Abstract: A securing device for mechanical components that is comprised of the securing device is designed as a longitudinal plastic strip comprised of a first complementary tab and a second complementary tab. The first complementary tab and the second complementary tab interlock together and rest flush against one another in a manner that lines up the hole of the first complementary tab with the hole of the second complementary tab. The securing device may be surrounded by a cushion to improve the securing functionality of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Mathieu Desjardins, Dimitri Laflamme, Frederic Wallman, Rachid Ouallou, Jeremi Proulx
  • Patent number: 9658020
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting a barrel to a firearm are disclosed herein. The firearm may include a barrel, an upper receiver, a hand guard assembly, a lower receiver, a pistol grip, a buttstock, and a trigger. A barrel extension may include internal threads, mounting protrusions, mounting apertures, an elongated front barrel extension portion, an elongated rear barrel extension portion, and a barrel extension mounting flange. The barrel extension may be sandwiched and secured in between the upper receiver and the hand guard assembly via clamping screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Daniel Defense, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin C. Daniel, Clinton Wade Lynch
  • Patent number: 9400072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a maritime supply line with at least two line elements which respectively comprise a jacket pipe, at least two inner lines which are arranged in the jacket pipe and a connecting element arranged at least at one end of the line element for the formation of a watertight connection to a line element to be connected. It is provided according to the invention that the connecting element comprises a connecting flange with a radially projecting collar, on which a radially projecting collar of a connecting flange of the line element to be connected can be placed. For the formation of the watertight connection the two radially projecting collars are incorporated by at least one tensioning clamp and are axially tensioned against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Michael Finkenzeller, Georg Hofner, Ulli Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 9027970
    Abstract: In relation to fluid pressure devices, a connection apparatus, by which a filter, a regulator and a lubricator that constitute a fluid pressure unit are mutually connected, is equipped with a base member having a hole therein, a pair of first and second fastening members mounted respectively on one side surface and another side surface of the base member, and first and second holders in which the first and second fastening members are retained. Additionally, the first and second holders engage respectively with engagement projections of the filter, the regulator and the lubricator, and first and second nuts are screw-engaged with the first and second fastening members, whereby the fluid pressure devices are connected together through the first and second holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Wada, Koji Katsuta
  • Publication number: 20150078892
    Abstract: Turbomachines, coupling devices and methods for coupling a first casing and an second casing together are provided. The first casing and second casing include mating bore holes defined in mating flanges thereof, which may be misaligned. The coupling device may include a bushing insertable and positionable within one of the mating bore holes, and a pin insertable and positionable within the bushing and the other of the mating bore holes. The bushing and pin may each include eccentric features which may facilitate insertion into the mating bore holes when the bore holes are misaligned, thus coupling the first casing and second casing together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ariel Harter Lomas, Bradley Steven Carey, Fabio Bozzoni, Marco Bonini
  • Publication number: 20150069755
    Abstract: A connector can include multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures which clamp two hubs together, and a biasing device which biases the engagement structures toward an open configuration thereof, in which the hubs are separable from each other. Another connector can include multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures, each having a recess which receives hubs therein, and a sleeve which encircles the engagement structures and prevents the engagement structures from displacing radially outward from an open configuration thereof, in which the hubs are separable from each other. A method of making a connection to a wellhead can include applying pressure to a connector, thereby allowing multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures to displace outward to an open configuration thereof, and displacing one hub of the connector into contact with another hub secured to the wellhead, the engagement structures axially aligning the hubs during the displacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Brad R. BULL, William D. KENDRICK
  • Publication number: 20150042090
    Abstract: A combined hub joint and connector arrangement for rigidly connecting two axially consecutive tubular members is shown. The tubular members have respective hub end surfaces to be mated, where each hub further includes a flanged end having an external tapered activation surface adapted for complementary engagement with an internal tapered activation surface of the connector, The activation surfaces are able to transform a transversally acting force, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the joined hubs, to an axially acting force when the connector is activated to make up the joint. The hub end mating surfaces diverge at least over some area of said mating surfaces and opens up in a radially outwards direction. The connector can either be a clamp connector, collet connector or split ring connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Morten Rengman Mørck, Anders Rynning
  • Publication number: 20150014990
    Abstract: A fastening ring (1) for fastening a pouch (2) in a container (4) made up of a bottle (42, 43) provided with an upper opening closeable by extraction means (3) optionally mounted on a cup (5), an upper tubular portion, preferably cylindrical, provided at its upper end with an outwardly projecting flange dimensioned to bear against the upper opening of a bottle and to be clamped between the upper opening of the bottle and the outer edge of extraction means or the outer edge of a cup (5) equipped with the extraction means (3) during packaging of the container, a tenon positioned in the extension of the upper tubular portion, on the side opposed to the flange, for fastening anti-collapse means (6) or an immersion tube, and a portion for fastening the pouch (2), which portion can be formed by the tubular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: LINDAL FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Hervé Bodet, Jérôme Peltier
  • Patent number: 8899551
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a body recess and a bonnet including a bonnet recess having a bonnet mating surface. The valve assembly further includes a valve cage disposed within an interior of the valve body, the valve cage including a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a circumferential mating protrusion extending from an outer surface in a transverse direction, the mating protrusion including an upper mating surface and a lower mating surface. The upper mating surface is disposed within the bonnet recess to be aligned with the bonnet mating surface, and the lower mating surface is disposed within the body recess to be aligned with the body mating surface, wherein the upper and lower mating surface are not parallel. Accordingly, clamping forces acting on the mating protrusion include a longitudinal and tangential component, allowing for increased clamping forces without plastically deforming the mating protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Mark J. Linser
  • Patent number: 8888144
    Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting misaligned pipe sections, where two sets of variably spaced bearings enable the transfer of evenly distributed pressure from a collar member to a coupling member. One embodiment comprises a misalignment coupling that includes first and second coupling members, a collar, and two sets of bearings. The collar is positioned around the second coupling member and has a flange for coupling to a flange of the first coupling member. The bearings are positioned in an annular space between the second coupling member and the collar. The two sets of bearings have variable spacing and are interleaved, with one set contacting the collar and one set contacting the second coupling member. When the flanges are secured to each other, contact pressure is transferred from the collar through the bearings to the second coupling member, thereby applying contact pressure between the first and second coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan D. Cook
  • Patent number: 8819914
    Abstract: A method for joining pipe elements end-to-end using a pair of pipe couplings attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space includes inserting the pipe elements into the central space, moving the coupling segments toward one another and engaging surface regions of the coupling segments with outer surfaces of the pipe elements, initially at a first contact point on the coupling segments and subsequently at second and third contact points on the coupling segments. The first contact point is located between opposite ends of the coupling segments and may be located on a region of infinite radius of curvature, may project radially inwardly toward the pipe elements, and may be located midway between the opposite ends of the segments. The second and third contact points are located at opposite ends of the coupling segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael V. Porter, Craig Haney, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole, John W. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20140167410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for fluid lines having of a coupling part that can be plugged together with a counter-coupling part along a plug-in axis. A locking device releasably locks the coupling part together with the counter-coupling part. The locking device includes a radially elastically deformable holding element held outside on the coupling part and at least partially encompassing it circumferentially. The holding element interacts with the coupling part, when positioned on the coupling part, via a fixation structure, such that said holding element can optionally be oriented in different relative rotational positions and be fixated in each case to prevent a free, unrestricted rotation about the plug-in axle (X) relative to the coupling part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Jochem-Andreas Hess, Andreas Suhr, Frank Zenses, Boris Thau, Adrian Klehr
  • Patent number: 8740260
    Abstract: An assembly for clamping a flanged tubular components, the assembly including a segmented clamp having a recess configured to accept the flanges of the tubular components, and a hole oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tubular components. The assembly also includes a housing surrounding an outer portion of the segmented clamp and configured for attachment to at least one of the tubular components, and a drive screw that passes through the housing and is threadedly engaged with the hole of the segmented clamp. As the drive screw rotates, it drives the segmented clamp perpendicularly relative to the tubular components between a locked position, in which the circumferential recess engages the flanges of the tubular components, and an unlocked position, in which the circumferential recess is positioned laterally out of engagement with the flanges of the tubular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Shu Yian Liew
  • Publication number: 20140125057
    Abstract: A connection flange for connecting an industrial machine is intended to bear against a collar provided on the body of the machine and to collaborate in clamping with a corresponding connection flange. The connection flange includes an annular one-piece flange body and a split locking piece which fits around a cylindrical part of the body of the machine. The locking piece includes a first face intended to bear against a bearing surface provided on the collar and a second face constituting a thrust surface against which the flange body presses at the time of clamping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: ENSIVAL-MORET FRANCE
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Bouricet
  • Publication number: 20140084585
    Abstract: In relation to fluid pressure devices, a connection apparatus, by which a filter, a regulator and a lubricator that constitute a fluid pressure unit are mutually connected, is equipped with a base member having a hole therein, a pair of first and second fastening members mounted respectively on one side surface and another side surface of the base member, and first and second holders in which the first and second fastening members are retained. Additionally, the first and second holders engage respectively with engagement projections of the filter, the regulator and the lubricator, and first and second nuts are screw-engaged with the first and second fastening members, whereby the fluid pressure devices are connected together through the first and second holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Wada, Koji Katsuta
  • Patent number: 8662191
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8646165
    Abstract: A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation using mechanical pipe couplings. The couplings have a plurality of segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments have arcuate surfaces adapted to interface with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. The method includes inserting end portions of the pipe elements into the central space and then drawing the coupling segments toward one another so as to engage the arcuate surfaces of the segments with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael S. Pigott
  • Publication number: 20130331022
    Abstract: A fluid conditioning assembly includes a fluid conditioning device defining a passage and having a first end and a second end. A control element is supported within the passage. At least the first end includes an integral radially outwardly directed flange. The integral radially outwardly directed flange is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to a first radially outwardly directed flange of a first duct section. A technician may release the fluid conditioning device from the first duct section to remove the fluid conditioning device from the ventilation duct system for accessing the control element of the fluid conditioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Langdon Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Publication number: 20130324029
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for use in a duct system. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member including a base portion and first and second lateral portions. The first and second lateral portions extend less than the full circumferential length of the base portion. The clamp assembly may include a first member, a second member, and a hinge operatively coupling the first member to the second member. A damper access assembly includes an adapter, a damper access duct section, and an annular clamp member. A first flange of the adapter and a second flange of the duct section are configured to form a generally T-shaped joint between the adapter and the damper access duct section. The clamp member is configured to removably secure the adapter to the damper access duct section. The damper access duct section is configured to be removable relative to the damper enclosure and the ductwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: LANGDON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Publication number: 20130324028
    Abstract: A damper access assembly includes an adapter and a removable damper access duct section for use in a ventilation duct system to access a damper. The adapter includes a radially outwardly directed flange. Each of the ends of the damper access duct section includes a radially outwardly directed flange. The flange of the adapter is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to one of the flanges of the damper access duct section. The other second flange at the other end of the damper access duct section is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to the ductwork. A technician may release the damper access duct section from the adapter and from the ductwork and remove the damper access duct section to access the damper. The damper access assembly may include one or more clamps that cooperate with the flanges of the adapter and the removable access duct section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: LANGDON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Patent number: 8585101
    Abstract: A flange connection is provided for a turbocharger and an exhaust system. The flange connection includes, but is not limited to a clamping bracket that engages over flanges provided on the turbocharger and on the exhaust system and clamps them with one another using at least one screw, which, using a screw thread provided in the clamping bracket, exerts pressure on a pressure part, which in turn exerts pressure on the edges of flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Arnold Loebig
  • Publication number: 20130270818
    Abstract: A joint flange includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece. The first and second clamping piece are provided with clamp openings at a center. A periphery of the first and second clamping piece is a protruding wall. Two ends of the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece are provided with corresponding latching parts and positioning parts; whereas, a surface of the first and second clamping piece is provided with plural fixing holes. When using the joint flange, the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece are clamped in a contracted rim of an expansion fitting and are locked with pipes from fixing holes by joining the latching parts with the positioning parts. By the protruding walls, the expansion fitting can be subjected to a uniform force, thus preventing the expansion fitting from damage by being subjected to too large a force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20130145818
    Abstract: A sensor unit for attachment to a container such as a bag or other vessel used to retain material includes a clamping mechanism for attaching the sensor unit to the container. The clamping mechanism may be configured to break or provide an indication that the connection between the sensor and container has broken that is visually detectable before a leak of material occurs or is detectable by a person visually monitoring the container or sensor. Such an indication can also indicate that the sensor was previously used and should not be used again for single use applications. Such a visual indicator is separate and different from seeing an actual leak and permits an event that may desterilize material within the container or lead to other problems to be corrected prior to use of a single use reaction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Mario ALLGÄUER, Philippe EHRISMANN, Dario MEIER, Joachim UFHEIL, Marcus VAYHINGER, Francesca VENTURINI
  • Patent number: 8430433
    Abstract: A coupler device is for connecting first and second casings to form a casing assembly with a central axis, each casing having an inner end disposed against the inner end of the other casing such that the casings are spaced along the axis. The coupler device includes at least one generally arcuate connector having a first portion engageable with the first casing and a second portion engageable with the second casing so as to connect the two casings, the connector extending at least partially circumferentially about the casing axis. A retainer is disposeable either generally within or generally about the at least one connector and is configured to prevent radial displacement of the connector with respect to the axis so as to maintain engagement of the connector with the first and second casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: William C. Maier, Harry F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8424918
    Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling formed of segments attached end to end surrounding a central space is used to connect pipe elements having a raised circumferential shoulder in end to end relationship. The segments have arcuate surfaces and arcuate landings which subtend an angle less than 180° and which have a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of outer surfaces of the pipe elements on the raised circumferential shoulder. The segments are maintained in spaced relation allowing the pipe elements to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the pipe coupling. Connection members attaching the segments to one another are tightened to engage the arcuate surfaces or the arcuate landings with outer surfaces of the pipe elements to effect the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael S Pigott
  • Patent number: 8376413
    Abstract: A connection device for connecting a line for the transport of media, including a flange with a medium passage for passing through a medium along a flow direction, preferably along an axis of symmetry, and including a clamp. The flange includes a contact section and the clamp includes a clamping section, and the flange and the clamp are separably connectable, so that an end section of the line can be clamped between the contact section and the clamping section. The contact section is inclined with respect to the flow direction, and the clamping section is inclined with respect to the flow direction in an assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Veritas AG
    Inventors: John Ennin, Timo Teichmann, Anja Haberland, Andre Enders
  • Patent number: 8317235
    Abstract: A flange cleat comprising a body having a first flange receiving portion and an immediately adjacent second flange receiving portion, a third flange receiving portion cooperatively disposed on the body opposite from the first flange receiving portion and the second flange receiving portion, the body having an elongate portion that extends from the third flange receiving portion, a flexible tab projecting from the elongate portion whereby the flexible tab can be depressed during installation, and the body being resiliently expandable during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hart & Cooley, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kipker, Clark Pridemore, Michael Lutz, Alexander M. Prociv, Tiburcio Hernandez, Jr., Justin Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120256417
    Abstract: The invention relates to flange joint devices. The rapid assembly flange joint consists of a connecting device in the form of a constricting collar made up of at least two parts with a shaped groove on the concave face, said channel corresponding to the cross-section of the two coupled flanges of the members that are being connected, and clamping elements in the form of retaining sections on the flanges. The connecting device is provided with fasteners in the form of walls; the retaining sections are in the form of grooves, the width of which is not less than the thickness of the one or two fasteners that engage therewith. The number of grooves is not less than the number of component parts of the connecting device. The invention provides for a reliable connection between flanged cylindrical members without the need for additional fastening and clamping elements and without increasing the sizes of the connection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Electrophor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey Victorovich Smirnov, Vadim Nikolaevich Knizel
  • Patent number: 8248781
    Abstract: A waste heat recycling device includes an air-duct, a fan and a retaining mechanism. The air-duct is connected to a heat air. The fan communicates with the air-duct. The retaining mechanism clasps the air-duct and retains the fan. The retaining mechanism includes a clip and a support ring. An edge of the air-duct is sandwiched between the clip and the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zheng-Heng Sun, Xiao-Feng Ma
  • Patent number: 8246709
    Abstract: A device and a method for connecting housing sections (5a, 5b, 5c) of soot particle filters uses a yoke-like clamping U-bolt (17) which has, disposed along the two longitudinal sides thereof, gripper-like bulges (29), for the mutual alignment and pressing against one another of end regions of adjacent housing sections (5a, 5b, 5c), which end regions are joined together without overlapping. A sealing tape (31), disposed at the inside of the clamping U-bolt (17), seals the gap between mutually adjoining housing sections (5a, 5b 5c) when the clamping U-bolt (17) is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tehag AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Franken
  • Patent number: 8191933
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a fluid coupling includes: (a) a generally planar, substantially rigid seal retainer with opposed first and second faces, having an annular first groove formed in the first face; (b) a first resilient seal disposed in the first groove; and (c) an annular first backup ring positioned radially outboard of the first resilient seal and secured to the first resilient seal, wherein the first backup ring is substantially harder than the first resilient seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Justin Sanjay Rao, Scott Richard Zearbaugh
  • Patent number: 8087703
    Abstract: A component connecting structure includes a first component having a flange portion, a second component having a flange portion, and a clip for holding the flange portions in a butted state. The clip formed into a generally polygonal shape has a spring body having first and second circumferential end portions overlapped with each other in a diameter reduced free state. The spring body has slits for inserting the flange portions butted against each other in the diameter reduced free state. The first and second circumferential end portions have a temporary engaging protrusion and a temporary engaging ledge, respectively. The temporary engaging ledge is engaged with the temporary engaging protrusion to hold a diameter expanded state of the spring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Kumakawa
  • Patent number: 8070188
    Abstract: A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald Cronley
  • Patent number: 8061385
    Abstract: A coupling frame formed at a connecting portion on an out-port side of a first safety valve, and a coupling frame formed at a connecting portion on an in-port side of a second safety valve are brought into contact with each other, directly or by causing a plate-shaped member to intervene in between. Coupling projections, facing each other, formed in the coupling frame of both the safety valves are sandwiched between a pair of latch portions of a latch member, and a pair of latch members facing each other, are mutually drawn by tightening rod members. The coupling projections of both the safety valves are thereby pressed in a mutually approaching direction with the latch portions of each of both the latch members, and thereby both the safety valves are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masanori Kaitsuka
  • Publication number: 20110233929
    Abstract: A rotatable flange structure is provided which is integrally or monolithically formed with a Y-strainer. The rotatable flange structure can be installed over the front-mating surface of the Y-strainer. A retaining ring fits inside the grooves on the outer edge of a flange portion and on the inner edge of a mounting plate to keep the mounting plate attached to the flange portion. The flange portion can be assembled to the mounting plate and can be removed from the mounting plate in only one direction. The mounting plate may be prevented from completely being removed from the Y-strainer by an angular branch of the Y-strainer body. The retaining ring is compressed slightly by the flange portion as the rotatable mounting plate is installed to the flange portion and snaps back out into the mounting plate groove to complete the assembly and retain the mounting plate to the flange portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: WEBSTONE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Lars Olsen
  • Publication number: 20110233928
    Abstract: A rotatable flange structure is provided which can be installed over the front-mating surface of a plumbing and heating apparatus. A retaining ring fits inside the grooves on the outer edge of a flange portion and on the inner edge of a mounting plate to keep the mounting plate attached to the flange portion. The flange portion can be easily assembled to the rotatable mounting plate and can be removed from the rotatable mounting plate in only one direction. The retaining ring is compressed slightly by the flange portion as the rotatable mounting plate is installed to the flange portion over its front side and snaps back out into the mounting plate groove to complete the assembly and retain the mounting plate to the flange portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Lars Olsen
  • Patent number: 7922218
    Abstract: A coupler device is for connecting first and second casings to form a casing assembly with a central axis, each casing having an inner end disposed against the inner end of the other casing such that the casings are spaced along the axis. The coupler device includes at least one generally arcuate connector having a first portion engageable with the first casing and a second portion engageable with the second casing so as to connect the two casings, the connector extending at least partially circumferentially about the casing axis. A retainer is disposeable either generally within or generally about the at least one connector and is configured to prevent radial displacement of the connector with respect to the axis so as to maintain engagement of the connector with the first and second casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: William C. Maier, Harry F. Miller
  • Patent number: 7909369
    Abstract: A coupling for joining two pipes having end sections, each of which is provided with a circumferential locking rib and can be inserted into the coupling, wherein the coupling has at least one elastic ring that joins at least two elongated webs, and wherein the coupling has stop projections, which lock in place behind the locking ribs when the end sections are inserted in the coupling and can be unlocked to release the connection of the pipes by expanding the at least one ring. Each ring is a separate element from the webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Janos Kertesz, Gerhard Wachter
  • Patent number: 7891713
    Abstract: A pipe clamp includes two clamping members which are hinged together at one end and releasably secured together at the other end. The clamping members each comprising an arcuate, radially inner portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the clamping member and which in profile comprises a bottom portion and two lips which each extend radially inwardly from a corresponding side of the bottom portion. Each lip includes a main portion which extends circumferentially along the inner portion, and at least one lip of at least one clamping member comprises an arcuate circle sector portion which extends between the main portion and an end of the clamping member. In addition, the main portion comprises a lip radius and the circle sector portion comprises a circle sector radius that is larger than the lip radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Knut Håvard Bekkevold
  • Publication number: 20110037258
    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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Alexander R. Matthis, Gregor Reimann
  • Publication number: 20100295298
    Abstract: The prestressed flanged leaktight connection device comprises a first flange (130) presenting a first contact surface (111), a second flange (140) presenting a second contact surface (121) situated facing the first contact surface (111), a sealing gasket (160) received in a gasket housing (170) formed between the first and second contact surfaces and clamping elements (150) for clamping together the first and second flanges (130, 140). The first and second contact surfaces present a localized bearing zone (Z1) forming a dog situated in the vicinity of the sealing gasket (160). At least one (111) of the first and second contact surfaces presents, in the localized bearing zone (Z1) a surface of specified shape, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Isabelle Haumont, Christian Roure
  • Publication number: 20100244443
    Abstract: Dynamical flange clamp for strengthening flange couplings or taking over the bolt forces in a loaded flange coupling, where opposite clamps (1, 2) are preloaded towards each other, contraholders (3) are fitted on one of the clamps (2), functioning as back stop to absorb the preload. When installed on a flange connection the gasket stress is kept virtually constant during the transfer of forces between the flange coupling bolts and the flange clamp. This is done without any further adjustments to the dynamical flange clamp. The dynamic flange clamp is particularly useful during bolt changes in a Hot Bolting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Per-Christian Irgens
  • Patent number: 7789436
    Abstract: A sleeve for joining two pipes (4, 5), each configured with an end flange (2, 3), comprises a base plate (6) with a pipe receiving aperture (7) that is open on one side and is designed to receive a first pipe (4), two side walls (9, 10), and two cover plates (11, 12) between which a second pipe (5) can be interposed. Also present is a spring arm (13), which is connected to one side wall (10) and extends in the direction of the opposite side wall (9) and is able to pivot resiliently toward and away from the base plate (6) within a flexion zone (15). Configured on the spring arm (13) are an engaging claw (16) that extends in the direction of the base plate (6) and is configured to engage in a locking recess (17) introduced into at least one end flange, and a releasing element that extends away from the base plate (6). The pipes can thus be disconnected with relative ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Bruno Bellanti
  • Patent number: 7784837
    Abstract: A tube fitting for connection with a tube includes first and second flanges members and a ferrule between the first and second flanged members. The ferrule engages the tube to form a tube grip and seal when the first and second flanged members are drawn together. A tapered clamp may be used to draw the flanged members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Richard John Medvick
  • Patent number: 7775562
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a female pipe having a flange in the outer peripheral part thereof, a male pipe having a retainer mounting part, and a retainer slidably mounted on the retainer mounting part of the male pipe to slide at a right angle to the axial direction of the male pipe, in which the female pipe and the male pipe are connected with each other by the retainer holding the flange of the female pipe, and the retainer is allowed to move from a temporarily fixed position to a completely pushed-in position on the retainer mounting part only when the female pipe and the male pipe are in a completely connected state, so that a worker can easily and reliably check whether the pipes are in an incompletely connected state or in a completely connected state by means of hand feeling only without relying on a visual check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Nitta Moore Company
    Inventor: Kazunori Sawada
  • Patent number: 7731242
    Abstract: A pipe clamp includes a deformable cylindrical sealing sleeve having a continuous side wall with a slotted opening extending 180 degrees around the circumference of the side wall adapted to receive a gate valve plate. The slotted opening has protruding lips bordered by clamping wedges. Clamps are provided for clamping the sealing sleeve to a pipe. Pressure members are provided. A clamping force with pressure members upon the clamping wedges to clamp the lips into a closed position thereby creating a fluid tight seal when the gate valve plate is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 7726697
    Abstract: A connection structure is provided for connecting heat exchangers (11, 12) to each other for exchanging heat between a first fluid flowing in body parts (13, 14) and a second fluid flowing in heat transfer pipes (15, 16) disposed in the body parts (13, 14). The connection structure includes connection holes (17, 18) provided in the body parts (13, 14) of the heat exchangers (11, 12) and a press-formable connection member (19), connected to the outer surfaces of the body parts (13, 14) for fluidly coupling the connecting holes (17, 18) so that the body parts (13, 14) are allowed to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: T. Rad. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimichi Kobayashi