Gas And Water Specific Plumbing Component Making Patents (Class 29/890.14)
  • Patent number: 7047615
    Abstract: A method of making combustion turbine transition duct bodies without longitudinal welds by hydroforming two duct bodies back to back with bellows thrusters secured to the duct body open ends. This enables the manufacturing of duct bodies with detailed features and high pressure without using compression cylinders. Multi-layer transition duct bodies can also be assembled with layers of different materials, for example, having a heat-resistant layer inside and high strength layer outside. They can be assembled using cold shrinking and heat expanding. In addition, anti-fretting and anti-vibration coatings can be applied between the layers for improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Richard S. Norek
  • Patent number: 7017269
    Abstract: A gas inlet manifold for a plasma chamber having a perforated gas distribution plate suspended by flexible side walls. The flexible suspension minimizes mechanical stress due to thermal expansion of the gas distribution plate. In another aspect, the suspension provides thermal isolation between the gas distribution plate and other components of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. White, Ernst Keller, Wendell T. Blonigan
  • Patent number: 7017949
    Abstract: A flexible corrugated hose fitting, which is particularly provided for high-pressure installations, such as air conditioning installations using CO2 as the refrigerant, has a connecting element, which can be snapped together with the interior corrugated pipe of the flexible corrugated hose. In addition, the connecting element has sealing elements, which come into sealing contact with the corrugated pipe. Following the area receiving the sealing elements, the connecting element has a cone, which is used as a clamping section. An exterior squeeze ring, or other squeeze element, is used for pressing the exposed end of the corrugated pipe against the clamping section. A pressing sleeve is used for pressing, which drives the squeeze ring by a wedge effect inward. It has an appropriate conical interior surface. The squeeze ring moreover extends over the sheathing. For further securing of the connection, the pressing sleeve can be pressed together here with the sheathing by an appropriate deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Luft, Axel Schneider, Michael Markus Huck, Harald Twardawski
  • Patent number: 6988317
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a valve integrally associated with a microfluidic transport assembly that is useful for regulating the flow of a liquid sample through an analytical instrument such as, for example, a biosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Biacore AB
    Inventors: Stefan Sjölander, Thord Hansson
  • Patent number: 6974161
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a filter element to a filter conduit has male and female couplings each having a passageway for fluid. The male coupling is secured to the filter conduit and has at least two radially projecting lugs. The female coupling is secured to the filter element and has at least two latching tabs for engaging the lugs. A spring is operatively mounted on the male coupling and interferes with the radially projecting lugs. The spring is disposed so as to engage at least one latching tab when the male and female couplings are moved toward each other. The spring urges the latching tabs to rotate in a first angular direction thereby causing the tab to latch to a lug of the male coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Graver Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Bozenmayer
  • Patent number: 6968618
    Abstract: An expandable threaded connection includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member and a threaded connection for coupling the tubular members that includes one or more sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack, Alan B. Duell, Andrei Gregory Filippov
  • Patent number: 6942253
    Abstract: An improved locator and hose clamp configuration that is able to statically position a hose clamp in close proximity to the end of a hose, and resist substantial pull off loads. The improved hose clamp locator comprises a connection portion, a head portion, a deflecting portion having a reduced bending resistance positioned between the connection and head portion, an end portion extending angularly from the head portion, a clip portion extending angularly from the end portion, and a tooth portion disposed to engage an interior surface of a hose extending angularly from the clip portion. Also provided is an improved hose clamp assembly comprising a band provided with a partial aperture, an adjustor disposed to facilitate constriction of the band, and a clamp locator connected to the band and positioned adjacent the partial aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Epicor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Bowater
  • Patent number: 6928732
    Abstract: An arbitrary position of a pipe is clamped and a connector is engaged with the pipe. Then, an end portion of the pipe is expanded with a tool such as a diameter expanding punch so as to caulk the pipe to the connector from inside. As a pipe fluctuation-absorbing portion, which is a relief space of pipe material, is provided in a portion of an inner face of the connector, when the diameter-expanding portion is formed, an excess pipe material is absorbed there and the length of the pipe is reduced and adjusted to an appropriate value. A portion in which the pipe fluctuation-absorbing portion is formed is not limited to a forward end portion of the pipe but it may be formed on an inner face of the connector corresponding to an intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sakai, Makoto Ito, Shinji Kato
  • Patent number: 6920750
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing liquid fuel rocket engine member (10). The member forms a body of revolution having an axis of revolution and a cross section that varies in diameter along said axis. The wall structure includes a plurality of cooling channels (11). The outside of the wall structure includes a continuous sheet metal wall (14). The cooling channels (11) are longitudinally attached to the inside of the sheet metal wall. The method for manufacturing the rocket engine member (10) includes the steps of forming a sheet metal wall (14) having a wall section corresponding to the desired nozzle section, providing a plurality of channel members (15), and attaching the channel members (15) to the inside of the sheet metal wall (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Häggander, Jan Lundgren, Mats Hallqvist
  • Patent number: 6918619
    Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly includes a first and a second pipe coupling member with the first coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical convex seat portion, and the second coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical concave seat portion. Each flange includes a first plurality of pivot notches. The coupling assembly further includes a first and a second cylindrical spring ring. Each spring ring includes a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The body includes a main bore and a plurality of bolt bores extending therethrough. A plurality of pivot bearings extend from the first surface with each pivot bearing configured to engage a pipe section flange notch. A plurality of bolt bore seats are located in the second surface and coaxially aligned with the bolt bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Thompson
  • Patent number: 6907664
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fuel inlet having a good sealing property and a screw structure formed in a precise position involves expanding one end of a long-length stainless pipe (metal pipe) using a cored bar, the tip of the expanded portion which becomes non-uniform as a result of the expanding step is cut off, a screw structure is formed in the expanded portion by using a punch, the tip of the expanded portion which becomes non-uniform as a result of the screw structure forming step is cut off, and thereafter curl forming is conducted to the end of the expanded portion which becomes uniform by using a die so as to provide a seal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Bestex Kyoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Tada, Mikio Morinaga, Hiroshi Kashima, Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6904667
    Abstract: An injection molding process for fabricating a Coriolis flowmeter. The process includes the steps forming a material flow path core using a core mold, placing the formed material flow path core into a wrapper mold having a cavity whose surfaces define the exterior surface of the plastic Coriolis flowmeter structure to be formed, injecting low temperature metal or soluble material into the cavity of the wrapper mold, removing the plastic Coriolis flowmeter structure from the wrapper mold, and removing the material flow path core from the plastic Coriolis flowmeter by melting the low temperature metal core or by dissolving the soluble material using hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Treat Lanham, Anthony Pankratz
  • Patent number: 6902202
    Abstract: A method and a device for connecting parts of an exhaust gas system which comprises at least one metal tube formed from a bellows and optionally further parts disposed coaxially within and/or outside of the bellows and at least one further system part to be connected to the metal tube, are characterized in that one end of a short connecting tube is inserted positively in an end of the metal tube and the other end is inserted positively in the system part to be connected to the metal tube, and the system part is moved to the end of the metal tube facing the system part, thereby leaving a gap, and the system part, the connecting tube and the metal tube being connected from the outside in one working step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: IWKA Balg- und Kompensatoren- Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Maximilian Huber
  • Patent number: 6895670
    Abstract: A method of attaching a self-aligning flange to a vacuum pipe includes a flange member, a collar member and a stop member. An inner perimeter of the collar member is sized to receive an outer perimeter of a pipe. The flange member extends outward from an outer perimeter of the collar member. The stop member extends inward from the inner perimeter of the collar member. A method of forming a large diameter extruded pipe includes a continuous cross section of at least six inches in diameter. It is preferable to weld a flange to one end of the large diameter extruded pipe. Immediately after the large diameter extruded pipe has been formed in an extrusion press, it is sprayed with a coolant to increase the surface hardness thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: RASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Dresang, Peter W. Utecht
  • Patent number: 6871401
    Abstract: An insertion tool for attaching a corporation stop onto a tapping saddle uses a body member that has a top with an opening therein, an open bottom, a first side, a second side, a third side opposite the first side, and a fourth side opposite the second side. A generally rectangular-shaped first notch is located on the first side of the body member while a generally U-shaped second notch is located on the third side. A corporation stop having a shank, a valve handle and a valve packing is provided such that the shank of the corporation stop is received within the body member, the valve handle is received within the first notch, and the valve packing is received within the second notch. An extension of a socket wrench is received within the opening and the socket wrench is used to turn the body member and thus the corporation stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Mike Blankenship
  • Patent number: 6843512
    Abstract: A connector for connecting plastic tubing includes a receiver having a captured ring seal, the ring seal for compressively forming a fluid seal when in engagement with the plastic tubing; and a plurality of inward directed angled fingers disposed in the receiver for compressively engaging the tubing, a force being exertable by the fingers on the tubing, the force acting to resist withdrawal of the tubing from engagement with the fingers. A method of connecting is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: CUNO Incorporated
    Inventors: Karl Fritze, Brian D. Gale
  • Patent number: 6839966
    Abstract: A branch pipe joint comprises a branch pipe joint body to which various pipes each having a different diameter are connected; and connecting pipes to be provided between the branch pipe joint body and the pipes. The connecting pipes are selected from various kinds of connecting pipes in accordance with sizes of fitting portions of the pipes. The selected pipe has a fitting portion at one end portion thereof to which the pipe is fitted, while the other end portion of the connecting pipe is connected to a communication port provided to the branch pipe joint body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kakinuma Kinzoku Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Kakinuma
  • Patent number: 6840545
    Abstract: A welded flange connection and methods and apparatus for producing the connection are disclosed. A weld insert is disposed between the flared ends of abutted plastic pipe or plastic-lined pipe sections. The weld insert includes an annular support disc having a resistance heating element disposed at least about the inner circumference of the disc. When held tightly between the flared ends of abutted pipe sections power can be applied to the heating element to produce sufficient heat to temporarily raise the temperature of the adjacent surfaces of the flared sections of pipe above their melting point. When the weld is cooled, a strong, fluid-tight, thermoplastic weld is formed. A welded flange connection using the weld insert of the present invention effectively and efficiently produces high quality, fluid-tight connections in plastic pipe and plastic-lined piping systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Bernd Schulte-Ladbeck, Oscar O. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 6823589
    Abstract: A method of flexibly mounting a gas distribution plate to the back wall of a gas inlet manifold for a plasma chamber. A perforated gas distribution plate is suspended from the back wall by flexible side walls. The flexible suspension minimizes mechanical stress due to thermal expansion of the gas distribution plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. White, Ernst Keller, Wendell T. Blonigan
  • Patent number: 6824169
    Abstract: A clamp subassembly includes an annular clamp and a clip attached to the clamp. A hose and clamp assembly includes a hose having an outer surface and an opposing sealing surface and includes the clamp subassembly. The clamp surrounds the hose and has an inner surface with an adjustable diameter. The clip includes a tang having a free end embedded in the hose providing attachment of the clamp subassembly to the hose, wherein no portion of the clamp and no portion of the clip interferes with the sealing surface of the hose. A method for attaching an annular clamp to a hose includes attaching a clip to the clamp, wherein the clip includes a tang having a free end. The clamp is disposed to surround the hose. The free end of the tang is embedded in the hose. In a different embodiment, for the assembly and the subassembly, the clamp and the tang together define a monolithic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Willett Coffman
  • Patent number: 6817099
    Abstract: An integral high strength threaded pipe connection formed on joints of plain-end pipe, and a method for manufacturing, wherein the ends of the joints are rough machined, swaged, and then finish machined, preferably but not necessarily, with only one chucking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Beverly Watts Ramas
    Inventor: John Dawson Watts
  • Patent number: 6810573
    Abstract: In manufacturing a fuel inlet, bulge forming and bend processing are conducted to a stainless pipe which will serve as an inlet pipe. Next, one end of the stainless pipe is eccentrically expanded, and the hardened portion is removed. After the pipe expanding step is finished, boring processing is conducted so that a breather pipe can be inserted into the inlet pipe, a guide is spot-welded to the inside of the eccentrically expanded portion, and a screw structure is formed. The inlet pipe and the breather pipe are degreased and cleaned as a pretreatment for brazing, and brazing is conducted by using BAg-4 (Low-temperature brazing material) at a temperature of 750-850° C. Removing of the flux and cleaning are conducted as a post-treatment for brazing, and finally coating is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Bestex Kyoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Morinaga, Hiroshi Kashima, Takashi Nakamura, Minoru Tada, Shinji Hirakawa
  • Publication number: 20040197240
    Abstract: An integrated fuel processor apparatus and enclosure for converting hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas. The integrated apparatus includes a fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich reformate that contains water and a combustible gas component. The fuel processor is enclosed in a gas impermeable enclosure that has a collection vessel for receiving water separated from the reformate stream. The collection vessel has a drain for directing the water out of the enclosure. The collection vessel is open to the interior of the enclosure so that combustible gases that are entrained in the water can evaporate to the interior of the enclosure. The enclosure has a ventilator for evacuating the combustible gases from within the enclosure. Where high levels of combustible gases are present, the ventilator is configured to direct the gases to a combustor. A gas detection sensor is included in the enclosure to monitor the interior of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: William Spencer Wheat, Kenneth Joseph Bunk, Ralph Stanley Worsley
  • Patent number: 6772519
    Abstract: The invention is a system and associated connection fitting for connecting a refrigerated line or air conditioning hose to the compressor unit or component on one end and the evaporator unit or component on the other end of a residential or commercial air conditioning or refrigeration system. The hose will be of a construction, which as well as having a relatively high bursting strength, will also not allow the refrigerant to permeate through the hose and escape into the outside environment. The associated connecting fitting allows the hose to be connected to the compressor/evaporator unit. The mounting surface of the fitting will allow it to either slide over or fit into the corresponding fitting on the compressor and/or evaporator unit. The opposite end, which shall connect to the hose assembly, will have flanges and “O” rings which when clamped will provide a secure connection as well as prevent loss of refrigeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: ICO
    Inventors: Michael H. St. James, Mark R. Holtman
  • Patent number: 6773041
    Abstract: A pipe joint including a first pipe segment having a belled end and an annular gasket carried within the belled end, a second pipe segment having an end inserted into the belled end, passing through the annular gasket, and a beveled attachment carried by the end of the second pipe segment for facilitating the insertion of the end of the second pipe segment into the belled end of the first pipe segment passing through the annular gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Steven K. Wolff
  • Patent number: 6766570
    Abstract: A method for forming and attaching a clamping collar to a pipe configured for forming a pipe section in a concrete pumping line for carrying of fluid concrete includes the steps of placing a sleeve on the pipe to provide a heat transfer limit area between the sleeve and the pipe; welding the sleeve to the pipe; heat treating the pipe; and assembling a collar to the sleeve and welding the collar to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Construction Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Klemm, Gary D. Lehnhardt
  • Patent number: 6764110
    Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for making a pressure-containing threaded tubular connection, suitable for remotely operated connection and separation, utilizing electrical heating to reduce the amount of makeup torque required to produce reliable preloading of the connection. One aspect of the present invention comprises: 1) a first hub with male threads on its exterior and having a sealing face and axial flow passage, b) a second hub having an axial flow passage and carrying an annular seal which can be mated with the sealing face of the first hub and mounting a rotatable nut having female threads on its interior and integral nut heating means. After stabbing and initial make-up of the connection, the nut is heated and thereby expanded in a controlled manner and the connection retightened. Following cooling, the structural connection is fully preloaded and the annular seal fully compressed so that it seals. Reversing the procedure permits disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Patent number: 6757974
    Abstract: A fuel inlet comprises an inlet pipe, a breather tube, a retainer, a spiral groove, and the like. The inlet pipe is formed by processing a metal pipe and has an expanded portion, a taper portion, and a main body in the order from the fuel port. The expanded portion is formed by increasing the diameter by bulging. In order to prevent defects in the pipe such as cracks from being caused during bulging, SUS304, SUS304L, or SUS436 according to JIS is used as the material of the pipe. The diameter of the main body is 25.4 mm and the diameter of the expanded portion is 50 mm. A spiral groove on which a screw-type fuel port cap can be screwed is formed in the vicinity of the open end of the expanded portion, by crimping the inlet pipe and the retainer together. On the outer surface of the expanded portion in the vicinity of the open end is provided an outer-cylinder-like flange formed integrally with the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuguo Kido, Tetsuji Omori, Keiichi Yamamoto, Masayuki Sugiura, Yuji Nakada, Seiji Yamamoto, Toyohisa Kawabe
  • Publication number: 20040078974
    Abstract: The invention is a system and associated connection fitting for connecting a refrigerated line or air conditioning hose to the compressor unit or component on one end and the evaporator unit or component on the other end of a residential or commercial air conditioning or refrigeration system. The hose will be of a construction, which as well as having a relatively high bursting strength, will also not allow the refrigerant to permeate through the hose and escape into the outside environment. The associated connecting fitting allows the hose to be connected to the compressor/evaporator unit. The mounting surface of the fitting will allow it to either slide over or fit into the corresponding fitting on the compressor and/or evaporator unit. The opposite end, which shall connect to the hose assembly, will have flanges and “O” rings which when clamped will provide a secure connection as well as prevent loss of refrigeration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Michael H. St. James, Mark R. Holtman
  • Patent number: 6718615
    Abstract: A method of forming a flowmeter having a case enclosing a single straight tube surrounded by a balance bar. The balance bar ends are coupled by means of a brace bar to the flow tube as well as by case connect links to the inner wall of the case. The flow tube projects beyond the case end and is sealably coupled to a cone connect element in the case end. A void is defined by the space between the flow tube outer surface and the inner surface of the cone connect element and the end flanges. The case connect links contain out of plane bends to accommodate a change in the effective diameter of the case and the balance bar with respect to each other due to changing thermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Brainerd Van Cleve, Gregory Treat Lanham, Curtis John Ollila, Ernest Dale Lister
  • Patent number: 6694616
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a T-shaped pipe (60) or tube connecting section, also referred to as a T-connector, T-junction or a T-section. The method comprises the step of cutting a form out of sheet metal, the form substantially comprising a rectangle having extensions on each side arranged in two pairs of opposing extensions (2) followed by the step of bending the edges of a first pair of opposing extensions (6a, 6b) together to form a body having a central passage extending through the body in a first plane and a further passage (64) extending from the exterior of the body to the central passage in a plane orthogonal to the first plane. The invention also provides apparatus arranged to form a T-connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph McKenna
  • Patent number: 6676168
    Abstract: A hollow fitting assembly is secured with a pressure-tight seal in a hole which is disposed in a curved wall of a vessel. A body barrel portion of a hollow body element is inserted through the hole from a concave side of the vessel wall. A force-distributing washer is inserted over the free end of the body barrel portion such that a concave face of the washer faces the hole, and a flat face of the washer faces away from the hole. A pusher flange is screwed onto the free end of the body barrel portion. Jack bolts are screwed into internally threaded apertures of the pusher flange and are brought into abutting relationship with the flat face of the washer so that upon tightening of the jack bolts, a flange portion of the hollow fitting compresses a seal ring against the concave side of the vessel wall to form a pressure-tight seal around the hole. An externally threaded hollow connection member is attached to a threaded interior of the body barrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: J. Eugene McAliley
  • Publication number: 20040000052
    Abstract: Tools are provided for removing an inner tubular housing and/or outer casing of a pop-up sprinkler head and for purging an irrigation system of debris. The tools include a ring and disc used in conjunction to remove an inner tubular housing, a grooved cylinder and guide shaft used in conjunction to remove an outer casing, and the guide shaft and purge conduit with valve used in conjunction to purge an irrigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Richard J. Melker, Gary Matthew
  • Publication number: 20040000196
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow sensor comprising a substrate with integrated heat source and temperature sensors. Solder bumps are arranged on the heat source and the temperature sensors and the substrate is attached to the outside of a tube using flip chip technology. Preferably, the outside of the tube is structured for being wetted at appropriate positions by the solder. This allows to assemble the sensor easily and accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Christoph Kleinlogel, Ralph Steiner-Vanha, Felix Mayer
  • Patent number: 6668455
    Abstract: A method for preparing a multi-layer metal tube, comprises the steps of breaking the adhesion between at least a portion of a polymeric layer and an outer surface circumference of a metal tube having a corrosion resistant layer applied thereto, thereby causing the polymeric layer portion to retract and loosely adhere to a non-retracted polymeric layer adjacent the polymeric layer portion; and mechanically removing the retracted portion of the polymetric layer while leaving the corrosion resistant layer intact. An apparatus for achieving the mechanical removal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Duvall, Kevin E. Nicholls
  • Patent number: 6615489
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel inlet having an improved anti-rust property. As material for an inlet pipe 2 and a breather tube 4, stainless pipes are used. A pipe expanding process in which an end portion of the inlet pipe 2 is enlarged in diameter to form a filling part 6, a screw-thread forming process in which a helical groove 12 is formed on a periphery of the filling part 6, a welding process in which the breather tube 4 is welded to the inlet pipe 2, and a coating process in which a cationic electrodeposition coating is applied to a fuel inlet 1 after the welding process are performed in turn, thereby obtaining the fuel inlet 1 having an improved anti-rust property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryozo Yoshida, Tsuguo Kido, Seiji Yamamoto, Toyohisa Kawabe
  • Patent number: 6594900
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pipe connector for a gas isolated switchgear has the steps of preparing a material block, a first forging process, a second forging process to form the material block to an I-shaped member, defining a passage through the I-shaped member, stretching the I-shaped member, a first heat treatment process (T4 process), straightening the I-shaped member to a desired length and a second heat treatment process (T6 process). With such a method, the processes for manufacturing the pipe connector are simple, and the cost for manufacturing the pipe connector is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Long-Yi Wei
  • Patent number: 6543138
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a drip irrigation system includes a drip irrigation member with a connector and includes a length of tubing. The tubing has an end. A securing member is mounted on the end of the tubing. The end is slidably forced over the connector. The securing member is rolled along the tubing to a position at which the securing member elastically circumferentially compresses the tubing against the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Berry
  • Patent number: 6543116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using an apparatus for restricting access to ports that may be disposed in a bonnet that houses valves on a railcar. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of using a template that may be lowered over the bonnet of the railcar wherein the template has a plurality of differently-sized holes to allow access to specially-sized nozzles. In addition, the valves may be eduction valves and/or vapor valves, and the apertures may allow a specific-sized nozzle to have access to the eduction valves, the vapor valves or both. The template may lower onto the bonnet via a frame that may be pivotally attached to a structure. Further, joints and bearings may be provided to allow the template to be movable so as to precisely fit over the bonnet of the railcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond Blaine Vermette, Tom O'Connell, Jim Ried
  • Publication number: 20030061889
    Abstract: Micromachine fluidic apparatus incorporates a free-standing tube section and electrodes to actuate or control the movement of the tube section, or to sense the movement of the tube section, or both. Electronic circuitry, which may be disposed on the same substrate as the fluidic portion of the apparatus, is used in conjunction with the tube and electrodes in conjunction with a variety of different applications, including fluid flow measurement, fluid density measurement, fluid viscosity measurement, fluid transport, separation and/or mixing. According to a particular embodiment, the freestanding section of the tube is resonated for fluid flow and density measurements according to the Coriolis effect. Capacitive/electrostatic actuation techniques are used to control or resonate the free-standing section of the tube, and to detect variations in tube movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Srinivas Tadigadapa, Chialun Tsai, Yafan Zhang, Nader Najafi
  • Publication number: 20030056370
    Abstract: There is provided a method for repairing a leak in a pipe joint. At the joint of the two pipes there is a gasket. The method requires a passage to be formed through the wall of the first pipe. A space is then formed in the gasket communicating with the passage. After this, a sealant is injected through the passage into the space thus allowing the fluid to repair the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael David Wild
  • Publication number: 20030051343
    Abstract: A method of installing a wastewater drain assembly for a bathtub by inserting an L-shaped drain pipe into a drain hole of a bathtub such that an annular flange on the drain pipe rests on a bottom wall of the bathtub. Slideably mounting a lock washer over the drain pipe and threadably tightening the lock washer against a lower surface of the bottom wall of a bathtub. Connecting the drain pipe to a drain system. Testing the drain assembly for water leaks. Finally, installing a drain closure into the upper end of the drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6523261
    Abstract: A metallic press fitting element is made from a solid or hollow bar as starting material which is treated by a machining process, or by a machining process and a subsequent non-cutting process, to form a finished press fitting element with a pressing zone destined for connection of a pipe. The pressing zone is comprised of a hook-shaped region of substantially roof-shaped cross section for receiving an O-ring gasket, and an adjacent cylindrical region positioned inwardly of the hook-shaped region distal to an insertion end for the pipe into the pressing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mapress GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Sedlak, Richard Krüger
  • Patent number: 6510608
    Abstract: A habitable vehicle utility docking apparatus comprises a fixed-half quick connect panel fixed to a habitable vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or a boat, and a removable-half quick connect panel matable therewith. The fixed-half quick connect panel maintains a permanent connection to utilities inside the habitable vehicle. The removable-half quick connect panel is connected via commonly-used hoses and wires to external docking station utility services at a campsite, marina, etc. docking station. This avoids the time and inconvenience of having to make a multiplicity of utility connections and disconnections for each and every coming and going of the habitable vehicle to and from the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: George J. Marshall, Emery M. Otruba
  • Publication number: 20030015246
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing perforations, holes, cracks or the like in a tube or pipe and particularly in an oil well casing. The apparatus including a delivery tool for delivery of a coiled patch composed of spring-like material to the location of a damaged portion within a pipe. The patch consisting of a flat sheet of spring-like material where the length and width of the patch are comparatively large with respect to the thickness of the patch. The delivery tool comprising a hydraulicly activated plunger assembly and barrel. Prior to use, the patch is wound into the form of a coiled cylinder by means of a rolling tool and is loaded into the barrel of the delivery tool. To deploy the patch, hydraulic pressure is applied to the plunger assembly causing the plunger to move downwardly within the barrel and push the patch out of the barrel. Upon deployment, the patch unwinds within the pipe or tube and seals the damaged area against the infiltration or exfiltration of fluids or gasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: James Hardin
  • Publication number: 20020195158
    Abstract: The application describes a method of manufacturing a double-walled pipe structure, comprising the steps of providing a pair of inner flow pipe and an outer sleeve pipe around each thereof, providing an insulating material within each annular space therebetween, joining the two inner flow pipes in an end-to-end relationship with the outer sleeve pipes spaced apart, and sliding a cover section into place over the gap between the sleeve pipes, the cover section comprising a length of tube with a longitudinal split therealong, wherein prior to sliding, the cover section is opened by enlarging the split thereby to provide an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve pipe, and after sliding the cover section is compressed such that its inner diameter is less than the outer diameter of the sleeve pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Turner, Paul Summerfield
  • Patent number: 6497433
    Abstract: A coupling assembly comprising a female connector body, a male member, a retainer and a dust barrier with integral secondary latch. The female connector body defines a bore extending axially inwardly into the body from an entrance. A radial face is defined in the bore axially inwardly of the entrance. The male member is received within the bore and having a radially enlarged annular upset. The retainer has at least two locking beams extending between the upset and the radial face to retain the male member in the bore. The locking beams define a slot between said locking beams. The dust barrier with integral secondary latch is slidably mounted on the male member axially outward of the retainer. The dust barrier has a skirt surrounding the entrance. The dust barrier further has at least one leg extending axially inward into the bore engaging the radial face to secure the dust barrier to the female connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 6467325
    Abstract: Semi-spherical supports are used in the piercing of small, consistently sized holes in a soft metal. In particular, a flow control device, such as an orifice plate, can be fabricated with small, consistently sized flow apertures to regulate flow in a gas flow regulating device. By using semi-spherical supports, the need for hand-punching and real-time flow calibration can be avoided and automated machinery with a tapered piercing tool can be used to fabricate the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: LeNoir E. Zaiser, Kevin Confoy
  • Publication number: 20020100168
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel inlet having an improved anti-rust property. As material for an inlet pipe 2 and a breather tube 4, stainless pipes are used. A pipe expanding process in which an end portion of the inlet pipe 2 is enlarged in diameter to form a filling part 6, a screw-thread forming process in which a helical groove 12 is formed on a periphery of the filling part 6, a welding process in which the breather tube 4 is welded to the inlet pipe 2, and a coating process in which a cationic electrodeposition coating is applied to a fuel inlet 1 after the welding process are performed in turn, thereby obtaining the fuel inlet 1 having an improved anti-rust property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ryozo Yoshida, Tsuguo Kido, Seiji Yamamoto, Toyohisa Kawabe
  • Patent number: 6374478
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a straight tube Coriolis Flowmeter. The system of this invention provides a process for connecting a flow tube assembly including a balance bar and a flow tube to at least two points inside a casing. The process provides an inexpensive way to use localized heat to affix the flow tube assembly to the two points. The use of localized heat reduces damage caused by expansion of components caused by heat as well reduces damage to electrical components in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Neece, James Vernon Decker, Clinton Ray Griffin, Edwin Arthur Hagerman, III, Curtis John Ollila, Michael Leon Overfelt, Kevin Robert Piletic, John Randolph Roper, Michael Benton Shelton