Patents Assigned to Nibco, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5509441
    Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The disclosure includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 5503544
    Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The disclosure includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 5503192
    Abstract: Forming a novel double containment polymeric piping assembly by interfitting slidably interfittable polymeric inner pipe components, including a first induction responsive layer therebetween, and slidably interfittable polymeric outer pipe components, preferably including a second induction responsive layer therebetween, to form an inner connection and an outer connection, while causing the inner connection to be axially offset from the outer connection, applying an electrical induction force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, axially aligned with the inner connection but not with said outer connection, and thereby fusing the inner pipe components and the first polymeric layer together, and moving the components relative to said electrical induction force, axially away from the inner connection, and axially aligned with the outer connection, applying an inductive force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, and thereby fusing the outer pipe components and the second polymeric layer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5493887
    Abstract: A method of cold forming a plumbing and heating valve stem by providing a cylindrical blank workpiece, axially stamping the workpiece to circumferentially reduce and axially lengthen a portion of the workpiece, axially stamping the circumferentially larger portion to form a circumferentially enlarged head on the larger portion, while punching a central axial cylindrical cavity in the head to a depth no greater than the axial thickness of said head, and then axially punching the cylindrical axial cavity to a depth greater than the thickness of the head and also stamping a central cylindrical axial cavity into the opposite end, forming self tapping screw cavities. The larger portion is then provided with rolled threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Good, Junior W. Rhodes, Andrejs Pavuls
  • Patent number: 5427135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vented ball valve and lockout ring assembly.A vented valve assembly including a valve body having a vent hole therein, and first and second flow-through ends with a valve member receiving chamber thereinbetween, and a stem receiving passage communicating with the chamber. A valve member is disposed within the chamber. The valve member has a throughbore therein in operable alignment with the first end second flow-through ends and at least one valve member vent hole through the wall of the valve member in flow communication with the throughbore. A stem extends through and is rotatably mounted within the stem receiving passage and engageable with the valve member for rotating the valve member in and out of flow-through alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Kieper
  • Patent number: 5409654
    Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The concept includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 5398973
    Abstract: A containment pipe fitting subassembly of a containment fitting, having open end sockets of a radius to slidingly receive ends of containment pipes, a carrier fitting having open end sockets of a radius to slidingly receive ends of carrier pipes, the carrier fitting being inside the containment fitting, a pair of alignment supports between respective ones of the containment fitting sockets and the carrier fitting sockets, each support having a peripheral flange with a radius comparable in size to the radius of said containment fitting socket and fitted therewithin, the flange defining a central orifice having a diameter comparable in size to the inner diameter of the carrier fitting socket, and each support also having an axially extending cylindrical sleeve with an inner diameter comparable in size to the outer diameter of the carrier socket and fitted over and adhesively tacked to the carrier socket. Carrier pipes are inserted into and bonded to the carrier fitting sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5360036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vented ball valve and lockout ring assembly.A vented valve assembly including a valve body having a vent hole therein, and first and second flow-through ends with a valve member receiving chamber thereinbetween, and a stem receiving passage communicating with the chamber. A valve member is disposed within the chamber. The valve member has a throughbore therein in operable alignment with the first and second flow-through ends and at least one valve member vent hole through the wall of the valve member in flow communication with the throughbore. A stem extends through and is rotatably mounted within the stem receiving passage and engageable with the valve member for rotating the valve member in and out of flow-through alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Kieper
  • Patent number: 5343191
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in a pipeline includes an outer containment pipe or jacket surrounding a pipe and defining an interstitial space therewith. A plurality of zone fittings are disposed within the containment pipe or jacket to divide the interstitial space into a plurality of zones. Individual external sensors are attached to the containment jacket at each of the zones for detecting the presence of fluid leakage into the interstitial space. The sensors generate an output signal which is operatively connected to visual and/or audible alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5135700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a product having internal threads includes a threaded mold core and a device for rotating the mold core about the axis of its threads and for axially withdrawing the core from the mold at a rate that is related to the rate of rotation, according to the pitch of the threads. This is accomplished by a cam, which is rotated in synchronism with the device that rotates the core, and a follower for displacing the core as the cam is rotated. The cam follower is fixed with respect to the mold. The cam and threaded core are positioned on a carrier, along with the device for rotating the core, such that rotation of the cam displaces the carrier away from the mold. The core is inserted into the mold, prior to the molding process, by displacing the carrier toward the mold without rotating the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Williams, Gail J. Morehead
  • Patent number: 4740347
    Abstract: The invention provides a means whereby a body such as that of a butterfly valve can be prepared with minimal machining. The manufacture of a butterfly valve is described in which the stem openings for the valve are left in their as-cast condition, the stem bushings inserted, aligned with a stem replica and then permanently locked in aligned position by filling the voids between the bushings and the walls of their openings with the same elastomeric compound from which the valve seat is molded. The compound, after curing or setting, being of such thin wall section that for all practical purposes it is a rigid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Sloan, Jr., Danny F. Quick, James M. Brown, Van W. O'Keefe
  • 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: 4488573
    Abstract: A rotary plug valve which is of the type comprising a housing formed of a polymer and a rotary plug disposed in a through-passage of the housing. The plug is formed of a polymer and includes a bore selectively alignable with the through-passage to admit the passage of fluid. The plug valve is formed by forming the plug and attaching thereto a preformed polymeric shield by snap-fitting the shield onto the plug. The shield has an inner surface conforming to the periphery of the plug. The plug and shield assembly is positioned within a cavity of a mold. The cavity corresponds to the shape of the housing. A molten polymer is introduced into the cavity and intimately contacts the shield and forms the housing around the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Runyan, Paul H. Sloan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4457542
    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: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shaefer, Kenneth J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 4449694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball valve having a housing with an axial passage way through the housing providing fluid communication between first and second ends of the housing. A rotatable ball is arranged within the axial passageway for selectively opening and closing the axial passageway. A seal is arranged within the axial passageway near the first end of the housing such that the seal is adapted to abut a surface on the rotatable ball. A blocking member is provided for selectively preventing axial movement of the seal towards the first end and for permitting axial movement of the seal towards the surface of the rotatable ball independently of the blocking member. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is arranged on a seal carrier which has an annular groove in an outer peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph J. Hobart, Robert D. Rupp, Paul F. Mastro
  • Patent number: 4430285
    Abstract: A rotary plug valve is formed which is of the type comprising a housing formed of a polymer and a rotary plug disposed in a through-passage of the housing. The plug is formed of a polymer and includes a bore selectively alignable with the through-passage to admit the passage of fluid. The plug valve is formed by forming the plug and attaching thereto a preformed polymeric shield by snap-fitting the shield onto the plug. The shield has an inner surface conforming to the periphery of the plug. The plug and shield assembly is positioned within a cavity of a mold. The cavity corresponds to the shape of the housing. A molten polymer is introduced into the cavity and intimately contacts the shield and forms the housing around the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Runyan, Paul H. Sloan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4240492
    Abstract: A casting process is disclosed including the steps of fabricating a multi-piece pattern from cellular plastic material, assembling the pieces to form a pattern, coating the pattern with a magnesium silicate ceramic coating and imbedding the pattern in dry, loose sand within a box or flask. The box includes a plurality of perforated side walls and a sprue is connected to the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Edwards, Theodore D. Jayne
  • Patent number: 4022243
    Abstract: A frost proof sillcock having an outer section with a fluid chamber therein and a discharge opening, a round tubular body connected to the external section and communicating with the chamber, and a seat end section of substantially the same diameter as the tubular body connected integrally with the body to form a substantially even external surface between the body and the section. The seat end section contains a valve seat and a plurality of thread segments, and a stem extends through the chamber in the external section and through the body, and contains a valve element on the inner end thereof for seating on the seat. A hand wheel for rotating the stem to seat and unseat the valve element is secured to the outer end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1973
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1977
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Edwards
  • Patent number: 3940108
    Abstract: An annular, rigid reinforcement ring embedded in a body of molded elastomeric material forms a valve seat for a butterfly valve. The seat has a pair of diametrically aligned shaft openings for the valve disc supporting and actuating shaft. These holes extend through the elastomeric material and the reinforcement ring and, during molding of the elastomeric material, are occupied by removable cores which center the reinforcement ring about the cores between the end faces of the mold and position it concentrically between the inner and outer circumferential walls of the mold cavity. To prevent the reinforcement ring from rotating about the cores and to center it positively between the end faces of the mold, a pair of support extensions are provided aligned axially of the ring. One support extension protrudes from each edge or end face of the reinforcement ring. The pair of support extensions maintains proper alignment of the reinforcement ring with the end faces of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Edwards
  • Patent number: D358455
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Kieper