Patents Assigned to Victaulic Company
  • Methods for Manufacture of Pipe Element Having Shoulder, Groove and Bead
    Publication number: 20140260480
    Abstract: In a method for forming a pipe element, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element. The pipe element is captured within a die. The method forms a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is formed adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is formed contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Novitsky, Earl Haas, Douglas R. Dole
  • Method of securing pipe elements in end to end relation
    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
  • Fitting for joining pipe elements
    Patent number: 8820795
    Abstract: A fitting for joining pipe elements together includes housing portions held preassembled in spaced apart relation to permit pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly of the fitting. Elbow and tee fittings include sealing elements which support the housing portions in spaced relation. Angled surfaces on each housing portion interact with one another to rotate the housing portions in opposite directions to form a rigid joint between the fitting and the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, John Gibb
  • Pipe element having shoulder, groove and bead and methods and apparatus for manufacture thereof
    Patent number: 8777277
    Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Charles E. Wilk, Jr., Scott D. Madara, Anthony J. Cuvo
  • Combination sealing member and pipe couplings
    Patent number: 8733799
    Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter
  • Coupling With Notched Projections Having Gasket Pocket of Varying Depth
    Publication number: 20140070529
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling for joining pipe elements has segments joined end to end, each segment having a pocket of varying depth for receiving a ring gasket. The varying depth of the pocket is used to control the distortion of the ring gasket between a round shape and a non-round shape when the segments are arranged in spaced apart relation around the ring gasket, the spacing between the segments being sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements without disassembly of the coupling. Notches in the projections which engage the pipe elements facilitate insertion of pipe elements and provide for a compact coupling design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Philip W. Bancroft, Frank J. Cygler, Douglas R. Dole
  • Method of securing pipe elements end to end
    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
  • Pivoting pipe coupling having a movable gripping body
    Patent number: 8556302
    Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined at one end by a pivot attachment and at an opposite end by an adjustable connection member. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. A gripping body is captured between the segments. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces. The gripping body has angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping body radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping body engage and retain the pipe elements. A method of inserting pipe elements into the coupling while the segments and the gripping body are supported on a seal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Diverter Valve
    Publication number: 20130248035
    Abstract: A valve for diverting the flow of fluid has a housing with an inlet and a plurality of outlets arranged in spaced relation around the housing. A body is positioned within the housing. The body is rotatable relatively to the housing and has an intake port and an exhaust port joined by a void space. The intake port is aligned with the housing inlet and both the intake port and the housing inlet are coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation of the body. The exhaust port is positioned eccentric to the axis and may be aligned with any one of the plurality of housing outlet ports upon rotation of the body relatively to the housing. A seal is positioned between the body and the housing. The seal surrounds the outlets and the exhaust port to prevent leakage when the exhaust port is aligned with an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Davis, Kerry L. Dewitt, Steven A. Wortmann, William J. Reilly
  • Hydronic System and Control Method
    Publication number: 20130240172
    Abstract: A hydronic system controls the air temperature in a plurality of zones. The system has a plurality of heat exchangers, each one being associated with a respective zone. The mass flow rate of a working fluid through each heat exchanger is controlled to maintain the working fluid temperature drop across the heat exchanger a constant, chosen for efficient operation of the boiler or chiller which transfers heat to or from the working fluid. The flow of air in each zone through each heat exchanger is controlled by the air temperature in the zone. A respective valve associated with each heat exchanger is used to control the mass flow rate of the working fluid through the heat exchanger, and also imposes an upper limit of the mass flow rate established by balancing the hydronic system. The upper limit is controlled by a parameter proportional to mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William C. Reilly, William J. Reilly
  • Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies
    Patent number: 8517430
    Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation is disclosed. The coupling has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Torrey G. Sipos
  • Fitting Having Receptacle of Varying Depth
    Publication number: 20130200610
    Abstract: Elbow and tee fittings for joining pipe elements together include housing portions held preassembled in spaced apart relation to permit pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly of the fitting, the fittings having a receptacle of varying depth for receiving a sealing element. The varying depth of the receptacle is used to control the distortion of the sealing element between a round shape and a non-round shape when the housing portions are arranged in spaced apart relation around the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Cygler, III, Philip W. Bancroft, Douglas R. Dole
  • Fitting for Joining Pipe Elements
    Publication number: 20130200609
    Abstract: A fitting for joining pipe elements together includes housing portions held preassembled in spaced apart relation to permit pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly of the fitting. Elbow and tee fittings include sealing elements which support the housing portions in spaced relation. Angled surfaces on each housing portion interact with one another to rotate the housing portions in opposite directions to form a rigid joint between the fitting and the pipe elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, John Gibb
  • Pipe coupling having compression band
    Patent number: 8500174
    Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relationship is disclosed. The coupling includes a sealing member having an inner diameter and an outer surface. A plurality of segments are supported on the sealing member's outer surface. Each segment has a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in space relation on either side of the sealing member. A compression band surrounds the outer perimeter of the segments, the segments being captured between the band and the sealing member. The pipe elements are inserted into the inner diameter between the segments. A tensioning member is mounted on the band. Tightening of the tensioning member causes the compression band to force the segments radially inwardly into engagement with outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: John Gibb
  • Kinked O-ring
    Patent number: D687932
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Vance W. Henry
  • Method of joining pipes in end to end relation
    Patent number: RE44444
    Abstract: A method for connecting pipe elements together end to end. The method includes providing a coupling having a plurality of segments with at least one camming surface, the segments being joined end to end by a plurality of adjustably tightenable fasteners, positioning a first and a second of the pipe elements in end to end relation, positioning the segments surrounding the ends of the pipe elements, engaging the camming surfaces on the segments with grooves on the pipe elements and tightening the fasteners so as to draw the segments toward one another. The camming surfaces slide into the grooves and move the first and second pipe elements away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Anthony J. Cuvo
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D685884
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Amit R Shah, Scott D Madara
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D685885
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Amit R Shah, Scott D Madara
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D685886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Amit R Shah, Scott D Madara
  • Pipe coupling segment
    Patent number: D685887
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Scott D Madara, Amit R Shah