Patents Examined by James E. Bryant, III
  • Patent number: 5524673
    Abstract: An elongated multi-layer tubing is disclosed for connection to a motor vehicle system to handle fluids containing hydrocarbons. The tubing includes a first layer disposed radially innermost and having an inner surface capable of prolonged exposure to a fluid containing hydrocarbons and an outer surface spaced a first predetermined radial thickness from the inner surface, the first layer consisting essentially of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic. The tubing also includes a second layer having a second predetermined radial thickness at most equal to the thickness of the first layer. The second layer is uniformly and homogeneously connected to or bonded to the first layer and consists essentially of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion with the first layer to prevent delamination during a desired lifetime of the tubing. At least one of the first and second layers is resistant to permeation by hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Noone, Frank L. Mitchell, Peter Wenig
  • Patent number: 5522433
    Abstract: A reusable insulation jacket for tubing elbow and valve connectors carrying extreme hot and cold materials comprises a polygonal fiberglass mat. The mat is stitched to form a cavity as to completely receive the tubing connector and to overlap itself whereat complimentary releasable fastening hook and loop material securely hold the mat in place to insulate the tubing connector from fire and to prevent an individual from otherwise being burned from contacting the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Noble A. Nygaard
  • Patent number: 5522432
    Abstract: A plug which is inserted into the nozzle of nuclear reactor steam line is provided with a set of inflatable primary seals which resemble a pair of tires. A locking ring which features pads which can be hydraulically driven radially outward into engagement with the nozzle wall, is located adjacent the tire-like inflatable seals. The latter are inflated by a spring loaded piston. A tool which inserts the plug into the nozzle is adapted to tract the piston against the bias of the preloading springs, until such time as the plug is inserted into position. After insertion the piston is released and the seals are inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell R. Radant, Adrian P. Wivagg
  • Patent number: 5520222
    Abstract: A bending device includes a bellows with an internal space, an operating wire for bending the bellows, and multiple pairs of independent limitation structures for limiting an axial compression of the bellows. The bellows includes a corrugated peripheral wall defined by first portions that bulge radially outward and are arranged alternately with second portions that bulge radially inward. The peripheral wall has first and second regions, each of which includes a predetermined number of alternating first and second portions. A pair of limitation structures are mounted on diametrically-opposite sections of each of the first regions and on diametrically-opposite sections of each of the second regions. The sections of each first region are spaced from each other in a first direction while the sections of each second region are spaced from each other in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Machida Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshio Chikama
  • Patent number: 5520218
    Abstract: A tubing set includes at least one fluid conveying tube. The fluid conveying tube has a predetermined outside diameter, and is formed of a material adapted to be dielectrically heated at a sealing location. The insulating sleeve has an inside dimension at least as large as the outside diameter of the fluid conveying tube. The tubular insulating sleeve is positioned in a substantially coaxial relationship with the fluid conveying tube at the sealing location, and has a wall with thickness which insulates the fluid conveying tube to permit sealing the fluid conveying tube, and forming a thin, easily tearable web, by the application of the radio frequency dielectric heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Frank Corbin, III, Robert L. White
  • Patent number: 5518034
    Abstract: A flexible hose which makes possible the early visual detection of a malfunction, can have a structure which allows a localized deformation in specified zones. This structure can have a combination of at least one radial expansion zone, and at least one compensation zone, wherein a localized deformation can occur as soon as the leak pressure of the leaking fluid reaches a threshold value which is only a fraction of the operating pressure of the fluid being transported through the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Caoutchouc Manufacture et Plastiques
    Inventors: Bernhard Ragout, Charles Moreau, David Mayau
  • Patent number: 5518033
    Abstract: An inspection plug assembly includes an elastomeric outer sleeve which may be compressed into the skin of an insulating jacket for forming a seal between the assembly and the jacket by mechanically anchoring the assembly to the jacket, without requiring the use of adhesives. The plug includes pull tabs to facilitate removal of the plug from the sleeves. A lanyard may be attached to the plug and the jacket without disturbing the sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Sepco Industries
    Inventor: James Webster
  • Patent number: 5513675
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid supply hose which conducts pressurized fluid discharged from a pump to a fluidically operated device is disclosed. A spiral tube formed by two spirally wound band members is fixed by caulking in one end of a steel pipe. The outer shape of the one end of the steel pipe includes a taper portion formed to slope gradually between a thin portion and an outer diameter portion. By effecting a caulking process with a caulking tool having a pressing portion extending in parallel to an outer surface of the steel pipe, the outer taper portion of the steel pipe is contracted to formed an inner taper portion at an internal surface thereof, and one end of the spiral tube is fixed to the inner taper portion. Because the spiral tube is gradually deformed along the inner taper portion of the steel pipe, it can avoided that a large clearance is formed between the two band members of the spiral tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignees: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamasei Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Toyama, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Syuzi Takagi, Hirotune Suzuki, Mikio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5505228
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes an elongated pressure vessel having a headed end which receives a charging valve and an open end which receives a fluid port fitting. Means are provided for sealingly securing the fluid port fitting within the open end of the pressure vessel to complete the vessel closure. A fluid coupling is coupled to a port within the fluid port fitting which terminates in an inclined surface and spherical plug seat. An elongated flexible bladder is sealingly secured to the fluid port fitting and is maintained in a cylindrical form by a semicylindrical bladder support. A plug valve is secured to the interior of the flexible bladder and engages the plug seat during the operation of the accumulator in the absence of pressurized hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: William F. Summerfield
  • Patent number: 5503188
    Abstract: A pipeline flow stopper is insertable in a collapsed, deflated form in a pipeline through a tap hole and then inflated to temporarily block fluid or gas flow through the pipeline. The stopper comprises an inner inflatable bladder encased within an outer bladder casing. The inflatable bladder receives a pressurized gas and inflates to an inflated form within the pipeline. The bladder casing is constructed of fabric coated with a flexible polymer to render the fabric impervious to the fluid or gas in the pipeline. The fabric is joined together along seams either by stitching which is thereafter sealed by liquid seam sealer, cementing, vulcanization or the like, or the stitching can be eliminated entirely and all the seams electronically heat sealed to join them and prevent fluid or gas from escaping past the stopper through the seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph A. Petrone
  • Patent number: 5503193
    Abstract: A reusable insulation jacket for splicing and termination of industrial tubing carrying extreme hot and cold materials comprises a rectangular fiberglass mat. The mat is of a width as to completely wrap the tubing and overlap itself whereat complimentary releasable fastening means securely hold the mat in place to insulate the tubing from fire and to prevent an individual from otherwise being burned from contacting the tubing. Optionally, a frustum-shaped reducing adaptor may be utilized when the insulation jacket is used in combination with preinsulated tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Noble A. Nygaard
  • Patent number: 5503191
    Abstract: A length of elongate material such as rubber hose is supported and guided while being fed along a desired path of travel that extends through the hollow interior of a tubular structure. The tubular structure mounts an array of relatively closely spaced rollers that project into the hollow interior to guide and support the moving length of material. The tubular structure is formed as a "tube within a tube" assembly of "inner" and "outer" tubular members that closely interfit, and that sandwich roller support pins between overlying portions of the inner and outer tubular members. The roller support pins bridge roller positioning holes that are formed through the inner tubular member at an array of spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Paul H. Morris
  • Patent number: 5499661
    Abstract: A composite material tube, withstanding the internal pressure, and comprising at least two layers of pressure reinforcement fibers, or pressure resistant layers, wound at an angle at least equal in absolute value to 70.degree., with respect to the center axis of the tube. The two layers both undergo radial expansion under an effect of the pressure, with one of these two layers being inside the other. A circumferential modulus of elasticity of the external layer is greater than the circumferential modulus of elasticity of the internal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Aerospatiale
    Inventors: Pierre Odru, Charles Sparks, Marcel Auberon, Jacques Behar
  • Patent number: 5499660
    Abstract: A relining pipe for insertion inside sewer lines to repair them. The relining pipe is made up of a number of substantially rigid pipe elements (1), which are interconnected by pipe couplings, the pipe coupling including a female sleeve part (2) and a male locking part (3), at least one of these having a circumferential shoulder surface and the other having a stop surface pressing against the shoulder surface when the pipe elements are pressed against each other, and in the female part and the male part counterparts (5, 16) which snap-lock to each other in order to prevent the pipe elements from becoming detached from each other. The pipe element (1) has, as an extension of the male part (3) towards the female part (2), a shoulder ring (6) which is integral with the element and the outer diameter (D3) of which is approximately the same as the outer diameter (D2) of the female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Christer StorgArd
  • Patent number: 5497807
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing sealant into a clearance between a replacement pipe 9 and an existing pipe 36 within which in use the replacement pipe 9 is located. The apparatus comprises a nose-cone 1 having a tubular body 6 for connection to the upstream end 8 of the replacement pipe 9, frangible means 20 in the form of a pop-out plug; pierceable metal foil; plastic film or membrane to seal the bore of the tubular body 6 and at least one non return valve 2 in the form of an elastic ring 2, rubber O-ring 40 or plug 52 and spring assembly 53 to permit the flow of sealant from the bore of the body 6 into the clearance 37 by way of the wall of the body 6 but to resist return-flow from the clearance 37 into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: British Gas PLC
    Inventor: Alan F. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5497810
    Abstract: A hose assembly having opposite ends and having a first fluid passage therein for conveying a volatile liquid in one direction from one of the ends thereof to a container adjacent the other of the ends thereof and a second fluid passage therein for returning the vapors of the volatile liquid fuel from the container to the one end thereof, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining one of the fluid passages therein, a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface and being disposed around the inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining the other of the fluid passages therebetween, the outer hose comprising a corrugated tube that has the corrugations thereof extending throughout the entire length thereof, and a cuff secured to one of the ends of the outer hose, the cuff covering the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Berger, Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 5488975
    Abstract: A multiple layer hose which incorporates a gas barrier film and an elastomeric fill layer which is interposed between the gas barrier and a fiber mesh reinforcing layer. The fill layer isolates the gas barrier from the reinforcing fibers and fills the grid openings in the mesh to avoid pockets of trapped air in the hose wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Heatway Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Chiles, Richard M. Chiles
  • Patent number: 5487412
    Abstract: A rigid, glass fiber airduct for conveying an airstream has an interior surface, adapted to be in contact with the airstream, which is coated with a polymeric coating comprising an organic or inorganic biocide. The polymeric coating has a dry solids content between 10 and 20 grams per square foot of duct board surface and retains its abrasion strength and puncture resistance whereby the interior surface of the airduct can be cleaned by conventional industrial or commercial cleaning procedures while in service without exposing glass fibers to the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Matthews, Eric G. Schakel, Ricardo R. Gamboa
  • Patent number: 5482087
    Abstract: A method of covering a joint between pipelines comprises installing a heat recoverable polymer sheet coated on its inner surface with a hot-melt adhesive comprising a mixture of 25 to 40 parts by weight of a polyethylene alkyl acrylate terpolymer containing maleic anhydride and having a melt flow index as determined according to ASTM D1238-70 of at least 40, and 25 to 70 parts by weight of a polyethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer having a melt flow index as determined according to ASTM D1238-70 of at least 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignees: N.V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Noel M. M. Overbergh, Yvo Leest
  • Patent number: 5482090
    Abstract: Disclosed is a welded tube with an excellent corrosion-resistant inner surface, in which the inner surface including the bead part has a first plate layer of one metal material selected from Sn, Sn-Zn, Sn-Ni, Ni-P and Ni-B and the first plate layer is overcoated with a second plate layer of one metal material selected from Ni, Co and alloys based on the metals. The welded tube is free from exposure of the steel base out of the plate layer and is also free from cracks, pin holes, overplated spots and peeling of the plate layer. It has excellent corrosion resistance and good workability for working the terminals. The welded tube is produced by forming a first plate layer of Sn, Sn-Zn, Sn-Ni, Ni-P or Ni-B on at least one surface of a steel strip, then forming a second plate layer of Ni, Co or an alloy based on the metals over the first plate layer, shaping the thus plated steel strip into a tube by welding with the plated surface being inside and then heat-treating the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamanashi