Patents Examined by James Hook
  • Flexible pipe having a multi-layered structure
    Patent number: 9314989
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe having a multi-layered structure comprising unbonded layers, comprising an inner lining having the following layer arrangement: a) an innermost layer made of a fluoropolymer molding compound, b) an intermediate layer made of a molding compound on the basis of an olefinic polymer, which is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene and syndiotactic polystyrene, c) an outer layer made of a polyamide molding compound, wherein the layer made of a polyamide molding compound is particularly efficiently protected against hydrolysis. The pipe is thus particularly suited for offshore applications in oil or gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Kuhmann, Andreas Dowe, Rainer Goering
  • Systems and methods for making pipe, and method of installing the pipe in a pipeline
    Patent number: 9310014
    Abstract: A method for restoring a degraded pipeline, the method comprising: removing a degraded part of an inner flow pipe of a pipeline leaving a space between two spaced-apart sections of the inner flow pipe; positioning a new pipe in the space; connecting the new pipe to the two spaced-apart sections of the inner flow pipe thereby re-establishing a flow channel through the inner flow pipe; the new pipe having a core pipe with a first strengthening wrap thereon, a second strengthening wrap around the first strengthening wrap, and a protective outer wrap on the second strengthening wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SMART PIPE COMPANY L.P.
    Inventors: Aron Robert Ekelund, Stephen Crockett Catha, Kenneth Ray Charboneau, Justin Michael Reed, Robert Kyle Bethel
  • Directional fluid line
    Patent number: 9309999
    Abstract: Fluid line and method of making fluid line that includes an inner contour structured with wave peaks and wave troughs. Each wave peak has a front flank and a rear flank, and the front flanks are structured with an inclination angle, relative to a longitudinal axis, shallower than an inclination angle of the rear flanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Bauer, Christoph Steinkamp, Martin Anders
  • Pipe installation transition fitting and pipe installation method
    Patent number: 9303807
    Abstract: A pipe installation transition fitting includes a transition fitting housing having a housing interior, a fitting attachment mechanism carried by the transition fitting housing and a pressurization port carried by the transition fitting housing and having a pressurization port opening communicating with the housing interior of the transition fitting housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Tracy Lyons
  • Overmolded standoff and method for abrasion routing protection of a hose
    Patent number: 9303797
    Abstract: An hose standoff comprises a sleeve molded onto a hose and a standoff flange extending circumferentially from the sleeve. The flange contacts a surface to which the hose is adjacent, spacing the hose away from the surface and any proximate edges. The sleeve may extend from the flange, along the hose, in at least one direction to protect the hose from abrasion or cutting by an edge extending perpendicular from the surface toward the hose. A metal collar may be crimped onto the hose with the sleeve overmolding the collar. Also, a fabric covering may be disposed over the hose with the collar crimped over the fabric covering and the sleeve overmolding the collar and at least a portion of the fabric covering. Preferably the sleeve overmold contacts and bonds or otherwise mechanically locks with the fabric covering and/or the underlying hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Layne Railsback, Donald R. Gilbreath, Michael H. Ellis
  • Closure assembly for pipe end
    Patent number: 9303806
    Abstract: A closure assembly for terminating an end of a pipe (4) has an end-cap (4) holding and having fluid-tight connection to a mutually coaxial cylindrical plug (2) and circular collar (3). The plug (2) and the collar (3) are configurable between respective engaged and disengaged configurations and mutually spaced to provide an annular space therebetween when the plug (2) and collar (3) are in their disengaged configurations. The annular space is arranged to receive an end of a pipe (1) arranged coaxially with the plug (2) and collar (3), the plug (2) and collar (3) being respectively slidable into and over the end of the pipe (1). The plug (2), when in its engaged configuration, grips the inner face of said pipe (41) and to provide a fluid tight seal and the collar (3), when in its engaged configuration, grips the outer face of the pipe (1) and to provide a fluid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Furmanite Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Burton, Adam Thistlethwaite, Craig Todd, Alex Butler
  • Insulated ducts and insulated ductworks
    Patent number: 9297550
    Abstract: An HVAC duct is provided. The duct includes an outer tube having a fully continuous external perimeter. The duct further includes an inner tube capable of conveying forced air. The inner tube extends within the outer tube longitudinally. The duct also includes a plurality of support elements spanning between the outer tube and the inner tube. The elements extends along the outer tube and the inner tube longitudinally. The elements define a plurality of channels between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer tube, the inner tube, and the elements are fully unitary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Green HVAC Ducts USA, LLC
    Inventor: Carl Fanelli
  • Pipe end sealing tool
    Patent number: 9297716
    Abstract: A pipe end-sealing tool includes a body. A seal is mounted on the body and is adapted to apply a sealing pressure to an inner wall of a pipe end to be sealed. A lock is also mounted on the body and is adapted to engage an outer wall of the pipe end. Thus, a load applied to the pipe wall by the lock opposes the sealing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Stats (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Angus George Bowie
  • Structural components for oil, gas, exploration, refining and petrochemical applications
    Patent number: 9284227
    Abstract: A structural component for use in oil, gas, exploration, refining and petrochemical applications in the form of a pipe system is provided. The pipe system contains at least two pipe sections are that fusion bonded together, each pipe section comprises a plurality of layers, an inner layer in contact with the corrosive petroleum product comprising a thermoplastic material, a structural layer comprising a composite material, and an outer layer comprising a fire resistive material. In one embodiment, the pipe system meets level II fire endurance standard according to IMO A 18/Res.753 fire testing protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin H. Niccolls, Andrew O'Connor, Grzegorz Jan Jusinski
  • Pipe for drawing up cold water for a marine thermal energy plant
    Patent number: 9279524
    Abstract: A pipe for drawing up cold water for a marine thermal energy plant is produced from a composite material including glass fiber reinforcements and a thermosetting resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventors: Virginie Lelarge, Daniel Bathany, Raymond Begoc
  • Overmolded ECU device
    Patent number: 9273781
    Abstract: A sealing device which is used to seal a leak test aperture in an ECU. The sealing device is selectively disposed in the leak test aperture, and an inner surface is formed as part of the leak test aperture. The sealing device has a first portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The sealing device is press-fitted into the leak aperture such that the first portion is in contact with the inner surface, securing the position of the sealing device in the leak test aperture, and the second portion is also in contact with the inner surface to prevent moisture and debris from passing through the leak test aperture. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter such that the second diameter of the second portion applies a pressure to the inner surface of the leak test aperture, forming a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnathan Guarneros
  • Apparatus for patching non-linear pipe sections and method of utilizing the same
    Patent number: 9273814
    Abstract: A repair apparatus and method is utilized for repairing leaks, ruptures or weaknesses in ell pipe fittings. An arcuate reinforcement structure conforms to the radius of curvature of the convex side of the fitting and a second arcuate reinforcement structure conforms to the curvature of the concave side of the fitting. One or both of the reinforcement structures urges a sealing member against the fitting, with at least one of the sealing members sealing over the leak, rupture, or weakness. The reinforcement structures may have integral bands which may attach to encircle the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Innovative Maintenance Products, LLC
    Inventor: Elias De Los Santos
  • Wrap-around irrigation tube patch
    Patent number: 9267634
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inexpensive wrap-around irrigation tube patch composed of a thin, flexible polymer film and having a closure mechanism for quickly and effectively wrapping and sealing the patch around a damaged section of irrigation tubing. In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for sealing water leaks in irrigation tubing, the method including wrapping a wrap-around irrigation tube patch around a damaged section of irrigation tubing and sealing said patch around the irrigation tubing via a closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Jimmie Lynn Baker
  • Active sealing member
    Patent number: 9249917
    Abstract: A sealing member, a component including a sealing member, and a method of sealing a hole are disclosed. In an embodiment, the sealing member includes a plug member for occluding a hole in a wall of a passageway. The plug member includes at least one cooling feature disposed on a distal end of the plug member exposed to the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Dustin Michael Earnhardt, Michelle Jessica Rogers, David Wayne Weber
  • Distributed piston elastomeric accumulator
    Patent number: 9249847
    Abstract: The present invention is a distributed piston elastomeric accumulator which stores energy when its elastomeric member stretches from its original length in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid. The stored energy is returned when the fluid flow is reversed and the accumulator discharges the fluid as its elastomeric member returns to its original length and moves the piston to its initial position. At least one part of the novelty of the invention is that the accumulator is not subject to radial strain gradients and the accumulator allows for precise pressure and linear position measurements. Accordingly, the invention allows for optimization of the energy strain storage capacity of a given elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Eric J. Barth, John M. Tucker
  • High temperature fiber reinforced pipe
    Patent number: 9243727
    Abstract: A high temperature flexible pipe and method of making a high temperature flexible pipe is provided. The pipe can have an inner tubular layer formed of a high temperature thermoplastic, a first reinforcing layer, a second reinforcing layer and an outer sheath. In one aspect, an insulating layer may be provided between the second reinforcing layer and the outer sheath. A method of making a flexible pipe is also provided. The first reinforcing layer is wound around the inner tubular layer and the second reinforcing layer is wound around the first reinforcing layer. An outer sheaf can be formed over the second reinforcing layer. In another aspect, an insulating layer can be formed over the second reinforcing layer before an outer jacket is formed over the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: FLEXPIPE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Conley, Peter Jackson, Blaine Weller
  • Aluminum foil based hose
    Patent number: 9234610
    Abstract: An ultra low permeability fluid member for conveying a fluid (e.g., a hose, tube, etc.) having a metal vapor barrier layer (22) formed around an inner tube (14). The metal vapor layer (22) is formed from one or more metal strips (40a, 40b) having edge portions (44) that are bonded so as to seal the vapor barrier layer (22) preventing permeation of vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Baxi, Paul Alan Guess, Eugene A. Dianetti
  • Water hammer arrester
    Patent number: 9228687
    Abstract: A water hammer arrester for installation into a water pipeline, the water hammer arrester including an inlet for receiving water from the water pipeline, an outlet for returning the water to the water pipeline, a body connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a piston assembly positioned in the body to allow water to flow from the inlet to the outlet between the piston assembly and the body, wherein the piston assembly is adapted to absorb pressure variations in the water pipeline to thereby at least partially reduce water hammer in the water pipeline in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: FLUID KINNECT PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Isaac Spedding
  • Swirl vane air duct cuff assembly and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 9228542
    Abstract: A swirl vane air duct cuff assembly includes a tubular body and a swirl vane cuff extending from the tubular body. The swirl vane cuff has an exterior surface which has a cuff groove, and an interior surface which has at least one inward radially extending vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: STEERE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Eric D. Anderson
  • Holding device insertable into the central bore of a tubular drill string component, and corresponding tubular drill string component
    Patent number: 9217298
    Abstract: A holding device insertable into a central bore of a drill string component, the central bore having a first diameter along at least part of a central portion of the drill string component and a second diameter proximate ends of the drill string component. The second diameter is lower than the first diameter. The holding device includes an elongated body forming at least partly a housing for a transmission line. The elongated body has transversal dimensions lower than the second diameter. A plurality of arcuate elements are arranged along the elongated body and distinct from and attached to the elongated body. The arcuate elements are elastically bendable so as to be able to move through the second diameter and have a largest chord greater than the first diameter in a free state so as to be able to expand within the first diameter once past the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: VAM DRILLING FRANCE
    Inventors: Marta Lafuente, Francois Pineau, Gabriel Roussie